History of Caldwell and Livingston counties, Missouri, written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of their townships, towns and villages, together with a condensed history of Missouri; a reliable and detailed history of Caldwell and Livingston counties--their pioneer record, resources, biographical sketches of prominent citizens; general and local statistics of great value; incidents and reminiscences, Part 35

Author: Pease, Ora Merle Hawk, 1890-
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: St. Louis, National Historical Company
Number of Pages: 1260

USA > Missouri > Livingston County > History of Caldwell and Livingston counties, Missouri, written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of their townships, towns and villages, together with a condensed history of Missouri; a reliable and detailed history of Caldwell and Livingston counties--their pioneer record, resources, biographical sketches of prominent citizens; general and local statistics of great value; incidents and reminiscences > Part 35
USA > Missouri > Caldwell County > History of Caldwell and Livingston counties, Missouri, written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of their townships, towns and villages, together with a condensed history of Missouri; a reliable and detailed history of Caldwell and Livingston counties--their pioneer record, resources, biographical sketches of prominent citizens; general and local statistics of great value; incidents and reminiscences > Part 35

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

JAMES R. AND THOMAS PAXTON

(Farmers and Raisers of Thoroughbred and High Grade Durham Cattle, Horses, etc., Section 27, Post-office, Mirabile).

To the stock industry of the various townships in the county must be given a large share of credit for the reputation which Caldwell county enjoys as a wealthy, progressive community. And to those leading men who have contributed so materially in the building up of this reputation should be extended the sincere thanks and good-will of the persons who have been benefitted by their course. Prominent in all movements relating to stock the Paxton Brothers have become so well known that nothing need be said by us as to their reliability and responsibility. On the excellent farm of these brothers, known as " Rural Retreat," embracing in its extent 410 acres of a superior quality of land, may be found an extensive herd of thoroughbred cattle and high graded Durhams. To the raising of horses much attention is also given. In fact, all of their interests in the stock line are result- ing only in an increase of the wealth and substantial character of both James and Thomas Paxton. They are the sons of James D. and Mary E. (Ritchie ) Paxton, who came from Kentucky to this county in the spring of 1850. The Paxtons were originally of Scotch-Irish descent, three brothers moving in 1745 from Pennsylvania to Rockbridge county, Va. From there a branch of the family moved to Kentucky in about 1800, residing there until their location in Missouri. James D. Paxton and wife had seven children, six of whom are living: Sal- lie A., wife of James M. Kemper ; William R., Robert D., James R., Thomas and Benjamin F. Mr. P. died December 23, 1863, his birth having occurred February 27, 1806 ; his wife, who was born October

335

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

8, 1815, died August 16, 1878. Besides the property mentioned the Messrs. Paxton own 190 acres of choice land in the vicinity. James R. Paxton is an influential member of the M. E. Church South, in which he holds the position of clerk. A more extended genealogy of the branch of the Paxton family to which the subjects of this sketch belong has been given in a former publication by the publishers of this work,- the " History of Clay and Platte Counties, Mo.," pp. 961- 964, to which we would refer our readers.

THOMAS L. PEDDICORD

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 12, Post-office, Kingston).

Mr. Peddicord is one of the most extensive land owners in Caldwell county, having an estate which comprises 765 acres. This land is of an excellent quality and besides being devoted to general farming, is admirably adapted for the purposes of a model stock farm. To the feeding of stock quite a large interest is given and he annually has upon his place cattle which are being fattened for market. His improvements also are above the ordinary and are worthy of mention. Probably no man in the county has traveled more extensively or is better posted on matters of general information than Mr. Peddicord. In his travels he has visited many portions of the West and Southwest, and is thoroughly conversant with the geography of this portion of our country. He, too, is numbered among the men of Kentucky nativity who are so closely connected with the farming interests of this county. Born in Clark county, of that State, February 5, 1834, he remained there until 1856, when he accompanied his parents to Pettis county, Mo. His father, Nathan Peddicord, was a native of Maryland, and his wife, formerly Nancy Dawson, was a Virginian by birth. They had a family of ten children, of whom Thomas was the eighth. Leaving Pettis county in March, 1858, he at once identified himself with the future welfare and prosperity of Caldwell county, which has continued to be his home, a period now of some 27 years. Mr. Peddicord's wife was also born in Kentucky, - Miss Caroline Jones, whom he married on the 4th of August, 1861. They have five children : Mertie, Minnie, Gertie, Willie and Johnnie.

JOHN P. PLATT

(Mirabile).

For several years past Mr. Platt has been a resident of this place engaged as a salesman in the mercantile establishment until lately conducted by Mr. Geo. H. Treat, frequently mentioned elsewhere in this work. Previous to entering upon his present position he had been occupied for 16 years in teaching school, a profession in which he displayed a talent of no mean order, proving himself to be possessed of thorough, substantial learning which he did not fail to impart to those under him. Mr. Platt's career as a soldier is deserving of men- tion. At the age of 17 he left the farm on which he had grown up

336

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

and offered himself as a volunteer in Capt. Johnson's company, of the Missouri Home Guard. In this command he had his left knee injured while on drill, and after being honorably discharged he returned to his old home in Ohio, but subsequently came again to Missouri in 1863. Then he enlisted in Co. H, 44th Missouri volunteer infantry, serving in that command until the close of the war. During his term in the army he was a participant in numerous engagements, among others those of Nashville, Franklin and Mobile. Leaving the field of battle, Mr. Platt now came home, and for some time following trav- eled south, becoming well informed on matters pertaining to the communities through which he passed. It was after this that he commenced teaching as stated above. Mr. P. is now a little past the age of 41 years, having been born June 28, 1844, in Coshocton county, O. He was partly educated in that locality and in 1857 came to this county, where he supplemented his primary instruction with attendance at the schools here. As is well known these advant- ages were appreciated. April 4, 1867, he was married to Miss Mag- gie L. Zener, whose birthplace was in Jefferson county, Ind., and to them three children have been born, Effie, Sadie and Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Platt are members of the Protestant Methodist Church. The former, from the time of his connection with Mr. Treat, has borne himself in a manner which has redounded not less to his own credit than to the profit of the establishment. Of extensive acquaint- ance gained by long residence in the vicinity, and his own personal popularity, he is recognized as a man ever ready to aid or encourage any enterprises having the improvement of the commonwealth at large in view. The announcement of the death of Mr. Treat on the 30th of January, 1886, of disease of the brain, was the occasion of universal sorrow. Reference is made to this occurrence in another portion of this volume.

JOHN RENFREW

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 16, Post-Office, Cameron).

John Renfrew, a respected resident of this county for over 25. years, and a man of extensive and popular acquaintance, was born in Richland county, O., January 16, 1824. In early life his time was divided between working upon the home farm and attending the com- mon schools of the period, where he pursued the studies which he could learn with great assiduity. Upon reaching the age of 22 he left the old home and went to Iowa, where he remained until 1854, his loca- tion having been in Benton county of that State. Returning to Ohio in 1854, he resided there until coming to this county in 1860, and since that time his career has been so intimately interwoven with the development and growth of the community as to give him an almost unlimited familiarity with its residents and their habits and customs. He is a large land holder, owning an estate of 340 acres, which he de- votes almost exclusively to the raising of stock. For over 35 years the worthy companion of Mr. Renfrew has been permitted to share with him the joys and sorrows which have tempered his walk in life.

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

She was formerly Miss Hester J. Johnson, and their marriage occurred in Coshocton county., O., November 2, 1848. Four of their chil- dren are living: James P., a sketch of whose life appears herewith ; Emily J., wife of James W. DeGeer ; Mary E., now Mrs. L. W. De- Geer, and Hessie Lou. Mr. R. in former years held the position of registering officer for quite a period.

James Philander Renfrew, referred to above, and whose present homestead is on section 17, of this township, is closely associated with the agricultural affairs of Caldwell county. He came here with his parents, John and Hester J. (Johnson ) Renfrew, in 1860, and has made his home in this vicinity ever since that time. He accompanied the family on their various moves, as mentioned previously, though but five years of age when they went to Richland county, O., from Benton county, Ia., where he had been born August 31, 1849. During his residence in the county he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and with substantial results. He was married August 31, 1871, to Miss Julia Ellen, daughter of Dr. Blacl., of Mirabile, who became a citizen of Caldwell county in 1867. Their three children are Rufus O., John A. and Lillian Emma. Mr. Renfrew is a man of recognized ability in this community, and has served his township in various capacities, In 1872 he was appointed registrar, besides which has held the position of assessor, etc. He and his estimable wife are esteemed and genial members of society.

WILLIAM RHEA

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Feeder and Dealer, Section 13, Post-office, Kingston).

Among those in this township who are, and for some time past have been, giving their attention to the stock business as a principal part of their farming interests, there is no man more prominently associated with that industry than Mr. Rhea. When it became necessary for him to start out in life for himself, he very naturally and wisely chose the occupation to which he had been reared, and from that time to the present his success has been such as only a thorough acquantance with his calling and years of experience might lead him to achieve. About five miles west of Kingston is situated his pleasant homestead and ex- cellent farm of 560 aeres, the improvements of which are by no means of an inferior order. Well adapted to the stock business, Mr. Rhea has endeavored to carry on quite extensively the feeding and ship- ping of stock at his place; and as intimated, he is recognized as a leader in this line hereabouts. It was in 1876 that he located in Cald- well county from Illinois, his native State, so that his residence here covers a period less than ten years. His birth occurred in Sangamon county, of the Prairie State, December 11, 1831, and there he was brought up and educated, following agricultural pursuits as an avoca- tion. Mr. Rhea was married February 12, 1857, to Miss Bettie McCausey, a native of New York, and a most estimable lady. The names of their three children are: Charles, William and Emma, one, Mary, being deceased. Mr. R. is a member of the Masonic Order.

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

In all worthy movements of a nature calculated to benefit the commun- ity at large he is found among the leaders.

WILLIAM B. SACKMAN

(Farmer, Post-office, Mirabile).

The present landed estate of Mr. Sackman extends over 270 acres, comprising a choice farm on which he has resided for many years. The improvements are all of a substantial character. His knowledge of this county and acquaintance with its residents date from a very early period of her history. When only eleven years old he was brought by his parents from his native home in Richland county, O., to Caldwell county, Mo., and here he has grown up, identifying him- self with all matters tending to the advancement of the community in which he has so long made his home. As has been intimated, he was born in Richland county, September 28, 1828, and on the 29th of August, 1852, was married to Miss Sarah E. Bozarth, a Missourian by birth, and an early settler to the county. A family of seven children born to this worthy couple are now living : John F., Martin D., Parmelia E., wife of W. W. Clevenger, a sketch of whose life is given in another portion of this work ; Isaac W., Cora V., now Mrs. David A. Henderson ; Homer B. and Ella J. Mr. and Mrs. Sackman are connected with the Christian Church.

JOSEPH H. STONER

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 2, Post-office, Cameron).

Joseph H. Stoner, one of the most highly respected and deservedly popular citizens in Mirabile township, was born October 27, 1842, and is a native of Tiffin City, O. When about 18 years of age he began the occupation of marble cutting, but after the bursting of the cloud which so long hovered over and about the people of the two sections, enveloping them in civil strife, he shouldered his musket in defense of his country and enlisted in the three months' service in April, 1861. In the following September he volunteered as a three years' soldier, and at the expiration of that term of service he veteranized in 1864, continuing in active duty until the close of the war. His first enlistment was made into Co. C, 15th Ohio volunteer infantry, then the 49th Ohio volunteer infantry, in Co. F, and in that regiment also when it veteranized. While in the service he was made hospital steward. Among the engagements in which he took such an active part were the battles of Shiloh, Stone River, Chicamauga, Kenesaw Mountain, Resaca, and Atlanta, in all 26 regular encounters, besides numerous skirmishes. At Shiloh he received a severe wound. His discharge was dated at Victoria, Tex., in December, 1865. Re- turning now to Ohio, Mr. Stoner remained there following his former calling until 1866, when he came to Missouri and located in a com- munity devoted almost exclusively to farming. In 1868 he settled where he at present resides, purchasing a homestead which contains

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

300 acres of a quality of land unexcelled by any in this vicinity. The improvements upon the place are complete and neat in all respects. Stock-raising, in conjunction with his farming operations, he is making a specialty. In all his transactions Mr. Stoner is of unques- tioned integrity. Industrious, honest, and not afraid of honorable work, he is the possessor of many warm friends.

GEORGE H. TREAT

(Dealer in General Merchandise, Mirabile) .

In including in this work the sketches of prominent business men of Caldwell county, none are more deserving of recognition than that of George H. Treat, a man who for 19 consecutive years, has carried on an extensive mercantile establishment at Mirabile. He has been engaged in trade for a longer continuous period than any other man in the county, having come here in 1866, at which time the business which has since been maintained with such remarkable success was inaugurated. Since 1883 he has conducted it alone, but previous to that time he had been in partnership with James H. Morris and others. The confidence and respect which have ever been shown Mr. Treat are almost unlimited. His personal popularity is due doubtless to his genial courteous manner and considerate attention to the wants of his customers, though in social life he is no less a favorite. His stock of general merchandise is one of surprising extent, and the patronage which he enjoys is not confined entirely to this locality but reaches over a large section of the country. Upon examination we find that the family of which our subject is a representative came originally from England, settling in this country in an early day. George was born in the town of Trenton, Oneida county, N. Y., a short distance from Holland Patent, in 1827, February 13. Owing to the death of his mother when quite young, a home was found for him with Josiah Owens, in a place called Steuben. Here he remained until disability caused by exposure and rheumatism, led him to embark in the art of photography. This he followed until 1851, and in that year turned his attention to merchandising, first clerking for a Mr. Watkins of Prospect. From 1852, and for three years thereafter he made his home in Martinsburg, but in 1855 he took up his residence in Fond du Lac, Wis. His career from that time on has been as follows: He remained in various parts of Wisconsin until 1858, then returned to Holland Patent, going thence to Prospect, and in 1860 commenced the mercantile business again at Holland Patent. In 1864, he once more sought a home in Wisconsin, and was interested in agricultural pursuits until 1865. Then up to 1866 he lived in New York, but in the year mentioned first came to Missouri. Upon a thorough and careful observation he chose his present location as the scene of his future home, and in a business point of view, at least, the fondest anticipations which he then harbored have been more than realized. Mr. Treat was married June 27, 1866, to Miss Josephine E. Treat, a lady of rare personal appearance, highly accomplished and in

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

every respect worthy of her husband. She was a native of Adrian, Mich., and a daughter of David and Sarah (Davis) Treat, also of Michigan. One of their children is living, Harry H. One daughter, a twin sister to Fred, is deceased. Fred L. died January 22, 1886, in his eighteenth year, of congestion of the brain, after a short illness of less than a week.

[Since the above was written, we have heard of the death of Mr. Treat, an occurrence which cast over the community that sorrow which is only felt when a good man dies, when a useful man of society is taken away. January 30, 1868, a little after the death of his son, he, too, was called to that world from which no one has ever returned. - Publishers. ]

JACOB D. WHITMER

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 11, Post-office, Kingston).

The career of Mr. Whitmer is one which has been passed without any especial departure from the pursuit of farming; and as far as his acquaintance with this county is concerned, perhaps no one is more familiar with it, for it is his birthplace. Born here on the 26th of May, 1844, he was educated at the common schools of this vicinity, and from his very birth has been closely associated with the county's growth and identified with its interests. His parents were John and Sarah M. Whitmer, nee Jackson, both from Ohio, in which State Mrs. W. was born and brought up, though her husband was a native of New York. After their marriage in Ohio they came to this county in 1833, being among the very first families to locate in the community. This continued to be their home for many years and during the time of their residence, the agricultural affairs of Caldwell county were worthily represented by Mr. Whitmer and his noble companion. The father died in 1878, the mother in 1872. The son, Jacob Whit- mer, now occupies the farm which they had improved. On the south- west corner of this place there can be seen at this writing (1886 ) the excavation and some of the rock intended for the old Mormon Temple, to be known as Far West. This estate embraces 216 acres of choice land, with superior improvements. The dwelling is a tasteful one, surrounded with flowers and beautifully arranged lawn, plainly indicating the home of enterprise and culture. Perhaps this is not to be wondered at when we consider Mr. Whitmer's natural charac- teristics. He is of German origin, his grandfather, John Whitmer, having come to America with his parents at an early day in the settle- ment of the Mauch Chunk Valley. Representatives of the family have since settled in various places. Mr. W. was married April 27, 1871, to Miss Celia Tatarshall, who was born in Hornellsville, N. Y., but accompanied her parents to this county in 1868. One son, Harry, has been born of this union.

CHAPTER XII.

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP.

General Description - Origin of the Name of Poor Tom Creek - Coal - The Hamilton Coal Company's Works - Early Settlement - First Land Entries - Organization -- The City of Hamilton - General Historical Sketch - The "Firsts " - Miscel- laneous - Incorporations - Churches-Secret Orders - District Fair Associa. tion - Biographical.

Hamilton township comprises Congressional township 57, range 28. No more beautiful tract of land six miles square can be found in the State. The surface is of the same general character as the other town- ships of the county, but the northern and central portions are excep- tionally fine and fertile, and were originally prairie.

Mill creek in the western portion, and Tom creek in the eastern, both flowing south into Shoal, are the principal streams.

Tom (or Poor Tom ) creek was named from the following circum- stances. At a very early day a party of bee-hunters, or honey- hunters, from Ray county, were up in this township, and on this little stream found a number of fine bee trees. A young man, a son of one of the hunters, was with the party, who camped one night on the stream. The young man had eaten very heartily of the delicious honey taken that day, and during the night was attacked with a species of colic, or " honey-founder," as the hunters called it. His groans and contortions alarmed his fond father, who sat by him until morning, exclaiming at every groan " Poor Tom ! Poor Tom !"

The roarings of the young man and the exclamations of his fond parent greatly disturbed and annoyed the other hunters, who believed the case not a serious one, and occasionally one of them would mutter, " ( to the devil with his ' poor Tom !' why don't he give him a drink of turkey oil, and then make him stop his noise?" The next morn- ing " Tom " had recovered, and as the men were breaking camp one · of them inquired the name of the stream, and when informed that it had never been named he said, " Well, let us call it ' Poor Tom' creek," and the stream has borne that name ever since.

There is an abundance of timber and stone in the southern part of the township, and good brick clay on every section. One feature of Hamilton township, which is also characteristic of Gomer (if not of other townships ), is the fine, well kept roads. These run along almost

(341)

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

every section line, and the supervisors and citizens made a point of seeing to their keeping.

COAL.

The great bed of coal which it is believed underlies the greater por- tion of Caldwell county is especially prominent in Hamilton township. The existence of the valuable mineral here was long ago asserted by geologists in accordance with certain well known facts, but recent in- vestigation and developments have settled the question - if it ever was a question - beyond controversy.

In the spring of 1882 the Hamilton Coal Company was organized with a view of prospecting for coal in this township. Of this company N. C. Gibson was the first president, and from him 320 acres of land were leased. In the fall of 1883 the company was chartered, with a capital of $14,000, which, in the spring of 1884, was increased to $30,000. The president of the company under the first charter was J. F. Colby.

In the spring of 1883 the company began sinking a shaft on the s. 1/2 sw. 1/4 of section 26, and in November following struck a 26- inch vein of coal at a depth of 306 feet from the surface. In August, 1884, the company put up buildings and machinery at the shaft for the purpose of working the mine to its best advantage, and since that time the mine has produced from 1,200 to 2,000 bushels of coal daily. In the spring of 1885 a switch railroad was built from the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad, half a mile west of the Hamilton depot, to the mine, two miles distant. The railroad company owns the iron, and the coal company the rest of the track.

The coal is of superior quality. It burns brilliantly to a white ash, leaving no " clinkers," and has large heat and gas-producing power. Careful analysis show that for all practical purposes it is very valuable, and experience demonstrates that it gives entire satisfaction to con- sumers.

The company owns the coal in the following tracts :

Description.

Purchased From. Acres

8. ¿ sw. sec. 26

N. C. Gibson

8. ¿ sw. sec. 23 .

N. B. Bell .

n. ¿ sw. sec. 23 .

J. W. Harper

s. ¿ se. sec. 22

E. S. Low .

ne. 4 sec. 23

J. W. Harper

160

w. ¿ ne. ¿ nw. 4 sec. 23

J. W. Harper 20

n. ¿ se. sec. 22 .

J. W. Harper 80

nw. ¿ sec. 22

Eli Townsend 160

Total number of acres .

740

There are about fifty employes in the company's service, who board

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

in a building erected by the company. The present officers of the company are : Frank Clark, president ; Dan. Booth, secretary; J. N. Morton, treasurer; J. W. Harper, superintendent. Following is a section of the main shaft : -

49 feet surface.

2 blue limestone.

60 soapstone.

31 66 soft limestone.

shale, with 4 or 5 inch rock seams interspersed.

21/2 8

black slate.

sandy shale.

11/2

gravel.

66 spotted hard flinty rock.

· 10

sandy shale.

limestone.

41/2

gravel.

soapstone shale.

full sandstone.

coarse sandstone.

11/2

flint seams.

" Kimball" soft paint material.

soapstone shale.

hard limestone.

" Kimball " soft paint material.

5 hard flint.

fine-grained sandstone.

clod.

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Author: Pease, Ora Merle Hawk, 1890- Publication date: 1886 Publisher: St. Louis, National Historical Company Number of Pages: 1260

Author: Pease, Ora Merle Hawk, 1890-
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: St. Louis, National Historical Company
Number of Pages: 1260