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 37

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 37
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 37

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).

Hamilton Encampment No. 77, was organized May 24, 1874.

THE HAMILTON DISTRICT FAIR ASSOCIATION.

This association, which is such a prominent factor in the enterprise of Hamilton, was organized November 18, 1882, at a meeting held in . Anderson's hall. The first board of directors was composed of Chas. McCrary, of Daviess county ; E. P. Tiffin, of Ray, J. N. Rozzell, of

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

Breckinridge township, Caldwell county ; Ira Houghton and E. H. Craig, of Fairview ; Joab Houghton, of Kingston ; T. D. George, of Lincoln ; James Cowgill, J. S. Orr, J. W. Harper, R. D. Paxton, Joseph Anderson, and J. F. Spratt, of Hamilton.

The first executive officers were J. S. Orr, president; J. W. Harper, vice-president; A. C. Menefee, secretary ; J. F. Spratt, treasurer.

Ten days after the organization of the association, it purchased 70 acres of land for grounds, for $3,000 ; but afterwards sold 30 acres to George Thompson, and March 1, 1883, bought 40 acres more (św. nw. sec. 13-57-28) for $1,710.

The first charter of the association was issued April 27, 1883, and under it the capital stock was $7,225. A dividend of ten per cent was declared on the first year. August 18, 1884, the charter was amended and the stock declared increased, under the law, to $10,000.

The first fair of the association was held August 28, 29, 30, and 31, 1883. The receipts were $2,740.68, and the premiums paid amounted to $1,548.30. The receipts from all sources the first year of the existence of the association were $9,966.36, and the expendi- tures $9,331.92, leaving a balance in the treasury at the end of the first year of $624.44.

At present the association is in excellent condition financially. It owes no man a cent, and has money in its treasury. It has recently expended $700 in the improvement of its driving track, and its build- ings are valued at $3,000.

The officers for 1884 were J. W. Harper, president; J. S. Orr, vice- president ; R. B. Houston, treasurer ; the first three named composed the executive committee. The directors were C. L. McCrary, J. W. Harper, J. S. Orr, J. F. Spratt, A. C. Menefee, R. D. Paxton, R. G. Whitman, J. N. Rozzell, J. A. Crane, James Cowgill, T. D. George, E. P. Tiffin, Jos. Anderson.

The officers for 1885 were R. G. Whitman, president ; Jos. Ander- son, vice-president ; J. F. Spratt, treasurer; A. C. Menefee, secre- tary. Directors-J. S. Orr, Ira Houghton, Jos. Anderson, Geo. Gurley, Jno. F. Spratt, R. D. Paxton, Chas. McCrary, J. N. Rozzell, C. S. Crane, T. D. George, W. G. Merryman, Geo. F. Rogers, R. G. Whitman.

The officers for 1886 are Joseph Anderson, president ; James Cowgill, vice-president ; J. F. Spratt, treasurer ; A. C. Menefee, secretary.

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

ABEL ALLEN

(Farmer, Section 7, Post-office, Kidder).

Though now in his sixty-ninth year, Mr. Allen is well preserved in mind and body, active to a remarkable degree, and as energetic and industrious as many men at 40. His entire life has been one of activity and perseverance and not without the substantial rewards which must necessarily follow such close application. His fine farm embraces 360 acres of land, on which is one of the best orchards to be found in the county. This land is being cultivated to advantage. Mr. A. was born in Surry, N. H., October 6, 1816. His father, also Abel Allen, had in his family four sons and three daughters, of whom two sons and two daughters are still living. Young Abel worked on the home farm until he reached his majority, receiving in the meantime as liberal an education as could be obtained at that early day. March 27, 1842, he was married to Miss Lucinda S. Mackintosh, of Canton, Mass., a granddaughter of Roger Sherman. She died March 2, 1850, leaving four children : Abel, Jr., Theodore P., Delana A., and Lucinda S., all living save the last named, who died at the age of 27 years. In 1853 Mr. Allen came from New Hampshire to Columbia county, Wis., where he was engaged in farming until 1868, then settling in Caldwell county, this State. December 24, 1851, he was again married, Miss Harriet Rob- bins, of Acton, Mass., becoming his wife. The fruits of this second marriage are two boys, George W., who died in infancy, and Moses G. Mr. Allen was clerk of the town of Leeds, Columbia county, Wis., for eight years during his residence there. He is a man of liberal views and his wife is a lady of culture and refinement. They are respected by all.

WILLIAM ALTMAN

(Dealer in Stock, Hamilton).

It is a fact to be deprecated that there are those people in every community who do not appreciate the influence exerted by the public school system of the present day, expressing the opinion that be- cause they have gotten through life well enough their children need not waste time in endeavoring to obtain something which will not prove of practical benefit. At the same time another class must not be lost sight of, those who, by their aid and encouragement, do much to build up and promote excellence in study in these schools. Such a man is William Altman, who, though in possession of a good farm and comfortable competence, has removed into Hamilton for the ex- press purpose of permitting his children to attain to such knowledge

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY,

as comes within the limit and scope of the city school. Mr. Altman was born in Holmes county, O., September 5, 1847, his father being Elijah Altman, a Pennsylvanian by birth. His worthy companion was formerly Miss Mary Beck, of Ohio nativity. Leaving the State of his birth when 12 years old, William moved to St. Joseph county, Ind., where he was brought up as a farmer's boy. His home continued to be in that locality until he came to Hamilton, Caldwell county, Mo., in 1869. Here he owns a farm of 240 acres, land unexcelled for fer- tility and adaptation to stock interests. In his stock business Mr. Altman displays a thorough acquaintance with his animals, and he is reputed a man cautious and safe in all transactions. His present pos- sessions have been gained entirely through his own unaided efforts. In 1871 he was married to Miss Anna Jones, who came originally from Pennsylvania, and to them two daughters have been born, Rosabelle and Mattie J. It is needless to say that these girls fully appreciate the advantages which they now enjoy. Mr. A. is a member of the I. O. O. F.

WILLIAM C. ATHERTON

(Carpenter and Contractor, Hamilton).

In this county and the country surrounding it are many fine build- ings, models of architectural skill and beauty, such as only a thorough master of his trade could expect to erect. None, however, show to better advantage, or are finer specimens of mechanical ability, than the Hamilton school building, a structure built by Mr. Atherton. Besides this he has constructed many others of less importance. His chosen calling he learned in Boston, whither he had gone from his native home in Maine for the especial purpose. A New Englander by birth and bringing up, he was born in Waterford, Oxford county, Me., March 25, 1820. William was the eldest of ten children born to Crombie and Mary ( Wheeler) Atherton, his parents also having been natives of the Pine-tree State. After fully preparing himself for car- pentering and contracting, William left Boston in 1857 and went to St. Paul, Minn., which continued to be his residence for four years. Returning eastward, he settled in Pennsylvania, Venango county, and remained there until coming to Caldwell county, Mo., in September, 1866, - nearly 20 years ago. Since then he has been prominently interested in the building prosperity of the county, and the personal pride which he has always manifested in his work has doubtless been a great cause of his popularity as a contractor. Mr. Atherton was married in 1865 to Miss Elizabeth B. Seeley, of Wayne county, N. Y. Francis M., May I. and Edith are the names of their three children. In his religious belief Mr. A. is a Universalist. He is connected with the I. O. G. T.

JUDGE J. A. AUSTIN

(Hamilton) .

Prominent among the citizens of Hamilton, as well as of Ca Idwell county, Mo., stands the name of Austin -a prominence arising from

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

personal worth as well as from distinguished family connection and honorable ancestry. Jacob Austin was a native of New York State and always made it his home ; he was a farmer by occupation, and a man whose ideas of farming were of the most advanced type. His wife's maiden name was Theresa Allen, also of New York nativity, and a woman well worthy to have been the companion of such a hus- band. Among the children born to them was the subject of this sketch, a son whose early impressions were at once directed towards the channels of agricultural pursuits. His birth occurred in Oneida county, N. Y., January 9, 1825, and until 1865 Mr. Austin remained among the scenes of his childhood. In that year he came to Missouri and selected a farm site in New York township, this county, where he purchased 700 acres of land. Here he continued to give his atten- tion to farming and stock raising for 12 years. In 1869 his superior intelligence and fine abilities became recognized by the numerous friends whom he had gathered around him in his new home and he was elected county judge, a position the duties of which he dis- charged for four years, and in such a manner as to give assurance to honorable people that they had the right man in the right place. When efforts were put forth to start the Hamilton Savings Bank he took active part in its organization and was subsequently made its president, his recognized financial judgment in matters of business rendering him a most suitable of. .. in that capacity. The entire life of Judge Austin has been one upon which he can look back with pride and satisfaction, for it has been attended with the substantial success which only comes of close application and energetic effort to works chosen. At this time he owns 30 acres of land adjoining Hamilton, on which he has erected a commodious and attractive dwelling and other necessary and convenient buildings. It is a fact worthy of mention that upon first coming here his course in the erec- tion of such substantial improvements was severely criticised by the very persons who have since adopted his ideas in regard to home comforts and surroundings. Judge Austin excels in one thing if in no other - obtaining the best prices for the produce, etc., that he may sell. He is a plain, unassuming farmer, but of sound, practi- cal judgment, and highly respected by every one. December 25, 1853, he was married to Miss Irene Graves, an estimable lady, who was born in Jefferson county, N. Y. They have had three children : Fred, now at Osborn; Ella, the wife of Joseph Anderson, Esq., a leading citizen of Hamilton ; and Albert. The judge is a member of the I. O. O. F.

WILLIAM WALLACE BALDWIN

(Farmer, Section 7, Post-office, Hamilton).

The intelligence of any community is greatly augmented by the advanced educational facilities which it sustains ; and it is a well known fact that to a limited few is due the credit of keeping up and supporting an educational interest in a town or county. Caldwell county is fortunate in numbering among her citizens one who has

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

given much attention to the advantages afforded for the youth of her various districts to attend school. He comes from a state recognized for her intellectual worth - New York -having been born in Madi- son county, September 23, 1838. Of four children born to his parents, Moses and Ruth ( Miles) Baldwin, he was the youngest, and much of the responsibility of the duties of the home farm were placed upon him. His father was a native of Massachusetts, and as his adopted calling in life followed the plow. Upon his place William was reared to manhood, great pains being taken with his early training ; his education was obtained in the common schools. The outbreak of the late Civil War caused him to enter the Federal army and for three years he was a member of Co. G, 157th New York infantry ; with that command he participated in the battles of Gettysburg, Chancel- lorsville, bombardment of Fort Sumter on Morris Island, and others. Subsequently he returned to New York and made his home there until January 1, 1870, when he came to this county. His farm em- braces over 92 acres of land and is conducted in a manner character- istic of most Eastern farmers, its improvements being neat and convenient. Mr. Baldwin was married in May, 1865, to a lady originally from the same county as himself - Miss Ophelia Watson. She died, however, in September, 1869, leaving one son, William W. In 1870 Miss Etta P. Alden became Mr. B.'s second wife, and to them three children have been given, Etta F., Minnie D., and Charles C. Mr. Baldwin is a member of the G. A. R.

THOMAS BENNETT

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 16, Post-office, Hamilton).

It is a recognized fact that among those who have made their home in this county the men of foreign birth have contributed their full share to the development and prosperity of a community known as one of the best in this portion of the State. And it is also apparent that those of English nativity have occupied no inferior position in all matters tending to the improvement and continued progress of Cald- well county. Mr. Bennett is a man who has come up in the affairs of life solely through his own individual efforts. Born in England, March 14, 1831, he passed his youth and early manhood there and in 1855 emigrated to the United States, where he commenced to carve out a career which has been of great credit to him. Landing at New York, he soon settled in Adams county, Ill., living there for eight years, and afterwards became located in Hancock county, of the same State. Some five years later, or in 1871, he removed to Caldwell county, Mo., where he has since been engaged actively and indus- triously in farming and stock raising. He owns 160 acres of excellent land, with good improvements, and is managing it in a careful, thorough manner. The stock interest is receiving a considerable part of his attention. Mr. Bennett's wife is also of English ancestry and birth. Her maiden name was Betsey A. Gibson, to whom he was married in 1856. They have a family of 11 children : Harriet,

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

wife of Hiram Smith; James, Elizabeth, wife of William Howard ; Mary A., now Mrs. L. Eckelbery ; William, John H., Minnie, Sadie, Effie, Nancy, Jane and Mertie. One son, Frederick Thomas, was poisoned at the age of 9 by eating berries. Mr. Bennett is truly one of the well respected men in this township, and by his quiet, unpre- tentious course has made many friends, and at the same time been very successful.

DANIEL BOOTH

(Cashier of the Hamilton Savings Bank, Hamilton).

Though now only in his forty-fifth year, Mr. Booth is recognized as one of the substantial citizens of Hamilton. He has become possessed of a comfortable competence, and his career in later years has been a repetition of the history of his earlier life - one of energy, persever- ance and close adherence to the chosen channels of business life. Un- til long after reaching manhood Mr. Booth was engaged in following agricultural pursuits, the calling to which he had very naturally been reared by his father, John Booth, a man well known in the commu- nity where he resided and one recognized for his success as a farmer. He was a Virginian by birth and in early life married Miss Elizabeth Radcliff, who became the mother of Daniel. He was the fifth child in a family of six children, his birth occurring in Vinton county, O., where his father had permanently located, May 25, 1841. This con- tinued to be his home for many years, his time being passed without any events of special importance until 1872. His education was an ordinary one, such as the common schools afforded, but his oppor- tunities were appreciated to the best advantage. In the year just mentioned Mr. Booth decided to come West with his wife, whom he had recently married, and upon reaching this county settled here on a farm. Before leaving Vinton county, however, he had been selected by the citizens of the county as a person well fitted for the position of sheriff. For four years he discharged the duties of, this office with marked efficiency and with credit. In 1881, becoming possessed of a desire to enter more actively into business life, he removed to Hamil- ton and was subsequently largely instrumental in establishing the bank with which he is now connected as cashier. Its president is Crosby Johnson, a well known and influential resident of this place, and the capital stock of the bank amounts to $50,000. Good dividends are annually paid on the stock represented. Besides his portion in this institution Mr. B. is considerably interested in merchandising, being connected with two of the large mercantile establishments of Hamilton. As a business man he is regarded as safe, reliable and prudent, and his success is largely due to the caution which he has ever exercised in his transactions. It was in October, 1871, that his marriage to Miss Helen Pugh occurred. She was the daughter of E. B. and Cassandra Pugh. Mr. and Mrs. Booth have a family of two children : Lizzie and Bertha. In his political preferences Mr. B. is Democratic.

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

ALSTON BOWMAN

(Farmer, Post-office, Hamilton).

In endeavoring to trace the ancestry of Mr. Bowman we find that as far back as can be gone he is of Swiss origin - that is to say his great-grandfather, Drury Bowman, was himself of Swiss descent. His son was born in England, and was the husband of a lady of German birth. To them was born Vincent Bowman, the father of Alston. Vincent Bowman's birthplace was in Amherst, Va., and after reaching manhood he married, Miss Jane McLean becoming his wife. She was a native of Westmoreland county, Pa., and a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth MeLean, née West, who after their marriage continued to make their home in Westmoreland county for many years. The father of Charles MeLean came originally from Ireland, and survived to a remarkable old age, dying when about 100 years old. Alston Bowman, the eldest of his parents' family of nine children, was born June 18, 1818, in Nicholas county, Ky. In that State he passed his time in attendance at the primitive schools of the period and at such work as he could accomplish upon the home farm until 12 or 14 years old, when he accompanied his parents to Brown county, O. This continued to be their home for about five years, the next settlement being made in Marshall county, Ill. For 31 years Mr. Alston Bow- man lived in that county, following the life of a farmer. His career during that time was one unmarked by other than ordinary events, but at the same time, not without substantial results. In 1865 he came to Caldwell county, Mo., and almost immediately engaged in the lumber business at Hamilton, conducting a successful trade for quite a while. But disposing of his interests in this business he again turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and to this he has since devoted himself. Though residing in town he has in his possession 360 acres of good land which is now being cultivated. Mr. Bowman has passed the allotted age of three score years and ten, but time has dealt gently with him, and he bids fair to see many more summers. He and his worthy wife are among the truly respected residents of this place. Mrs. Bowman was formerly Miss Johanna Story, a native of Fleming county, Ky. The names of their four children are Ambrose M., Albert L., Emily M., and Charles M.

CHARLES E. BOROFF

(Dealer in Books, Stationery, Toys, Confectionery, etc., Hamilton).

The success which has attended the career of this young business man is something remarkable, and the position to which he has risen since commencing for himself is one which a person might feel satisfied to enjoy after many years of business life. Upon establishing his house Mr. Boroff had but $300, but this small amount was invested to good advantage and has brought many returns. So prosperous has he been, and such ability has he displayed, that in 1885 he was en-

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

abled to erect a new brick building, 44 x 80 feet in dimensions, the lower floor of which is devoted to two attractive store rooms. And on the floor above he has supplied a long felt want in the opening of a skating rink, the floor of which is of hard maple, and as all lovers of the sport know the best material to be found for skating purposes. Mr. Boroff was born at Dayton, O., March 3, 1858, his parents also being natives of the Buckeye State - Henry and Margaret Boroff, nèe Downer. The former was a mechanic by occupation. Of their family of five children Charles was the youngest. He was brought up in Ohio as a farmer's boy, but upon coming to this county in 1878 he engaged in the book business, which he has since conducted, and with the substantial results already referred to. Personally Mr. Boroff is held in even higher esteem, if such a thing is possible, than in business circles, and all concede that he merits his success.

TINSLEY BROWN, M. D.

(Hamilton).

To omit at least an outline of the life of Dr. Brown's father, George Brown, would be an error greatly regretted, for although he was not identified with the interests of Caldwell county for as long a period as many, yet the memory he left and, above all, the worthy family of children which survive him, renders it most desirable that his name be favorably mentioned. George Brown was born May 4, 1822, in Vin- ton county, O. In growing up he was taught the rudiments of farm life, a calling to which he ever adhered, and with results far from being unsuccessful. In 1847 he married Miss Jane Wilkinson, of the same county as himself, and they continued to remain there until re- moving to Caldwell county, Mo., in 1873. Mr. Brown departed this life January 13, 1880, leaving a family of a wife and five children to mourn the loss of one who had been to them a loving husband, father and counsellor. Their names are Tinsley, Lyman D., Howard J., Riley W. and Emma J. One son, Irvin, died July 25, 1874, when 22 years old. At the present time the three brothers of Dr. Brown are engaged in the conduct of a shoe store in this place. Tinsley Brown first saw the light of day December 23, 1849, in Vinton county, O., in the same house in which his father was born. His edu- cation was carefully watched over by his father and in addition to the primary instruction received in the common schools of his native place he obtained a course of study in the Normal School at Bloom- ington, Ill. It may have been this insight into advanced books of learning which caused him to adopt the profession of medicine as his calling in life. Howbeit, he read under the supervision of Drs. R. Ressegrews and Mitchell and subsequently was admitted as a student into the Missouri Medical College in 1874. After graduating in 1876 he began practicing in Caldwell county, continued it one year and then went to Kansas, where he remained eight months. In order to better qualify himself and attain to a more thorough knowledge in his pro- fession, Dr. Brown attended lectures in New York during the winters

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

of 1880-81, and since that time has been in his present location. His qualifications as a physician are well known, in fact too much so to need any words of praise from us. He is connected with the Cald- well County Medical Association, Grand River and Missouri Medical Associations, and the American Medical Association. May 18, 1881, the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Hettie I. Martin, of Ham- ilton, Mo., who was born in Van Buren county, Ia., June 15, 1858. She died November 1, 1883, leaving two children, Merle and Hettie I. The latter died January 5, 1884.

ROBERT S. CASH

(Of the firm of Cash, Cowgill & Co., Dealers in Dry Goods, Clothing, Boots, Shoes, Hats, Caps, etc., Hamilton).

Robert S. Cash, the second of four sons in the family of Alburn W. and Eliza A. (Robinson ) Cash, was born in Christian county, Ky., August 10, 1851. His father's birth occurred April 18, 1814, in Amherst county, Va., from which locality he subsequently removed to Warren county, Ky., and later on to Logan county, of the same State, where he attended to a large practice acquired by incessant labor in the medical profession. His wife was a native of Christian county, Ky. The names of the brothers of Robert S. were James F., Dudley F. and Oscar O. Robert directed all his energies to farm work in the county of his birth until 17 years old, when, May 1, 1869, he removed to Caldwell connty, Mo., his journeying here being somewhat different from the manner in which he might make the trip at the present day. Now it was that he began the career which has been one of special note in recent years. Eager and willing to do for him- self, he commenced working as a farm hand for Mr. Thos. D. George, and while in his employ, with indomitable energy and industry, attended school during the winter seasons, subsequently entering as a student the Kirksville Normal School. Mr. Cash worked for Mr. George some five years, then entering into partnership with him in the stock business, which was continued for two and a half years. The dry goods business next received his attention, and at Breekin- ridge he opened out a store with Mr. J. D. Thompson, May 8, 1878, the firm being known as Thompson & Cash. After a period of about two years and eight months its style was changed to Russell, Cash & Trosper, and a year later it became Cash, Trosper & Co. In 1882 Mr. Cash came to Hamilton and at this time the present establishment of Cash, Cowgill & Co. was formed, a house without a superior in the commercial cirele of this or adjacent counties. These gentlemen are both men of strict business capacity, thoroughly posted in everything that goes to make up a representative business establishment. Their stock embraces the latest and finest goods contained in the various lines carried, including dry goods, clothing, carpets, boots, shoes, hats, caps, etc., and these are placed at a price within the reach of all. Surely in the perusal of such a life history will be found encouragement for all, and especially for young men. With only his individual merits,

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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