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 39

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 39
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 39

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).

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

vey, a native of Indiana, though brought up in Keokuk, Ia. Mr. Dilley in his political preferences is a Democrat. He belongs to the I. O. O. F. and for years has held the position of district and special deputies in both branches of that order. He has also had some experience as a journalist and attained some prominence as a local editor and writer.

B. P. DODDRIDGE

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

The life of Mr. Doddridge might, perhaps, be divided into three periods, during which he has been engaged in such occupations as have given him a military, mercantile and agricultural experience. What- ever has received his attention, however, has been carried on with an energy and determination which could not but have a successful re- gult. Born at McArthur, Vinton county O., October 18, 1846, he was the son of Joseph Doddridge, of Wellsburg, Va., originally, but who, as a physician and surgeon, practiced his profession at McArthur for 33 years. He came to Caldwell county, Mo., in 1876 but the same year died here, leaving one child besides Blackston, Louisa E., now the wife of George E. White, of Oregon. His widow still sur- vives, an esteemed lady now 77 years of age. She was formerly Miss Nancy Farabee, a native of Washington county, Pa. Up to the time of the breaking out of the war the subject of this sketch passed his time on his father's farm in Ohio, but at the first call for 75,000 men to suppress the invasion of the enemy he enlisted in the 18th Ohio vol- unteer infantry, and served for three months. He re-enlisted soon after for three years and took part during his term of service in the battles of Cheat Mountain, Shiloh, Stone River and others of no small importance. At the expiration of his term he became a member of the 148th Ohio infantry for 100 days. Upon the close of the war Mr. D. returned to McArthur, where he remained for about a year and a half, engaged with his father in the hardware business. In 1867 he sold out his interest and went to Wapello county, Ia., living there for three years and then coming to this county. Since that time he has devoted himself to carrying on his landed estate of 160 acres, a place well adapted for general farming purposes. In October, 1867, Mr. Doddridge was united in marriage with Miss Sarah P. Winder, whose birth occurred in Bucks county, Pa. They have three children : Joseph, George and Winder.

HON. JOHN F. DODGE (Deceased).

The name that heads this sketch was that borne by one of the most highly respected and esteemed residents Caldwell county ever had. For three years John F. Dodge made his home in Hamilton, actively and closely identified with all movements of enterprise and merit. In an official capacity he had served the people at a time in

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

the country's history when only men of broad but firm principles and ideas could discharge duties in a decisive manner. His death on July 20, 1885, was the occasion of universal sorrow, for all felt the loss which would be sustained by the departure of such a man. John F. Dodge was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., May 24, 1824. His father was a minister of the Christian Church - Rev. Dwight Dodge, and he was also by trade a blacksmith. His wife was formerly Miss Susan Monroe, whose father, M. Monroe, Esq., was a farmer and shoe- maker by occupation. In 1829 the family removed from Cayuga to Cortland county, N. Y., John accompanying them, and in the latter county he was favored with such educational advantages as the dis- trict schools afforded. He remained there until 1846 and at that early day came West, locating in what now constitutes Caldwell county, engaging in farming at once. About the year 1861 he was elected county judge and served the county in that capacity for six- teen years, only resigning on account of ill health about 1878. He was obliged to decline further public preferment, though sought to do so. Of great popularity, Judge Dodge discharged his duties in a faultless manner and with great satisfaction. During the war he de- sired to enlist but was prevented by his constituents who would not release him from the position he then occupied. He was possessed of considerable property and at his death left a large estate. His wife was formerly Miss Louisa M. Walter, daughter of George Walter, of New York State. Two children were born to the Judge and his wife: John G. died when eighteen (18) years old, and Mary L. is now the wife of James F. Morris of Hamilton. Mrs. Dodge now resides in Hamilton, where she is held in great respect by those who are favored with her acquaintance.

DR. J. M. DONALDSON (Physician and Surgeon, Hamilton, Mo.)

It was in 1868, or about a year before coming to Caldwell county the first time, that young Donaldson was enabled to fulfill his cherished desire to study medicine in order to prepare himself for a lifetime of activity in that profession. One would suppose that the influences surrounding him in youth would have led him to adopt mechanical rather than professional pursuits, for his father was a blacksmith by calling and a thorough master of his trade. James B. Donaldson was a Kentuckian by. birth, and in 1845 removed to Missouri, settling in Marion county, where he assiduously followed his chosen avocation. He subsequently located in this county and here died in 1883. His wife was formerly Charlotte Timms, a native of Pennsylvania; her death occurred in 1861. Of their children, J. M. was born June 5, 1848, Marion county, Mo., being his native place. Upon commencing to prepare himself for a physician he studied under Dr. James as pre- ceptor, now a practitioner of Lawson, Mo., then of Clinton county, where he received a careful training. Soon after he was sufficiently

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

advanced to attend medical lectures, consequently he matriculated at the St. Louis Medical College, being a member of the class of 1871-72. In casting about for a suitable location in which he might successfully rise to a position above the ordinary in the medical fraternity, Dr. Donaldson commenced practicing in Ray county but three years later came to Hamilton, where he has built up a patronage highly compli- mentary to his skill and ability as a physician. The Doctor is a mar- ried man and the head of a family of three children. Miss Mary W. George, of Ray county, Mo., became his wife November 27, 1874, a lady of many estimable qualities of head and heart. The names of their children are George W., Clarence W. and Josie B. The Doctor is a member of the A. F. and A. M.

JACKSON EDMINSTER (Farmer, Hamilton).

In endeavoring to write an outline of the life of Jackson Edminster we can not fail to give a sketch of his father, Aaron Edminster, a man honored and esteemed for his true worth and sincere piety, and upright Christian walk among his fellow-men. Aaron Edminster was born in Morris county, N. J., February 27, 1795. When he was 20 years of age he removed to. Western New York, settling in a sparsely inhabited region near Ithaca. Up to 1854 he remained there, then going to Columbia county, Wis., where he made his home until coming to Caldwell county in 1869. Here he continued to live until his death, which occurred March 18, 1885. He was a stanch member of the Baptist church, with which he had united in 1830, being baptized on July 4, of that year. To him the church was a home, and no one manifested greater zeal or did.more in proportion to his means than Mr Edminster. Especially towards building up the church in Hamilton did his true character shine forth, and he long served as one of its deacons. A man to be depended on, he was ever ready to render aid when and where necessary, and in all church work he was prominent. Mary Edminster, his worthy com- panion, had preceded her husband to that other world in 1876. Their family had numbered six children : Rachel, Horace, Charles, Nancy, Lewis and Jackson, the subject of this sketch. The latter, a representative son of such a father, has grown to manhood with a thorough knowledge of farming. His birth occurred in New York June 19, 1842 ; consequently he is past his forty-third year. In 1854 he accompanied his father on the latter's move to Wisconsin, from which locality he came to Caldwell county, Mo., in 1869. Ad- joining the city of Hamilton he has a comfortable home where he resides, and a noticeable feature of its surroundings is the neatness and system with which everything seems to be conducted. Mr. E. is a married man, his wife having formerly been Miss Mary Gardner, to whom he was joined in wedlock in 1869. Her native State was New York.

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

JOHN ELLENWOOD

(Retired Farmer, Post-office, Hamilton).

Mr. Ellenwood, now closely approaching the age of four score years, comes of an ancestry the line of whose descent is remarkable for men of strong mind and sterling character. Born in Geauga county, O., October 29, 1806, he passed his youth in the vicinity of his birth. In early life his means and opportunities for acquiring even a fair education were limited ; and many difficulties and embar- rassments surrounded him in his studies. But his unwearied perse- verance overcame every obstacle. After leaving Ohio he went to Illinois and settled in Henry county, where for thirty years he steadily and quietly pursued the peaceful occupation of farming. His health became somewhat impaired while in that State, and it was this which induced him to come to Caldwell county, in the hope that a change of climate might prove of lasting and permanent benefit. In August, 1883, he purchased a farm of 80 acres adjoining Hamilton which is being managed in an excellent way by his grandson, and here he lives, enjoying the veneration and respect of those who are favored with his acquaintance. Conscious of a life well spent and resting in the assur- ance of having done his duty toward all mankind, Mr. Ellenwood can look back to the past with pardonable pride and without regret, and to the future without fear. He was married in October, 1838, to Miss L. Wedge, and of this union there are four children living : Sarah, now Mrs. Hollister ; Vesta V., now Mrs. Vanduyn; Lucy A., now Mrs. Lund ; and Eliza C., Mrs. E. C. Webster, of Hamilton. Mr. Ellenwood is the son of Daniel and Esther (Tucker ) Ellenwood, the former of Massachusetts, and the latter also of sturdy New En- gland origin. Daniel Ellenwood removed to Ohio in an early day and lived to be 84 years of age. John, the subject of this sketch, was the eldest in his parents' family of six children.

WASHINGTON J. ERVIN

(Druggist and Dealer in Druggists' Sundries, Paints, Oils, School Books, etc., Hamilton).

The father of the subject of this sketch, William Ervin, owes his nativity to North Carolina, having been born in Onslow county. He was an early settler in Missouri and located in Lexington, Lafayette county, in 1835, going thence the same year to Ray county, and in 1842 to Daviess county. A participant in the Mormon troubles in this county in an early period of her history, he was present at the surrender of Joe Smith at Far West. His birth occurred January 6, 1808, and after being reared in North Carolina on a farm he mar- ried Miss Siddie A. Hamilton, in 1829, originally from South Caro- lina. To them nine children were born: Thomas E., died in Virginia City, Nev., in 1881 ; Washington J. and Huldah J., died in 1871; John A. removed to Nevada ; William P., of Jefferson City, Mon. ;

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

Eliza J .. wife of Dr. R. W. Higgins; Susan A., now of Kansas ; Alexander H., in Minnesota, and R. H., who died in infancy. In 1865 Mr. Ervin, Sr., came to Hamilton and has since continued to make his home here. Washington J. Ervin was born in Bedford county, Tenn., March 4, 1833, and during his father's various moves as mentioned was with him. The greater portion of his life, there- fore, has been passed within the borders of Missouri, and under the training and influence of his father he was led to follow agricultural pursuits. His mercantile experience was begun in a drug store in Hamilton, in 1867, and this business has since continued to receive his attention. During the late civil war Mr. E. served as a soldier in the Confederate cause, being a member of the 3d Missouri infantry. After serving in many severe battles during that conflict he laid down his arms at Selma, Ala., with the assurance and belief that he had done his duty for what he considered right. Among the engagements in which he participated were Lexington, Pea Ridge, Wilson Creek, Corinth, Grand Gulf, Port Gibson, Champion's Hill, Black Water, Vicksburg, and the campaign from Dalton, Ga., to Lovejoy Station. At five different times he was wounded, the last at Altoona, Ga. Returning to Gallatin he soon after came to Hamilton, where he is now recognized as a thoroughly reliable and well estab- lished druggist and pharmacist. His stock is always fresh and exhaustive. Mr. Ervin was married in October, 1866, to Miss H. K. Kelso, of Daviess county, Mo. Their two children are named William E. and Ione.

CHARLES B. FRANKE

(Hamilton).

Of the many men of Eastern birth and bringing up who have become settled in Caldwell county, none have occupied a more conspicu- ous or enterprising part in its development than Charles B. Franke. Since his location at Hamilton he has succeeded by a course singu- larly upright and straightforward in becoming one of the most popular citizens of the place, and in more ways than one his enterprising spirit has been manifested. The Rhoads House - a large brick building, an ornament to a city of much larger size than Hamilton - is one evi- dence of his public-spiritedness. Soon after coming here he opened a general merchandise establishment and did a very large and success- ful trade for some time, recently disposing of his mercantile interests to Messrs. Hale & Bro. As a business man he was not less popular than as a private citizen. Mr. Franke was born in New York in 1843. As he passed the various stages of boyhood and youth he attended school and received a good education. In 1861 he entered the 9th N. Y. regiment, Hoggins' zouaves, was sent to North Carolina and from there to the Army of the Potomac. His first enlistment was for two years and he afterwards re-enlisted and served in all the engagements of the campaign. Among others were the battles of South Mountain, Antietam, Gettysburg, and the Wilderness, receiving a saber wound

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

while in North Carolina ; he was at the surrender of Appomattox Court House and after being promoted to first lieutenant was mustered out at Governor's Island, in October, 1865. Mr. Franke now entered the employ of the Government in the Treasury department at Washington and subsequently, from 1868 and 1873, was commercial traveler. In 1878 he settled at Hamilton and his career since that time has been, as all know, one of marked activity. Mr. F. was married in Virginia November 30, 1875, to Miss Emma Block. He is a member of the Masonic Order, in which he is a R. A. M., and has also done much for the building up and continuance of the G. A. R. - Stephen A. Hurlburt Post No. 32, to which he also belongs.

THOMAS D. GEORGE

(Merchant and Dealer in Stock, Hamilton).

The life history of this esteemed resident of Caldwell county, though it extends over a period less than forty-five years, has been such as to render necessary a sketch of his life in any work which purports to be a worthy record of the county. He was the son of David and Arreneous George, née Walker, both Kentuckians by birth, the former a farmer by occupation, and in their family were seven children. Thomas, the second son and third child, was born in Anderson county, Ky., June 22, 1841. With unremitting attention he served his father in the capacity of a farm hand, thereby gaining no meager knowl- edge of that necessary and lucrative industry as he grew towards manhood. In 1853 he moved to Missouri and settled in Carrollton, where he remained for two years, then coming to Caldwell county and locating near its southern part. He soon found out that alertness, activity, persistence and decision were necessary and component parts of every day's successes; and fortunately for him the habits of his sturdy youth were the scaffolding to such qualities. His subse- quent career has shown that he regarded his occupation as a decidedly grave species of amusement. Since his residence here he has become possessed of 1,200 acres of land, an estate equaled by none in point of extent. His stock business has reached to proportions of extended dimensions and to this he gives his personal supervision. In 1883 in connection with Mr. D. G. McDonald and others he embarked in the general merchandise business in Hamilton, and the trade which their establishment controls is large and constantly increasing. Mr. George is conceded to be one of the best and most reliable men in Caldwell county. Of unquestioned integrity and upright conduct, he enjoys the confidence of those with whom he is acquainted to a marked degree, and, be it said, few men know better how to appreciate such relationships and honor their laws. His high social standing strengthens the idea that he was formed for friendships. November 16, 1869, the marriage of Mr. George to Mary Ella Roz- zelle, of Scott county, Ky., was consummated. The names of the three children born to them are Lillie, T. D., Jr., and Bertha M. Mr. and Mrs. G. are prominent members of the Baptist Church.

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

Mr. George served in the C. S. A. from January 15, 1861, to May 16, 1865, in the Trans-Mississippi Department.

HENRY P. GEORGE

(Stock-dealer, Hamilton).

Mr. George is a native son of Missouri and as such he has been content to remain in the State of his birth, quietly but persistently devoting himself to either farming or the stock business. His father, Warren George, a Virginian by birth, became located in Ray county, Mo., at an early day in the history of that county - 1836 - and there cultivated an estate of moderate area, assigning to his son as he grew up the task of helping in its labors. The wife of Mr. George, Sr., was formerly Miss Jane E. Peyton, also of Virginia. . In their family were nine children, and of this number Henry P., the eldest son and second child, was born February 9, 1843, in Ray county, Mo. On starting out in life for himself it was natural that he should choose agricultural pursuits as the calling to which his subsequent time and attention would be directed. During the war, however, his opera- tions were interrupted to such an extent that he enlisted in the 3d Missouri infantry, C. S. A., in June, 1861, and served with bravery throughout that long and terrible contest. When the stars and bars went down at Shreveport, he, too, surrendered and returned home, but with the satisfaction of having fulfilled the duty he thought right. In June, 1864, he was wounded at Napoleon, Ark. He took part in many engagements while in service, among others the battles of Wil- son Creek, Lexington, Pea Ridge, second battle of Corinth, Iuka, the surrender of Vicksburg, Grand Gulf, Port Gibson, and many others equally as severe. For the past ten years Mr. George has been engaged in the stock business and since his location in Caldwell county has won for himself a name as being a thorough stock man and reliable in all enterprises with which he is identified. He is interested in the stock business at this time with Mr. Thomas D. George, one of the best known and respected citizens in the county. Mr. G. was mar- ried February 19, 1885, at which time Miss Addie Martin became his wife. She was born in Iowa.

NEHEMIAH C. GIBSON

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 23, Post-office, Hamilton).

Mr. Gibson is indeed fortunate in being the possesser of an excel- lent tract of land, the value of which is greatly enhanced by the presence of coal in abundant quantity, and which is being worked con- tinually. He it was who made the discovery of coal, and he was one of the organizers of the Hamilton Coal Company, an organization of substantial worth and reliability. At this time he is one of three on whose land this company are operating. By nativity Mr. Gibson is a New Englander, his birth having occurred at Canterbury, Merrimack county, N. H., May 8, 1823. From the time he was old enough he

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

worked on a farm in his native State, acquiring a good knowledge of agricultural life, and besides this he was also engaged in quarrying freestone. In 1856 he left his birthplace and removed to Ohio, set- tling in Loraine county, where he made his home for 13 years, giving his attention principally to farming. In 1869 he became located in Caldwell county, and here he has since been identified with the agri- cultural interests of the community. His estate includes 400 acres of land, well improved and stocked. Mr. G. was married December 25, 1849, to Miss Elizabeth Clough, who was born July 23, 1830. She died July 21, 1858, leaving two children : George, born August 11, 1853, and Joseph, born July 21, 1855. Mr. Gibson's second mar- riage occurred May 7, 1860, when Miss Martha A. Clough became his wife. She has borne her husband two children : Edwin, born Septem- ber 9, 1866, and Frank H., born October 12, 1879. Mr. Gibson's oldest son, George Gibson, is a successful tiller of the soil and thoroughly fitted for the successful discharge of the duties of the home farm. He now has charge of the farming operations of the homestead, and upon the place has a herd of seven fine Hereford cattle, all registered, and which are deserving of especial mention. Joseph Gibson, the next eldest son, is an engineer, in the employ of the Hamilton Coal Com- pany. In October, 1882, he was married to Miss Mollie A. Wingate, who came originally from Macon county, Mo.

FRED C. GIBSON

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 26, Post-office, Hamilton).

Among those in this country who have come from other continents and have made for themselves representative homes in this new coun- try, the men of English origin and birth should not be overlooked. Fred C. Gibson, a native of Lincolnshire, England, was born March 17, 1845. James Gibson, his father, upon reaching manhood married Miss Elizabeth Carrott, who, like her husband, came originally from Lincolnshire. In their family were eight children, of whom Fred was the sixth child and fifth son. In 1852 the family determined to emi- grate to the United States, and soon thereafter they became settled in Adams county, Ill., where the father resumed the pursuit which he had previously followed, farming. Here Fred grew up until the age of 22 at which time he embarked in the nursery business, and this has since continued to be a source of his energy and attention. On the 1st of March, 1867, he came to Caldwell county, and secured posses- sion of the place one mile south of Hamilton formerly owned by Judge Dodge, upon which he started another nursery. His land covers 90 avres and is indeed handsomely improved. To his present calling Mr. Gibson has ever given that assiduity which is necessary to the attainment of any eminence in whatever occupation one may engage. His marriage took place on October 22, 1868, when Miss Eunice C. Dodge, of Missouri, became his wife. The dates of the births of their four children are as follows: John Dwight, November 10, 1869; George F., June 10, 1872; Bertha E., July 6, 1875, and Sylvia S.,

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

July 16, 1879. The parents of Mr. Gibson are both deceased. Mrs. G.'s father was Silas D. Dodge, formerly of Cortland county, N. Y., who was born in 1818. May 22, 1844, he married Miss Mary A. Hull, of the same county, and in June of the same year they settled in Caldwell county. Here Mr. Dodge died, leaving, besides Mrs. Gibson, Susanna, now Mrs. McCollum ; Dwight D., and Frances N., now Mrs. Clarkson. Mr. G. holds membership in both the Encamp- ment and the Subordinate lodge of the I. O. O. F.

WILLIAM D. GILLETT

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 36, Post-office, Hamilton).

A life-long experience in the channels of agricultural pursuits has contributed not a little towards the success which has fallen to the lot of Mr. Gillett since he began farming for himself. He is still com- paratively a young man and is already in the possession of 280 acres of land -an estate which he may feel proud to own. This is being successfully managed and cultivated and upon it there is an excellent grade of stock, of the raising of which he makes quite a specialty. Mr. Gillett is, as might be supposed, of Eastern birth, being the third child and eldest son of Allen and Alzina ( Daley ) Gillett, both of New York nativity. He himself was born in Otsego county, of the Empire State, March 18, 1852. In 1868 he accompanied his parents to this county and has since remained here, closely adhering to his chosen calling. The improvements upon his farm are of a superior order. Mr. G. was united in marriage December 5, 1878, to Miss Nellie A. Streeter, a daughter of H. B. Streeter, of this county, formerly from New York. To this worthy couple four interesting children have been born : Nellie M., Herbert E., Homer D. and Engene M. Mr. and Mrs. Gillett are connected with the Baptist Church.

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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