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 41
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 41
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J. J. HOOKER (City Marshal, Hamilton).
Mr. Hooker was one of the many whose war experiences were such as shall never be forgotten. Not only was he obliged to under- go the hardships and privations usually attendant upon a soldier's life, but soon after the surrender of Atlanta he was captured and taken to Andersonville prison, from which he was subsequently moved to Miller prison and afterwards to Savannah, being paroled at Vicks- burg. Later on he went to St. Louis, and thence to Ogle county, Ill., where he gave his time to farming until 1867. That year he
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
became a resident of Hamilton, and was engaged in teaming until 1885, when he was elected to the position of city marshal, an office the duties of which he is now discharging in such a manner as gains for him much credit. Mr. Hooker was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., in 1836, his parents also being natives of the Empire State. Octavus Hooker, the father, died in 1845, his widow following him to the grave in 1847. Her maiden name was Ursula Evans. Their children were Addison, who died in 1860; Henry H., B. P., H. G., Jennie, who died in California ; and J. J., the subject of this sketch. He was reared and educated in New York, removing thence to Rock- ford, Ill., in 1858. In 1861 he enlisted in the 15th Illinois volunteer infantry, and participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, Hatchie and Jackson, besides others. His career after his capture has been noted. Mr. Hooker was married in 1863 to Miss Mary Thomas, daughter of James A. Thomas, of Ogle county, Ill. Their family numbers three children : F. W., a farmer; E. N., a student, and Minnie, five years old.
R. B. HOUSTON
(Of the Banking House of Houston, Spratt & Menafee, Hamilton).
The establishment with which Mr. Houston is connected is one not unknown to the people of Caldwell county, and its recognized con- dition as a banking institution of sound financial standing is an important factor in its continued growth and prosperity. This result, however, has been obtained only through the individual efforts of its proprietors and to no greater extent to any than to Mr. H. is due credit for the reputation which it enjoys. Of Virginia antecedents, Mr. Houston was himself born in Lafayette county, Mo., June 18, 1837, Lexington being the town of his birth. His father was Samuel Houston, a native of Virginia, and a man of ability in agricultural matters. After becoming of a suitable age he married Miss Rebecca Wear, of Tennessee, who subsequently became the mother of R. B. Upon leaving Virginia, the senior Houston located in Lafayette county, Mo., but at an early day in its history he removed to Ray county, where his son received the greater part of his education. Like so many of the young men of the present day who were brought up to a farm life, young Houston left the farm home upon which he had been reared and engaged in mercantile pursuits, which he fol- lowed with success until 1868 in Ray county. The town of Hamilton was then in its infancy, but seemed full of promise for the future, and thither Mr. Houston came, and later on started into the business which has since received his attention. This bank is one of the solid institutions of North Missouri, and its conservative course and at the same time liberal dealing with its customers, together with careful man- agement, have given it the confidence of all. Mr. Houston is a married man, his wife having formerly been Miss Sarah Linville, a native of Ray county, to whom he was united in marriage September 27, 1867. Her father was John Linville, Esq., born in Campbell county, Tenn.,
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
September 9, 1805, and the maiden name of her mother was Martha A. Stone, a Kentuckian by nativity. Mr. Linville was one of the participants in the Mormon War, and of the party who captured the prophet, Joe Smith. He died February 10, 1885. Mr. H. is a Knight Templar in the Masonic Order.
CROSBY JOHNSON (Attorney at Law, Hamilton).
Mr. Johnson is one among the number who became located in Cald- well county soon after the war, and though then but a young lawyer he was destined to exert an influence which was to be felt in the ranks of the legal profession, as subsequent years have proved. The popu- larity which he enjoys as a lawyer and practitioner at the bar has not been derived from any factitious circumstances, but a permanent and spontaneous tribute to his merit. March 10, 1838, Mr. Johnson was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, and in that State he familiarized himself with farm duties on the homestead of his father, John M. Johnson. The latter was a native of Ohio, as was also his wife, whose name before her marriage was Joanna Bagnall. Crosby may have excelled in the advantages which were offered him for acquiring an education, but realizing at an early age the benefits to be derived from the possession of a thorough and advanced knowledge of books of learning, he closely applied himself to study, attending, besides the ordinary common schools, an academy and Allegheny College, at Mead- ville, Pa. The profession of law seemed to have an especial attrac- tion for him and soon he was prevailed upon to commence its study. This was interrupted by the breaking out of the war, and with char- acteristic patriotism he volunteered his services in Co. G, 76th Ohio volunteer infantry, his military record extending over a period of 3 years and 10 months. During this time he was a participant in the battle of Fort Donelson and all the principal encounters in which the regiment was engaged, latterly accompanying Sherman on his march to the sea. Upon returning home Mr. Johnson resumed his legal studies at Coshocton, O., becoming well acquainted with the knowl- edge of law. In 1866 he came to Caldwell county and so well known had he become the following year that he was honored with the pos- ition of county attorney. In 1872, his worth and ability were still further recognized when he was elected prosecuting attorney, an office which he filled for four years. In 1880 he was chosen to the same position. March 23, 1878, Mr. J. was married, Miss Elizabeth Chain being the maiden name of his wife. Her birth occurred in Ohio. The two children born to them are named Crosby C. and Grace, bright and promising children. Mr. Johnson belongs to both the I. O. O. F. and the G. A. R. In his political affiliations he is a Republican. He has evidently lost none of his studious habits in later years, and, aside from his acquired accomplishments, he is a man of force and originality of character. He stands well in this community.
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
JOSEPH JONES
(Farmer, Section 10, Post-office, Hamilton).
Mr. Jones is a member of that well known family of Jones to whom reference is so frequently made in these pages. Though a name com- mon in itself there are many bearing it who are by no means on a level with those who seem to constantly disgrace it. Joseph Jones has ever been classed among the better farmers of the community in which he has so long made his home, a substantial, unassuming agri- culturist, but neat and thrifty, and of true worth. Of sterling New England ancestry, he was born April 27, 1825, in Washington county, Me., his parents, Robert and Anna ( Preston ) Jones, being natives of the same State. As was the custom among the youth of that locality, he was · grown to manhood with an experience in both farming and lumbering, and after leaving there he went to Potter county, Pa., where the same business was continued. After a residence in this locality for some eighteen years, Mr. Jones came to Caldwell county, where he now farms 40 acres of land. His wife was formerly Miss Matilda Jones, an estimable lady, and the daughter of Joseph Jones, Esq. A son and daughter born of this union are now living, Freddie and Annie, the wife of William Altman. During the war, and before leaving the Keystone State, Mr. Jones enlisted in the 210th Pennsyl- vania infantry, which was connected with the Eastern army. He was at Petersburg and Richmond, and was an eye witness of the surrender of Gen. Lee at Appomattox. As will be noticed he is now in his. sixty-first year.
WILLIAM JONES
(Farmer, Section 10, Post-office, Hamilton).
To one glancing over the biographical department of this work will be seen the sketches of the lives of a number of Joneses, and it is a remarked fact that where they have devoted themselves to farming and kindred pursuits they have risen above those who are contented to move on in the same monotonous manner which may have charac- terized the careers of their grandfathers or previous ancestors. The subject of this sketch comes of substantial New England stock. His father, Joseph Jones, was a native of Maine, and by occupation a lumberman and farmer. Upon leaving the State of his birth he went with his family to Pennsylvania, settling near the New York State line, where the same business continued to receive his attention. William, who had been born in Washington county, Me., February 13, 1829, accompanied the family on the move just mentioned and in his new home also followed the calling in which his father was engaged for several years. But he was soon destined to enter upon a career which was to prove one of bitter experience and to undergo hardships from which even the most hardened might well shrink. The war cloud which had been hovering over the country during this period now burst in all its fury, and at once Mr. Jones enlisted in the 85th New
20
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
York infantry, Co. D, serving in that command for four years. In the Peninsula campaign he was with Mcclellan's command, and through the North Carolina march under Gen. Foster, and finally was taken prisoner in 1864. Now commenced the hardships and suffer- ings incident to prison life. He was confined in Andersonville for one year, but the same brave, uncomplaining course which had marked him as a gallant soldier distinguished his behavior in that loathsome pen. In 1865 he was released and immediately thereafter returned to his home, which he left in 1868 to come to Caldwell county, Mo. Subsequently he purchased 139 acres of land, in the present conduct of which he is neat, careful and painstaking. Mr. Jones was married in 1853 to Miss Catherine Manuel, a native of the same county and State as her husband. There are six children living of this union : Allen, Rufus, Lillie, wife of P. Martin ; Ida, now Mrs. Guy; James and Sadie. Politically Mr. Jones is a Republican. He is connected with the M. E. Church and is also a member of the G. A. R.
WILLIAM HENRY JONES
(Farmer, Section 10, Post-office, Hamilton).
William H. Jones, the sixth living child and fifth son of Robert and Annie Jones, was born on the 22d of July, 1829, and, like other members of the family whose names are frequently mentioned in this work, came originally from Washington county, Me. His father was also native to that county, and during his lifetime worked assiduously at both farming and the lumbering business, in each of which he displayed those peculiar qualities of energy, perseverance and thor- oughness that have marked the subsequent course of his son. The experience of William H. Jones in growing up was that incident to farm life, the calling of which he afterwards followed upon removing fron Maine to Pennsylvania. His duties here, however, were inter- rupted by the mutterings of civil strife. Not content with remaining at home and peacefully folding his hands when his country was in danger, he promptly volunteered his services, and in 1862 enlisted in the 148th Pennsylvania volunteer infantry, and remained in action until the close of the war. Among the engagements in which he participated were the battles of Kelly's Ford, Robinson Tavern, Mine Run, Seven Days' battle of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Pole River, Cold Harbor, and in the second line when the fort was blown up in front of Petersburg. The command of which Mr. Jones was a member was armed with seven shooters, and when entering the battle of the Wilderness the company was full. What a contrast to the time he left the company, when they stacked only five guns ! During their term of service they lost seven captains. Upon an honorable discharge being given him, Mr. J. returned to his home and remained until coming to this county in 1869. His purchase of forty acres of land now includes a good farm, and though perhaps not as large in extent as others we might mention, is, nevertheless, in a good state of cultivation. July 4, 1862, Miss Phebe Sherman became the
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
wife of Mr. Jones. She was born in New York. Their interesting family numbers two children, Franklin O. and Ella.
DANIEL JONES
(Farmer, Section 10, Post-office, Hamilton).
The military career of Mr. Jones forms a not uninteresting feature of his career in life, - one which has ever been marked by a conscien- tious, upright course among those with whom he has mingled. Enlist- ing in the 184th Pennsylvania volunteer infantry in February, 1861, he served until the close of the war, participating in many severe battles. At the siege of Petersburg, after having taken part in the battles of Cold Harbor and the Wilderness, he was made second corporal, of the second division, of the second brigade. At the close of the war his home was still in Pennsylvania, and thither he returned. But in 1868 he decided to locate further west and accordingly made a settlement in this county, where he has since continued to apply himself strictly to farming. On his present place of 116 acres he has made all the improvements, and these are of a high order. His resi- dence and barn especially are such as to attract the eye of the passer- by, and in all their appointments are equal to any in this part of the county. Mr. Jones is a New Englander by birth and bringing up, having been born in Washington county, Me., May 18, 1841. His parents were Joseph and Mary ( Preston) Jones, both also natives of Maine. The father was engaged in lumbering in connection with farming, though in early life he had been interested in the cod fisheries. In about the year 1851 the family removed to Potter county, Pa. Of the 11 chil- dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Sr., nine arrived at maturity. Daniel, the seventh child, worked on a farm in Pennsylvania during the summer months, but in the winter seasons gave his attention to lumbering. His time since leaving Pennsylvania has already been noted. July 3, 1866, Miss Mary E. Hill, a native of New York State, became his wife. They have three children : Hattie E., Clara B., and Charlie H. Mr. Jones belongs to the Encampment connected with the I. O. O. F.
RUFUS JONES
(Farmer, Section 10, Post-office, Hamilton).
In the sketch which shortly precedes this has been given a biog- raphy of the life of one of the respected, progressive citizens of this township, William Jones, Esq., a man whose war record forms not an unimportant item in his history. To himself and wife, Catherine (Manuel ) Jones, were born six children, and among them was Rufus, the subject of this sketch, a young man now in his twenty-eighth year. Rufus first saw the light in Allegany county, N. Y., February 2, 1858. In 1868 he came with his parents to this county and was here principally reared and educated, farming having always been the occupation to which his attention has been directed. He now owns a good estate of 70 acres, well improved and in good cultivation, and bids fair to
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
attain to the position now occupied by his father. Mr. Jones was united in marriage March 27, 1883, with Miss Eliza Cramblit, a daughter of Wm. H. Cramblit, a well known citizen of this county. She is a worthy member of the M. E. Church, while Mr. Jones is as- sociated with the Missionary Baptist Church.
WILLIAM C. JORDAN
(Dealer in Pianos, Organs and Musical Instruments, Hamilton).
To the citizens of Caldwell county and the country which surrounds it, there is perhaps no name more generally or favorably known than that of William C. Jordan, whose business, since his establishment here in January, 1880, has achieved such proportions as leaves no doubt in the minds of those most skeptical as to the reliability of this house. A personal acquaintance with nearly every citizen of the different townships in this county has tended to make him exceedingly popular, and especially successful in the handling of his organs and pianos. His leading brands of the former are the William C. Jordan and Sterling organs ; while the Sterling and Paris pianos meet with a ready sale. Another recognized cause of his large patronage is his extensive advertising, a feature which can not fail of producing the desired results. He is the pioneer in his line in this county, and he has numerous representatives in Daviess, Livingston, Clinton and other counties. William C. Jordan was born April 17, 1856, in Co- lumbia county, O., his father being William J. Jordan, of the same State, and a prominent and leading attorney in the vicinity where he made his home. He married Miss Emily Crane, also a native of Ohio, and to them a family of eight children was born, of whom William C. was the eldest. His early scholastic advantages as he grew up tended to increase the natural desire which he possessed to follow the legal profession, and after fitting himself for its practice, under the careful and watchful guidance of his father, he was admitted to the bar in April, 1879. Subsequently he practiced with his father a short time but soon went to Osage county, Kan., from whence he traveled over all sections of the State. This he continued until his removal to Hamilton, as above mentioned. August 31, 1880, Miss Hattie R. Pickell became the wife of Mr. Jordan. She was born in Lancaster county, Pa., the daughter of George Pickell. Mr. and Mrs. J. have two children : Maud and William J. He is a member of the A. F. and A. M., being a Royal Arch Mason.
ROBERT HARVEY LINDLEY
(Farmer and Wool Grower, Section 11, Post-office, Hamilton).
Robert H. Lindley was born March 16, 1833, on a farm in Wash- ington county, Pa., and was the eldest in a family of three children, two of whom were girls. His father, Zebulon Lindley, Esq., was also a native of the Keystone State, and after his marriage to Miss Julia A. Parkinson, also of Pennsylvania, he settled on the farm which has
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
continued to be his home for so many years. Although well advanced in years he is active in mind and body and is acknowledged a man of good judgment and clear perception. Robert obtained his early edu- cation in the schools of his native county. When but a small boy he delighted to handle stock, and particularly cared for lambs, his father having devoted considerable attention to the raising of sheep in con- nection with farming. From the first the son had in view the care and improvement of sheep. Reared as he has been to the habits and customs of this class of stock, his success in the management of them has been much superior to those who have commenced the industry in more mature years of life. In 1878 he left the old home in Penn- sylvania and came to this county, where he now owns a farm of 90 acres. This is a typical sheep farm. Mr. Lindley's friendly inter- course with the leading writers, thinkers and workers in the sheep and wool growing business, together with his own experience, has been a thorough schooling to him. His judgment in respect to this stock is of recognized value and often has he been called upon to purchase sheep for other parties. As a man his integrity is unquestioned. Mr. L. was married December 27, 1854, to Miss Elizabeth Craig, of the same place as her husband. One son has been born to them, W. T. Lindley, a young physician of ability and bright prospects for the future. Mr. Lindley is Democratic in politics.
DR. W. T. LINDLEY
(Physician and Surgeon, Hamilton).
The professional minds of physicians may be divided into two sep- arate and distinct classes, aptly designated the perceptive and the memorative. To one class belongs those whose medicinal knowledge and perception depend upon memory; to the other, those who depend chiefly upon their own conscious resources and mingle them with their own judgment. To those acquainted with Dr. Lindley it is unneces- sary for us to say to which class he belongs. His career in this place speaks for itself. Born in Washington county, Pa., March 15, 1856, he was the son of Robert H. Lindley and Elizabeth, nee Craig, the former of Pennsylvania, a farmer and stock-raiser by calling, and the latter of Washington county, Pa. His paternal grandfather, Zebulon Lindley, is still living; he was also a farmer, as was his father, Ben- jamin. Mrs. Lindley's father, Baum Craig, is now a resident of Pennsylvania. The education which young Lindley received in his youth was one of more than ordinary benefit and value. In 1875 he entered the Normal School at Claysville, Pa., and in 1876 he attended the California State Normal, and subsequently was a student at Waynesburg College, of Greene county, Pa. After completing his college course he was prevailed upon to teach in his native county, which he followed for some time ; but having acquired a taste for a knowledge of medicine, he commenced preparations for its study. Later on he enterd the Missouri Medical College at St. Louis, from which, after a thorough and complete course, he was graduated March
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
2, 1881. He immediately selected Hamilton as the scene of his fu- ture labors and established himself in the practice of his profession, which has already reached a point highly complimentary to his skill and proficiency as a physician. Dr. Lindley is prominently connected with the Presbyterian Church, in which he is an elder. He was mar- ried October 20, 1881, to Miss Lillian Patton, who was born in St. Louis county. They have two children, Clara and Marion Erle. The Doctor is a member of the State Medical Association, is vice-president of the Grand River District Medical Society, and also vice-president of the Caldwell County Medical Society, which he helped to organize.
LEWIS M. LOVE
(Real Estate, Loan and Collection Agent, Hamilton).
Lewis M. Love, the seventh child in his parents' family of nine children, owes his nativity to Miami county, Ind., where he was born on the 9th of December, 1853; consequently he is now only a little past the age of 30 years. Owing to the fact that his father was a farmer more than to anything else was the reason he grew up with a complete knowledge of farm labor. When not attending the duties of the home place he attended school and acquired as much of an education as there was afforded. Up to January, 1874, he gave the greater part of his attention to farming, but in that year he came to Caldwell county, Mo., and became engaged as a traveling salesman in the interest of a sewing machine company. This was continued for some time with varied success and subsequently he clerked in differ- ent positions until embarking in the insurance business in company with Mr. S. N. Young, in 1882. This relation existed for about three years, but in May, 1885, it was dissolved, since which time Mr. Love has managed it alone with satisfactory profit. In such a business he is of necessity closely associated with the interests of Hamilton, and, indeed, to the country adjacent to it, and it is but the truth to say that no one has had cause to regret the confidence which they may have placed in him. He is the representative of some of the best insurance companies known, among others the Ætna, of Hartford ; Con- tinental, of New York; the Pennsylvania, of Philadelphia, and the American, of the same place; Northern, Merchants and Mechanics' and Niagara, of New York. The promptness with which each of these companies adjust losses and settle all claims is well known, and no fear is entertained by any one of them as to adjustments being properly made by Mr. Love. His business is constantly increasing. His official career covers the periods when he held the position of dep- uty county collector, that of county elerk, and also assessor, the duties of all of which were ably discharged. Mr. Love was married Sep- tember 23, 1880, to Miss Ennola Elliott, who was born and reared in Ohio, a daughter of William Elliott, Esq. They have two children, Irene E. and Vos. The parents of Mr. Love were James S. and Sarah (Fiers ) Love. The former was a farmer by occupation and a native of West Virginia, though brought up in Ohio ; the mother was born in Ohio.
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
T. D. McBRIDE
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 20, Post-office, Hamilton).
The owner and proprietor of a landed estate of 328 acres, Mr. McBride is descended from one of the most highly respected families in Caldwell county, and himself shares in the esteem which is given to his honored father, John McBride, of Kingston. Mention of him has frequently been made elsewhere in these pages besides a sketch of his life given among the biographies of the citizens of Kingston township. As there appears, John McBride married Sarah McBride, who subsequently became the mother of Thomas D. The latter first saw the light in Richland county, O., August 22, 1828, and from that time to the present his life has been one of ceaseless activity. His beginning was on the home farm in Ohio where he remained until coming to this county in 1857, and since that time he has been occu- pied in no other calling than that of farming and stock raising. Like his father he has arisen in the material affairs of this world entirely without aid, and by his own efforts, and his career is one which the youth of the present day might well uphold as an example. In the conduct of his farm he is successful, and the competence which he enjoys is sufficient to enable him to spend the remainder of his life in comparative ease. Martha A. Brandt, of Franklin county, Pa., became his wife April 17, 1853. Mr. and Mrs. McBride have six children living : John D., James, in Kidder township : William R., in Crawford county, O .; Charles D., of Kidder; Thomas G., also in Crawford county, and Oliver, at home. Albert is deceased.
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