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 42

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 42
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 42

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JAMES W. MCCLELLAND (Retired Farmer, Post-office, Hamilton).

James W. McClelland, an honored and respected resident of this county, considerably past the allotted age of three score years and ten, has had a career in life such as few men can boast of. Like many of the older inhabitants of this community he is a Virginian by birth and antecedents, that grand old Mother of States having been the nativity of both his father, William McClelland, and mother, formerly Miss Polly Wilson. James W. was born in Rockbridge county February 20, 1808, the second son in his parents' family of seven children; and whenever the means of subsistence were to be provided his services were demanded at home on the farm. Remain- ing in Virginia until 1833, he subsequently came to Missouri in 1837, and upon reaching Richmond, Ray county, his team was pressed by Quartermaster Milstead, for the purpose of carrying a load of flour from Lexington to Far West, to supply troops. Mr. McClelland was present at the taking of the Mormon leader, Joe Smith, and was one of those appointed to guard that " prophet." After the close of the Mormon War he went to Grundy county and opened up a farm, on which he continued to reside for 17 years. Disposing of this prop-

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

erty he purchased land in Daviess county, farmed there 7 years, and in 1863 entered as a soldier into MeFerrin's regiment, of the Federal army. He served for some time during the war, but owing to disa- bility resulting from a fall from a horse he received an honorable dis- charge, having participated during his term of service in the battles of Lexington, Kirksville and others. Mr. McClelland was married February 20, 1833, to Miss Jane Clemmends, originally from Wash- ington county, Va., and a daughter of Dr. Clemmends, who was him- self a Pennsylvanian by nativity. A worthy family of seven children has been born to this estimable couple : Washington W., Albina J., James A., who died while in the war ; Harriet, now Mrs. Anderson, Alice, now Mrs. Doll ; Andrew J., grain dealer and shipper of all kinds of produce, South Pueblo, Col. ; George, cashier of the First National Bank at Idaho Springs, Col. ; and Helen, now Mrs. Smith. Mr. McClelland at this time resides on his place of 40 acres, where he is living retired from the active duties of every-day life.

DANIEL G. McDONALD

(Of the Firm of McDonald, George & Co., Dealers in General Merchandise, Hamilton).

Among the representative business houses of Hamilton the estab- lishment of which Mr. McDonald is a member is regarded as a leading and prominent one. It has been established for a period of consid- erable length, though primarily known under another firm name, but since 1883, when the present partnership was formed, it has steadily taken place with the most substantial concerns to be found in Cald- well county. Its senior partner, Mr. McDonald, is of Canadian birth, but of Scotch parentage. John McDonald devoted himself to agricultural pursuits with a perseverance and industry character- istic of the people of Scotland. Upon leaving his native country he emigrated to America, and soon settled in Canada, where his son, Daniel G., was born June 2, 1845. The wife of John McDonald was formerly Sarah Gillis, who became the mother of 10 children. The subject of this sketch was the seventh child and fifth son born to his parents. Of such a large family, his opportunities in youth were no better than those of his brothers and sisters, with whom he shared in the duties of the home farm. His educational advantages were well improved, but his desires for learning did not stop when his attend- ance at school was discontinued. All his life he has been a close stu- dent and deep thinker. In August, 1866, he came to the United States and took up his location in Missouri, spending four months in Shelby county. Ho subsequently engaged in school teaching, and also con- tinued it after removing to Clinton county, finally, however, embarking in the mercantile business at Vibbard, Ray county. In 1877, going to Kingston, Mr. McDonald opened a store in connection with Mr. Switzer, under the style of McDonald & Switzer, a relation that existed for some time. In 1881 he came to Hamilton, and in March, 1882, the copartnership of Russell & McDonald was formed, this in 1883, being succeeded by the present proprietors, McDonald &

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

George. Mr. McDonald is pre-eminently a business man - business is his life and pleasure. He has made moderate gains annually, and that satisfied him ; slowly but surely he has made his way to compe- tency, with the pleasing retrospection that it has been fairly acquired. December 25, 1861, he was married to Miss Fannie Madden, of Clinton county, Mo. The names of their five children are Forrest, Oakle, Johnnie C., Jimmie and D. G.

ADDISON MCKEE

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 7, Post-office, Kidder).

The family from whom the subject of this sketch is descended has ever been a worthy one in the history of this country; and wherever its representatives have settled they have been recognized as prominent, influential members of society. The life of Addison McKee forms a profitable study for young beginners. He was one of thirteen children born of the marriage of John McKee and wife, formerly Jane Watson, which union was consummated in Blount county, Tenn., in February, 1804. The former was born in Scotland in 1775, emigrated to the United States October 10, 1784, landing at Baltimore, and subse- quently devoted himself to tilling the soil in Tennessee, where he was brought up. His father, also John McKee, was a native of Scotland, and in Scotland followed teaching as a profession. Addison's mother was originally from North Carolina and a daughter of James Watson, who lived neighbor to the grandfather of James K. Polk, Col. Ezekiel Polk. Her father became located in Blount county, Tenn., in 1799. John McKee, Jr., was a soldier under Jackson in the War of 1812, and in the same company with him were two of the brothers of the renowned Sam Houston, of Texas. It is a fact of interest that Sam Houston himself grew to manhood in Tennessee in the neighborhood of Mr. McKee's father. John McKee was brought up a Scotch Presbyterian ; he moved to Indiana in 1815, settling in Sullivan county in 1817, where he was numbered among the pioneers of the vicinity. He planted his home and lived in that place until March 2, 1849, when he died. His widow survived until 1858, and their remains now lie in the same burying ground. The children in their family beside Addison were James Stuart, Alexander Stephenson, Salina S., William McGuffy, Margaret H., Elizabeth Ann, Malinda, Calvin, John A., Sarah J., Josiah Young, and an infant. Addison's birth occurred February 3, 1828, in Sullivan county, Ind., and there he was reared to a farm experience. Up to the breaking out of the war he continued that calling, then enlisting in the 11th Indiana cavalry, with which he served as first lieutenant of Co. G, for six- teen months. He now resigned his commission, on the certificate of the surgeon, owing to disability, having participated in the battle of Franklin and many skirmishes and engagements of minor import- ance. After being mustered out, Mr. McKee returned to Indiana, but in 1865 purchased a farm in Macon county, Mo, to which he removed in 1866. Here he lived until 1872, and then came to Cald-

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

well county, and no man stands higher in this community to-day as farmer, citizen or neighbor than Addison McKee. He owns 170 acres of improved and well cultivated land. January 24, 1850, his marriage to Miss Lavina Butner, of Madison county, Ky., was cele- brated. Her parents were Edward and Nancy Butner. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. McKee are ten children : John E., in Kansas City ; Nancy J., wife of Wm. A. Guyselman, of Colorado; William S., in Iowa; Alice A., now Mrs. C. L. Shaw, of this county ; Luella, Al- exander E., Ada May, James O., Addison E. and Eddy L. From early life Mr. McKee has belonged to the M. E. Church. His entire career in life has resulted in making for himself an honorable name.

JOHN MARENS

(Editor and Proprietor of the News-Graphic, Hamilton).

Mr. Marens was recently appointed postmaster at Hamilton, but his predecessor declined to yield the office until Mr. Marens pressed him sorely. A sketch of the editor's life is accorded a worthy place in this volume. Born in County Kildare, Ireland, Easter Sunday, 1846, in 1850 he was landed at Newark, N. J., with his parents, Daniel and Winnie (Welch) Marens, who, in 1851, moved to Callaway county, Missouri. In 1857 the family came to St. Louis, where Mr. Marens attended school and assisted in delivering and selling newspapers. In 1858 he went to Boonville and became a clerk in John Bernard's store, attending school during the winter months. In 1860 he entered the old Boonville Observer office as an apprentice, but the paper - then owned by A. W. Simpson - suspended, on account of the war, and Mr. Marens went with Mr. Simpson to Jefferson City and there finished his trade on the Examiner. In December, 1863, he became a com- positor on the St. Louis Democrat, but in February, 1864, he went to Kansas with Col. Dart, of Pennsylvania, and a Mr. Nesbit, to raise a regiment of Indians. The project was a failure, and he accepted a position on the papers at Lawrence. In the spring he joined the Kansas militia under Capt. John Wilder and participated in the cam- paign against Gen. Price, in 1865 going to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he attended school until the summer of 1866, then returning to work as a compositor on the Titusville Herald. Leaving there, he came back to St. Louis for one year, departing again in 1867 for Wyoming, where he established a ranch. He abandoned the ranch in 1868, returned to Missouri and became a dealer in horses and mules. In 1870 he was married at Council Grove, Kan., to Miss Sarah L. Steele, a native of Pike county, Missouri. daughter of Thos. Steele. For five years Mr. Marens improved two claims on the Kaw Indian reservation near Council Grove, but in 1875 he bought a farm near Unionville, Putnam county, Mo., and returned to the State. In 1879 be quit farming and bought the Hamilton News-Graphic, of which he has made a financial and journalistic success. This journal is found to be a welcome visitor in the numerous homes into which it enters. A great deal of the success which has attended Mr. Marens' career here

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

is due, doubtless, to his personal popularity. Democratic in politics, his paper is a worthy advocate of the principles of that party, and he has proven himself to be not only a good writer, but of excellent judg- ment in directing the editorial policy of the paper, which, under his good management, has become well established as one of the repre- sentative country journals of this portion of the State. Five bright and promising children have been born to himself and wife: James Leon, Winnie S., Emmett C., Paul, and Inez Essey. He is the pres- ent postmaster at Hamilton, having been appointed in January, 1886. Mr. Marens' father died in 1876, and his mother in 1856. They were both natives of Ireland, and the parents of three sons and one daughter.

HIRAM W. MARKHAM -

(Real Estate and Insurance Agent and Notary Public, Hamilton).

It is but the plain, honest statement of a well known fact when we say that H. W. Markham has done much for Caldwell county since his residence within her limits, not only at home but abroad. It was in 1868 that he removed here, at which time he commenced working at his trade of shoemaking, then turning his attention to the insurance business; and during the past four years he has combined a real estate and loan business with his insurance interests. He represents several of the prominent and reliable insurance companies of the day, accident, fire and life, and is also agent for the National and Interna- tional Bureau of Information. He has twice been honored by the people of Hamilton with the position of mayor, and recently his third official term as justice of the peace expired, he at first having been ap- pointed and since then three times elected to the position. His duties were discharged in a manner above reproach. His last term expired in April, 1885. Mr. Markham was born in Berkshire county, Mass., March 18, 1819, and comes of good ancestry. His father, Asa Markham, of the same State, was a blacksmith and farmer by occupation. He removed in 1839 to New York State, where he lived until his death, January 11, 1869. His wife, formerly Miss Mary Townsend, was also born in the Bay State. The ancestors of each were soldiers in the Revolutionary War, Hiram's great-grandfather having been a cousin to William Penn. Asa Markham's wife died five days after his own death. Hiram W., the second son and child, was reared until 20 years old in his native place; when 14 he began learning the shoemaker's trade which he followed more or less for fourteen years. In 1839 he accompanied his parents to New York, worked at his trade in connection with farming, and subsequently returned to Massachusetts where he resided until 1862, when he went to Cleveland, O., from whence he came to Caldwell county in 1868. September 13, 1838, Mr. M. was married to Miss Louisa W. Turner , also from Berkshire county, Mass. They have two children : Mary, wife of Rev. L. E. Danks, and Hattie A., now Mrs. Shaw. Both Mr. and Mrs. Markham are members of the Congregational Church in which the former has held the positions of deacon, clerk, etc., for many years.

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

MARION C. MARTIN

(Carpenter and Builder and of the firm of M. C. Martin & Son, Proprietors of the City Planing Mills, Hamilton).

An experience of over 30 years in the capacity of carpenter and builder - time spent in active, energetic and honest labor - has with- out doubt obtained for the subject of this sketch the reputation and position which he so well deserves among the foremost mechanics in this portion of the county. Of Kentucky antecedents, he was himself born in Illinois, his birth occurring on the 26th of April, 1830, in Marion county. His father was Samuel Martin, a farmer by occupa- tion and originally from the Blue Grass State (Fayette county ). Leaving there in 1818 he became located in Illinois, from whence he went to Van Buren county, Ia., in 1838. This continued to be his home during the remainder of his life, his death taking place in 1857. When a young man he had been united in marriage with Miss Eliza- beth Mercer, of North Carolina, and she survived until 1872, when she died in Appanoose county, Ia. In their family were originally twelve children, of whom only six are now living. In growing up Marion C., as might naturally be conjectured, followed farming as an occupation, though upon reaching the age of 22 he commenced to learn the trade of carpentering. To this he closely applied himself until the outbreak of the war, when he enlisted in the 30th Iowa infantry. After a service of twelve months he was honorably dis- charged on account of disability. Returning home Mr. Martin resumed his calling as carpenter and joiner and continued it there until coming to Hamilton in 1866, September, and this has since received his atten- tion. His present mill business has reached good proportions and the goods which are here made embrace the usual lines of store fronts, counters, shelving, brackets, wood and iron turning, etc. A cele- brated hay rack is also manufactured by this firm. Mr. Martin's wife, to whom he was married January 6, 1852, was formerly Miss Helen P. Kinne, of New York nativity. They have four children : Eugene A., editor of the Pattonsburg Call; Duane P., in business with his father ; Lillie and Lauren M., a telegraph operator.

HENRY MAYFIELD

(Farmer, Section 1, Post-office, Hamilton).

Among the agriculturists of this county, so many of whom are men- tioned in these pages, is Mr. Mayfield, the owner and proprietor of a landed estate of 160 acres. His home is on section 1, and to his chosen calling he gives close attention, and with the result which only such conduct can produce. Born in Louisville, Ky., March 3, 1842, he was descended from a man also of Kentucky birth, James May- field, a farmer by occupation, whose wife was Mahala Mayfield. The former, upon leaving his native State, came to Missouri and took up his location in Daviess county, where Henry was reared to a farm

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

experience. In 1878, he settled in Caldwell county, and has since remained here, as stated above. It was in 1866 that he was married to Miss Eliza Lewis, who, like himself, was born in Kentucky. Their family numbers four children : Alice, William, Cynthia and Josie. Mr. Mayfield's outlook for the future is by no means an uninviting one.

JOHN MINGER

(Dealer in Groceries and Proprietor of Bakery, Hamilton).

The career of Mr. Minger illustrates to a marked degree what can be accomplished where the qualities of industry and close application are supported by a willful determination to move forward in the af- fairs of the world and a willingness to do himself what others might leave for some one else to perform. In his different stations in life he has met with difficulties and disappointments sufficient to dis- hearten any man, but above all obstacles has he risen to a position of recognized substantial prominence in the business and social esteem of his acquaintances. Born in Stark county, O., December 6, 1842, Mr. Minger was the son of Benedict and Margaret ( Gardhef- ner) Minger, both of foreign ancestry and birth; the former a native of Switzerland and the latter of Germany. The father emigrated to the United States in 1840 and for some time thereafter continued to follow his trade of tailoring. Up to the age of 18 years John Minger occupied himself with the duties of farm labor, but about 1860 commenced to learn the baker's trade and the grocery business at South Bend, Ind. That calling he has since continued and with what success may be imagined when the succeeding facts are observed. In 1864 he decided to start in business for himself at South Bend, but soon after getting nicely established his building and store were burned. In April, 1867, he came to Missouri, determined to obtain a new start. At first his business was necessarily small, but from time to time he has made such additions as were desirable until at this time his stock of groceries, provisions, queensware, etc., is probably one of the largest in Hamilton, and the building which he occupies is one erected by himself. In addition to the lines mentioned Mr. Minger carries a full assortment of agricultural implements. These branches do not include all his possessions, for near town he has a comfortable farm of 260 acres, well adapted to stock raising purposes. In Febuary, 1866, he married Miss Mattie Altman, who was born in Holmes county, O. They have five children : Flora E., Robert, Freddie, Harry and Ezina. One son, Eddie, is deceased. Mr. M. belongs to the I. O. O. F.

WILLIAM MOFFIT

(Proprietor of Planing Mill and Contractor's Job Shop).

Mr. Moffit, a young man not yet 30 years of age, is engaged in a business the extent of which can only be realized by a visit to his plan- ing mill and an examination of the various branches of work to which

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

he gives his attention. He has been established here since 1880, and his mill (which is run by a 10-horse power engine ) is now fitted up with band saws, rip, cut-off and jig saws, wood and iron turning . lathes and formers - a full and complete line of machinery necessary to the successful carrying on of such a business. In general jobbing and contracting he is kept constantly employed - the best evidence of his mechanical skill. Fancy scroll sawing is by no means an unimportant feature of his work. Mr. M. is a son of George W . Mof- fit, a native of Pennsylvania, who married Miss Harriet Smith, of West Virginia. William, the eldest in a family of three children, was born in Jackson county, W. Va., October 22, 1856, and until the age of 16 lived in the place of his birth, occupied in the pursuits of farm life. In 1872 he accompanied his parents to this county and continued farming until 21 years old, when he learned the carpenter's trade, and this has since received the greater part of his energy and consideration. To his present position Mr. Moffit has risen by means of perseverance and a vigorous devotion to his chosen calling, as well as by the natural faculties which he possesses for mechanical work. His standing among the residents of Hamilton is a substantial one. He was married December 28, 1881, to Miss Sallie Foley, of this State, and daughter of John T. Foley. They have one child, Clyde. Mr. M. is a member of the I. O. O. F.

STEPHEN A. MOONEY

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 14, Post-office, Hamilton).

Every community is bound to have among her citizens a few men of recognized influence and ability, who, by their systematic and careful, thorough manner of work, attain to a success which is justly deserved. Among this class is Mr. Mooney, a man esteemed to be a prominent and substantial, as well as progressive, farmer of this township. Since 1867 he has been a resident of Caldwell county, and from that time has been actively engaged in the cultivation of his farm. This now contains 130 acres of land well adapted to general farming pur- poses. In the conduct of his place the same qualities are observed which he would display in any other occupation in life. Mr. Mooney was born in Cortland county, N. Y., September 5, 1842, and was there reared. Coming from such a locality, perhaps it is not to be won- dered at that his labors have been so liberally rewarded. His father, Lewis Mooney, of Orange county, N. Y., became the husband of Miss Eliza Adams, who bore him five children. Stephen A., the second son and third child in the family, left the State of his nativity and bring- ing up, in 1868, and went to Woodford county, Ill., where he remained until taking up his location in this county. On the 30th of September, 1880, he was united in marriage with Miss Lucinda Jen- nison, of Indiana. They have an infant child. Mr. M. is connected with the I. O. O. F., belonging to the Encampment of that order. It is a fact well known throughout the county that no man has more friends or is more universally popular than he.

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

WILLIAM A. MORTON

(Editor and Proprietor of the Hamiltonian, Hamilton).

Mr. Morton was a son of Charles E. Morton, a man well known to citizens of this county, and it is eminently proper that a sketch of his career should be given here. Born in Hatfield, Mass., June 11, 1811, he lived at his birthplace until six years old, then accompanied his parents to Rochester, N. Y., where he lived until the age of 20. Then he removed to the Western Reserve, in Ohio, settling in Orange, near Cleveland, and his nearest neighbor was the mother of the late Gen. J. A. Garfield. For a number of years he continued to make his home in that locality, carrying on a large foundry and machine shop. In 1854 he emigrated to Missouri and settled in Daviess county, five miles northeast of Hamilton, where he embarked in agricultural pursuits. October 15, 1833, he married Miss Hulda Atwater Noah; of Ohio nativity. At the presidential election in 1860 Mr. Morton was one of those who cast his ballot for Abraham Lincoln, and while others were intimidated his courage and determination were too well known to meet with serious resistance. During the late war he was a strong Union man and his influence was often sought by both Federals and Confederates. He was of an energetic disposition, courageous and hopeful, upright, just and firm in all transactions. He died May 13, 1883, leaving besides his widow four sons and three daughters. His life was one that his family can review with pride, for there is not a stain of dishonor on a page of its history, and his precepts may be followed by the best and his example emulated by the purest. William A. Morton, the third child and second son, was born in Orange, O., and removed with his parents to Missouri, living on the home farm until the outbreak of the war in 1861. Then he enlisted in Co. I, 25th Missouri infantry as a private, and was afterwards promoted and com- missioned first lieutenant, serving with the company until January, 1864, when he was appointed quartermaster of the First Engineer regiment, Missouri volunteers. Later on he served on the staff of Gen. Howard with the rank of acting assistant quartermaster. He was in the battle of Shiloh, the engagements at and around Corinth, and the battle of Jonesboro, Ga., September 1, 1864, and accompanied Sherman's army on the memorable march through Georgia to the sea. Remaining on the staff of Gen. Howard until April 1, 1865, he then received an honorable discharge. In 1877 Mr. M. became managing editor of the National Weekly, a paper published in Chicago, and in July, 1878, he established the Hamiltonian. In November, 1881, he was appointed postmaster at Hamilton, and until recently held this position. Mr. Morton is a gentleman of culture and large gen- eral information, and a ready, vigorous and agreeable writer. Though he gives with accuracy all the latest news in each issue of his paper, he is careful to permit nothing to enter the homes of his neighbors and friends through the Hamiltonian that might possibly prove hurtful or offensive to the most sensitive or refined. In a word,

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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