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 43
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 43
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130
406
HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
the Hamiltonian is a journal of dignity, purity, and thorough relia- bility. These are the qualities which its editor esteems to be of the first importance in a successful, worthy newspaper.
JOHN N. MORTON
(Dealer in Hardware, Stoves, Tinware, Agricultural Implements and Blacksmiths' Supplies, Hamilton).
Mr. Morton, who is one of the important factors in the business growth and prosperity of Hamilton, is justly entitled to more than a passing notice in this volume. Since his identification with the city as a business man no one has been more active and enterprising and no one has done more in his line to increase and extend the trade and influence of the place, keeping always on hand one of the largest stocks to be found in towns of greater population, and goods of the best class. By dealing fairly with his customers and treating every one courteously and politely, he naturally draws to his house a large trade. The name of Charles E. Morton, his father, is familiar to the residents of Hamilton and has been since the organization of the town, although he was a citizen of Daviess county. In the sketch of W. A. Morton, which immediately precedes this, a brief outline of his (Charles' ) life has been given. John N. Morton was born in Orange, Cuyahoga county, O., May 2, 1835. Reared in his native State he lived there until 1854, acquiring a good average education and commencing when comparatively young active business life. His first mercantile experience was as clerk in his father's store - a hard- ware establishment - and it might be said that he was brought up to the business. In January, 1862, he enlisted in the 25th Missouri infantry and served his country faithfully for three years. Entering the army as a private, he was subsequently appointed quartermaster sergeant and was transferred from the 25th Missouri to the Engineer's corps. Among other engagements in which he participated were the battle of Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Atlanta, and with Sherman on his march to the sea. After being honorably discharged Mr. Morton returned to Missouri, whither he had removed in 1854, and in May, 1865, he embarked in his present business. His career since that time has proven him to be one of the most successful merchants iu Caldwell county. He was a member of the first town council of Hamilton and for five years a member of the school board. He was one of the organizers of the Hamilton Coal Company and at this time holds the position of its treasurer. Mr. Morton was married June 26, 1867, Miss Mary E. Mills, a native of Belleville, N. J., becoming his wife. Their two children are named Blanche and Anna E. Politi- cally Mr. M. is a Republican and in his religious preferences a Congre- gationalist.
RUFUS W. NAPIER
(Proprietor of the Palace Drug Store, Hamilton).
Among the business industries of Hamilton the establishment known as the Palace Drug Store, at the head of which is Mr. Napier, whose
407
HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
acquaintance extends all over the surrounding country, can not fail to attract attention. Situated as it is in one of the most desirable loca- tions to be found in Hamilton, stocked with a complete and fresh assortment of goods, and fitted up in a manner in which taste and variety are displayed - this is sufficient of itself to draw a patronage and substantial custom that other older established institutions might feel proud to enjoy. However, personal popularity has had not a little to do with Mr. Napier's success, and this, combined with a thor- ough knowledge of the business and care exercised in the compound- ing of prescriptions, has placed him in a front position with other druggists of the county. His store is unsurpassed for neatness, and his stock of goods embraces paints, oils, glass, school books, drugs, medieines, and druggists' sundries. Notwithstanding the superior quality of the different articles in his line, he is able and does compete in prices with any house in North Missouri. Close attention to busi- ness is one of his most prominent characteristics, and this can but result in success. Mr. Napier is a native born resident of this county, his birth having occurred here February 7, 1861. His parents, a sketch of whom is given herewith, had seven children, the others be- side Rufus (who was the eldest ) being Winston T., Frank, Sallie, Joseph, Nannie and Maud. Our subject was reared in this vicinity, and it might be said that he grew up in his present business. His first experience in it was as clerk for B. P. Doddridge and W. J. Ervin, in 1875, and since the year 1879 he has conducted a store by himself. February 15, 1881, Mr. Napier was united in marriage with Miss Ida M. Sigman, a young lady of extensive acquaintance and esteem, the daughter of Mr. John Sigman, of this county. She came originally from Ohio. One daughter has been born of this union, Nettie. Mr. Napier is connected with the I. O. O. F. It should have been mentioned before that Mr. Napier's grandfather, Joseph F. Napier, was born in Virginia and when young moved to Ken- tucky, there following farming. He married Frances E. Fitzpatrick, of the same State as himself, and eight of their children grew to maturity : Richard C., John E., Elizabeth A., Winston C., William A., James T. and Sarah F. Mr. N. died in 1843, and his wife in 1874. William A. Napier was born in Casey county, Ky., March 8, 1831, and there grew up until the age of 17 on a farm. In 1848 he came to Warrensburg, Mo., where he sold goods, and four years thereafter settled at Kingston, moving thence in a year to Pattons- burg, Daviess county. About the same time was passed here, and a year was then spent at Linn Creek, in Camden county, and after this he returned to this county, where he has since resided. His marriage to Miss Sarah A. Buster occurred February 15, 1859. She was born in Kentucky in 1838 and brought to Missouri in 1840. Her parents were William and Sallie Buster.
GEORGE NETCHER
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 32, Post-office, Hamilton).
Not only has Mr. Netcher become well recognized as an agriculturist of advanced ideas and practice, but the reputation which he enjoys as
21
408
HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
a mechanic of no mean order is one well deserved. Up to the age of 17 he was taught the principles of farm life, but after going to Fremont, Sandusky county, O., about the year 1846, from his adopted home in Pennsylvania, he served a regular apprenticeship at the trade of cabinet making in Toledo. Following the completion of the knowl- edge of this trade he worked for a time in Toledo, and subsequently as a journeyman was employed in various places. Some time later he became a partner in business with his former employer, and this relation was sustained until 1853, when he went to Indiana. In about two years thereafter he became located in Delaware county, Ia., gave his attention to agricultural pursuits for a while, and then on account of ill health disposed of his interests and returned to Ohio. From that time to the present his time has been passed as follows : Settling at Swede Point, Boone county, Ia., he soon left there and took up his residence in Galesburg, Ill. While there he was married to Miss Ann Benson, daughter of Robert C. Benson. Again he made his home in Swede Point, Ia., afterwards returned to Illinois, lived in that State some years, and finally, in 1881, settled permanently in Caldwell county, where he has continued to improve his place of 120 acres, devoted to general farming purposes. In the life work of Mr. Netcher can be seen the predominant characteristics of the German race -industry, energy and indomitable will, elements which can not fail of success. He has made what he now owns entirely by his own efforts. Born in Germany, February 12, 1829, he was the son of Lewis Netcher, of the same country, and a cabinet maker by trade. The latter emigrated to this continent while his son was quite young, settling in Cumberland county, Pa., where he resided four years. Mr. Neteher and his wife have four children : Sarah J., wife of C. L. Dorsett ; Jerome, Cora and Clara.
MOSES F. NEVITT
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 8, Post-office, Hamilton).
Mr. Nevitt's farm embraces 120 acres, conducted in a manner that can result only to the best advantage for the labor expended. The im- provements are of a good class. He is of Ohio birth and bringing up, though his father came originally from Maryland. He married Miss Sarah Romain, a Virginian by nativity, who bore him two children. Moses, the eldest of these, was born in Muskingum county, of the Buckeye State, in 1849, March 16. Joseph Nevitt, the father, was engaged in mercantile pursuits as his calling in life. Moses, though reared as a farmer, early became occupied in the coal business and car- ried on mining until 1880, when he came to this county. Besides his estate above mentioned he also owns a timber tract of 10 acres. Mr. Nevitt was united in marriage with Miss Quintella Power, June 1, 1868. Her birth occurred in Morgan county, O., and she is a daugh- ter of David H. Power, of Caldwell county, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. N. have a family of two children : Rollin and James A. They are con- nected with the Baptist Church, and are recognized as worthy mem- bers of society. On all matters of general information Mr. Nevitt is well posted, keeping up with the current affairs of the outside world.
409
HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
PRYOR N. NORTON, M. D. (Physician and Surgeon, Hamilton).
On the 18th of May, 1838, in Grant county, Ky., there was born to George and Martha ( Brumback) Norton a son - the subject of this sketch - a man whose career in life has been almost wholly devoted to caring for the afflicted and alleviating the sufferings of those diseased in body. His father was also a native of the Blue Grass State, though after leaving there he became located in Daviess county, Mo., in 1855 ; his wife, a Virginian by birth, died in Kentucky. George Norton gained for himself and family a livelihood by tilling the soil. To himself and wife were born 14 children : John R., Mary, Eliza, William G. and Harriet Sharp died prior to 1860; Charles J. and Robert H. have died since that date and Elizabeth, now Mrs. Crall ; Rebecca, Mrs. McCormick ; Stephen, Pryor N., Louisa, Mrs. Castor; Alice, Mrs. Norton, and George R. are living. The senior Norton departed this life in Daviess county, in 1860. Pryor N. had grown up on the old homestead and had reached the age of 17 years when he accompanied his father to Missouri. Almost at once he com- menced to prepare himself for the calling to which he had determined to devote his after life - the study of medicine. Under the thorough and careful guidance and instruction of Dr. Miller, of DeKalb, he made rapid progress in his course and subsequently attended lectures at the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, O. From this well known institution he was graduated in 1868. During the war, how- ever, Dr. Norton had entered the 20th Kentucky volunteer infantry, and at first received an appointment as hospital steward. Subsequently, he was promoted to assistant surgeon and in this capacity served for three years. After this he began the active practice of his profession, spending one year in Illinois and then coming to Kidder, Mo., in 1866, where he remained up to 1872. He then went to Kentucky, but in 1881 came to Hamilton, where he has continued to devote himself closely to following his chosen profession. The Doctor was married November 5, 1863, to Miss Mary L. Pierson, of Lexington, Ky., though brought up at Frankfort, and their union was one of much happiness until dissolved by the death of Mrs. N., October 5, 1885. She was a truly noble woman, of many accomplishments and rare personal worth. Prominently identified with the Baptist Church, she was looked upon by every one who knew her as a Christian whose example was worthy of imitation. Her loss was keenly felt, not only in the home but in outside circles. Dr. N. is also a member of the Baptist Church and a leading Sunday-school worker, being the present superintendent. He is connected with the Missouri State Eclectic Medical Society, and ranks as a physician of decided merit and ability among those best qualified to judge of his attainments.
JOHN PARMENTER
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 34, Post-office, Hamilton).
Mr. Parmenter's parents were both of English origin, - William and Judy Parmenter, née Wilkins. The former belonged to that class of successful agriculturists whose natural aptness for farming was whet-
410
HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
ted by close and continued application. He was a man who depended entirely upon his own conscious resources for his welfare in life, and these qualities of mind and heart have descended in a remarkable degree to his son. John Parmenter was born in Swaffam, Cambridge- shire, England, November 15, 1832, and there remained until 1855. In that year, having become possessed of a desire to settle in Amer- ica, he emigrated to the United States and took up his location at Barre Centre, Orleans county, N. Y. In 1862 he went to Haldimand county, Canada, and in 1866 came to Caldwell county, Mo., and this has since been his place of residence. Success has attended the career of Mr. Parmenter in his efforts to secure for himself an honored and respected name in this community, and by his industri- ous and persevering habits he has made a host of warm friends. His estate embraces 120 acres, well improved. In every worthy movement Mr. P. occupies a place of no small importance. He married in 1864 Miss Maggie Doherty, of Canadian birth. The fruits of this union are six children : William R., Susanna C., Orphia L., Ada M., Nettie M. and J. Pearlie.
H. SCHAFER
(General Contractor and Dealer in Ties and Piling and Hardwood Lumber).
In mentioning those of foreign birth who have become closely asso- ciated with the business interests of Hamilton, we should not fail to present an outline of the career of Mr. Schafer, for it is one which has fully borne out the reputation of that class of industrious, energetic men of Prussian nativity who have risen to prominence in different portions of this country. He was born February 6th, 1849, in the Territory of Brunswick, in the town of Bramke, in which community he continued to remain until 18 years of age. His occupation was that of shepherd in the old country, from his fourteenth to his eigthteenth year. Becoming possessed of a desire to seek a new home in a free coun- try, he emigrated to the United States in 1869, and immediately came to St. Louis, thence going to Marshall county, Kan., to work on the St. Joseph and Denver Railroad. He commenced taking contracts in the vear 1869, for masonry, and kept in the line until he reached Hastings, Neb., and also built 9 miles of grading on the same road in 1872. In the fall of 1872 he took a contract of one mile on the Amazonia cut-off on the Kansas City, St. Jo. and Council Bluffs Railroad, and in the spring of 1873 came to St. Joseph. He secured various contracts up to 1876, and then constructed Bush Branch sewer, doing various city contracts, such as grading and macadamizing streets, and he also macadamized the Union Stock Yards at St. Joseph and a large amount of masonry and macadamizing about the machine shops of the K. C. & St. Jo. R. R. For the same company he also built two miles of the " Y " at Win- throp. In 1876 he commenced the timber business by taking a contract of the St. Jo. & Denver R. R. Co., the A. & N. R. R., the Central Branch of the U. P. R. R., the H. & St. Jo. R. R. Co. and also the Ft. Scott & Gulf R. R. Co., to funish ties and piling and bridge timber in large quantities. He has also furnished counties and bridge companies with their necessary sawed timbers. Besides this he has made a specialty
411
HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
of furnishing fine walnut timber for various manufactories in the East. Mr. Schafer came to Hamilton in the spring of 1878, and has since resided here continuously, operating with various parties in the neighboring counties. He opened a hardwood lumber yard in this city in the year 1880, and is also running a saw mill, continually manufacturing lumber. He is the owner of a large body of land in Daviess county, Mo. Hamilton has reason to be proud of him as a citizen, for besides the addition which he laid out to the town, he also built a switch 21/4 miles in length for the Hamilton Coal Company last season, and is one of the largest stockholders in the Hamilton Coal Company's mines. Mr. Schafer has furnished employment to more laborers than any man in the county since his arrival here, and all business and laboring men have been benefited by his various enter- prises. In 1877 Mr. Schafer was married to Miss Lena Hankie of the same Territory as her husband, but from the town of Dousing of Prussia. They have two children : Emma and Henry. Mr Schafer and his wife are both members of the Lutheran Church, and he is also a member of the I. O. O. F. He has two brothers who have been in America since 1851.
JOHN SIGMAN
(Farmer, Section 12, Post-office, Hamilton).
A person who devotes almost a lifetime to any one calling is reason- ably expected to achieve a thorough and accurate knowledge of the details connected with every branch of his business. The reputation which Mr. Sigman enjoys as a miller is not a local one, as a glance at this sketch will show. He commenced his career in life on a farm, subsequently served 3 years at cabinet-making in Cambridge, O., and then he followed the carpenter's and joiner's business 9 years. When 24 years of age, he started to work at mill machinery and was one of the first to put portable saw mills in operation, a saw mill on exhibition at a fair in Ohio in that early day attracting curious obser- vation and criticism. He remained in the employ of machinists in Zanesville, O., and sold machines all over the States for many years, putting up and setting in order the mills thus disposed of. It is worthy of remark that he erected the first flour mill in Hamilton and helped to make the machinery at Zanesville. This contained two run of stone and the buhrs were brought from Nordyke & Morman, Richmond, Indiana. Selling his interest in the mill to Mr. Benjamin Austin and he to Mr. Clark, who now owns the mill, Mr. Sigman then moved upon the farm which he still occupies, containing 90 acres. This is in good condition and well improved. He is a native of Guernsey county, O., born March 11, 1825. His father, who died May 28, 1885, was George Sigman, of Williamsport, Pa., born June 7, 1803, and by occupation a farmer and shoemaker. He took for his wife Miss Margaret Crawford, of Ireland, who was brought to the United States when young. John was the eldest in their family of six children. The subject of this sketch has been three times married. First, January 18, 1849, to Miss Martha Frances Allen, born April 26, 1824, in Ohio. She died March 10, 1855, and
412
HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
on November 12, 1857, Miss Marinda Heskett, also of Ohio, became his wife. At her death, September 14, 1872, she left 3 children ; Emmet W., Ida May, now Mrs. Napier, and Sitha Jane. His third marriage occurred March 17, 1875, to Miss Maggie Ford, a native of Canada. They have one daughter, Nancy Vernie. Mr. S. is a mem- ber of the Christian Church.
DR. S. V. STOLLER (Physician and Farmer, Post-office, Hamilton).
In this sketch of a successful man, yet on the incline of life's hill, will be found another demonstration that it is wise, generally, in parents to let their children follow the bent of their business inclina- tions. The father of the subject of this sketch was Philip Stoller, a farmer of New York State, he having been born in Fulton county. He had married after reaching manhood Miss Eliza Brower, also of New York nativity. Among the children born of this union was our subject, his natal day being November 10, 1834, and his birthplace in Montgomery county, N. Y. Up to the age of about 20 years young Stoller remained at home in attending to the duties about the farm, but in 1854 he removed to Illinois, settling in Winnebago county, where he finally settled the desire long had to follow the practice of medicine as a profession. In 1856 he commenced studying medicine, and under the thorough preceptorship of Dr. James McFatrich, of Rockford, Ill., he made rapid progress in his studies. This prepara- tion he supplemented with a course at the Eclectic Medical College, of Cincinnati, O., from which institution he was graduated in 1858. Soon after this Dr. Stoller became located in Union county, Ill., where he practiced his profession for two years, then going to Rock county, Wis. Two years later he made his home in Green county, same State, for a period of two years, at the expiration of which time he came to Missouri and settled permanently in Caldwell county. His residence has continued to be in this county and for almost 20 years he has passed his time in endeavoring to alleviate the sufferings of the afflicted and to contribute, as best he could, to every movement tending to benefit his fellow-man. His practice would of itself be sufficient to employ all his attention, but in connection with that he has found time to cultivate his fine farm one mile north of Hamilton, containing 90 acres. Besides this he owns 120 acres of land in Chariton county. The Doctor is of a genial disposition and excellent social character- istics, receiving the deepest respect of his friends and acquaintances. It was in December, 1867, when his marriage to Miss Phebe A. Twist, of Montgomery county, N. Y., occurred. They have lost two children ' born to them : Olivia and an infant son. Dr. Stoller is a charter mem- ber of the State Eclectic Medical Society, a member of the National Eclectic Medical Society, and also belongs to the Presbyterian Church.
HORACE B. STREETER
(Farmer, Section 35, Post-office, Hamilton).
This name is by no means an unfamiliar one to the many readers of the " History of Caldwell County," for besides the honored and
413
HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
respected subject of our sketch, he has a number of sons who have worthily borne themselves in the agricultural affairs of this community. Horace B. Streeter, a man slowly but surely approaching the allotted age of three score and ten years, began his life in the town of Genoa, Cayuga county, N. Y., where he was born, April 2, 1819. Wash- ington county, N. Y., was the birthplace of his father, Josiah Streeter, who, in early life, found a worthy companion in the person of Ruby Stebbins, of Massachusetts. Heaven blessed this union with seven children, of which number Horace was next to the eldest. His entire life has been passed without any great deviation from the pursuit of farming, to which he was brought up, but this he has assiduously followed, until 1855 in New York, but since then in Missouri. This has been his home for about 30 years, a period long enough in itself to give him an extensive acquaintance, but which his kind and genial manner has largely increased. He owns 120 acres of improved land, in good cultivation. Mr. Streeter, on May 7, 1845, was united in marriage to Miss Cornelia L. Gillett, like himself originally from New York, though born in Erie county. They have six children : Judson H., Charles E., George W. and William H. in this county ; Martin J., in California; and Nellie A. Two children are deceased, Burdette and William Henry. The property which Mr. S. now owns has only been gained through un- remitting toil, and a lifetime of hard, earnest endeavor. His present competence, however, is a comfortable one.
ISAAC STRUBLE
(Farmer, Post-office, Hamilton).
An honest, upright man, and one whose life has been without reproach in his intercourse with his fellow-men, Mr. Struble is now in his sixty-fifth year. Having come to this county about the year 1852, he has resided here over thirty years and has become well acquainted with its affairs and citizens. His first purchase of land here he still owns, this consisting of ninety-four acres. Mr. S. was born October 4, 1821, and is a native of Sussex county, N. J., being one of twelve children of George I. and Phebe ( Moore) Struble. The former was also of New Jersey birth, and a physician by profession. He was a gallant soldier in the War of 1812. The names of their children are as follows: John, a farmer in New York ; Henry, a physician in the same State ; Joseph, in Michigan ; George W., in Iowa ; Barbara A. and Simeon, in New York; Emily, in Michigan. Isaac accompanied the family to Ontario county, N. Y., when twelve years of age and there grew to manhood upon a farm, making his home in that vicinity until some thirty years of age. His next move took him to Michigan, from whence he came about nine months later to this county. Novem- ber 10, 1850, Mr. S. was married to Miss Sarah Stevenson, originally from Belfast, Ireland. Seven children have blessed their happy mar- ried life: Robert, in Ohio; Edward, Janie, in Colorado Springs; Sarah E., in Hamilton; Addie, in Iowa ; and George and Rettie at home. In youth though denied the advantages of an education him- self, he has ever been a warm advocate of the public school system of the present day.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.