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 44
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 44
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414
HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
U. H. SWISHER
(Of the Firm of Swisher Bros., Dealers in Groceries, Provisions, etc , Hamilton).
Born near Columbus, Ohio, in 1842, Mr. Swisher is the son of Isaac and Amanda (Denison) Swisher, the former a native of West Virginia, and the latter originally from the Buckeye State. The former was born in 1815 and his wife in 1817; their marriage occurred in Licking county, O., in 1839. There Isaac Swisher con- tinued to give his attention to agricultural pursuits until 1863, when with his family he removed to Indiana, settling near Warsaw. In 1865 he decided to come westward, and accordingly took up his loca- tion at Gallatin, Daviess county, Mo., moving to Hamilton in 1879, where Mrs. Swisher died in 1881. The father is now retired from active business life. He and his wife both joined the M. E. Church when at an early age. They had the following children : O. J., wife of W. C. Martin, of Daviess county ; Henry L., in Daviess county ; Victorien, now Mrs. Peter Galpin; Mary O., wife of E. W. Galpin ; Emma, wife of James Wallace; J. F., a member of the firm of Swisher Bros. ; A. C., wife of Mr. Drake, and U. H., the subject of this sketch. He was reared and educated near Columbus, O., and at the outbreak of the war enlisted in the 46th volunteer infantry, being sent soon after to the Western Department in Tennessee. He was with Sherman on his march to the sea, participating in many engage- ments at that time, and was also along the Mississippi river from Island No. 10 to Vicksburg, taking part in the engagement when Gen. McPherson was killed. At the close of the war he was mustered out at Crystal Springs, D. C. Going now to Gallatin. Mo., Mr. Swisher embarked in the grocery business, following also the carpenter's and builder's trade for about seven years. After teaching school for a short time he came to Hamilton in 1875, where he has since become well known and recognized as a substantial and successful merchant. At first he engaged in carpentering and building, but in 1885 he resumed the grocery and provision business in connection with his brother. Mr. S. owns a finely improved and cultivated farm of 160 acres, upon which are all necessary buildings. In 1869 he was married to Miss Mary E. Surface, of Ohio. They have three children : Carl, Maud Pearl and John. During his lifetime Mr. Swisher has held a number of positions of trust and responsibility. In Daviess county he was publie administrator, and since, in Hamilton, he has been a member of the council for three terms and also of the school board. He belongs to the Encampment and Degree Camp of the I. O. O. F.
PETER A. SWITZER
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 3, Post-office, Hamilton).
One of the finest farms in Caldwell county and one of the best improved is that owned by Peter A. Switzer, who, during his residence
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
here, has not only been intimately associated with agricultural matters, but by his upright and worthy course has risen in the esteem and respect of the people to a degree which he has reason to consider with pride. It was in 1870 when he first located in this county, his settle- ment then being made in the southern limit of its boundary. After living on that farm for several years he came upon his present place in 1881, May 7, and immediately commenced the improvements which are now such as to attract universal attention. Without doubt his farm as a whole is unexcelled in the character of its improvements. His barn is a structure such as is seldom seen in an agricultural com- munity, while his house is a model of neatness and comfort, con- structed with a view to beauty only less than to convenience. Various outbuildings, necessary and complete in their appointments, pronounce him at once a leader in the affairs of farming. This peculiar trait seems to be a marked characteristic of the Switzer family, for two of his brothers are the owners of homes and farms hardly less perfect than his own. In the construction of the buildings upon his place 26,000 feet of oak lumber were used; some idea can therefore be formed of the truth of the statements here made. Peter A. Switzer was born December 10, 1836, in Richland county, O., the son of John and Elizabeth ( Alexander ) Switzer. The former was a native of Som- erset county, Pa., and subsequently went to Ohio, and in 1841 moved with his family to Ray county, Mo. In the family were 10 children, nine sons and one daughter, and of these Peter was the fourth son. The greater portion of his life in youth was passed in farming, and his subsequent career has doubtless been influenced largely by the principles there acquired. At this time Mr. Switzer's landed estate embraces 760 acres. January 28, 1874, he was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary A. Ford, of Canada, and this union has been blessed with an interesting family of three children, all boys, Johnnie, Whitney and Clyde. It is a fact worthy of mention that the secret of Mr. S.'s success lies in his devotion to the work itself, not looking to the rewards. Politically he is a Republican.
JOHN B. TATTERSHALL
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 28, Post-office, Hamilton).
In the record of the life of J. B. Tattershall we have that of a brave soldier, a successful agriculturist, a respected citizen, and a man of deserved popularity among his acquaintances. He is now in his forty- eighth year, and just in the meridian of life, is in possession of a comfort- able competence and with a bright outlook for the future. The improve- ments upon his farm of 120 acres are of a substantial order. Mr. T. was born in Luzerne county, Pa., March 26, 1838, the son of John Tattershall, Esq., a native of Yorkshire, England. The latter emi- grated to the United States in 1818 and continued to make his home in Pennsylvania until 1839, when he removed to New York. By oc- cupation he was a merchant and for many years, or up to the time of
416
HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
his death, followed that calling in New York. His wife was formerly Miss Caroline M. France, of German-English origin. John B., the eldest of his parents' family of eight children, accompanied his father to New York when an infant and was there when the mutterings of war aroused his patriotism. At the outbreak of the struggle which was to prove so terrible in the shedding of human blood, he enlisted in the 136th New York volunteer infantry. He fought with conspicuous gallantry in the battles of Chancellorsville, second engagement at Get- tysburg, Lookout Valley, Ga., Mission Ridge, numerous skirmishes in the continuous fight to Atlanta, through the engagements while with Sherman on his march to the sea, Bentonville, N. C., and finally to Washington, where he was mustered ont. Soon after that Mr. Tat- tershall went to McLean county, Ill. He married in 1874 Miss Retta Wright, a lady born in Ohio. Of this union one son has been born, John W. After a residence in Illinois for about two years Mr. T. became located in Caldwell county, and since 1868 he has steadily but quietly pursued his chosen avocation, and not without the results which must necessarily follow perseverance and industry. He belongs to the Congregational Church.
LESTER TENNAL
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 30, Post-office, Hamilton).
It has been truly said that some men " think out their work and then work out their thoughts." They comprise that class who, without early advantages, rise through their own efforts to positions of prom- inence and respect. Mr. Tennal's career in life has been different from that of most men. Born in Arkansas, near Little Rock, Jan- uary 25, 1832, he was not privileged with any educational advantages while growing up, and it was not until he was 21 years of age that he learned to read. This he accomplished by self application, and at the expense of hard study. He was reared in Texas to the stock business until 19 years old, after which time he lived in various places until 1853, when he made a settlement in Kansas. In October, 1856, he came to Caldwell county, and here he now owns a farm of 160 acres, well improved and in good condition. The competence which he now enjoys is a comfortable one. Mr. Tennal has been married three times. First in May, 1859, to Miss Mary E. Clevenger, of this county, who died in 1879, leaving eight children : Allen P., Adelia M., Samuel M., Lucy A., Sarah E., Dode, Lester and Charles. His second wife he married in 1880 - Mrs. Lydia Gilbert, born and reared in Caldwell county. Her death occurred in 1884. March 8, 1885, Mr. T. married Mrs. Hannah Shoufler, of Ohio. He is a member of the A. F. and A. M. and also belongs to the Methodist Church. Mr. Tennal is an active, straight-forward man, earnest and sincere in all his convictions ; possessing keen perceptions, he has a mind capable of great penetration. He is a deep thinker and by his intelligence is far above many whose youthful opportunities were more favorable.
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IHISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
HENRY THORNTON
(Proprietor of Livery, Feed and Sale Stable, Hamilton).
Henry Thornton, the well known livery stable man, was born June 3, 1818, in Mason county, Ky. Perhaps it is not strange, therefore, that he should be such a well posted man in regard to horses, coming from a locality noted for the excellence of its horse flesh. His father was Joseph Thornton, also of Mason county, who, upon leaving the Blue Grass State, moved to Indiana in 1830, living there for eight years. Subsequently he located at Columbia, Boone county, Mo., where he died. His wife's maiden name was Miss Judy Asbury, also of Kentucky nativity, and her death also occurred at Columbia. They reared to maturity 13 children, nine of whom are now living, and of these Henry is the third child and son. Brought up on a farm, he early became familiar with that calling and continued to follow it until 18 years of age when he commenced to learn the plasterer's trade. At this he worked until 23 years old and in 1862 he came to Caldwell county and settled at Hamilton. There is but one man now living within the limits of this place who was here when he came - Mr. A. G. Davis - and his long residence here has contributed considerably to give him the popularity he now enjoys. He has been in the livery business for some 23 years and now conducts a stable which is well patronized, for he has it well stocked and equipped. Mr. Thornton was married in 1855 to Miss Pelelope Orr, who was born in Pike county, Mo. They have four children : Mary Inez, Charles, James O. and Harry. One is deceased. For a long time Mrs. T. has been in such ill health that the care of the household and family has fallen upon Miss Mary, a young lady of noble qualities of mind and heart, who, by her cheerful disposition and winning way and upright con- duct, has become endeared to a host of acquaintances. She has dis- charged the duties of the home in a worthy manner, esteeming such a labor of love labor to be sought after. Mr. Thornton is connected with the A. F. and A. M. As one of the earliest settlers here he is highly respected.
DR. CLAYTON TIFFIN
(Physician and Surgeon, Hamilton).
There are few men of the present day whom the world acknowl- edges as successful, more worthy of honorable mention, or whose life history affords a better example of what may be accomplished by a determined will and perseverance, than the subject of this sketch ; and, indeed, his career is one well worthy of imitation. He comes of a family known throughout the length and breadth of this land, and wherever their representatives have settled, the name has of itself been sufficient evidence of the character and worth of those who have borne it. As far back as we can go the Tiffins have been recognized as established physicians and surgeons of a high reputation. The great-great-grandfather of Clayton was a surgeon in the English army.
418
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
He had a grandson named Clayton, also. a physician by profession, who, after reaching manhood, married Miss Catherine Saxton. Of that union there was born a son, John C. Tiffin, January 20, 1813, in Ross county, O. The latter in time became the father of the man whose name heads this biography. John C. Tiffin was brought up in the State of his birth until reaching the age of seventeen. Naturally, perhaps, he early formed a determination to follow the practice of medicine, and subsequently pursued his medical studies under the guidance of his father and a Dr. White. In 1835 he entered the Cin- cinnati Medical College as a student, and from that institution was graduated after being thoroughly qualified to enter upon the field of his chosen calling. His professional labors at first were directed to the territory about Clinton county, Mo., but later on he located in Ray county, where he continued to make his home. November 12, 1835, he married Miss Margaret Carder, whose death occurred in Sep- tember, 1842. She had borne her husband two children, Clayton and Edward P. The former was born February 12, 1837, in Ross county, O., and until five years old remained there, then accompanying his father to Knoxville, Ray county, Mo., which continued to be his home until 1883. His early education was acquired both in Ohio and at the schools of Knoxville, and at the age of thirteen he was sent to Old Frankfort Seminary, of Frankfort, O., an institution of renowned learning. Favored with such superior opportunities for obtaining an education, Clayton did not fail to improve them, realizing that educa- tion was the open sesame to the storehouse of riches and success. When quite young he had exhibited a strong desire for the study of medicine, and a precocious ability for the practice of that profession, and his head and heart were fully bent upon a complete preparation for a proud position in the ranks of eminent medical men. First studying under the preceptorship of his father, he then went to St. Louis, to attend medical lectures, and was placed under the instruc- tion of Dr. L. P. Perry, his uncle, and a physician of prominence. The latter was formerly a student at the Virginia University, and graduated therefrom with high honors. A member of the graduat- ing class of 1856-57 in the St. Louis Medical College, Clayton subsequently attended three winters at that institution. Later on he passed a winter at the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, attending a special branch and taking a gen- eral course in medicine and surgery. Following this he passed two winters at the Bellevue Medical College, College of Physicians and Surgeons and University College, in New York, in each of which the Doctor pursued general and special courses, after which he returned home. Visiting the Medical College of San Francisco, he there formed the acquaintance of Dr. J. S. Potts, a man of established reputation as a physician, and a resident of San Jose, Cal. This relation proved a most beneficial and enjoyable one, for with him Dr. T. visited Europe in 1880, in order to acquire a still more thorough knowledge in the general practice of medicine and surgery, as well as to acquaint himself with the peculiarities of different specialties. While in Lon-
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
don he spent his time at different hospitals and colleges, among others Kings' College, University Hospital, St. Thomas' Hospital, Bartholo- mew and also St. Mark's Hospital, enjoying the teaching of such men as Prof. Lester, on Surgery ; Prof. Playfair and Spencer Wells on Diseases of Women and Children; Prof. Allingham on Diseases of the Rectum and Lower Bowels. From London he went to Paris, placing himself under the tutorage of Prof. Brown-Sequard, for the special study of Nervous Diseases. Leaving Paris he visited Vienna, Austria, to attend surgical lectures at the great hospital at that place under Prof. Bilroth, who is conceded to be the finest operating sur- geon living. At Berlin, Germany, he gained much knowledge at the hospital there, later on attending the University College at Edin- borough, Scotland, and finally the renowned Rotunda Hospital of Dublin, Ireland. Dr. Tiffin is an allopath in principle, but has attended both homeopathic and eclectic schools, his library, which is a rare and valuable one, containing different works on both schools ; he has investigated and gleaned from all the schools of medicine and selected what was good for the healing of mankind. He is not only a general practitioner of medicine, but a specialist in the diseases peculiar to this county, among which we might mention diseases of women and children, eye and ear, nose, throat and lungs, stomach, liver and bowels, private diseases and errors of youth of both sexes, diseases of the nervous system and many others which might be enumerated. Besides this he has made cancer and morbid growth his special study for a long time, both here and abroad. In London Dr. Tiffin purchased the finest set of surgical instruments that could be found, and also instruments for special diseases, at a cost aggregating $800. To say that he is now one of the best and most prominent physicians in not only Missouri, but the whole country, would be superfluous, for it could not be otherwise. His complete set of surgical instruments are unequaled and in their use he has no supe- rior. About two years ago he came to Hamilton and at once identi- fied himself with the various means which were adopted to build up the town. Some of the most substantial improvements here are evidences of his public-spiritedness and interest in the place of his adoption. It is not only in professional ranks that the Doctor has risen to dis- tinction, for during the war his military career was such as to win for him the mark of a brave soldier, and a fighter of superior skill, as well as a commander of keen discernment. In 1862, he enlisted in the Enrolled Missouri Militia, being made captain at once. His active and efficient service carried him through Ray, Clinton and other counties of Northwest Missouri, and in 1865, by order of Gov. Fletcher, he recruited an independent company for defense against bushwhackers and other lawless marauding bands. In the engagement at Glasgow, Howard county, he was captured by the enemy, but soon after exchanged. From 1862 to 1865 he was captain of Co. C, 4th Provisional Militia, and was engaged in numerous skirmishes with the most noted guerrilla leaders. His encounter on May 23, 1865, with Arch. Clemmon's command, in which the latter were defeated, was
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
the last engagement of the war. October 6, 1865, Dr. Tiffin was married to Miss Julia A. Larison, and they have one son, Alexis F., born December 28, 1871. Such has been the history of the life thus far of Dr. Tiffin, a man esteemed by those acquainted with him, and thoroughly respected by all. He is of pleasing address and most agreeable manners, possessed of a mind clear, penetrating and com- prehensive, thoroughly posted in his profession and a practitioner of decided merit. Before closing this sketch it should be mentioned that in the family of Tiffins was the one after whom the town of Tiffin, O., took its name, Edward Tiffin, the great-uncle of Dr. Tiffin, and the first Governor of the State of Ohio.
EDWARD P. TIFFIN
(Proprietor of Livery, Feed and Sale Stable, Hamilton.)
Mr. Tiffin's life has not been entirely devoted to the business which now receives his attention, neither does he depend on this exclusively for a livelihood at the present time. He was brought up on a farm, and there acquired a taste for agricultural pursuits which has adhered to him, but upon reaching the age of 16 years he engaged in the gro- cery business, a calling which he followed for some 12 years. Since that time his time and care have been divided between conducting a farm, merchandising, and trading in stock. He is a large landholder, having an estate of 1,600 acres in Ray county, land well adapted to the purpose for which it is largely used - the stock industry. His stable at this place meets with a satisfactory patronage, a result due greatly to the personal magnetism and " willingness to do" manifested by Mr. Tiffin. In stock matters he is well posted and of recognized authority. In the sketch which immediately precedes this, that of Dr. Clayton Tiffin, will be found an outline of the ancestry of the subject of this sketch, for the latter is a brother to the Doctor. Edward P. Tiffin was born in Ross county, O., in 1840 and came to Missouri when 4 years old, settling in Ray county, There it was that he grew up. In 1864 he was joined in marriage with Miss Margaret Campbell, whose birth occurred in Jackson county, Mo., in 1846. They have two daughters, both married, Fannie, the wife of James R. Holman, a merchant and stock trader, and Aeda, now Mrs. Joseph Thompson.
HIRAM TILLEY
(Furniture Dealer and Undertaker, Hamilton).
Born in Hampshire county, Mass., October 9, 1842, Mr. Tilley is only a little over 43 years of age at this time. His father's name was George Tilley, who by occupation was a farmer. Upon reaching manhood he married Miss Hannah Sheldon, of Massachusetts. Hiram in growing up thoroughly familiarized himself with the duties of farm life, remaining at home until entering the army as a member of the 8th Massachusetts infantry. His conduct in that awful struggle was characterized by the utmost vigor and courage. After the close
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
of the war, in 1865, Mr. Tilley removed to Nebraska, and for four years resided in Omaha, from which place he went to Cameron, Clin- ton county, Mo. For twelve years he carried on a furniture business there with considerable success, but considering Hamilton a still better point for such an establishment, he moved here in 1877. Five years later, however, he returned to Cameron, but two more years there satisfied him of his error. Again, in 1884, did he come to this place, and in connection with his furniture interests he has made undertak- ing a prominent feature of his business. In early life Mr. Tilley had learned the trade of car building, an occupation to which he devoted himself for eight years. His present establishment is an extensive one, well stocked and liberally patronized. His success has long been an established fact. In 1877 he was married to Miss Fannie Reed, a native of Clinton county, Mo. One son, Dean, has been born to them. Mr. T. is connected with the Masonic Order.
L. D. VAN VOLKENBURGH
(Proprietor of the China Hall, Hamilton).
Mr. Van Volkenburgh, the proprietor of one of the leading business establishments of this place, was born in Canada West, August 6, 1832, his father being Timothy H. Van Volkenburgh, a native of New York. The latter was of Holland descent, and the son of David Van Volkenburgh. The wife of Timothy, who was also the mother of the sub- ject of this sketch, was formerly Stina Letcher, of New York nativity. When he was three years old, the parents of L. D. removed from their residence in Canada to Ohio, but the same year settled in Cold- water, Mich., which continued to be their home for thirty years. The father was a farmer by occupation and to this calling the son was reared. In addition to his agricultural interests Mr. Van Volkenburgh, Sr., was engaged in the ministry of the Christian Church for forty years. He was a man of high sense of honor, and held veracity as one of the most sacred qualifications in every capacity of life. He died in Hamilton in 1873, at the age of 77, his worthy com- panion having preceded him in 1872, in Shelby county, Mo. L. D. Van Volkenburgh came to Missouri in 1869, and settled in Shelbina, of which place he was a citizen for four years. At the expiration of that period he came to Caldwell county, and in 1873 became occu- pied in the hotel business, later on giving his attention to railroading. In 1881, he opened his present store, known everywhere as China Hall. The stock to be found here embraces a most complete line of china, queensware and glassware, bric-a-brac, etc., ranging in value from the inexpensive to the most costly, a stock which would be a credit to a place of a far greater size than Hamilton. The patronage which has been built up by his close attention to business and good management is constantly increasing. Mr. Van Volkenburgh was married August 27, 1856, to Miss Harriet E. Crosby, of New York. They have four children : Ada, now Mrs. Eben T. Smith, of Daviess county, Mo. ; Reubert B., married and in St. Joseph, Mo. ; Stina, the
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
wife of P. H. Broughton, of Tacoma, Washington Territory, and Judson D. During the war he was in the Navy Department, and in 1863 he was on board the Keokuk when she sank off Charleston har- bor. After a service of six months, he was disabled from duty by overheating in the fire room, and consequently wasdischarged. He now belongs to the G. A. R., and is also a member of the I. O. O. F. For four years he held the position of justice of the peace.
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