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 46

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 46
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 46

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In this sketch of one of the truly representative men of Gomer township appear facts which might be referred to with pardonable pride. The life of Henry J. Brown, while perhaps not of striking importance to the outside word, has been one which redounds with credit to himself, and one on which no breath of reproach has ever fallen. The branch of the Brown family which he represents are of Irish extraction, his ancestors having emigrated to this country in years long gone by. George I. Brown, the father of Henry J., and also his mother, formerly Miss Mary Ogden, were natives of Con- necticut. The former was an active, successful tiller of the soil until the time of his death, July 23, 1883; his wife had preceded him to the grave March 24, 1876. Henry J. Brown was born October 27, 1847, in Ontario county, N. Y., where he was brought up until reaching the age of sixteen. He then moved to Michigan, settling near Battle Creek, Calhoun county. He was favored with good, ordinary educational advantages in both New York and Michigan, and remained with his parents until his marriage, October 25, 1870, to Miss Anna Franklin, originally from the Empire State. Her parents were Oren and Sarah ( Brigham ) Franklin. Some twelve years after locating in Michigan, Mr. Brown came to this county, in 1873, but only stayed one summer, returning thence to Michigan. Two years later he bought his present farm and has occupied it since the spring of 1887. This contains 180 acres of land devoted to pasture and general farming purposes. The buildings upon this place are neat and attractive, his dwelling bearing evidence of the taste and refinement of its occupants. It is situated at the forks of two mainly traveled roads, a little over two miles from Hamilton. The farm is well watered and stocked, a superior grade of Norman horses and fine Merino sheep being found upon it, besides a good orchard. Mr. B. has made this property without assistance, and this may be one reason why he is held in such high esteem. He is a brother of Dr. Brown, of Hamilton, and also of John N. Brown, a respected resident of this township. Himself and wife have three children : Leo E., born June 9, 1876 ; Oren, born April 25, 1881, and Mabel, born May 10, 1884.

432

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

JOHN NIXON CATHCART

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

The entire life of Mr. Catheart has been passed without any great change from the ordinary routine of tilling the soil and attending to the raising and feeding of stock; for, taught the rudiments of this calling in his youth, he grew up thoroughly familiar with all its details, and has acquitted himself in later years with great credit as an agriculturist. His present place contains 240 acres of improved land, which is managed to the best advantage, as its appearance will indi- cate. Mr. Cathcart has resided in this county for many vears, and it was after coming here that he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Pawsey, December 19, 1869. She was the daughter of J. W. and Nancy Pawsey, the former of whom was a native of Yorkshire, England ; he departed this life in February, 1882. Mrs. C.'s birth- place was in Daviess county, Mo. She and her husband have four children : Mary Catherine, William Frederick, Alta Mabel and Bessie Belle. For one year during the war Mr. Cathcart was located in Colorado, after which he returned to his home. His father and also his grandfather were early settlers to Caldwell county. The former, Joseph B. Cathcart, of Tennessee, married a native of the same State, Miss Elsie Guffy, and of the seven children born to them, John N. is the oldest now living. His birth occurred in Livingston county, Mo., September 9, 1844. When the senior Cathcart first settled here he owned the farm now occupied by Mr. Austin, in New York township. Mr. C. is unassuming in his intercourse with those about him, but is a man widely respected.

JOHN P. CLARK

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 22, Post-office, Nettletou).

Mr. Clark is one of those sterling men of New York nativity, so many of whom we are favored with in this portion of the State, who possess such qualities of character as make them successful and promi- nent almost without exception wherever their lots are cast. He was born in Chautauqua county, N. Y., October 5, 1825. His parents were George and Lydia Clark, nee Lamson, the former a native of New York, and the latter originally from Vermont, and of their family of nine children, John P. was the third son and fourth child. The father was an agriculturist by occupation and instilled into his son the prin- ciples of farming, to which the latter has always given his attention. And in this he has met with the substantial rewards of success. About the year 1865, leaving the county of his birth where he had so long resided, he took up his settlement in Pike county, Mo. and for four years he made his home south of Vandalia, Audrian county, subse- quently coming from there to his present location. Here he owns three- fourths of a section of well improved land, devoted to general farming and the stock industry. His attention to the stock business is divided

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

between cattle and sheep. Mr. Clark was married June 30, 1851, to Miss Elizabeth W. Bell, of Rhode Island, and to them two children have been born : John C. F. and Henrietta DeB. John C. F. Clark, the only son of John P. Clark, was also born in Chautauqua county, N. Y., September 6, 1856. He was also brought up on a farm, and after reaching manhood married Miss Ida Music, of Macon county, Mo. By this union there is one child, Bessie. Mr. Clark is now assisting his father in the management of the home farm. Mr. Clark and his worthy wife are noted for their warm-hearted hospitality and genial disposition, and it is, indeed, a pleasure to be permitted to visit them.

GEORGE C. GURLEY

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 28, Post-office, Hamilton).

Upon the entire extent of the road running north and south on which Mr. Gurley lives there is no farm which would sooner attract atten- tion of the passer-by on account of the manner in which things seem to be conducted, or of the appearance of the improvements, than the place which he now owns. His residence, barns, outbuildings, and in fact all necessary conveniences, indicate the quality of farmer that he is. The same systematic condition of affairs about his home is apparent in his course as a map. Thorough in all that he does, he allows no worthy movement to drag for want of support if in his power to help it. Mr. Gurley has 168 acres of land, and upon this excellent farm is raising cattle, sheep and hogs. His flock of Merino sheep will aggregate some 350 head, while he has some fine Berkshire hogs. Special attention, however, is now being given to the raising of a superior grade of driving horses. In all his efforts in this direction he is meeting with the success which seems to be characteristic of the pro- gressive Eastern agriculturist. Of New York nativity, he was born in Oneida county, December 6, 1839, the son of Uriah B. and Phila (Barrows) Gurley, both natives of Connecticut. Of their family of children six grew to maturity, and of these George was the fourth child and second son. Up to the outbreak of the late war he lived on the farm upon which he was reared, having in his younger days attended schools in the vicinity of his birthplace. In 1861, fired with the spirit of patriotism, he enlisted in the 117th New York infantry, and served for three years. During his term of duty he was in numerous engagements, among which were the battles of Drury Bluff, siege of Petersburg, Charleston, Cold Harbor, Bermuda Hundred, Chapin's Farm, capture of Fort Fisher, and others of less importance. Returning to his home in New York, Mr. Gurley remained there until 1868 when he came to this county. And it is but the truth to say that in his intercourse with the people of this vicinity no man has achieved a more enviable reputation for honesty and true substantial worth than he. In social life he is as widely respected. January 29, 1868, he was married to Miss Sarah E. Raymer, of Ontario county, N. Y., and a daughter of Henry Raymer, Esq. They have four children : Charles A., Edwin F., Willie and Clarence.

434

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

JOHN E. JONES

(Dealer in General Merchandise, Nettleton).

The mercantile business at this point is well represented by Mr. Jones, a young man only a little past the age of thirty years, and with the prospect of a business career before him which is most promising. He has been located here since 1883, and by his uniform fair dealing, honest endeavor and strict attention to the needs of those who patron- ize him, together with a courteous demeanor to all, has built up a patronage of no small magnitude. His success and present standing are due largely to his careful, painstaking manner of doing business. Mr. Jones was born August 5, 1854, and is a native of Wales, as are also his father and mother, Thomas D. and Esther, née Evans. The former came to the United States in 1868 and settled near Dawn, Livingston county, Mo. John E., the third child and second son in a family of seven children, was reared to a mercantile experience, and before leaving his native place in Carmarthshire, clerked in a store for one year. Going to Chillicothe he clerked there also for a number of vears, and from 1879 for four years was occupied in a like capacity in Omaha, Neb. In 1883, as mentioned, he became identified with the interests of this place. Mr. Jones is a married man, his wife having previously been Miss Hannah Jones, originally from Pennsylvania. Their union was consummated May 1, 1881, and to them one child has been born, Etta J.

HUGH R. KAUTZ

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

Three hundred and twenty acres are contained in the homestead which Mr. Kautz, a representative agriculturist of this portion of the township, now owns. Since 1859 he has resided in Caldwell county and during this time has given his attention to farm pursuits, his career being one not marked with much commotion, but all the more active for being so quiet. Reared as a farmer, he is thoroughly familiar with every detail necessary to the management of a successful farm, and to his theory he adds excellent practice. The improve- ments upon his place are of a good order and kept in proper con- dition. Before settling here Mr. Kautz had been a resident of Pope county, Ill., for five years, having gone there from his native State of Indiana, where he was born November 6, 1848. He was the son of Jacob Kautz, originally from Ohio, and Mary A. (Walker) Kautz. His parents were well respected in the communities where they at different times made their home. March 4, 1874, Mr. Kautz was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Houghton, whose birth occurred in New York State. This union has been blessed with a bright and happy family of six children: Bertha, Holland, George, Leslie, Otis and Albert. Mrs. Kautz is the daughter of Otis Houghton, Esq. She is a most estimable lady and descended from a well known and worthy family.

435

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

MOSES S. KELLOG

(Farmer, Stock-raiser and Proprietor of Dairy, Section 21, Post-office, Hamilton).

The average of the citizens of Caldwell county have become prom- inent in the various branches of business to which their attention has been directed ; and among the leading agriculturists of the commu- nity who have from time to time introduced other features of farm life, outside of tilling the soil and raising stock, is Mr. Kellogg, now successfully occupied in the dairy business. The patronage which he has built up in this business is one to be envied, and the reputation which he has acquired in this direction is by no means a local onc. From the milk of twenty-two cows in 1884, 4,586 pounds of butter were made, an average of 208 pounds for each cow. His animals are native and graded Durham cattle, though he is introducing at this time some Guernsey heifers of a superior breed. In 1885, 6,200 pounds of butter were made from the milk of twenty-five cows, an average of 248 pounds for each cow, the increase over the preceding year being due to his having twelve grade Guernsey heifers giving milk the last half of the year. Besides this, Mr. Kellogg raises stock to quite an extent, and he also conducts something of an apiary, having fifteen stands of Italian bees. Moses Smith Kellogg, the youngest in a family of thirteen children, was born February 2, 1820, in Hamp- shire county, Mass. His father, Josiah Kellogg, born July 15, 1767, and his mother, formerly Hannah Smith, born December 3, 1774, were both natives of Massachusetts, the former of Hadley, and the latter of Ashfield, their marriage occurring at Ashfield, October 29, 1794. Josiah Kellogg died January 16, 1856, and his widow April 27, 1864, both at Hadley. Only three children of their large family are now living. Moses S. in early life grew up upon a farm though such an education as he received was obtained mostly before reaching his tenth year. At the age of about twenty he went to Michigan, remaining engaged in farming in Genesee county for some four years. Leaving there in 1845, he returned to Hampden county, Mass., but in 1863, he came West and located in Caldwell county, Mo., purchasing land near Breckinridge. In the spring of 1882, he moved upon the farm which he now occu- pies, containing 240 acres. The improvements upon this place are deserving of especial mention, for in addition to his commodious dwelling is a barn acknowledged to be one of the best in the county. In dimensions it is 42x70 feet and 39 feet high, with a good deep base- ment. It has a capacity for 100 tons of hay, besides cattle. November 2, 1842, Mr. Kellogg was married to Miss Eleanor, daughter of Henry and Experience (Clark ) Chapin, of Massachusetts, though Mrs. K. was born at Hartford, Conn. Her parents had five children, of whom she was the second. To Mr. and Mrs. Kellogg six children have been given : Ellen, born August 23, 1834, wife of William Crowningshield, of Greenfield, Mass. ; Ellis C., born February 9, 1846, married Miss Sarah Crowther and living in Centre City, Tex. ; Josiah H., born June 19, 1853, married Miss Kate Korn, and a resident of Salida,

436

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

Col. ; Olive Maria, born September 25, 1856, died June 27, 1857 ; Arthur Smith, born November 2, 1858, and married to Miss Sadie Taliaferro ; Henry Chapin, a young man still on the home farm, born January 22, 1865, and married November 10, 1885, to Miss Sultana E. Taylor. Mr. and Mrs. Kellogg are zealous, consistent members of the Baptist Church, in which he has held the position of deacon for 25 years. Personally, he and his wife are widely respected by all who know them.

JASON KINNE

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 29, Post-office, Hamilton).

Located in the midst of one of the finest agricultural centers of Caldwell county, the farm which Mr. Kinne owns and occupies is con- ceded to be among the best in this vicinity, and this is saying not a little, for on every hand may be seen superior places, whose owner- ship indicates thrift and prosperity. Mr. Kinne is descended from a race who have given their attention principally to farming. His father, Robert B. Kinne, was born in 1808 in Oneida county, N. Y., and there wielded considerable influence in agricultural matters. He married Miss Anjuline Humiston, whose birth occurred in Oneida county, N. Y., September 8, 1814. They became located in this county in 1868. Three sons and two daughters were born to them : Jay, Jason, Ira, Sarah Ann, now Mrs. Lansing Oliver, and Ester J. Jay died in infancy. Robert B. Kinne departed this life in Caldwell county, September 9, 1885, aged 77 years and seven months; his wife was called to her reward on June 12, 1883, when 69 years old. Jason Kinne, the subject of this sketch, a worthy son of an honored father, first saw the light in Oneida county, N. Y., May 18, 1837, and is there- fore less than 50 years of age. It fell to his lot to grow up with a farm experience, and from the very first he has closely and energetically applied himself to the obtaining of a thorough knowledge of agricul- tural matters, which it is almost needless to say, he has successfully acquired, as the surroundings of his place plainly denote. After reaching his majority July 31, 1864, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary C. Kinne, whose father, Rufus W. Kinne, was of Allegany county, N. Y. In Niagara county, that State, Mr. K. continued to make his home until 1868, when he located in this county. Here, with his worthy and respected family, he lives at this time, in the enjoyment of the highest consideration and regard of his fellow-man. For several years he served as justice of the peace in this township, and was also clerk and school director for several years. His position in respect to educational matters is well known, for he has contributed much towards increasing and developing school facilities in the county. His fine farm of 240 acres has upon it two good dwellings, and other nec- essary outbuildings. A small herd of Short-horns and an excellent flock of Merino sheep are to be seen here. Mr. and Mrs. Kinne have had seven children : Tressa, born June 24, 1865, a highly educated young lady ; Marshall B., born March 26, 1867, and a student at the Hamilton High School ; Maynard J., born March 15, 1870; Ira R.,

437

IIISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

born March 12, 1873; Burton and Bertha, twins, born August 4, 1878 ; and Ollie E., born April 23, 1884. Bertha died April 4, 1879.

EDWARD N. LARMON

(Proprietor of Green Lawn Sheep Farm, Section 19, Post-office, Hamilton).

To a person who first comes into Caldwell county the stock interests of the community are early mentioned as a prominent source of her wealth ; and there is one man within the vicinity of Hamilton whose name is widely known in connection with the sheep industry of the United States, E. N. Larmon. The proprietor of one of the largest and best sheep farms in the State, he is actively and successfully engaged in raising this stock, and has done much in recent years for the promotion and improvement of the grades of sheep handled by the agriculturists of our different townships. His large farm, devoted almost exclusively to pasture, embraces same 700 acres of a rich and fertile soil, most productive in its nature, upon which about 4,000 sheep feed annually. In the raising of this stock both the wool and mutton qualities are considered, the Merino, Oxford Down grade combining these two elements to the best advantage. Underneath his farm Mr. Larmon has reason to believe that coal will before long be obtained, and on either side of his place at the present time this mineral is being worked. Mr. Larmon is a native of Logan county, Ky. His father, Edward Larmon, was a farmer by occupation. In his family were 13 children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the tenth child. The latter was very naturally brought up to a farm experience, though subsequently he entered a mercantile establishment. When the Cali- fornia gold excitement broke over the country in 1849, he started overland for that far-off coast, occupying seven months in making the trip. Upon reaching that locality he first entered the mines, but later on became interested in both merchandising and the stock business. In 1852 he returned to his home in Kentucky, but only for a short time, for in 1853 he took up his residence in Chicago. He was quite prominently identified with the real estate interests of that city and by the great fire of 1871 sustained no inconsiderable loss, and in 1871, he removed to Nevada, and worked in the silver mines where he now has large interests. In 1872 he came to this county and purchased the place now everywhere known as Green Lawn Sheep Farm. The improvements upon this land are extensive and numerous ; it is without doubt the very best improved sheep farm in the United States ; a good orchard is just north of the commodious dwelling, which latter is situated in the midst of a superior grove. Mr. Larmon was married in 1854 to Miss Ella Pell, a Kentuckian by birth, and daughter of Charles Pell, Esq., a native of Paducah, Ky. She, however, was only spared to her husband a few brief months, dying early in 1855, in Chicago. Since that time Mr. L. has never married.

438

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

JAMES M. LAWRENCE, M. D.

(Physician and Surgeon, Nettleton).

A young member of the medical fraternity in this county, but a physician of an already established reputation, Dr. Lawrence is meeting with good success, due largely to the care with which he directed and superintended the minutest details of professional study, and the constant and close attention he has given to subsequent practice. His present position has been acquired entirely by his individual efforts. James M. Lawrence was born in Clark county, Ky., April 5, 1856, and was the son of a physician of wide repute in the Blue Grass State - Andrew J. Lawrence, who, after reaching manhood married Miss Elizabeth Lott. She became the mother of six children. In 1867 Dr. A. J. Lawrence removed from his native State to Missouri, locating in Clay county, where he continued to live ten years. Then settling at Osborn, De Kalb county, he has since continued to follow the practice of his chosen profession there, and not without the substantial reward of years of constant application to the needs of the afflicted. James M., the second child and eldest son in his parents' family, grew up principally in Missouri, receiving the advantages of good educational training. After leaving school he pre- pared himself for the study of medicine, and under the careful guid- ance and instruction of his father and Dr. C. W. Watts was soon fitted to enter college. Martriculating at the Northwestern Medical College of St. Joseph, Mo., he was graduated from that well known institution after a thorough course in 1882. Coming to Nettleton, he commenced to practice and has since remained here ; with what result has already been mentioned. Before commencing to practice, how- ever, he was occupied in a store for two years, worked on a farm for three years and spent two years in nursing the sick. April 5, 1883, the Doctor was united in marriage with Miss Lillie Pausey, of this county. Her father, William Pausey, was one of the well known citi- zens of English birth in Caldwell county. At his death he left seven children, five daughters and two sons. Doctor and Mrs. L. have one daughter, Nora. The former belongs to the County Medical Society.

STEPHEN McCLAIN

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

The military experience of Mr. McClain during the late war - that of a brave, gallant, and fearless soldier - forms a not unimportant feature of his career during life. Upon the call for volunteers to suppress the rebellion he offered his services, was accepted and became a member of the 184th Ohio volunteer infantry, serving until the cessation of hostilities. Previous to his enlistment he had been peacefully pursuing the occupation of farming, to which he was

439

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

reared, and upon returning home again put his hands to the plow. After leaving Ohio he went to Warren county, Ill., made his home there for seven years and subsequently, in 1872, came to this county, where he has since been numbered among the progressive agricul- turists of the community. He owns 120 acres of good land, under a fine state of cultivation and with all necessary improvements, and here he devotes himself to a proper conduct of his place. Mr. McClain is a native of the Buckeye State and owes his nativity to Greene county, where he was born October 27, 1844. His father was James McClain, originally from Maryland, born February 20, 1818. In 1840 he was united in marriage with Miss Isabelle Varner, and to them seven children were born : William, Elizabeth, Stephen, Mar- garet J., John, James and Mary Belle. Mrs. McClain departed this life in 1874, and her loss was sincerely mourned by many who had known her as possessed of many noble qualities of mind and heart. Mr. Stephen McClain's marriage to Miss Luzannah Andrews oc- curred September 20, 1873. Her birthplace was in Warren county, Ill. The only child, Stephen, was born March 19, 1881.

WILLIAM MAPES & SONS

(Farmers and Stock-raisers, Section 35, Post-office, Hamilton).

On the road leading eastward from Hamilton some six miles and a half, and situated about three miles from Nettleton, is to be found the excellent farm owned and cultivated by William Mapes and his sons. This embraces 160 acres, and while not as large as many that might be mentioned, it is an evident fact that the labor bestowed on this tract is sure to bring forth better results than the same amount of work expended in the cultivation of a body of land greater in extent. There is a young orchard upon the place, 15 acres of timber, and convenient buildings, and Mr. M. devotes his attention to the raising of stock, particularly sheep, and the growing of grain, grass, etc., the latter as pasturage for his stock. In his farming operations he has displayed the methods peculiar to the farmers of the East. But he has come by these characteristics naturally, for he was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., January 16, 1830. In the fall of 1836 he was taken to Battle Creek, Calhoun county1, Mich., living there until 1879, when he removed upon his present place in this county. In Michigan he divided his time between farming and painting. His father, John Mapes, also of New York nativity, was a miller by occupation and for 30 years con- ducted one mill at Battle Creek. His wife, formerly Miss Nancy Babcock, was of the same State as her husband. John Mapes now lives with his son, William, at the advanced age of 79; his compan- ion died in 1851, aged 53 years. March 4, 1852, William Mapes mar- ried Miss Laura J. Van Tuyl, daughter of James and Rhoda Van Thyl. The former died in 1865, but the mother is still a resident of Battle Creek. Mrs. Mapes was born June 22, 1834, in the Empire State. The children by this union are Frank, born December 8, 1852; Jay, born September 19, 1854; Etha A., born September 23, 1856 ;

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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