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 49

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 49
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 49

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).

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

this county. At the breaking out of the Civil War Mr. Gould, feeling that his country needed the services of every one in defending her, enlisted as a private in Co. F, 47th Wisconsin volunteer infantry, and while at St. Louis was detailed as clerk in Gen. Dodge's head- quarters, serving also as clerk under Gens. Pope and Sprague during the period of his enlistment, when he was honorably discharged, then returning to Wisconsin. During his stay in St. Louis he was made aware of the great natural advantages of Missouri as a fruit-growing State, and having studied horticulture and become well versed in that branch of industry, he determined to dispose of his property in Wisconsin and remove to Missouri. Acting upon this, he located at DeSoto, Jefferson county, Mo., and for three years followed fruit growing and the nursery business. The locality proved unhealthy for his family and soon he came to his present place of residence, known as Gould Farm, where he has resided for the past 17 years, occupied actively in farming, stock raising and the raising of fruit. His farm is one of the best improved in the county, and his orchards and vine- yards are unsurpassed. He has done much to improve and protect the fruit-growing interests of Northern Missouri, and as a writer on agricultural topics he is widely known. Among his productions may be mentioned " Field Notes " (18 papers ), published in Coleman's Rural World; and also " Letters from the Farm " (18 papers ). Besides this, he has contributed able articles to the Germantown Telegraph, of Pennsylvania, and other journals. For 18 years he has held the position of statistical correspondent of the Bureau of Agricul- ture. Mr. Gould was originally a Whig, but upon the entrance into that party of slavery principles he helped to organize the Free Soil and afterwards the Republican party. He is a prominent and con- sistent member of the Baptist Church and for a long time has been actively engaged in Sabbath-school work. He has been a leader in reforms of all kinds and to-day is recognized as a friend and supporter of all things that go to build up the country or benefit his fellow-man. In all his undertakings in life Mr. Gould has been ably advised and cheerfully assisted by his good wife, and to her, in a great measure, he owes his success in life. As a family Mr. Gould and wife, together with their children, are moral, intelligent, kind-hearted and hospitable, and as esteemed citizens occupy a front rank. Caldwell county would indeed be fortunate had she many more such.

WILLIAM HAWKS (DECEASED) (Late of the Vicinity of Hamilton).

The name that heads this sketch was borne by one of the best known residents of Caldwell county, for from his settlement here at an early day he became closely connected with the affairs of this locality. Born in Grayson county, Va., October 22, 1809, he was taken by his parents when a child to East Tennessee, where he was reared and received a limited education. October 13, 1831, he married Miss Sarah Bowers, a native of Orange county, N. C., born February 16,

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

1813. She was the daughter of Green and Sarah ( Cooper ) Bowers, who moved with their family to East Tennessee in 1823. The Hawks are of English origin and have been settled in Virginia from early colonial times. The Bowers were also of English ancestry and were among the colonists who first inhabited the Old North State. In 1838 Mr. Hawks and family removed with the Bowers family ( except Green Bowers ) to Daviess county, Mo., where they passed the winter, in the spring coming to New York township, Caldwell county. They witnessed many privations and hardships in their new home but over- came all obstacles with a mighty will, and succeeded in making a splendid home for themselves and family. At the time of Mr. Hawks' death, which occurred November 26, 1864, they were among the well-to-do people of the county. Mr H. was no political aspirant, but was a lifelong Democrat. The Baptist Church found in him a consistent member, and in all the relations of life he was an upright consistent Christian man. His principal occupation was farming, but some time after coming here he erected a steam grist and saw mill on Cottonwood creek. To him and his wife were given the following children : Hardin T., Martha J., Green B., John V., Sarah E., Andrew M., William M., Polly A., James M., Nancy A., Char- lotte C. and Charles C. Mr. Hawks and his wife were noted for their plain, courteous manners, generous and free-hearted hospitality and their dislike of display. Since her husband's death Mrs. Hawks has resided upon the old homestead, and is now recognized as being among the very oldest living settlers of the county. The home farm is prin- cipally in charge of Wm. M. Hawks, who is a native-born citizen of the county, born September 6, 1843. He was reared to manhood upon his father's farm and received his education in the district schools of the neighborhood, from boyhood being accustomed to con- stant and sometimes hard labor. In 1863 he entered the State militia, and August 19, 1864, enlisted in Co. H, 43d Missouri volunteer infantry, serving until the close of the war. He saw considerable active service and was taken prisoner at Glasgow, Mo., but soon released, or, rather, paroled. Upon his return home he began farm- ing as an occupation, and this he has since continued. His first purchase of land was 40 acres, to which he has since added until his present place includes 160 acres of well cultivated land. His marriage to Miss Matilda Edwards took place April 20, 1871, she having been the daughter of Isaac Edwards; she was born in Carroll county, Va., March 31, 1849. The greater part of what Mr. Hawks now has is the result of his own labors, and he is known as a practical and successful agriculturist and stock-raiser. Politically he is in sympathy with the National Greenback party. He has held the positions of justice of the peace, assessor and is at present the collector of the township. He belongs to the Christian Church.

James M. Hawks, a brother to William M., was also born on the old homestead in Caldwell county, November 1, 1848, and was brought up on the farm, being the recipient of a common school education. He has always given his attention to tilling the soil, and now owns a

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

good farm of 90 acres. November 7, 1876, Miss Mary Simmons became his wife. The place of her birth was in Defiance county, O., and the date in 1854. To them have been born four children : Fred- erick, Leroy and Ettie, twins, and one that died in infancy. Mr. Hawks is a Democrat politically.

RAWLEY HENKINS

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

Since starting in life for himself Mr. Henkins has, to some extent, followed carpentering, but his principal attention has been given to agricultural pursuits, including the raising of stock. In these occu- pations he has risen to more than ordinary prominence. His first pur- chase of land in Missouri included 160 acres, but to this he has added from time to time until his present landed estate includes 410 acres. In the truest sense of the term he is a self-made man, for from a low beginning he has by energy, economy, and correct business habits, secured a good competency. His first vote was cast for Gen. Harrison, and he has always been either a Whig or Republican. During the war he served in the State militia, and was a stanch Union man, doing much to encourage those in the field of action, and keeping up a strong loyal sentiment at home. His sons, William B. and Abra- ham C., were both in their country's service, the former in the 11th Missouri cavalry, and Abraham in the 44th Missouri infantry. Will- iam was killed at Rolling Prairie, Ark., in 1863. The Henkins family are of German origin, and the name in the German is spelled Hein- kanous. Their coming to America was in the colonial days, and the great-grandfather of Rawley was killed in one of the battles of the Revolutionary War. His son, Peter, married Catherine Shriver, and moved with his family to Monongalia county (now), W. Va., about the year 1800. He reared a large family of children, and he and his wife died in that county. Elijah Henkins, the oldest in the family, was brought up to hard work. He was a man of much natural ability, and held decided views regarding religious and political matters. Though a native of Virginia, he was opposed to the institution of slavery and up to the campaign of 1840 acted with the Democratic party ; from that time, however, his influence was against that body. He was married in Monongalia county in 1815 to Miss Elizabeth Brown, of that county, after which he continued to live there and in Greene county, Pa., until 1853, when he moved with his family to Bureau county, Ill. There he still resides, at the remarkable age of 95 years, a man revered by all. His wife died in 1873. They reared a family of twelve children, who grew to mature years. One of these, Rawley Henkins, was born in Monongalia county, W. Va., October 15, 1816, and was reared a' farmer. He only received very limited educational advantages, but remained at home until 25 years of age. His marriage to Miss Susan Maple took place May 27, 1841, she having come originally from Greene county, Pa. By this marriage there were ten sons and one danghter : Jacob

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

G., William B., Abraham C., John P., Hamilton M., Thomas J., Adam T., Elijah W., Mary E., Jerome M. and one that died in infancy. Mrs. Henkins died in 1862, and for his second wife Mr. H. married Mrs. Eliza Payne, of Missouri, though born in West Vir- ginia. Four children blessed this union : Ellsworth G., Marthy Ellen, Margaret Etty and Charles R. Mrs. Henkins' death was in 1875. In February, 1878, he married Miss Caroline Wall, a native of Maine. After his first marriage Mr. Henkins lived in Greene county, Pa., until 1852, when he removed to Bureau county, Ill., residing there some six years, then coming to Missouri. He subsequently lived one year in Mercer county, Mo., then in Daviess county, and from there came to his present place in the fall of 1861. His career since that time has been noted above. He has held various township offices, and has ever been ready to assist in all enterprises tending to the public good.

BENJAMIN C. HICKS

(Farmer aud Stock-raiser and County Treasurer, Post-office, Gould Farm).

Benjamin C. Hicks was born in Switzerland county, Ind., April 5, 1832, one of two children of Stephen and Lucinda V. Hicks, nee Carll, natives of Vermont and Maine respectively. The father of the former, Solomon Hicks, and the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, removed with his family from Vermont to Indiana in 1815, locating in what is now Switzerland county, where they ever after- wards made their home and where they reared a large family. Solo- mon Hicks was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was among the brave soldiers who took part in the battle of Sackett's Harbor. The Carlt family were also carly settlers of Indiana and it was here that Ben- jamin's parents were married. His father was a carpenter by trade and this he followed with farming for many years. He yet survives at a ripe old age, a highly esteemed resident of Switzerland county. His youngest son was named Stephen. Benjamin C. was from his youth taught the details of farm life, but owing to the limited school facilities of his day he was denied the advantages of an advanced edu- cation, the schools which he did attend being those principally in log houses. When twenty years of age be began life for himself as a Hatboatman on the Ohio river, and continued to follow the river for about three years. For a like period he was engaged in carpentering, and his determination to rise to some honorable position of respect and influence in life were not without material results during this time. November 10, 1859, his marriage to Miss Salinda Dunning was consummated. She came originally from Switzerland county, Ind., also, her birth occurring July 30, 1840. Since the time that Mr. Hicks came to Caldwell county he has been prominently identified with her material development and prosperity. He has all his life voted in opposition to the Democratic party, but has several times been called upon to fill responsible positions of trust. He has been township trustee, has occupied the bench as judge of the county court, and in 1884 was elected to the office of treasurer of the

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

county, by no means an insignificant responsibility. He is one of the county's public-spirited citizens, advocating all needed reforms, and liberally contributing towards the support of all laudable enter- prises. He owns a well improved farm of 160 acres, and gives some attention to raising stock. Mr. and Mrs. Hicks have a family of three children : Stephen P., Lucy J. and Bernice.

SAMUEL HULSES

(Section 20, Post-office, Bonanza).

The parents of Mr. Hulses were both originally from Freiberg, Baden, Germany, where they were reared and married. His father, Jacob Hulses, worked at cabinet-making until 1817, when he emigrated with his family to the United States, landing at New Castle in the spring of the following year. For about six years they resided in Pennsylvania and then went to Richland county, O., and in each of these locations Mr. H. followed his trade of a cabinet-maker. In 1838 he became a citizen of Caldwell county and settled on the farm now owned by Mr. Algernon Wingate, of this township, pur- chasing about 200 acres of land. A portion of this tract is the present site of the village of Bonanza. This place had formerly been the property of a Mormon, and had upon it three cabins, but little clearing. This afterwards continued to be the home of Mr. Hulses, and here he reared his family in comfort, if not in luxury. He is well remembered among the older residents of the county. His death took place in 1861, and his wife, whose maiden name was F orena Broanbeard, died in 1840. Samuel Hulses, born in Richland county, ()., in 1825, was reared upon a farm, but was denied the advantages of more than a limited education. For the most part he has followed farming through life, although he has worked some at the stonemason's trade; and being handy with tools, has frequently turned his attention to some things in the line of a mechanic. With the exception of five years spent in the West he has lived in this county since the time he was brought here. His farm contains 150 acres and he gives some attention to the raising of stock, conducting all his farming operations on thorough practical principles. Mr. Hulses was married in 1847 to Miss Finnetta Phillips, who was born in Saratoga, N. Y. She departed this life in 1852, leaving three children : Phebe, Urettia A. and Hannah F. Mr. H.'s second marriage was to Miss Urettia M. Phillips, a sister of his first wife, and to them have been born the following children: Jacob E., Finetta J., George J., Margaret E., Annie E. , Martha E. and Stonewall W. W. L. Mr. Hulses has always voted with the Democratic party, but is no political aspirant. He is liberal in, all his views.

Thomas Phillips, the father of Mrs. Hulses, was born in Saratoga, N. Y., in 1795. His ancestors came to the North American colonies during their earliest settlement, and many of them served in the early wars with the Indians. They held to the religious tenets of the Friends or Quaker Church. Soon after the Revolutionary War the

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

parents of Thomas Phillips moved to Saratoga county, N. Y., and reared their family. Thomas was married there to Miss Phebe Young, after which he removed to Crawford county, Pa., where, and in Northwestern Pennsylvania, he continued to live until 1838. He now came to Caldwell county and took up his location on Shoal creek, in New York township. He spent about twenty years in Oregon and Washington Territory, but save that has been in this county since his first settlement here, now nearly a half century ago. He is the father of eight children, among whom he now makes his home, and he is one of the oldest living pioneers of Caldwell county.

SAMUEL JONES ( DECEASED ) (Late of the Vicinity of Catawba).

One of the most influential men in New York township, and a man who, during his residence here 'became the largest land-holder in the township, Mr. Jones was at the time of his death one of the county's wealthiest citizens. Not only was he rich in the accumulation of property, but above all rich in the possession of an inheritance far more noble than this life could give. Early uniting with the Baptist Church, he was ever a constant adherent to and supporter of that denomination, and for many years served as deacon. A useful mem- ber of society, always endeavoring to benefit those who were related to him, not only by the ties of blood, but of a common brotherhood, he was known as an upright Christian man, true to all of life's obli- gations. His death occurred March 26, 1885, and it is only the truth when we say that in his death the county keenly felt the loss of one of her true, noble men. Born in Breenocshire, South Wales, June 8, 1818, Mr. Jones was the son of John and Ann (James) Jones, both also natives of Wales, and the parents of five children. The father died in the country of his birth, but his wife survived to a good old age, dying at the home of her son Samuel, in Iowa. Samuel Jones was instructed in the details of farming, receiving his education in his native tongue, and when about 17 years of age he entered the coal mines of Wales, in which he remained several years. He was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Holmes February 6, 1843, a lady born in Monmouthshire, Wales, April 15, 1822. Three years after their marriage Mr. Jones and his wife emigrated to America, landing at New York City October 1, 1846, soon after which they located in Luzerne county, Pa., which continued to be their home until 1857. Mr. Jones now went to Des Moines county, Iowa, and having been able, while in Pennsylvania, to save something from the wages received while working in the coal mines, he purchased 100 acres of land. After making his home in Iowa until 1865 he removed to Caldwell county, Mo., and bought quite a large body of land to which he subsequently added from time to time until he became recognized as the largest land-owner in this township, and one of the wealthy and prominent men of the county. To himself and wife were born the following children : Ann, Elizabeth, John M., Samuel,

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

Mary J., Hannah, Harriet, David, Ebenezer and Gomer. Mrs. Jones is also connected with the Baptist Church. She is a lady everywhere recognized for her womanly qualities of head and heart, and in this sad affliction has the heartfelt sympathy of all who know her.

JACOB E. KELLEY

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

Mr. Kelley was hardly 18 years of age when he enlisted in the war for active service, and though his career in the conflict was, per- haps, not as long as that of others, the severity of the service and the struggles which he underwent are not to be overlooked. On Jan- uary 2, 1864, he became a member of Co. A, 64th Illinois volunteer infantry, and served until the close of the war, participating in the battles of Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, and through the Atlanta cam- paign. His regiment was engaged in a terrible encounter July 22, 1864, but succeeded in repulsing the enemy and securing the body of Gen. McPherson. He also accompanied Sherman on his march to the sea, and finally was mustered out at Chicago, III., July 18, 1865. During his entire service he was not sick a day, and he took part in every battle in which his regiment was engaged. After his return he took up his residence with his parents, Charles and Nancy (Haws) Kelley, and in 1867 came with them to Missouri, and later to this county. He has always followed farming, the occupation to which he was brought up, and is now successfully and energetically conducting the place which he owns, and on which he raises some excellent grades of stock. His marriage to Miss Elizabeth Baker, a native of Switzerland county, Ind., was consummated December 25, 1872. She was born October 15, 1854. They have three children: Fannie M., Effie C. and Harvey A. Mr. Kelley was born in the town of Magnolia, Putnam county, Ill., February 27, 1846, his parents having been natives of the Buckeye State, where they were reared and mar- ried. In the fall of 1845 they removed to Putnam county, Ill., and after about five years to LaSalle county, at Ottawa, which was their home until 1867. At this time they came to this county, locating on section 32, of New York township. Charles Kelley has been a Whig and Republican in his political belief. He has ever been more anxious to secure a competence for himself and family and of lab- oring for their good and the public's advancement than he has of desiring notoriety. His wife died January 27, 1885, one of the respected and honored women of the county. Mr. K. is yet living at the advanced age of 84 years. He is a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, as was his wife also. They had a family of three sons and four daughters, all of whom are now living. Jacob E. in youth received only such an education as could be obtained by attending the winter terms of the district schools. However he has been a close student in subsequent years and is now recognized to be one of the intelligent, practical agriculturists of the township. He is a Republican in his political tendencies.

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

ISAAC P. KIPLE

(Merchant and Farmer, Post-office, Bonanza).

Since his residence in this county Mr. Kiple has been very promi- nently identified with the material affairs of this community, indeed, far more so than the average of men. Particularly in the direction of the stock business is this true. He began life for himself as a farmer when 20 years of age, and in a comparatively short time com- menced grazing and handling cattle, meeting with more than ordinary success. In the fall of 1876 he and his brother, Jacob V. , bought 80 head of young cattle in Nebraska, which they grazed and fed in Cald- well county. Later on they purchased stock in Iowa, Kansas and other States, bringing these also into this county at different times, often to the number of 1,000. This they continued in connection with farming up to 1884, and, owing to good judgment and correct busi- ness habits, derived considerable profits from the business. Isaac P. Kiple now owns about 400 acres of well improved land, all obtained through his own exertions. Few young men can look back upon a career so bright, or look forward to one so full of promise. He began merchandising at Bonanza in 1884, and here he keeps a general stock of goods to the amount, perhaps, of $7,000. As might be supposed, Mr. Kiple is of sturdy Pennsylvania stock, his parents, Harrison W. and Sarah R. Kiple, nee Guerry, having been born in that State. Both the Kiples and Guerrys were of German extraction. Mr. K. was a stonemason by trade and followed this calling until coming to Caldwell county in 1867, after which he farmed in connection. For some nine years he had made his home in Eastern Ohio and also lived in Johnson county, Ia., Henry county, Ill., and Porter county, Ind., removing from the last named place to this county. He was a man used to severe toil, and, though never an aspirant for political prefer- ment, was always a stanch Democrat. Mr. Kiple died March 20, 1884, his wife having preceded him on December, 2, 1879. They were the parents of nine children. One of these, Isaac P., was born in Bucks county, Pa., April 28, 1851, and during his youth he was a student at the common schools. In 1874 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Smith, who was born in Vermont, April 2, 1855. This union has been blessed with five children : Harry W., Charles, Gracie, Pearl and James E. Mr. Kiple is found within the ranks of the Republican party, though he is by no means radical in his views.

JOB MICHAEL ( DECEASED)

(Late of New York Township).

On the 19th of April, 1878, died at his home in this township, Job Michael, one of the earliest settlers in this portion of the county and a man who, during his residence here, was closely identified with the agricultural interests of the township. He had removed from the county of Ray to Caldwell county about 1856, having lived in the former for

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IIISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

some 18 months, and upon settling here he located on the farm which afterwards continued to be his home. He was an industrious, frugal farmer, and with the assistance of his worthy wife succeded in accum- ulating considerable property. Endowed with good common sense, and of a sympathetic nature, he was among the foremost in every commendable enterprise, and his death was keenly felt by all who knew him. His estate at his death consisted of 320 acres of land, but owing to the division among the heirs the old homestead now embraces but 120 acres, well improved. He left a family of six children : Charles A., Sandford S., Cecilia J., Mary C., Julia A. and Maria L. Mr. Michael's wife was formerly Miss Mary G. Conner, to whom he was marrled February 15, 1835. She was born in Preston county, Va., October 16, 1812, and after marriage they continued to live in Virginia until 1855. In April of that year they came to Ray county, Mo., and from there to this county, as already mentioned. Mr. Michael's native place was in Hardy county, Va., where he was born June 4, 1806. His parents, Nicholas and Mary ( Conner ) Michael, both also of the Old Dominion, reared a large family of children, one of whom, John Michael, died at Norfolk, Va., while in the service of his country. His father was likewise a participant in some of the early colonial wars. The Michaels, as a class, have always been famous for their career as an agricultural people, possessing those sterling qualities of mind which so distinguished the early settlers of Virginia. They have occupied many positions of trust in church, civil and military life, and many representatives of the family are in vari- ous portions of this country. Job Michael became accustomed to hard work when very young, the education which he received being only such as could be obtained in that primitive day. This deficiency was afterwards made up in later life. Mrs. M. is now living on the old home place, one of the truly good mothers of the county. She is a lady of rare social qualities and moral worth, and in every respect a useful member of society. It was she at whose instance this sketch has been written.

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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