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 50

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 50
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 50

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).

WILLIAM P. PARMENTER

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 7).

The family from which the subject of this sketch has descended came originally from France, and the first record that can be found of them in this country is when some of their representatives settled at Sudbury, Middlesex county, Mass. As a family they were quite small of stature, but men of strong physical and mental endowments, and several of them took part in the Revolutionary War. Soon after the close of that struggle Elias Parmenter, the great-grandfather of William P., removed with his family to Western Massachusetts, where he successfully reared a large family. One of his sons, George, married Miss Annie Greene, of that State, and they subse- quently took up their residence in Franklin county ; eight children were born to them, the eldest of whom was George D. Parmenter. He was brought up as a farmer boy, receiving a common school edu-

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

cation, and in 1830 he took for his wife Miss Sarah H. McCune. Later along some eight years he became a citizen of Rock Island county, Ill., where for the most part he was engaged in farming. However, for some time he carried on a mercantile establishment at Edgington, also while there discharging in an efficient manner the duties of justice of the peace. Early in life he was a Democrat in his political affiliations, but after his removal to Illinois he voted in direct opposi- tion to that party. He was long connected with the Presbyterian church, and in all the affairs of life was a man whom one could trust and rely upon for his true worth. His death occurred in 1850, he leaving two children, John G. and William P. His widow some years ago became the wife of Mr. Henry Chase, and they are both located in Caldwell county. She was a native of Windsor county, Vt., but Mr. P.'s birthplace was Bernardston, Mass. William P. Parmenter was born in Rock Island county, Ill., September 30, 1844, and with a single exception his entire life has been passed within the borders of two counties. For one year he was a soldier, participating in several engagements as a member of Co. K, 58th Illinois volunteer infantry. After his return from the army he resumed the calling of a farmer, to which he had been brought up, and has continued that occupation to the present with satisfactory success. In the spring of 1869 he came to this county, purchasing 120 acres of land, to which he has since added until he is the owner of 183 acres, well improved. The surroundings are excellent and denote the enter- prising agriculturist that he is. Mr. Parmenter was united in mar- riage January 14, 1869, to Miss Sally Honeycutt, who was born in Claiborne county, East Tenn., May 20, 1841. They have four chil- dren: Frank A., Sarah L., Oma W. and Alice W. Politically he is a Republican, and in his religious preferences a Presbyterian. For ten years he has been an incumbent of the office of justice of the peace.

ROBERT J. PEARSE

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 22).

Mr. Pearse is truly one of the self-made men of this township and his example of industry, and earnest, sincere endeavor to succeed in life is well worthy of imitation. He began life poor, and what he possesses is the reward of his constant and close attention to the call- ing which he now follows. He has 352 acres of well improved land, though during the past year he has disposed cf about 170 acres. A native of England, he has imbibed many worthy principles from his excellent parents, John and Mary Pearse, nee Midway, each of whom came originally from Devonshire. They were people of intelligence and enterprise and reared their family to habits of morality and industry. They are both now deceased. Robert J. Pearse, one of five children, lived at home, assisting on the farm and in the mill of his father, until seventeen years of age. He had been born in Devon- shire, England, June 30, 1827, and in 1844 went to London, where he began an apprenticeship with a cheese-monger. His employers

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

failed in about a year, but he remained in that city over three years, then emigrating to Canada, Wellington county, where he followed farming some four years. Changing his residence to Huron county, he tilled the soil there for fourteen years. It was during this time that he succeeded by the very " sweat of his brow " in saving considerable means. While living in Wellington county he was married March 26, 1849, to Miss Martha Brownlow, who was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, December 13, 1827. In 1869, Mr. Pearse and his wife came to this county and lived in Fairview township for about six years, then removing to New York township, where they have since remained. Their family numbers 11 children, all of whom but the youngest were born in Canada. Their names are : Margaret, Mary A., John, Robert, Joseph, William, George, Matilda, Elizabeth F., Robina J. and Robert G. Mr. and Mrs. P. are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and are in every way worthy and respected citizens. He is liberal in his political preferences, always preferring to support popular measures and honorable men rather than adhering to any distinct party.

WESLEY B. RUTHERFORD

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 30, Post-office, Bonanza).

One of the older and well known citizens of Caldwell county, Mr. Rutherford is highly respected and very popular, for his life has been one of much value to this community, both in material affairs, as a public-spirited citizen and otherwise. Since June, 1849, he has resided upon his present place, where he has continuously given his attention to the calling to which he was reared, farming and stock raising. After coming into this new country Mr. Rutherford had many obstacles to meet and many discouragements to overcome in securing for himself and family a comfortable home ; but this did not deter him from putting forth every energy towards the ambition of his hopes. And in this effort he was warmly aided by his good wife. Her maiden name was Elvira Graham, a Virginian by birth, born February 16, 1824. Their marriage took place in 1847. In farming Mr. R. has met with substantial evidence of success and his landed estate embraces 360 acres ; he was formerly the owner of over 400 acres, but 80 acres were devoted to the laying out of town lots on the site of the present village of Bonanza. He was born in Washington county, Va., December 3, 1817, his parents William and Mary ( Cornet ) Rutherford, being natives of Virginia also. On his father's side he is of Scotch descent, but the Cornets are of Welsh origin, members of both families having settled in this country in early colonial days. William Rutherford was a brave soldier in the War of 1812. They were among the pioneers in the State of Virginia, and were people of recognized ability and respectability. After receiving only such an education as the limited schools of the period afforded Wesley B. Rutherford, when twenty-one years of age, began in life for himself by carrying the mail and running a stage line over the old Valley

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

route in Virginia, in which business he continued for some four years. During this time he had by economy saved some means which he determined to invest in a home in this Western coun- try. So after about four years of active farm work he left his native State, and upon spending one season in Kentucky, came with his family to this county, and to his present location the following year. He was among the pioneers in this county and his name has become known in almost every household in the county, but upon it no word of reproach has ever fallen. Mrs. Rutherford died January 22, 1879. She had borne her husband ten children, all of whom survive save one son, Harden M., who died at the age of thirteen ; the others are : Martha W., James O., William G., Sarah J., Wesley C., Cyrus E., Joseph B., Mathias E. and Albert G. Politically he has been a life- long Democrat and he has held numerous official positions.

CHRISTIAN SCHNEITER

(Late a Farmer and Stock-raiser).

The county of Caldwell, already one of the best in the State of Mis- souri, would indeed be still much better off if it had more citizens with characteristics similiar to those possessed by Mr. Schneiter. A foreign-born resident of this locality, his career from the time of his settlement here and, indeed, from commencing in life, was one of only hard work, strict economy, and an intelligent application to the details of his various branches of business. He was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, October 11, 1831, and was the son of Christian and Elizabeth (Zurcher) Schneiter, both natives of the same place. They had but one child born to them, he whose name heads this sketch. The parents were during life engaged in the pursuit of farm- ing, and like the majority of the people of that country were frugal, industrious, moral, and lovers of justice and liberty, -qualities which their son inherited to a remarkable degree. Their deaths occurred in the country of their birth. Young Schneiter attended school until 16 years of age, and also worked on the home farm, subsequently learning the locksmith's trade which he followed in connection with blacksmithing until 1866. In 1867 he came to the United States and after resuming labor at the occupation of a blacksmith, in Pennsyl- vania, a few months, settled at St. Charles, Mo., and in a short time removed to the neighborhood of where he until recently resided. For several years he was engaged in digging wells, and at the expense of patient and untiring industry was enabled to purchase 20 acres of land. Later he had 160 acres, one of the good farms of this portion of the township. Mr. Schneiter was married in Switzerland in 1853 to Miss Susan Bischoff, of Canton Berne. Nine children were the fruits of this union : Susan, Elizabeth, Christian, Louisa, Lena, all born in the old country ; and Emma, Rosa, Mary and Ernest, American born. Liberal in his political views, he generally voted the Republican ticket. He was a hard-working, intelligent citizen and a progressive agricul- turist, and at the time of his death in September, 1885, was highly respected.

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

HENRY C. SEARLS

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 1, Post-office, Hamilton).

Mr. Searls' father, Walter Searls, was the first white male child born in the town of Martinsburg, New York, to which place his par- ents emigrated in an early day, and in an especial early period for that portion of the State. The family were originally from Vermont. Mr. Searls married Miss Charlotte Cook, whose ancestors were from Massachusets. Many of both families were in the early wars and the wars with the mother country. Nathan Cook, of this family, was a colonel in the War of 1812. Mr. Walter Searls lived the greater part of his life in Lewis county, N. Y., engaged in farming. To himself and wife eight children were born, six of whom are now living; one son, Duane, served his country in the late war. Both parents are still living in New York at an advanced age. The father has ever been a stanch Democrat in politics. Henry C. Searls was born on the 19th of April, 1832, in Lewis county, N. Y., where he received the rudiments of an education in the district schools. Farming was the occupation to which his energies were directed in youth, and upon starting in life for himself he adopted agricultural pursuits as the call- ing to which he would devote himself in after life. In 1868 he took up his location in Caldwell county and soon after purchased his pres- ent farm, which contains 80 acres of well improved land. Though not as large as many in this township it is a valuable one, all its sur- roundings being kept in neat and excellent order. Stock of a good grade is found here. Mr. Searls was united in marriage February 1, 1855, to Miss Sarah M. Smith, who was born in Montgomery county, N. Y., March 27, 1831. Her parents, Peter G. and Mary (Hand) Smith, were themselves natives of New York. They had eight chil- dren and were numbered among the first settlers of Montgomery county. Both the maternal and paternal grandfathers of Mrs. Searls were participants in the Revolutionary War. Mr. and Mrs. S. have had one child who died when 10 years of age, - Mary Jessie. Mr. Searls has filled various official positions of a local nature and so far as his means would allow has contributed to the success and support of all laudable public improvements. His wife is a member of the Presby- terian Church ; in religious matters he is liberal. He has always voted in opposition to the Democratic party save in local politics, when the man becomes the important consideration.

RICHARD STAGNER

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 35, Post-office, Gould Farm).

Among the younger agriculturists of this township who are rapidly coming to the front as progressive and industrious farmers and stock men we can not fail to mention Mr. Stagner, now in his thirty-third year. Though comparatively a young man he has, by his own exertions entirely, accumulated 185 acres of land, and he has the satisfaction of

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

knowing that this property is only the result of years of hard toil and close attention to his chosen calling. He owns 185 acres, and from boyhood has been occupied to a greater or less extent in handling stock, and not without substantial profit. Reared a farmer, perhaps it is not to be wondered at that Mr. Stagner is thoroughly familiar with the details of farm life. He was born in Madison county, Ky., September 28, 1853, his father being James C. Stagner, and his mother ( maiden name) Charlotte Ellridge, both Kentuckians by birth. The Stagners were carly settlers of the Blue Grass State, and were well and favorably known and highly respected. Thomas Stagner, the grandfather of Richard, was a man of considerable local reputa- tion and wealth. His son James was a soldier in the Mexican War, and held numerous official positions. He was a farmer during life, and some four years after his marriage, in 1850, he came to Caldwell county and settled near where Nettleton is now located. This was afterwards his home. In 1858, while on a visit to his old residence in Kentucky, he died, leaving a family of six children. Possessed of much natural ability he was greatly beloved. His widow subsequently married Mr. Jasper Bowers, and is still permanently located in Gomer township, this county. The subject of this sketch was married Janu- ary 22, 1877, to Miss Ida M. Wolcott, whose birth occurred in Central New York August 5, 1861. The following children have been born of this union : Maude and John A. In his political views Mr. Stagner is very liberal, preferring to support men and measures rather than party.

JOSEPH S. SWINDLER ( DECEASED )

(Late of New York Township).

On the 7th of July, 1860, Jos. S. Swindler, a man well known in this township, died at his residence near Gould Farm after a lingering illness. The announcement of his death occasioned universal sadness among his many acquaintances, for while his life had not been one of active publicity, perhaps, by his upright course in his every-day walk and conversation he had become endeared to very many. He was born in Montgomery county, Ind., December 12, 1827, and was reared to manhood there, receiving only a limited education. October 19, 1847, he married Miss Celina Liter, an estimable lady, born in Bourbon county, Ky., August 28, 1829. Leaving Indiana in the fall of 1858, they came West to Grundy county, Mo., where they made their home for two years, then removing to Caldwell county. Mr. S. immediately located in this township, where his family have continued to make their home. The children which were born to Mr. and Mrs. Swindler were eleven in number: Mary V., Clayton H., Jacob S., Adam W., William L., John C., Harriet E., Sarah A., George W., Lucy E. and James M. Mr. Swindler during his entire life followed farming and stock raising, and at the time of his death owned 173 acres of land. When quite young he had united with the Presbyte- rian Church, of which he continued to remain a consistent member. He was always interested in any laudable enterprises, particulary in

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

educational matters. In politics a Republican, he was formerly a Whig, and during the war he was a member of the State militia. The manifestation of sorrow at his death proved the friendship of those who knew him while living. Mrs. Swindler still survives, a lady of many noble qualities of mind and heart, and in the conduct of the old homestead is meeting with substantial success.

J. M. WAGGONER

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 31, Post-office, Bonanza).

Mr. Waggoner is of German ancestry on his father's side, and on his mother's side is descended from a well known English family, - Norcross. Both families came to America in carly colonial times and some of their members served in the various Indian wars which occurred during that period, and also in the struggle for Independ- ence. The father of the subject of this sketch, Josiah Waggoner, was married in Pennsylvania to Miss Rebecca Norcross; they were both natives of the Keystone State. To them were born eleven children, of whom J. M. was the youngest. They were people of the highest respectability and were always engaged in agricultural pursuits. Young Waggoner was born April 19, 1837, in Fayette county, Pa., and up to the age of thirty years remained upon the old homestead, which he was actively occupied in cultivating. In 1858 he was united in marriage with Miss Edith Peirsol, of the same State as himself, and by this union there were four children : Mary E., William J., Laura B. and Rebecca. Mrs. Waggoner died in 1865, and in 1867 Mr. W. took for his second wife Miss Clarinda Montgomery. She was like- wise a Pennsylvanian by birth and afterwards became the mother of five children : Theodore F., George, Eliza A., Nancy M. and Jona- than E. Mr. Waggoner was again left a widower by the death of his wife August 27, 1882. He commenced in life for himself a poor boy, and though having met with many reverses and discouragements in his career, his pluck, energy and perseverance have carried him safely through all obstacles, and he is now in a comfortable position in a material sense. His farm contains 160 acres, under good improve- ment, and he gives considerable attention to the handling of stock, a calling to which he was partly reared. He removed from Pennsyl- vania to Iowa in 1869, and the following year came to his present: location, where his true worth is fully recognized by an enterprising and substantial community. He has been a life-long Republican though never an aspirant for political advancement.

E. G. WALLACE

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 34).

It is not often the case when looking over the history of the lives of individuals that one is met with whose career has been marked with such thrilling adventures or remarkable escapes from death as that furnished by Mr. Wallace. And yet during the war he was Provi-

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

dentially kept from harm at a time when death seemed inevitable. During the rebellion, while attempting to reach Gen. Price's army, he was captured with a number of Capt. Merrick's company, by some members of the Home Guards, and turned over to Capt. Gudgell. He and three others were then placed in charge of a squad of militia and started to Breekinridge ; and while on their way the information was given that as they were considered guerrillas they should be shot. They were placed in line and four men detailed to execute the sen- tenee. Whether by accident or otherwise Mr. Wallace was unin- jured, but feigning death he fell with the rest. To make sure of the thoroughness of their work the militia now shot their victims in the head, or supposed they did, but again Mr. W. miraculously escaped, and subsequently joined the State militia. During his service he saw many dangers and hardships. After his term of service he crossed the plains, and on his return, at Nebraska City, Neb., he became acquainted with Miss Mary A. Kesterson, whom he married November 15, 1865. She was born in Ray county, Mo., May 2, 1843, and of this union three children are living, Pearl G., Berry A. and Orva. Soon after his marriage Mr. Wallace came to Caldwell county, but two years later returned to Nebraska, where he farmed about eight years. Since then he has continued to make this county his home, and here is recognized as one of the substantial and pro- gressive agriculturists of the community. He owns a farm of 360 acres under cultivation, and raises stock to quite an extent. Mr. Wallace was born in Stewart county, Tenn., May 28, 1841, his parents being Abathal and Adaline O. (Stanford ) Wallace, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Tennessee, in which latter State they were married. This family of Wallaces are of Scotch descent, and the first mention of them in this country was in the early colonial times. They are direct descendants of Sir William Wallace, and representatives of the family are scattered all over the United States, and are everywhere recognized as people of great social and moral worth. Abithal Wallace was a Mexican soldier, and during his lifetime held many positions of honor and trust. He was sheriff of his county while in Tennessee, and after leaving there and coming to Livingston county, Mo., in 1850, he served as county judge. During the war he moved to Ray county, where he died in October, 1867. A man of more than ordinary ability, he was highly respected by all who knew him. Politically he was an ardent Demo- crat. His wife died in 1872. E. G. Wallace has always been engaged in farming. His education in youth was limited, being con- fined to the common schools. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

ALGERNON WINGATE

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

Mr. Wingate has one of the best improved farms of its size in this township, and it is managed in a manner which at once stamps him the

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

successful and prominent agriculturist that he is. He owns 156 acres and upon his place raises stock of all kinds. Mr. Wingate is of English extraction, representatives of the family having come to America while it still belonged to Great Britain. John Wingate, the grandfather of Algernon, was a native of New Jersey, and subse- quently he became one of the earliest settlers of Hamilton county, O. In 1815 he removed with his family to Scott county, Ind., where he resided until his death, being the father of a large family. He had served gallantly in the War of 1812. Among his children was John Wingate, a native of Hamilton county, O., who, after reaching man- hood, married Miss Rebecca Faris, originally from Madison county, Ky., and they were the parents of the subject of this sketch. The senior Wingate and his wife were industrious, hardworking people, unassuming in their manner, but very kind and hospitable. They came to Caldwell county, Mo., in 1861, locating in New York town- ship, and here the father died the following year. Mrs. Wingate's death occurred in 1881. The farmer was, politically, a Democrat. Of their family of three children, Algernon was the only son. He was born in Scott county, Ind., June 20, 1837, and was reared on a farm, obtaining a common school education. To the occupation of his earlier years he has since closely adhered and with what result has been noted above. He takes great interest in educational matters, and, indeed, in every movement calculated to prove of benefit to the community at large. He has frequently held township offices, always with credit; and he is esteemed one of the public-spirited citizens of the county, possessing also social qualities of a high order. He was married December 7, 1859, to Miss Martha J. Donohew, who was born in Scott county, Ind., February 28, 1835. In his political affilia- tions Mr. Wingate is a Democrat.

CHAPTER XV.

FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP.

Description - Streams - Early History -First Land Entries - White's and Haun's Mills - First Schools and Churches - Rev. Witten's Experience - Items - Organ- ization - Villages, Procterville and Catawba - Procterville M. E. Church - Bio- graphical.

Fairview township comprises Congressional township 56, range 26. No better six miles square of land in better improvement and contain- ing more and better or happier homes can be found in the Union. Houses stand on nearly every quarter section, churches and school- houses are numerous, and fine farms are everywhere.

Shoal creek is the principal stream in the township. It runs through the northern portion. It enters on the west side, nearly two miles south of the north boundary line, then with many meanders it flows to the middle of the east side of section 18, then bends upward far to the northwest, into the southern part of Breckinridge township, then turns southward, or east of southward, and finally leaves the township near the center from north to south of the east line of section 24, two miles south of where it entered the township. Dead Oak creek rises in the southwest portion of the township and flows southeast, empty- ing into Mud creek in Davis township.

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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