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 52

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 52
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 52

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).

486

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

OTIS, JAMES AND IRA HOUGHTON

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

The names that head this sketch represent respectively father and sons, and though not all residents of this township, we have pur- posely combined the biographies of their lives, for their careers as agriculturists, both individually and collectively, have been almost inseparable ; it will be seen at a glance, therefore, that this should be a family memoir. Otis Houghton, the father of James and Ira, was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., November 8, 1811, the son of Elijah and Lucy (Haskell ) Houghton, both natives of Massachusetts. They had removed from Harvard, Worcester county, that State, to Jeffer- son county, N. Y., in 1810. Both the Houghtons and Haskells were of old Massachusetts families, and, doubtless, of English extraction. Elijah Houghton died in Leroy, Jefferson county, N. Y., in 1811, when Otis was but 3 months old. His mother subsequently married Mr. Francis Herrick, moving thence to Springfield, Otsego county, N. Y., where, after living ten years, Mr. Herrick died. The family then returned to Antwerp, Jefferson county, the mother keeping house for Otis and an older brother, and he lived there until 17 years old, when he began working at the carpenter's trade, continuing it for some 12 years, and then resuming farming. June 13, 1841, he was married to Miss Elcy Sword, who was born in Jefferson county April 10, 1820. Her death occurred October 24, 1851, and on February 17, 1852, Miss Antha Holland became Mr. Houghton's second wife. She was born in England May 15, 1819, and died September 26, 1884, leaving two children, Sophia and Lucy. There were five children by the first union : James, Irving, Ira, Mary and George, two of whom died in youth. In the fall of 1866 Mr. Houghton came to Caldwell county, Mo., and located on section 6, of Fairview township, which has since been his home. This place is under good improvement and is being cultivated to the best possible advantage. In all his transac- tions Mr. Houghton has met with more than ordinary success. He at one time was the owner of a few small plots of land in different sec- tions which he has disposed of for the accommo.lation of his neighbors. Of Republican proclivities, he is recognized as one of the best of the older citizens of the township and county.

James Houghton, the eldest of the family of children by his father's first marriage, owes his nativity to Jefferson county, of the Empire State, where he first saw the light March 24, 1842. He remained upon the old homestead until reaching his majority, when, on starting out in life for himself, he worked as a farm laborer for some time, or until by economy and industry he had accumulated a little means. He came West in 1865 and the same year purchased 160 acres of land on section 1, in New York township ; he was recognized as being among the first " Yankees" as he was called, to locate in Caldwell county after the war. As will be seen by comparing his present pos- sessions to his original purchase, he has added other property, which

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

has placed him among the substantial citizens, in a material point of view, in this community. January 20, 1875, Mr. Houghton was united in marriage with Miss Amy J. Hall, of Jefferson county, N. Y. She was born July 25, 1843. One daughter has been given them, Katie E. He votes the Republican ticket. In stock matters Mr. Houghton has risen to considerable prominence, for he has given no little attention to feeding cattle and hogs. With this branch of agri- culture he is thoroughly familiar, and his excellent estate of 300 acres is well adapted to stock purposes. He has earned a well merited rep- utation for his success and complete knowledge of this business.

Ira Houghton is the third son of Otis and Elcy S. Houghton. His birth also occurred in Jefferson county, N. Y., the date being June 19, 1845. He, too, was brought up to a farm experience, an occupa- tion which has been the principal source of his labor all during life. In youth he attended the common schools, where he closely applied himself to study, and in 1863 he became a member of Co. C, 20th New York cavalry, with which he remained until the close of the war. He was in a number of severe engagements. Returning to his old home, he resumed agricultural pursuits and continued them until his removal to Caldwell county in 1866, where he has resided since that time. An adept in all matters pertaining to the successful management and con- duet of farming and the shipping and handling of stock, he has acquired a handsome competence of 435 acres in sections 6 and 7, Fairview township, including the old homestead, and without flattery it may justly be said that no man deserves to a greater extent the good fortune which has attended Mr. Houghton's efforts. His mar- riage to Miss Annetta Kautz was consummated December 23, 1869. She was a native of Rising Sun, Ind., born February 16, 1847. This union has been blessed with seven children : Jessie, Edith, George O., Ira A., Mary H., Eley A. and Eugene. Politically Mr. H. is also a Republican; he is a worthy communicant of the Presbyterian Church.

These three men, whose life history we have endeavored to briefly outline, all take a warm interest in the growth and development of the country, favoring every measure tending to benefit the good of the community. 'Tis needless to say that the influence which they exert is felt by all.

EUGENE KEEFE

(Farmer and Stock-raiser).

The farm upon which Mr. Keefe now resides contains 200 acres of land under good cultivation and well improved. This he secured in 1876, exchanging for it some 270 acres on Shoal creek, in New York township. In addition to this he also has 90 acres in other tracts. The home place is kept stocked and all necessary buildings are upon it. The life of Mr. K. has been one characteristic of the Irish race. He is a native of County Kerry, of the Emerald Isle, born March 4, 1840, being the son of Francis and Mary ( Leary ) Keefe, both also of Irish birth and lineage. The Keefes were an old family in Ireland -

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

of French extraction - and at one time large land-holders, but on account of their opposition to the English government their lands were confiscated from time to time until they were made poor. Such was the condition of Eugene's parents at the time of his birth, and consequently in growing up he received but a limited education. There were eight children in his parents' family, and in 1852, in com- pany with his elder brothers, he came to the United States and located in Cass county, Mich., where he worked on a farm with an uncle until 1862. Then his thoughts turned to the scenes of war and he enlisted in Co. F, 12th Michigan volunteer infantry, serving for three years with that regiment. Afterwards he re-enlisted in an Indiana regiment and remained with it until the close of the war. His active service caused him to participate in numerous engagements, among which were Shiloh, Little Rock, Corinth and others. After the war Mr. Keefe came to Missouri and located in this county, where he has since resided. His first purchase was that of the 270 acres before referred to. His career since that time has become familiar to all our readers. In 1866, Miss Mary Carroll became his wife, but she died in 1874, leaving two children, Francis William and an infant. August 31, 1876, Mr. Keefe was married to Miss Mary Gwynn, a native of Noble county, O., born January 29, 1856. He has always voted with the Republican party and has been identified with all educational move- ments.

GEORGE KEPLEY

(Retired Farmer, Post-office, Catawba).

Not very far from the allotted age of three score years and ten, Mr. Kepley has so lived that no word of reproach against his character as a man has ever been heard ; for his whole ambition has been to do his duty in every capacity - as a father, husband, citizen or friend. Pro- gressive in all matters, he has kept outside of the political arena, though voting with the Whig party first and then with the Republicans. His parents were George and Mary (Young) Kepley, natives of North Carolina, and among the first settlers of Washington county, Ind., where they passed the remainder of their lives. The father was a farmer by calling and himself and wife were respected Christian people. George, the third child of nine children, was born in Wash- ington county, Ind., February 23, 1818. In growing up it was but natural that he should adopt farming as his future occupation, and from the very first he became acquainted with hard work; the death of his father before George had reached his majority interfered some- what with the plans of the latter to secure an education. He remained at home until 24 years of age and in 1842 was married to Miss Eliza Phillips, whose birth occurred in Washington county, Ind., in 1819. In 1848 Mr. K. purchased and moved to a farm in Logan county, Ill., which he improved and lived upon until 1868, then coming to his present location in this county. Buying at that time 240 acres of land, he has continued to cultivate it in an exceptional manner, gain- ing for himself such a competence as has enabled him to give liberally

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

to worthy movements, besides providing for his children. Mr. and Mrs. Kepley have been blessed with a family of nine children, eight of whom are living : Mary A., Sarah A., Amanda E., Ransom W., Franklin P., Barbara E., Martha I. and George E. Mrs. Kepley's death occurred November 11, 1872, and her loss was keenly felt by a host of friends outside of her own family. Mr. K. has long been con- nected with the Christian Church, and in 1869 he was chosen and ordained an elder, in which capacity he has served ever since with honor.

C. C. LEEPER, M. D. (Physician and Surgeon, Catawba).

There is now living in Livingston county, Mo., a man who is num- bered among the highly respected, influential citizens of that locality, Isaac Leeper, the father of the subject of this sketch. He became settled in his present home in 1873, or at least at Avalon, in the same county, where he gave his attention to blacksmithing, the trade which he had previously followed as his chosen occupation. Subsequently, his personal popularity and well known and recognized ability for the position caused him to be elected sheriff of Livingston county, the duties of which office were acceptably discharged by him for four years. Isaac Leeper was by nativity a Kentuckian; his wife, whose maiden name was Jane Shellenbarger, came originally from Pennsyl- vania. Their marriage occurred in Warren county, Ill., whither their respective parents had moved in an early day. Of this happy union, C. C. Leeper was born September 18, 1855, in Warren county, Ill. In growing up he passed his years in the towns of Monmouth and Farmington, receiving in each of these places excellent educational training. Here it was that certain studious habits were formed and cultivated, which have since marked his career as a student of deep and careful research, and it must have been during the latter part of his youth that he became possessed of a determination to study medi- cine. About eighteen years of age upon coming to Missouri, he attended Avalon college for three years, then taking up the study of medicine with Dr. A. S. Cloud, of Chillicothe, under whom he acquired a thorough knowledge of his profession. Following this he took a course of lectures at the Missouri Medical College, of St. Louis, and also at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of Keokuk, Ia., graduating from the latter institution in 1880. Well fitted for the active practice of medicine, Dr. Leeper now located at Catawba, in Caldwell county, where he has since remained, gaining for himself an enviable reputation as a practitioner of superior merit. The study of pathology has ever been one of interest to him, and he has been a leader in the use of new and rational remedies. The Doctor is con- nected with the American Medical Association and the District Asso- ciation. He is identified with the Masonic Order. He pays but little attention to politics, voting usually for men and measures, rather than party.

490

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

JAMES G. MACKEY

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

The life of the paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch was one of remarkable adventure and often of thrilling excitement, for he was a seafaring man, and as such owned and commanded ves- sels which ran between Liverpool and the United States. Late in life he exchanged his vessels for property in New York City, afterwards selling this and moving to Greene county, Tenn. He died in Knox county, Ky., at an advanced age. He was possessed of considerable education and reared a large family of children. Two of the sons, served in the War of 1812; one was killed in Canada and the other was captured by Indians and for three years treated as a slave, his release finally being effected by the payment of $200. Another of the sons, Alexander Mackey, was born at sea, his father, Elias Mackey, being a Scotchman by birth. His youth was divided between farm and city life, and after his marriage to Miss Sarah Golden, in Tennessee, he moved to South Carolina, and upon his father's death, to Knox county, Ky., where he remained until his death December 25, 1842. His widow survived him about. 21 years. They reared a worthy family of seven children. James G. Mackey was born in Knox county, Ky., his natal day being June 30, 1830. After reaching man- hood he was married to Miss Martha Cox, whose birth occurred Sep- tember 15, 1840, in Knox county, Ky. The year following their marriage they came to Missouri on a visit, but things were so unset- tled on account of the war that Mr. Mackey entered the State militia and six months later became a member of Co. A, 6th M. S. M. cav- alry, serving for two years. For 13 months he was in the hospital at Kansas City, a portion of the time as steward. Upon his return home he resumed farming and in 1865 purchased 40 acres of his present tract, which has since been increased to 210 acres. This land is well improved and under as high state of cultivation as any in the town- ship; and it is but stating the truth to say that all this has been gained only by close application, thorough, practical and superior management. It is remarked of Mr. Mackey that he ever favors movements calculated to benefit the community or his fellow-man ; he has held a number of positions of a local nature. He was a stanch Union man during the war, and now favors the Democratic party. Himself and wife have the following children : Jennie, Kate, Stephen A., Benjamin F., John F., Samuel T. and Leona, all of whom have been given good educational advantages.

JOHN MESSENBAUGH

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, 'Post-office, Procterville).

It was about the year 1872 that Mr. Messenbaugh first came to Cald- well county, his location then being made near its western boundary. Some six years later, however, he settled on the place which has

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

since continued to be his home, where he has given his close attention to the improvement of his good farm of 240 acres. He also owns 25 acres of timber, and in the raising and feeding of stock is meeting with good success. The competence which he now enjoys has only been gained by industry and strict perseverance, for upon commencing in life he was a poor boy. Mr. Messenbaugh is a native of Maryland, born in Frederick county, August 30, 1824. His parents were John and Susannah (Dean ) Messenbaugh, both also of Maryland birth. The grandfather of our subject, Jacob Messenbaugh, was of German ancestry and birth, and became settled in Maryland prior to the Rev- olutionary War. There he married and reared a family. John Mes senbaugh, Sr., died while on his way with his family to Columbiana county, O., and the mother then returned to her old home in Mary- land, where she ever after resided. Young John in growing up assisted in the duties of the home farm until 16 years of age, receiv- ing only meager opportunities for attending school. For some eight years after leaving his native place he followed steamboating on the Western rivers, the greater part of the time running between St. Louis and New Orleans. Locating at Columbiana county, O., he purchased some wild land, improved it, and resided there four years, and then came West. After spending the summer of 1858 in Cass county, Mo., he went to Colorado and for four years was engaged in mining and freighting. In the spring of 1862 he returned to Ohio, and on the 30th of January, of that year, was married to Miss Susan McGavran, whose birth had occurred in Carroll county, O., Sep- tember 24, 1832. Four children have blessed this union : John, Eli T., Sarah M. and Joseph F. The same year of his marriage Mr. Messenbaugh moved to Edgar county, Ill., and followed farming until becoming a citizen of Caldwell county some ten years later. In his political preferences he is liberal.

WILLIAM A. MICHAEL

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

Among other citizens here there is one man well known and highly respected by all his acquaintances - Daniel D. Michael - and in connection with the biography of his son, it is but proper that an outline, at least, of his life be given. Born December 16, 1814, in Butler county, O., Daniel D. Michael was the son of William and Mar- garet (Drellinger) Michael, the former of Virginia and the latter of Ohio nativity. They had a family of seven children, though by the father's previous marriage he had five children. Wm. Michael and wife died in Darke county, O. Daniel D. was brought up on a farm with no educational advantages, and in 1829 married Miss Nancy Tillet, a Kentuckian by birth, who bore him three children, who died in infancy. In 1842 Miss Ann Peterie became his wife. She was born in Barren county, Ky., in 1824. In 1835 Mr. M. moved to Ft. Madison, Ia., and one year later went to Pike county, III., living there and also in Adams county for a number of years. In 1851 he came

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

to this county, and now owns a large farm here. William A. Michael, one of the children born of his father's second marriage, first saw the light in Adams county, Ill., March 1, 1845. He was reared to a farm experience but his educational advantages were interrupted by the mutterings of war, and when sixteen years of age he enlisted in Co. E, 6th M. S. M. cavalry, Col. Catherwood commanding. His term of service extended over a period of three years, during which time he participated in twenty-seven engagements, both in Arkansas and Missouri - the battle of Lone Jack being not an unimportant one. Returning home, he attended school some time and then began farm- ing and stock raising, and his present farm of 180 acres is as well improved and beautifully located as any place in the township. Sep- tember 13, 1869, Mr. Michael was married to Miss Lucy E., the daughter of Hon. Daniel Proctor, of this township. She was born in McLean county, Ill., October 26, 1850. Their family numbers seven children: Ida M., Daniel L., William A. B., Eldro U. and Leda V. living, and Edgar and an infant deceased. Mr. Michael has held numer- ous township offices of responsibility and honor. He is a warm advocate of superior educational advantages for the young of the county. He is a member of the M. E. Church. At this time he is raising Norman horses, Durham cattle and Poland-China hogs - all of a very fine trade.

JOHN M. MILLER

(Farmer and Stock-raiser).

An esteemed resident of Fairview township, Mr. Miller is now in his fifty-ninth year, having been born in Berks county, Pa., January 12, 1827. His parents were John and Catharine ( Morris ) Miller, the former of Montgomery county, Pa. ; the latter was a native of Wales but had emigrated to America with her parents when 12 years of age. John Miller and wife passed their entire life in Berks county, occupied in agricultural pursuits, though the father in early life had followed the trade of weaving. In his family were nine children. He was a Democrat of the Jackson school and himself and wife were respected members of society. John M. Miller was reared to a farm experience, his education being such as the subscription schools of that early day afforded, but he now speaks the German and English languages. When 19 years of age he began working at carpentering, serving an apprenticeship of three years at the trade. In 1856 he left Pennsyl- vania and went to Ogle county, Ill., from whence he moved a year later to Winneshiek county, Ia. That locality continued to be his home until 1865, when he came to this county. His marriage to Miss Anna E. Swartzwelder occurred June 3, 1851. She was born in Lancaster county, Pa., July 9, 1832. Two years after settling in Caldwell county Mr. Miller purchased the farm upon which he now resides, and upon it he has made excellent improvements and has it well stocked. His stock embraces a good grade of different classes. He has ever been a stanch Republican in his political preferences, and at the present time is serving as justice of the peace; other

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

positions of honor and trust have been conferred upon him. To Mr. and Mrs. Miller seven children have been born. Two died in infancy. Winfield W., William E., J. Scott, Rosa V., A. Eva, Elmer E. and Clarence C. The first named son, Winfield W. Miller, is the present circuit court clerk, and has also held the office of county recorder. All these children have been favored with good educational advant- ages, their parents having always favored such movements as tended to improve the educational, social and moral growth of the community in which they live.

CHARLES W. MOWDER.

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

The family of Mowders whom the subject of this sketch represents originated from one Henry Mowder, a German by birth, who came to America prior to the Revolutionary War, serving as a soldier in the American army during the late war with the mother country. He was married in Pennsylvania, and after settling in the western part of the State reared a family of three sons and two daughters. One of these sons, John L. Mowder, was deprived of an education in youth, but in later life became a man of advanced, practical intelligence. When 18 years old he went to Harrisonville, O., and learned the cooper's trade, and December 2, 1830, married Miss Catherine Toland, of Harrison county, O. They lived there until the spring of 1834, then went to Clarke county, O., and for 20 years Mr. Mowder was engaged in farming and working at his trade. Soon after he came West, and upon spending a year in Central Illinois located in Cald- well county, Mo., where, the next spring, he purchased 360 acres of land, the homestead being on the present site of section 30, this township. He accumulated much property, owning at one time over five hundred acres of land. He died November 25, 1879, his wife having preceded him on July 2, 1875. Mr. Mowder was a man of pronounced views regarding right and wrong, and strongly opposed the institution of slavery. Politically he was against the Demo- cratic party. Himself and wife were consistent, upright members of the M. E. Church, and as people highly esteemed for their Christian character and conduct. Charles W. Mowder, one of four sons and one daughter born to his parents (four children of whom reached mature years ), made his appearance into this world August 10, 1834, in Clarke county, O., and from that time on for many years passed his days on his father's homestead. To the course of in- struction which was given him in the district schools of his native place he added a two years' attendance at a school in Delaware, O. Two years after his parents came to Missouri he also took up his location in this county, following which for several years he taught school. In 1861 he went to Iowa, but only remained about a year. Mr. Mowder was married July 13, 1863, at Osceola, Ia., to Miss Sarah C. Pounds, whose birth occurred in Columbus, O., December 25, 1844. Five children were born of this union : Lilly A., Mary E., Ina D., Florence E., and an infant now deceased. Mr. M. now owns

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

280 acres in this township, of which he is one of the leading citizens. He has never aspired to political preferment, desiring rather the comforts of social and domestic life.

ELIAS NICKOLS

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

The farm which Mr. Nickols now owns and occupies is numbered among the best in this township, and it is a fact worthy of considera- tion that this estate has been secured. only through his individual efforts. A poor boy when he came to this county, he had, however, a capital composed of his hands, pluck and native energy, and these never have failed him. After working at odd jobs from time to time, he was finally able to pre-empt 120 acres of land, which he commenced to improve, and to this original tract other portions have been added until the estate comprises 400 acres. Mr. Nickols was reared on a farm and has never been afraid of hard work and the industry to which we recently referred is still one of his prominent characteristics. His educational advantages in youth were limited and on this account, perhaps, he has been a warm advocate of the public school system of the present day. Born September 5, 1832, in Athens county, O., Mr. N. is the son of Rufus and Polly ( Johnson ) Nickols, the former of Connecticut and the latter a Pennsylvanian by birth. The Nickols were located in New England prior to the Revolutionary War; the Johnsons are of Irish descent and were early settlers in the Keystone State. The parents of Elias, who had been married in Athens county where they had gone when young, had seven children. The father was a farmer by calling and a man well respected. The mother is still living at an advanced age. It was in the spring of 1852 that Elias Nickols came to this county and he has since lived here. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. E, 6th M. S. M. cavalry, and saw active service and many hardships for three years. After returning home he again turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. In 1853 Mr. Nickols was united in marriage with Miss Cynthia Lane, of Missouri nativity, born in 1833. She died during the war while her husband was in the service of his country. They had five children : Susan, William R., George T., John W. and Amanda J. His second mar- riage occurred in 1866 to Mary Woodbury, a native of Ohio, born in 1835. To them were also born five children : Levi, Perry, Harvey, Dow and Harriet. Previous to the war a Democrat in politics, he has since been a stanch Republican, though no political aspirant, pre- ferring rather the quiet of home life.

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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