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 53

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 53
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 53

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GALLATIN W. NOBLITT

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

G. W. Noblitt, a man whose entire life of over three score years and ten has been one of almost ceaseless activity and upright conduct, is a member of a family which is descended from Thomas Noblitt, an

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

Irishman by birth, who, when a lad, came to America during the French and Indian War. At the battle of Quebec he was with that gallant commander, Gen. Wolfe, where he was wounded. Subse- quently he took up his residence in Pennsylvania, where he married Miss Mary King, a German lady, and some years later removed to North Carolina. From that State he went to Grayson county, Va., and there his death occurred in 1818, at a ripe old age. He reared a large and worthy family of children, who have since become settled in numerous portions of the United States. One of his sons, Abra- ham Noblitt, born in North Carolina, was married in Virginia to Miss Elizabeth Nuckolls, a native of that State, and their union was blessed with seven children. The mother died in Virginia May 13, 1835, and in 1839 Mr. Noblitt came to Ray county, Mo., where he departed this life some four months after. During the greater part of his earthly career he had followed farming and kindred pursuits, and to this occu- pation Gallatin W., the subject of this sketch, was very naturally reared. He was born in Grayson county, Va., May 15, 1811, and became settled in Ray county, Mo., the year preceding his father's arrival. It is largely due to the fact that his own education in youth was so limited which has caused Mr. Noblitt to take such a leading interest in the instruction of the young in more recent years, but his position in this matter is well known. On November 1, 1840, he was married to Miss Loniana J. Davis, who was born in South Carolina January 17, 1821. By this union there were three sons and four daughters : John B., Charles C., Mary M., Elizabeth, Sonora J., Sonoma, Susan E. and William L. Mrs. Noblitt died January 18, 1858. Mr. N. was again married May 22, 1862, to Christine E. Macc, a Virginian by birth, whose death occurred January 28, 1866. She left one daughter, Cora A. March 20, 1867, Miss Mary A. Sconce, born in Ray county, Mo., January 7, 1834, became Mr. Noblitt's third wife. Her father, John Sconce, was one of the early settlers in Ray county. In 1854 Mr. N. took up his location on his present home- stead in this township, and with the exception of about eight years he has devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits, including stock raising. He owns 240 acres of land. Though reared as a Dem- ocrat, he has always voted against that party, his first suffrage having been cast for Henry Clay. During the Civil War he was captain in the State militia. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and he and his wife enjoy to a large degree the confidence and respect of all who know them.

WILLIAM OSTER

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

The name that heads this sketch is that of a family which has been intimately associated and identified with the welfare of this county from a very early date. He is himself a native of Caldwell county, born April 27, 1843, and in this connection it is but proper to give an outline, at least, of the life of his father, Conrad Oster, a man now nearly seventy years of age, and an esteemed resident of Davis

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

township. Conrad Oster was born in Randolph county, ( now ) West Virginia, December 25, 1815, the son of George L. and Rosannah (Silbaugh ) Oster, the former of Maryland and the latter of Pennsyl- vania birth. Mrs. O.'s father, Conrad Silbaugh, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, as was also Jacob Oster, the father of George L. The latter named went to Virginia in 1810, and in 1816 to Richland county, O. He served in the War of 1812 and assisted in the building of Fort Meigs. In 1839 he came to this county and located in what is now Mirabile township. Conrad Oster married in Ohio, December 22, 1836, Mary A. Hays, boru in Medina county January 1, 1819. He came here with his father, unloaded his wagon on the present site of Mirabile and lived there seven years, then moving where he now resides ; he was subsequently followed to Davis township by his parents, who died here. To Conrad Oster and wife were born fifteen children : Leonard G., Mary J., Thomas, William, Matilda E., Allen, Henry, Daniel, Warren H., James, Susan L., Catherine M., Samuel, Grant and an infant, now deceased. The father and four sons were in the Union army during the war. He is now a Republican in poli- tics, though before the war a Democrat. He and his wife are mem- hers of the M. E. Church. His farm embraces 270 acres. William, the fourth in the family of children, was not favored with very good opportunities for an education. From early youth he was taught hard work, undergoing the privations of pioneer life. In March, 1863, he enlisted in Co. B, 11th Missouri volunteer cavalry, and served until July 27, 1866, being discharged at New Orleans. He was in a number of engagements and was once captured. Returning from the army, Mr. Oster purchased 40 acres of land, where he now resides, and began its improvement. From time to time he has added to this tract until it contains now 280 acres, the greater portion of it being in Livingston county, though his residence is in Caldwell county. The improvements about the place are of a high order. May 31, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Phillips, who was born in Indiana December 16, 1846. They have had ten children : Ida M., Nettie, Charles O., Florence, Merritt S., Jesse R., Eva, Noble K., Plorus A. and an infant deceased. Mr. O. raises stock of all kinds, feeding a number of cattle annually. He is a stanch Republican in politics and a member of the Christian Church.

JAMES M. PHARES

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

On his mother's side Mr. Phares is of Scotch decent. Her maiden name was Eleanor Laird, and she was born in Aberdeenshire, Scot- land, January 1, 1814. In 1816 she accompanied her parents to the location which they made in the United States, Warren county, O., and in Greene county, that State, she was married to Joel M. Phares. Their children were Mary, Eliza C., Sarah A., Amy E., Robert L., Jane, James M., Parmelia, Alice M., William W., Almeda, John L. and an infant that died. Joel M. Phares' birth occurred in Warren

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

county, O., December 20, 1810. The Phareses were an old and respected family in New Jersey, where they had resided from early colonial times. In 1846, Joel Phares and wife moved to De Witt county, Ill., and from there, in 1856, to this county and town- ship, locating the year following on the farm where Mrs. P. now resides. Her husband died March 23, 1876. During life he was either a Whig or Republican in politics, and a stanch Union man dur- ing the war. Himself and wife encountered many hardships in their new home at the first, but by working hard and exercising strict econ- omy made for themselves and family a comfortable home. James M. their second son, was born in Butler county, O., January 22, 1843. The home farm was sufficiently large for him to become thoroughly familiar with the details of agricultural life, and the common schools found in him a constant attendant. Enlisting during the war in Co. E, 6th M. S. M. cavalry, he served for about three years in all the engagements in which the regiment was engaged. After his return home he resumed farming, which he has since continued in connection with stock raising. His homestead contains 170 acres of well culti- vated land and on it he raises stock of all kinds, meeting with good success in his transactions. Mr. Phares' marriage to Miss Margaret A. Frazier was consummated December 30, 1869. She was born in Hampshire county, West Va., May 8, 1849. The eight children born to them are named Bessie D., Laura M., Robert L., Reginald F., John, Clarence E. and Arlo G. For the past few years Mr. P. has voted with the Greenback party. Previous to that he had been a Republican.

BENJAMIN F. PEIRCE

(Dealer in General Merchandise, Catawba).

In the early days of the county's history there was one man well and favorably known to the people of this community, - John G. Peirce, who, from the time of his first settlement here, bore an active part in its development and growth. He was the son of Gainer Peirce, a Virginian by birth, who removed with his family from the Shenandoah valley, in Virginia, to Ray county, Mo., in 1840. Some years later he settled in this county and was occupied in blacksmithing for a long time. His death occurred in Buchanan county. John G. Peirce became familiar with the trade of blacksmith through the instruction of his father, and for quite a period followed it as his chosen calling. He was a native of Loudoun county, Va., and in 1849 he married Miss Elizabeth Mays, of Tennessee birth. They had eight children born to them, but only two survive. Of a tender age when brought to Mis -. souri, Mr. P. returned to Virginia when 14 years old, but subsequently came again to Missouri and soon enlisted to serve in the Mexican War; though not participating in any engagements, he saw many hardships and finally " brought up " at Santa Fe, where he learned that peace was declared. He was occupied at his trade as blacksmith in that city about a year, and then returned to Caldwell county, where he was variously employed for some time after. He gave his atten-

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

tion to farming until 1862, when he enlisted in Co. E, 6th M. S. M. and served some 16 months. Upon his return home he commenced the study of law, practicing that profession until his death May 29, 1869. This was an occasion for universal sorrow, for Mr. Peirce was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. Of much natural ability, he occupied many positions of honor and trust, among others, those of public administrator, justice of the peace and notary public. Though a Democrat, he was a strong Union man. His wife's family, the Mays, were also pioneers of this county, settling in it as early as 1835 or 1836. Mrs. Peirce died September 9, 1871. Benjamin F. Peirce, a rising young merchant of this vicinity, was born in New York town- ship, of this county, August 21, 1850, and was reared on the home farm, receiving a common school education. He began life as a farmer, but in 1883 embarked in mercantile pursuits at Catawba. In 1884 he laid out the town and is constantly doing something for its advance- ment. His stock of goods is one adapted to the wants of this con- munity, and complete in detail. He also owns 40 acres of well improved land. February 22, 1875, he was married to Miss Fannie A. Havens, whose birth occurred in Wethersfield, Conn., January 20, 1854. Their family numbers three children : John H., Irene A. and Benjamin F. Mr. Peirce's only sister, Miss Lauretta E. Peirce, is a teacher of considerable experience, and one of the most successful instructors of the county. Mr. P., though Democratie in his political preferences, is liberal in his views.

HON. DANIEL PROCTER

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

A plain, untarnished statement of the facts embraced in the life of Daniel Procter, a man well known to the people of Caldwell county, is all that we profess to be able to give in this history of the county; and yet, upon examination of those facts, there will be found the career of some one whose entire course through the world has been marked with singular honesty and fidelity of purpose, as well as sin- cere and efficient service to those whom he has been called upon to represent in different capacities. Following the sketch of his own life, we have endeavored to outline the personal history of a number of his sons - young men of whom the world may feel proud. Daniel Procter was born in Washington county, O., June 16, 1812, the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Wells) Procter, the former a native of Salem, Mass., and the latter of Rhode Island ; their ancestors were colonial settlers of New England. Jacob Procter, when 18 years of age, became a member of the company who founded the town of Marietta, O., and there he subsequently married Miss Wells, who bore him six sons and seven daughters, all of whom reached mature years. By occupation he was a farmer. Daniel, the tenth child in the family, passed his youth and early manhood on the home farm, and in that early day was an attendant at the old log school-houses, afterwards entering an academy at Marietta. When 21 years old he

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

commenced to trade in grain and produce, shipping from the interior to numerous points on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers for about four years, and meeting with good success. March 23, 1836, he married Miss Mary Longworth, of Ohio nativity, and she became the mother of four children ; Edgar A., Henrietta M., Belinda E. and Jacob R. Her death occurred October 27, 1848. In 1836 Mr. Procter removed to McLean county, Ill., and resided there for 20 years, engaged in farming, merchandising and the practice of medicine. In 1856 he came to this county and has since remained upon his present location. His first purchase of land embraced 320 acres, on which he erected a horse saw-mill, which he operated during the winter seasons until 1865. His landed possessions finally increased until they reached an extent of 2,000 acres. July 26, 1849, Mr. P. was again married, Miss Mary J. Story becoming his wife ; she was born September 14, 1826, in Morgan county, O. They have been blessed with nine chil- dren : Lucy E., Palmer S., Marietta E., Eugene M., Spence G., John M., Amy G., Alice C. and William D., all married except the youngest. Mr. Procter and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is now a Greenback in his political prefer- ences. During the war his stanch defense of the Union " provoked many to good works." It is as the representative of the people of Caldwell county in the State Legislature that the true elements of Mr. Procter's worth was so fully brought forth. His first term as a member of the Twenty-third General Assembly, and his second as a member of the Thirty-ninth General Assembly were marked with such conduct as gained for himself universal admiration. At that time a Republican, he served his constituents in a most creditable manner, introducing a number of bills which became popular laws. The most prominent of these was the one compelling the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad to pay largely for stock killed, thus necessitating that cor- poration to fence their tract, an act which their charter did not call for. Other positions of honor and trust bave been held by him, and in all of them the best interests of those whom he has served have been considered. To every charitable object he is a liberal contri- butor. From his own income he has given almost without reserve to his children, but still enjoys a comfortable competence. As a man he is held in high esteem.

JACOB R. PROCTER

(Farmer and Stock-raiser).

The name which the subject of this sketch bears has already been given considerable prominence in this work, not, however, without justice, as all will acknowledge who have ever heard of the Procter family and their connection with Caldwell county. In the sketch just preceding this an extended account of the life of the father of Jacob R. Procter has been given - Hon. Daniel Procter - so it is unneces- sary to repeat here what has already become familiar to our readers.

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

Jacob R. was reared as the majority of farmers' boys in this com- munity, growing up on the home farm, and while not thus occupied, attending the common schools, where he received a good education. When 20 years of age he began for himself as a farmer and merchant, though agricultural pursuits have really been his life occupation. He now owns 280 acres of land, improved above the average of the farms of this county, and on this he raises good stock of all kinds, owning, in connection with his brother, Palmer S. Procter, a thoroughbred Norman horse. The stock interests of this vicinity have been materially advanced since his attention has been directed to this channel of farm life, and in other movements he is equally prominent. Mr. P. was married January 29, 1871, to Miss Sarah C. Wolford, who was born in Knox county, O., May 8, 1850. They have three children : Mary E., Oliver E. and Sylvia I. For some years Mr. Procter has voted with the Greenback party. In ideas and tendencies he is progressive and he is recognized as a useful man and respected citizen. He is now little past 37 years of age, having been born in McLean county, Ill., October 13, 1848.

PALMER S. PROCTER

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

Palmer S. Procter, another worthy representative of the distin- guished family whose name he bears, has become well known to the farming community of Caldwell county since he first began to till the soil some thirteen years ago. It has not only been as an agriculturist that he has risen in the respect of those who know him, but person- ally, as a man and upright, honorable citizen, he is accorded a prom- nent place in the minds of his numerous acquaintances. Born in McLean county, Ill., January 10, 1852, to Hon. Daniel and Mary J. Procter, née Story, he, too, was brought up on his father's farm in this township, receiving also the education that was afforded those who were fortunate enough to attend the common schools. The occupation of farming has ever found in him an energetic, ceaseless follower, and his strict attention to this calling has resulted largely in the competence which has fallen to him. His estate embraces 300 acres of well improved land, and, like his brother, he finds the stock business a source of pleasure as well as profit. The fine Norman horse which these two brothers own has already been spoken of. In addition to this he owns many others of a superior grade. Mr. Proc- ter is a married man, his wife's maiden name having been Miss Mary L. Rathbun, of this county. She was born October 7, 1855, and her marriage to Mr. P. was consummated November 12, 1874. Her parents were among the first settlers of Caldwell county - Enoch and Elizabeth (Thompson ) Rathbun, frequently referred to elsewhere. Five children have been given to Mr. and Mrs. Procter : Charley O., Jennie, Floyd G., Orpha, and an infant now deceased. Politically Mr. P. is a Republican.

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

EUGENE M. PROCTER

(Of the firm of Procter & Son, General Merchants, Procterville).

Only a little past the age of thirty years, Mr. Procter is recognized as a young man of superior business capacity and advanced ideas in regard to matters of general information." He has already reached a position of no mean magnitude in the every-day affairs of life, and by his upright course is rapidly taking place among the foremost citizens of the county. He is a son of Daniel and Mary J. (Story ) Procter, and was born in McLean county, Ill., October 5, 1855, though the greater part of his life has been passed within the borders of Caldwell county, for it was here that he grew up, receiving the advantages of our excellent common schools. In addition to this he fitted himself for a mercantile experience by attending Bryant's Business College, of St. Joseph, Mo., where he obtained a thorough course of instruc- tion, graduating from that well known institution. In 1874 he became associated with his father in merchandising at Procterville, in which they are now engaged. The line of goods which they carry is com- plete, and of a good assortment, and their patronage is a substantial one. Mr. Procter, besides his business interests, has in his possession 80 acres of land, and a third interest in a 180 acre tract ; he is also the owner of two lots and a residence in the village of Procterville. October 24, 1878, he was united in matrimony with Miss Harriet E. Donaldson, whose birth occurred in Monroe county, Mo., April 15, 1862. Two children have blessed this union : Leona M. and Stanley E. Mr. Procter has held the position of township trustee for five years, also being postmaster at this place for a considerable length of time. He is a warm friend of the public school system, and a supporter of every worthy movement. In politics he is a stanch Republican.

JOHN G. ROSS

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

A native-born citizen of Caldwell county, Mr. Ross has become one of its most enterprising agriculturists, and has done much in a quiet, unassuming way to advance farming interests in this community. Charles R. Ross, his father, is among the most esteemed residents of the county at this time. He was born August 16, 1813, in Grainger county, Tenn., the grandson of Chas. Ross, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War under Gen. Washington. He had two daughters and one son, Martin, the latter of whom became the father of Chas. R. Martin Ross served under Gen. Jackson in the War of 1812. His wife was formerly Nancy, daughter of Thomas Hodges, of Grainger county. Charles Ross came to Missouri in 1838 and from his location near Utica, Livingston county, came to what is uow Fairview township and bought of a Mormon 40 acres of land. He finally became pos- sessed of over 500 acres. July 26, 1833, he was married to Miss Frances Potts, who was born in Warren county, Tenn., in 1814. Nine

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

children were given them, five of whom are living. During the late war himself and two sons were in the Union army. He was a member of Co. E, 6th M. S. M., and served 18 months, being discharged for disability, wounds received at Lone Jack. His second wife was Mrs. Emeline Davis, of Campbell county, Tenn., and the daughter of Hugh Clawson, who came to this county in 1843. Mr. Ross is at present keeping an excellent hotel at Black Oak. He is probably better posted in regard to the real estate and history of Caldwell county than any man in it, and the respect shown " Uncle Charley Ross" is extensive. John G., the third child in a family of eight sons and one daughter, was brought up on a farm, receiving a common school education. During the late war he served for about two months in " Merrill's Horse," and in January, 1862, enlisted in the M. S. M. cavalry, receiving a discharge in May, 1863, on account of injuries received. Upon returning home he began farming and has since given it his attention. What he now has he gained by his own exertions, his farm embracing 215 acres of well improved land. In stock matters he is among the foremost, and he has one of the best Clydesdale horses in the county. December 17, 1863, Mr. Ross was married to Miss Parmelia A. Phares, whose birth occurred in Butler county, O., June 16, 1843. Up to 1876 Mr. R. was a Republican in politics, but since then has voted with the Greenback party. He is a member of the M. E. Church. To himself and estimable wife have been born the following family of children : Charles E., August 10, 1865 ; Joel G., December 29, 1866; William O., October 9, 1868 ; James D., June 3, 1870 ; Ella M., May 29, 1873 ; Louisa J., May 19, 1875, died February 19, 1878 ; Wil- bur W., born June 22, 1880, died March 7, 1882, and Oscar G., born February 17, 1882.

ANSON SALSBURY

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

The original family of Salsburys to which the subject of this sketch belongs is of English ancestry and was among the colonial settlers of New England. George Salsbury, the great-grandfather of Anson, was a Revolutionary soldier and for his services obtained a land grant ten miles square, situated in what is now Jefferson county, N. Y. ; the family neglected to pay the taxes upon it and subsequently it passed into the hands of others. Cornelius Salsbury, George's son, was a pioneer settler of Central New York, afterwards moving with his family to Jefferson county, that State, at that time a wilderness. Here he reared a large family and died, among his children being Minzo Sals- bury, of Otsego county, who, after growing up, married Miss Laney A. Bowman, a native of Oncida county, N. Y. From this time on Mr. S. continued to live on a farm in Jefferson county, gaining for himself and family a comfortable home. He died August 22, 1878, his widow still surviving and residing in Oswego county, N. Y. Anson, one of 10 children in his parents' family, was born in Jefferson

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

county, N. Y., May 27, 1842, and was reared to a farm experience, receiving also an academic education. Until 25 years of age he resided principally at home. December 5, 1864, he was married to Miss Rebecca Guild, whose birth occurred in Woodstock, Canada West, November 17, 1845. By this union there are three boys: George M., James H. and Fred A. In the spring of 1867, Mr. Salsbury came to Caldwell county, Mo., rented land for some time and then purchased 40 acres, to which he has since added until he now owns 300 acres well improved and in good cultivation. His success in life has been due almost entirely to his strict attention to the details of farm life, though it must be admitted that he seems to be naturally fitted for agricultural affairs. He has given no little attention to the stock industry, and has raised all kinds of stock, besides shipping, etc. In this calling he is acknowledged to be well posted. Politically Mr. S. is a Democrat, though in local movements he is not governed by measures. Various positions of honor and trust have been held by him and in all the progressive movements of the day he has ever taken a prominent interest. Himself and his worthy wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

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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