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 54

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 54
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 54

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CHRISTOPHER SEITTER

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

Of German birth and antecedents, Mr. Seitter possesses to a remark- able degree the qualities which seem to be characteristic of those of German descent - frugality, industry, perseverance and strict atten- tion to business. His parents were people of like habits. Christopher and Caroline (Smidt ) Seitter were natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, and farmers by occupation. In 1853 they emigrated to the United States, and settled in Hamilton county, N. Y., from whence three years later they moved to Cloversville, the same State, and in two years to Adams county, III. In 1860 they became located in Carroll county, Mo., where they resided about a year, then settling in this township and county. Mr. S. and wife had 10 children, eight of whom were born in the old country. In 1864 while crossing Shoal creek on their way to mill, Mr. Seitter and one of his sons were drowned. His widow still survives and lives upon the old homestead. Christopher Seitter, born in Wurtemberg, Germany, June 15, 1845, was reared as a farmer boy, and when not thus occupied, attended the common schools, where he closely pursued his studies. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. E, 6th M. S. M. cavalry, and after serving two years became a member of Co. C, 13th Missouri volunteer cavalry. With that command he remained for two years and two months, the last year. being spent on the plains in subduing the Indians. Besides the battle of Lone Jack he was in a number of engagements against Bill Ander- son and other guerrillas in Missouri and Arkansas. Returning home Mr. Seitter began farming, first purchasing a tract of 40 acres, which has since been extended to embrace his present place of 340 acres. He raises considerable stock, and annually ships 100 heads of cattle,

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

several car loads of hogs, and has also bought and shipped stock to some extent, a thorough knowledge of this business bringing him substantial results. February 13, 1872, he was married . to Miss Christina Grouse, whose birth occurred in Muskingum county, O., February 14, 1854. By this union there are six children : John C., Frederick F., William R., Bertha E., Catherine A. and Rosa N. In the fullest sense of the term, Mr. S. is a self-made man. Politically he is a Republican. He belongs to the Christian Church.

GUSTAVUS G. SEITTER

(Post-office, Procterville).

Gustavus G. Seitter, the next to the youngest of ten children born of the union of his parents, Christopher and Caroline Seitter, née Smidt, both originally of Germany, is himself a native of Hamilton county, N. Y., his natal day being April 1, 1855. In the sketch of the life of Christopher Seitter, the brother of Gustavus, which immediately precedes this, an outline of the careers of their father and mother is given, so an unnecessary repetition of that matter will be omitted in this connection. Brought up to know all the rudiments and later experiences of farm life, Gustavus has applied himself closely to agricultural pursuits all his life. When young he was an attendant at the common schools, where he acquired a good practical English education. After the death of his father in 1864 much of the responsibility of caring for the farm fell upon him, and to this day he has lived on the old homestead, his mother finding a pleasant home with him. To the original 80 acres of land in the home place he has added from time to time until this has become a farm of 220 acres, well improved ; and what is better than all, he may well feel proud of the fact that, to his own good judgment and management as a farmer and stock-raiser, much credit is due for the competence which he has gained. He is given a recognized position among the leading agri- culturists of this township. In politics he is a Republican, and in all matters of education and progress he takes a warm interest.

ERNEST SHUMAN

(Apiarist and Farmer, Post-office, Breckinridge).

Upon first coming to Caldwell county in 1866 Mr. Shuman pur- chased 125 acres of land ( the place upon which he now resides ) and commenced its improvement, giving his attention to farming and stock raising exclusively for several years. Then he became inter- ested in bee culture and in this business - for such it is - he has since been engaged. He had closely studied the habits and peculiarities of this family of Apis, devoting much time also to raising bees and becoming thoroughly familiar with the best mothods of propagating them. He has not lost sight of the production of honey as a source of considerable revenue, and places upon the markets an excellent quality of both comb and extracted honey, obtaining annually from

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

1,000 to 4,000 pounds. Probably no man in Central Missouri is better posted in bee culture than he, and he endeavors to keep advanced in this direction, being a subscriber to a number of Apiarian journals. Mr. Shuman is a native of Cattaraugus county, N. Y., born August 10, 1837. He is of German origin, his parents, John and Maria R. Shuman, née Shonfelt, having been born in Saxony, Ger- many, from whence they emigrated to the United States in about 1835, locating in Cattaraugus county, where they afterwards followed farming. There was only one other child in their family besides Ernest - Amelia R., now the wife of Melvin Washburn. As a farmer young Ernest grew up, receiving a common school education, and in July, 1861, he left the farm for the battle field, enlisting in Co. I, 6th New York cavalry, in which he served for four years and three months. Active service caused him to take part in the battles of Bull Run, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, the Wilderness, Cedar Creek and many others ; and he was one of seven out of twen- ty-eight in all who enlisted at the same time that returned home. Retracing his steps to his home, he remained there until coming to Caldwell county. Mr. Shuman was married March 10, 1867, to Miss Mary Scott, of Rockport, N. Y., born March 17, 1839. They have six children : Cora R., Amy P., Angeline W., Mary S. and Huber E. living, and Frank W., who died in infancy. Politically Mr. S. affil- iates with the Republican party.

JOHN T. STAGNER

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

In the history of Fairview and Gomer townships, in their develop- ment, growth, and continued advance to communities of wealth and influence in the county, John T. Stagner has borne a prominent part. His career during life has been such as to give encouragement to young men without means, for his present competence has been gained only through his own efforts. Born in Madison county, Ky., August 15, 1853, he was the son of James C. and Charlotte ( Elledge) Stagner, both also of that county, of which their parents were pio- neer settlers, people of the highest respectability .. When quite a boy . Jas. C. Stagner served in a Kentucky regiment in the Mexican War, under Gen. Taylor. After his marriage he followed farming in Ken- tucky, until 1857, when he came to Caldwell county, Mo., settling in Gomer township. In the fall of 1860, while on a visit to his old home, he died. He and his wife had six children : John T., Richard, Lytle, Elizabeth, James C. and Alice. Mr. S. held decided opinions regard- ing politics and religion, and always adhered to what he considered the best interests of the community at large. John T. Stagner early learned the rudiments of a farm life, attending as permitted the com- mon schools. He began for himself as a farm hand, working by the month and saving his earnings until enabled to purchase eighty acres of railway land, which he improved and added to until he owned 240 acres in Gomer township. Besides this he made a success of his

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

stock interests. February 19, 1878, he was married to Miss Ida E. Mowder, who was born in Eagle Mills, Ore., July 10, 1858. They have one child, Mabel I. Mrs. S. is the daughter of Samuel and Mary E. Mowder, née Pitney, both natives of Ohio, and is the only surviving child of two daughters and a son. Mr. Mowder died while his family were residing in Washington Territory, May 13, 1867. He was a man of intelligence and taught school in that territory for some years. His widow was subsequently married and came to Missouri, where she died May 23, 1880. In 1879 the subject of this sketch came to his present location. He owns in Gomer and Fairview town- ships 580 acres of well improved land, and is cultivating it in a man- ner characteristic of a progressive agriculturist. As tax collector for Gomer and Fairview townships he has made an efficient officer ; though a Democrat in politics, he does not let party interfere with his convictions of right. All matters of benefit receive his sanction and support.

HON. DANIEL P. STUBBLEFIELD

(Of the firm of D. P. Stubblefield & Bro., Dealers in General Merchandise, Catawba).

Born in McLean county, Ill., February 28, 1842, Mr. Stubblefield is little past his forty-fourth year, and a man well and favorably known throughout the county, especially in the vicinity adjacent to Catawba, where he is successfully occupied in the conduct of a mercantile estab- lishment in company with his brother, Robert M. Stubblefield. Daniel's father, John Stubblefield, was born in Halifax county, Va., December 3, 1803. He was the son of Edward Stubblefield, and the latter a son of John Stubblefied, who, with two brothers, Edward and William, emigrated from England to America soon after the Revolu- tionary War, settling in Virginia. Edward Stubblefield (Daniel's grandfather ) married Mary Lightfoot Munford, daughter of William Green Munford and Ann, née Stanhope. During the Revolutionary War she acted as private secretary to her father ; the latter was a native of England, and in the early struggle for Independence served as a colonel. He was a wealthy man, and loaned the Government a large sum of money, which was never recovered, owing to the destruc- tion by fire of the papers pertaining to the loan. However, in virtue of a provision made by Congress for the compensation of Revolu- tionary soldiers, Mrs. Mary L. Stubblefield, after the death of her father, applied for and obtained a land warrant for 6,666 acres of land, situated in what is now Fayette county, O., and which rightfully belongs to her heirs at this time, though occupied by others. In 1816 John Stubblefield moved to Ohio, and subse- quently married Miss Tabitha Funk, daughter of Adam Funk and sister of Hon. Isaac Funk, later on a wealthy resident of Central Illinois. In 1826 John Stubblefield left Ohio and moved to MeLean county, Ill., where his wife died August 4, 1837, leaving six children : Edward, Frances, Nancy, Simon P., John M. and Cassandra. His second wife was Miss Martha E. Goodwin, born in Fauquier county, Va., September 26, 1821. To them were born Daniel P., Robert M.,

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

Seth, Jesse, Enos, Stephen, Richard H. L., Mary L. and Sarah A. Stubblefield. Four of the sons were in the Union army during the late war: John M., Daniel P. and Robert M. in the 6th M. S. M. cavalry, and Seth in the 44th Missouri volunteer infantry. Shortly after returning home the latter died from injuries received while in his country's service. Mr. S., Sr., gave considerable atten- tion to agricultural pursuits while in McLean county, Ill., though for a while he was engaged in merchandising at Lexington. In 1855 he came to Missouri and settled in what is now this township ( Fairview ), where he passed the remainder of his days, dying in 1869. He had the respect and confidence of all who knew him; an old line Whig in politics, he later became a Republican, and by his stanch support of the Union gave much encouragement to the loyalists at home and abroad. He and his wife were true Christian people, members of the M. E. Church. Daniel P. was reared like most farmers' boys, receiv- ing a common school education. When 19 years of age he enlisted in the six months' service and afterwards became a member of the 6th M. S. M. cavalry, Col. Catherwood commanding. Serving for two years as a sergeant, he was subsequently made orderly sergeant, and during Price's raid in Missouri had charge of Co. E, taking part with that command in all the engagements in which they were engaged, and winning for himself an honored name as a gallant soldier. Returning home after the war, for some time he followed farming, or until being elected sheriff of the county in 1868. In 1870 he was again selected for the same position and in 1872 he was chosen to represent the people of Caldwell county in the State Legislature. He was made a member of the Committee on Banks and Corporations and was also placed on a special committee whose duty it was to redistrict the State into senatorial districts. He has held other positions of honor and trust, acquitting himself as an efficient, pop- ular official, always laboring zealously for the best interests of his constituents. Mr. Stubblefield was united in marriage September 16, 1866, with Miss Alice M. Phares, who was born in De Witt county, Ill., October 19, 1847. They have two children living, Mattie E. and Daniel L., and Robert Earl and Laura are deceased. Before coming to Catawba Mr. S. had been interested in a store at Black Oak for one year. His business at this place is one which is of extensive pro- portions and constantly increasing. Politically he has been a life-long Republican.

ASEL WALDO

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

Asel Waldo was born in Lake county, O., October 24, 1822, the son of Eber M. and Olive (Sprague ) Waldo, both natives of Herkimer county, N. Y., though after their marriage in Lake county they resided there for many years, their deaths occurring in Wisconsin, in which State they had moved some years previous. The Waldos are of French ancestry and the Spragues of English descent, both families having become located in New England in early colonial days. Seth

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

Sprague, the father of Mrs. Waldo, was a Revolutionary soldier and also served in the War of 1812, dying while in that war. Joseph . Waldo, Asel's paternal grandfather, moved with his family to Lake county, O., during its first settlement. In both of these families there were a large number of children, and their representatives have become settled in various parts of this country. Asel Waldo was one of five children born to his parents. At the time he was reared school facilities were rather limited ; consequently the greater part of his time was passed in attending to work on the farm cultivated by his father, who was a farmer by calling. On reaching his majority he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, but also traded in horses and other stock, a business for which he seemed to have a peculiar fitness. February 1, 1846, Mr. Waldo was married in Loraine county, O., to Miss Aurelia A. MeNutt, who was born in Lake county, O., September 16, 1827. Three children blessed this union : Theodore G., Louise M., wife of J. N. Chapman, and residing with her father, and Olive O., now Mrs. W. F. Blair, of this township. The son is deceased. Mrs. W. died June 21, 1884. In 1846 Mr. Waldo removed from Ohio to Marquette county, Wis., where for 22 years he followed farming and stock raising. Coming thence to this county, he im- mediately located where he now lives, owning a large tract of land well improved, though most of it is in grass, affording excellent pas- ture for the large number of cattle which he feeds annually, besides other stock. His son-in-law, Mr. Chapman, is in business with him, and they are numbered among the prominent and successful stock men of Caldwell county. Mr. W. has ever voted in opposition to the Pro- Slavery and Democratic parties. He has held different local positions with credit. As a man he is progressive in all things and wields no small influence in the community where he makes his home.

ELMORE WATERS

(Post-office, Catawba).

One of the oldest and best known and most highly respected resi- dents of Caldwell county, Mr. Waters is a man whose life has been an active one not without the substantial rewards of success. In 1855 he came to this county and at once identified himself with her inter- ests. For several years registering officer, he also held the position of justice of the peace, besides other positions of trust and responsi- bility, not the least of which was that of county judge, the duties of that office being discharged in an efficient manner. During the war, though exempt from military duty, he enlisted in 1862 as a member of the M. S. M. cavalry and served something over a year, receiving a severe wound at the battle of Lone Jack. Though reared a Demo- crat and under the influence of slavery, he was bitterly opposed to it and has ever acted with the Republican party since its organization. Mr. Waters was born September 17, 1815, in Loudoun county, Va., one of a family of eight children of John and Catharine ( Wyatt ) Waters, both natives of the Old Dominion. Indeed, their respective

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

ancestors were colonial settlers of Virginia and of English descent. John Waters and several of his children died in Virginia, but the mother departed this life in Clarke county, O. Elmore remained at home until fifteen years of age, assisting in the duties about the farm, but his opportunities for securing an education were rather meager. In 1829 he entered the U. S. Arsenal at Harper's Ferry and worked at the manufacture of fire-arms for some nine years, but in 1838 he removed to Clarke county, O., which was his home for twelve years, except a residence of eighteen months in his native State. Going to Logan county, III., in 1850, he came from there to Caldwell county in 1855, and at once settled where he now lives, his excellent estate embracing 350 acres of land, improved to good advantage. Farming has been his occupation since leaving Harper's Ferry and in all its details he has become well versed, though only by hard work, good management and economy has he riseu to his present substantial posi- tion. Mr. Waters has been twice married. First January 24, 1839, to Miss Fannie Kidwell, who was born in Loudoun county, Va., May 13, 1817. She died January 20, 1864, leaving eight children : Thomas W., Ophelia M., Sarah A., Joseph W., Elizabeth F., Esther E., Samuel J. and John F. Mrs. Hannah Bennett, nee Lane, became Mr. Waters' second wife November 10, 1864. She was a native of Illinois, born October 7, 1833. Three children have been born to this estima- ble conple : Ulysses G., Jacob E. and an infant, now deceased.

NORMAN WELKER

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

In this day too much can not be said in praise of those brave per- sons who were fearless enough to face the privations and dangers of a new country in order that it might be reclaimed from its primitive condition. The memory of such pioneers ought to be honored. In this work we do not desire to omit the name of Samuel and Hannah Welker, nee Baughman, who came here at a very early day. In 1840 Samuel Welker started with his family in wagons to seek a home in the West, and upon arriving in Caldwell county was so impressed with the appearance of the country that he purchased 80 acres of land in what is now Fairview township, subsequently adding to this original tract until he became a large land-holder. As a man of energy and enterprise, he did much to build up this county. His death occurred December 28, 1884, his wife having died in the year 1869. Both parents were Pennsylvanians by birth. Samuel Welker when a boy was taken to Knox county, O., where he also endured the incidents of pioneer life. In that portion of Ohio there was a large family of Welkers, one of whom became Governor of the State. Of the 10 children given to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Welker, eight are now living. One of the sons, Norman, was born in Knox county, O., March 5, 1836. Reared at a time when hard work was a necessity, he early became accustomed to laborious duties about the home farm, and, indeed, he has always remained upon the old homestead, caring

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

for his parents in their declining years. October 20, 1874, Mr. Welker was married, Miss Mary E. Anderson becoming his wife. She is a native of White county, Tenn., born August 4, 1852. The names of their two children are George and Iva. Mr. W. owns 400 acres of land under good improvement. Having been deprived of opportunities for attending school himself in youth, he feels keenly the necessity of giving his children the advantages which he was obliged to forego, and these they are improving. Though a Republi- can politically he usually supports men and measures, rather than party. During the late war he supported the Union cause and served for a time in the State militia. Mr. and Mrs. Welker are noted for the charity which they have bestowed on the poor and needy. Their house has become a home for the orphan.

LAFAYETTE WHITE

(Farmer and Raiser of Fine Horses, Post-office, Catawba).

The subject of this sketch was born in Athens county, O., May 15, 1827. His parents were Isaac and Mary (Dunkle) White, both natives of Massachusetts, the former being a farmer by occupation. He became located in Athens county, O., in 1812 or 1814, and there Lafayette commeneed to learn the first principles of agricultural life. This was not his permanent calling, however, for he elerked in a store until 22 years of age, then being honored with the appointment as clerk of the court of common pleas at Vinton. This position he retained for some three years, when, in 1856, he removed to Clay county, Ill., and there embarked in farming. Taking up a settlement in Newton county, Mo., some time after, he continued to live there up to 1877, when he came to Breckinridge, Mo., purchasing and locating on the farm which he now occupies in Fairview township. Here he has since been so prominently connected with farming and stock interests, that it would be an omission inexcusable not to insert a brief outline of his career in this work. Especially in the raising and breeding of fine horses has he built up a well merited reputation, and at the head of his stud appears an imported Norman called " Champaign." Besides this he has 6 stallions of a high grade, all above the ordinary. In stock matters Mr. White is well posted, taking a foremost place among those interested in the business. He is recognized as a breeder of more than local reputation - indeed among the largest in the State ; the animal above referred to was imported by him from France in August, 1884. His farm embraces 200 acres of well improved and cultivated land. Mr. White belongs to the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery of the Masonie Order. He was united in marriage September 20, 1847, to Miss Sophronia A. Brown, at McArthur, O. They have had nine children, seven of whom are living: Isaac P., in Colorado ; John B., in Kansas ; Finley, Henry, Lafayette, George, Reynolds, deceased : Annie, wife of Mr. Kromach, and Frank Sher- man.

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

JOHN P. WRIGHT

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

In the early settlement of Chariton county, Mo., the maternal grandparents of the subject of this sketch bore a prominent part in developing and opening the way for civilization; and the Potters were leading members of society in that community. Charles Wright, the father of John P., a native of North Carolina, left home when a young man, and on coming to Missouri met and married Miss Nancy Potter. Soon after they removed to Kentucky and resided there until 1847, then taking up their location in Gentry county, Mo., where the father died in 1852. The mother survived for a long time, dying at an advanced age in this county. John P. Wright was born in McCracken county, Ky., November 10, 1838, and was the third child and eldest son in a family of seven children. As such much of the responsibility of caring for the family after his father's death fell upon him, and on this account his educational advantages were limited. March 15, 1860, Miss Elizabeth Woodbury became his wife. Two years previous to this he had moved with his mother and her children to Caldwell county, and here, in 1862, he enlisted in Co. G, 33d Missouri volunteer militia, serving about ten months, when he was discharged on account of physical disability. He returned home, and upon recovering his health resumed farming and stock raising, which he has since successfully continued. His farm of 160 acres he purchased in 1867, and this is now in a good state of cultivation. . Though Republican in politics Mr. Wright has never aspired to official prominence. He is a member of the Method- ist Episcopal Church, and in his daily intercourse with the world and his fellow-men endeavors to act out the religion which he professes. To himself and his worthy wife twelve children have been born : Frances S., Simon P., John W., Nancy E., Mary E., Charles P., Daniel, Samuel, Ira, Della, Belle and Orra.

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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