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 56

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 56
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 56

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).

JAMES MYLAR (Deceased).

The life of this illustrious and highly honored gentleman was one of more than ordinary success as well as activity ; and the enviable posi- tion to which he attained was reached only by years of industry and strict adherence to the calling to which he was brought up - that of farming. Of Irish-English origin, he was the son of Robert and Margaret ( Bain ) Mylar, both natives of Cumberland county, Pa., the former born February 10, 1780, died April 2, 1851; and the latter born November 19, 1781, and now also deceased. In youth, James Mylar, whose birth occurred in Brooke county, (now) W. Va., December 17, 1815, received such educational advantages as the primitive subscription schools of that early day afforded, which, as is well known, were somewhat limited. In the fall of 1832 he accom- panied his father to Jefferson county, O., and was there engaged in farming until October, 1859, when he went by boat to Camden, Mo., and finally became located in Rockford township, Caldwell county, which was afterwards his home. In 1861 Mr. Mylar enlisted in the Home Guards, and was made first lieutenant of his company, remain- ing in the service for about two years. He served in the M. S. M., receiving his orders from Gen. James Craig, of St. Joseph, Mo., as

522

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

first lieutenant. Mr. Mylar subsequently retired from the active duties of outdoor life and made his home with his son Robert, of which home he was a welcome inmate until his death, November 11, 1885. It was in Jefferson county, O., December 6, 1839, that he was mar- ried to Miss Sarah J. Story, of Jefferson county, born June 22, 1822. She was a daughter of John Story, Esq. At her death she left six children : Van Buren, born January 26, 1841; Mary X., born November 17, 1843; Theresa A., born February 2, 1846; Ella, born March 16, 1849 ; Margaret E., born June 11, 1851, and Robert, referred to above, born August 15, 1853. Mr. Mylar's second wife was formerly Sarah H. Hukill, whom he married August 13, 1861. She died December 30, 1863. Robert Mylar is the administrator of the estate of his father. His birth occurred in Jefferson county, O. In the fall of 1859 he accompanied his father to Missouri, and Feb- ruary 8, 1872, was married to Miss Mary J. Klepper. They have one son, E. B., born February 4, 1876. Mr. Mylar is actively engaged in the stock business. He resides at the old homestead.

MARTIN REHARD

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 8, Post-office, Mirabile).

Probably the largest land-owner in Rockford township, and a man who has been unusually active in the affairs of this portion of the county, ever contributing by precept and example to live the life of an honest, upright and industrious agriculturist - such a man is Mar- tin Rehard, well known to the many citizens of Caldwell county. He was born in Cumberland county, Pa., July 26, 1822, his ancestry, as far as can be learned, having originated in Germany. His father was Leonard Rehard, a native of Germany, born in 1794. Upon reaching manhood he married Miss Catherine Loos, whose birth occurred in Cumberland county, Pa. Up to the age of three years Mr. Rchard lived in Cumberland county, but at the expiration of that time settled in Coshocton county, O. There his principal training was received, his education being such as the common schools of the period afforded. Making his home in Ohio until 1865, on the 18th of August of that year he became a citizen of Caldwell county, Mo., and here he has continued to reside, one of the respected and influential mem- bers of the community. Reference has already been made to the large estate which he owns. This contains 860 acres of land, devoted largely to stock raising purposes, although he raises annually an abundant crop of grain. The improvements upon this farm are supe- rior to the majority of those of the places in this township, and every- thing connected with the homestead is indicative of the substantial and progressive character of the owner. It was while living in Coshoc- ton county, O., that Mr. Rehard was married, Miss Mary Ann Whoole, of Franklin county, Pa., becoming his wife August 13, 1848. She was born October 29, 1829, her parents having come originally from Maryland. To Mr. and Mrs. R. seven children have been born : Kinsey, June 4, 1849; Sarah Catherine, January 6, 1852, died

523

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

August 1, 1860 ; Emma C., April 27, 1854, died September 21, 1854 ; Florence H., March 20, 1857; Mary P., July 29, 1859 ; Pleasant A., December 31, 1862, and Abraham L., born April 21, 1865. Miss Florence Rehard was educated at the college at Kidder, Mo., and after a thorough and advanced course was graduated from that insti- tution. July 7, 1875, she married the principal of the college, Dwight W. Learned. He is a minister of the Congregational Church and in 1875 was sent by the American Congregational Society as missionary to Japan. He and his wife are now at Kiota, where he is engaged actively and successfully in the work of his Master. He and his wife have a daughter, Grace W. Learned, born in July, 1876. In Tuscarawas county, O., Mr. Rehard joined the Masonic Order. He is now connected with the Protestant Church at Mirabile, while his wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

JOHN ROBISON

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 15, Post-office, Mirabile).

The history of every community is made up, so far as its more interesting features are concerned, of the events and transactions of the lives of its prominent, representative citizens. In any worthy history of Caldwell county an outline of the life of the subject of the present sketch should not fail to be given, together with a sketch of his family. His parents were Elijah and Mahala ( Mapels ) Robison, both natives of Tennessee, the latter of Sevier county, and the former from the eastern part of the State. John's paternal grandfather was originally from Ireland. Born in Sevier county, Tenn., September 4, 1831, John Robison spent his youthful days there, occupied in attending to the duties of the home farm. His education was a com- mon school one, the opportunities there afforded being enjoyed to the best advantage. His home continued to be in Tennessee until his removal to this county at an early date in its history - 1849. And since the 6th of November of that year, he has resided in Rockford township. His name in this community is by no means an unfamiliar one, and by reason of his long residence here and the honorable and successful efforts which have attended his career, the acquaintance which he now enjoys is a wide and respected one. Eight hundred and eighty-seven acres comprise his farm, 400 acres of which are in grass, well devoted to the raising of stock ; 115 acres are in timber. During the war Mr. Robison was a member of the Home Guards, an organiza- tion for home protection, and was corporal in the provisional militia under special order 107. His marriage to Miss Lydia Zekel, daugh- ter of Henry and Elizabeth Zekel, was consummated February 22, 1860. She was born October 21, 1838, and is a Virginian by birth. To Mr. and Mrs. Robison the following children have been born : Mahala E., January 4, 1861; Catherine R., December 21, 1862; John H., May 30, 1865 ; Elijah A., October 3, 1867 ; James Grant, October 24, 1869; William Sherman, November 20, 1871, died August 8, 1873 ; Charlie O., born August 26, 1879 ; Archie L., Feb-

524

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

ruary 14, 1878 ; Dessa May, May 2, 1881 ; Lydia Iva, December 10, 1883. Mr. Robinson is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Mirabile. He also belongs to Ulysses Post No. 250, G. A. R., at Mirabile. In his political preferences he is Republican. The farm which he now conducts is one of the finest to be found among the many excellent ones in this vicinity, and the improvements are of a good order.

MRS. CHARLOTTE H. (FUNK) ROSS Section 18, Post-office, Mirabile) .

Mrs. Charlotte Ross, the reliet of the late H. T. Ross, Esq., one of the best known men in this portion of Caldwell county during his resi- dence here, was born in Wayne county, O., March 18, 1839. She was the daughter of Jacob Funk, Esq., a native of the town of Virginville, Pa., who at the time of his death was 84 years of age. His wife was formerly Lydia Tracy, who was born in Ohio in 1812. Miss Charlotte Funk passed her youth upon the home farm in her birthplace, attending school there and receiving a good education. In 1870 she became located in Clinton county, Mo., but was not destined to remain long in that vicinity, for soon Mr. Ross wooed and won her hand in marriage, the ceremony occurring in 1871. Mr. R. came originally from a place near Cincinnati, O., where he was born Angust 9, 1814. After his union with Miss Funk he resumed the occupation which he had ever followed during life, -that of farming and stock raising, with which he had met with more than the usual substantial results. At the time of his death (he was then 70 years of age ) he was the owner of a landed estate of 1,600 acres, and had long been recognized as one of the leading and prominent farmers of the county. He died September 24, 1884, after a long struggle, but an unsuccessful one, with that dread disease consumption. In social life he was generous and kind and by his demeanor attracted the regard of all who approached him. Beloved by his family, he was greatly esteemed and universally reverenced by his fellow-citizens. He left four children: George W., born February 22, 1872; Arch. T., born October 24, 1873 ; Tabitha F., born April 23, 1875 ; and Burnis L., born October 23, 1877. For many years he had been closely iden- tified with the Christian Church as one of its members.

CHAPTER XVII.

LINCOLN TOWNSHIP.

Position and Description - Early Settlers -First Land Entries - Miscellaneous - Glassville - Country Churches - Biographical.

Lincoln township comprises Congressional township 55, range 27. Its area embraces some of the best farming and pasture lands in the State. By far the greater portion is fertile rolling prairie, which at this time is generally well improved. Fine farms in a good state of cultivation and good commodious buildings are the rule throughout the township. The largest orchard in the county, a tract of about 60 acres, is in this township, on the southeast quarter of section 7, in the northwestern part of the township. It was planted by C. D. Brown, Esq., about the year 1870.

Crabapple creek runs northward through the west central portion of the township ; the East fork of Crooked river across the south- western corner, and Mud creek takes its rise in the southern part and flows southeast for two miles, and passes into Ray county. Besides these there are smaller branches.

EARLY SETTLERS.

The widow of Jesse M. Mann, of pioneer fame and memory, now resides in the southwestern corner of this township, on the fine farm where her husband made his last home. Though she is the oldest living settler in the county, coming in 1831, her first settlement was in Kingston township, not in this. It is difficult at this date to determine who were the first actual settlers in the township, but as early as in 1834 James Frazier entered land in the southwestern part, on the East fork of Crooked river, near school house No. 3. Following are the first entries of land in Lincoln township :-

Name.

Description.

Date.

Allen H. Thompson

w ¿ sw. sec. 29

July 17, 1838

James Frazier

e Į nw. sec. 32

Oct. 1, 1834

Wm. Hudgins

nw. ne. sec. 32

July 3, 1840

Allen Thompson

sw. ne. sec. 32

Allen H. Thompson

nw. se. sec. 32

Jan. 27, 1836 Jan. 29, 1838

Richard and A. H. Thompson .

e + nw. & w } ne. sec. 29 March 10, 1841

Stephen Groves

nw. nw. sec. 21 Jan. 23, 1840

(525)

526

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

The Mormons made no effort at settling this township - too much prairie, probably. The prairies here were noted in early days as famous deer pastures and wolf coverts, and afforded fine sport for hunters. The upper portion of the township was not settled until after the year 1850.

It was in this township where Wm. Baker and his son George and Alex. Richey were killed by the militia in 1862, during the Civil War. Here lived a few other " Southern sympathizers " also, who, at times, found existence a burden and longed for a change of circumstances. A few men from this township served in the Confederate army in the Caldwell county company.

ORGANIZATION.

Lincoln township was organized as a municipal township, November 4, 1869, and named for Abraham Lincoln. The township officers since the last organization law went into effect, in 1881, have been as follows : -

1881 - Trustee, Samuel F. Gallaher ; collector, Thos. S. Harris ; clerk, O. W. Dunsmoor, A. F. McCray ; justices of the peace, Aaron Pfost, Ballard O. Fellows ; constable, Stephen C. Hulett.

1883 -Trustee, J. T. Brewer ; collector, Saml. G. Myers ; clerk, J. H. Tucker; justices of the peace, F. M. Thompson, John F. McNew ; constable, F. W. Hill.

1885-Trustee, J. T. Brewer; collector, S. G. Myers ; clerk, J. H. Tucker ; justices of the peace, John F. McNew, Jacob Grey ; con - stable, J. B. Brown.

GLASSVILLE.

The little hamlet or village of Glassville is situated near the center of Lincoln township, on the ne. 1/4 ne. 1/4 of section 15. It has never been regularly laid out and platted, and has no official existence. It has been a " local habitation " but a few years, and now contains a dozen houses, including two stores, a post-office, blacksmith shop, etc. Population, 25. It has a tri-weekly mail.

COUNTRY CHURCHES.

Missionary Baptist. - The church organization known as Cottage Grove Baptist Church was formed in August, 1870, by the union of the following members: Rev. R. C. Hill, John H. Petty, M. L. Ritter, William Chesher, L. Alexander, Hattie A. Hill, H. A. Cow- ley, L. Myers, V. M. Brewen, J. C. Brown, Hattie Brown, M. L. Cowgill, Hattie Brewen. The organizing meeting was held in a

527

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

school-house, Jacob Downing, of Breckinridge, acting as moderator. As will be seen, the constituent members numbered but 13, but during a protracted meeting held in January following there were 35 additions, and in less than two years the membership had increased to such an extent that the school-house was too small to hold it. The church building, a frame, stands on the southeast corner of sec- tion 19. Its cost was about $1,300. It was completed in 1873, and was dedicated in December of that year, Rev. T. M. Caldwell preach- ing the dedicatory sermon, and having charge of the services, being assisted by the pastor, John Harmon, and Rev. T. M. S. Kenny. The pastors of Cottage Grove have been Revs. R. C. Hill, F. M. Wad- leigh, John Harmon, A. Pfister, J. E. Petty, J. J. Feltz and C. F. D. Arnold. Present membership, 108.

Presbyterian. - The Presbyterian Church of Lincoln (township) was formed by the Union of the First Presbyterian Church of Lin- coln, organized August 13, 1870, at Eureka school-house, and the Pleasant View Church, which was organized May 28, 1874, at the Baker school-house, in New York township. There were 14 mem- bers in the prime organization of the consolidated church, as fol- lows : David Cooper, Rachel Cooper, T. B. Gallaher, Jane Gallaher, S. T. Gallaher, H. W. Botsford, C. L. Botsford, Joseph M. Baker, Harriet Baker, John C. Adams, Jane Adams, Lizzie Adams, R. T. My- lar, Mary A. Mylar. The church building, a frame, costing $1,400, was built in the summer of 1884, and dedicated October 12th of that year by Rev. H. M. Rogers. The present pastor is Rev. Goodall. The membership is small, numbering but 20, and is equally divided between the sexes.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AWBREY

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

The subject of this sketch is the son of Thomas J. Awbrey, a Ken- tuckian by birth, who was born in 1828, and who became an early settler in Missouri, the date of his location here being in 1834. Shortly after, however, he went to Iowa, but returned in 1836, his next trip being towards the Pacific coast in 1849. Reaching Oregon he went on thence to California, where he remained until 1858. On

528

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

April 15, of that year, he was married at Eugene City, Ore., to Miss Eveline Mann. About a year after this Mr. A. removed to California, and from there to Cook county, Texas, where he engaged in farming and the mercantile business, continuing it up to 1861. At this time he was commissioned captain and raised a company for the Confederate service, under the command of Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston. His service, however, was broken by the hand of death, for he died Au- gust 20, 1862, at Chattanooga, Tenn. Mrs. Eveline Awbrey is the daughter of Jesse M. and Elizabeth Mann, frequently referred to in these pages, and was born in Caldwell county, October 4. 1836. Her father was the first settler in Caldwell county and as such was always well known. As an occupation he successfully followed farming and stock raising. He was a Tennesseean by birth, his death occurring August 11, 1881. Mrs. Mann, formerly Elizabeth Linville, a sister to Thomas and David Linville, old settlers of Ray county, is still liv- ing with her daughter, Mrs. Awbrey, at the age of 72 years. Ben- jamin F. Awbrey, a young man of much promise, was born May 9, 1862, at Gainesville, Tex., and in 1863 was brought by the family to Ray county, Mo .. He now resides on the old homestead and has entire charge of the farm, which he is conducting in a most creditable and profitable manner. He has had a liberal education and is the pos- sessor of an active mind and liberal views. In 1878 " Ben," "' as he is familiarly called, went to California and remained there about one year, at which time he finished his education at " Oak Mound " College, Napa City, California, the best institution of the kind on the Pacific coast. He returned to Missouri in 1879. Since then he has been stock raising, dealing and farming. He is a prominent member of the Masonic Order, belonging to Polo Lodge No. 232, and in 1885 he was representative to the Grand Lodge. Mr. A.'s only sister, Dicky, born in 1859, died in infancy.

WILLIAM H. BLUNT

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 20, Post-office, Glassville).

To the person who closely applies himself to any occupation which he has chosen as his calling through life there can only come one result -that of success and a high position of esteem from those among whom he has made his home. And the case of Mr. Blunt is no exception to this rule, for it has only been by industry and strict attention to agricultural pursuits that he has attained to the sit- uation which he now enjoys. He was born in Washington county, Va., April 29, 1854, the son of William Blunt, who was for many years the owner and proprietor of a mill. He died in 1863, when 45 years old. The mother is still living -an estimable lady. William H. Blunt, after growing up, was married January 19, 1880, to Miss Mary Davis, of Johnson county, Ia., and by this union there have been born two children : Charles D., born in December, 1881, and John R., born in February, 1885. Mr. B. has three brothers, all of whom are farmers. He owns 160 acres of land, under cultivation,

529

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

devoted to the raising of grain, stock, pasturage, etc., and on this place is a young orchard of 50 trees.

WILLIAM S. COFFMAN

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

In this sketch of a truly representative citizen of Caldwell county may be found much of encouragement for the rising generation, and of admiration for those whose lives may have been passed in a manner similar to that of Mr. Coffman. John Coffman, his father, was born in Rockingham county, Va., and when only three years old was taken by his parents to Ohio. In after years he learned the trade of shoe- making and also followed farming up to the time of his death in 1863, at the age of 60. His worthy wife, formerly Miss Susan Barnhart, died in Ohio in 1874. There were eleven children in their family and an item of interest is found in the fact that the combined ages of these per- sons aggregated 578 years, 11 months and 12 days on February 1, 1885, last. Their names and ages are here given : William S., 59 years, 11 months and 3 days ; Mariah E., 58 years, 9 months and 15 days ; Grace, 55 years, 10 months and 24 days ; Rebecca, 57 years, 4 months and 28 days; Martin, 54 years, 4 months and 19 days ; Jesse, 52 years, 10 months and 27 days ; Magdalena, 49 years, 8 months and 19 days ; Margaret, 48 years and 16 days; John, 45 years, 11 months and 16 days ; Susannah, 44 years, 1 month and 29 days, and Eliza Jane, 41 years, 7 months and 26 days-an average age for each person of 52 years, 7 months and 16 days. William S. Coffman was born in Fairfield county, O., February 25, 1825, and for 52 years he lived on and improved the same section of land upon which his birth occurred. He has always followed farming - working for his father until 23 years old. April 5, 1849, he was married to Miss Zeruah M. William- son, of the same county as himself. Eight of the ten children born to them are living: Clara Belle was born March 15, 1855 ; Frank E., born October 8, 1856, married Miss Kittie J. Warder February 9, 1881; George W., born February 8, 1859, at medical college in Chicago ; Henry W., born December 3, 1860, of the firm of S. F. & H. W. Coffman, of Georgeville ; Clement L. V., born March 25, 1863 ; Cora M., born June 6, 1865, married to O. P. Harriman, Jan- uary 20, 1886 ; Amon B., born December 16, 1867, and Orin W., born October 16, 1871. Mrs. Coffman's father, George W. William- son, was born in Virginia in 1801 and died in Ohio December 10, 1879, aged 78 years ; her mother is still living on the old homestead in Fairfield county, O. Mr. Coffman became a resident of this county in 1876, at which time he settled on the farm which he now occupies. This is one of the finest tracts of land in this vicinity. Of the 696 acres which he owns 272 are in Caldwell county and the remainder in Ray county, across the line. All convenient and necessary buildings and improvements are to be found upon this place. The dwelling, a model of beauty in outward appearance, by its interior indicates the

530

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

abode of refined and cultured people. The entire farm is under culti- vation, well supplied with water, timber, etc., and embraces an orchard 12 acres in extent. Fine graded Short-horn cattle graze upon the excellent grass pastures. Mr. Coffman is no political aspirant, preferring to pass his time as much as possible in the company of his family ; for eight years, however, he held the position of town trustee. Himself and wife are devoted, respected members of the Christian Union Church. Mr. Coffman is still in the vigor of life and the enjoyment of health. His beautiful home contains all that wealth can provide. He is a successful man - some say a fortunate man, though his labors are seen less than their results. In social life he has a host of friends, and in his domestic relations is most happy.

JESSE COWGILL

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 7, Post-office, Bonanza).

The life of Mr. Cowgill has been passed in a great measure very much as have others whose names are mentioned in the biographical department of this work, and of course there is necessarily some repetition noticeable, perhaps, at a first glance. He has been a farmer all his life - was raised as a farmer's boy and at an early age acquainted himself with the details of agriculture. This pursuit he has continued to follow all these years and evidences of success may be seen in the surroundings about his home. He owns 120 acres, all improved, upon which is an excellent farm house, a small bearing orchard, abundance of water and timber. Surely this is all that is needed for conducting a good farm, Mr. Cowgill came to Missouri in 1877, though he is originally from Indiana, having been born in that State in 1843. His father now lives there, but he is a Ken- tuckian by birth. The mother of Jesse, whose maiden name was Rhoda Phillips, owes her nativity to Indiana. She is also living. February 24, 1867, Mr. Cowgill was married to Miss Margaret Myers, and they have six children, as follows: Ida May, born March 26, 1868 ; James E., born September 24, 1870; Alice R., born May 18, 1873 ; Julia F., born December 16, 1878 ; William M., born June 4, 1881, and Jesse M., born July 18, 1883. Mrs. Cowgill's father was once sheriff of Caldwell county and her brother, Samuel G. Myers, held the position of collector of Lincoln township for four years. William Myers is now a prominent farmer in this vicinity.

ALFRED AND GEORGE B. COWLEY (Post-office, Glassville).

The names which head this sketch are those, respectively, of father and son, and as such are not unfamiliar to the many acquaintances whom they are fortunate to have in this county and the surrounding territory. The father's prominence is, perhaps, more noticeable in agricultural circles, while it is as a physician that the son has risen to

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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