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 58

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 58
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 58

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ANDREW F. McCRAY (Post-office, Glassville).

The sketch which precedes this is that of a well known resident of Lincoln township, and the subject of this biography is a worthy son of that honored father. A native born citizen of Callaway county, Mo., and reared in Caldwell county, he is one of its most respected ones and a man who has been active and prominent in public life. He was born July 1, 1843, and is, therefore, just in the prime of a lifetime of usefulness. Growing up here, he could not fail of having an extensive acquaintance, and, in 1868, when it was desired to elect an assessor for the county, Mr. McCray's name was proposed ; he was nominated in convention and at the election received an overwhelming vote, and he was re-elected to the same office in 1870. He was also the treasurer of the county for one term. For a number of years past he has held.the position of notary public, a commission which he is well qualified to retain. His personal popularity is, all will concede, well merited, for he is a man of recognized worth and ability. In 1866 he was com- missioned by Gov. Fletcher to enroll militia, and afterwards he was appointed inspector-general for mustering in all the militia of Caldwell county, when needed. He was wounded at the battle of Lone Jack, Mo., August 16, 1862, and in consequence lost a lower limb. May 9, 1871, Mr. McCray was married to Miss H. J. Rhoades, of Oil City, Pa., and they have five children : Harry, Mary M., Alice, William and Frank.

540

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

WILLIAM McGLOTHLIN

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 30, Township 55, Range 27, Post-office, Polo).

Like so many of the representative citizens of this county and town- ship Mr. McGlothlin is a Kentuckian by birth, having been born in the Blue Grass State December 28, 1838. All his life has been devoted to farm labor and the branches intimately connected with that calling, and in this he has met with the result which he well merits. His- present farm contains 160 acres, all under improvement and well watered, besides which he has some timber. The place is stocked with good graded animals, and has upon it convenient outbuildings and residence. Mr. MeGlothlin's father was a blacksmith by trade, and he and his wife had two daughters : Sarah E. and Mary E., and seven sons : Ephraim, married and living in Ness county, Kan. ; John, in the marble business at Excelsior Springs; Joel, of this county ; Thomas J., a mechanic, in Nebraska ; George W., a farmer in Ray county ; Wesley P., a farmer in Washington Territory, and William. The latter has made his home in this county since 1867-one of the respected citizens of the community. He has achieved all he now owns by hard work and ceaseless perseverance. Mr. MeGlothlin has been twice married ; first, September 6, 1866, to Miss Euphenia Hurnbarger, who died April 22, 1877. His second marriage occurred October 3, 1878, when Miss Johanna Thomas became his wife. Eight children have been born to Mr. McGlothlin : Ida, born February 11, 1868, died March 8, 1869; Mary, born January 16, 1870; Sarah Ann, born March 30, 1872; Edgar, born October 30, 1874 ; Kelly, born August 16, 1879 ; Lulu, born January 9, 1881 ; John T., born August 19, 1883, and Jesse, born October 16, 1885. Mrs. McGloth- lin's parents are both living ; her father is a carpenter. Mr. McG.'s mother was a Virginian by birth.

WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MYERS

(Post-office, Glassville).

Mr. Myers has been a resident of this township or county for a period now of about 45 years and this is of itself sufficient to give him an extensive acquaintance, even if his personal characteristics were not such as to draw around him many friends. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1831, of which State his father, John C. Myers, was also a native. The latter came to Missouri in 1840 and settled in Caldwell county, subsequently serving as deputy sheriff. He died in 1862, another victim to the atrocious brutality of unprincipled soldiers on the Union side. William's mother, whose maiden name was Leah B. Brinnell, is still living with her son Samuel in Lincoln township, at the age of 74 years. Mr. Wm. A. Myers has been twice married : First, November 11, 1852, to Miss Elizabeth Harter, who died in March, 1864. Three of the five children born to them are living: Bernard H., married Elizabeth Potter, of Clinton county ; he was born

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

in September, 1853; Samuel G., born November 22, 1854, married Ada Christopher, of Clinton county, and Laura, born in 1858, is now Mrs. John Sage, of Daviess county. Mr. M.'s second marriage occurred December 25, 1864, to Miss Elizabeth Owens, of Clinton county, daughter of Isham Owens. They have eight children : Joseph S., born July 30, 1866 ; John William, born July 4, 1868; Annie J., born November 3, 1870; Mollie M., born November 18, 1872 ; Jason E., born November 18, 1874 ; Benjamin H., born December 24, 1876 ; Martha Ellen, born March 4, 1878 ; Imogene E., born November 17, 1881.

ROBERT TAYLOR MYLAR

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 6, Post-office Bonanza).

Robert T. Mylar, originally from the Buckeye State, was born in Wayne county, O., October 31, 1831, and is now, therefore, in his fifty-fifth year. He is the son of Joseph Mylar, a man of considerable prominence as a farmer in Mirabile township, this county, who was born March 7, 1807, in Virginia. He came to Missouri in 1869 and has since remained here. After reaching manhood he was married to Miss Sarah Taylor, a native of Ohio, who died here October 28, 1877. In their family there were five sons and one danghter, of whom two sons are now deceased. Isaac Mylar was in the Union army three years and was promoted to second lieutenant in the 120th Ohio regiment, where he was wounded; John T., also in the Union army, lives at Lathrop ; Mary Jane is the wife of Joseph Myers at Kidder; Robert T., the subject of this sketch, was married December 25, 1855, to Miss Mary A. Leasure, in Wayne county, O. She was born in West- moreland county, Pa., October 9, 1832, the State in which her father, Jesse Leasure, was also born. Her grandparents on both sides were originally from Germany. Jesse Leasure lived in Ohio for twenty years after leaving Pennsylvania, subsequently moving to Johnson county, Ia., where he died some ten years later, April 8, 1879, aged 72 years. His wife, Margaret ( Hunter) Leasure, died in Iowa, April 16, 1871, at the age of 63 years. Mrs. Mylar has four brothers : John H. Leasure lives at Williamsburg, Ia .; Eli is justice of the peace in Richland county, O .; Jesse E. is a farmer near Ladora, Ia. ; he was all through the war as a member of the 16th Ohio, part of the time as color sergeant ; David D. farms near Iowa City, Ia. She also has three married sisters. Mr. Mylar was brought up as a farmer and has always followed this occupation to some extent, though for over thirty years he has taught school with great success. While in Pennsylvania he sold goods for two years at Philadelphia. His entire way in life has been made by individual toil. In 1871 he came to Missouri and settled in Caldwell county. Mr. and Mrs. Mylar have had six children : Charles Sumner, born February 15, 1857 ; Metta A. B., born April 16, 1862, married Janu- ary 6, 1885, John H. Conley, of Waverly, Kan. ; A. McCall, born January 1, 1869 ; Joseph H., born October 28, 1871, and two who are deceased, Robert R. and Isaac J.

542

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

WILLIAM THOMAS PETTY

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 18, Post-office, Polo).

It would not be a difficult matter to find upon a map of Lincoln township the exact location of the farm of Mr. Petty, for it extends over an entire section and is known as the model farm of the com- munity. This is saying a great deal, for there are many places of superior worth hereabouts. This place is six miles from Kingston and is all improved, his fine English cottage and magnificent barn, as well as other buildings, deserving separate and special mention. His orchard embraces both apple and peach trees. He gives con- siderable attention to the raising of Short-horn cattle and has some fine stock on the place. William T. Petty was born in Ray county, Mo., June 14, 1847, the son of John H. and Melvina Petty, the former a Kentuckian by birth and the latter of Tennessee. The father came to Missouri in 1830 and settled in Ray county, conducting for some time a grist and saw mill, but afterwards he moved upon a farm and died there May 2, 1885, aged 65 years. The mother is still living on the old homestead. They had five boys and four girls : John A., in Texas ; James P., Charles O., Eddie C. at home ; Emma, married L. Alexander and is now deceased; Tassie, now Mrs. A. B. Dow, of Kansas ; Rebecca, wife of Samuel Myers ; and Sophronia, at home. William lived at home on his father's farm until 25 years old and in 1864-65 he went to the Rocky Mountains, where he engaged in freighting. December 28, 1871, he was married to Miss Marietta F. Hill, daughter of Rev. Robert Chapman Hill, a minister of the Baptist Church and the organizer of the College Grove Church in this county. He was born in Virginia and died here in January, 1873, his widow following him in 1875. Both are buried in College Grove Church yard. Mr. and Mrs. Petty have two children : Ernie, born April 26, 1873, and Claudy, born December 10, 1881. Mr. Petty is a member of the M. E. Church, while his wife belongs to the Baptist Church. His rise in the world has been achieved only by hard work, perseverance and close attention to whatever he has undertaken. Surely such a career is deserving of all success.

ALVIN POOR

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

Mr. Poor is one of the more recent acquisitions to the agricultural interests of Caldwell county, but he has already been found to be one whose leading characteristics are progressive and enterprising in their nature, and thus of much worth to the people of this community. Born in Jackson county, Ind., January 29, 1831, he was the son of Wendell Poor, a native of Massachusetts. The latter was a man of more than ordinary prominence and influence in the localities where he resided, and while a resident of Jackson county, Ind., held the po- sition of sheriff. After going to Ringgold county, Ia., he served as

543

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

county treasurer and also as one of the county court judges, and besides this was made superintendent of public instruction. His father was an extensive shoe manufacturer in Massachusetts. Wendell Poor died in Iowa at the age of 85 years, December 6, 1884. His wife is also deceased. Alvin Poor, the subject of this sketch, after he grew up served as justice of the peace and notary public in Washing- ton county, Ind. He also taught school for 25 years, and for 12 years of this time it was in one room. In 1876 he moved to Kansas, and in 1880 came to this county, where he now farms 120 acres of improved land, well watered. Mr. Poor was married August 9, 1853, to Miss Elizabeth E. Robinson, daughter of William Robinson, of Washington county, Ind., though a Virginian by birth. She was born March 9, 1832. They have seven children living : Margaret A., born June 14, 1855 ; William C., born November 2, 1859; Robert A., born April 6, 1861; Hannah E., born February 9, 1867 ; Mary Etta, born June 7, 1869 ; Alvin E., born July 30, 1872, and John K., born May 9, 1875. Two are deceased : Anna E., born July 7, 1859, died January 16, 1866, and Wendell M., born August 10, 1863, died June 10, 1872. William and Robert own a small farm in New York township and Margaret presides over their household affairs. She was a teacher in Wilson county, Kan., for two years. Mr. and Mrs. P. and all their children are members of the Presbyterian Church.

ALEXANDER SMITH

(Farmer and Raiser of Thoroughbred Stock, Section 3, Post-office, Glassville).

One of the very largest landholders within the limits of Caldwell county, a man whose property interests are closely allied to the welfare of this community -in fine, a citizen whom to know is to respect, Mr. Smith is worthily accorded a representative place among the foremost persons of this vicinity. He has achieved every suc- cess which has come to him through individual effort, and is not one who has had fortune suddenly thrust upon him. At this time he owns all of section 4, and 280 acres in section 3, besides 160 acres in section 33, of New York township, making in all 1,080 acres, under good improvement, with sufficient and necessary buildings, good wåter facilities, some four and a half miles of hedge, an orchard of 100 trees, abundance of grass for pasture, and, in fact, everything desirable in the maintenance of a superior place. As a stock farm this is unexcelled, and at the head of his famous herd of Short-horns are " Rose Bud," "Knight of the Garter " and " May Dimple." His graded horses are headed by " Denmark," and he also has some fine Poland-China hogs. This estate is eight miles from Kingston, and twelve from Hamilton. Mr. Smith was born in Boone county, Mo., December 25, 1822. His paternal grandfather was from England primarily, but on coming to this country took part in the Revolutionary War; he died at the age of 100 years. Alexander's father, Henry Smith, was a Virginian by birth, and farmed for a long time in Boone county. He died September 26, 1873; his wife,

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

formerly Miss Effa Hickum, died July 3, 1860. In their family were six boys and seven girls, all but two of whom survive. Alex- ander Smith, in 1861, started with some stock across the plains to California, and was 65 days in making the journey from Omaha to Sacramento. He returned to Missouri in 1865, and in 1867 came to this county. October 17, 1868, he was married to Miss Susan Mayes, daughter of Wiley Mayes, of Ray county, a farmer by occupation and a native of Tennessee, and Susannah Maves, daughter of Thomas Powell. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have six children living : Geneva R., born July 22, 1869 ; Robert E., born January 17, 1871 ; Susie A., born February 25, 1874 ; John M., born January 22, 1876; Alexan- der J., born June 28, 1882, and Lillie F., born June 10, 1884.

E. STEPHENS

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 16, Post-office, Glassville).

As an evidence of the usefulness and prominence to which those of foreign birth have. seemed to attain in this county, attention may be directed to the subject of this sketch, a native of Wales. He was born August 12, 1852, his parents also having been born in the same country - John and Mary ( Lloyd) Stephens, both of whom are still living, respected by all. The date of his father's birth was August 11, 1809. During his early life he taught school and was also an assessor and collector in the shire in which he made his home. For some years he was a police officer in the city of London. After coming to America with his family he became a resident of Caldwell county, settling in Lincoln township, where he now owns a highly improved farm of 160 acres. Evan Stephens accompanied his father to this county and has since remained here. He has four brothers and three sisters: Edward, married ; Thomas, William, all in this township ; Jane, now Mrs. William Lewis, of Wales ; Mary, married Stephen Schuster, and Elizabeth, at home. Our subject has long been a resident of this community and has an extensive acquaintance. His farm embraces 80 acres, all under improvement, and here he devotes no little attention to the raising and breeding of stock, particularly Poland-China hogs. He also has some excellent graded Norman horses, and in his stock interests he is meeting with good success. His place bears evidence of unusual thrift and prosperity. Mr. S. was married in March, 1879, to Miss Jane Stephens, daughter of Richard Stephens, who was a native of Wales. He came to this country in 1874, located in Iowa, and then moved to Nebraska, where he owns a large farm, and there lives at this time. Mr. and Mrs. Stephens have three children : Martha Jane, born October 23, 1879; John E., born August 31, 1882, and Mary A., born July 11, 1884.

JACOB SWITZER

(Farmer and Stock-Raiser, Section 33, Post-office, Taitsville).

In another portion of the biographical department of this work mention is made of the branch of the family to which the subject of

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

this sketch belongs. His brother, Peter A. Switzer, a resident of Hamilton township, is numbered among the leading men of that vicinity, and what has been said of him personally is equally true of Mr. Jacob Switzer. The latter is the owner of a beautifully situated and highly improved farm of 750 acres, his dwelling house being unsurpassed in elegance by any in the county ; five commodious barns, numerous and complete ontbuildings and other necessary improvments are worthy of especial mention. Mr. Switzer is a little past the age . of 45 years, and though his experience may not have been one of as great length as many, it certainly has been as varied and complete as most men who have reached more mature years. He is a native Mis- sourian, born in Ray county October 8, 1840. His father was John Switzer, who, after his marriage to Miss Elizabeth Alexander, moved from Richland county, O., to Ray county, this State, in 1839. He is still living - one of the wealthiest farmers of his adopted home. One of the earliest pioneers to that county, he is widely known, the respect shown him being as extensive as his acquaintance. His worthy com- panion departed this life November 9, 1879. Of the ten children which she had borne, nine of whom were boys, all are living save one son, Jackson, who was killed while at work in a mine in California. Samuel is a merchant in San Francisco ; Matthew is a farmer in Ray county ; Peter A. has been referred to; Mary married Fletcher Kelse, an attorney at law; John F. farms in this county; James R. is in Southern Kansas ; George A. in Ray county, and Marion B. lives in this township, the three last named being occupied extensively in agricultural pursuits. Mr. S. married Miss Lydia Robinson, daughter of B. F. Robinson, of Findlay, O., a prominent merchant in that State and for two terms collector of the county in which he lived. He died in March, 1878, aged 61 years, his wife surviving until June, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Switzer have had three children, two of whom are still living : Jessie B., born June 3, 1873, and Ora C., born December 19, 1877.

FREDERICK MILLER THOMSON

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 29, Post-office, Polo).

It was in 1873 that the subject of this sketch came into possession of the estate which he now owns and occupies - the old homestead, 310 acres in extent, situated in sections 29 and 32, a farm most admirably adapted to grass and stock growing and general farm purposes. On it are two of the finest springs to be found anywhere, while the dwelling which he abides in, as well as other buildings, are models of neatness and durability. Mr. Thomson is a son whom Missouri is proud to claim as her own. He was born in this county January 10, 1844, the son of Allen H. Thomson, a Kentuckian by birth, whose natal day was April 12, 1812. His wife, formerly Miss Susan Miller, was born in the State of North Carolina, August 4, 1819; they were married January 25, 1838, and of this union eight children were born: Hettie A., born October 30, 1838, died Decem-

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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

ber 26, 1880; Elizabeth H., born March 27, 1840, is now Mrs. William Kincade, of Grant township ; Joseph, born December 4, 1841, died June 6, 1862 ; Frederick M. ; Agnes, born JJanuary 3, 1846, died June 22, 1848 ; Mary C., born March 10, 1848, died August 20, 1863 ; Belitha H., born March 21, 1850, is married to his second wife and has two children ; he lives in this township; William S., born April 27, 1852, is a large stock breeder in Seymour, Tex. Mr. A. H. Thomson upon leaving Kentucky came to Caldwell county in 1835, being among the early pioneers of this section of the State. He was a man of sterling integrity. He died in this township May 2, 1853 ; his wife, an intelligent and interesting lady, now resides with her son, Frederick M. The latter was reared and educated as a farmer, working on his father's farm until reaching his majority. He received a liberal education and in 1861 enlisted in the 1st brigade, 3d Missouri infantry regiment, serving with that command through all the battles fought by them up to that of Franklin, Tenn., when he was taken prisoner and confined at Camp Chase, O. At the close of the war he was liberated, after which he returned home. While in service he was twice wounded. May 8, 1872, Mr. T. was married to Miss Mary A. Thomson, daughter of Richard S. Thomson, of Ray county ; she is a person of culture and refinement and a most devoted wife and mother. They have five children : Sidney F., born August 14, 1873 ; Sam Mack, born December 3; 1875 ; Eller, born November 1, 1877; Crosby M., born March 21, 1880; and Richard A., born September 7, 1882. Mr. T. has been honored by the people of this county with the office of town collector, which he held two years ; he was also justice of the peace for two years and elected supervisor of the township, and as such, according to the laws then in force, was one of the county judges.

HIDER N. TUCKER (Post-office, Glassville).

Hider N. Tucker, the son of Daniel S. Tucker, owes his nativity to West Virginia, having been born in that State on the 20th of August, 1847. He continued to remain about the home farm, attending to such duties as he could discharge, and receiving an education in the common schools, until about the year 1870, when he came to Missouri. From that time on he applied himself to tilling the soil until the 15th of February, 1874, when Miss Barbara Shuster, a daughter of John Shuster, of this township, became his worthy wife. Soon after this happy event Mr. Tucker settled on the farm which he now occupies, and began in even greater earnest than before its improvement. This place includes a quarter section and is all under cultivation and fence. A substantial dwelling and other buildings are upon it and the home conveniences and necessities indicate the abode of a man of progressive ideas and habits. And such Mr. Tucker is as all will concede, and we can best refer to the estimation which he enjoys by mentioning his career as a public official. He has served as constable of Lincoln

547

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

township and road overseer and in these positions discharged his duties faithfully. Mr. and Mrs. Tucker are the parents of six chil- dren : William C., Lloyd L., Charles N., Howard H., John L. (who died February 13, 1883), Kelley E. and Susan A. Mrs. T. was born January 7, 1849. Her parents are both deceased ; but she has three brothers. She is a devoted member of the M. E. Church.

WILLIAM FRY TUCKER

(Dealer in General Merchandise, Glassville).

Something over a year ago Mr. Tucker came to Glassville, Mo., and embarked in the mercantile business here, and his career since that time as a man and a merchant - one of uprightness and true substantial worth - is so well known that it would be folly to attempt any eulogistie words in this connection. He is a merchant whom the place need feel no shame in owning and the stock which he carries is kept up as the necessities of the community demand. Mr. Tucker's father, Joseph Tucker, was an early settler in Virginia and he himself was born in Grant county, of the Old Dominion, July 18, 1851. Up to the age of 25 years he lived at home, spending his boyhood days as other youths of the community and receiving a good education. In 1872 he became engaged in merchandising at Greenland, Va., remained there five years and in 1879 opened out at Claysville, W. Va., which continued to be his place of business till the fall of 1884. Then, as mentioned, he settled here. While in Grant county, Va., he served as deputy sheriff and also as deputy county clerk. September 10, 1878, he was married to Miss Sarah E. Smith, daughter of Abraham W. Smith, a prominent and influential mer- chant of Greenland, Va., and who represented Grant county in the State Legislature for two terms. Mr. and Mrs. T. have had three children : Lawrence, born June 30, 1879 ; Harry Walter, born May 30, 1881, died November 14, 1882, and an infant, born October 13, 1885. Joseph Tucker had six children, four of whom were sons. He is still living, a wealthy and influential farmer, born June 1, 1801. His wife, whose name before her marriage was Sarah Ann Michael, died in 1874 at the age of 57. Mr. Tucker's paternal grandfather was originally from Ireland and after coming to Virginia served as a soldier in the War of 1812. The brothers of William F. are all farmers in Grant county, Va.

JACOB W. WONSETLER

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

Originally from Stark county, O., Mr. Wonsetler is possessed of those advanced ideas and progressive principles regarding agricultural life which seem to be a part of the nature of men of Eastern birth. Although born in the Buckeye State he was reared in Pennsylvania, in Fayette county, and from a very early age was made thoroughly conversant with the details of farming in its various phases. When

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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