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 60

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 60
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 60

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).

Mr. Allen is a man who has risen to considerable prominence in the affairs of Caldwell county, not less in agricultural matters than in other circles of active business life. At this time he is the possessor of 180 acres of land adjoining the town of Kidder on the west, where he has a famous herd of Short-horn cattle, known as the " Buffalo Bill " herd, at the head of which is the fine animal " Prairie Lilly." This farm is well adapted to stock purposes, being conveniently watered, etc. Timber for domestic use is also found upon the place. The career of Mr. Allen has been one of much interest. For two years he was in the employ of the Interior Department of the Gov- ernment at White River Agency, the place where Gen. N. C. Meeker was killed. Subsequently, in 1868, he came from Columbia county, Wis., to this county, and here his ability and worth were at once recognized. For two years he filled in an acceptable manner the position of clerk and assessor of Kidder township. November 1, 1876, he married Miss Maggie Fitzpatrick, daughter of John Fitz- patrick, formerly of Ontario, Canada. He was for some time employed

559

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

as a mechanic in a foundry at Kidder, but is now in the marble trade at Chillicothe. Mr. A. and his wife have three children living : Charles L., born May 3, 1879 ; Clifton, born May 10, 1881; Arthur Arnold, born April 3, 1884. One daughter, Lucinda, born September 14, 1877, died July 12, 1878. Mrs. Allen's grandfather, Peter Fitzpatrick, taught school for twenty-four years in Ireland and a like period in this county. At his death in Chillicothe in November, 1883, he was ninety-three years old. Mrs. A. has five brothers : William, in the marble business ; Arthur, telegraph operator in San Francisco ; Frederick F. and Robert, also operators ; John, at home. She also has two sisters, Susan, wife of P. C. Woods, of Stanberry, Mo., and Ida, wife of Thos. McNally, Esq., treasurer of Livingston county. Mr. Allen's great-grandmother was Mrs. Ann Sherman. Her hus- band was Capt. John Sherman, whose father was Roger Sherman, of Revolutionary fame.

ABLE ALLEN, JR. (Post-office, Kidder) .

Mr. Allen is emphatically a self-made man. His career extends over a period of only a little over 40 years and yet during that time he has risen in the business affairs of this world to a position superior to many. He is possessed of excellent business principles and has been identified with the dairy interests of Caldwell county for ten years. In company with his brother Theodore he started the first cheese factory in the county ; at this time he gives considerable attention to the raising of fine .cattle, hogs, etc., in which he is meet- ing with good success. Mr. A. was born in New Hampshire February 11, 1843. In 1853, at the age of 10 years, he accompanied his parents on their move to Wisconsin, where he attended school and worked on his father's farm. In the fall of 1868 he removed to Caldwell county, Mo., and located on a farm of 395 acres near the town of Kidder, which he now owns. To the improvement of this superior place he is giving his attention at this time, and in its man- agement he displays those peculiar traits of character indicative of a progressive, intelligent agriculturist. Mr. Allen has never married. His father, whose biography is briefly mentioned elsewhere, is an esteemed resident of Hamilton township - Able Allen, Sr. His mother died March 2, 1850. Mr. Allen is one who is ever found ready to aid any worthy movement tending to the good of the com- munity. He takes much interest in educational matters.

ELIAS BROWN

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 26, Post-office, Kidder).

A progressive, intelligent and respected citizen of this community, Mr. Brown is numbered among the better class of agriculturists here- abouts. He was born in 1838, in Wayne county, O., and is a son of

560

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

William W. Brown, also of the Buckeye State, now living and in his seventy-first year. The mother, formerly a Miss Lee, also survives and is seventy years old. There were seven sons in their family, three of whom besides Elias are living, and residents of Wayne county : Hugh M., who was wounded at Arkansas Post, while in the Union army; David and Stephen. The three sisters are married, and one makes her home in Henry county, O., Caroline, wife of John Bat- dorff ; Mary married James Kerr, and resides in Wayne county ; Phebe married Melvin Rickey and resides in Wayne county, O. The parental grandfather of Elias, John Buckner Brown, a Virginian by birth, moved to Ohio at an early day and was a pioneer in Wayne county ; his father was a Revolutionary soldier and fought under Gen. Marion. His maternal grandfather, also a native of the Old Domin- ion, was in the War of 1812; he was a descendant of the old and respected Lee family of Virginia. October 2, 1862, Mr. Brown was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Jane Numbers, daughter of John Numbers, of England, now deceased. Some time after his marriage he entered the Union army and served about four months. In Octo- ber, 1865, he left his old home in Ohio and came to his present loca- tion, where he has since remained. Of his 180 acres of land 100 acres are in cultivation and improvement. Good timber, abundance of water, convenient and necessary buildings and other desirable con- veniences render this a model farm. He has some full blooded Short- horn and thoroughbred Poland-China and Berkshire hogs upon the place. Mr. Brown has filled the position of justice of the peace in Kidder township for four years. Himself and wife have had ten children, those living being named Alveda, born October 2, 1870; Mamie, born November 18, 1876; Anne, born February 1, 1878 ; Asa, born September 2, 1881, and Arthur, born January 22, 1884. Mrs. Brown's mother is now living in her ninetieth year in Wayne county, Ohio. She was born in Virginia and was the mother of seventeen children, eleven sons and six daughters; five of each sex survive ; two sons were in the Union army during the war.

JOHN P. BURKET

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Sections 22 and 28, Post-office, Cameron) .

In the estate of Mr. Burket are 144 acres of land, 104 of which are found in section 22 and the other 40 in section 28. This land is well improved, with good buildings, orchard, etc., and on account of superior water facilities, an excellent stock farm. A portion of it is devoted to pasture. Mr. Burket's father, William Burket, was born in Virginia February 22, 1807, and died at the age of 73, December 18, 1880. His mother, Rhoda Burket, whose birth occurred January 28, 1813, died February 6, 1880, over 66 years old. John P. was the second son in the family, the others being Timothy, of this county ; Thomas, of Seneca county, O. ; he was in the army about three years and was taken prisoner at Winchester; Amos, now a widower in

561

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

Davison county, Dak. ; he was in the army about 100 days ; Samuel and Alfred, both farmers of this county ; Albert, a twin brother to the latter, who died in infancy ; his sisters are Sarah Ann, wife of Reuben Rader, of Hancock county, O., and the mother of two children, Rhoda and William ; Nancy Jane, wife of Jacob Turner, Esq., of Caldwell county, and they have four children ; Ivy, who married an agriculturist in the county, Jonas Leeper, and they have one child ; Emily Burket died October 13, 1851. John P. Burket was born January 20, 1839, in Crawford county, O., and there grew to man- hood on his father's farm. On October 24, 1860, he entered upon his career as a soldier, enlisting in Co. H, 55th Ohio volunteer infantry, with which he served for three years and nine months. During this time he participated in many severe engagements, which are deserving of especial mention and would be given were it it not for the space limited to this sketch. Among others, how- ever, were the battles of Cross Keys, Cedar Mountain, Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Chattanooga, Resaca, Lost Mountain, Marietta, Peach Tree Creek, Siege of Atlanta, Charles- ton, Buzzard's Roost, at Johnston's surrender at Raleigh, and from Richmond on to Washington, where he took part in. the grand review, May 24, 1865. He served as orderly and also commissary sergeant, and July 10, 1865, was promoted first lientenant of his com- pany, holding that position at the close of the war. November 29, 1868, Mr. B. married Miss Hannah M. McCrea, daughter of Charles and Lorinda McCrea, of this county. They have had three children : James Elmore, born October 14, 1869 ; Charles William, born July 30, 1874, and Edna Belle, born January 26, 1881, died April 8, 1881. Of Mrs. Burket's three brothers James H. is dead and John W. and Charles C. are living. Of her sisters Elizabeth A. married Charles S. Baker; Sarah E., Susan H., Anna R., Mary F. and Flora D. are unmarried ; Almeda C. and Alice L. are deceased.

SAMUEL BURKET

(Farmer, Section 14, Post-office, Cameron).

In Kidder township there are to be found a number of men who, while perhaps not as large land-holders as many others in the county, devote themselves with such ceaseless energy to the estate they do own that the results are much more satisfactory than had the same amount of labor been placed upon a larger tract. Mr. Burket owns but 40 acres of land, nevertheless, he has all this under improvenient, with a good orchard, complete and necessary outbuildings and other desirable conveniences. Upon his place are two Norman colts of a superior grade of stock. This farm is located six miles from Cameron and three miles from Kidder. Samuel Burket was born October 15, 1847, in Crawford county, O., and in the fall of 1865 came to Missouri, settling in this county. He was brought up as a farmer and is

562

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

thoroughly familiar with all its details. George, one of his brothers, is a commercial traveler and resides at St. Joseph and Samuel Hawkins was in the Union army for about three years, dying while a member of the 123d Ohio regiment. On the 1st of January, 1880, Mr. Burket's marriage to Miss Ellen Hawkins, of this county, was consummated. She was born in 1850, in Ireland, and was the daughter of Roger Hawkins, also of that country. Mr. and Mrs. B. have no children.

JOHN BURNS

(Carpenter and Contractor, Kidder).

The subject of this sketch was born in Clinton county, N. Y., in 1830, the son of Matthew and Mary ( Little ) Burns, both natives of County Meath, Ireland, and people possessed of many of the noble qualities characteristic of that race. They became settled in New York in 1830. Matthew Burns was an agriculturist and to that occupation reared his son John. The parents both died in New York about 1850. They had a family of eight children : Thomas, who went to California in 1849; present condition not known ; Lorenzo, now in charge of the Fourteenth street depot in New York City ; James, a machinist in Troy, N. Y. ; William, deceased ; Mary, the wife of J. R. Cozier, a molder by trade, and a resident of Troy, though deceased since 1880 ; Catherine, with the former in Troy ; and Lydia B., at this time making her home with her brother JJohn. John Burns has had a life by no means free from toilsome labor or disappointments, but he has not allowed himself to become discouraged by adverse circumstances. Brought up at Utica, N. Y., he was edu- cated there in good graded schools and thoroughly learned the carpenter's trade, his course from the very first being without outside assistance. In 1869 he took up his residence at Kidder, where he has since followed with success carpentering and contracting. During the war he enlisted at New York in the 50th Engineers, 6th army corps, Col. Pettis commanding, and was in all the battles and skir- mishes in and about Petersburg, personally engaging in the blowing up of the old fort there, an event which proved so disastrous to the Union forces. After being mustered out at Washington City he returned to Elmira, N. Y., and thence to Penn Yan, where his wife died. Her maiden name was Miss Agnes Mahr, to whom Mr. B. was married about 1859. She was the daughter of William Mahr, of Utica, and was a niece of the famous Gen. O'Brien, who was killed at the battle of Island No. 10, while leading a Union force. He was buried with great honors. To Mr. Burns and wife were born two children ; Minnie and Lida, wife of George A. Williams, station agent at Moreyville. Mr. Burns is prominently connected with the G. A. R., being a member of John A. Dix Post No. 76, at this place. The success of this post is largely due to the influence which he has exerted in its behalf.

563

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

JAMES M. WILLSON CANNON, M. D.

(Homœopathic Physician and Surgeon, Kidder).

A little over seven years ago there was graduated from the Hahne- mann Medical College, of Philadelphia, a class of young men who had closely applied themselves to the course of study given them, and who at the time mentioned - 1878 - were prepared to go out into the world and enter actively upon the practice of their chosen profes- sion. Among that number was he whose name heads this sketch, now a young physician of established reputation as a practitioner, and one who is steadily rising in the channels of medical life. Dr. Cannon is only little past the age of 35 years, having been born January 21, 1851, in Westmoreland county, Pa. He was the son of Rev. Robert B. Cannon of the same county, and a man prominently connected with the ministry in the Reformed Presbyterian Church ; his father was also a divine in the same denomination - Rev. John Cannon. The maiden name of the mother of James was Juliet H. Willson, and she was a native of New York. James Cannon was the second child and oldest son in his father's family, and when four years of age he accompanied his parents to Louisa county, Ia., where his early years were spent on a farm. From an early age he became much interested in acquiring an education, and having decided upon the practice of medicine as the calling to which he would devote himself in subse- quent years, he commenced its study under the preceptorship of Dr. V. L. Moore, of Waukesha, Wis. After a five years' course of prep- aration he attended lectures at the Hahnemann Medical College, of Philadelphia, from which, as stated, he was graduated in 1878. Soon after Dr. Cannon moved to Cameron, Mo., and remained there until 1882 when he located in Kidder. His time since then has been devoted entirely to the relief of suffering humanity. As a man not less than as a physician he is held in the highest esteem. He enjoys a good practice, is a close student, and assiduously applies himself to obtaining an advanced knowledge in the science of medicine. The Doctor was married March 30, 1881, to Miss Tevis Kleppr, a native of Chicago, Ill. They have an interesting daughter, Juanita.

WILLIAM M. CARROLL

(Carpenter and Builder, Kidder).

Since 1852 Mr. Carroll has been a resident of Caldwell county, and during this period of over thirty years he has become well known to many citizens, not only in a business way, but in an official capacity. His first settlement was made in Lincoln township, and while living there he filled the position of justice of the peace in an acceptable manner. He has also been town clerk for a number of years. Born in Hardin county, Ky., October 31, 1833, he is now above the age of fifty years. His father was John Carroll, a native of the Blue Grass

564

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

State, and a prominent and extensive agriculturist and stock dealer. He died on October 13, 1864. His wife died in 1862. In 1861 Mr. Carroll became a member of the 3d Missouri infantry, and with that regiment participated in the battles of Lone Jack, Lexington and others ; his term of service extended over a period of one year. January 24, 1856, Mr. Carroll was married to Miss Hettie A. Thom- son, of Lincoln township, this county, who died December 26, 1880. They had 10 children, five of whom died in infancy. Those livingare : A. H., a physician ; John F., Joseph H., James S. and Mary E. Mr. Carroll has a farm of 80 acres, which is being improved and culti- vated. He also owns town property in Kidder. As a carpenter and builder his worth is recognized by all, and many buildings in this vicinity bear testimony to his skill and ability as a mechanic.

JOSEPHEM. FERRELL (Deceased).

On the 13th of June, 1885, there died at his home in Kidder town- ship Joseph M. Ferrell, a man who, though among the more recent comers to the county, has gained for himself a reputation which left no doubt as to his standing and character as a citizen. He was the owner of a comfortable estate and this is now occupied by his widow, a person of many esteemed qualities, and his son, Joseph E. Ferrell, a promising young man, who is devoting himself to the successful management of the farm. Joseph M. Ferrell was born on April 3, 1830, at Conesville, O. He was the son of Joseph Ferrell, whose birth occurred in Mercer county, Pa., in 1808. The latter lived in his native place until 1826 when he moved to Ohio, there being twice married. His union to Miss Hannah Doughty was consummated in 1827 and in 1867 Mrs. Mary E. Johnson became his wife. She is still living, a resident of Dresden, O., but her husband was called to the other world in 1879, at the age of 78 years. The subject of this sketch for many years devoted himself to the mercantile business at Avondale, O. From 1863 to 1880 he filled the position of postmaster at that place and was also indentified with other movements of a local nature. He was an excellent business man, and above all thoroughly honest. During the war Mr. Ferrell served for three years as a member of the 51st Ohio infantry, under Capt. Hasket. On December 25, 1852, he was married to Miss Nancy Maxfield, of Orange, O. Their children were Josephine, born January 15, 1854; George, born November 19, 1855 ; Hattie, born May 18, 1856 ; Phebe C., born May 19, 1861 ; Joseph E., born August 19, 1866 ; Ezra M., born August 23, 1869 ; Walter, born February 16, 1872. Mrs. F. died in 1872 and the year following Mr. F. took for his second wife Miss Mary Funk, daughter of Mr. Daniel Funk, a prominent farmer living near Avondale. Of the children above mentioned all are now deceased save Joseph E., Ezra, Walter and Hattie ; the latter married David Tipton, a farmer now living in Sumner county, Kan.

565

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

THOMAS L. HAMLET

(Farmer, Post-office, Kidder).

In 1842 there became located in Racine county, Wis., a man who had but just emigrated from Lancashire, Eng., and who was destined to occupy no inferior position among those of wealth and influence located in that county. Joseph Hamlet, the father of Thomas, was born in England. He became possessed of considerable means in his new home and subsequently died there December 9, 1879. His widow is still living, a resident of the Wisconsin homestead ; her maiden name was Miss Mary Lee, the daughter of Thomas and Sarah Lee. Thomas Lee was also born in England, and in the year 1844 settled in Wisconsin, where his wife now lives, his death having transpired in 1869. Thomas L. Hamlet's grandfather, John Hamlet, was a tiller of the soil in England. Our subject now has one brother, James, a house- builder at Cameron, Mo., and four sisters : Betsey, now Mrs. Joseph G. Russell; E. Martha, wife of Amos Craig, of Kansas ; Sarah A., married John Goddard, and living in Wyoming Territory, and Mary, the wife of Thomas N. Shanks, division agent of the Union Pacific Railroad, at Cheyenne, Wyo. Ter. Thomas L. Hamlet's wife was formerly Miss Sarah J. Tattershall, whose father, John Tatter- shall, was a native of Yorkshire, Eng., and a substantial merchant and farmer. He died September 7, 1867, at Burns, Allegany county, N. Y., at the age of 67 years. They have four children : Joseph, born April 4, 1871; Mary M., born June 1, 1875, and Ethel and Estel, twins, born June 15, 1879 ; Ethel died June 20, 1879. In February, 1868, Mr. Hamlet removed from Wisconsin to Missouri, . settling in Kidder township, where he now owns a farm of 160 acres, improved in a manner which attracts universal admiration. His excel- lent dwelling, barns, etc., are neat and commodious ; there is a good orchard upon the place and considerable stock is raised. In com- mencing in life Mr. H. had but $300 and the property which he now owns has been acquired as the result of his own industry.

MILTON HELWIG

(Farmer, Section 14, Post-office, Kidder).

It has only been comparatively recently that the subject of this sketch has become engaged in tilling the soil. For a number of years previous he had given his attention to conducting a boot and shoe business, in which he built up quite a trade. In March, 1885, having a taste, perhaps naturally acquired from his father, for agricultural pursuits he purchased land and commenced the improvements upon his present place. This embraces 40 acres of excellent land, all under cultivation, and upon it are good buildings. The surface of the place is gently undulating and well adapted to growing grass and grain. Mr. Helwig is the son of Peter Helwig, a native of Pennsylvania, but who, in an early day, removed to Ohio, his death occurring in

566

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

Defiance county May 10, 1848, at the age of 35 years. He was a prominent farmer during life and very successful in that calling. The mother of Milton is still living and resides at Cameron in her seventy- fourth year. Milton Helwig was born on the 19th day of April, 1838, in Tuscarawas county, O. April 23, 1868, he was married to Miss Helen Gifford, of Three Rivers, Mich. Five children were given them, three of whom are living : Jessie, born July 28, 1871; Roy, born January 6, 1874, and Mary, born September 1, 1876, all at home. In 1867 Mr. H. removed to Missouri and settled at Cameron, where he subsequently served as a member of the city council for two terms. There it was that he devoted himself to the boot and shoe business until moving to his farm in 1885. He has four brothers and one sister. Jacob lives at Trenton and is a carpenter, as is also George, now a resident of Chicago ; John is engaged in carpentering in Newton, Kan. ; Benjamin is in Los Angeles county, Cal., a fruit- grower, and Catherine, who is single, makes her home with her mother at Cameron.

AMBROSE HOPPER

(Farmer, Post-office, Kidder).

Among other depredations carried on by unprincipled men during our late Civil War, the many horrible murders and butcheries com- mitted can never be forgotten. Innocent men, neutral in their position as to government, shot down without provocation, now rest beneath the sod ; but their memories will still live on. John Hopper, the father of the subject of this sketch, was one of those who lost their lives in this manner, his death occurring in the Ozark Mountains. . He was originally from Kentucky, but had become settled in Jackson county, Mo., at an early day, where his son Ambrose was subsequently born March 22, 1848. He was reared to a farm experience, and was privileged with good educational opportunities in Jackson county. In 1883 he became located on his present farm in Kidder township, pre- vious with that time having been engaged in agricultural pursuits in Daviess county. His land covers an area of 50 acres, and has been gained by industry and integrity in his labors. This he is cultivating in a manner which can but result in substantial returns. His enter- prise and the esteem given him are well recognized. Mr. Hopper was married July 21, 1869, to Miss Sarah F. McCollum, of Livingston county, Mo. They have an interesting family of eight children.

JESSE JUDY

(Farmer, Post-office, Cameron).

Mr. Judy, a young man still under the age of 30 years, has always followed agricultural pursuits as an occupation, having become thor- oughly familiar with the details of farm life when a mere boy. This, however, was perfectly natural as his father, Joab JJudy, devoted him- self to tilling the soil, and in the State of his birth, Ohio, was recog-

567

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

nized as a prominent and influential citizen. His death occurred in 1861, his wife, whose maiden name was Miss Sarah Stockman, also dying in 1861. In their family were six sons and four daughters, and six of the ten children are now living : Jacob L. lives near Washington, O. ; M. K. is a farmer in Dakota ; Sarah married John Matthews, of Madi- son county, O .; Susan is the wife of A. L. Hyland, a farmer of Fayette, O., and Martha A. Jesse Judy, the subject of this sketch, owes his nativity to the Buckeye State, having been born near Washington, Fayette county, April 23, 1857. During the intervals of labor upon the home farm he attended school and acquired a liberal education, which has been of much use to him in more recent years. In the spring of 1867 he came to Missouri and settled in Caldwell county, where he at once identified himself with her agricultural inter- ests. He now owns a good farm in this township and has gained the respect of a large number of the best citizens of the community for his energy and enterprise. Mr. Judy married February 11, 1885, Miss Mary L. Weed, an accomplished lady, daughter of William and Rachel Weed, of Cameron, Mo., formerly of Berrien county, Mich. Her father died in 1869, but his widow is still living and finds a pleas- ant home in the family of her son-in-law, Mr. Judy.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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