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 64

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 64
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 64

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).

Before closing this sketch mention might be made of other members of the family of " Unele Dennis" Davis. Lewis F. had an extensive acquaintance here, was four times married, and reared a large family. Joshua, another son, resides in Utah Territory. Elizabeth married John L. Shrum, an early settler of this locality, and a most upright citizen. Elizabeth married Eben Fairchild, and they are now residents of California. Clarissa died in Illinois, and Robert departed this life in 1848 while en route to Missouri, from Illinois.

In taking a retrospective view of the career of the family referred to in this connection, as it relates to Caldwell county, we feel ourselves incompetent to add anything to what has been already said. Nor is it necessary. Almost without exception they have been a family moral, public-spirited, industrious in every particular, and one by whose assistance the affairs of the county have been greatly benefited and encouraged. Their name is a synonym of honor.

JOHN EICHLER

(Farmer and Stock-raiser).

We know of no sketch within the biographical department of this work which presents a better example of the rise of young men from a lowly place to a position of honor and respect than appears in these few lines. John Eichler was born in Saxe-Meiningen, Germany,

595

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

December 11, 1829, and was the sixth child in a family of eight children. His parents were Elias and Mary (Trantvetter ) Eichler, also natives of Saxe-Meiningen, and in that county young John attended school until 14 years old. He then entered a woolen factory, receiving the insignificant sum of 371/2 cents per week for his services. In 1849 he left Das Vaterland and came to the United States, locating at once in Rock county, Wis., where he obtained work by the month. Carefully saving his earnings, he was enabled in 1854 to purchase 160 acres of land in connection with his brother George, in Northern Wisconsin, which they partially improved and then sold. In 1857 Mr. E. bought 90 acres in Rock county, placed it in cultivation and resided upon it until 1862 when he sold out and the year following secured 100 acres, which he now occupies. This tract has been increased until it contains 295 acres, well improved, upon which is a good grade of stock. During the war he served in the home militia for some time. Mr. Eichler's marriage occurred in Rock county, Wis., October 18, 1856, to Miss Julia Nash, who was born in Geauga county, O., in 1834. By this union there are five children : Edwin L., Lillie M., Charles S., Lewis and one that died in infancy. Politically Mr. E. is a Republican. He belongs to the Christian Church, and is recognized as a useful and influential member of society.

HENRY EICHLER

(Farmer and Merchant, Post-office, Elk Grove).

The sketch which immediately precedes this is that of Mr. Eichler's brother, John Eichler, and like him Henry was born in Saxe-Meiningen, Germany, his birth occurring April 2, 1838. His father, Elias Eich- ler, was a hard working man, a carpenter by trade, and upon reaching manhood married Miss Mary Trantvetter. Henry was also fourteen years old when he stopped school, and after working in a woolen factory for almost nothing for three years he emigrated to the United States in 1855, subsequently locating in Wisconsin. He at first worked on a farm and later in the pineries, and in 1858 went to St. Louis upon an errand in which he was disappointed. Then he entered the regular army, was sent to Ft. Leavenworth and thence to Ft. Riley, where his command was attached to Co. H, 1st cavalry, of which Joseph E. Johnston was lieutenant-colonel, and ordered to operate against the Mor- mons ; however, on account of their delay in arriving upon the field of action they had to return to Ft. Riley and from that time until his discharge in 1863 he saw considerable active service in fighting hostile Indians in the territories. Opening a ranch near Ft. Laramie, in Idaho, Mr. E., in company with a partner, conducted it for some time. In the spring of 1864 he came to this county, and on April 28 mar- ried Miss Mary J. Oster, whose birth occurred in Caldwell county, January 27, 1839. He purchased stock here for the purpose of driv- ing them to the ranch, which was reached after many hardships. But soon after, on account of the depredations of the Indians, he was com-

596

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

pelled to leave, suffering no inconsiderable loss. In 1866 he pur- chased 120 acres of land in this county, began its improvement and has added to it until his present estate number 560 acres. He now carries on stock raising quite extensively and feeds and grazes cattle, and sometimes sheep. He is recognized as a thorough, practical agriculturist and business man, for since 1876 he has also conducted a mercantile establishment of extensive proportions. Through his influence the post-office at Elk Grove was established and he was made postmaster. He and his wife have the following children : Sylvia S., Melinda E., Oley E., Christina E., Catherine E., Bertha E., Clyde R. and Winter G. Mr. Eichler has held various positions of honor and trust in the township ; politically he is a Republican. He is a prominent member of the Christian Church, as is his wife. Person- ally he is held in high esteem. His career is certainly one worthy of imitation.

DAVID C. FEESE

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Elk Grove).

For the most part Mr. Feese has followed during his life the occupation to which he was principally reared, that of farming, though he also served an apprenticeship at the trade of carpenter. Farming and stock raising have received his attention since the war, in con- nection with which he has done odd jobs at carpentering. In the fall of 1866 he came to this county, locating upon his present farm soon after. He has in his possession 283 acres, improved and stocked. Politically he is a stanch Republican and has been a justice of the peace in this township for 14 years. He is a member of the M. E. Church and a licensed local minister in that denomination. Mr. Feese was born September 12, 1834, and is a native of Darke county, O. Philip Feese, his father, was a son of David Feese, of German birth, who came to the United States when a young man and after living in North Carolina settled in Elkhart county, Ind., where he afterwards resided. Here Philip, who had been born in North Car- olina, was brought up. Going to Darke county, O., he married Miss Polly Carlock, of that State, and iu 1839 they moved to Hancock county, Ill., and subsequently to Fulton county, where the father died in 1848; the mother afterwards married again and died in Schuyler county, Ill., in 1863. David C. Feese was one of five sons and three daughters in his parents' family. August 14, 1862, he enlisted in Co. I, 115th Illinois volunteer infantry, receiving his discharge June 23, 1865. He was at the battles of Chicamauga, Resaca, Tunnel Hill, Buzzard's Roost, the last battle of Nashville, Franklin and a number of smaller engagements, seeing much active service. July 15, 1858, he was married to Miss Eleanor E. Bonine, a native of Wayne county, Ind., born December 2, 1833. Her parents, Isaac and Malinda ( Ellot ) Bonine, moved from that county to the central part of Illinois in 1835. Mr. and Mrs. F., have had eight children: Lafayette B., Viola, Lydia, Sherman, Elizabeth E., Stella E., David F. and Orpha

597

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

O. Mr. Feese is much interested in educational matters and has ever been foremost in promoting the moral and intellectual growth of this county.

THOMAS J. GORDON

(Farmer and Fine Stock Dealer and Breeder, Post-office, Black Oak).

Perhaps no man within the corporate limits of Caldwell county has as excellent grade of stock or has done as much - certainly no one has done more - to promote the stock interests of this community as has Mr. Gordon, a man whose name is known and recognized where- ever mentioned, as that of one of the best citizens here. He came originally from Summit county, O., where he was born July 6, 1834, the son of Thomas and Mary Gordon, nee Holmes, both of New York State. The father of the former was an Englishman by birth, and after coming to America married a Welsh lady, subsequently making his home in Canada and New York, and while making a trip between these localities he was frozen to death. One of the three children which he left was Thomas Gordon and he was taken by a Baptist min- ister to raise, John Burril, whom he accompanied to Summit county, O. In 1843 he came West, spent one year in Illinois, and after that lived in Johnson, Marshall and Hardin counties, Ia., and now resides at Cedar Falls, Ia. Mr. G. was a carpenter and boot and shoemaker by trade and has always followed this calling. Thomas J., one of 13 children, received but a limited education in youth and upon leaving the home farm at the age of 18 years commenced to serve an apprentice- ship of three years at the blacksmith's trade at Oskaloosa, Ia. He worked in Mahaska and Hardin counties until 1858, then went to Knox county, Ill., and in August, 1862, enlisted in Co. E, 83d Illinois volunteer infantry, seeing much active service until the close of the war. He then returned home and farmed up to 1869 when he moved to his present location. Here he purchased 320 acres of land and now has it improved equal to any in the vicinity. At this time in the direction of live stock he has six full blooded Norman horses, two of them importations, and also eight half blood, besides having upon the farm a number of high grade Short-horn cattle and 50 head of thoroughbred Poland-China hogs and some sheep. February 12, 1857, Mr. G. married Miss Eliza Winn, a native of Meigs county, O., born January 17, 1835. They have seven children : William T., Major B., James M., Rosecrans C., Rufus W., Florence E. and John G. In his political preferences he is a stanch Republican. Him- self and wife are members of the U. B. Church.

WARREN HAYS, SR.

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Tinney's Point).

There is living in Ray county, near the line of Caldwell, a man who has been so closely associated with the interests of this county that it is essential that his biography shall appear within the limits of this work, and after reading this sketch one can see why he deserves prom-

598

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

inent mention. Warren Hays was born in Richland county, O., July 27, 1824, the son of Thomas Hays, a native of Pennsylvania, his father having been Pliney Hays, a Revolutionary soldier under Gen. Washington for seven years. Thomas, one of his two sons and five daughters, married Miss Mary ( Reffners ) Glunt, a native of Mary- land, and of German extraction. In 1835 they left Richland county, O., in which they had early settled, and were the third family to locate at Tinney's Point, in Ray county, Mo. The father died on the plains in the far West while on a prospecting tour ; his widow died at Tinney's Point in her 84th year. They had three sons and three daughters, Mrs. H. by a previous marriage having had four children. Warren commenced life for himself by working by the month, but soon invested his earnings in a hog, thus starting the stock business which he now so successfully follows. This he increased from time to time, and at the age of 19 married Miss Virginia Harlow, in 1843; she was a Virginian by birth. Mr. H. now commenced the improve- ment of a small farm of 40 acres, subsequently selling it and buying one in Caldwell county, which was disposed of for one in Carroll county, and soon he returned to the Point. He moved to his present place a number of years ago, and now owns 1,000 acres, having given his children as much more. The most of his money has been acquired in the stock business and in the fullest sense of the term he is a thor- ough, practical stock man. He has just completed, on section 33 of Davis township, a saw and grist mill of extensive proportions, the cost of which will reach $20,000, and this will be one of the most com- plete structures of its kind in Northern Missouri, doing both merchant and custom business. He has recently laid out on the same section a village which has been named Haysville. The children born to Mr. Hays and wife are Mordecai, Henry H., Nathaniel, Isaac, Oliver, Augusta, Doctor F. and Warren. In all his ideas and tendencies Mr. H. is progressive and enterprising - a useful member of society, personally and in business circles.

FRANCIS M. HOLDER

(Merchant and Farmer, Post-office, Black;Oak).

The family of which the subject of this sketch is a representative were of English origin, some of their members having become located in this country, in Tennessee, after the war of the Revolution, where they reared a large family. Francis' grandfather, William Presley Holder, had a number of children, among whom was Eppa S. Holder, a native of Knox county, Tenn., and the latter married in Greene county, that State, after reaching manhood, Miss Margaret Brown. Eppa Holder was a farmer by occupation and followed that calling in his native State until 1843, when he came with his family to Howard county, Mo., moving thence in about a year to Ray county, and in 1854 to Caldwell county, their first settlement being made on section 34 of Davis township. Here the mother died, September 15, 1878, and subsequently Mr. H. married Mrs. Emma L. Plumb. Later on

599

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

he located at Breckinridge and died there March 19, 1884. By his first wife he had twelve children : William A., Elizabeth J., James, Mary A., Nancy C., Francis M., John F., Sarah M., Julia A., Melinda, Eppa S. and Isabel. Mr. Holder was a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a Christian in all that the term implies, dying in the full hope of the life to come, and doing good even to the last. During the war he was a stanch Union man. Francis M. Holder was born February 10, 1851, in Ray county, Mo., obtained a common school education, and remained upon the home farm up to 1873, when he went to Colorado, spending two years and a half at various employments. Re- turning home he resumed farming and stock raising, and in 1884 embarked in the mercantile business at Black Oak, in which he is now successfully engaged, carrying a stock amounting to $6,000. He also owns 240 acres of land improved and stocked and is meeting with substantial rewards of energy and industry in each of these callings. Mr. H. married August 22, 1877, Miss Nancy Welker, who was born in Livingston county, Mo., May 27, 1857. They have five children : Ida B., Charles E., Myrtle E., Maude and an infant. Mr. Holder, politically, is a Democrat and religiously a Methodist. He belongs to Plymouth Lodge No. 406, I. O. O. F. One of his brothers, William A. Holder, was born in Greene county, Tenn., September 20, 1840, and when 21 years of age began life for himself. March 22, 1863, he married Miss Paulina Davis, daughter of Judge Samuel Davis; she was born in this township August 10, 1846. The names of their eleven children are Margaret E., Joanna, Melinda B., Lucinda, Eppa S., Paulina E., Mary E., William A., John F. and an infant, now deceased. Mr. H. owns 320 acres of land. He is also a member of the M. E. Church and in politics a Democrat. During the war he was in the Enrolled Militia.

EDWARD V. JOHNSON

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Elk Grove).

Ever since his identification with Caldwell county as one of her citizens Mr. Johnson has been interested in the raising and breeding of fine horses, and by reason of his long and intimate acquaintance with this branch of industry he has become well known. Born in Hampshire county, W. Va., August 5, 1839, he was the son of Israel Johnson, a native of England, who, when a young man, came to the United States and located in West Virginia, where he subsequently married Miss Mary Prutchman. To himself and wife were born ten children. Mr. Johnson died in the Old Dominion when his son Edward was five years old; his widow lived to the advanced age of 96 years. Her birthplace was near Philadelphia, Pa. Until he was 18 years old Edward V. Johnson remained at home, receiving a limited education. After this for some time he was unoccupied, but finding employment with the Dillons, of Illinois, noted and extensive importers of Norman horses, he remained with them seven years.

600

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

In 1854 he came to Caldwell county, Mo., and for three years made his home with Hon. Daniel Procter, whom he assisted in the duties of the farm. Upon coming to the State he had brought with him a half-blooded Norman horse, and this was the beginning of a busi- ness which was subsequently enlarged. During his stay with Mr. Procter, Mr. Johnson became a member of Capt. Noblitt's company of militia and saw considerable service, receiving quite a severe wound in the neck while skirmishing in Platte county with guerrillas. After the war he continued to handle horses and farm in various places until 1868 when he moved to his present location. Since then he has done much to improve the grade of horses in this vicinity. He now owns a number of high grade Normans and also stock of other kinds. Mr. Johnson was married October 15, 1868, to Miss Cornelia P. Noffzinger, whose birth occurred in Ray county, Mo., January 29, 1853. They have three children : Mary E., Ellis D. and Elwood Z. Politically Mr. J. is a Republican, and he holds membership in the Christian Church. He is a warm friend of edu- cation and all other public enterprises tending to the good of the community.

LUKE LAMLEY

(Retired, Black Oak).

This name is not unfamiliar to those in the vicinity of Black Oak as well as to others in the county, for he who bears it is numbered among the highly respected citizens of this community. Born in Worcester- shire, England, September 10, 1825, he was the son of William and Martha ( Arson ) Lamley, of that country, from which, some time after their marriage, they emigrated to the United States, in 1832. They remained at Troy, N. Y., some two months, removed thence to Masil- lon, O., and there the father followed his trade of carpentering. They resided there, also in Richland and in Knox counties, O., until 1841, when they came to Tinney's Point, Ray county, this State, the mother dying there in 1844 and her husband in 1845. In later years he fol- lowed farming principally, gaining for himself and family a comfort- able home. Luke, one of seven children, five of whom are living, divided his youth between the duties of the home farm and obtaining an education, which was rather limited. June 6, 1844, he was married to Miss Lucretia A. Charlton, who was born in Richland county, O., June 3, 1827. Her parents, Jeptha and Mary Charlton, nee Clapper, came to Ray county, Mo., in 1842, the father's death occurring at Tinney's Grove in 1845, and that of his wife in 1866. They had nine children. Previous to coming to this county Mr. Lamley lived in Ray, Carroll and Livingston counties, and when the war broke out he enlisted from the latter in August, 1861, in the 2d Missouri volunteer cavalry, known as Merrill's Horse, a well known cavalry regiment. He saw much active service, and contracted diseases from the effects of which he has been compelled to retire from active business life. He was also seriously injured at Kingston, Ga., by his horse falling. He returned to Missouri, but owing to his ill health was obliged to go to

601

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

Colorado, where he remained four years. It has only been at inter- vals that he has been able to do work of any kind since the war. He was a famous hunter in an early day, having killed as many as 30 deer a season. He and his wife have 10 children : Mary E., George W., William, Samuel, John S., Strother, Charles L., Marilla J., Albert L. and Della A. J. George W. was in Co. H, 44th Missouri volunteer infantry, and died in service at New Orleans. Mr. Lamley is a Republican, and with his worthy wife belongs to the Christian Church. He is a member of the G. A. R.

JOSIAH M. LOOMIS

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

The life of Mr. Loomis has been one of varied experiences and in the brief outline of this sketch one can realize something of what he has undergone in the sixty-three years of his existence. He is of En- glish origin, an ancestor, Dyer Loomis, having become settled in this country prior to the Revolutionary War. His son, Dyer, Jr., served in that struggle, taking part in the battles of Lexington and Saratoga and receiving a number of wounds, for which he in later years received a pension. Josiah's parents, Murray and Rhoda (Squires) Loomis, were married at Skowhegan, Me., of which the latter was a native, the father having been born at Goffstown, N. H. In 1858 they removed to Henry county, Ill., living there until their death. The father was a man of superior executive ability and acquired considerable property. Josiah M. was born at Skowhegan, Somerset county, Me., January 30, 1822, and up to the age of 13 years remained at home, but becoming restless and uneasy he ran away, going first to Boston and afterwards to New York City, where he commenced a theatrical career at the Bowery Theater. He was employed there for about a year and was also for a like period at the Eagle Street Theater of Buffalo, N. Y., taking minor parts in both comedy and tragedy. He soon returned to the Bowery Theater and then commenced a course with P. T. Barnum, with whom he remained about ten years. June 1, 1848, he was married to Miss Adelaide M. Humphrey, who was born on Lake Champlain, April 24, 1830, the daughter of Nicholas M. and Sophia Van Humphrey, née Allen, the former of Canada and the latter of Kinderhook, N. Y. After his marriage Mr. L. and his wife formed a company of their own and traveled in all the Eastern and Southern States, giving exhibitions unexcelled in those days. This was their life up to 1861 at which time they settled in Henry county, Ill., where he engaged in farming. In 1868 he came to his present location and in connection with farming has given considerable attention to the stock business, meeting with excellent success. He owns a superior farm of 600 acres and has gained as substantial results in this calling as have characterized his efforts in other directions. He has ever been a Whig or Republican and filled different official positions. The children in his family are Lena L., Kittie L., Addison D. N. M., Charles A., Hattie A., Josiah H. and Annie M. Mr. Loomis has risen

602

HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.

to a position of wealth and influence in this community and all con- cede that he deserves his success. He is useful and agressive in whatever he does.

MICHAEL LORETH

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Elk Grove).

Mr. Loreth is another of those of foreign birth who have come into this county and made for themselves a comfortable home, becoming respected citizens of the community. He was born July 15, 1832, in Bavaria, Germany, where also his parents, John and Margaret Loreth, first saw the light. The father was a farmer by occupation, and he and his wife always resided in their native country, where their deaths occurred. They had five sons and one daughter, all of whom came to America and are now settled in Illinois, except Michael. The latter was the first to leave the country of his birth, which he did when 22 years of age, in 1854. After working in New York on a railroad for about a year he went to Adams county, Ill., farmed for some time and then purchased a small tract of land there, upon which he resided until 1871, when he came to his present location in this county. He bought at first 120 acres, but has since added to this until he now owns 240 acres, gained by hard work, strict economy, and persever- ance. He raises good stock of all kinds. He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church. She was formerly Miss Elizabeth Amon, to whom he was married January 3, 1860. Her birth occurred at Cincinnati, O., in 1842. By this union there are seven children: Magdalena, Alexander, Rosa A., Joseph, Annie, John and Michael.

JOHN B. LUELLEN

(Dealer in General Merchandise, Black Oak).

It was in 1873 that Mr. Luellen came to Missouri and in the follow- ing spring he purchased the interest of Dennis Davis in the mercantile establishment of the latter at Black Oak. Here he has since remained and from a small beginning has built up a large trade, his general stock being such as would compare favorably with that of larger establishments in places of double the size. His success is due largely to strict attention to business, study of the wants of his customers, and fair dealing. He owns also 200 acres of land adjoining Black Oak, and has upon it 60 head of cattle and other stock. Mr. L. was born in Washington county, Pa., April 19, 1830, and on his father's side is of Welsh origin. His parents were Reason and Sarah ( Pettit ) Luellen, both natives of the Keystone State, their marriage having occurred in Washington county where they always lived. They had six sons. Mrs. L. died in 1843 and for his second wife he married Mrs. Sarah Reynolds, who bore him two children. John B. had but limited opportunity for acquiring an education, only attending the district school for a short time during the winter months. When 18 years of age he started out for himself and served an apprentice- ship at the blacksmith's trade. In 1850 he married in his native

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