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 70
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 70
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650
HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
HON. FRANK H. BRADEN
(Attorney at Law, Breckinridge).
No name is justly entitled to a more enviable place in the history of Caldwell county than the one which heads this sketch, for it is borne by a man who, though young in years, has yet been usefully and honorably identified with the interests of this county and with its advancement in every worthy particular. Steadily and surely has he come to the front in public as well as business affairs, and it is but the utterance of a well known fact that it would be a difficult matter to find a person of greater popularity -one who enjoys to such a boundless extent the respect of all. The best proof of this statement is shown by the fact of his election to the position of prosecuting attorney, when, although a Republican, and in a district largely Dem- ocratic, he received a majority vote of over 200. This was in 1882, and it was not long until his worth and ability for more prominent offices were recognized. He was alternate delegate to the National Republican Convention at Chicago in 1884, and in the same year he was elected to represent this county in the State Legislature by the largest majority ever made in this county for a legislator. This position he is now filling, discharging his interests in such a mauner as has gained for him still greater encomium. He is also actively engaged in the practice of law, and with good success. He com- menced the study of this profession first in 1870, with ex-Judge Hayden, and also under the guidance of Geo. R. Gardner, and in 1872 he was admitted to the bar. He has been located in Breckin- ridge since 1867. Mr. Braden was born March 7, 1852, in Decatur county, Ind. His father was Robert Braden, of the same county, born in 1826, and afterwards he married Mary E. Hart, daughter of G. B. Hart, of Bartholomew county, Ind., a farmer by occupation and twice sheriff, and he also served two terms as a member of the Legislature from that county. Their marriage occurred in 1850. The father enlisted in 1862 and was made first lieutenant in the 7th regiment Indiana volunteers and sent to the Army of the Potomac, where he remained one year. Afterwards he received the appoint- ment as colonel by Gov. Morton, of Indiana. When Morgan raided Indiana Mr. Braden raised a company to repell him, but in that raid he was killed near Henderson, Ky. Frank obtained a good education at Greensburg Academy, in Indiana, and was graduated from that institution in 1867. In 1877 he married Miss Mary E. Stagner, daughter of James C. Stagner, of this county. They have two chil- dren living : Robert S. and L. H. Mr. Braden is a member of the A. O. U. W. and also Commander of the Select Knights, and he was a delegate to the Grand Lodge at Moberly.
651
HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
MRS. MISSOURI ANN BROWN
(Milliner, Breckinridge.)
Mrs. Brown is numbered among the well-to-do residents of this township, and justly so, for besides owning an excellent farm of 180 acres she possesses a large brick business block in Breckinridge, which she occupies with a full and complete stock of millinery goods. It is not only in a material point of view, however, that she occupies a position of esteem in this community, but personally - as a woman of rare graces of mind and heart. She was the daughter of John A. and Sarah (Clem) Groves, and was born December 15, 1843, in Cald- well county, Mo. Her father's birth occurred in 1812, and, growing up in Licking county, O., as a farmer, he remained there until 1842 when he moved to Missouri, here continuing his previous occupation. Mrs. Groves' death was on the 10th of August, 1873, and she was buried in the old and well known Trosper graveyard. Her husband died June 12, 1885, and his body was laid to rest by the side of that of his wife. Their graves are surmounted with a handsome monu- ment, the lot being surrounded by a cast iron fence. Mr. Groves was a man of great popularity and left many friends to mourn his loss. There were three children in his family : Mary Catherine, Mis- souri Ann and Minerva Jane. The subject of this sketch was married November 20, 1859, to Mr. William Brown. She was reared and educated in this county and has an extensive acquaintance all over this vicinity, being known by all as an energetic manager and a person of ceaseless activity. She is the mother of three children : John F., born December 5, 1860, is a constable of Kingston ; Clara Belle was born March 30, 1866, and Mary, born May 8, 1874, is a student now at school.
MOSES G. BROWN
(Proprietor of Livery, Sale and Feed Stable, Breckinridge).
Moses G. Brown was born in Henry county, Ind., June 22, 1832, being the son of Joshua and Sarah Brown, nee Wellker, both natives of North Carolina. The father, who was born in 1804, was a planter, and remained at his birthplace until 1828, when he located near New- castle, Ind., farming there until he removed to Daviess county, Mo., in 1845. He settled on a farm seven miles northeast of Galla- tin-land which he entered at $1.25 per acre, and there he died in 1873 ; the mother departed this life in 1872, both on the farm where they had always lived in Missouri. Eight children had been given them: Adam, Moses, Noah, James (all in this State ), Mahala, wife of Madison Oxford ; Sarah, now Mrs. Levi Johnson, of Gallatin, and Mary Ann, widow of Andrew Scott, in Daviess county. Moses, our subject, was brought up as a farmer in Daviess county, staying about home until 22 years of age. Then he commenced trading in stock, principally horses and mules, and has since continued that occupation.
652
HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
From 1876 up to 1878 he was engaged in the livery business at St. Joseph, but disposing of his interests there he returned to Daviess county, which he made his home until March, 1884, giving his atten- tion to agricultural pursuits. In 1885 he started his livery stable at Breckinridge, and has since conducted it with uniform success, dealing also in stock. He keeps a well appointed stable, having a good assortment of outfits and some excellent animals, and is meeting with a satisfactory patronage. Mr. Brown was councilman in Gallatin for ten years, but has held no other office. He has been three times married. First, to Miss Jane Cline, and after her death Miss Rebecca Nichols became his wife. She died in March, 1875. In March, 1878, Mr. Brown married Elsie Ballard. He has eight children : Robert, Fielding, George, Curtis, Samantha, wife of John Youtsey, near Gal- latin ; Sophronia, now Mrs. Thomas Flower; Clarence and Ollie.
ABRAHAM BRUNK
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 8, Post-office, Breckinridge).
The ninth child in a family of 11 children, Mr. Brunk was born December 13, 1834, in Rockingham county, Va., his ancestors having been persons remarkable for their longevity. His maternal grand- mother lived to be 84 years old and at her death left over thirty great- grandchildren, grandchildren and children. His father, Christy Brunk, and also his mother, formerly Miss Barbara Funk, were both Virginians by birth, the father's birth occurring in 1795 and the mother's in 1797. The former by occupation was a farmer and also shoemaker and he continued to follow these callings in his native county until his death in 1880. He was a member of the Menonite Church. Mrs. Brunk died at her old home in Virginia in 1857. They were the parents of ten children besides Abraham, viz. : Elizabeth, John, Jake, Christ, Sarah ( all now in Rockingham county, Va. ), Noah, George, Susanna, Barbara and Daniel. Of these Christ and George have been preachers in the service of the Menonite Church for about twenty-nine years. Abraham remained in the vicinity of his old home until 1856, becoming well versed in the details of agricultural. life. After removing to Illinois he made his home there for some twelve years, coming thence to Caldwell county, Mo., and purchasing his present farm. The appearance of this place now is very different from what it was at that time, for so many years of improvement and cultivation have placed it among the superior farms of this part of the county. Mr. Brunk has shown himself to be possessed of modern and progressive ideas in the management of his farm and on this account, perhaps, is accorded a foremost place among our substan- tial farmers and stock men. He has a large orchard on his place, convenient and extensive buildings, and a wind-mill, for water supply. Mr. Brunk was married in 1860, Miss Mary Kibler, of Shenandoah county, Va., and the daughter of Philip Kibler, becoming his wife. They have three children : Elnora, wife of James W. Whalen, of Brookfield ; Sarah M., now Mrs. Jeptha Tull and Andrew P.
653
HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
PHILIP J. BURGER
(Post-office, Breckinridge).
Philip J. Burger, the subject of this sketch, was born June 9, 1843, in the city of Spyer, on the Rhine, Germany, and is now one of the prominent citizens of foreign birth in Caldwell county. His parents were John C. and Mary Francis (Issler ) Burger, both also natives of the same place as himself. The former was born in 1798 and the latter in 1811. They were married in 1829. In 1845 the father, who was a cutler by occupation, and had worked at his trade in Germany, emigrated to the United States and settled at Philadelphia, Pa., where he resumed his trade, being employed in various shops until 1854. Going thence to Iowa, he farmed there up to the time of his death in 1860. He was married in 1829, and had a family of 18 children, 14 of whom were boys and 4 girls. His wife died August 1, 1866. Philip J. accompanied his father on the latter's 'various removals, and after his death remained with his mother, attending school in the different places where he resided until 1862. Then he enlisted in the 26th Iowa infantry, and was sent to the Trans-Mississippi department, serving nearly three years, and engag- ing in nearly all the different fights. May 22, 1863, he was wounded at Vicksburg, aud on this account was sent home. After his dis- charge he commenced the milling business at Toronto, Ia., in 1868 removed to De Witt, and in 1870 returned to Toronto. In 1871 he settled on his farm in Scott county, on which he remained for some two years, then again engaging in milling. After one year he went to Wyoming and embarked in the grocery business. Eight months of mercantile life satisfied him, and once more he took up agricultural pursuits in Scott county, finally coming to Breckinridge in 1878. Since his location here he has been closely occupied in farming, and not without substantial success. Mr. Burger's wife was formerly Miss Emma C. Squires, a daughter of Charles Squires. She was born in Pittsfield, Mass., in 1851, and moved with her family to Iowa, where she was married August 29, 1870. Mr. Burger is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the G. A. R., belonging to Uniform Encamp- ment, at Hamilton. He and his wife have seven children : Persis Ann, Charles Scott, Lydia E., Sam. J., Finley Dent, Flora and Pearl.
OLIVER J. CHAPMAN (Attorney at Law, Breckinridge).
For nearly ten years Mr. Chapman has been engaged in the active practice of his profession at Breckinridge. A young man of thorough classical education, subsequently becoming thoroughly qualified for the bar by a regular and exhaustive course of study under Broaddus & Pollard ( Mr. Pollard an ex-member of Congress ) and Luther T. Collier, formerly representative, he entered upon his career as an attorney at Utica immediately following his admission to the bar in
-
654
HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
July, 1875, under auspices of a successful and honorable future in the legal profession. Nor has his record in the practice disappointed the just expectations that were formed of him in the beginning. He is thoroughly wedded to his profession, has an extensive acquaintance and enjoys a liberal patronage in his practice. Though no political aspirant, he takes an active interest in politics. Mr. Chapman was born in Rappahannock, Va., October 10, 1856, and was the son of John Chapman, of the same State, a carpenter by trade, who took for his wife a Miss Nolan, also a Virginian. In 1859 he came to Missouri and resumed his trade at Utica. Entering the army, he served until the close of the war and finally died at St. Louis, of cholera, in 1866. His three boys were named Gustavus A., a lawyer at Winston, Mo. ; Lewis A., a lawyer at Chillicothe, and Oliver J. The latter grew to manhood in Livingston county and after attending the primary schools was a student at the State Normal School at Kirksville, where he com- pleted his education when 15 years old. Returning to Utica, he taught for four years and then commenced the study of law, as stated. In 1876, upon coming to Breckinridge, he was a member of the law . firm of Chapman Bros. until 1877 when Gustavus Chapman withdrew and Oliver became associated with Mr. J. M. Davis. This relation was sustained until the election of Mr. D. to the judicial bench in
1880. Mr. Chapman has since been alone. He was married in July, 1879, to Miss Carrie Russel, whose father was Richard Russel. She is a sister to Samuel Russel. Mr. and Mrs. C. have one child five years old, Lizzie. He is a member of the Blue Lodge and Chapter at Hamilton and the Commandery at Chillicothe - all in the Masonic Order, and in the first named is Worshipful Master. He is a director in and an attorney for the Breckinridge Savings Bank.
HIRAM P. COLE
(Contractor and Builder, Breckinridge).
A person who comes into the town of Breckinridge for the first time can not help observing the number of fine business houses and commo- dious, comfortable-looking residences to be found here. It is a credit to the place to have so many imposing brick structures, and Mr. Cole has a reason to share in the commendation given Breckinridge on this account, for he has erected all the brick buildings, save two. The school-house is also a monument of his skill and efficiency as a con- tractor and builder. As a citizen he is public-spirited and has served as alderman three years and as county road and bridge commissioner. His birth occurred August 20, 1843, in Schenectady county, N. Y., of which State his mother, formerly Elmira Vedder, was also a native. His father, Richard Cole, came originally from England, emigrating to the Empire State when 25 years old. He was connected with the Schenectady Savings Bank from 1857 until removing to this place in 1871, and here he died in December, 1877 ; his wife had preceded him to the grave May 13, 1856, leaving four children : Charlotte, wife of John Simmons ; Henrietta, Mrs. Matthew Van Denburg ; Anna, who
655
HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
died when 14 years of age, and Hiram P. After attending at his birthplace the graded schools he farmed until 21 years old, and then in 1861 enlisted in the 102d New York infantry, participating in all the battles of the campaign. Among others might be mentioned Get- tysburg and the Wilderness. After the war Mr. C. remained in New York until coming to Breckinridge in 1869, previous to this time, however, having learned the carpenter's trade. In March, 1864, Miss Elizabeth Salisbury, of New York, became his wife. By this union there were eight children : Kitty, Yates, Frank, William, Harry, Richard, Carrie and Arthur.
JACOB DOWNING
(Stock-raiser and Feeder and of Downing & Currin, Manufacturers and Dealers in Harness, Breckinridge).
The subject of this sketch needs no introduction to the people of Caldwell county, for a long residence here, and above all a career of usefulness and prominence, have given him an acquaintance which shall last for many years. In 1862 he became located in the southern part of the county and in 1866 moved near Breckinridge, and from 1877, for four years, he was engaged in the hardware business as a member of the firm of Lanman & Downing. In 1881 he disposed of this interest and is now associated with Mr. Currin in conducting a harness shop, under the partnership name as given above. He is also a raiser and feeder of stock, and in both of these callings has become more than ordinarily successful. Mr. Downing was born in Mason county, Ky., July 17, 1834. His parents were Charles and Susan (Downing ) Downing, the father born in Mason county in 1802 and the mother born in 1807. Charles Downing was an active farmer in the Blue Grass State until 1855, when he came to Clay county, Mo., and here he continued the same calling. In 1857 he went to Clinton county, where he now lives in retirement. He has been a member of the Baptist Church for over 50 years. The mother was connected with the same denomination for a like period. The names of their children were Thomas E., Joseph P., Ellis, Jacob, Reason, Sarah A., now Mrs. R. C. Ewing ; Elizabeth, Mrs. R. B. Hill ; Mary F., Mrs. D. H. Peterman; J. W., Nancy J., Mrs. Young; Charles S. and Laura B. Monkrous. Jacob attended the common schools in the vicinity of his birthplace until 20 years of age, moving thence to Clay county, Mo., in 1854 and to Clinton county in 1856, from which locality he came to this county, as stated. He was largely instru- mental in the organization of the Baptist Church at this place and has been a deacon for 17 years. In 1872 he was elected assessor of the township and again in 1873, and he has also been a member and chairman of the town board. Mr. Downing was married February 18, 1862, to Miss Sallie E. George, daughter of David George, and sister to Thomas George. They have five children : Arrenc S., Alice B., Minnie G., Cora G. and Frank J. Mr. D. is a member of hte A. O. U. W.
656
HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
JOHN F. ERWIN
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 5, Post-office, Breckinridge).
Many of those brave soldiers who were actively engaged in service during the late war have occasion daily to review in their minds the events of those few years of warfare, the effects of wounds which they then received constantly being felt. Such is it with Mr. Erwin who, wounded at Cedar Creek by a minic ball, was confined in a hospital until convalescent, then returning to his home. From this injury he has never entirely recovered. It was in 1862 that he became a mem- ber of the 26th Virginia, Eckles' division, and subsequently he was in the divisions of Gens. Early and Jones. Mr. Erwin owes his nativity to Elkhart county, Ind., where he was born May 29, 1838. His father was William Erwin, a native of West Virginia, who. in 1834, married a lady of that State, Miss Sallie McDowell. In 1835 they removed to Indiana, but in 1839 returned to Virginia, where the father afterwards died in 1857. During life he followed farming. The mother came to Missouri some time following and lived here until her death in 1883. She left four children : Mary Jane, wife of James M. Wilson, of West Virginia; John F., James Robert, in this county; and Elizabeth M., also in West Virginia, now Mrs. R. A. McDowell. John F. Erwin grew to manhood as a farmer, living in West Virginia until 1869 when he came to this county and located on his present farm. Here he at once identified himself with agricultural pursuits and the stock indus- try and has risen to distinction in this direction. His place contains 170 acres and is adorned with good improvements, having a sufficiency of water, an orchard, outbuildings, etc. Mr. E. has been twice mar- ried. First, to Miss Sarah J. Mattox, of West Virginia, who died in this State in 1874. July 4, 1875, he took for his wife Mrs. Jane (Tippett) Davis, widow of Lewis Davis. They have five children : Rebecca DeForest, Martha, Mrs. Charles Walrod ; William, Sarah and Lizzie. Mr. E. was elected justice of the peace in 1872 and served for one year. He is a member of the M. E. Church South.
JOHN F. FINLEY
(Fine Stock-raiser and Dealer in Thoroughbred Stock, Breckinridge).
A life long experience in the stock business and an intimate ac- quaintance with every detail of the calling have contributed no little to give Mr. Finley the extensive reputation which he now has through- out this portion of the State as one of the most prominent stock men hereabouts, and this reputation is well deserved. He was reared and received his education in Knox county, Ill., and there continued to give his attention to tilling the soil until 1876, when he came to Cald- well county, Mo. Soon after he purchased a large tract of land and engaged in the raising of and dealing in thoroughbred cattle, making a specialty of Short-horns. His herd is without doubt among the finest to be found in Missouri and numbers over 100 head of the prom-
657
HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
inent stock families, among which might be mentioned Kirk Living- 'ston Lad, No. 44,090, the 72d Duke of Goodness ( Acombs ), Prin- cess, Rose of Sharon, Duchess of Goodness, and others equally as celebrated in this country. He lhas excellent facilities for his stock interests, his fine estate of 520 acres lying contiguous to the town of Breckinridge - a farm magnificently improved and well watered, and carried on in a manner characteristic only of a superior, progressive manager. The past year Mr. Finley's sales of stock amounted to over $5,000. He was born in Delaware county, O., November 14, 1836, and was the son of Joseph and Jane Finley, whose maiden name was Faris, both being Virginians by birth. The father early had instilled into him the principles of a farmer, an occupation which he continued in his native State until 1843, when he removed to Knox county, Ill. His death occurred there in 1865, his wife dying in 1842. Mr. John F. Finley was married in 1862, in which year Miss Lydia Boher, originally from Pennsylvania, became his wife. Their family numbers six children : Fred B., Grace, Hattie, May, Jessie and Myrtle. This brief outline of the career of Mr. Finley has been but a true statement of facts which all mav know. His success has been steady and sure, and all concede to him the position which he now holds as a representative citizen of Caldwell county.
DR. JOSEPH S. HALSTEAD (Post-office Breckinridge) .
Dr. Halstead, for nearly a quarter of a century a resident of this township -an influential and highly respected citizen - is deserv- ing of a more extended sketch than we feel at liberty to give in this volume, the space of which is necessarily limited. He has almost reached the allotted age of three score years and ten, yet is well preserved in mind and body, still ready whenever called upon to render his influence and aid to worthy measures and reforms. Dr. H. was born at Louisville, Ky., March 4, 1817. His father was Alexander Halstead, originally from New York, born in 1790. Joseph S., the subject of this memoir, passed his younger days at Lexington. He attended the medical department of Transylvania University, Lexington, Ky., and after taking a thorough course in medicine was graduated in 1840. He now located in practice at Richmond, Mo., but in 1842 returned to Kentucky, being engaged in the practice of his profession with Dr. Whitney until 1860, when he came to this county. Since that time Dr. H. has been retired from the medical profession, giving his attention almost solely to the management of his splendid farm in section 27, - 57- 26. This is well improved and cultivated and contains 834 acres, 400 acres of which are devoted to blue grass pasture, on which are fed large numbers of cattle.
EDMUND HERBERT
(Post-office, Breckinridge).
Within this department of the History of Caldwell County there is probably given the sketch of no man who has been better acquainted
.
658
HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
with its affairs from an early period than Mr. Herbert. Now not far from the allotted age of three score years and ten, he has been a resident of the county for over forty years, a fact sufficient in itself to have given him an extensive acquaintance, but which has been greatly increased by his personal popularity and manner of living. He came here from Kentucky in 1843 and since 1844 he has made his home upon the same farm which he then settled. This embraces 150 acres of land. At that early day all the country hereabouts was a bleak and barren prairie. There was no house within five miles on the south, and during 1843 and 1844 he was obliged to go to Richmond to do his trading and procure supplies. The distance was 40 miles. At first he received his mail at Gallatin, Daviess county, then at Utica Livingston county. His first post-office was called Grand River. Court was then held at Salem, but afterwards, when Kingston was located, the county seat was removed there. Previous to 1848 Mr. Herbert had to go in Daviess county, on Dog creek, to have his milling done, and this generally was a two days' trip. In the year mentioned he built him a horse mill on the site of his present homestead, and conducted it for 10 years, and this was a great convenience to the people of this vicinity and appreciated as such. Many more items of interest in connection with the early settlement of this locality might be inserted here, but they have already been referred to in the general history and need no repetition. In July, 1843, Mr. Herbert was married, Miss Sarah Bennett becoming his wife. Her father died some years ago, but her mother is now living at the advanced age of 94 years. They have had seven children: Caroline, wife of Mr. Greenwood ; Louisa, wife of G. B. Weldon ; William, Edmund, John, Alice, a teacher in the district school, and May.
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