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 92
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 92
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JAMES H. MORRISON
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 16, Post-office, Wheeling).
The subject of this sketch is of Scotch birth and antecedents, his ancestors on both his father's and mother's side having been natives of Scotland. They are known as families of remarkable long life, and though neither of the immediate relatives of Mr. and Mrs Morri- son, Sr., belong to the clans of that country, it is very probable that they came originally of the clan MeGregor. James and Rachel Morrison, née Henderson, were born in Stirlingshire, Scotland, and became the parents of 10 children, of whom James H. was the only son and seventh child. The father died some nine years ago at the age of 76; the mother is now located in Chicago, and is 72 years old ; James H. Morrison was born within sight of the historic Stirling
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
Castle, in Stirlingshire, February 18, 1849. In 1853, when but four years old, he was brought by his father to this country, settling in Wisconsin, in which State he grew up and received his education. After a course in the district schools he attended one term at the University of Wisconsin, and at the age of 20, was graduated from Worthington and Warner's Commercial College at Madison, Wis. Upon leaving school Mr. M. as the only son attended to numerous duties about the home farm, and after his father's death purchased the interest of the other children in the estate. In the meantime the family had removed to Missouri in 1872, and located on the farm in this county which Mr. M. now occupies. This is an excellent tract of land, well improved and stocked with superior animals. He is a warm admirer and large breeder of Polled-Angus cattle, believing this to be the coming breed for this country, and in this particular branch of agriculture he has become well known. As a man of industry and enterprise, Mr. M. has no superiors. These character- istics are born in him. He is a great reader, a fine conversationalist, and a man of intelligence and as such is recognized by all. In 1878, he married Miss Sallie A. Seeley, a native of Connecticut, but who preceded him to this county some two years. Formerly she had also resided in Wisconsin. Of the five children born to them, Emma, born October 10, 1879, is still living, and James Arthur, born May 29, 1881, died October 29 following; three infants are also deceased. Mr. Morrison belongs to the Anti-Horse-Thief Association.
HENRY NAY
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Wheeling).
Of those persons of German antecedents mentioned in this volume none are more deserving of especial remark than Henry Nay, a man whom Wheeling will ever have cause to remember for the part he has taken in its building up and improvement. John Nay, his grand- father, was a Revolutionary soldier, and John Nay, his father, was under the command of Jackson at the battle of New Orleans. Henry, the fourth of six children, four of whom were boys, was born in Marion county, W. Va., February 22, 1822, and was reared there until 21 years old, then removing to Worthington. When 17 years of age he commenced to learn the blacksmith's trade, opened a shop at Worthington, and conducted it until the war broke out. His edu- cation consisted of one three months' course. Two of his brothers are now eminent ministers in the M. E. Church. Mr. N., himself, joined that denomination when 17 and is still firm in the faith. August 25, 1842, he was married to Miss Eleanor Hess, and they have had 12 children, 8 of whom are living ; Catharine, born June 9, 1843, is deceased ; Phoebe, born February 22, 1845, married the first time James Taggert and afterwards J. F. Belsche, by whom she has five children ; JJohn, born June 11, 1846, has been three times married ; Mahala, born March 27, 1848, is now Mrs. William Patterson, and they have 7 children ; Eleanor Jane, born March 1, 1849, is the wife
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
of H. A. Watson, and has one child ; Elizabeth, born October 21, 1850 ; Sarah L., born September 18, 1852 ; Henry M., born May 20, 1855 ; Francis D., born May 11, 1857, married September 18, 1884, Mattie E. Maggard ; Justine E., born July 8, 1859, married Annie Dock- um ; A. E., born August 16, 1861, and James R., born June 2, 1866. August 16, 1861, Mr. Nay enlisted in the Union army and was commis- sioned colonel, but acted frequently as captain of mounted and infantry scouts. A detailed account of the part he took in the war would take up more space than can be given in this connection ; suffice it to say that his career was one of unusual hard service, fraught with many dangers, marked with signal bravery and one of great service to his country. He was honorably discharged June 17, 1865, at Worthing- ton, his son, John, also having been a soldier in the 6th U. S. calvary. October 7, 1865, Mr. N. came to Chillicothe and settled on land which he had previously purchased. On June, of the following year, he laid out the town of Wheeling, naming it after the capital of his native State. His present place is near to the town, embracing 200 acres, and here he lives, enjoying to an unbounded extent the esteem of all who know him. He has ever been a liberal assistant of all pub- lie and meritorious enterprises.
LOSSON NAY
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 31, Township 58, Range 22, Post-office, Wheeling) .
Mr. Nay is a man who can appreciate the comforts of a desirable home and surroundings, and at this time there is in process of erection on his well improved farm a substantial and attractive residence - one that will prove an ornament to his farm and a credit to the com- munity. He came originally from what is now West Virginia, the county of Marion (formerly the county of Harrison ) having been divided so as to make two, and thus it is said that his birth occurred in Harrison county December 23, 1831. His father, Oliver Nay, and his mother, née Tryphene Tetrich, were also Virginians by nativity, the former having having been a farmer by calling. His death occurred December 24, 1853, at the age of 45 years. To himself and wife were given 13 children, 7 boys and 6 girls, and 9 of the family of children are living besides the mother. Losson, the fourth child, after leaving the district schools where he received his educa- tion, began farming and continued it until 1868, when he removed to the town of Mannington, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, entering into the milling business. At first he built a saw mill run by water power, but to this was gradually added grist machinery and steam power. For 9 years he gave his attention to this pursuit, but losing possession of his property through chicanery he left the town and removed to the farm of his wife's father, engaging in the lumber business. After some 4 years he started West, first visited Kansas, and then, upon a careful survey of the possibilities, concluded to cast his fortunes with Missouri, and he has had no reason to regret this move. Locating in this county, he soon bought a farm and rented another,
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
and finally settled upon his own, which has since been greatly improved. He is much interested in the breeding of fine thorough- bred Dewrock swine, having some excellent animals of this grade. He also gives no little attention to poultry raising. During the war Mr. Nay served some time in the West Virginia militia and also in the transportation service of the United States. He was married in 1854 to Miss Mary Sheep, a native of Pennsylvania, her father, an old resident of Greene county, Pa., having removed to Virginia when Mary was ten years old. She was the eldest child in a family of two boys and four girls. Mr. and Mrs. Nay are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Wheeling. Mr. Nay has been a member for 40 years and his wife for 33 years, and by the help of God they will continue to the end. Mr. N. obtained his education in a log cabin, in which greased paper was put over the cracks for glass. Split poles were used for seats. What a contrast to the privileges enjoyed by the youth of the present day !
HENRY S. NORMAN
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 20, Post-office, Wheeling).
Livingston county is rapidly coming into a position as one of the foremost stock counties in the State, and it is but uttering a plain fact to say that to a few men in this community is due the credit for advancing stock interests here and establishing a reputation in this department which is bound to stand for years. Mr. Norman has had not a little to do towards developing the stock matters of Livingston, and if for no other account he is accorded a worthy place in this volume. He was born in Macedon, Wayne county, N. Y., September 25, 1839, the third of eight children born to Isaac and Eliza (Smith ) Norman, the former a native of Sheffield, England, and the latter originally from New York City. The father came to America when 22 years of age and died in New York in 1883 at the age of 72 years; the mother still survives and lives in Macedon, N. Y., being 67 years old. Henry S. Norman early divided his time between working on a farm and attending school. His educational facilties in youth were more than usually favorable, for after leaving the district schools he took a course at the graded school at Fairport. Discontinuing his studies, he commenced work on the New York Central Railroad in the employ of which company he remained some two years. Then a trip West was de- cided upon, and, leaving New York, he first stopped in Dane county, Wis., which was his home for five years. For a year and a half after this Mr. Norman made his home in Iowa City, Ia., occupied in tilling the soil, and from there he come to this county, in 1866. Since that time he has been prominently identified with Livingston county in differ- ent capacities. He has ever been a warm friend of education, tak- ing active part in all movements tending to benefit or encourage school facilities hearebouts ; and it is largely due to his interest and that of men of kindred feeling, that the school in this district has taken such an advanced position as an educational institution. His children have
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
not been denied these privileges, and one of his daughters, Miss Elvie, still young in years, but an instructor of true merit and ability, and one of the most popular young ladies in the county, is a successful teacher in the public schools. Mr. N. was married June 20, 1863, to Miss Alice Jones, of Illinois, but at the date mentioned a resident of Wisconsin. They have three children : Albert E., born May 6, 1865 ; Elvie M., born June 5, 1868, and Elmer I., born November 22, 1876. Mr. Norman is a member of the A. H. T. A. For many years he has been a member of the board of directors of the district schools. His cattle are principally of the Durham grade and animals unsurpassed by any in the township.
PETER P. PEUGH (Post-office, Wheeling).
This well known representative citizen of Livingstou county was born in Ontario county, New York, July 6, 1841, of English ancestry, his parents both having been born in Herefordshire, England. His father, George W. Peugh, was related to the Earl of Hereford, and first saw the light in the ancestral castle of that family. He died at the age of 72 in 1873. The mother, formerly Elizabeth Gething, was born in the Clowden mansion. Her death occurred in 1854, when 46 years old. Three of the 12 children born to them are now living and of these Peter was the eldest. His early education was begun in New York, and subsequently he attended Thornhill Academy, 15 miles from Toronto, Canada, later being a student at the High School of Battle Creek, Michigan. After the death of his mother in 1854, he was adopted by Gen. S. G. Champlin, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, at that time colonel of the 3d Michigan regiment, but later on promoted to general. In 1861 he accompanied Col. Champlin into the army, finally served on his staff and took part in the first battle of Bull Run. At the battle of Fair Oaks the Colonel, who had fallen wounded, was removed from the field by Mr. Peugh, and the latter was afterwards presented with a watch, in which the service rendered was engraved, by order of Col. Champlin. At the second battle of Bull Run he (Col. C. ) was again wounded, but Mr. Peugh attended him this time, remaining with him until January 23, 1863, when the General, as he now was, expired. February 1 following, Mr. Peugh went to Wash- ington, and through the influence of Zach. Chandler he was appointed by Stanton, Secretary of War, captain of the watch under Gen. C. H. Tompkins. May 1, 1865, he was promoted assistant storekeeper on the staff of Gen. A. P. Blunt, and continued in that position until the year, 1868, then resigning and bearingthe rank and emoluments of a captain in the regular army. After spending one year in merchandis- ing at Washington, D. C., Mr. Pengh came west and passed some time in Kansas, then coming to Chillicothe, Mo., and engaging with Mr. Alex. Noble in the manufacture of brick and contracting and building, constructing the brick portion of the jail and also the build- ing where the county records are kept. In 1870 he purchased a farm
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
of 120 acres, but at this time has an estate of 340 acres. In 1874 he was elected trustee of the township and took great interest in perfect- ing township organizations, as well as being prominent in other mat- ters. While in the army he was a constant student of the law, and in September, 1863, he was admitted to the bar at Washington City and in September (30), 1880, after a re-examination in this State, he was re-admitted to practice. In 1858-59 he studied veterinary surgery under M. P. Baker, and traveled with him some time, performing important operations. Upon the close of the war he served in the quartermaster's department, collecting stores, etc. February 23, 1870, Mr. Peugh was married to Miss Charlotte D. Dickinson, of Galesburg, Michigan, her mother having been a cousin of Martin Van Buren. Of the 3 children born to them one is living, Edward Dewayne Peugh. Mr. Peugh is an elder in the Presbyterian Church, and is also secretary of the Anti-Horse-Thief Association. He has numerous very valuable war relics, probably some of which can not be duplicated, and besides these he has other mementoes unlike any to be found in Europe or America. Amongst these there is an iron ring made from a splinter of the first Monitor, commanded by John L. Wordon, that whipped the Merrimack, and also a diminutive pipe made from the wood of the oak tree under which Warwick, " the Kingmaker," held one of his councils. Mr. Peugh is one of the most prominent men in the county, liberal and public-spirited and highly respected.
WILLIAM SCRUBY
(Wheeling).
William Scruby was born in the village of Melbourne, Cambridge- shire (in which is situated the world-famed University of Cambridge ), England, March 11, 1827, being the eldest of a family of 13 children born to William and Hannah Scruby, nee Standford. When 12 years old he commenced clerking in a grocery and drapery house of an uncle, James Seruby, with whom he remained 5 years, and embarked in business for himself in 1840. The year following, upon emigrat- ing to America, he settled upon a farm in Fond du Lac county, Wis., on which he resided 10 years, also engaging in merchandising for two years. In 1860 he went to Steele county, Minn., farmed there four years, and in the meantime was appointed acting county auditor to fill the place of the auditor, whose illness prevented him from dis- charging his official duties. He took the first census of the town of Owatonna, was subsequently made deputy auditor, and while serving as such was elected sheriff. During his term in this posi- tion he continued to act as deputy auditor until about two years before leaving the county, when he built a warehouse and carried on a very successful agricultural implement business. In the fall of 1867, Mr. Scruby removed to Springfield, Mo., ou account of the extreme winters in Minnesota, and in August, 1868, he went to Carrollton, Ill., remaining there until his location at Wheeling
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
in the spring of 1872, soon settling upon his farm. In 1874 he began buying grain and selling agricultural implements, and also ran a lumber yard, his sons conducting the farm until 1879 when it was rented out as it has since been. In the spring of 1884, in connection with the firm of Edgerton & Scruby, in which his sons are partners, he built the first grain warehouse and elevator here, putting in corn-shelling machinery. Mr. Scruby has done much for the interest of Wheeling in a quiet, unassuming way, and is highly esteemed for his many noble qualities of mind and heart. He is well informed on all current topics of the day and is a ready public speaker. In 1849 he was married in London to Miss Eliza- beth Pryor, of an old Isle of Jersey family. They have 4 boys and 3 girls : Emma, married Alonzo Frank, of Greene county, III., and they have three children; Fannie married A. D. Gage and has 4 children ; Frank married Miss Belle Fenstermacher and has 3 children ; Edwin married Josie Reynolds ; Alice is now Mrs. Frank Bassett, and they have 1 child dead and 2 living; William and Horace are unmarried. . During the terrible Indian troubles in Min- nesota, Mr. S. held a captain's commission in the State militia, and has a most vivid memory of those horrors.
FRANK SCRUBY
(Dealer in General Merchandise, Wheeling).
A man of marked character and more than ordinary prominence in the material affairs of Livingston county is the subject of this sketch, Mr. Frank Scruby, one of the leading business men of Wheeling. His birth occurred in Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac county, Wis., June 3, 1854, and his father is William Scruby, an outline of whose life history immediately precedes this. In 1868 he accompanied his parents to Illinois and at the Carrollton Academy in this State received a good education. Leaving school at the age of 16 years, he began the butchering business, a trade with which he became thoroughly familiar in all its branches, and continued it off and on until 1878. In 1871 Mr. Seruby had come to Livingston county, Mo., and besides being interested in butchering, he farmed, clerked and also bought grain. In 1876 he went to the Pacific Slope and located at Red Bluff, Cal., where for some time he conducted a meat market, or up to 1878. In that year he returned to Missouri on a visit, but in 1879 again went to California, where subsequently he was elected assessor and collector of the city of Red Bluff, his popularity being attested by the highly complimentary majority of votes cast for him. May 18, 1880, however, he resigned this position and in company with a Mr. Cheeny Calhoun went to Arizona, prospecting all over that ter- ritory before any railroad except the Southern Pacific, which was then building, had entered the region and meeting with many thrilling and narrow escapes. Two months later he was taken ill, and making his way back to San Francisco ( from which place he expected to return to Red Bluff) he remained there for some time, interested in working at
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
his trade. In August 1880, Mr. Seruby settled permanently at Wheeling and entered into the grain and stock business with his father, meeting with unusual success. March 21, 1884, he with Dr W. W. Edgerton purchased the interest of M. S. L. Jackson, in a general store and constructed an excellent warehouse and elevator to hanlle grain, the first one at this place. The patronage which they control is extensive in every way and to Mr. Seruby is due not a little of their success, for he has proven himself a man of superior management and rare business ability and efficiency. Public-spirited in his tendencies, he does not a little to advance all worthy movements. He was appointed postmaster at Wheeling, Mo., November 4, 1881, by Thomas L. James, and recently he was elected township trustee and treasurer of this ( Wheeling) township, the duties of which he is now discharging. Mr. Scruby was married February 16, 1881, to Miss Anna Belle Fenstermacher, whose father was the first supervisor of this township, after the township organization was adopted. They have three children : Nina Belle, born January 8, 1882 ; Wilbur Will- iam, born March 31, 1883, and Charles A., born October 2, 1884. Mr. S. was a charter member of the Red Bluff Lodge of the A. O. U. W. He also belongs to the K. of L. and takes a large interest in helping the laboring class of people in his community. In fact he is the poor man's friend. Mr. Scruby has always been a stanch Re- publican and has taken no little interest in the success of his party, keeping well posted on the political issues of the day. A man that studies largely the interests of the people, he is looked upon as a leader of men.
DR. WILLIAM A. SWOPE (Physician and Surgeon, Wheeling).
Dr. Swope, who is numbered among the younger members of the medical fraternity in this county, came originally from Adams county, Ill., in the vicinity of Clayton, where he was born May 20, 1861. On his father's side he is of German descent, Albert F. Swope, the father, having been born in Spencer county, Ky. ; he is still residing in Illinois at the age of 65 years, and by occupation is a farmer. The Doctor's mother, formerly Carrie T. Sullivan, was born near Caruth- ersville, Ind. In their family were seven children and of these John M. (married ), Joseph M. (married ), Homer M., William A. and Lottie E. are living, and Sudie and Mary are deceased. William A. commenced his education in the State of his birth, attending neigh- borhood schools at first and subsequently entering Shaddock College, at Quincy, Ill., where he received an excellent course. After this, having chosen the profession of medicine as the calling to which he would devote his energies in life, he went to Louisville, Ky., and attended the medical department of the university of that city, from which he was graduated in 1885. Previous to becoming a student here, however, he had read medicine with Dr. G. W. Cox, of Clay- ton', Ill. After graduating Dr. Swope returned home, but in a short time started West to seek a location and finally, in May, 1885, he took
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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
up his residence at Wheeling, where he has since been prominent in professional affairs. He has charge of the only drug store in the place, his father having purchased the interest of Dr. Seibert in the firm of Seibert & Carpenter. Dr. S. is a thoroughly educated physi- cian of the allopathic school, is a man of enterprise and progress, and a valuable acquisition socially and professionally to the town of his adoption. He belongs to the Masonic lodge at Clayton.
BENJAMIN F. WOLFE
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 30, Post-office, Wheeling).
Personal popularity, it can not be denied, results largely from the industry, perseverance and close attention to business which a person displays in the management of any particular branch of trade. And in the case of Mr. Wolfe this is certainly true, for he has adhered so closely to farming and the stock industry and helped in so many ways to advance all worthy interests in this community, that high esteem has been placed upon him. Born in Franklin county, Pa., near Ship- pensburg, April 22, 1847, he was the son of Jacob L. and Elizabeth (Newcomer) Wolfe, both also natives of the State of Pennsylvania. The former died in this county August 26, 1871, at the age of 56 years. In their family were 12 children, of whom Benjamin F. was the seventh child. As he grew up in the State of his birth he ob- tained a good common education in the district schools, after leaving which he went into the army. After being mustered out he re- mained in Pennsylvania till the spring of 1868, then went to Dowa- giac, Cass county, Mich., worked in flouring mills there till the spring of 1869, and then settled in this county. His present farm is well improved, having upon it all necessary buildings, a neat. resi- dence, etc., and convenient outbuildings. He is a believer in fine thoroughbred cattle, has graded all his stock to a fair standard and is working now to place them on a still higher plane. In 1864 Mr. Wolfe enlisted in the 195th Pennsylvania volunteer infantry, Col. Fisher commanding, and the regiment was attached to the 8th corps ; he served with the Army of the Potomac in Sheridan's valley campaign against Early, and was mustered out in the winter of 1864 at Harrisburg. December 25, 1879, he was married to Miss Mary L. Littrell, of Linn county, Mo., her father, Joseph Littrell, being one of that county's most substantial farmers. Her mother was formerly Miss Mary Ann Barbee, also of Missouri, and she was the eldest in the family of seven children. Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe have 3 children : Bennie Beulah, born November 15, 1880; Ada, born December 26, 1884, and Annie Delene, born February 13, 1886. Mr. W. holds the position of senior vice-commander in H. C. Gilbert Post of the G. A. R. at this place.
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