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 94

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 94
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 94

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).

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

he has been hardly less prominent in the general issues of the day and the interests of those among whom he has made his home. Born at Watertown, Jefferson county, N. Y., August 15, 1813, he came of honorable ancestry, his father, T. C. Chittenden, of New York nativity, having represented his district in Congress. He died when 78 years old in 1878. His worthy companion, formerly Miss Susan Morrison, departed this life in 1874. Nine children were in their family, of whom Roderick was the eldest, and from an early age he was a student in the district schools of his native home. When 15 years old he commenced for himself as check clerk on the steamboats plying the waters of the lakes, and for 16 years he continued this avocation. Subsequently he commenced merchandis- ing at Sackett's Harbor, and while here was he married, in 1838, to Miss Eunice E. Drury, of Massachusetts, who died sometime after- wards, leaving one child, Eunice E., now also deceased. After his wife's death Mr. Chittenden returned to Watertown, continued mer- chandising, and two years later settled at Detroit, after this following the lakes a portion of the time and also conducting an insurance business. In 1860 he disposed of his interests in that city and came to this county, where his career since has been noted. His second marriage occurred in 1853, when Miss Didava Edwins, a native of Canada, became his wife. Mr. Chittenden is a worthy member of the A. F. and A. M.

GREENVILLE COOPER

(Proprietor of Cooper's Ferry, Utica).

The ferry at this place, which Mr. Cooper now conducts, has only been established since the spring of 1885, previous to that time his energies having been directed in the channel of agricultural life. He had been brought up as a farmer and made this occupation his principal calling until the date mentioned. At this time he is a grower of fine horses and does something in the way of farming, conducting his place according to advanced methods. He was the youngest of twelve children born to Charles and Tabitha (Willis ) Cooper, the former of whom was a Virginian by birth, and by occupation a farmer; the latter died when Greenville was an infant. Charles Cooper died in 1834, at the age of 68 years. The subject of this sketch owes his nativity to Greenup county, Ky., where he was born, August 23, 1823. During his youth he attended the district schools in that vicinity, and when 12 years old came to this county, where he has since remained with one exception, from 1865 to 1867, which period was passed in the territory of Montana. Mr. Cooper is also now engaged in the water service of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad. His marriage to Miss Margaret Campbell, like himself, of Kentucky nativity, was consummated in 1844, but this union was dissolved by the death of Mrs. Cooper in 1859. She left seven children, five of whom survive : Albert, James B., Martha J., Ellen and Castaria. Elizabeth and an infant are deceased. In 1862 Mr. Cooper was again married, Miss Jeannette Walker, of

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

Missouri, becoming his wife. They have seven children : Charles, John W., Samuel, Tina, Claude, Glendon and Frank. Mr. Cooper's brother, Charles Cooper, was brutally murdered during the war by a mob of Utica militia, who fired upon him through the door of his house. Mr. Greenville Cooper was present at the time and is certain of the names of at least two of this band of murderers ; they still reside in Utica. He is a citizen held in high esteem in this portion of the community.

JUDGE JAMES M. DAVIS

(Judge of the Seveuth Judicial Circuit of Missouri, Utica).

"With an equal scale

He weighs the affairs betwixt man and man ; He is not so soothed with adulation, Nor moved with tears to wrest the course of justice Into an unjust current to oppress the innocent ; Nor does he make the laws Punish the man, but in the man the cause."

These words, written by one who is now among the foremost law- yers of the State, describe most truly the even-handed justice admin- istered in the court of this honest and upright magistrate. Judge Davis is not unknown to the people of this portion of Missouri, but in all the long years his life has been conspicuous before the public not a shadow of distrust or suspicion of a wrong act has fallen upon his name. His birth occurred near Martinsville, Clark county, Ill., Sep- tember 25, 1838, the son of Alexander Davis, a Kentuckian by birth, and a farmer by occupation, born at Danville October 6, 1805. He is now living in this county and is 81 years of age. October 10, 1827, he married Miss Priscilla McKay, also of Kentucky nativity, who was born at Maysville November 1, 1810. Of their 15 children nine grew to maturity and seven still survive. James M., the fifth child, accompanied his parents to this State in 1852. His education has been commenced in the district schools of Illinois, and he con- tinned to attend the public schools here, his first teacher being Judge Wallace, and the first school-house having the name of Fair Land. Many humorous incidents concerning his school experiences might here be given, as related by Judge Davis, if space would but permit. At Bedford, Mo., he began teaching, though not then 20 years old ; having a natural inclination to engage in legal practice, he took up the study of law which he continued through 18 months of teaching and during his spare hours at home. He also read in the office of Luther T. Collier in Chillicothe and having stood an examination before Judge Geo. W. Dunn, of the Fifth Judicial Circuit, in Carroll county, he was admitted and enrolled as a practicing attorney. After drifting about some time Mr. Davis settled at Utica in 1866, entering at once actively upon a career which has been one of decided success and merit. In 1872 upon the adoption of the township organization he was elected one of the 12 county judges, and in 1873 he was elected town attorney, serving in this position four years. Then he was made prosecuting attorney of the county, discharging

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

these duties from 1878 to 1880, in which latter year he was called to the official bench. His career as judge of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit has been one so well known to the citizens of Livingston and surrounding counties that we feel it unnecessary to add any words of commendation ; to say he has done his duty expresses a truth which all will support. Judge Davis was married October 18, 1863, at Wapello, Ia., to Miss Servilla MeKay, a cousin on the maternal side. Her father, James McKay, and wife emigrated to Iowa (of which State she was a native ) from Kentucky, and there he filled various official positions. Mrs. Davis was the third child in her parents' family. Three children born of this marriage are living : Archie B., born June 29, 1870 ; Willie W., born March 9, 1872, and Servilla, horn December 26, 1878. The Judge and wife are members of the M. E. Church at Utica.

WILLIAM M. GRIFFITH

(Proprietor of Ax Handle Factory, Utica, Mo.)

It was in 1871 that Mr. Griffith commenced the manufacture of shaved pick-ax and other handles at Gallatin. Mo., previous to which time he had made some shaved handles; but to increase his efficiency he entered the noted factory of Middleton & Co., at Gallatin, where he finished his trade, and where his services became so valuable that he was taken into partnership in the establishment under the firm name of Middleton, Cook & Griffith. After three years at this place he removed to Utica and opened a similar factory, but in 1883, re- ceiving an offer to manage the factory of T. E. Jackson, of Chillicothe, he went there and remained for two years, during which time he su- perintended the business and made all of the patterns used by it, besides turning out more finished work than any three men in the establish- ment. In July, 1885, he started his present factory at Utica, and here he now has a capacity for 100 dozen handles monthly. His son, William G. Griffith, is associated with him and their handles are everywhere celebrated for the excellent quality of the timber used and also for the superiority of workmanship displayed. Mr. G. was born in Harrison county, O., May 5, 1840, the son of Thomas and Millie I. (Wright) Griffith, both also natives of Ohio. The father, of Welsh descent, is now living Portland, Ore., at the age of 68 ; the mother, of German ancestry, died in 1866, aged 43 years. William M., the second child in a family of 19 children, attended school but a short time in his youth, beginning life as a farmer, but by self appli- cation in later years he has become well informed. In 1863 he was married to Miss Mary A. McAlister, then of Missouri, but formerly of Maryland. They have eight children living: William G., Emma, Frank E., Nora, Samuel, Amos, Ethel and Clarence. Mr. G. and wife are members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Utica, and having arrived at his belief in the sanctity of the Sabbath, or seventh day, by careful study and earnest thought, he keeps it holy in pref- erence to the generally observed Sunday. An earnest Christian and

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

a man of honor and truth, Mr. Griffith merits and retains the respect of all. His war record was that of a brave and honorable man, one who did his duty to his country and whose courage was tempered with magnanimity towards his foes. The following recommendation is most highly prized by him : -

HEADQUARTERS 50TH ILLINOIS INFANTRY, CAMP NEAR LOUISVILLE, KY., July 10, 1865. 5

I take great pleasure in recommending William Griffith as a high-minded, honorable gentleman and true soldier. Would to God that we had more such men in our coun- try. WILLIAM HANNA,

Lieutenant-Colonel 50th Illinois Infantry.

EDWIN MUSSON

(Farmer, Utica).

A glance at the notes from which this biographical sketch has been prepared indicates at once that the military career of Mr. Musson formed one of the most important epochs in his life's history. There- fore it is eminently fitting that a brief outline, at least, of the part he took in the late Civil War should here be given. At the time of the breaking out of hostilities he was attending school, but laying aside his books he enlisted in the 2d New York heavy artillery, was attached to the Army of the Potomac, and most of the time was stationed at Washington, although he was with Grant on his Virginia campaign and participated in the greater number of actions in which that gal- lant and now honored hero was engaged. In 1864 he received an honorable discharge and then returned to his home in the Empire State, where for a year he was occupied in discharging certain duties upon his father's farm. In 1866 he came to this county and settled near his present farm, to which he subsequently removed in 1869, and on this he has since remained. Here he has given his attention to its management, interesting himself also in raising cattle and Poland- China hogs. His farming operations are conducted in a manner which indicates the Eastern agriculturist, and such Mr. M. may be con- sidered, for he was born in Otsego county, N. Y., August 6, 1839. His father, Daniel A. Musson, is still living in New York State, and all his life has been a tiller of the soil. The maiden name of Edwin's mother was Candace Donaldson, and originally of the same State. She died when 44 years old in 1860. Edwin was the eldest of their four children, and to the usual ordinary education which he received in the district schools he added a course at the Gilbertsville Academy, which he left as before stated to enter upon his career as a soldier. He has ever been an earnest advocate of superior educational advantages for the youth of the day and now he is clerk of the school board of dis- trict No. 5. In fact, he warmly supports all worthy enterprises and movements. Mr. Musson was married December 3, 1867, to Miss Carrie Harrington, of New York, a daughter of Elisha Harrington, a substantial agriculturist of that State. She died in November, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. M. were blessed with six children, five of whom sur- vive : Harry, Agnes, Nina, George and May. Daniel died in 1871

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

when four months old. Mr. Musson is a member of the A. O. U. W. and Wadsworth Post No. 60, G. A. R.

CAPT. DENNIS W. STEVENS

(Utica).

Among the representative men of New England birth whose res- idence in Livingston county have proved of benefit to their adopted home the name of Capt. Stevens should not be omitted. A native of the town of Sheffield, Berkshire county, Mass., he was born Decem- ber 1, 1827, and has therefore now almost reached the age of three score years. He was the sixth of eleven children born of the mar- riage of Jonathan C. Stevens and Miss Roxana Dunham. The former was a son of Steven C. Stevens, a gallant Revolutionary soldier, whose death occurred when he was 91 years old. Jonathan Stevens was a large farmer, merchant, and the owner of grist and saw mills, and he, too, survived to a good old age, dying in 1877 when 84 years had rested upon him. Mrs. Roxana Stevens was originally of Connecti- cut nativity, and she survived until the age of 87, dying in 1883. Young Dennis in growing up was afforded such opportunities for acquiring an education as could be obtained in the schools of his vicinity, and after discontinuing his studies he learned the trade of a millwright, at which he worked for seven years with one man. After this he commenced a calling for which he seemed to be by nature es- pecially fitted - the conducting of hotels, and for nearly thirty years he was well known as the host of superior hostelries. He finally however entered into the wagon business, and some years later entered a silk mill, from which he resumed his farming operations. Purchasing a hotel which was being conducted by the widow of a brother at Fulton, N. Y., he ran it until exchanging its contents for his present property, to which he removed in 1874. Capt. Stevens has occupied a position of esteem and respect among the people of this vicinity since his location here, and for one term he was alder- man of Utica. For some time he was connected with the Utica grist mill, but in more recent years he has made his home upon a farm, which is under good improvement. His enterprise while here has led him to become well known. He has been twice married; in 1877, Miss Cynthia A. Roath, daughter of Russell M. Roath, a substantial agriculturist of Illinois, becoming his wife. One child, born of this union, survives, Dennis M., born February 2, 1882; another, Ashel D., born November 16, 1884, died December 3, 1884. By a previous marriage the Captain had two children : George D., born November 22, 1857, is foreman of the Danbury Hat Company, of Danbury, Conn. ; Verrah, born September 26, 1851, died December 3, 1856.

JUDGE JOHN STONE

(Retired Farmer, Utica).

One of the very earliest settlers on the present site of Utica, or, indeed, in this vicinity, was Judge John Stone, and on this account, if .

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

for no other reason, he is accorded a worthy mention at this place. He was born near Lancaster, in Fairfield county, O., November 9, 1805, of Virginia parentage, though from the age of three months he was reared in Licking county. Thomas Stone, his father, of Prince William county, Va., died in Ohio in January, 1847, aged 79 years, 10 months and 8 days ; the mother, formerly Miss Barbara Wise, was born in Maryland ; her death occurred September 16, 1848, aged 79 years. John was the tenth of twelve children, and is the only one now living. His limited education was received in the State of his birth, and when 19 years old he commenced farming, $13 per month being the salary which he received. When 22 years old he was married to Miss Susannah Stover, a Virginian by birth, and the eighth child of thirteen children born to Samuel and Susannah Stover, née Broomback. When 24 years of age Mr. Stone obtained some real estate from his father and remained upon this farm some three years, then selling out and exploring the States of Indiana and Illinois. Settling in the latter locality, he resided there for three years, and upon returning to Ohio, spent the winter and then came on through Illinois to this county, his location being made where Utica now is. His intention had been to go to the Platte Purchase, but in this he was discouraged by reports of parties returning from that section. This was in August, 1837, and there were only two cabins on the present site of Utica. Soon after his arrival he served against the Mormons in 1838, and to this day retains a vivid recollection of the events that resulted in their expulsion from this State. Early he was chosen justice of the peace and twice since then he has been elected judge of the court of Livingston county, a position in which he acquitted himself with universal satisfaction and credit. At the close of the war, his children having reached an age where they were able to care for them- selves, Judge Stone retired from active business life, and has since been living somewhat retired, enjoying to a boundless extent the veneration and esteem due one whose life has been passed in such an upright manner. At the time he conducted his extensive farming operations his estate embraced over 1,000 acres of rich land. A family of eight children blessed the union of the Judge and wife, and all those now living have become well known and respected members of society. Three are deceased: Flavius J., born April 14, 1830, died, in May, 1834 ; William H., born April 14, 1834, died in May, 1836, and David, born December 11, 1836, died September 10, 1877. He married Miss Lucy Martin, who survives him ; they had one child, a son. Of the children living Samuel S., born February 25, 1828, married Miss Josephine Mull, and now lives in California ; John C., born January 17, 1839, married Miss Eliza Harper, and they have three boys ; Ashford A., born December 19, 1840, married Miss Mary Hoythey, and they have four girls ; he has also been elected judge of the county court, and has held other offices of a local nature; Susan M., born September 13, 1845, married John McMillan, and they have had nine children, and Thomas B., born March 22, 1851, married Miss

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

Ann Wadley. The Judge and wife and all of his family are connected with the Baptist Church.

JOHN C. STONE

(Farmer and Stock-raiser and Merchant, Utica).

The sketch which immediately precedes this is that of Mr. Stone's father, Judge John Stone, one of the most highly respected citizens that Livingston county has ever had; and among the family of chil- dren which he has given to the world there is none more deserving of success than he whose name heads this sketch. John C. Stone is known to almost everybody in this vicinity, for he was born at Utica January 17, 1839, and has continued to make his home here since that time, occupied in either agricultural pursuits or active business. After he had acquired a good common schooling he began farming with his father and in 1860 took charge of the home farm, the senior Stone having retired from active management of the place. Up to 1882 he continued to be so occupied but in March, of that year, he and Dr. J. C. Waters opened a general store at Utica in which Mr. Stone has since been interested, and besides this he continues to conduct the farm, a portion of his land being rented. The position which this mercantile establishment has taken is a sound, substantial one and its proprietors have proven themselves to be men of such energy, perse- verance and progressive spirit that good results are bound to follow. Close attention to each detail of every duty is doubtless one great secret of Mr. Stone's prosperity. He was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Harper in 1866, whose father, John S. Harper, was one of the earliest settlers in this portion of Missouri, and at present a resi- dent of Dade county. He is about 70 years of age ; his wife was formerly Miss Juliet A. Butts, a Virginian by nativity. Mrs. S. was the second child of her parents' family and is the oldest now living. They have three sons : Charles H., born October 2, 1867; Willie, born April 29, 1871, and Harry B., born March 19, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Stone are members of the Baptist Church at Utica. He belongs to Benevolence Lodge No. 170, A. F. and A. M., of Utica.

WILLIAM H. VANSTANE

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

The occupation which Mr. Vanstane now follows has received his attention for a number of years, and it is but the truth to say that in it he is thoroughly posted and well informed. He owes his nativity to New York City, where he was born July 28, 1845. W. Vanstane, his father, is still living, a resident of Boston, Mass., and is now 72 years of age. William's mother, whose maiden name was Frances Cunningham, of English descent, died when her son was a child. Of their marriage (which occurred at Montreal) four children are now living, William H. being the second. His education was acquired in Massachusetts, at the public schools, which he attended until 12 years

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

old, and at 21 years of age he took up farming, which has since received his attention, and in this his success has been made apparent. His residence in Missouri dates from March, 1866, the date also of his discharge from the service of the United States Navy, which he entered and in which he remained a year and a half, having enlisted at Charles- town, Mass., on the frigate Ohio. Mr. Vanstane is a believer in the raising of graded stock, and constantly follows out this belief in the growing of his horses, cattle and hogs. To his present place he removed some four years ago, previous to that time having been located a mile and a half southwest of this farm. October 18, 1875, he was married to Miss Paulina G. Fortune, of Ray county, Mo., and to them six children have been born : William A., Harvy E., Clarence L., Archie L., Bernice P. and Emma F. Mr. Vastane is a member of Hancock Post No. 60, G. A. R., at Dawn.

JOSEPH C. WATERS, M. D.

(Utica).

One of the very foremost among the professional and active busi- ness men of Utica is acknowledged to be Dr. Waters, whose connec- tion with several establishments here, as well as a personal popularity almost unlimited, renders him a representative citizen of Livingston county. On his father's side he is of Irish ancestry, Joseph Waters (the father) having come originally from the Blue Grass State. He died in Boone county, Mo., in 1865, when 63 years old, and there, too, his worthy companion also departed this life, her maiden name having been Miss Nancy Collins. She was born in this State and was 42 years old at the time of her death in 1854. Young Joseph was the oldest of the five children which were born to them, his natal day being January 23, 1848, and his birthplace in Boone county, Mo. The educational advantages with which he was favored were far above the average and were improved to the fullest extent. His attendance at the common schools was supplemented with a course at the State University at Columbia, and upon leaving college in 1868 he devoted himself assiduously to the study of medicine, which he had commenced to read during his last collegiate year under the preceptorship of Dr. A. W. McAlister. In 1869 he went to St. Louis and entered the St. Louis Medical College, Dr. Hodgen, a celebrated surgeon of that city, then being dean of the institution. After the completion of his course at this college Dr. Waters commenced the practice of his profession at Meadville, Linn county, also conducting a drug store at the same place. Some ten years after he came to Utica and in the spring of 1881 opened ont a drug store, resuming his practice. This has con- tinued to be his home up to the present time and the reputation which he has earned as a thoroughly qualified physician and surgeon is well bestowed. He continues to read carefully and continually, keeping apace with the advance of his science. He is also a member of the mercantile firm of Waters & Stone, the largest of the kind in the place, and the stock carried here is extensive and complete. The

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

Doctor is a member of the A. O. U. W. and the F. M. M. A. A. of Missouri. He was married in 1873 to Miss Anna Harper, at the time a student of the Baptist Female College at Columbia, and daughter of John S. Harper, an estimable citizen of this county. They have five children living : Clara, Horace, Walter, Julia, Grover Cleveland and Joe, Jr. One of these is deceased. Dr. W. is the present postmaster at Utica, his fidelity to his party being thus very properly rewarded.

D. W. WEBSTER.

(Editor and Proprietor of the Utica Herald, Utica).

Mr. Webster is a newspaper man of long experience, his connection with his present journal dating from January, 1877. This paper had been established some four years before, in 1873, but its advance under its present able management has been more noteworthy and rapid than formerly. At this time it is recognized as a journal of decided merit, its editorials being written with a clearness and force which indicates a writer of ability ; while it has become very popular by its consistent course and fearless advocacy of all measures which it esteems to prove beneficial or detrimental, as the case may be, to the interests of the county. Mr. Webster was the oldest but one of six children born to his parents, Daniel and Mary Webster, whose maiden name was Emerson. They are both living, the father in the eighty-eighth year of his age, and the mother 80 years old. Four of their children also survive. D. W.'s birth occurred in Haverhill, Essex county, Mass., in 1827. He was favored with unusual advantages for obtaining an education, being a student in the common schools and academies of New England, and subsequently he began life for himself as a teacher. Afterwards he followed the mercantile business and since his residence in Missouri he has given his attention to both teaching and newspaper publishing. On the 9th of August, 1853, Miss Ann A. Carleton became the wife of Mr. Webster, a lady origin- ally from Haverhill, Mass. This union has been blessed with three children : Harry C., now editor of the Chillicothe Evening Star, born in 1861, and two daughters, Katie Agnes and Mary Jane. He is a worthy member of the Congregational Church and also belongs to the A. O. U. W.

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Author: Pease, Ora Merle Hawk, 1890- Publication date: 1886 Publisher: St. Louis, National Historical Company Number of Pages: 1260

Author: Pease, Ora Merle Hawk, 1890-
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: St. Louis, National Historical Company
Number of Pages: 1260