History of Clay and Platte 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 Clay and Platte Counties --their pioneer record, resources, biographical sketches of prominent citizens., Part 104

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: St. Louis : National Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1156

USA > Missouri > Platte County > History of Clay and Platte 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 Clay and Platte Counties --their pioneer record, resources, biographical sketches of prominent citizens. > Part 104
USA > Missouri > Clay County > History of Clay and Platte 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 Clay and Platte Counties --their pioneer record, resources, biographical sketches of prominent citizens. > Part 104

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JAMES WALLACE

(Farmer, Section 30, Post-office, East Leavenworth).

In the history of the early settlement and subsequent progress of this county in material and general development, the family of which Mr. Wallace is a representative must receive considerate and promi- nent mention. His father, Andrew Wallace, originally from Ireland, emigrated to the United States in the fall of 1838, locating in Mis- souri in 1839, and in Platte county in March, 1840, at which time he entered the land and improved the farm upon which his son now lives. He died in 1843. His wife, formerly Catherine Wilson, also a native of Ireland, survived her husband until 1852, when she too departed this life. James Wallace, one of their family of children, was born in Ireland in November, 1824. He was 16 years of age when his parents took up their residence in this county, and from that time until 1853 he remained within its borders, occupied the most of the time in agricultural pursuits. In the year mentioned he started overland to California with a herd of over 200 cattle, reaching his des- tination after a tedious trip of nearly five months. Twelve months were passed in disposing of his cattle, after which, in the fall of 1854, he returned by the way of Panama and New Orleans, having been quite successful in this venture. Soon after reaching home he was married, September 29, 1857, to Miss Sarah E. Todd, daughter of William Todd, an old pioneer of Platte county, whose family were originally from Kentucky. Mrs. Wallace was born in this county, and was here brought up. Of the family of children born to them, three are living, viz. : William A., married and in the county ; Ella M. and Emma S., twins. Four children are deceased : Katie died August 1, 1878, in the sixteenth year of her age. She was a bright, promising young lady and a general favorite, and her death was a severe loss to her parents and many friends, who have ever cherished her memory as that of one of the brightest examples of Christian fortitude and patience, which she exercised during her illness. Alfred died when eight months old, Alice when six months old, and Thomas at the age f two years. Mr. Wallace has a farm of 340 acres, all fenced, and

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

one of the valuable places in this township. Over 240 acres are im- proved, and his orchard contains about 160 trees of select fruits. He is a member of Farley Lodge of Masons, and has filled with admira- ble distinction the different offices in the lodge. He is a member of Platte City Chapter and Commandery, and was also connected with the Ancient Odd Fellows Order. His church preferences are with the Christian denomination.

CHAPTER XXV.

FAIR TOWNSHIP.

Territory and Boundary - Physical Features - Early Settlers - Tracy - By Whom Surveyed -For Whom Named -- Early Merchants -Present Business in the Town -Beverly - Settle Station - Biographical.

TERRITORY AND BOUNDARY,

Fair township was originally a part of Lee township, and it is bounded on the north by Green township, on the east by Preston and Car- roll, from which it is separated by the Platte river, and on the south by Carroll and Lee townships, and on the west by Weston township and the Missouri river.

PHYSICAL FEATURES.

The township was once covered with a fine growth of timber. The land away from the river and large streams is usually high and rolling. The soil is rich, and many farmers have here builded elegant homes. Plenty of building stone is found.

EARLY SETTLERS.

The early settlers of this township have been many of them em- braced in the early settlers of other townships of which this was for- merly a part. Among some of these may be mentioned Jno. Boul- ware, Stephen English, L. Sloan, W. L. Perrin, C. Cockrill, Jno. Elliott, - Todd and others.

TRACY.

Tracy, the principal town in Fair township, is situated three-quarters of a mile northwest of Platte City, on the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, and on the west bank of the Platte river. The vil- lage was first located as a town site in the spring of 1870.

It was surveyed by a man named Himrod, a civil engineer, in the employ of what was then called the South Chicago and Southwestern Railroad Company. The west end of the road was commenced at the Missouri river, and built to this place late in the winter of 1869. In the spring of 1870 a depot was built at this place, which was called Platte City depot. The name of Tracy, afterwards given the town,

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

was for a prominent railroad official. While the depot was being built, and before the town was all surveyed, it occurred to T. H. Coleman, then a grocer of Platte City, that it would be a good busi- ness point, and in conversation with G. W. R. Chinn on the subject, the latter agreed to do the carpenter work gratuitously to any one who would furnish the lumber to put up a building. This offer was accepted by Mr. Coleman, but after the house was built Coleman de- clined putting in a stock of groceries. In September, 1870, the house was purchased by John Ryan, who put in a stock of groceries and liquors. The second business man in the place was John W. Hedges, a blacksmith. Jerry Clifford, section foreman, was the next to build, and start a business. Tracy commenced to make its progress as a town in 1880, and since that time has steadily grown, and business of all kinds is represented. Prominent among its business industries are the Phoenix Mill and Elevator, the Platte County Creamery, 2 hard- ware stores, 2 dry good stores, 2 grocery stores, 1 drug store, 1 sad- dlery and harness store and tin shop, 1 blacksmith, 2 hotels, 1 confectionery and restaurant, 2 saloons and billiard hall, 1 livery stable and 1 lumber yard. The town has a population of about 350.

BEVERLY.

At the intersection of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Rail- road and Kansas City, St. Joseph and Council Bluffs Railroad is the depot of Beverly. There is also a post-office here.

SETTLE STATION.

Settle Station, four miles above Platte City, on the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, has a good general store and post-office.

The population of the township in 1880 was 1,275.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

HON. JAMES ADKINS

(Deceased).

One of the most noble men who ever made his home in Platte county, and a man who lived a life that was useful and just - a good and well respected citizen and a kind and generous neighbor - Mr. Adkins was cut off at an age when his career in life was proving of great benefit

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

to his friends, and at a period when his loss was most keenly felt. A memoir of his life was written by a near and dear friend of his after death, and was inserted in the county papers at that time. From this we have taken the brief facts which follow :--

James Adkins was born in Owen county, Ky., December 7, 1830, and at his death, February 6, 1885, was in his fifty-fifth year. His parents were Edwin G. and Elizabeth (Garvey) Adkins, both Ken- tuckians by birth, and born in the year 1800. Mrs. A.'s father was Job Garvey, a soldier of the Revolution, and her mother was a Clax- ton. The family left Owen county in 1834 and came to Missouri, buying a farm in Lewis county, between Canton and Monticello, of 800 acres. James worked on the farm, and in order to attend a country school walked three miles a day. In 1845 Mr. Adkins, selling his farm, moved to New Madrid county, and the following year came to Platte county. Four miles from Platte City a farm of 200 acres was pur- chased. In 1849 the father died, and then the farm was sold. Young James commenced his career in life by driving a Government ox-team, and in 1850 he went to California, working in the mines and freight- ing for others. Six months later he started home, which he finally reached after a romantic trip, having met with fair success. May 27, 1851, he was married to Miss C. P. Remington, and this union was blessed with six children, who are now living : Edwin R., Frank R., Helen C., Joel M., Birdie H. and James C.

Mr. Adkins left Missouri in 1855 and settled in Atchison county, Kan., where the same year he was elected sheriff, and in 1856 was chosen Representative. Subsequently he returned with his family to Platte county. When the war broke out he enlisted in the Confed- erate army, and next engaged in freighting across the plains. Becoming possessed of some property, he invested it in land three miles from Platte City, and here spent the remainder of his life in pursuing the occupation of an agriculturist. Politically Mr. Adkins was an ardent Democrat, and his fearless course soon gave him prominence and popularity. He was elected to the Legislature in 1874, and was at once selected as chairman of the Committee on Retrenchment and Reform. He stood high in the Legislature, and possessed much in- fluence with his fellow-members. In 1882 he was returned to that position, and in 1884 was again elected, for the third time. Soon after his last election he took his seat in the House of Representatives at Jefferson City, and owing to his onerous labors, a dread disease overtook an already weak constitution. The final summons came on the night of February 6, 1885. The sad announcement of his death was sent to his home in Platte county, and its effect upon all can better be imagined than described. The Hall of Representatives passed respectful and consoling resolutions, and suitable preparations were made to attend the funeral of the deceased member. This was held on the 9th instant, and a large concourse followed the remains to their last resting place. To attempt to eulogize the life of such a man we feel is entirely impossible with us. The memory which he left, the remembrance of his daily life and intercourse with the world, his

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

exemplary example in every position in which he was placed - all these are too familiar in the minds of the citizens of Platte county to need repetition.

HON. WILLIAM H. BALLARD

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 1, Post-office, Camden Point) .

Without extraordinary advantages in early life, Mr. Ballard, by his own exertions and personal worth, his indomitable energy and perse- verance, has achieved a degree of success in life that many whose opportunities were all that could be desired would be glad to claim. Like many of the prominent farmers of the county, he came originally from Madison county, Ky., having been born there January 25, 1835 ; consequently he is only a little past fifty years of age. He spent his youth in the county of his birth, and was fortunate enough to secure the privilege of attending the common schools, an opportunity which he did not fail to improve. In 1858 he came to Platte county, Mo., but returned to Kentucky the same year, taking up his permanent home in this county in 1859. Here he has since resided, one of the progressive, industrious and sterling citizens of this portion of Mis- souri. He is the owner of a farm of 240 acres, which he has improved in an excellent manner, fully characteristic of a son of the Blue Grass State. Thorough in all his farming operations and entirely satisfied to content himself with this peaceful occupation, he has, however, frequently been called upon to serve the people of this county in an official capacity. In 1870 he was elected a member of the General Assembly, and while discharging the duties of this position always worked earnestly and zealously for the best interests of the party, believing them identical with the best interests of the country. In fact, he is a Democrat from principle and not from any desire or hope for office. He also takes an earnest interest in all general movements calculated to benefit the community, whether material or otherwise. March 24, 1863, Mr. Ballard was married to Mary Adela, daughter of James Gabbert, a prominent and wealthy citizen of this county, who died in 1864. She is a lady of culture and refinement, and is one of the truly good women of Platte county. By this union there are two sons : Perry A. and Oakley G. ; the former a member of the gradu- ating class of the Christian Brothers College, St. Louis, Mo.

JOHN L. CALVERT

(Section 4, Post-office Weston).

The branch of the family of which the subject of the present sketch is a worthy representative, came originally from England, and first located in Maryland, of which State they were among the pioneer settlers. One member of this family, Baltimore Calvert, was mar- ried at Baltimore, and from him Louis Calvert, the father of John L., was a descendant. Louis Calvert came to Platte county in 1833, from Scotland, Ky. He was well known here and his popularity and efficiency

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

in every calling in life caused him to become the choice of the people of this county for their Representative in the State Legislature, a posi- tion to which he was elected in 1847 and which he filled with ability and distinction. His wife, who was formerly Martha W. Herndon, of Kentucky, is now living with her son, John L. Calvert, who was born here February 8, 1845. With the exception of three years which he spent in Montana and Colorado, his entire life has been passed within the boundaries of Platte county, and in the neighbor- hood of where he now resides. He owns 240 acres of choice land and has his place well improved with substantial buildings, etc. ; some attention is given to raising stock, and in his operations he is meeting with good success. October 15, 1844, Mr. Calvert was married to Mrs. Mary B. Morton, whose maiden name was Hinkley.

GEORGE W. R. CHINN (Dealer in Grain and Ice, Tracy).

To have plenty to eat and to keep cool are two great desiderata for long life and happiness. In the commodities necessary to supply both of these wants, grain and ice, Mr. Chinn, whose name is itself not unsuggestive of gastronomical supplies, is a large dealer; but more than this, he is one of the stirring, energetic, live, go-ahead business men of the county, one of that class of men whom it is impossible to keep down anywhere, but will succeed wherever their fortunes are cast. Mr. Chinn has for some years been one of the leading grain shippers, if not the leading one, of Platte county. Recently he has also entered into the ice business on rather a large scale, which is developing into profitable proportions. Mr .. Chinn is a native of Kentucky, born in Bourbon county, March 19, 1843. His father was L. F. Chinn, also a native of that State, and his mother's maiden name Lucy H. Jackson, a daughter of Joseph Jack- son, a pioneer in Kentucky from Virginia, and who served in the Indian wars under Daniel Boone, and was captured by the Red Faces about 1745 or 1750, at Lower Blue Lake, Ky. L. H. Chinn removed to Adams county, Ill., with his family, and resided there for about five years, when he settled in Knox county, Mo. He was there when the Civil War broke out, and he and his son, George W. R. entered the Southern army under Col. Green, but were afterwards in Porter's regiment. They took part in the fights at Athens, Iowa, Kirksville, Missouri, Hunnewell, Glasgow, Lexington, and at Rose Hill, in John- son county. George W. R. was taken prisoner. He then had the benefit of a three months' term at McDowell's College, but without lectures, except on his disloyalty and the perverseness of rebels.

From there he was sent to Alton, Ill., where he had an opportunity to study at his leisure the great problem of the improvement of the Mississippi. Finally released from prison, he now felt that he had had enough of the vicissitudes of war. He accordingly came to his old home in Knox county, Mo., and gathered his father's family to- gether and moved them to Platte county, Mo., in a small two-horse

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

wagon. Here he met his father who had left home to save his life. His house had been burned and all of the fences had been destroyed by the State militia. When the family was safely quartered in Platte county he was shortly engaged in freighting on the plains from Mis- souri to New Mexico, and then into Arizona, Salt Lake City and Virginia City. In 1864 and part of 1865 he was in the mines at the latter place. But in December of 1865 he came back to Platte county. January 20, 1866, he was married to Miss Harriet M., a daughter of John Davis, an early settler of this county from Tennessee. In 1867 Mr. Chinn came to Platte City and engaged in contracting and build- ing, and during that time built some of the best houses, at this place and in the county. In 1875 he went to California, and was absent on a visit about a year. He then resumed contracting and building and engaged in the lumber business at Platte City. While in the lum- ber business he also commenced as a grain dealer and shipper, and has followed the latter business ever since. Some years he has ship- ped as high as 700 car loads of wheat. He also ships large quantities of apples. He ships from various points in Platte county. Mr. Chinn built the first house at Tracy, in 1872, and has built most of the houses erected since that time. He engaged in the hotel busi- ness at Tracy in 1883, having previously been in that business at Platte City over two years. In 1881 he began the ice business, and now supplies both Platte City and Tracy with ice and also the rail- road, under special contract. Last year he supplied the road with over 100 car loads of ice. Mr. Chinn learned the carpenter's trade under his father when a young man, and when in California worked at it, receiving $3.00 a day in gold. He was a man of steady habits, not addicted to the use of liquor and did not use tobacco. He was fre- quently chosen as chief marshal on public gatherings and served as chief of police of Platte county for many years. He is now deputy sheriff and constable of his township. Mr. and Mrs. C. have six chil- dren : John L., Hattie L., George W., James H., Lillie M. and Ollie H.

CLINTON COCKRILL

(Retired Farmer and Banker, Post-office, Platte City).

The Cockrill family was one of the colonial families of Maryland. Mr. Cockrill's father was a native of Maryland, but in young man- hood went to Virginia. He was there married to Miss Nancy Lucas, who was also originally from Maryland. The Lucas family is well known in that State, in Missouri, and in other parts of the country. After his marriage, Joseph Cockrill removed to Kentucky, about the beginning of the present century. Making his home there for a num- ber of years, he then came to Missouri, locating at Old Franklin, then the far-famed metropolis of the Boone's Lick country. The site of the town has long since been swept away by the current of the Mis- souri river, and the soil upon which it stood is probably now mixed with the shells and the sediment below the mouth of the Mississippi, in the Gulf of Mexico. Mr. Cockrill, Sr., finally settled on a tract

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

of land in what afterwards became Randolph county, but was then included in Howard, on which he made his permanent home. He improved a good farm there, but did not survive long to enjoy it. He died in an early day, in about 1826. His good wife survived him near thirty years, dying at a venerable age at the residence of her son, Clinton Cockrill, in this county, in 1853. Clinton Cockrill was born in Fayette county, Kentucky, April 10, 1810, and was there- fore a lad about nine years of age when the family came to Missouri. He grew up on the farm in what became Randolph county, and after- wards made his home in that county until he was past thirty years old. His opportunities for an education were, of course, limited, but he succeeded, nevertheless, in obtaining a sufficient knowledge of books for all practical purposes.

On the 29th of September, 1836, he was married to Miss Mary E. Coats, daughter of Judge Thomas P. Coats, of Randolph county, and of a family by that name well known in this State and in Kentucky. Mrs. Cockrill was born in Henry county, Kentucky, but was partly reared in Randolph county, Missouri. After his marriage Mr. Cock- rill engaged in merchandising at Huntsville, which he continued with a measurable degree of success for about five years. He then removed to Platte county, pre-empting 160 acres of land two miles and a half west of Platte City, where he improved a farm, on which he has ever since resided. Mr. Cockrill's life has been one of great activity and abundant success, both as an agriculturist and in business affairs. He has never been one of those farmers whose minds seem to have as little life as the clods which they stir with their plow or hoe. On the contrary, when plowing - for he never thought himself too good to do any sort of honest work which was required of him - his mind was active with thoughts looking to more rapid advancement than was possible by mere daily labor, undirected and unassisted by good busi- ness management. In a word, he saw to it that everything was car- ried on to the best advantage and every edge made to cut. His crops were intelligently rotated, his lands were not permitted to become ex- hausted, his stock were well cared for and only profitable paying stock were kept. Everything for sale was marketed to the best advantage and the markets were closely and intelligently watched. Some phi- losopher has said that no one was ever able to accumulate anything simply by the labor of his own hands. He may make a living by his . own labor alone, but he can not become a large property holder. Until one puts himself in a position to profit by the labor of others, he is not in a way for a successful business life. This Mr. Cockrill early saw and he soon began to avail himself of help. Continuing to increase his help from time to time and to manage everything with the utmost good judgment, his success advanced with constantly redoubling strides.

It was not long before he directed his attention to other business affairs than those connected strictly with farming. He became suc- cessfully interested in banking. As early as 1860 he assisted to or- ganize and became a leading stockholder in the Mechanics' Bank at

HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY. 997

Weston. Some years afterwards he was president of that institution for about six years. Later along he also became interested in bank- ing at Platte City, and either as a stockholder or private banker, he was engaged in the banking business for a number of years. All in all, both as a banker and agriculturist, he has had unqualified success, and is now in more than ordinarily independent circumstances. In late years he has retired from the more severe activities of business and farm life, but still takes a close interest in the management of all his affairs and sees to it that nothing is permitted to go wrong for want of attention and care. Though now shortly to enter upon the second half of the seventh decade in life, his bodily health and men- tal vigor and activity are unimpaired. At the age of 75 he rides to Platte City twice a day on business from his farm, a distance of about two and a half miles ; and this, together with riding about his farm gives him a daily travel in addition to his other duties, of from 15 to 20 miles, which occurs nearly every day in the year.

Mr. Cockrill has been absent from Platte county but very little since. his first settlement here, nearly half a century ago. During the Cali- fornia gold excitement he crossed the plains, visiting the Pacific coast, and was absent about a year. He took five wagons loaded with mer- chandise, valued at about $20,000, and drawn by some forty yoke of cattle, across with him, and was on the way about five months. Sell- ing out there without loss, but with little profit, he then returned home by Panama, Cuba and New Orleans. In politics he has never taken any active part, but has always voted his convictions as a con- scientious, public-spirited citizen. He is an ardent Prohibitionist, and has long been a strong temperance advocate. At the last election he voted for St. John and Brooks. Some years ago he quit chewing to- bacco, which had been his practice before for over sixty years. In personal appearance he is a man near five feet ten inches in height, erect of carriage and, of late years, given to stoutness. Before, his weight was usually about 140 pounds. He now weighs about 200. Mr. and Mrs. Cockrill have seven children : Emma C., wife of J. W. Spratley, of Leavenworth ; Thomas G., whose wife is a daughter of Judge Chesnut ; Fielding N., who married a daughter of John Moore ; Ellen C., wife of William F. Cockrill ; Clinton B., who is unmarried and resides at Leavenworth, and Mary E., a young lady still at home. Two, besides, are deceased, both young ladies at the age of 18, Lizzie in 1875, and Mattie in 1878. Mr. Cockrill is a member of the Masonic Order. Mrs. C. is a member of the Christian Church. She is a lady of marked intelligence and refinement and of great kindness of heart. Their home is one of warm-hearted hospitality, where every one worthy of consideration or attention finds a hearty welcome.

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Author: Publication date: 1885 Publisher: St. Louis : National Historical Co. Number of Pages: 1156

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: St. Louis : National Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1156