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 112
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 112
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LOUIS HEILEMANN
(Harness and Saddle-maker, Post-office, Weston).
Mr. Heilemann was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, August 26, 1838, and is the son of Christopher Heilemann, the maiden name of his mother being Mena Seiber. Louis received a good, practical edu- cation in youth, and then became an appentice to the harness-making business, in Stuttgart, at which he has since worked. After attaining his majority, he was employed as foreman for Halffsadler Miller, a prominent manufacturer at that time, and remained thus employed for three years. In 1866 he emigrated to the United States, to St. Joseph, Mo., and worked there until May, 1867, and then went to St. Louis, but in the fall of the same year he came to Weston and entered the employ of Henry Brill, and afterwards became his part- ner for two years, when Mr. Brill sold out, and a brother of Mr. Brill became associated with him and remained until recently, when Mr. Heilemann purchased his partner's interest. He makes a specialty of both fine and heavy harness as well as saddles, all hand-made and his own manufacture, and carries a full line of goods adapted to the busi- ness. His motto has been to sell as low as consistent with good work, and his reliability as a good workman and honorable dealer has never been questioned. Mr. H. has been twice married, first on October 22, 1869, to Miss Fredricka Hess, a native of Stuttgart. Mrs. H. died August 30, 1875, leaving two children : Alfred and Hedwick. His second marriage occurred April 9, 1876, to Mary Wholhueter.
WILLIAM W. HILLIX
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 31, Post-office, Weston).
Mr. Hillix is proprietor of " Locust Hill" farm, one of the hand- somest homesteads in Weston township. The place contains 260 acres, and is a plat of land of more than ordinary natural beauty. His improvements are of a character to correspond with the natural appearance of his land. His fences are substantial and in excellent repair. His residence is one of the best modern structures there is in the county, a most desirable property, and the other buildings are constructed with an eye to utility and durability. When we
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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.
consider that Mr. Hillix's success is to be attributed to his own endeav- ors, that he had no pecuniary aid in starting out in life for himself, then it is that we can better realize the credit which is due him for the enviable position to which he has attained among the progressive, enterprising and successful class of agriculturists. The Hillix family, as far back as we are able to trace, sprung originally in Ireland, descendants of which settled in Kentucky in an early day, where the subject of this sketch was born October 9, 1830. While growing up it was his good fortune to enjoy an ordinary education, sufficient for all practical purposes. In 1853, leaving the State of his birth, he came out to Buchanan county, Mo. Remaining there for about two years, he then went to Kansas, which was his home for a period of six years, after which he returned to Buchanan county. In 1867 he bought his present property. Mr. Hillix is a worthy and popular member of Salem Christian Church. He was married February 14, 1856, to Miss Ellen R. Whittington, who was born in North Carolina, and a daughter of Allen A. and Louisa (Smith) Whittington, the former of North Carolina but the latter a native of Tennessee. Six children have been born of this marriage : William, Allen A., Charles H., Frank, Minnie and Albert.
RICHARD JACQUEMIN
(Of Jacquemin & Shenkner, Dealers in Dry Goods, Clothing, Hats, Caps and Millinery Goods, Weston).
Mr. Jacquemin is one of the leading business men of Platte county. He is a native of Germany and was born February 22, 1848. His father, N. Jacquemin, and his mother, whose maiden name was Miss A. Zimmer, emigrated to the United States in 1854, and settled in Platte county, where they made their home for five years and then removed to Kansas, living there for nine years. Richard was reared on a farm, and in 1867 commenced his mercantile experience as a clerk, and in 1869 engaged in business on his own account with Mr. F. W. Ham as partner. This relation continued until 1873, when Mr. R. O. Shenkner purchased Mr. Ham's interest, since which time the business has been conducted under the present firm name, and no firm in Platte county enjoys a more enviable reputation. They are both active and energetic men, giving their personal attention to business, and by honest industry in the management of their business, coupled with sterling integrity, they have succeeded in building up a large trade which has been attended with satisfactory results. Their stock is large and complete in all departments, and while large and containing a more varied assortment than is usually found in towns of this size, will compare favorably with those of much larger cities. Mr. Jacque- min was married October 1, 1877, to Miss Pocahontas Railey, a daugh- ter of J. D. Railey, an early settler of Platte county.
1062
HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.
WILLIAM R. KELLER
(Dealer in Groceries, Provisions and Queensware, Weston).
Mr. Keller, who is one of the important factors in the business growth and prosperity of Weston, is justly entitled to more than a passing notice in this volume. Since his identification with this city as a business man no one has been more active and enterprising and no one has done more in his line to increase and extend the trade and influence of the place. Keeping always on hand one of the largest stocks kept in towns of much larger population, and goods of the best class, and by dealing fairly with his customers, and treating every one courteously and politely, he naturally draws to his house a large trade. The name of Mr. Keller's father, William M. Keller, is fa- miliar to the old residents of Platte county. He was originally from Kentucky, where he was reared to manhood and followed the avoca- tion of a farmer. After attaining his majority he removed to In- diana and there married Miss Mary Robards. After the consummation of the Platte Purchase in 1837 he at once removed to this county and entered the land adjoining the city of Weston, including the land on which the residence of Dr. Bonifant is located. He followed agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred on the 13th day of January, 1852, in the full triumph of the Christian faith. He was a man of many sterling traits of character, and he was closely iden- tified with the interests of the county: Mr. Wm. Keller was also an ardent, zealous and influential member of the Methodist Church South. He was a stanch High Mason, and very enthusiastic in the cause of Masonry. He left besides his widow ( who died April 5, 1869), five children : Martha A., now Mrs. Branscom, of Kansas ; John R. (deceased ), William R., Edward R., of Kansas, and Miranda A., now Mrs. Robbins, of Kansas.
William R. Keller, the second and third child, was born and reared in Platte county, April 5, 1842, and was reared with a mercantile experience, four years of which time were spent in Leavenworth, Kan. In 1863 he, in connection with George Ellis, opened a house at Weston, under the firm name of Keller & Ellis, and continued in business for one year, when Mr. Ellis sold out and Mr. Keller's brother became associated with him, but owing to impaired health he was compelled to abandon this calling and Mr. A. T. Kyle became Mr. Keller's partner, under the firm name of Kyle & Keller. This firm did a large business and after existing for several years was dissolved by Mr. Kyle's retiring, and the firm of Keller & Co. was formed, with J. S. Hamm as partner. Mr. Keller finally purchased his partner's interest and has since conducted the business alone. In addition to his grocery and provision business he is a large packer and shipper of apples and his business in this direction is increasing each year, not only in quantity but for the quality and reputation of his brand. His shipments are made principally to Colorado and Minnesota. He was married January 5, 1865, to Miss Ellen N. Maxfield, a native of St.
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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.
Louis. They have a family of four children : Willie A., Charles A., Elma and Edgar.
J. L. KENNEY
(Farmer, Post-office, Weston).
When it becomes necessary for a man upon reaching years of maturity to select some occupation which he may follow in the subse- quent years of his life, it is but natural for him to choose that calling to which he has been brought up, and with which, of course, he is best acquainted. So it was with Mr. Kenney, for having been reared to agricultural pursuits, he has made it his life work. Though com- paratively a young man, by industry, economy and good management he has become possessed of a comfortable estate. His father was a native of Kentucky, his ancestors having come from Virginia orig- inally. His mother, formerly Polly A. Glass, was also a Kentuckian by birth. In 1856, they immigrated to Missouri and located in Platte county, but the year following they went to Daviess county. In 1864 they returned to Platte county. J. L. Kenney was born in Scott county, Ky., August 21, 1853. He accompanied his parents on their various moves from that State, and since settling here has been actively and successfully tilling the soil. March 18, 1875, he was married to Miss Emma F. Overbeck, who was born in Oregon. They have four children: James E., Henry L., Lena G. and Andrew Lee. Mr. and Mrs. Kenney are prominent members of the Missionary Baptist Church, of which the former is clerk. He now bids fair to become one of our most substantial citizens.
JOHN F. KENNEY
(Blacksmith, Etc., Post-office, Weston).
It is a very noticeable fact that in the majority of cases the business to which his father devotes his attention will be the calling which his son will adopt upon arriving at an age when it becomes necessary for him to enter into active business life. This fact is borne out in one instance, at least, in the life of Mr. Kenney, who has followed the oc- cupation which his father formerly carried on. He accompanied his parents to Weston in 1856, learned the blacksmith's trade here under his father and continued it until 1864, when he went to Nevada. After remaining there about two years he returned to this county and has since been interested in blacksmithing at Weston. Not only has he closely attended to his own work, but he has found time to identify himself with the material interests and prosperity of Weston, and in return his fellow-citizens have shown their appreciation of his efforts by electing him at different times mayor and a member of the council of the town. Politically, an ardent Democrat, he has served as chairman of the Democratic county central committee. Personally, he is a friend of all. He is a member of the Masonic Order, belong- ing to the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery. During the war he served as second lieutenant in the State service for about nine
62
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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.
months. Mr. Kenney is a native of Kentucky, having been born in Warsaw, Gallatin county, October 30, 1841. His parents were Will- iam N. and Jane (White) Kenney, also originally from Kentucky, who came to Missouri in 1856. Their family numbered five children : Helen, John F., T. M. S., Eliza and Alice. Mr. K. was married June 16, 1863, to Miss Laura H. Cordary, who was born in Weston. They have two children, Charles Chase and Nellie H. Mr. Kenney is a musician of considerable merit, and for many years was the leader of the Weston cornet band, which acquired such a wide reputation.
ALFRED KIRKPATRICK
(Farmer and Insurance Agent, Section 31, Post-office, Weston).
Mr. Kirkpatrick is a son of Samuel Kirkpatrick, a native of South Carolina, and a farmer by occupation ; his mother's maiden name was Jane Steele, originally from Ireland. The latter died in 1848, in Scott county, Mo., whither the family had moved in 1844. The father departed this life in 1852. Born in Jackson county, Tenn., January 24, 1817, Alfred Kirkpatrick grew to manhood there and in November, 1841, came to Platte county, Mo., and commenced farming, the occupation to which he had been reared. This he has since followed, more or less, and during the last 15 years he did a suc- cessful fishing business. In connection with his son he owns 300 acres of land in this community. For 12 or 14 years he has con- ducted a profitable insurance business, and at first represented the American Insurance Company, of Chicago, as long as it continued in existence. Since that period he has represented the Home, of New York ; Marine, of St. Louis, and the Continental Insurance Company, . of New York, and a more efficient, honest, or honorable representa- tive can not be found anywhere. In his intercourse with his patrons he not only impresses them with his fairness and honorable dealing, but has proven this in the interest he has taken in the adjustment of their losses when they have occurred. Mr. Kirkpatrick has also served for several years as justice of the peace. August 10, 1839, he was married to Miss Mahala P. Bland, originally from Monroe county, Ky. Their family now numbers seven children living : William Henry, Minitia E., now Mrs. W. F. Butler ; Mary E., now Mrs. Stephens ; Lue, wife of R. Kirkpatrick ; Minnie, wife of J. M. Anderson, and John De Wilton. One son, James W., enlisted in Shelby's brigade during the late war, and when Price made his last raid through Missouri he came home on a visit. While attempting to rejoin his command he was brutally shot in Platte county ; and in addition to this bitter sorrow, which seemed to almost overwhelm the family, was added the refusal of a request made by his mother of the military authorities in command of this post, to be allowed to bring the dead body of her first-born to Weston, that it might have Chris- tian burial.
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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.
GIBHART KURTZ
(Weston).
Mr. Kurtz's father, Joseph Kurtz, is a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, and was born in 1813. He learned the cooper's trade in youth, and has followed it as his life avocation. He married Miss Victoria Noll, and in 1847 they emigrated to the United States, and in 1848 came to Platte county. Their family consists of four sons, all residents of this county : Gibhart, Charles B., Andrew and Joseph M. Gibhart, the eldest son, was born in Wurtemburg in 1844. He was principally reared in Platte county. During the late war he en- listed in the Federal army in the Eighteenth Missouri volunteer infantry. After serving three years he re-enlisted as a volunteer. He was in a number of the hardest fought battles of the war, among them the battle of Shiloh, Iuka, Corinth, and in all of the leading battles in the Georgia campaign, Resaca, Big Shanty, Kenesaw Moun- tain, battle of July 22d and the siege of Atlanta. At the latter place he lost his right arm. After being honorably discharged he returned home, and for several years was engaged in the book and stationery business. Mr. Kurtz is plain and unassuming in his manner and of a retiring disposition, well informed on general subjects, and as a citizen stands high in the estimation of all who enjoy his acquaintance.
HENRY W. MAGERS
(Dealer in Hardware, Stoves, Tinware, Agricultural Implements, Lime, Cement and Hair, Weston, Mo.).
Mr. Magers is one of those industrious, intelligent men who have had the energy and enterprise to succeed in life and establish them- selves comfortably, it matters not what their early opportunities may have been. He was born in Germany August 7, 1838. His parents, Heinrich D. Magers and Louisa Kuhlman, were both natives of the same place, and in 1840 the family emigrated to the United States and set- tled in St. Louis county. The father was a cabinetmaker by occupa- tion. In 1844 he came to Platte county and worked at his trade until his death, which occurred in 1851. Three of his children are still liv- ing : Henry W., Thomas C. and Louisa, now Mrs. Mundy. Henry W. was reared with a mercantile experience, and in October, 1865, engaged in his present business. He carries a large stock in his line, which is a prominent business, characteristic of its leading merchants. It is not saying too much to mention the fact that in the hardware business Mr. Magers is one of the best posted men in the county. Since the establishment of his store he has had marked success, doing a large business, and his custom is steadily increasing, and the char- acter of the goods he keeps is so well known that they need no recom- mendation except their own use. Mr. Magers has not only been prominent as one of the business men of Weston, but has served six years and a half as mayor, and in educational matters he has taken a
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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.
deep interest; having served thirteen years as a member of the school board. He was re-elected for three years in April, 1885.
THOMAS C. MAGERS
(Weston).
Thomas C. Magers is a brother of Henry W. Magers, of the pre- ceding sketch, and was born in St. Louis county, Mo., September 9, 1841, and he is a son of D. Magers and Louisa Kuhlman, natives of Germany, who emigrated to the United States in 1840. The father died in 1851 and the mother in 1884. Thomas C. was reared and educated in Platte county, and for many years was engaged in mer- cantile pursuits. During the late war he was a member of the State militia, and he has served the city as a member of its council. For several years past he has been in the employ of the Government as storekeeper and gauger, and has made a faithful and efficient officer. . He is a man of fine business qualifications and popular with all who know him. September 14, 1865, he was married to Miss A. E. Mundy, who was born in the Delaware nation, now included in the State of Kansas. They have one son, Roy V. They have lost three children : Eva, Beulah and Walter.
S. M. MILLER (Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Weston).
This reliable, trustworthy and good man was born in Kentucky on the 29th of August, 1827. Those of the earliest settlers of the county well remember his father, Samuel Miller, who came to this county in 1839 from Kentucky, for he was a man of marked characteristics and much influence in an early day, and was held in high estimation by the people of this community. He pre-empted the land now owned by Mr. James Pence, mention of which is made on a subsequent page of this book. S. M. Miller, the son, has always lived in Platte county, and following the example of his father, has been occupied in farm- ing and stock-raising. His educational advantages in youth were such as the common schools of the neighborhood afforded, but in them he acquired a sufficient knowledge of books for all the practical pur- poses of ordinary farm and business life. His farm embraces 160 acres of choice land fairly improved. Mr. Miller has been twice mar- ried ; the first time, May 24, 1855, to Miss Elizabeth Furnish, who died March 27, 1869. She had borne him six children, as follows : Jonathan, Annie, William, John Waller, Elizabeth and Samuel M. His second wife was formerly Miss Orlena Cooper, of this county, and their marriage was consummated January 10, 1871. Three children were given them : Luther, Isabella and George. Her parents were primarily from Tennessee and were early settlers of this portion of Missouri. Mr. Miller is one of the most honored citizens of Platte county, and shows great liberality and zeal and falls behind no one in steps taken to advance the best interests of the community at large.
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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY. 1
JACOB A. MILLER
(Baker and Confectioner, Weston).
Jacob A. Miller was born in Weston, Platte county, July 18, 1862. His father's name was Jacob Miller, and the maiden name of his mother was Caroline Beck. The former died in 1865. Jacob A. was reared on a farm and educated in the schools of the county. He com- menced to learn the baker's trade in 1879, and in July, 1884, engaged in business on his own account, and by dealing in the best materials, and the standard quality of the goods he manufactures, he has secured a satisfactory and constantly increasing trade.
M. W. MITCHELL
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 35, Post-office, Weston).
Another one of those successful men and excellent citizens of whom this county contains so many is Mr. Mitchell, a native of the State of Kentucky. The place of his birth was Woodford county, and the date December 12, 1811 ; consequently he is now in his seventy-fourth year, but notwithstanding his age he is remarkably well preserved and still active in mind and body, and takes a great interest in the affairs of the county in which he has made his home for over 40 years. Mr. Mitchell's father was George K. Mitchell, and his mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Watts, both being Virginians by birth. In later life they came to this State and made their home with the subject of this sketch (who had settled here in 1845 ) until their death. Having been brought up to learn thoroughly the occupation of farming, young Mitchell continued that calling when it became necessary for him to start out in life for himself. In 1838, leaving Kentucky, he removed to Boone county, Mo., but in 1839 located in Jackson county. In 1844 he purchased land in Platte county, settling perma- nently upon it the year following. By numerous additions to his original tract, Mr. M. now has in his possession over 500 acres of fine land and he is fixed so as to live, in the language of Shakespeare, " as free and independent as the winds that blow." Mr. Mitchell's wife was formerly Miss Mary M. Guthrie, originally from Kentucky, to whom he was married February 8, 1838. Three children have been born of this marriage: Thomas, Oscar B. and William W. Thomas Mitchell, the eldest son and upon whom the conduct of the farm principally rests, is a worthy son of his father. He has always lived in Platte county, and indeed, on the farm which he now occupies, having been born here in 1848. His early training and his education were similar to the early advantages possessed by most of the youths in this vicinity at that day. Upon reaching manhood he was married to Miss Jennie McKinnin, also of Kentucky birth. They have five children living : John M., Thomas F., Hugh Clifton, Maud E. and Harry Foster. One daughter, Jennie May, is deceased.
1
1068
HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.
O. B. MITCHELL
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 7, Post-office, Weston).
It is the young farmers and stock-raisers of this county who deserve special mention in matters pertaining to the county's agricultural affairs, for they are destined sooner or later to take the place of those older than themselves who have for so many years been actively and successfully engaged in tilling the soil here. Mr. Mitchell's father, M. W. Mitchell, was an early settler in Platte county from Ken- tucky, and in this county the sublect of this sketch was born October 11, 1855. He was brought up and educated here and has continued his farming operations with unabated vigor and enterprise. His place consists of 210 acres, well improved and upon which are good build- ings. October 11, 1877, Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage with Miss Emma, daughter of Nicholas Benner, one of the pioneers of this county, and a lady of rare personal attractions of mind and heart. The fruits of this union are two interesting children, Ida Ruth and Charlie D. Mr. Mitchell is connected with the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church.
JOHN B. MUNDY (Editor of the Weston Chronicle).
Mr. Mundy was born in what is now the State of Kansas, Septem- ber 2, 1851. His father, Isaac Mundy, was a native of North Caro- lina, and was a blacksmith by trade, and was for a long time in the employ of the Government as blacksmith for the Delaware In- dians, in Kansas Territory. He was accidentally shot while hunting in 1858. The mother, whose maiden name was Lucy Hines, and who was a native of Virginia, is still living, a resident of Platte county. There are seven children in the family : Mollie, now Mrs. L. W. Ringo ; Richard, Annie, now Mrs. T. C. Magers ; Virginia, John B., James, and Mattie, now Mrs. Hamm. Mrs. Mundy, with her family, came to this county in 1859, and John B. was principally reared here and learned the printer's trade. He afterwards worked in St. Louis and various leading cities, and then for six years was in the mercantile business. In 1883 he purchased the Weston Chron- icle, and in the management of this paper he has proven himself to be a man of good judgment in directing its editorial policy. Mr .. Mundy has been careful to give no worthy man just cause of com- plaint for anything published of a personal nature, his view of the province of the editor being that there is enough to write about without entering into personalities of an obscene character. Under this policy the Chronicle has become well established as one of the representative country journals of Missouri. Mr. Mundy has held the offices of constable and marshal of the court of common pleas at Weston, and he has served on the school board. He was married December 11, 1877, at Kansas City, Mo., to Miss Amelia Overbeck, a native of Jacksonville, Ore. They have two children : Madge and Coburn.
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