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 113

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 113
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 113

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).

1069

HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

ALEXANDER R. MURDOCK

(Deputy Sheriff of the County and Farmer, Section 4, Post-office, Weston).

Mr. Murdock's life has been one of great activity and industry, not unspiced with some thrilling local adventures, and, withal, substan- tially successful in a material point of view. He came originally from Ireland, where he was born May 22, 1839. His parents, William and Catherine Murdock, née Witson, emigrated to the United States from the county of their nativity in 1849, and settled in Platte county, Mo., in a section known as "Fancy Bottom," where they raised a family of 11 children. Alexander R. was the next to the youngest in this family of children. His youth was spent in this county upon his father's farm, occupied with assisting in the work about the place and in attending the excellent schools kept in the neighborhood from time to time. Since his residence here he has been closely identified with the material interests and prosperity of the county, and no man in this community has been more sincerely earnest in the development and progress of all matters which might prove a benefit to it, than he. Especially have the agricultural affairs found in him a warm friend, for he has always followed farming, and the result of his industry is seen in the excellent farm of 320 acres which he owns in "Fancy Bottom." For a long time Mr. Murdock has been serving as deputy sheriff of this county. As a private citizen and in the public walks of life Mr. M. has gained and now enjoys the esteem of all who know him. His wife, to whom he was married March 10, 1859, was for- merly Miss T. C. Stultz, who was born in Buchanan county, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Murdock have four children: James W., Anna M., wife of Ed. White, Robert W. and Charles A. They have lost two : Lee Jackson and Florence Jessie May.

ROBERT MURDOCK

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 18, Post-office, Weston).

Mr. Murdock is originally of Irish birth, his parents, Robert and Margaret (Duncan) Murdock, having been natives of Ireland. In 1851 they carried out an idea long entertained of emigrating to America. That year they settled in Philadelphia, Pa., and in 1852 they came to Platte county, Mo., where Mr. Murdock was engaged, with no inconsiderable degree of success, in farming. About two years after his location here, on December 1, 1855, his son, Robert, Jr., was born. He was reared on the farm to that free and independent life which has ever been considered so conducive to the development of true sterling manhood. His education was also acquired here. Mr. Murdock now owns a farm of 200 acres, within one mile of Weston, on the Weston and Platte City turnpike, which is most excellently adapted for stock-raising purposes, and of which he is making some- thing of a specialty. December 1, 1881, Mr. Murdock was married, Miss Emma M. Cook, daughter of George and Mary E. Cook, nee

1070

HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

Stultz, becoming his wife. She was born in this county. They have been blessed with two children : Cora Emeline and William D.

JOHN G. NEWHOUSE

(Dealer in Hardware, Stoves, Tinware and Agricultural Implements).

Benjamin F. Newhouse, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born near La Porte, Ind., in 1818, January 22d, and after spending some years in Indiana and Illinois he came to Missouri and settled in Clinton county. His early life was spent on a farm, but he after- wards worked for some years at the wagonmaking business, and also followed merchandising. He married Miss Elizabeth T. Gadberry, a native of Kentucky, July 4, 1842. John G. was born in Clinton county April 11, 1844, and came with his parents to Platte county in 1848, and in 1850 to Weston. In 1864 he became impressed with the importance of a young man having a regular occupation, and he apprenticed himself to the tanner's trade and worked during his apprenticeship in Leavenworth. In 1869 he engaged in business in Rushville, Buchanan county ; but after remaining there one year a favorable opportunity opened in Weston, and in 1870, in company with his father, he engaged in his present business. His career has been one of marked success, and illustrates what can be accomplished by industry, economy and close attention to business when coupled with sterling integrity. Mr. Newhouse was married March 4, 1868, to Miss Lavenia E. Kenny, a native of Kentucky. They have two children : Lula and William L. His father died June 1, 1878, and his mother departed this life May 22, 1852.

A. J. NEWTON

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 5, Post-office, Weston).

This enterprising farmer and stock-raiser of Weston township is of English extraction, and was born in Baltimore, Md., June 21, 1832. He was reared there until 15 years of age, when he accompanied his mother overland to Michigan, remaining in that State until 1853. Coming on Westward, he now located at St. Joe, Mo., and was there engaged in railroading on the Hannibal and St. Joe Railroad, from which place he went to Atchison. From that time until the fall of 1860 he was occupied in superintending the grading in the construc- tion of a road running from that place. Since the year mentioned he has given his attention principally to farming. His homestead in this county now contains 57 acres of fine land, in addition to which he is the possessor of 45 acres of timber. Of course Mr. Newton is a married man, Miss Eveline Quinn having become his wife November 24, 1859. She was a native of this county. Their family consists of four children: Cora F., Jesse L., Ella D, and Jennie P. One son is deceased. Mr. Newton is an Episcopalian. His wife is a member of the Christian Church, and his two oldest daughters of the Reform Church.

1071

HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

WILSON G. NOBLE

(Grain Dealer, Weston).

No worthy history of Platte county could be written which does not accord to the name that heads this sketch a conspicuous and honorable place. Over 47 years ago Wilson G. Noble came to Weston, a young man of humble means and a stranger, one who had made his little by his own exertions and worth. He is a native Missourian, and was borne in Boone county. His father, Thomas Noble, was a farmer and moved from Boone county to Randolph, and thence to Monroe county, where the subject of this sketch was reared, His life until 15 years of age was spent on the farm with his father. He then learned the harness and saddlers' trade in Paris, and followed this business in Monroe county until 1838, when he came to Weston and opened a shop on his own account. He was then young, and the future of Weston was written all over with bright letters. His courage was un- faltering, and his hope as radiant as the earliest morn. He went to work with all his energies to succeed. His business steadily grew in importance, and his trade continued to extend itself out over the sur- rounding county, which continued until the outbreak of the war. He then sold out, and afterwards engaged in the grocery business, which he conducted for eight years, the latter part of which time he also bought and shipped grain. He then sold his grocery business and has since devoted his whole attention to the grain trade, and in this busi- ness he has proven himself a good friend to the farmer from the fact that his grain is bought in special orders from permanent customers and he has given the farmers better prices than they could realize in the Kansas City or Chicago markets. In his intercourse with his customers he has pursued a straightforward business course, and has secured for himself an enviable reputation for fair dealing. He was married in 1848 to Miss Elizabeth J. Alderson, a native of Kentucky, and after a happy married life of 13 years, on the 13th of August, 1861, Mr. Noble was subjected to the severest trial one can undergo in this life, the loss of his loving and devoted wife. She was borne to the grave amid the sorrow of all who knew her, for she was known as a lady of exceptional worth and much beloved by neighbors and ac- quaintances. She left three children : William A., now a practicing physician in Kansas ; Charles, and Lizzie, wife of James Cox. Charles, the second son and mayor of Weston, was born February 23, 1852, and has been reared in this county with a mercantile experience. In 1879 he married Miss Julia Pettijohn, of Chicago, Ill. They have one daughter, Birdie.

MATHIAS NOLL

(Wagon Manufacturer, Weston).

Among the substantial and reliable business men of Platte county, no one is more deserving of special notice than the subject of this sketch. He was born in Germany, February 9, 1827, and was reared

1072

HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

there, receiving a good primary education. He was early apprenticed to the wagonmaking business, and after attaining his majority emi- grated to the United States in 1849. Subsequently, after working in St. Louis, Chicago and other cities, he became infected with the California fever, and accordingly turned his face toward the setting sun, but reaching Weston, which was then in its zenith, he accepted a situation as journeyman at his trade. About five years later he opened a shop for himself, and in his management the sturdy German quali- fications, industry and economy, coupled with sterling integrity, secured for him an enviable reputation and satisfactory success in his business. He found a wife in the person of Mrs. Grace Kurtz, formerly Miss Noll, who was also born in Germany. They have three children : Victoria, now Mrs. E. Brill ; Mathias, a druggist of Atchi- son, Kan., and Mary.

WILLIAM OHLHAUSEN

(Weston Milling Company).

Edward Ohlhausen, the father of William, was born in Virginia, of German ancestry. He learned the tinner's trade and gradually turned his attention to the occupation of a machinist. The maiden name of his mother was Anna M. Ellis, who died in 1876. William, the third child and second son, was born in Platte county, September 12, 1841. He was here reared and learned the tinner's trade. He then en- gaged in steamboating on the Missouri river as an engineer and fol- lowed this business for 12 years. He then abandoned the river and had charge of the engine at the mill and subsequently purchased an interest. The mills, now known as the Weston Milling Company's mills, have recently been re-built, and supplied with a full and com- plete plant of the latest and best machinery, including the patent rol- ler process, and have a capacity of 100 barrels per day, with sufficient room to increase the capacity to 200 barrels per day. Mr. Ohlhausen is one of the representative, enterprising, public-spirited citizens and does his full share for the growth and prosperity of the city. In 1862 he was married to Miss Harriet Johnson, a native of England. They have three children : Charlie, John and Willie. They have lost one child.

JOHN C. PARR, M. D.

(Dealer in Drugs, Paints, Oils, and Druggist's Sundries, Weston, Mo.).

Dr. Parr's parents, Andrew and Elizabeth ( Merhardt ) Parr, were natives of Germany, and in this country their son, John C., was born, September 18, 1831. In 1837 the family emigrated to the United States, and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, where the subject of this sketch was reared and received the benefits of a good common school education. In 1851 his father died, and his mother died in 1852. He early began to learn the drug business .and followed it in Cincinnati until the outbreak of the war. During his leisure hours in the drug store, and at night after his day's duties were over, he,

1073

HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

by close application to reading of medical works, prepared himself to matriculate in the Ohio Medical College, from which he was gradu ated in 1859, but finding his legitimate business more congenial to his taste, he gave but little attention to his professional calling, and devoted all of his time to his present occupation. After the out- break of the war he removed to Covington, Ky. Besides having graduated as a physician, he also graduated at the Cincinnati College of Pharmacy. Dr. Parr is a man of singular unpretentiousness, but as little as he says about himself it is a fact, nevertheless, that he is one of the most capable men in his line of business in the western part of the State. He came here in 1869 and bought out a Mr. Oli- phant, who had conducted a successful drug business. Dr. Parr's sterling qualities as a man, not less than his thorough knowledge of pharmacy and close attention to business, have had the result to make him one of the leading druggists of Platte county. He is a member of the American Pharmaceutical Association and of the Missouri Pharmaceutical Association. He keeps an unusually fine stock of goods, always fresh and well selected, and being a man of excellent taste, his store is without question one of the neatest in this section of the country. March 22, 1868, he married Miss Eliza- beth Kunselman, who was born in Germany, but reared in Ken- tucky.

JAMES PENCE

(Farmer, Section 6, Post-office, Weston).

Born in Scott county, Ky., September 20, 1838, Mr. Pence was a son of Joseph Pence and Sallie (Chism ) Pence, both Kentuckians by birth. In an early day his grandparents had removed from Pennsyl- vania to Kentucky, of which they were very early settlers. The mother of James died there, and sometime afterwards, in 1849, he accompanied his father to Missouri, the senior Pence at that time set- tling in Platte county. . The common schools found in the son a close and industrious pupil, and upon emerging from the school-room he had become possessed of an education which has been of much bene- fit to him in later years. When not occupied with his studies in youth his time was passed on the home farm. In January, 1864, Mr. Pence was married to Miss Susan M. Parrott, originally from Virginia. This union has been blessed with four children : Ella E., Emma R. Joseph H. and Etta M. Mr. P. has a tract of land num- bering 160 acres, the improvements of which are of an excellent class. He devotes much time to the raising of grain and stock, is well re- spected for his energy and industry, and takes a public-spirited inter- est in all local affairs.

COL. JAMES A. PRICE (Dentist, Weston).

Nathaniel Price, the father of James A. Price, was a native of Vir- ginia, as was his mother, whose maiden name was Nancy Lee. The

1074

HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

purity of character and modest worth of a Lee is recognized wherever American history is read. The grandmother on the paternal side was an Early. James A. Price was born in Bedford county, Va., Septem- ber 7, 1829. His father was a farmer by occupation, and in 1841 removed to Lafayette county, Mo. Here he became prominently identified with the interests of the county and held the office of county judge for many years. James A. spent his youth on his father's farm and attending school, and was educated in the schools of Lexington and Pleasant Hill, Mo. He subsequently entered upon a regular course of study for the dental profession, and at the same time was occupied with the practical work of the laboratory as well as in assist- ing at the patient's chair. His preceptor was that distinguised dentist of the State, Dr. H. E. Peoples, of Lexington, Mo., and he also attended the Baltimore Dental College. In 1851 he commenced the active practice of his calling and was requested by his preceptor to go to Fort Leavenworth and fill the appointments made by him for offi- cers at this post. Dr. Price remained at the fort at Leavenworth during the winter, and then came to Weston and opened an office. On February 5, 1852, he was married to Miss Rosella Warner, a sister of T. F. Warner, Esq., of this county. She was born at Inde- pendence, Mo. In April of the same year Col. Price crossed the plains to California and settled at Shasta, where he remained until a loss by fire induced him to go to Sonoma, and he then entered the employ of Gen. Vallejo, with whom he remained two years.

Owing to the illness of a sister of Mrs. Price's she was compelled to return to Platte county, and some months after her departure Dr. Price made a visit to Weston, intending to return to California, but the continued illness of his sister-in-law prevented his carrying out his plans. For a year or two he assisted Mr. Warner in his business, at the same time doing professional work for a few friends at Weston. He was then elected clerk of the court of common pleas, and held the office at the outbreak of the war. He enlisted in the eigh- teenth Missouri infantry in December, 1862, and was commissioned captain. At Shiloh he was wounded in the ear, which has perma- nently injured his hearing. He was promoted to major for meritori- ous conduct and commanded the regiment after the first battle of Corinth. He went into the service weighing 212 pounds and when mustered out, on account of sickness, weighed but 112 pounds. After his return home he began organizing and recruiting for the Thirty- ninth Missouri militia, and had his commission revoked by the Governor for opposition to the Paw-paw militia. He obtained from the Secretary of War permission to raise the Twelfth Missouri cavalry and equip the same, but owing to jealous feeling on the part of State officers, he transferred his recruits to the Sixteenth Kansas and went into camp at Fort Leavenworth. After the close of the war the Doctor resumed the practice of his profession. He held the office of United States Assessor for one and a half years, and storekeeper for a time. In February, 1876, he was appointed postmaster by Presi- dent U. S. Grant, and he has held this position since that time.

1075

HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

December 16, 1875, Col. Price met with the great misfortune of his life in the death of his wife, she leaving five children : Nathaniel E.,. Mary B., Minerva Warner, Nannie Corinth and Benj. Bonifant. Col. Price was again married May 26, 1880, to Miss Mattie Gibson, of Weston, Mo. In his profession Col. Price has achieved marked suc- cess and is recognized as one of the most prominent dentists in Northwest Missouri.

JOHN M. AND EGBERT W. RAILEY

(Of the Firm of Railey & Bro., Bankers, Weston) .

In preparing a sketch of the lives of the Railey Brothers, the writer meets with facts which are greatly to their credit. Men of long and recognized prominence, and for years closely identified with the history of this county, they have become so intimately interwoven with its material development and progress that, to mention their history, a sketch of the county's history must of necessity be given. Mr. John M. Railey is a native Virginian, born November 29, 1821, and Egbert W. Railey was also born in Albemarle county, Va., June 6, 1830. Their father, Daniel Railey, of the same State, was married to Miss Jane Watson, and in 1840 they came to Platte county, Mo. The father had been brought up with a mercantile experience, and upon locating here very naturally chose that business as the calling to which he should devote his attention. John M. Railey, brought up to a thorough knowledge of a mercantile life, became interested in this business first as clerk; and in 1849, he entered into a part- nership with a Mr. Post, under the firm name of Post & Railey. In 1861 he was made cashier of the Mechanics' Bank, and continued to hold this position, the duties of which he discharged with rare abil- ity and fidelity, until 1865. Then, in company with his brother, Egbert W. Railey, the present bank establishment, with which they are connected, was established. This is well known as one of the soundest and most reliable banks in this county ; and the high char- acter of the Messrs, Railey and their well known personal honor and integrity have contributed very largely to give the bank the enviable reputation it enjoys. It should have been stated before that of a family of eight children of their father's family, four were sons and four daughters. John M. Railey was united in marriage October 6, 1842, to Miss Elizabeth Steel, who was born in Richmond, Ky. To this union have been born six children: Sadie, wife of W. H. Cockrill; Hampton P., John W., O. D., Pocahontas, wife of R. S. Jacquemin, and Eva. Mr. Egbert W. Railey married Miss Mary E. McAdow, a daughter of Dr. Samuel and Julia ( Bean ) McAdow, the former a Kentuckian by birth, and a physician by profession. He came here in 1837 and had a successful practice. In 1850 he went to California, and, while on his return, died at Panama. Mr. and Mrs. Railey have three children : Bertie, now Mrs. Hardesty ; Dixie, now Mrs. Mays, of Texas, and Daniel.

1076

HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

HENRY RAINEY

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 3, Post-office, Weston).

Although a native of Kentucky, in which State he was principally reared, Mr. Rainey has become well known in Platte county, having resided here since he was eighteen years old, or about thirty years. He was born on the 16th of December, 1837, and upon coming here in 1855 he at once engaged in farming, the occupation which he had pre- viously followed, and in which he has since been occupied. His farm is in the Missouri river bottom and embraces a tract of 120 acres well adapted for general farm purposes, including the raising of stock. In politics Mr. Rainey is a Democrat. In religion he and his wife are esteemed and worthy members of the church. In August, 1862, Mr. Rainey was married to Miss Frances Linn, whose parents were origi- nally from Indiana, though her birthplace was in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Rainey have a worthy family of eight children : Rachel E., Lura, William, Henry, Robert A., John W., Jennie, May E. and Thomas O. One son, Daniel, is deceased. Besides their own family of children, Mr. Rainey is kindly caring for and raising two boys, George and Benjamin H. Fowler.

JOB ROBBINS

(Weston).

Mr. Robbins has been a resident of Platte county since 1847. His father, Levi Robbins, was a native of Virginia, and the maiden name of his mother was Sallie Mayers, also a Virginian. Job, their son, was born in Virginia December 3, 1831, and came with his parents to this county November 16, 1847. He was reared on a farm and fol- lowed it as an occupation until the late war. He then engaged in his present business as a retail dealer in wines, liquors and cigars. He was married November 16, 1859, to Miss Catherine Kissinger. She was born in Virginia. They have a family of six children : Job, Aaron, George, Ida, John and Walter. Mr. R. is a member of the Knights of Honor.

VINCENS RUF. (Weston).

Since 1853 Mr. Ruf has been one of the landmarks of Weston. His father, George Ruf, was a native of Baden, Germany, as was his mother, whose maiden name was Barbary Stoeckle. George Ruf was a liquor dealer by calling. Both parents died in Germany. Vincens was born in Baden October 17, 1822, and lived in his native country until 1853, being brought up to learn the nailsmith business. In 1853 he emigrated to America and landed at New Orleans, and thence to Weston. He followed different avocations until he engaged in his present business, in 1858. He has been very successful in business,

HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY. 1077

and has a large trade, and prides himself on his quiet, orderly house ; and his standing in society illustrates forcibly the truth that -

" Honor and shame from no condition rise, Act well your part there all the honor lies."

Mr. Ruf married Miss Ellenorah Seile, a native of Germany. They have two children : Pauline and Ellenorah.

A. SCHNEIDER

( Of the Firm of Schneider & Schindler, Dealers in Groceries, Provisions, Etc., Weston).

Mr. Schneider is one of the active and live business men of Weston. He was born in Switzerland in 1842, and was the son of Hartman and Christine (Miller) Schneider, both natives of that country. After remaining there until 1849 they emigrated to the United States, and almost immediately wended their way to what was then the western border of civilization. Locating at Weston, they here reared their son. When growing up he availed himself of the opportunities offered to learn the shoemaker's trade, and from 1856 to 1866 followed that as his chosen occupation. After that time he embarked in the grocery business, a calling to which he has since devoted his entire attention. In 1868 his present partnership with Mr. Schindler was formed, a relation which has since existed to the mutual benefit of each. By enterprise, close attention to business and fair dealing, this house has risen to the position of one of the most prominent business establishments in the county. They carry a large stock, embracing everything to be found in a first-class house in their line. Since the commencement of his business career, which has been both honorable and successful, Mr. Schneider has contributed his full share in sus- taining the reputation of Weston as a business center, and he is known as a man of fine intelligence, wide general information and superior business qualifications. He was married in 1872 to Mrs. Alice F. Nolley, a Virginian by birth. They have one child, August V. Mrs. Schneider has one child by a former marriage.

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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