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 114

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 114
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 114

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).

RUDOLPH O. SHENKNER

(Of the firm of Jacquemin & Shenkner, Dealers in Dry Goods, Clothing and Millinery Goods, Weston).

Mr. Shenkner is a native of Switzerland, and was born November 16, 1851. His father, Henry, and his mother, Anna, were both na- tives of the same place. The family emigrated to the United States in 1856 and settled in Weston. The father was a machinist by trade and lived here until his death, which occurred in 1857, leaving one son, the subject of this sketch. Rudolph learned the printer's trade in youth, and after working at this business for some time he com- menced his mercantile experience as a clerk. In 1873 he became a partner with Mr. Jacquemin, under the firm name of Jacquemin &

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

Shenkner, dealers in dry goods, clothing, hats, caps and millinery goods. Mr. Shenkner is one of the most successful of the young business men of Platte county. He is a man of fair education, ample business experience, safe judgment as a merchant and full of enter- prise, such a man as would go to the front in the business affairs of any place or community. The firm of which he is a member carries an exceptionally large and well selected stock of goods, one, in fact, in which may be found every article in their lines. Their custom is more than an ordinarily good one, and by fair dealing and accommodating dispositions they have proved themselves eminently worthy of it. In the past they have dealt largely in hemp and wool, also in walnut lumber, and have shipped out larger quantities of the latter than any one in the county. In connection with their present business they are extensively interested in the Weston Milling Company, which has recently completed a new roller mill, furnished with all improved machinery, with a capacity of 100 barrels per day. Mr. Shenkner was married in 1878 to Miss Ada Bonifant, a daughter of Dr. Boni- fant, of Weston. She was born in Platte county. They have three children : Anna Joyce, Matilda Susan and Benjamin Bonifant. Mr. Shenkner is a member of the city council and takes an active interest in educational matters.

LOUIS C. STABLER

(Farmer, Sections 18, 19, and 20, Post-office, Weston).

Mr. Stabler, who has every promise of a long and successful career in agricultural pursuits in this county, has only been located here since 1883. At that date he abandoned the occupation of railroading, in which he had been engaged for so many years, and purchased his present farm, conceded by all to be among the representative places of the county. It embraces 411 acres and has upon it excellent improvements, most of which have been made since he became its owner. He was born in Maryland, January 30, 1842, and was of English origin, his grandfather having come from that country to the United States away back before the Revolutionary War. The family has been located in Maryland since about the year 1770. Edward Stabler, the father of Louis C., a native of that State, lived there until 89 years of age, occupying the same house in which he was born. His wife was formerly Anna R. Gilpin, also of Maryland. There they reared their family of ten children, all of whom are now living, and of whom the subject of this sketch was the eighth child. He was taught the rudiments of farming from the time that he became of an age suitable for receiving such instruction, and continued it until 1863. Being desirous of entering military life, he enlisted in the Baltimore Home Guards, under Capt. Pope, and remained in the service during the balance of the war, principally occupied with guard duty in the vicinity of Baltimore and along the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. He was discharged at the close of the war in 1865, and in the fall of that year he came to St. Louis. His experience in railroading during the two

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

previous years led him to enter the employ of a railroad corporation, and for upwards of 18 years he acted as freight and passenger con- ductor, most of the time on the Missouri Pacific Railroad, until 1883. Though a citizen of this county only a short time, he has become well and favorably known and is meeting with good success in the manage- ment of his place. Mr. Stabler was married September 27, 1882, to Miss Effie L. Wright, of Lexington, Mo., her ancestors having been Kentuckians by birth. They have one son, Gilpin Louis, born No- vember 25, 1884. Mrs. S.'s mother is now living with them, and here she finds a pleasant home.

J. W. STEELE

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 31, Post-office, Weston).

In every biographical history of Platte county worthy of such a title the name that heads this sketch must ever occupy a prominent place on its pages. A resident of this county since 1847, he has proven himself to be a man of talents and energies of a high order, and with such energy and resolution he has risen to more than ordinary dis- tinction among his fellow-men. He has always taken an intelligent interest in public affairs, ever casting his ballot and influence for what he conceives to be the best interests of the community, the county and the whole country. Always zealous in the cause of education, he has taken a leading part in the establishment of schools throughout the county, the welfare and prosperity of which he has viewed with earn- est solicitude. For upwards of 30 years he has been a member of the school board, and has also held other positions of minor importance, the duties of which he has invariably discharged to the entire satis- faction of his constituents and with great personal credit. Active in agricultural matters, he has been president of the Agricultural Asso- ciation of Platte county for many years. Mr. Steele was born near Lexington, Ky., March 23, 1820. His father, Rev. Brice Steele, came originally from Ireland, and upon settling in Kentucky in an early day became occupied in agricultural affairs. He was also a minister of the gospel, of the Baptist belief, and preached during the greater portion of his lifetime. His death occurred near Lexington. He led a life useful and just, and one that was made valuable at the same time to the community in which he lived. His wife, formerly Elizabeth Thornsburg, a native of Virginia, and a lady of singular ex- cellence of character and amiability, became his wife. She was a worthy helpmate to her honored husband and survived him some years. Brought up in the State of his birth, where he also obtained his education, J. W. Steele subsequently became engaged in mercan- tile pursuits in Richmond, in 1837, where he remained with good suc- cess until 1845. Going thence to Lexington, he continued his opera- tions there until 1847, when he disposed of his business and came to Platte county, Mo., here embarking in agricultural affairs. This he has since followed. He owned a farm of 210 acres in Marshall town- ship, but upon selling it purchased his present homestead, which

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

consists of 47 acres of choice land, beautifully improved and embel- lished with rare flowers, trees, etc. Mr. Steele's wife was formerly Miss Sallie Hart, to whom he was married March 1, 1846. She was a daughter of Col. Jack Hart, one of the most influential citizens of Fayette county, Ky., and is a lady of sociability and great personal worth and attraction. They have seven children living: William, John, Clay, O. C., Lee, Alice, wife of J. W. McAdow, of this county, and Bertie. Mr. Steele is a member of the executive board of the Orphan School, mention of which appears in another part of this work. He and his wife are influential members of the Christian Church at Salem, of which Mr. Steele has been an elder for over 20 years.

JOHN W. STULTZ

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 4, Post-office, Weston).

Mr. Stultz is one of the native born residents of this county, and were we to omit a brief outline, at least, of his life, we would leave out the sketch of one who, though young in years, has borne a con- spicuous part in the promotion of the agricultural interests of the county in recent years. His father, James Stultz, who came origi- nally from North Carolina, went to Illinois when quite young, and was there married, Miss Mary Ann Wells becoming his wife. She is a sister to John B. Wells, whose biography is given elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Stultz came to this county in 1837, and here the former continued to make his home, one of the respected and highly honored citizens of the township, until his death in 1878. His widow is now making her home with her son, the subject of this sketch. John W. Stultz is now in his twenty-eighth year, his birth having occurred August 26, 1857. He was reared on a farm here, re- ceiving a good common school education, and early started out in life for himself. His residence in this county has been characterized by untiring industry, and has not been without substantial results. He has made himself an excellent home, and has one of the best farms of its size in the township, numbering 150 acres of choice bottom land. October 16, 1880, Mr. Stultz was united in marriage with Miss Ada Buckner, who was born in Hanover, Germany. One daughter of this union is living, Mary; their only son, James B., who was born September 30, 1881, having died August 20, 1882. Mr. Stultz is a clear-headed, energetic young man, of steady habits and frugal, and, appreciating the duties and responsibilities of life, is striving to dis- charge them in a useful and worthy manner. .

JUDGE DAVID J. THORP (Section 36, Post-office Weston) .

If, as is self-evident, this work would be incomplete without sketches of the more public-spirited of the successful farmers and substantial, well-to-do citizens of Platte county, then the biography of the subject of this sketch justly finds a place in this volume. David J. Thorp is

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

a native Missourian, having been born at Lexington, February 14, 1820. He was the son of James Thorp, a Virginian by birth, who moved to Kentucky in an early day and to Missouri in 1812, when there was scarcely any habitation in the then territory. His wife, the mother of David J., was also born in Virginia, and was quite young when taken to Kentucky. The father died in 1836 at Lexington. His widow survived until 1852, when she departed this life in Platte county. David J., on being reared to manhood, went to Buchanan county in 1838, but subsequently moved to this county in 1850, re- suming his occupation of farming, which he has followed all his life. His career has been more than an ordinary one, and his energy and enterprise have not been without substantial results. For six years Mr. Thorp held the office of county judge, and in discharging the duties of that office he displayed such ability and keen insight into the manner of how it should be filled as to make for himself a repu- tation which will never desert him. May 26, 1846, Judge Thorp was married, Miss Sarah E. Linville becoming his wife. She was born in Lafayette county. One son has been born of this marriage, Corio- lanus.

CORIOLANUS THORP

(Farmer and Fine Stock-raiser, and Fruit Packer, Section 36, Post-office, Weston).

Among the younger citizens of Platte county who, by their industry and enterprise, give promise of future prominence and usefulness in the material affairs of the county, is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He is a son of Judge D. J. Thorp, an outline of whose life appears above, and is a worthy representative of his distinguished and respected father. Born August 4, 1848, in this county, he has been reared and educated here, and both by inheritance and the influ- ence which surrounded his early life, has become imbued with those sterling virtues that make men respected and esteemed wherever in- tegrity, courage and honest industry are valued. Mr. Thorp for twelve years has been actively engaged in packing fruit for Denver and other Northern markets, and the enviable reputation which he has achieved for the quality of his fruit and his manner of packing might be a source of pardonable pride to him. For six years his attention has been devoted to raising fine short horn cattle, and his herd of forty thoroughbreds are all recorded, or eligible of record, and are un- surpassed by any in the western portion of Missouri. The father and son live together, and their farms are well improved. Mr. Coriolanus Thorp is now secretary of the Platte County Short Horn Breeders' Association. Thoroughly devoted to his chosen calling and a pro- gressive man in every particular, he avails himself of every oppor- tunity for information, and few men are better posted on all matters of public and local interest than he. His wife, formerly Miss Maud Lovelady, a daughter of A. J. and Juda (Newby) Lovelady, he married March 6, 1873. Their family consists of four children, William, D. J., Egbert and Thomas M.

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

J. J. THROCKMORTON

(Farmer, Fine Stock-raiser and Dealer, Section 8, Post-office, Weston).

In preparing a biographical conspectus of Platte county to accom- pany the general history of the county, it would be an omission to be regretted, both by the publishers and by the public, not to include a sketch of the life of the worthy citizen whose name stands at the head of this brief statement of facts. He is a representative of two fami- lies which have long been prominently and influentially identified with the history of Virginia and Kentucky, and, indeed, other States ; and representatives are to be found in almost every State of the Union. Gov. Throckmorton, of Texas, came from this same family. Orig- inally of English origin, some members of the family settled in Virginia in the days of the colonies. Mr. T.'s father, also J. J. Throckmorton, was a Kentuckian by birth, of which State his ances- tors were pioneers. On his mother's side Mr. Throckmorton descended from the Dudleys, she having been a sister of the celebrated Dr. Dudley, of Lexington, Ky. The mother of the subject of this sketch was Lucy Holladay, a sister of Ben. Holladay. In 1853 Mr. T. lost his father, by death, in Kentucky, and the following year, accompanied by his mother, he came to this county, where she died in 1859. Since that time he has continued to live here, and it is but just to say that no man has been more prominently identified with the county's interests in its material progress and developments than he. His farm, which contains 287 acres, is conceded to be the best farm in Platte county, the improvements upon it, which are of an excellent character, rendering it a most valuable place.

But it is in the raising of fine stock to which Mr. T. devotes most of his time, raising principally short horn Durhams, etc. He has rep- resentatives of the families of White Rose, Iantha, Amelia, Caroline, Miss Mott and others, and it goes without saying that he has done as much as any man in the county for the advancement of the stock business. In 1861 Mr. Throckmorton enlisted in Capt. Mitchell's company of the State service, and participated in the battles of Lex- ington, besides others. After the conflict was over he resumed his farming operations, but like many others he had seriously felt the effects of war troubles, having lost all he possessed. It is unneces- sary, to remark that he has fully regained his former substantial posi- tion. On the 21st of January, 1858, Mr. T. was married to Miss Elizabeth C. Bowen, a native of Kentucky, whose ancestors were also among the first families of that State. Her mother was the daughter of Andrew Hughes and a sister of Andy Hughes, who set- tled at Far West in an early day, being there during the Mormon troubles. Mr. and Mrs. Throckmorton have eight children living : Charlie B., Addie T., J. J., Harry, David T., Elizabeth C., N. P. Og- den and Leota. One daughter, Jennie, died October 15, 1867.

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

H. C. TURNER

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

It is a fact noticeable to all that as a county becomes peopled with a thrifty, intelligent class of citizens from Eastern States, the primitive schools of early pioneer days are supplemented by others of a more modern nature, and those which become noted for their thoroughness and efficiency in different departments. But a point not to be for- gotten is that there are always some who take more of an interest in the development of educational matters in the county than others, and Mr. Turner is a representative of this class. He has been pro- minently identified with the development and progress of education in this county, and for a long time was clerk of the school board. Born in Kentucky, November 3, 1831, he was a son of William and Margaret (McAdow ) Turner, the former of Virginia and the latter a Kentuckian by birth. The father emigrated to this county in 1840, and lived here until death. When quite young H. C. entered the quartermaster's department in the Mexican War, but returned the year after. In 1849 he went to California, and for 20 years was a resident of that State. Ten years of this time were spent in the mines. Freighting also received his attention for a like period. He was quite successful during this time, but upon returning to Platte county in 1869, he soon commenced selling goods at Leavenworth, Kan., for three years, and thence at Settle Station, which he continued for two years. In 1879 he moved upon his present farm and has since given his attention to agricultural pursuits. Mr. Turner is a married man, his wife's maiden name having been Miss Missouri T. Brown, to whom he was married February 24, 1870. She was born in this county. They have three children : James, Nellie and William. Mr. T. is connected with the Masonic Order, being a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery.

GEORGE WEISSER

(Baker and Confectioner, Post-office, Weston).

Mr. Weisser is a native of Switzerland, and was born in Canton Schaffhausen, on the Rhine, January 25, 1838. His parents, John and Mary Weisser, were both natives of Switzerland, and the father was a butcher by occupation. In 1847, when George was six years old, his parents emigrated to the United States and stopped at Independence, where he left his family while he went and selected a location and a home in which to settle, but while at Brunswick, Chariton county, he was taken with fever and died in 1848, leaving a widow and two children, both sons. George learned the baker and con- fectionery business, which he has since followed with satisfactory suc- cess. He remained in Jackson county until 1863, and went to Leavenworth, Kan., and after working at his trade there one year he came to Weston, where he has since been identified with the busi-

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

ness interests of the town. He purchased the interest of his employer in 1872. He carries a complete stock in his line and enjoys an en- viable reputation for the quality of material used as well as the products of his manufacture. He has been married three times. His present wife before her marriage was Miss Frances Green, a native of Weston. She was born in 1848. They have by this union one daughter, Mary Albertina. Mr. W. has three children by a former marriage : John, James and Elvira. Mrs. W. was a daughter of Frank and Johanna Green, natives of Hanover, Germany.

JOHN . B. WELLS (Retired Farmer, Weston).

Mr. Wells, a venerable old farmer, whose faculties of mind and vigor of body are still remarkably well preserved, and who, by in- dustry and economy, has accumulated a comfortable competency on which to rely in old age, came originally, like many of the best men all over the West, from Kentucky, and was born in Montgomery county, November 16, 1800. His grandfather, John Wells, was a native of Virginia, but removed to Kentucky at an early day. Here Hasten Wells, the father of John B., was born and reared on a farm. The subject of this sketch lived in his native State until 1832, and there married Miss Tabitha C. Davis, on the 12th of April, of that year. She was a daughter of Benjamin Davis, a son of John Davis, a native of Wales, who came to America during the Revolutionary War. In the fall of 1833 John B. Wells and wife emigrated to Mis- souri and settled in Marion county, near Palmyra, and in December, 1836, he came to what is now Platte county, and selected his claim and returned for his family. On the 9th of January, of the follow- ing year, he came to his present homestead, and he is, without a doubt, the oldest living pioneer resident of the county, if not of the entire Platte Purchase. Mr. Wells at first pre-empted 160 acres, and to this he has added from time to time until his landed estate now in- cludes 600 acres. Mrs. Wells was the first white woman to tread the streets of Weston, and to her belongs the honor, jointly with a Mr. Jordan, of naming many of the first streets of Weston. After war was declared against Mexico, Mr. Wells established what was long known as Rialto Ferry, and some idea of the business done may be formed when it is stated his toll some days amounted to $500. This ferry proved a profitable investment until the building of the bridge at Leavenworth. After its completion Capt. Wells sold his boat and abandoned the ferry. During the war he suffered greatly, and his large barn, with farm implements and two years' crops of wheat, was burned. His home was protected and saved by the courage of Mrs. Wells, who made up her mind to defend it until the last, and her de- termination frustrated every attempt to destroy it. Mr. and Mrs. Wells have had a family of seven children : Leander E., John D., Littleton M., Laura, now Mrs. Mills ; Henrietta, now Mrs. Clark ; George, Frances, Luther J., and Mittie, who married J. C. Frazier, and died in August, 1881, leaving two children, Vernie and Regenie.

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

WILLIAM. W WILKERSON

(Farmer, Section 20, Post-office, Weston).

One of the most prominent men and a man of great influence in the early days of the county's history was Mr. Wilkerson's father, Hon. Hall L. Wilkerson, who came to this county from Tennessee in 1838. He pre-empted the land which his son now owns and for many years was intimately connected with the material growth and develop- ment of the community in which he made his home. Of great intel- lectual ability, of much personal worth and highly respected as a citizen and neighbor, he was frequently called upon to fill many im- portant positions of public trust. He was the first clerk of the county and subsequently represented with distinction his constituents in the Legislature. He was one of the first to tender his service as a soldier in the Mexican War and his bravery and gallantry won for him the title of major. His public life and private record were alike untarnished. Although a peaceable, law-abiding citizen, he was brutally murdered October 20, 1851, by a gang of roughs led by one John Flush, who, for the commission of his crime, was sent to the penitentiary, where he died. Two of Flush's sons were also sentenced to imprisonment for 24 years, one of whom was drowned while on his way to receive his punishment. Hall Wilkerson was a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity. Wm. W., the son, was born Jan- uary 6, 1843, at the homestead which he now occupies and here was afforded excellent opportunities for receiving an education. Septem- ber 8, 1878, he was married to Miss Sarah E., daughter of M. M. Patton, Esq., who came to Platte county about the year 1870. The family of Mr. and Mrs. W. consists of three children : Rosie L., Mary J. and Bertie.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

MARSHALL TOWNSHIP.

Boundary - Fertility of Soil -Fine Stock Interest -Fruit Growing - Pioneers - Society - Iatan - Early Business - Present Business Men - Sugar Lake and Bean's Lake -Their Prospective Future - Biographical.

Marshall township, in the northwest portion of the county, is bounded on the north by Buchanan county, on the east by Green township, on the south by Weston township and the Missouri river, and on the west by the Missouri river.

PHYSICAL FEATURES.

Portions of the township are quite hilly ; much of the high land, however, is undulated. The soil is good and highly productive, the bottom land on the Missouri river is of superior quality, and produces bountiful crops.

There are perhaps more of the pioneer settlers, or of their descendants, living in Marshall township than in any other township of the county, and in this township is found some of her most pros- perous farmers. The raising of thoroughbred stock in cattle, hogs and horses is attracting more than ordinary attention. Among the leaders in this direction may be mentioned Messrs. Alderson, Thorp, Cook, Risk, Stone and Siler, besides many others. In hogs, Mr. D. F. Risk is without a peer in the county, and in thoroughbred short horns Mr. J. C. Alderson's herd numbers 100 females, besides calves. Fruit growing is absorbing the attention of many, and proving a profit- able industry.

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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