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 115

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 115
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 115

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).

The orchards recently planted, belonging to Messrs. Rees & Downey, are the largest in Northwest Missouri.

EARLY SETTLERS.

Among the early pioneers of the township were John Bigham, A. J. Lovelady, James Lovelady, George Martin, John McAdow, Samuel McAdow, Simeon Collier, N. J. Alexander, Wm. Prather, Andrew Henson, Elkannah Risk, Abraham Risk, Thomas Dye, Levi Lollar, G. W. Dyer, J. W. Steele, J. C. Harris, Matthew Kyle, Nathan Newby, Alfred Soward, A. G. Smith, M. Dale, Alfred Allen, Lewis

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

Shouse, W. Ralston, Jesse Page, J. O. Abbott, Andrew Thompson, Thomas D. Cook, John D. Alderson, - Byram and others.

The society of the township is an ideal one, for here we find the large-hearted liberality, the open hospitality and the true manliness of the dweller in the county, mingled with the suavity, the culture and the metropolitan manner of those whose lives are spent in cities. Good books, classical music, vocal and instrumental, fine pictures and other works of art adorn the houses of the farmers as well as those of the inhabitants of the towns. The State University and the Female Colleges of this and other States receive a very considerable patronage from this township, and, in consequence, the percentage of cultured and refined men and women residing here equals that of almost any other similar section in the United States.

IATAN.

Iatan is situated on the Kansas City, St. Joseph and Council Bluffs Railroad, six miles above Weston, and was selected as a town site by Maj. John Dougherty. At one time it promised to be one of the most important places on the Missouri River, and was a large shipping point. The business of the town in general merchandise and grocer- ies is done by A. G. Smith and J. A. Gittinger ; the druggist is Dr. H. P. Grover.

SUGAR LAKE.

Sugar Lake is also located on the Kansas City, St. Joseph and Council Bluffs Railroad. It is a new place, in themidst of a rich county and excellent population. The place takes its name from the lake near which it is located. It promises to be a place of consider- able importance as a fishing and pleasure resort. Sugar Lake, like Beans' Lake, with which it is connected, is a beautiful clear body of water, well stocked with fish, and the surroundings are such that it would seem almost impossible to prevent it in the near future of being a popular summer resort. We take the following from the St. Joseph Gazette :-

As to Sugar lake, it is the opinion of the Gazette that it is the love- liest lake in the West, similar in many respects to Bean's and Lake Contrary. It has a crowning glory that man or money can never make - the bluff covered with forest trees and rock descending to the water's edge - which will make it at some future time the resort of the West. In the near future the bluff will be crowned with summer hotels and cottages, and lovely drives and walks will descend in grace- ful curves to the lake, upon whose bosom sail and row boats filled

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

with merry parties will make the valley ring with song and laughter and merry peal. Children are now living at Sugar Lake who will live to see land sell there for a thousand dollars an acre. It will soon be demonstrated that better fishing can be had at Bean's and Sugar Lake then can be had at Spirit Lake, Big Stone, Minnetonka or White Bear. Perhaps after a long while Messrs. Anderson, Dunford and Connor may realize these facts now so apparent to all but them. We are also very fortunate in having these lovely lakes situated upon the Kansas City, St. Joseph and Council Bluffs, whose able and liberal manager, J. F. Barnard, will assist in making them the great fishing resort of the West.

Twelve hundred car loads of ice were shipped from this station during the past winter, giving employment to one hundred and fifty men for several weeks. The business of the place is done by B. F. Moore, a popular merchant, who carries a good general stock, and he also buys grain and produce.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

J. O. ABBOTT

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 29, Post-office, Iatan).

Mr. Abbott, on starting out in life for himself, naturally adopted farming as his regular occupation, and this he has followed with unin- terrupted energy and success ; indeed so prosperous has been his career that he is now one of the most substantial citizens in the community in which he lives. Upon coming to Platte county in 1842 he purchased a farm, to which he has added from time to time, until he now owns 570 acres of land, a place which is in good cultivation and well improved ; in fact, the improvements are exceptionally fine, everything about the home being conveniently arranged for the various necessary farm purposes. The reputation which Mr. Abbott enjoys for sterling worth and true uprightness of character is well deserved. He is no political enthusiast, but at the request and sincere desire of his many friends he has filled the office of justice of the peace for several years, the duties of which he has discharged satisfactorily to all. Mr. Abbott was married to Miss A. Brady, March 21, 1842. She was born in Spencer county, Ind. They have had a family of nine children, five of whom are living, viz. : Allen H., Annie, wife of J. A. Gittinger; Hiram B., Charles Edwin and William P. Mr. Abbott came origin- ally from Montgomery county, Ky., where he was born December 11, 1810. His father, Joseph Abbott, and his grandfather, of the same name, were natives of New Jersey. The mother of J. O. Abbott was

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

formerly Miss Rhoda Masterton, a Kentuckian by birth. Leaving his birthplace Mr. A. went to Ohio, but after ten years returned to Ken- tucky, where he lived seven years. In 1842, as before stated, he lo- cated in Platte county, Mo. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.

Charles Edwin Abbott, the sixth son and eighth child in his parents' family, was born at his father's homestead, in this county, October 28, 1858, here being brought up. In addition to the excellent com- mon school education which he received in this vicinity, he completed a course of instruction at that well known and far-famed institution of learning, Lombard University, of Galesburg, Ill. December 3, 1879, Miss E. White, who was born in Stark county, Ill., became his wife. They have two children, Inez V. and Gertrude L. Mr. Abbott is now engaged in selling agricultural implements, and in this business is meeting with good success.

N. J. ALEXANDER

(Deceased).

Among the pioneers of Platte county was N. J. Alexander, a native of Milledgeville, Ga., and a cabinetmaker by trade. He came here in 1837 and worked for a short time at his trade and then engaged in mer- chandising. During the palmy days of hemp growing he was a large buyer and shipper of hemp at Iatan, and one of its prominent mer- chants. He also sold goods at Union Mills and Owen's Mill, and he was recognized as one of the active and live merchants of Platte county. After the war he settled on his farm in section 17. Mr. Alexander married Miss Lucy Vaughan, of Clay county. On the 8th day of December, 1881, Mr. Alexander died, leaving, besides his widow, who still resides on the homestead, six children: Samuel, who is now living in Montana ; George W., Theodore, now a resident of . Gentry county, Mo. ; Lucy, now Mrs. Roper, of Rich Hill, Mo. ; William and Charles. George W., the second son, and manager of the farm, spent his early life in the county and then for several years was engaged in the stock business and other pursuits in Colorado and Texas, but after the death of his father, at the solicitation of his mother he returned to Platte county and took charge of the farm, . which contains 153 acres of productive land well improved.

JAMES A. ALLEN

(Farmer, Section 1, Post-office, Weston).

Mr. Allen was born March 9, 1835, in Scott county, Ky., his parents, Alfred and Amney (Thomas) Allen, being natives of the same State. In 1842 the family came out to Missouri and lived on a farm. The mother died in 1861, and the father survived until 1869. Mr. Allen, the subject of this sketch, was reared a farmer, and farm- ing has continued to be his occupation. He was married March 7, 1861, to Miss Cynthia Allison, a native of Kentucky. There were seven children by this union : Lee, William, Emmet, Homer, Eva,

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

Odis and Laura S. Mr. Allen's father left only one child besides himself at his death: William. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Allen has a neatly improved farm of 294 acres, and he is a man of industry and energy, and is well esteemed by all who know him. Plain and unassuming in his relation to his neighbors and those with whom he comes in contact, he is nevertheless quite successful in the management of his farm, and the improvements upon his place indicate the character of a farmer he is.

JAMES C. ALDERSON

(Farmer and Raiser of Thorough-bred Short Horn Cattle, Seetion 9, Post-office, Iatan).

Mr. Alderson is one of the leading farmers and stock-raisers of the county. He was born in Simpson county, Ky., May 17, 1833, and was the son of John D. Alderson, also of Sumner county, Tenn., who was a farmer and stock-trader by calling. His mother, whose maiden name was Nancy Couther, was born in Rockingham county, N. C., but was brought by her parents to Kentucky, where they made their settlement. In the removal she rode the entire distance on horse- back. In 1842 John D. Alderson removed with his family to Platte county, Mo., arriving here November 8. On the 10th of November, two days afterwards, he purchased what is now known as the Shouse farm, and afterward he bought the claim of James Lovelady - the farm now owned by Wesley B. Cook. Mr. Alderson devoted con- siderable attention to the raising of horses, and was prominent in all matters pertaining to the development of the county. He died in August, 1855, leaving three children : James C., Elizabeth, who mar- ried W. G. Noble, since deceased, and Eliza (now deceased), who became Mrs. J. H. Trundle. James C. was reared on his father's farm, and has followed agricultural pursuits as his chosen avocation, together with the stock business. He has been much interested in the raising of short horn cattle, and his herd numbers at the present time 100 females, besides calves. Strains of all the leading short horn families are represented in this herd. He has been unable to supply the demand for his stock, which has been sought for at his door and has gone largely into this and surrounding counties, while the State of Kansas has been a patron to a considerable extent. Though Mr. Alderson at one time owned 1,700 acres of land he has reduced his acreage by selling, and now owns 643 acres of choice land well im- proved. His dwelling is very commodious and pleasantly situated, and at this time he is erecting two large barns, one 54x64 and the other 36x72. Mr. Alderson was married November 21, 1865, to Miss Mattie Stone, a most estimable lady, a native of Paris, Bourbon county, Ky. To them have been born the following children : Annie, May, Lillie, Manson, Herbert, Bessie and J. C. They lost one in infancy. Mr. Alderson is a thorough-going practical man and is highly esteemed by all who know him.

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

FRANCIS M. ANDREWS

(Farmer, Post-office, Sugar Lake).

Mr. Andrews is a native Missourian, his father, Elias Martin Andrews, having emigrated from Kentucky at an early day and settled in Howard county, Mo. His mother, nee Elizabeth Jacks, was also born in Kentucky. They removed to Platte county in 1841 and lived here until their death. The father died in February, 1866, leaving seven children : Richard I., Francis M., Jasper and Mary F., now Mrs. Hurst ; Gardner J. (deceased ), Elias M., James and Elizabeth, now Mrs. McQueen. Francis M. was born in Howard county, De- cember 17, 1831, and came with his parents to Platte county in 1841,

and has become a prominent and successful farmer. He owns 1391/2 acres of as fertile land as there is in the State, and no farmer can boast of better crops continuously than Mr. Andrews. He has been twice married, first, in 1850, to Miss Mary Jones, of Platte county, who died in 1863, leaving one child, Elizabeth, now deceased. His second marriage occurred in 1866 to Cinderella Jackson, a native of Iowa. Mr. A. is a member of the Christian Church, of the A. F. and A. M. and the Protection Association.

JOSIAH M. BAILEY

(Farmer, Post-office, Sugar Lake).

Mr. Bailey was born in Monroe county, Ky., October 5, 1839. His father, John P. Bailey, was born in Edgefield District, S. C., but re- moved when a boy to Monroe county, Ky., where he was reared to manhood. He married Miss Parthenia Bailey, a native of Kentucky. In 1850 he came to Platte county, Mo., and took rank as one of the successful farmers in the section of the county in which he resided. He followed the occupation of farming until his death. . Josiah M. came with his father's family to Missouri and has followed farming all his life. He owns 84 acres of choice land. He was married De- cember 28, 1869, to Miss Georgiana Varble, a native of Buchanan county, Mo. They have a family of six children : Olive, Gladiator, Gertrude, Thomas J., Robert E. and Albert W. They have lost one son, George M.

JACOB BENNER

(Farmer, Section 27, Post-office, Weston).

If industry, hard work and ceaseless activity, united with a strong and determined perseverance, can accomplish anything in this world, then Mr. Benner is bound to succeed ; for in him are to be found all the characteristics mentioned, and indeed, he is deserving of more than ordinary credit for his career thus far in life. He was born in Weston, November 28, 1846, and was the son of Nicholas and Mar- tha Benner, both originally from Germany. The father instilled into his son the partiality which he had ever had for farming and this

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

occupation Jacob has always followed. He owns 160 acres of good land well cultivated and improved. In March, 1870, he was mar- ried to one of the native born daughters of the county, Miss Annie Bland, and to them four children have been born : Johnnie, Louie, Allie and Willie. Mr. and Mrs. Benner are members of the Baptist Church.

A. D. BLYTHE

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 6, Post-office, Sugar Lake).

For about 40 years Mr. Blythe has been a resident of Platte county, and during this time he has occupied an enviable position among its better class of citizens, and has made favorable and lasting im- pressions upon those around him, both as a business man, as an agri- culturist, and in the private walks of life. His parents were Samuel and Jemima Blythe, née Lay, both Kentuckians by birth, but in the early days of the history of Missouri they removed to Howard county, within the borders of which they made their home until their death. Young Blythe was born in Fayette county, Ky., May 10, 1815, and was brought by the family to this State upon their removal from Ken- tucky. Quite young when they located in Howard county, he com- pleted his adolescence here and received a good general education in the schools of his neighborhood. In 1844 the reputation of the Platte Purchase as a prominent agricultural district, and the importance of Weston as a business point, attracted him to this locality, and here he found a desirable location and renewed his farming operations, not, however, without substantial results. In keeping with the progress of the county, he, too, prospered, for those years of the very noonday of his life were not spent in idleness. On the 5th of November, 1846, Mr. Blythe was married to Mrs. Margaret Byram, whose maiden name was Watkins, originally from Kentucky, and who came to this county in 1840. She is a lady of strong character and of refined taste, as well as of an amiable disposition - such a lady as is calcu- lated to be esteemed wherever she lives. Their family consists of two children, Mary, now Mrs. Goodwin, of Memphis, Tenn., and Samuel J., who was born on the home farm in this county, January 6, 1854. He was brought up and educated here and in 1879 was married to Miss Jessie Force, whose father, Daniel Force, is one of the old and respected residents of St. Joseph, Mo. She is descended from a cultured and hospitable family and is a lady of many estimable qualities. They have two children : A. D., Jr., and Mary. The landed estate of Mr. Blythe comprises about 600 acres and his home- stead has upon it excellent buildings and other improvements of a superior class. Dignified in his bearing and a man of great sociability, Mr. Blythe is a friend who is respected by all who are favored with his acquaintance.

JAMES F. BROWN

(Farmer, Section 5, Post-office, Wallace).

Mr. Brown's whole life has been spent thus far in Platte county, where, as we will readily admit, he has attained to a position among

1093

HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

the agriculturists of the township which might well be envied by those older in years and experience. Born here December 4, 1853, he was a son of James L. and Rebecca (Weaver) Brown, who became early settlers of this county, having pre-empted a claim three miles north of Platte City, which long continued to be their home. Many interesting incidents of their pioneer experience are well worth a place in this history, which we regret we have not the space here to relate. James F. Brown is now actively and successfully engaged in the occu- pation to which he was brought up, that of farming, and years of ex- perience have only tended to give him advanced ideas as to the proper method of conducting a farm, in addition to the natural tastes which he has had for this pursuit. His estate embraces a well improved tract of 265 acres. A go-ahead, energetic young farmer, he has by his own industry acquired a fine property, and made for himself a comfortable home. October 4, 1874, Mr. Brown was married to Miss Roenia Buford, who was born June 5, 1855, in Kansas, though brought up in this county. One son has been born to this marriage, Oria Franklin, born August 6, 1875, and a daughter, Onie Myrtle, the second child, was born February 5, 1883.

SIMEON COLLIER

(Deceased).

Mr. Collier was a son of James and Nancy (Ballou) Collier, the father a native of Virginia, and the mother originally of French ex- traction. He was born in Kentucky August 20, 1804, where he resided principally until his removal to Missouri in 1844. At this time he took up his location in Platte county, settling on a farm of 160 acres in Marshall township (in section 7), which he improved, and upon which he lived a worthy and industrious life. He was highly re- spected by his neighbors, both as a citizen and in the private walks of life, and he was a respected member of the Christian Church at New Market. Mr. Collier's death occurred April 25, 1885, at the advanced age of over 80 years. Mr. Collier was a resident of Platte county for 40 years, and was a witness to and an active, useful participant in the building up of the county from a wilderness to one of the most pros- perous and enlightened communities of this State. September 11, 1827, he married Miss Elizabeth Berkshire, of Kentucky nativity, who died March 2, 1871. There are six children now living of this mar- riage : Nancy Jane, wife of A. A. Downing, of this county ; Robert S., Thornton S., Asenath, who married James A. Gault; Hannibal and Amelia. Mr. Gault, the son-in-law of. Mr: Collier, was one of the most intellectual and intelligent men of the community up to the time of his death, in 1864. A Kentuckian by birth, he was born March 27, 1835, and was raised and educated there, the principal part of his schooling having been obtained at Maysville, Ky. Decid- ing to devote himself to the practice of law, he commenced its study, but finding it unsuited to his tastes, he embarked in agricultural pur- suits. He came to this county in 1856, and about two years after-

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

wards was married to Miss Collier, a lady of rare personal worth and many estimable characteristics. Mr. Gault fell while gallantly fight- ing during the late Civil War. Besides his wife he left one daughter to mourn his loss, Mary Elizabeth.

HAMILTON COOK

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 16, Post-office, Iatan).

No man is better or more favorably known in Platte county than the subject of this sketch. He was born in Berkeley county, W. Va., September 1, 1835. His father, Thomas D., was born in Virginia and was a farmer by occupation. His mother, whose maiden name was Susan Light, was also a native of the same State. They emi- grated to Missouri and settled in Platte county on a farm in 1841. A marked characteristic of Thomas D. Cook was his sterling integrity and high sense of honor. He was for years connected with the Meth- odist Church, of which he was an earnest and consistent member. A man of strong convictions and of a firm mind, when once his opinion was formed it required strong evidence to change it. Himself honor- able in all his dealings, he endeavored to look upon others as possessed of like qualities, and his word was as good as his bond. He died March 21, 1880, leaving two children : Hamilton and Wesley B., the latter a prominent agriculturist and stockman of this county. Mr. Cook's widow did not long survive her husband, her death occurring some five weeks after his. The public schools of this county found in Hamilton Cook a steady attendant and warm supporter, his time not given to his studies being devoted to performing duties on the home farm. Since commencing his farming operations he has become in comfortable circumstances, and is making a typical farm of his place. This embraces 380 acres, and he is improving it in a thorough manner and with an eye to taste only less than to durability, convenience and comfort. His purpose is to make it a homestead worthy of the county and equal to his own ideas of what a well managed farm ought to be. In its conduct is manifested the good, sound judgment and practical ex- perience of the successful farmer. Personally, Mr. Cook is one of the best men in the county. Hospitable and entertaining at his home, he is an excellent conversationalist and interesting speaker. He is an active worker in the temperance movement, and for four years has served the cause as State lecturer of the I. O. G. T. Few men have the voice, ability and personal magnetism, coupled with an intelligent comprehension of his subject, to hold an audience and to impress the importance of the cause on the minds of his hearers, that Mr. Cook possesses. He has spoken in nearly all the counties of the State, and his services are most earnestly sought for where they are best known. November 30, 1854, he was married to Miss Rachel Anno, a Ken- tuckian by birth. They have three children : Alfred T., Emma, now Mrs. Ferrel, and Mollie.

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY,

J. W. COX

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

Mr. C.'s father, W. G. Cox, and also his mother, who was formerly Miss S. A. Stone, came originally from Kentucky, where they had lived until 1856. At that time they became located in Platte county, Mo., and here Mr. C. continued the occupation which he had so suc- cessfully and industriously followed in Kentucky-that of farming, stock-raising and dealing. A wealthy and energetic citizen of this county, he owned 1,600 acres of land in one body at the time of his death, which occurred in August, 1877. He left, besides his wife, six children, of whom the subject of this sketch, J. W. Cox, was the second son. Brought up in this county, he enjoyed excellent educa- tional advantages, and in addition to a course in William Jewell College, extending over a period of three years, he was a student for two years in the State University, at Columbia. Upon returning from school, in 1881, he at once took charge of the home farm, which he has since conducted in an excellent manner and with great credit. He devotes much time to the raising of and dealing in fine stock, and to more thoroughly qualify himself for the stock business he has become a member of the Shorthorn Breeder's Association of Platte county. Mr. Cox was married September 3, 1884, to Miss Lizzie, daughter of Wills Noble, of Weston, Mo. Mrs. Cox was first edu- cated at the Convent of St. Joseph, Mo., where she took a somewhat advanced young ladies' course. Afterwards she attended Clay Seminary, from which she subsequently graduated. She is a lady of superior culture and refinement, of singularly prepossessing presence, and always interesting and entertaining.

MADISON DALE

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 26, Post-office, Weston).

In inserting short biographical sketches of the lives of the old and prominent residents of Platte county it would be an inexcusable omis- sion not to give a prominent place to an outline, at least, of the career of Madison Dale. A resident of this county for 42 years, and a man whose energy, perseverance and industry have contributed to make him one of the well known, highly respected and substantial agriculturists of the county, he well deserves the success which has attended his career and the good opinions of those with whom he is acquainted. His farm of 240 acres bears upon it indications of a thorough owner, and Mr. Dale gives some attention to graded stock. He is now nearly 70 years of age, having been born January 21, 1817, in Woodford county, Ky. His parents were both Virginians by birth ---- LeRoy and Jemima Dale, née Gill, but in an early day they went to Kentucky, where they afterwards reared their son. Brought up as a farmer, on coming to this county, in 1843, Madison Dale re- sumed that industry, which he has ever since continued, and as

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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