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 88

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 88
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 88

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NATHANIEL C. BOYDSTON (Section 2, Post-office, Parkville).

This venerable and respected citizen of Pettis township has passed a life of more than ordinary activity and usefulness, a rough outline of which we have drawn here, space necessarily forbidding us entering into minute detail. His parents were both natives of Tennessee, Thomas and Betsy (Gragg) Boydston. They came with their family to Missouri in 1831, and located in Clay county, near the line which divided that from Platte county. There they remained until 1838, when they came to this county, but two years later took up their

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

location in Buchanan county, where Mr. Boydston died in 1862. Nathaniel C. accompanied his parents on their removal to this State, being at the time 19 years of age. He had been born in Cocke county, Tenn., December 7, 1811, and in growing up was not favored with very many opportunities for attending school, consequently his edu- cation was somewhat limited. July 22, 1836, he was united in mar- riage with Miss Dinah Forbian, daughter of Rev. Jacob Forbian, also formerly from Tennessee, and one of the early settlers and pioneer preachers in this vicinity. The very day that the treaty was ratified in this county Mr. B. removed to near Linkville, but in about a year settled not far from Platte City, in which neighborhood he resided until 1844. Going to Buchanan county, he bought land, improved a farm, and remained until 1856. In 1850 he joined other gold seekers to California, to which State he went overland, and for about 15 months worked in the mines. In 1851 he returned on the first trip that was made by the Nicaragua route, the vessel on which he took passage being foundered off Cape Hatteras. He finally reached New York, however, from which he soon came home. From the spring of 1856 until the fall of 1863, he was a resident of Jackson county, Kan., but at this latter period he returned to Missouri and settled on the farm where he now lives. He has started to improve five places, and has made some improvements on seven places in Missouri and one in Kansas. His present farm contains 290 acres - eight miles off Kansas City - an exceptionally good farm. January 16, 1861, Mr. Boydston lost his first wife, who left 10 children. April 27, 1862, he was married again, Mrs. Margaret Broadhurst, widow of Rev. Jacob Broadhurst, and a sister to the first Mrs. B., then becoming his wife. She had four children by her former marriage, one of whom is a minister of the Gospel. She was reared in Clay and Platte counties, but came originally from Tennessee. By this last marriage there are three children. While in Buchanan county Mr. B. served as magis- trate for seven years. He was also a soldier in the Black Hawk War. In 1832 he joined the Methodist Church, of which he has been a zealous member for over 50 years. His wife is also connected with the same denomination, and is a lady of devoted Christian principles and true worth.

JOHN H. BUENEMAN (Postmaster and Retired Merchant, Parkville).

One of the older and well known citizens of Platte county, Mr. Bueneman is highly respected and very popular, as his numerous services in filling local offices would fully indicate. He is a native of Prussia and was born March 1, 1817, so that he has nearly reached the allotted age of three score and ten years. His parents, John H. Bueneman and wife, whose maiden name was Wallenbrock, were also originally from Prussia, but lived all their lives and died in Germany. Young John, the subject of this sketch, received a good education at his birthplace, and served an apprenticeship of three years at the tailor's trade. Coming to the United States in the fall of 1837, he

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

first went to Westport, Mo., and worked at his trade with a brother (who had preceded him there) until the following spring, when he located in Platte county, pre-empted a piece of land near where Park- ville is now situated, and commenced the improvement of his place. In 1844, when Parkville was laid out, he moved into town and followed his trade until the spring of 1865, when he started a grocery. He was appointed deputy-postmaster, and in 1872 received the appointment of postmaster, which position he has since continued to hold. In 1875 he disposed of his interests in the grocery to his son- in-law. He has held several local positions of prominence in the town. Mr. Bueneman was married at St. Charles in November, 1837, to Miss Anna S. F. Hilgeman, also born and brought up in Prussia, and a daughter of Aberhardt Hilgeman. They have seven children : Rose, wife of William Andrews, of Leavenworth ; Jose- phine, wife of John E. Threlkeld, of Parkville, mention of whom is made elsewhere ; Adaline, wife of R. Beiga, of Leavenworth ; John T., of Parkville ; Sophia, with her parents ; Thomas T., in Idaho ; Charles F., in Parkville. Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of the Pres- byterian Church.

DAVID M. CLARKE

(Farmer, Section 31, Post-office, Platte City).

Edward Clarke, a native of Kentucky, and the father of David M., married Miss Hannah McIlvain, a daughter of Archibald McIlvain, also of Kentucky, and in about 1826 came to Missouri, locating some six or seven miles north of Liberty, in Clay county, where he resided about 10 years. In 1836 he came into Platte county, pre-empted 80 acres of land, subsequently adding to his original tract until he had quite a body, embracing some 1,000 acres. He disposed of part of this from time to time, but still retained a comfortable estate un- til his death, which occurred September 24, 1883. Had he lived un- til the following May he would have been 93 years of age. David M., the subject of this sketch, was born at Richmond, Madison county, Ky., March 8, 1822. He accompanied his parents to this State upon their removal here, and was brought up to follow agricultural pursuits, his father having always followed the occupation of a farmer. In 1849 he made a trip overland to California and spent about three years engaged in mining and tilling the soil. Returning in 1853 to Platte county, he settled on a farm in the neighborhood of where he now lives. His present place contains 164 acres of land devoted equally to grass and farm purposes. His two-story residence is an excellent new building. In 1854 Mr. Clarke was married in Kentucky to Miss Susan Ann Clark, a daughter of Charles Clark, of Boyle county, Ky., where she was also born. She died in March, 1864, leaving five children : Mary E., Jennie, wife of Lewis Deadman ; Joseph W. and James T., both of this county, and Sue. In July, 1865, Mr. Clarke married for his second wife Miss Elizabeth J. Crain, daughter of John S. Crain, of Platte county. Mrs. Clarke is a native of Fleming county, Ky., where she was reared and educated. To them five children have been

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

born : Edward, Anna, Albert S., Flora and Eugene Rock. Mr. and Mrs. C. are members of the Baptist Church. He has taken a prom- inent position in the affairs of this county, though quietly and unos- tentatiously, and has done a good deal for the advancement and development of the locality in which he makes his home.

CHARLES CLARKE

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 6) .

Mr. Clarke is a brother to David M. Clarke, whose sketch precedes this, and like him was born in Richmond, Madison county, Ky., the date of his birth being April 20, 1820. A brief outline of the career of his parents is given within that sketch, so that it is unnecessary to repeat here what has been mentioned there. However, some addi- tional facts of interest might be rendered. His father was born near Lexington, in Fayette county, was a son of Thomas Clarke, one of the first settlers of Fayette from Virginia. He was a. brave and patriotic soldier in the Revolutionary War. Edward's wife came from the vinicity of near Baltimore, Md. Upon coming to Missouri he built a home and commenced the improvement of a place upon which his son Charles now resides The latter, like his brother, spent his youth in working on the home farm until 1848, when he went to Mexico and for a short time, or a period of six months, he gave his attention to merchandising at Chihuahua. In the spring of 1849 he went on West to California, where he sold goods for some 15 years, conducted a hotel and was occupied with other branches of business, eight years of the time being passed in Nevada, where he was also interested in ranching and trading. He returned to the county of his adoption in 1871 in order to relieve his father of the home duties and also to make for him a pleasant home in his declin- ing years. In January, 1878, Mr. Clarke was married, Miss Nannie Hoy becoming his wife. She was born, brought up and attended school in this county and was a daughter of Samuel B. Hoy, de- ceased, formerly from Kentucky, and one of the early settlers here, having come in 1837. Mr. Clarke has about 340 acres of land, 180 of which are in cultivation, and the remainder devoted to blue grass pas- ture. His orchard is deserving of special mention. He is a promi- nent Democrat in his political affiliations and has a number of times been a delegate to numerous conventions, though personally he is anything but a political enthusiast or office seeker. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church. He is one of the highly respected and honored citizen of this vicinity.

THOMAS W. DAVIS, JR.

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 13, Post-office, Parkville).

Thomas W. Davis, the father of the subject of this sketch, now a retired merchant living at Parkville, was born in Logan county, Ky.,

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

July 10, 1812, a son of Gen. Cornelius Davis ; the father of the latter was a Virginian by birth and a soldier in the Revolutionary War with Washington, and was an early settler in Kentucky, serving in various Indian campaigns in that State. The wife of Gen. Cornelius Davis was Sally Wilson, born in Virginia. In 1822 the family removed to Saline county, Mo., and here the senior Davis was one of the com- missioners to lay off the county seat. He died near Marshall Decem- ber 25, 1843. Thomas W. obtained a common school education, and then commenced clerking in Boonville. He married September 19, 1833, Miss Mary E. Doyle, daughter of a Dr. Doyle, formerly from Virginia, where she was born and reared. After a two years' resi- dence at Boonville, Mr. Davis bought an established business at Jonesboro, but when the county seat was established he went to Mar- shall and built the first store and was the first merchant at that place. From 1847 to 1848, he sold goods in St. Louis, and then until 1856 was interested in the mercantile business at Parkville. He farmed until after the war, or up to 1867, and from that time until 1882, he was successfully engaged in active mercantile life. He has reared a worthy family of seven children, two of whom are sons. One of these, Thomas W. Davis, Jr., has developed into one of the most promising young agriculturists in the county. He was born at Park- ville, November 24, 1854, passing his youth on his father's farm at Prairie Point. His education was above the ordinary, for, in addition to the usual course in the district schools, he attended an institution at Shelbyville, Shelby county, Mo. August 10, 1874, when in his twentieth year, Mr. Davis was married to Miss Mary Summers, daughter of W. H. and Elizabeth ( Wilson ) Summers, originally from Kentucky. Mrs. Davis was reared in Platte county, the county of her birth, receiving a superior education in a convent at Leavenworth, Kas. Mr. Davis has a farm of 120 acres of good land, well improved. He and his father are members of the Masonic Lodge at Parkville, and the latter has been quite prominently identified with the interests of the Order, having held different positions in the same.

HENRY F. DEISTER

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 21, Post-office, Barry) .

Mr. Deister, who is also numbered among the substantial and rep- resentative citizens of foreign birth in Pettis township, came originally from Hanover, Germany, where he was born August 9, 1830. His parents were Henry and Theresa Deister, née Hartje, both natives of that country, where the mother's death also occurred. Henry F. ac- companied his father to America in 1845 and located in the north- western part of Texas, in what is now Cook county. After living there about one year he came to Platte county, Mo., in the spring of 1847, purchased land on section 21 in Pettis township and improved a farm. Here Henry Deister died in 1865. The subject of this sketch is the oldest in a family of four brothers and two sisters, of whom two brothers and one sister are in Kansas. Henry grew to

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

manhood on a farm in this neighborhood and in 1855, 1856 and 1857 he was engaged in freighting across the plains, his places of destina- tion being Salt Lake and Mexico. These trips proved quite profita- ble to him in a pecuniary point of view. In May, 1858, Mr. Deister took unto himself a wife, in the person of Miss Margaret Henzen, a daughter of Henry Henzen, formerly from Prussia, where she was born, though her early training was received in Moniteau county, Mo. After his marriage Mr. Deister settled on section 17 of this township, where he resided until 1867, at which time, disposing of this property, he bought his present farm upon which he has made most of the im- provements that it now contains. He has in his home place 160 acres all fenced and more than half of it is in cultivation ; besides this he has 80 acres of improved land in Clay county, a half mile north of Barry. Mr. Deister has a family of five sons and three daughters: Henry W., John, Albert, Frank, Joseph, Mary A., Elizabeth and Dora living, and two dead, Theresa and Magdalina. Mr. D. and wife are members of the Catholic Church.

GEORGE ECKERT

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

From the age of six years until he was 14, Mr. Eckert passed his youth in the public schools, acquiring there an education which has been of material benefit to him in later years. Between that and the age of 19 he remained in the county of his birth, and then carried out a desire he long had to come to this country, which he did in 1848, landing at New York. He soon located in Wayne county ; worked on a farm there about seven years, and in the meantime was married, March 13, 1857, to Miss Dorothy Stell, daughter of George Stell, like himself, a native of Germany. Almost immediately after his marriage, Mr. Eckert came to Missouri, settling in Platte county, purchasing at first 80 acres of land, which he still owns. To this he has added from time to time until he has now become possessed of a landed estate of 320 acres in three different farms in the southern part of Platte county, situated about eight miles north of Kansas City. His home place is in good condition, and he has upon it all necessary improvements. During the war he served in the enrolled militia, but this was the extent of his military career. In December, 1876, he was deprived of his wife by death. She had borne him seven children, whose names in the order of their births are George H., Mary L., wife of Peter W. Klamm; Amelia, now Mrs. John P. Klamm, of Leavenworth county, Kan. ; Elizabeth C., William, Magda- lina, a fascinating young lady at home, and Jacob. As has already been intimated, Mr. Eckert is of foreign birth, having been born in Alsace, France (now belonging to Germany ), June 16, 1829. His father was Jacob Eckert, and his mother's maiden name was Barbara Zimmer- man, both natives of the same province. The father was a farmer by occupation, and quite successful in his chosen calling. Both parents died in the old country. George Eckert, the subject of

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

this sketch, is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He resides on section 19, and is meeting with substantial results in the manage- ment of his farm.

JOHN B. FLANNERY (Cashier of the Parkville Bank).

The life of John B. Flannery has been of much value to Platte county in many particulars, both in material affairs, as a public spir- ited citizen, and otherwise. Since 1877 he has been cashier of this well known banking institution - the Parkville Bank - and is pecu- liarly fitted for the successful discharge of the duties of his position. He is a son of Thomas Flannery, a well known resident of this county now residing about three miles east of Platte City, and when this fact is stated a great deal is said for the character of the son and his suc- cess as a business man. Thomas Flannery, originally of Virginia, came to Missouri when a young man, and at a very early day settled in Platte county, pre-empting land and improving a farm, upon which he lived for a number of years. He was married here to Miss Fannie Brunts, whose father, John Brunts, was one of the early settlers of both Howard and Platte counties, Mo., but formerly from Kentucky. John B., born June 14, 1844, on the old family homestead in this county, was reared on the farm, and when he came up had not only good common school advantages, but the benefit of a course at the Platte City High School. At the age of 19, desiring to qualify him- self for a mercantile life, he entered a store at Platte City, where he was engaged in clerking until 1869. In 1868, though but 24 years of age, he became the choice of the people of the county for county treas- urer, a compliment of which it is unnecessary for us to make. any additional remark. After his term of service had expired he was made deputy sheriff and collector, and in the discharge of these du- ties he distinguished himself greatly in the estimation of his constitu- ents, and, indeed, of all people of the county. Moving now to Kansas City, Mr. F. became engaged in the real estate and insurance business in 1873, and gave his attention to it for four years, or until 1877. Locating at Parkville, he engaged with A. T. Jenkins, of Kansas City, in establishing the Parkville Bank, of which he has since been cashier. In 1873 he was appointed notary public, a position he has continued to hold to the present, and he has done much business in the way of a conveyancer and notary from that date. In business affairs, and especially in financial matters, his opinion is sought and his judgment deferred to by many of the most intelligent business men of this section of the county, and, indeed, wherever he is known. His thorough acquaintance with the resources and reputation of the people among whom principally his bank does business, renders him a very desirable man for this position. April 7, 1868, Mr. Flannery was married in this county to Miss Alice Freeland, a daughter of Henry Freeland, deceased, formerly from Pennsylvania, and one of the prominent men of Platte county, who filled several positions of trust and influence in this community. Mrs. F. was born in Platte county,

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

and was educated at the schools of Platte City. She is a lady of singular excellence of character and amiability, and is possessed of many noble qualities of mind and heart. They have six children : Thomas H., Minnie F., John C., Nora A., Anna E. and William K. Mr. and Mrs. Flannery are members of the M. E Church South. The former belongs to the Masonic Order - Parkville Blue Lodge and Platte City Chapter and Commandery.

JOHN J. FORD.

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 9).

Mr. Ford has been a resident of Platte county all his life, or for a period of nearly 42 years, his birth having occurred here August 2, 1848. During this time he has been actively and successfully engaged in tilling the soil - his chosen life occupation - and has done a good share in endeavoring to promote the agricultural interests of the county. Unassuming and quiet in his manner, but possessed of great energy and determination, his efforts in this direction have not been without material benefit. His parents were Samuel and Marga- ret (Higgins) Ford, who came to this county in 1838, mention of whom is made more fully in the sketch of the eldest son and brother, Josiah P. Ford, given elsewhere. Up to the age of 18 years John J. passed his days as the lives of most boys of the neighborhood were spent. In 1861, under Gov. Jackson's call for troops to sup- press Northern invasion, he became a member of the Home Guard, and when those troops were disbanded he entered the regular Confed- erate service, Shelby's brigade, as private. He was three times pro- moted, finally becoming first lieutenant, and served until the close of the war, being discharged on the Brazos river, in Texas, though he did not surrender until reaching Shreveport. The military career of Mr. Ford is one of which he has just reason to be proud, and one that reflects only credit upon him for the bravery and gallantry dis- played on more than one field of action. Returning to Platte county, he was married here to Miss Maticia Mooneyham, January 2, 1868, a daughter of Joseph and Eliza Mooneyham. She was born and reared in this county, on the farm where she now resides. There were seven children born of this marriage : Katie, Joseph, Samuel, James H., Charles, Arch A. and Nora. After his marriage, Mr. Ford removed to the farm which he occupies at this time, purchasing the interests of the other heirs in 1872. The place embraces 220 acres, all fenced and well adapted for farming purposes. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church, and both are highly esteemed in this community for their genuine worth and true, neighborly qualities.

WILLIAM J. FULTON

(Banker and President of the Parkville Bank).

Though now only in the meridian of a well spent and active career, Mr. Fulton's life has been one of success almost from the beginning.

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

Like most men of influence of the present day, he has arisen chiefly by his own efforts to a position of honor and influence in the estima- tion of those who are favored with his acquaintance. His father, James Fulton, a native of Nova Scotia, removed to New York State when a lad of 15 years, and was married there to Miss Martha Moore, of that State. He was a gallant soldier in the War of 1812, and after his military career was occupied with the more peaceful affairs of farming until his death, which occurred at Adrian, February 6, 1865. . He was possessed of more than ordinary energy and perseverance, and became quite successful in the accumulation of property. His son, William J., was born in Steuben county, N. Y., November 10, 1832, and spent his younger days in attending the common schools and working about home when not occupied with study. After reach- ing his majority he still adhered to the habits of industry which had thus far characterized his course, and farmed for eight years before coming West. In September, 1863, he removed to Missouri and located at Wyandotte, where he engaged in working on what is now known as the Union Pacific Railroad for about a year, at a limited sal- ary. From that time until 1868 he contracted for supplies (ties ) for the same company, and also during this time helped to furnish ties for the Hannibal and St. Joe Railroad from Cameron to Kansas City. In this year he took a contract for supplying the old Missouri Valley road (now the Kansas City, St. Joe and Council Bluffs ) with timber, piling, ties and wood, furnishing material to the amount of from $2,000 to $15,000 per month ; for the last two years he has been in- terested less extensively with this branch of business, his contracts amounting to about $10,000 per annum, mostly wood. In 1869 Mr. Fulton removed from Wyandotte to Waldron, Platte county, and in 1872 took up his location in Savannah. Returning to this county in 1876, he located in Parkville, where he now resides - one of the well known and respected citizens of the place. He has purchased several farms, which have been improved, and now owns about 2,000 acres of land, contained in some twelve different farms. In 1878 the Parkville Bank was organized, and Mr. F. purchased an interest in that insti- tution. In about 1879 the directors of the bank showed their appre- ciation of his ability for the position by electing him president, and since that time he has taken an active interest in promoting all meas- ures which tend to the welfare of the bank. Well established on a sound financial basis, its prosperity is due no less to the excellent financial management which has been its good fortune to enjoy. The cashier is Mr. J. B. Flannery who gives his entire attention to the bank. Mr. Fulton owns a neat residence in Platte City. He has been twice married, his second and present wife having been Mrs. Elzie McPike, daughter of George Roberts, deceased, formerly from Kentucky. By his first marriage he has one son, James Fulton. Mrs. F. has a daughter, Lizzie McPike, by a previous marriage. Mr. Ful- ton is a member of the Masonic fraternity. His wife is connected with the Methodist Church.

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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