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 89

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 89
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 89

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).

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

JOHN HAMON

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 34, Post-office, Hampton) .

Mr. Hamon is a Kentuckian by birth, who came to Missouri in 1842, locating first in Clay county. He had served an apprenticeship of three years at the wagonmaker's trade before leaving his native State, and consequently upon coming here worked at that calling for some six years. In 1848 he left Clay county and came to Platte, here buying 80 acres of land, which forms a part of his present farm ; but to this original purchase he has added from time to time until his estate embraces 275 acres, devoted to grain, pasture and timber. The buildings upon the place are substantial and convenient. Before locating permanently in this county, Mr. Hamon had pre-empted 160 acres of land in Buchanan county, which he afterwards sold, and in 1857 he also purchased a half section in Kansas, subsequently dispos- ing of this also. He comes of an old family in the history of this country, his father, Ezra Hamon, having accompanied the father of the latter to Philadelphia at the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Though but a small boy at the time, he ever remem- bered that memorable occasion, often referring to it with great pleasure and evident satisfaction. Ezra Hamon, a native of Chester county, Pa., went to Kentucky when a young man, and was married in Fayette county to Miss Hannah Farra, daughter of Amos Farra, an early settler from Maryland. Mr. Hamon died in Kentucky ( Scott county ) in February, 1863, at an advanced age. His son, John Hamon, was born in Woodford county, Ky., July 18, 1816. He grew to years of maturity there, receiving an excellent education, for that early day, in a private seminary in the county of his birth. His life was passed in that vicinity until his removal to Missouri, which has already been noted. Mr. Hamon has never married, though most of the time there is a family living with him. He is a member in good and regular standing of the Brush Creek Christian Church.

DAVID JOHNSON

(Retired Farmer and Stockman, Section 24, Post-office, Parkville).

One of the very first pioneers to Clay county, Mo., from Virginia, was William Johnson, the father of the subject of the present sketch, and a man who rose to enviable prominence as a citizen in the com- munity where he made his home. His first settlement was made near Barry, in the western part of Clay county, where he entered land and placed upon it the needed improvements. Many obstacles were to be overcome in thus entering a new country, but he never flinched from performing every duty which fell to his lot. A Virginian by birth, he was a brave soldier in the War of 1812. His wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Shadrick, was also of Virginia birth. She died September 20, 1844, and her husband on the 15th of August, 1845. David Johnson was a noble representative of this old pioneer. He was

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

born in Woodford county, Ky., September 5, 1814, but on account of coming to Clay county at such an early day, was of course brought up there. His education was necessarily somewhat limited, though he received enough schooling for all practical purposes. February 9, 1837, he was married to Miss Mary Ann Johnson, daughter of John D. Johnson, formerly from Kentucky, and an early settler in Clay county ; his daughter's birthplace was in the State of Kentucky. The fall after this event Mr. Johnson located on the farm where he has since continuously made his home, then pre-empting the land and commencing its improvement. To this original purchase he subse- quently made additions from time to time, though his largest posses- sion at any one period was 260 acres. His present homestead embraces a good comfortable place situated about two and one-half miles north of Parkville, where, in the evening of his life, he can spend his days in ease and retirement - a fitting close to a life of industry and ceaseless activity. He has given much attention to the raising of a good class of horses and, in fact, to stock of all kinds, and has done much for this branch of business in Platte county. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have reared a family of nine sons and two daughters : William T., John L., George A., James M., who was accidently killed by a threshing machine August 10, 1870, being then 25 years of age ; David S., Samuel H., Henry H., Charles G., Frank L., Nancy M., wife of Pleasant T. Ford ; and Maria E., now Mrs. John Gregg, all residents of this county. Save three sons, all are married. For some 18 years Mr. Johnson has been a prominent member of the Christian Church. His companion, whose death occurred May 4, 1875, was also prominently identified with that denomination.

FRITZ KAHM

(Merchant and Manufacturer of Boots and Shoes, Parkville).

Like so many of the industrious and well respected citizens of this county of foreign birth, Mr. Kahm is a native of Prussia, having been born in Hesse-Darmstadt, on the 9th of June, 1834. His parents were Peter Kahm and Elizabeth, née Klemmer, both of that country. The former died when Fritz was a child, but his mother is still living, a resident of Platte county, she having married again. Until the age of 19 years young Kahm's time was passed in the country of his birth, his excellent educational advantages being obtained in the schools of the vicinity. Having learned the trade of shoemaking, he worked at it there from the time he was 15 until 19, at which period he decided to come to America, his mother having been here about two years. In 1853 he set sail, landing at New York, and soon after he took up his permanent location in Ste. Genevieve, where he resumed work at his trade. In three months he went to St. Louis and six months later to Brunswick, which place he made his home for a year. Upon leaving the last mentioned city he came to Parkville on May . 26, 1855, engaged in his chosen, calling. At the expiration of one year he started business for himself, and made most satisfactory and

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

successful progress, employing as many as seven men. This was before the war, and his manufacturing business steadily increased. After cessation of hostilities he added a stock of strap work for harness and also a line of agricultural implements. Mr. Kahm has built up an exceedingly good business for this portion of the county, and the stock which he handles would do credit to a place many times the size of Parkville. He built his business property in 1860, using this also as his residence for a number of years, when he erected a very neat residence in the upper part of town. He has several times been called upon to fill different local offices, the duties of which he has discharged with singular fidelity and ability. He was a member of the city council a number of years, and president of the school board also; of this latter body he was a member for 13 years. He is also prominent in Masonic affairs, having been Master of the lodge at this point for over 13 years. He is a K. T. in the Order. April 9, 1860, Mr. Kahm was married to Miss Elizabeth Klaus, a native of Prussia, though reared here. She was the daugh- ter of Frederick Klaus. They have five children : Fred. P., Lizzie, Minnie, Walter B. and Gracie. Mr. and Mrs. K. and daughter Lizzie are members of the Presbyterian Church.

PETER W. KLAMM

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

Among the younger and rising agriculturists of Pettis township we can not fail to mention the name of Mr. Klamm, for already he has reached a position which many other men, and men of greater expe- rience, might well envy. He has lived all his life in this vicinity, having been born in Clay county, Mo., in November, 1852, and is of German ancestry. His father, John Klamm, and also his mother, formerly Eva Catherine Groh, were natives of Germany, but in 1844 emigrated with their family to the United States, locating in Clay county, this State, near the line separating it from Platte county, and at a point some five miles north of Kansas City. Here Mr. Klamm, Sr., purchased a farm, on which he remained until 1880, then coming to this county, which he has since made his home. Peter was a dili- gent student in the common schools while growing up, and during his spare moments he worked at the occupation which he is now so success- fully following. In 1877, upon coming to Platte county, he bought land, and in 1882 he came to his present place. His first purchase embraced 140 acres, to which he has added another tract of 160 acres. This land is all under fence, and the improvements are all of a good class. His home place is a model of neatness. February 27, 1877, he was married in Clay county to Miss Mary L. Eckert, a sketch of whose father, George Eckert, appears just before this. They have two children - George P. and Virginia. Mr. Klamm and wife are connected with the German Evangelical Church.

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

JOHN L. LEVEL

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 9, Post-office Parkville).

Mr. Level, a prominent young farmer of Pettis township, and who has become well established as one of its well-to-do and respected citizens, was about four years of age when brought to Missouri by his parents, A. T. and Elizabeth J. (Logan ) Level, both originally from Kentucky. The family were among the first settlers in that State. John L. was born in Lincoln county, Ky, June 1, 1849, and in 1853 his father came to this State, locating in the northern part of Platte county, where he bought a farm and commenced the improvement of it. There he died in April, 1875, aged 54 years. The educational advantages of John were above the average, for, in addition to such instruction as was received in the district schools, he obtained the benefit of a course at a high school at Camden Point. Farming has constituted his main occupation during life, and in this he has met with uniform good success. December 25, 1872, Mr. Level was mar- ried, Miss Ellen Dean becoming his wife. She was a daughter of J. B. and Elizabeth Dean, née Gregg, originally from Virginia. Mr. G. was a pioneer settler of Platte county, and he entered the land which Mr. Level now occupies. Mrs. L. was born and brought up here, and is a lady of superior intellectual qualifications and true womanly worth. Her education was acquired at the Daughters' Col- lege, under Prof. Gaylord, at Platte City. Some time after his mar- riage Mr. Level went to St. Joseph, but only remained two months, then moving on the place which has since been his home. He has 220 acres, most of which is in cultivation and all under fence. The improvements are of a substantial order. Mr. and Mrs. L. are mem- bers of the Christian Church. They have a family of three children : Willie, Ara and Dean.

CAPT. FRANKLIN LUTHY (Lumber Dealer and Undertaker, Parkville).

For many years Capt. Luthy has been prominently identified with the material affairs of this portion of Missouri, and has come to be well and popularly known throughout the community in which he has chosen to make his home. He claims the Old Dominion as his birth- place, having been born in Berkeley county, February 20, 1824. His father, Jacob Luthy, a native of Switzerland, emigrated to the United States when a young man, and, being a man of more than ordinary education himself, followed the occupation of teaching for a number of years in Virginia. He was married in that State to Miss Mary Fox, after which event he became engaged in the mercantile business, continuing it until his death in the year 1842. The youth of Frank- lin was passed after the order of that of most boys of the period, part of his education being obtained in the common schools, though the greater and most important portion was acquired by self-culture.

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

In 1848, when 23 years of age, yet possessed of no meagre spirit of enthusiasm, he went to Mexico as a recruit in Gen. Price's regiment ; he returned the following winter to St. Louis, to which city he had removed in 1843, and where he was occupied in working at his trade of carpentering, until entering the war. Upon leaving St. Louis, after his return from Mexico, he went to Middletown, Montgomery county, where he was actively interested in contracting and building, much of the prosperity of that place being due to his efforts for its advancement. Capt. Luthy in the spring of 1857 came to Parkville, where he resumed work at his trade, and also embarked in the lumber business. During the war he organized several companies for the militia, and in 1864 was commissioned captain at Leavenworth, Kan. After the war he returned to Parkville and took up his former occu- pation, in addition to his lumber interests adding the undertaking business in 1879. He is enjoying a good patronage, which is largely due, no doubt, to his extensive acquaintance. In January, 1851, Capt. Luthy was married in Middletown to Miss Margaret A. Mannen, daughter of Asa Mannen, one of the early settlers of Montgomery county, Mo., formerly from North Carolina. They have seven children : L. A., of Parkville ; Emma, James F., William H., in Kansas City ; Maggie A., Luella W. and Harry T. They have lost three, all of whom died at tender years : Sarah M., Charles and John. The religious preferences of both Capt. and Mrs. Luthy are with the Methodist Church. The Captain has been and is quite prominent in local politi- cal affairs.

JAMES A. McCORMICK

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

Mr. McCormick was in his twenty-third year when his marriage oc- curred in Bath county, Ky., to Miss Susan S. Trumbo, daughter of Jno. Trumbo, of that county, where she was also born, reared and educated. She has proven herself to be a most estimable lady and a worthy com- panion to him whose name heads this sketch. Mr. McCormick is cer- tainly an exception to the general rule about minister's sons being of no account in the world. His father was one of the true, consecrated men of God, and the teachings to which he so long held, and the moral influence and earnest Christian example which he set to those who should come after him, have not been without the desired effects in the subsequent life of his son. Rev. S. M. McCormick, who was born in Fleming county, Ky., married Miss Jane McClelland, of Montgomery county, the same State, and in March, 1858, with his family he came to Missouri. After a short residence in Buchanan county he settled in the southern part of Platte, where he zealously labored in the Master's vineyard until called to reap the reward which he so richly deserved. He died March 6, 1870, in his seventieth year ; his wife had preceded him some five years, dying in Iowa in 1865. During his location in this community he had been instrumental in the establishment of the churches at Hickory Grove, in this county, and at Union, in Buchanan county. James A. was born in Mont-

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

gomery county, Ky., December 18, 1830, in which locality he passed his time until reaching manhood. He was favored with the advan- tages of good school opportunities which he did not fail to improve, and in March, 1858, he came to Platte county, Mo. Purchasing land partially improved, he farmed here until 1864, then going to Iowa during the progress of the war troubles in this State. In March, 1866, he returned to this county and has since been prominently identified with its agricultural interests. His farm three miles north of Parkville contains 270 acres, upon which are comfortable buildings. His orchard of 400 trees is worthy of especial mention. Mr. and Mrs. McCormick have one daughter living, Emily F., wife of Alexan- der Ireland, now living on the farm with his father-in-law. One son, John M., a promising young man and a successful farmer, died when in his twenty-sixth year, November 25, 1884. From a sketch of his death published at the time, we copy a few extracts. * * *

" John was richly endowed with the many virtues of his parents and upright in all his dealings. Broad and liberal in his views, he was at the same time possessed of many noble characteristics of mind and heart, and was beloved by all who knew him." Mr. and Mrs. McCormick are members of the Christian Church.

ABSALOM MILLER

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

Mr. Miller has been a resident of Platte county for 17 years, and is now numbered among the industrious, well-respected farmers, of Pettis township. One of the most important events in his life was his career while in the army, and his service while a soldier is deserving of more than a mere mention in this brief outline of his history. When but 17 years of age, Mr. Miller enlisted in Co. C, Forty-third Ohio volunteer infantry, in which he served until the close of the conflict. He participated in the engagement at Resacca and all the fights with Sherman on his march to the sea, never missing a day's duty ; proceeding with the regiment on their way to Washington, he took part in the grand review there, after which he was transported to Louisville, Ky., where he was on pro- vost duty until July 17, 1865. At this time he was mustered out and returned to his home in Ohio, his native State, he having been born there (in Carroll county ) January 31, 1847. Now but 19 years old, and having been seriously interrupted in his endeavors to secure a satisfactory education, he attended school at home one season and subsequently for one year was a close student at Harlem Springs Col- lege. He had been brought up to the occupation of farming but in the fall of 1868, upon coming to Missouri, he engaged in teaching dur- ing the winter months for about four years, devoting himself to tilling the soil in summer. On the 25th of December, 1870, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Susan F. Taylor, a daughter of George Taylor, deceased, formerly of Kentucky. In 1875, Mr. M. located on his present farm, a place of 100 acres comfortably improved. To

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

himself and wife have been given six children : George Monroe, James T., William T., Jennie and Lydia, who died in early childhood ; Jacob S. and Jesse L. Mrs. Miller is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. M.'s father, George Miller, also originally of Carroll county, O., was there reared and married Miss Catherine Low Miller, a native of Harrison county, that State. They still reside in Ohio.

FRANKLIN B. MOORE, M. D. (Physician and Surgeon, Parkville).

Dr. Moore has been engaged in the practice of his profession at Parkville for the past 28 years, and his skill and attainments as a physician are well recognized by all who have an opportunity of judg- ing of his professional standing. Though having enjoyed but limited educational opportunities in youth, he made the most of those which it was his privilege to receive, and by close observation and a thorough application by self-culture, he became a more than ordinarily well informed man. In 1852 he commenced the study of medicine under Dr. George H. Whitney, of Centerville, Bourbon county, Ky., taking his first course of lectures at the Louisville School of Medicine in the winter of 1852-53, and graduating from that institution in the spring of 1855. Immediately thereafter he located at Dripping Springs, practiced there a short time and in other places, also, for limited pe- riods, though having no permanent location until settling at Parkville in 1857. Here he has since continued his practice, and with the suc- cess which he so richly merits. Dr. Moore came originally from Kentucky, having been born in Fayette county, February 1, 1830. He was the son of Thomas L. Moore, a native of Kentucky. His father, Peter Moore, was a Virginian by birth, and was a gallant soldier of the Revolutionary War. He was one of the pioneer settlers in Kentucky. Thomas Moore was married in Bourbon county to Miss Mary Higgins, after which, in 1846, he moved to Scott county, where he was occupied in merchandising until his death, in September, 1861. Owing to the death of his mother, the subject of this sketch was reared by his grandmother, during youth attending to the farm duties. In March, 1858, he was married to Miss Hettie A. Beau- champ, who was born and brought up in Spencer county, Ky., the daughter of Preston Beauchamp, of that State. To the Doctor and his wife have been born the following children: Kate B., wife of Thomas Ashby ; Mary E., now Mrs. George Johnson, both of Park- ville ; and William P., almost grown to maturity, and learning the telegraph business at Parkville. The Doctor and wife and one daughter are members of the Baptist Church. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has filled several official positions.

ABNER B. NAYLOR (Farmer and Stock-raiser).

Mr. Naylor's farm of nearly 200 acres is one of the finest for suc- cessful agricultural purposes to be found in this part of the township,

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

and the manner in which it is conducted is in full keeping with the · personal characteristics of the owner - a man of great energy, deter- mination and of much perseverance. Many of the citizens of this county remember Mr. Naylor's father, Ignatius Naylor, a native of Bath county, Ky., who came to Missouri with his family in 1848 and located in Platte county in the vicinity of where the subject of this sketch, his son, now resides. He was brought up in the county of his birth, and there married, first Miss Susan Kerns and afterwards Miss Mary R. Smith, of the same county. Upon coming to this lo- cality he bought and improved a farm upon which he lived, one of the respected residents of the county, until his death February 1, 1876. He was the father of a large family, eleven brothers and five sisters, all of whom grew to maturity, and ten brothers and one sister are now living. All the sons but one, F. M., are in Platte county ; the latter is in Daviess county. After passing his younger days upon the home farm and attending the common schools, Abner enlisted in the · enrolled militia of Platte county, Mo., becoming a member of Co. N, Eighty-second M. S. M. infantry, under the colonelcy of Price, and serving until the close of the war, being mustered out at Parkville in August, 1865. On January 23, 1862, Mr. Naylor was married in Platte county to Miss Elizabeth H. Brink, daughter of A. J. Brink, of Wyandotte county, Kan., but formerly of this county, where his daughter was born and reared. To Mr. and Mrs. Naylor have been born five children : Andrew J., married to a daughter of B. F. Ellis, and living on a part of the home place : Mary E., wife of Charles W. Babcock; Alva, William W. and Chester Ira. One besides these is deceased, John T., who died October 8, 1882, aged 14. Mr. Naylor has occupied no inferior position in the estima- tion of the people of this county, having filled several local offices, besides being magistrate for one term. He is a member of the Park- ville Masonic Lodge, as are also four of his brothers, and he has oc- cupied a number of official positions in that Order. Mrs. N. is con- nected with the M. E. Church. Mr. Naylor is now in his forty-fifth year, having been born August 11, 1840, in Bath county, N. Y.

NORTHCUT NAYLOR

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

For over 35 years Mr. Naylor has been engaged actively and ener- getically in pursuing the occupation of a tiller of the soil in Platte county, and not without some degree of success. He has only lived on his present farm since 1875, but has improved it in an excellent manner, nearly all of the 152 acres which it contains being in cultiva- tion or pasture land. He raises sufficient fruit for all family purposes. A Kentuckian by birth, Mr. N. was born in Bath county, August 7, 1837, his parents being George T. and Mary Ann (Jones ) Naylor, the latter a daughter of John Jones, of Bath county. They were married in the county of their birth and in 1849 came to Missouri, locating in Platte county. The senior Naylor entered land in the

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

southern portion of the county on the Platte bottoms and there resided until his death, which occurred January 19, 1858. His wife survived him some time, dying in January, 1878. Northcut has be- come thoroughly familiar with this vicinity, having grown up here, and is well known throughout a large region of country. He has been twice married ; first, December 4, 1864, to Miss Sarah McGay- gar, of this county, a daughter of Thomas McGaygar. To them were born three children : Trinvilla, Drusilla and Serilda. Mrs. N. died in January, 1874, and Mr. Naylor took for his second wife, March 4, 1876, Miss Hannah Kerns, whose father, Jonathan Kerns, a Kentuckian by birth, came to Missouri in 1849. They have had. two children, Wade Hampton and Julia F. Mr. N. once made a trip across the plains to Fort Kearney, engaged in freighting, and afterwards he went to Salt Lake, and several times to Fort Union.

OBED C. NOLAND

(Section 20, Post-office, Parkville).

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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