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 97

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 97
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 97

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December 11, 1851, Judge Brasfield was married to Miss Kate Bras-

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

field, a daughter of Claiborn L. and Elizabeth Brasfield, distantly related to him. The Judge's wife was born in Woodford county, Ky., October 15, 1826. She was educated at Danville, Ky. Ever since his return in 1850 Judge Brasfield has been actively engaged in farming, and has achieved substantial success. He has a handsome farm adjoining Platte City, and in every way is comfortably and pleas- antly situated.

Although he has never sought or cared for office, he was elected in 1870 to the county bench and served as presiding justice of the county court for about three years. When 21 years of age Judge Brasfield was made a Master Mason at Platte City. He was afterwards elected worshipful master and later along was exalted to the Royal Arch de- gree at Weston. In 1853 he became a member of the Melody Royal Arch Chapter at Platte City, in which body he has held important offices at different times. Over thirty years ago he was created a Knight Templar at Weston, and later along was made a member of Belt Com- mandery at Platte City. In the latter body he has also successively filled all the offices.

A former writer has described his personal appearance as follows : He is a man of robust frame, erect in carriage, and six feet high. His eminent integrity and benevolent character have rendered him one of the most popular men in the county.

COL. FIELDING BURNES (Retired Merchant, Platte City).

The family of which this old and honored citizen of Platte county is a representative, one of the early families in the Platte country, came originally from Virginia, where Col. Burnes' ancestors have made their homes for generations, dating back long prior to the Rev- olution. Col. Fielding Burnes, a brother to Hon. James N. Burnes, a distinguished member of Congress from Missouri, now representing the St. Joseph district, was a son of Judge James Burnes, who was a native of Culpeper county, Va., born in 1779. Judge Burnes, pere, grew to manhood in Virginia, but whilst yet a young man became a pioneer emigrant to Ohio. There he met and was married to Miss Mary Thompson, of a branch of the same family from which Hon. John G. Thompson sprang. After a residence of several years in Ohio, Judge Burnes removed to Indiana, and settled in Vermillion county. Though reared in this country, in an age when education was rare among the people, he succeeded in acquiring a good knowledge of books and much general information, for the Burnes family was one of the well-to-do and influential families of North-Central Virginia. His tastes led him in the direction of business life, though he was a man of a fine judicial mind. Nature made him a judge in every sense of the word, for no man ever had a keener insight into the motives and impulses which prompt the conduct of men, or a more thorough impartiality of judgment and integrity of character. He was a natural lawyer in the true and best sense of that word, but had no taste for

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

the profession, and took but little or no pains to acquaint himself with the labyrinth of forms and confusion of precedents which have been built up. Nevertheless, in Indiana, although engaged principally in business pursuits, he was elected to the bench of the circuit court, and discharged the duties of that office with a high order of ability and the strictest integrity. While a resident of Indiana he founded the town of Springfield, which became a flourishing place. In 1838 he removed to Missouri, with his family, and settled in Platte county. Here he made his permanent home and soon established himself as one of the honored and influential citizens of the county. He died on his homestead, in this county, January 16, 1853. Of his family of children, six grew to mature years, five sons and one daughter, as follows: Fielding, the subject of this sketch ; Lewis, now deceased, who became a member of the State Legislature of Indiana, and after- wards a State Senator in Missouri, being one of the leading lawyers. in this State; James N., present member of Congress from the St. Joseph district ; Calvin, the leading banker of St. Joseph; one now deceased, and Susan E., the wife of Samuel Mason, a promi- nent citizen of St. Joseph. Col. Fielding Burnes, the subject of this sketch, was born in Ohio, November 25, 1819, but was principally reared in Indiana. He was 19 years of age when the family removed to Missouri, and having received a good, practical common school education, he soon afterwards turned his attention to mercantile life, for which he inherited a decided prefer- ence from his father. Before he attained his majority he engaged in business at Platte City, in partnership with his brother-in-law, Samuel Mason, now of St. Joseph. They continued to carry on the business together, and with excellent success, until after the Mex- ican War was well under way. Col. Burnes, then ambitious to take part in the struggle for the honor and glory of the " old flag," withdrew from business and organized a regiment of Mexican volun- teers, the Seventy-seventh Missouri, of which he was elected colonel. In due time the regiment, armed and equipped and with colors flying, was on its march to the Rio Grande and the land of the pepper and garlic cavaliers in the cactus republic. But while on the way news. came of the fall of Mexico and the final defeat of the Mexicans. They therefore returned home. But the organization of the regiment was kept up for about two years. Soon after this Col. Burnes was elected register of the State land office located at Savannah. He held that position until he sent in his resignation some two years afterwards. Then he resumed merchandising, becoming a partner with his four brothers. This firm, or rather these firms, for they had five different business houses under different names, and at as many places, became the leading merchants of the whole Platte region of country. A large general store was kept at Weston under the firm style of L. Burnes & Bros. ; the third was at Parkville, doing business under the style of Fielding Burnes & Co., and the fourth one, known as F. Burnes & Bros., was at Hampton. These houses were all conducted with success until after the outbreak of the Civil War. The Burnes brothers then, scent-

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

ing danger from afar, became convinced that it would be unsafe to continue business any longer, and proceeded without delay to close up their affairs. At the first flush of war Col. Burnes was disposed to enter actively and vigorously into the struggle for upholding the Jackson. State government and the rights of all the States ; and, in- deed, he took command of a body of volunteers. But it soon became apparent that the contest was to be an unequal and fruitless one on the part of Missouri and the Southern States, and he therefore advised a peaceful submission to the authorities at Washington. Seeing that no good could come of the war, so far as his own people were con- cerned, he declined to take further part in it, and to avoid all compli- cations went West, on the plains, where he engaged in freighting as proprietor of a number of large trains. But before he went West he did much to preserve order and keep down mob law; and it was due to his exertions alone that, after the war was under way, the murder of Col. Park, of Parkville, was prevented. A band of determined men had organized for the express purpose of taking his life, but Col. Burnes dissuaded them from their purpose, and succeeded in preserving to the community and to his family the life of one of the most honored and esteemed citizens of the community. This Col. Burnes regards as one of the best acts of his life. After quitting the plains he became general director for Kansas of the Life Association Insurance Com- pany of America, and later along of the Alliance Insurance Company of the United States, of which, by the way, he was one of the princi- pal organizers. Returning subsequently to Platte county, he was ap- pointed United States revenue collector, with headquarters at Weston ; and on concluding his term of service in that office he located on his farm near Camden Point, engaging also in merchandising at that place. Col. Burnes came to Platte City in 1880, and was in business at this place until last summer, when he sold out and retired from active life. Col. Burnes is in comfortable circumstances. He has been twice married. His first wife survived her marriage only a few years, dying and leaving one child, who is now the wife of Daniel Tebbs, and re- sides near Salt Lake City, in Utah. To his present wife Col. Burnes was married April 15, 1856. She was a Miss Elizabeth Summers, and a daughter of Maj. Jesse Summers, formerly of Virginia, but afterwards a prominent citizen of Kentucky and Missouri. He served with distinction in the Kentucky Legislature. By his present wife Col. Burnes has been blessed with four children. Col. Burnes and wife are members of the M. E. Church South, and he is a prominent mem- ber of the Masonic Order. He has been and is a life-long Democrat, but has never sought office, and has repeatedly declined nominations for official positions, including that of Representative.

WILLIAM E. BURRUSS

(Of the Firm of Burruss & Miller, Liverymen, Platte City) .

Mr. Burruss' father, Rev. P. J. Burruss, a Kentuckian by birth, was an early settler in Missouri, having come to the State in 1841, at

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

which time he located in Independence, where he married Miss Linie A. Guthrie, daughter of William Guthrie, a pioneer from Kentucky to this State. Rev. Mr. Burruss was a minister in the faith of the regular Baptist Church, a well known, highly respected and true Christian minister, whose pastorate in Platte county extended over a period of 40 years. He died near Weston, in Platte county, in 1882, but his wife survived him until March, 1884, when she, too, was called to her final rest. William E. Burruss has lived in this county all his life, having been born five miles north of Weston, October 27, 1843. As might be inferred, he was brought up here, and attended the common schools of the county, and supplemented this by a course at Pleasant Ridge College for one year. At the early age of 19 years, on the 10th of August, 1862, he was married, in Clay county, to Miss Laura Penny, whose father, Ely Penny, was a Kentuckian by birth. Mrs. B. was born in Caldwell county, Mo., but was reared in Clay county. They have three children living : Mary A., Lilly and Eu- gene. The oldest (Philip) died at the age of 5 years and 20 days, and Benjamin died when 2 years and two months old. After his marriage, Mr. Burruss commenced farming in Platte county and con- tinued until 1881, when, coming to Platte City, he embarked in the livery business. Since that time he has had a number of partners, Mr. Miller having purchased his interest in March, 1884. They have an excellent stable, a good stock of horses and vehicles, and are doing a flourishing business, their stable being quite popular, not only locally but with the traveling public, especially among commercial salesmen, who give them a large patronage. Their custom is steadily increasing. Mrs. Burruss is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Miller, who is connected with this firm, is a well known young man and a son of Capt. W. J. Miller, who is favorably men- tioned elsewhere in this work.

HENRY F. CALLICOTTE

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 24).

In all ages of the world industry, perseverance and energy, where intelligently applied, have achieved a result which only could have been gained by having one object in view and in improving every op- portunity to ultimately attain to that object. Mr. C. is an example of what can be accomplished when the spirit of determination is exer- cised in connection with the every-day affairs of life. On coming to Platte county, Mo., in the spring of 1856, he was compelled to rent land for a time, but as soon as possible purchased a place near his present one, but located on this latter farm in the spring of 1876. His possessions have increased until he owns 330 acres of excellent farming land well improved, a prominent feature of which is a good orchard of 400 trees. He came originally from Russell county, Ky., having been born May 27, 1827. His father, Jordan Callicotte, originally of North Carolina, went to Kentucky when a young man and married there Miss Frances Dunbar, a niece of the celebrated

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

Gen. Dunbar, of Revolutionary fame. Jordan Callicotte, was · sheriff of Russell county for one term and quite a prominent man of that county. He died there in 1863, aged about 64 years. Henry F., his son, grew to manhood in the county of his birth, following in early life agricultural pursuits, but receiving only the benefits of a limited education. December 24, 1850, he married Miss Mary Ann Murray, daughter of Edward Murray, of Boyle county, where she was also born. Kentucky continued to be their home until 1856, when they removed to Missouri, as before stated. Mr. and Mrs. Callicotte have two children, Mary F., wife of William Elgin, and Joseph, married and. on the farm with his father. The oldest son, George A., died just previous to his twenty-first birthday, December 15, 1872. Mrs. C. is a member of the Christian Church, and they are highly respected members of the community in which they reside.

DAVID A. CHESNUT

(Farmer and Breeder of Thoroughbred Short Horn Cattle, Section 11).

Though one of the youngest in age of the agriculturists and stock men of this county, Mr. C. is by no means an unimportant one, for he has followed this calling from childhood, and has added to his natural aptitude for the business years of experience. He was born in Lou- doun county, Va., July 23, 1857, being a son of Judge William Ches- nut, whose name often occurs in other portions of this book. David A., the subject of this sketch, was brought by his parents to this State in 1859, when two years old, and grew up on the farm, receiving, in ad- dition to his common-school education, a course in the college at St. Joseph, Mo. He remained in the old homestead until 1882, when, buying a part of this place (his father also giving him a portion), he commenced for himself. His total landed possessions embrace 400 acres, all fenced, divided into the customary cultivated, prairie and timbered lands. The stock business occupies no inconsiderable share of his attention, and his herd of 35 thoroughbred short horns are numbered among the best in the vicinity. At their head is Geneva Taylor, six years old, weighing 1,800 pounds, and recorded in the Herd Book as No. 36,159. In addition to cattle raising he is also in- terested in the mule business, having 115 head from one to three years old, which he is feeding for the markets. Mr. Chesnut was married in Platte City, November 19, 1878, to Miss Ella Morton, daughter of Rev. Richard Morton. She was born in Clay county, and received the principal part of her education at Camden Point. She died October 20, 1884, leaving one child, W. Pryor. Mrs. C. was a member of the Christian Church, to which Mr. Chesnut also belongs.

CAPT. JAMES H. CHINN (Attorney at Law, Platte City).

Capt. Chinn is a native of Platte county, born on his father's home- stead in Preston township, November 3, 1842. His father, Lewis B.

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

Chinn, was originally from Greenup county, Ky. His mother's maiden name was Mary A. Hayes. They were married in Kentucky in about 1839. Thereafter they at once emigrated to Missouri and settled in Preston township, Platte county. In 1843 they removed to Carroll township, and made that their permanent home. The father was a farmer and stock trader by occupation, and was quite success- ful. He died in 1866, leaving a comfortable estate. The mother survives, at the age of 65, and resides on the old homestead. They reared a family of eight children of the 12 born to them. The Chinn family early settled in Virginia and thence moved to Kentucky. The Hayes were also originally from Virginia, but settled in Kentucky from Ohio.

James H. Chinn, the subject of this sketch, was reared on his father's farm in this county, and educated in the common schools. Following the example of his father, he early engaged as a farmer and stock-raiser, and is still interested in farming, andowns part of the old family homestead. On the 12th of May, 1868, he was married to Miss Lucy, a daughter of Dr. A. M. and Catherine (Hughes ) Robin- son, of Ridgely, in this county. After his marriage he continued farming and handling stock until 1820, when he accepted the office of deputy treasurer and collector of the county under R. T. Darnell. - This position he filled with efficiency and satisfaction to all concerned until January, 1877. He was then appointed county clerk by Gov. John S. Phelps, vice T. W. Park resigned. That year he removed his family to Platte City. He has resided here ever since. Capt. Chinn filled the office of county clerk until January 1, 1879, when his term expired. After this he resumed the occupation of farming and stock-raising, which he followed until 1881. In the meantime he had also been engaged in the study of law, and at the April term of the Plattsburg circuit court he was examined for license to practice and was admitted to the bar. Since that time Capt. Chinn has been arduously engaged in the practice of his profession at Platte City.

Capt. and Mrs. Chinn have been blessed with six children, two of whom are deceased. Those living are Lewis R., Laura, Guy and J. H., Jr. Mrs. Chinn is a member of the Christian Church. The Captain is also a member of that denomination. Politically he is a life-long Democrat, and believes strictly in unswerving party organi- zation.

BENJAMIN F. CHINN

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 23, Post-office, Platte City).

Mr. Chinn, one of the native born residents of the county, and an agriculturist of no small prominence among the younger farmers of the township, was born on the 10th of October, 1851, in this county, his parents being Lewis B. and Mary Ann (Hughes) Chinn, both Kentuckians by birth. They were brought up in the State of their birth, and after marriage removed to Missouri, in about 1840, settling in Platte county. Shortly after, Mr. C. bought the land and improved the farm which his widow now occupies, and where he died in March,

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

1867. He had been engaged quite extensively in stock-raising and - trading, and not without success. In the family there were nine children, seven sons and two daughters, who grew to maturity ; five of the sons are now residents of this county. Benjamin F. grew to manhood in the neighborhood of where he resides, receiving a good education in the excellent common schools of the vicinity and at Platte City. March 12, 1879, he was married here to Miss Anna E., daughter of Isaac D. McEown, and wife Catherine, nee Ballard, formerly from Kentucky. Like her husband, Mrs. Chinn was born and reared in Platte. To them have been born three children : Bettie B., Louella and Cora E. Mr. C. has 248 acres of land, 140 of which are fenced and well improved. He is rapidly taking a front rank among the leading farmers of the county.

JOHN R. CLEMENTS

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 36, Post-office, Platte City.)

The war record of Mr. Clements during the late civil strife was one of more than ordinary gallantry, and one which can be viewed by future generations with a spirit of pride when considering the patriot- ism which prompted this noble soldier to offer his services in defense of his country, and his subsequent bravery on the field of action. In the fall of 1861, Mr. C. entered the Eighteenth Missouri infantry under Col. Morgan, and afterwards was under two other commanders, serving for three years. He participated in the battle of Shiloh, where he was taken prisoner; first held in confinement at Vicksburg, he was later taken to Mobile and Macon City, at the latter place obtaining a parole. In the spring of 1863, he was exchanged, and soon re-entered the service, being occupied with guard duty near Corinth one summer. He was at the engagement of Resaca, and with Sherman on his march to the sea, or at least as far as Savannah, Ga., where he received an honorable discharge. He then returned to his home in this county, in January, 1865. Mr. Clements was now about 31 years of age, having been born June 9, 1834, in Montgomery county, Ky., the son of Jonathan and Nancy (Williams) Clements, also Kentuckians by birth. Jonathan's father was one of the pioneer settlers of Kentucky from Virginia. In the fall of 1834 this family took up their location in Estill county, where the father was drowned in 1850. In 1855 the remaining members of the family removed to Missouri, settling in Platte county. Mrs. C. bought land in the vicinity of Linkville, and John R., as the eldest son, had charge of its management. March 9, 1860, he was married in this county to Miss Eliza Jane Moore, who was born in Montgomery county, Ky., though having come to Mis- souri when 12 years old. Her parents were James B. and Barthena Moore, nee Moberly, originally from Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Clements have nine children : James J., Benjamin M., William T., Walter, Madison, Simeon, Andy F., Claude and Carrie J. In March, 1877, Mr. C. came upon his present farm, which contains 240 acres of excellent land; 200 acres are in cultivation, and everything sur-

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

rounding the place indicates the proprietor of a model farm as its owner. A new dwelling is a prominent feature of the improvements. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Clements belongs to the Platte City Masonic Lodge. It should have been mentioned above in the name of the children, that one child, an infant ten months old, is deceased.

GEORGE FRANKLIN CLEMINGS (Blacksmith, Platte City).

Mr. Clemings, one of the energetic, hard-working and highly re- spected citizens of Platte City - a man who, by his own industry and good management, has accumulated a comfortable competence in life, and who has the good opinion of all who know him - is a Virginian by nativity, born in Loudoun county, March 4, 1830. When he was about 12 years of age, his parents, Alfred Clemings and wife, née Matilda Payne, removed to Ohio and settled in Licking county, where the father, who was a blacksmith by calling, followed his trade for a number of years. Subsequently they settled in Muskingum county. There the father died in 1876. The mother died in 1850. George F. Clemings, the subject of this sketch, completed his youth in Ohio, and, as he grew up, learned the blacksmith's trade under his father. When about 21 years of age he came to Missouri and located at St. Charles, but the following year, in 1851, he came up to Platte City and started a blacksmith shop at this place, which he carried on with suc- cess for about three years. He then removed to Jefferson county, Kan., and ran a shop there for several years. But returning to Platte City, he continued his trade in this place until 1864, when, on account of the war troubles, he went to Nebraska City. After the war, in 1866, he returned to Platte City, and has been here carrying on his shop ever since. A thorough mechanic, and an upright, honorable man, he has always had a good patronage, and has been quite success- ful. Mr. Clemings has been married twice. His first wife, née Miss Charlotte, a daughter of John Kerkendall, died December 12, 1874, leaving him three children, namely : Jennie, wife of Joseph Kirtz ; Frank L. and Tillie A., the latter now attending school at Camden Point. Two others died in childhood. To his present wife Mr. Clemings was married December 18, 1875. She was a widow lady at the time of her marriage to Mr. C. - Mrs. Kate Kalahan, her maiden name being Chesnut, a daughter of Judge William Chesnut, of this county, one of the leading men of the county. They have one child, Henry Smith Clemings. During the war Mr. Clemings served about nine months in the Southern service, participating in the battles of Pea Ridge, Lexington, and some other engagements of less impor- tance. Mr. Clemings is a man of pleasant address, much general information, and justly influential among his neighbors and acquaint- ances.

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HISTORY OF PLATTE COUNTY.

THOMAS G. COCKRILL.

(Farmer and Breeder and Dealer in Thorough-bred Short Horn Cattle, Section 10).

Mr. Cockrill has been engaged in the stock business since 1881, and the prominent traits and qualities which characterized his career while occupied in other fields of labor have followed him in his present calling. He is a son of Clinton Cockrill, a well known and highly respected citizen of this county, whose sketch appears elsewhere in the present volume, and when this fact is stated, a great deal is said for his character as a citizen and his success as a business man. Born on the old family homestead in this county, October 3, 1849, he was reared on the farm, and when he came up not only had good common school advantages, but the benefit of an excellent course at Daugh- ters' College, under Prof. Gaylord, of Platte City. After completing his studies at college he took up the study of law, intending to pros- ecute that calling as his profession in life. He was a student in the office of Merryman & Paxton, well known attorneys of Platte City, and in 1868, after a thorough and exhaustive examination, was ad- mitted to the bar. Afterwards he practiced for one year. An oppor- tunity being offered to embark in the banking business, Mr. C. became a member of the banking firm of Merryman, Paxton & Cockrill - a stock company - of which Mr. Cockrill was cashier. His long residence in the county peculiarly fitted him for the successful discharge of his

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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