USA > Missouri > Cooper County > History of Cooper County, Missouri > Part 108
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W. H. Morris received his schooling in the Pisgah schools, and as a young man continued helping develop the home farm until his marriage at the age of 24 years, when he began farming on his own account. In 1906 Mr. Morris bought from N. A. George the farm of 200 acres where he has since lived, and which he has greatly improved, these improvements includ- ing a new barn, 50x60 feet, built in 1912. The substantial old farm house on the place was erected in pioneer days by Adam Scott, the original owner,
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and was rebuilt by W. R. George, who lived on the place for 50 years. The farm is well watered, Mr. Morris having two dug wells and a driven well and utilizes his gas engine for pumping power.
Jan. 8, 1896, W. H. Morris was married to Nannie L. Hunt, who was born in this county, a member of one of the real pioneer families, and to this union three children have been born, Mary Lee, John H. and Leighton, the latter of whom died in infancy. Mrs. Morris is a daughter of William B. and Sallie (Boswell) Hunt, the latter of whom, born in North Carolina, died in 1871, her daughter, Nannie, being then but an infant. William B. Hunt was born on a farm near Pisgah, the farm now known as the Heysell farm, in 1831, son of W. B. and Nancy (Jones) Hunt, the former a North Carolinian, and the latter an Indianian, who were married in Kentucky and came to Missouri during the War of 1812, when they were required to take refuge in Cole's Fort against the threats of Indian attack. W. B. Hunt first settled in Howard County, but soon came to Cooper County and en- tered the land now known as the Heysell farm, becoming an influentiol pioneer. He spent the remainder of his life in this county, and is buried on the Apperson farm, one mile east of Pisgah. On the farm on which he was born, William B. Hunt, son of the pioneer, spent his life. He died Aug. 9, 1901, at 70 years of age, and was buried on the farm, where his wife had been buried years before. William B. Hunt and wife were the parents of four children, those besides Mrs. Morris being Mrs. Mollie Claw- son and D. W. Hunt, both now deceased, and Mrs. J. M. Pealer, of Lawton, Okla. Mr. and Mrs. Morris are members of the Pisgah Baptist Church and take an active interest in the affairs of that organization, the church to which their respective parents also were attached. This church will celebrate the centenary of its organization in September, 1919.
L. C. Yancey, proprietor of "Locust Grove Farm," in North Moniteau township, was born on that farm, Dec. 26, 1851, son of Joel and Rosanna (Guyer) Yancey, both members of pioneer families here. Joel Yancey was born in Howard County, in 1828, his father, a Kentuckian, having been one of the original land entrants in that county. When he was 21 years of age, he came to Cooper County and married Rosanna Guyer, who was born in Kentucky and came to Missouri with her parents, Williamson Guyer and wife, in the '40s. Williamson Guyer entered several hundred acres of land in Cooper County, including the place on which L. C. Yancey was born and now lives, and on that place he and his wife spent their last days and are buried. Sometime after his marriage, Joel Yancey settled on the farm now owned by J. W. Kinsey and engaged in farming until his
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retirement. He died in 1915, in his 88th year, and is buried at Lamar, Mo. Joel Yancey and wife were the parents of five children, all of whom are still living: L. C., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Alpha Hurt, living in Barton County, widow of G. W. Hurt; Evan, of Lamar; Alonzo, of Clarksburg, and Rozzell, of Lamar.
L. C. Yancey received his early schooling in what then was known as the Yancey district (now the Greenwood district), the pioneer school house having been built on the Yancey farm and used both for school and church purposes. That was before the days of the public school and the school terms were arranged by private subscription in the neighborhood. For a time in those early days the Yancey school supported two teachers and among these Mr. Yancey recalls the names of Professor Buck and wife, Will Foreman, A. C. Fisher, Obediah Bailey and others. While in remini- scent mood, Mr. Yancey also recalls the names of persons who were engaged in business at Pisgah more than 60 years ago; Richard Boughsfield, David Jones, Milton Mohan, and John A. Hickman. Joseph Bostwick and John St. John operated a chair factory many years ago, and Mr. and Mrs. Yancey have two chairs that were made at Pisgah 42 years ago. During those days, John L. Jones made wagons and plows at Pisgah, and Leander Reavis operated a carding machine, the motive power of which was a tread- mill operated by oxen. Mr. Yancey has followed farming at "Locust Grove Farm" all his life, and has been successful. In 1897, he rebuilt the old farm house along more modern lines, also built a new barn and other farm buildings.
Oct. 22, 1876, L. C. Yancey was married to Mary Jane Morris, who was born in this county, Oct. 6, 1858, daughter of Hugh B. and Juda A. (Davis) Morris, both now deceased, the former dying in 1907, and the latter in 1918. Mrs. Yancey is the fourth in order of birth of the 10 children born to her parents, and all of whom are still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Yancey one child was born, a daughter, Ada L., born on Sept. 29, 1883, married A. L. Rickman, and who died Sept. 8, 1913, and is buried in the Baptist Churchyard at Pisgah.
Jackson Wallace Kimsey, on of the well known and substantial farmers of North Moniteau township, is a native Missourian, born in Platte County. He was born on March 30, 1870, son of W. D. and Parmelia (Baxter) Kim- sey, both of whom were also born in Missouri, the former in Platte County, and the latter near Tipton, in Moniteau County.
In 1879 W. D. Kimsey left Platte County with his family and came to Cooper County. Here he bought the farm now owned by his son, J. W.
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Kimsey, and engaged there in farming until his retirement. He died in 1906, at the age of 72 years, and his widow died Feb. 10, 1907, at the age of 65 years. W. D. Kimsey and wife were the parents of 12 childen, five of whom grew to maturity: Bettie, who died at the age of 45 years ; Walter, farmer, North Moniteau township; F. M., living in Johnson County ; W. N., Lynn, Minn., and Jackson W.
Jackson W. Kimsey was but nine years of age when he came to Cooper County with his parents. Here he grew to manhood, receiving his schooling in the local schools, and was reared on the farm. After his mar- riage in 1896, he established his home on the place, and in 1904 bought the farm. All the buildings on the farm save the farm house have been built by him, and he has a very well kept farm. Among these buildings is a barn 44x36 feet, with a native walnut frame and a cattle shed with a front- age of 150 feet. He also erected a tenant house in 1906. He raises regis- tered Shorthorn cattle, and generally has on hand 50 or more hogs.
Jackson W. Kimsey has been twice married. In 1896 he was married to Addie Harris, a daughter of W. A. Harris, who died in 1900, leaving two daughters, Miriam, who married R. H. Rucker, O'Keen, Okla .; and Porter, who is at home. Feb. 9, 1902, Mr. Kimsey married Eva Mins- ter, who was born in Missouri, and to this union three children have been born : Michael, Lawrence Lee and Eva Pauline. Mrs. Kimsey is a daughter of Michael and Hester (Sappington) Minster, both now deceased. Michael Minster was born in Germany in 1846, and was nine years of age when he came to Missouri with his parents. He died in 1912 and is buried at Clarksburg. His widow died March 28, 1916, and she also is buried at Clarksburg, where she was born. Michael Minster and wife were the parents of four children, those besides Mrs. Kimsey being S. S., Monroe, La .: G. R., Clarksburg; and Mrs. J. A. Birdsong, Clarksburg. Mr. and Mrs. Kimsey are members of the Baptist Church at Pisgah, and Mr. Kim- sey belongs to the Mystic Workers of the World.
Williamson Guyer, proprietor of a fine farm near Pisgah in North Moniteau township, was born in this county. He not only is a member of one of the pioneer families of this county, and thus familiar with the tra- ditions of pioneer days, but is one of the old-timers of the community. Mr. Guyer was born on what is now known as the Moore farm, about two miles south of Pisgah, Feb. 10, 1854, son of Henry Speed and Mary A. (Clauch) Guyer, both members of pioneer families.
Henry Speed Guyer was born in Madison County, Ky., in. 1818, and was 10 or 12 years of age when he came to Cooper County with his
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parents. His father was of German birth, and for some time after coming to this country had lived in Kentucky. The Guyers settled in what is now North Moniteau township, opening the farm now owned by J. W. Kimsey at Pisgah, and on that place the elder Guyer died and is buried. Henry Speed Guyer grew up there, and upon beginning operations on his own account, settled about two miles south on what is now known as the Moore farm. He died while on a visit to his children in Texas, and was buried in the New Zion Churchyard, South Moniteau township. His widow died in August, 1917, at the age of 92 years. She was born in Pulaski County, Ky. Henry Speed Guyer and his wife were the parents of nine children: Williamson ; Mrs. Nancy Jane Maxey, deceased ; Christopher C .; Mrs. Mary Catherine Burris, deceased; Margaret, who died at the age of four years; George W., Clayton, N. M .; Mrs. Esther Copaz, deceased; Henry S., of Nevada, Mo .; and John R., of Oklahoma City.
Williamson Guyer was reared on the home farm south of Pisgah, and received his schooling in the Yancey School, the school building at that time being used both for school and church purposes, and it was there, he says, that he got his "diploma." Trained to farm work as a boy, he has always followed that vocation, and has met the changes in farm conditions with a progressive spirit. The first home his father had was a log cabin, and he thus knows how the pioneers lived. In his boyhood, oxen were used about the farm, and he recalls trips by ox-team to the Jewett mill with grist, a trip necessitating his staying over night at the mill, where his comfort would be assured by the kindly engineer, Wiseman, who would make up a bed for him alongside the engine. In 1901, Mr. Guyer bought the quar- ter section on which he is now living, formerly known as the "Aunt Peggy" Martin place, near Pisgah, and has since resided there. On this farm, the first circular saw ever seen in Cooper County was operated. The farm is substantially improved, well watered and well drained.
Mr. Guyer has for years regarded the prohibition question, that is, the elimination of the saloon, a sthe most vital issue before the people of this country. He also is ardently in favor of the thorough American- ization of the schools, stoutly maintining that the English language only should be taught in the schools. One country, one flag, one tongue, says he.
Nov. 24, 1874, Williamson Guyer was married to Harriet A. Edwards, who was born in this county, member of one of the pioneer families, and to this union seven children have been born, namely: Henry Griffin, died in infancy ; Dora, wife of George Turner; William Barton, deceased; Mrs. Mary Harriet Crownhite, Mrs. Bertha Leona Hurt, Mrs. Amanda Florence
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Carpenter (deceased), and Logan, deceased. Mrs. Guyer is a daughter of Griffin and Harriet Edwards, former well known residents of this com- munity, who are buried in the Harris home cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Guyer have 10 grandchildren: Raymond, Ophelia, Sada Leona and Ada Turner; Audrey Lucille and Paul Guyer Crownhite; Alma Ruth and Lucille Hurt; and William Merwin and Florence Lee Guyer.
Curry Schupp, one of the best known farmers in Clear Creek town- ship, is a native son of Cooper County, and has lived here all his life. He was born on a farm in Clear Creek township, Nov. 14, 1852, son of Chris- tian and Mary (Masel) Schupp, and was the second in order of birth of the children born to them.
Reared on the home farm, Curry Schupp received his schooling in the local schools, and has devoted his attention to farming, a vocation in which he has been successful, being now the owner of a fine farm of 280 acres, the place where he now lives, in Clear Creek township, and on which he has made his home for nearly 40 years. At the age of 16 he begain working on his own account as a farm hand, working many a day for 50 cents day, and thus continued until his marriage at the age of 25 years, when he rented a farm. A couple of years later, in 1880, he bought the farm on which he is now living, and has there since resided. When Mr. Schupp bought that place, there was an old double house, built of logs, on it, and another small house partly of frame. The place was quite heavily timbered, and it was no small task to clear it, but the new owner was energetic and industrious, and in time had the place cleared and under profitable cultivation. Mr. Schupp is a republican, and for a couple of years some years ago served the public as constable in his home township.
On March 31, 1878, Curry Schupp was united in marriage with Kath- erine Muller, who also was born in this county, and to this union 10 chil- dren have been born, namely: Chris F., farming in Pilot Grove township; Lizzie, wife of William Dwyer, of the same township; Maggie, wife of Joseph Kirkpatrick, Lamonte, Mo .; Flora, wife of George Wolf, also of Lamonte; Rose, wife of E. Holliday, of Blackwater; William, who, during America's participation in the World War, served in the navy, a student of wireless telegraphy ; Robert and Frederick (twins), born on Feb. 1, 1893, both of whom also rendered service in the World War, and the former of whom was discharged June, 1919, and is now at home. He served in France, a member of an infantry regiment in the United States Army,
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and the latter of whom served in the navy, a student at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station at Chicago, received his discharge at the close of the war and is now living at Blackwater; Conrad, born in 1897, who also was in France, attached to an infantry regiment of the United States Army, and is now home; and Albert, who is farming in Clear Creek town- ship. Mrs. Schupp, mother of these children, was born in Clear Creek township on Feb. 26, 1857, daughter of Frederick and Margaret (Gard- ner) Muller, both now deceased. Frederick Muller and his wife were both natives of Germany, and were among the early residents of Clear Creek township, where they for many years made their home on a farm, and where they reared their family.
W. F. Apperson, farmer and horticulturist and a substantial citizen of Cooper County, was born on the farm where he is now living, and is a member of one of the real pioneer families of Cooper County, the Apper- sons having been prominently represented here for 100 years. He was born on Sept. 8, 1848, and has thus lived the tradition "three score and ten years," though his friends assure him he "does not look it," and the vigor with which he continues to carry on his operations certainly belies the date. Mr. Apperson is a son of Gilbert and Martha (Berkley) Apperson.
Gilbert Apperson was born in North Carolina in 1812, a son of Francis Apperson and wife, who not long after his birth moved from North Caro- lina to Kentucky, whence in 1819 they came with their family over into Missouri Territory and settled on the farm now owned by T. M. Kirkpat- rick in Moniteau township. Later Francis Apperson moved to the farm which he owned and there spent his last days. He and his wife are buried in the Apperson Cemetery on the Kirkpatrick farm. Gilbert Apperson was but seven years of age when he came to Cooper County with his parents and here he grew to manhood. He developed the farm on which his son, W. F. Apperson, now lives, and there died in 1888. His wife died in 1886, and both are buried in the Apperson Cemetery. They were the parents of seven children: Mary E., wife of Judge T. A. Harris; W. F., subject ; B. J., died in 1892 at the age of 39 years ; R. W., living on the home farm; G. P. and T. F., who died in infancy ; and Nancy P., married P. S. Haycock, and died about 1867.
W. F. Apperson was reared on the farm in the Pisgah neighborhood and received his schooling in the Yancey School and at Pisgah. He has fol- lowed farming in this county all his life, with the exception of three years, when he tried ranching in Idaho. Mr. Apperson has an excellent orchard
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of three acres, and has for years taken a special interest in his horticul- ture. The products of his orchard have something more than local fame. He also raises cattle and hogs.
Sept. 19, 1895, W. F. Apperson was married to Lou E. York, who was born in this county, and to this union one child has been born, W. R. Apper- son, who is at home, assisting his father. Mrs. Apperson is a daughter of James and Jane (Hunt) York, for years well known residents of Clarks Fork, and has a brother, W. H. York, of Leslie, Ark. James York was killed in a runaway accident at Bunceton, June 15, 1902, and his widow died March 14, 1919. Both are buried in the Apperson Cemetery. Mrs. York had joined Pisgah Baptist Church in 1849, and at the time of her death was the oldest continuous member of that church, the same having . covered the long span of 70 years. Mr. and Mrs. Apperson are members of this church.
T. Edgar Hurt, blacksmith and general mechanic, and proprietor of a well equipped shop at Pisgah, is reviving the reputation Pisgah enjoyed as a local center of the mechanical trade back in the pioneer days. The old brick building in which he carries on his operations is one of the landmarks of Cooper County, it having been erected for factory purposes by the pio- neer Jones in 1835, the bricks entering into it having been burned at a kiln just east of the place. Originally the building was a two-story structure, but the top story long ago was removed. The primary use of the building was as a wagon, carriage and plow factory.
Mr. Hurt learned his trade at Pleasant Green and operated a shop there until the summer of 1915, when he bought his present shop at Pis- gah, and moved here, where he ever since has been successfully engaged in business. His shop is equipped with a gas engine for motive power, and his mechanical equipment is sufficient to take care of all ordinary calls for repair work and such machine-shop work as is required in an agricultural community. He also carries a good line of supplies.
Mr. Hurt was born on a farm in Clarks Fork township, Feb. 3, 1882, a son of Boone and Melinda (Haley) Hurt, both of whom are living in the Pleasant Green neighborhood. Boone Hurt was born in Clarks Fork town- ship in 1854, and his wife was born near Jamestown, Mo., their respective parents having been pioneers of this section. Boone Hurt is a substantial farmer, and he and his wife are the parents of 10 children, as follows: T. Edgar; Nannie, wife of Homer Brubaker; Eliza, wife of Archibald Powell; Chester, of Pleasant Green; Bessie, wife of Homer Carpenter; Raymond, of Pleasant Green ; Ewing, who is now (spring of 1919) with the
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American Expeditionary Forces in Europe, and Thelma, Huldah and Lewis, at home. Ewing Hurt, the soldier son, enlisted in the United States Army in September, 1917, and after training was sent to France as a member of Company L, 356th Infantry, 89th Division, and spent six months in France and participated in some of the most desperate engagements of the war, and is still held on foreign service, a part of the Army of Occupation in Germany.
T. Edgar Hurt was reared on a farm and received his schooling in the Washington District School. He married when 20 years of age, and for 10 years thereafter continued farming. In the meanwhile, however, he had been cultivating his naturally mechanically-inclined bent, and about six years ago took up the blacksmith trade at Pleasant Green, and was thus engaged at that place until his removal in August, 1915, to Pisgah, where he bought from Clarence Polley the shop he has since been operating. In November, 1917, Mr. Hurt entered upon a contract with Government for the supply of walnut logs for gun stocks, and continued purchasing walnut timber throughout this section of Missouri for more than a year, his con- tract terminating Jan. 1, 1919. During that time he bought for the Gov- ernment around 400 carloads of walnut logs, the average value per car being around $1,000. Mr. Hurt is a republican.
In 1902, T. Edgar Hurt was united in marriage to Anna Howard, who was born in this county, and to this union have been four children : Hallene, Helen, Juanita and T. Edgar, Jr. Mrs. Hurt is a daughter of Thomas and Parmelia (Dale) Howard, both of whom were born in Missouri and are living in North Moniteau township. Thomas Howard was born near James- town, Mo., and his wife was born at Carthage. Both the Howards and the Dales are of pioneer stock. Mrs. Howard's father at one time owned a part of the townsite of Joplin.
Louis Braun, one of North Moniteau township's progressive farmers, is a native son of Cooper County. He was born at Pisgah, May 18, 1867, son of Peter and Harriet (English) Braun. Peter Braun was born in Ger- many and when 14 years of age came to the United States alone, joining relatives in St. Louis, where he was trained in the trade of wagon-maker. After working there for some time he came to Cooper County, and worked in the old Jones wagon-shop at Pisgah, which he later bought and for some time operated. He died at Pisgah in 1888, and he is buried in the Lutheran Churchyard in Moniteau County. Peter Braun was thrice married. By his first wife, Louisa Kuhle, he was the father of two sons, Edward Braun, of South Moniteau township, and Charles, deceased. The subject of this
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sketch was the only,child born of his marriage to Harriet English. By his later marriage to Rachel Deitzel, he was the father of three children, William T., North Moniteau ; Frank, Prairie Home ; and Dora, wife of H. W. Williamson, Prairie Home.
Louis Braun received his schooling in the schools at Pisgah and at Fairview School in Moniteau. In 1899, Mr. Braun bought the Fisher farm and has since made his residence there. He has rebuilt the farm house and barns, and has a well improved farm. The place is well watered, and is adapted to live stock raising. Mr. Braun is a member of the Modern Wood- men of America, and his wife is a member of the Chapel Methodist Epis- copal Church in Moniteau County.
In 1890, Louis Braun was united in marriage to Carolina Haldiman, of Moniteau County, daughter of Jacob and Mary Haldiman, the latter of whom is living at California, Mo. Jacob Haldiman died in 1910, and is buried at California He and his wife were the parents of 10 children, those besides Mr. Braun being Mrs. Mary Geiger; John, deceased; Mrs. Emma Muri, Godfrey, who is now living in Colorado; Charles, in Okla- homa; Jacob, Moniteau County ; Joseph, Moniteau County ; Adolph, Kansas City ; and William, California, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Braun have two sons, William and Leslie T., both of whom are now (spring of 1919) in the serv- ice of their country, the former in the army and the latter in the navy. William Braun was born Aug. 30, 1892. June 25, 1918, he enlisted for service in the United States Army, and after training was, in August, 1918, sent to France as a member of Company C, 131st Engineers, with which command he was serving at the front when the armistice was signed, and has since remained in Europe, being retained on foreign service. The younger son, Leslie T. Braun, born Oct. 13, 1895, enlisted in the navy May 6, 1917. He was trained at the naval station at Norfolk, and after some preliminary coastwise service down as far as Vera Cruz was attached to the destroyer "Alywin," which afterward rendered valiant service in the waters of the English Channel and other European waters, hunting German submarines, and during that service had some most exciting expe- riences, the "Alywin" several times coming in contact with the enemy, and having at least one definite "hit" accredited to its score. The "Alywin" also saw service in the Baltic and the marines on board took part in certain actions in Russia.
Charles A. Baughman, of North Moniteau township, is a native of Cooper County, and a descendent of one of the early pioneer families of this section. He was born on a farm about a mile north of Pisgah, Nov. 6, 1864,
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and is a son of Henry and Anna (Briscoe) (Cole) Baughman. Henry Baugh- man was born near Boonville in 1837, and spent his life in Cooper County. and died in 1913. His wife was born in Palestine township and died at Bunceton, in 1918, at the age of 74 years. Henry Baughman improved the place, which is now owned by Charles A., and resided here for 50 years.
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