History of Cooper County, Missouri, Part 87

Author: Johnson, William Foreman, b. 1861
Publication date: 1919
Publisher: Topeka : Historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1464

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Oct. 8, 1889, Charles W. Oglesby was united in marriage to Eva E. Cordry, who also was born in Cooper County, and to this union four chil- dren have been born, namely: Anna E., born May 7, 1891, married Charles Mccutcheon living near Pilot Grove; Mattie Ellen, born Sept. 21, 1895, is a Cooper County teacher; Daphn Alberta, Jan. 26, 1900, is a teacher in grade school, Hartsburg, Mo., and Charles Kenneth, Aug. 22, 1902, is attending school at Boonville. Mrs. Oglesby was born on a farm in Lebanon township Sept. 1, 1865, daughter of James and Anna E. (Rob- inson) Cordry, the former born in Kentucky and the latter in this county and both now deceased.

Edward B. Windsor, proprietor of "Airy View Farm" in Palestine township, a progressive farmer, was born on a farm in Lebanon township June 19, 1861, son of Henderson and Icybindia (Coleman) Windsor, Vir-

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ginians. Henderson Windsor was born in Fayette County, Va., in 1818 and his wife was born in that same county in 1831. After their marriage they located in Jackson County and came to this county in 1860 and located on a farm about three miles south of Pleasant Green. There Henderson Windsor died in May, 1900. His widow survived him until 1903. They were the parents of eight children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fifth in order of birth, the others being: Sallie, de- ceased; Dorcas, married M. Tavner and is now deceased; Emma, wife of James W. Coe, Lebanon township; Mrs. Jennie Woolery, of Sedalia; Mrs. Mattie Cruse, deceased; Mrs. Susan Read, deceased, and Mrs. Margaret Heim, Pleasant Green.

Edward B. Windsor was reared on the farm on which he was born, receiving his schooling in the district schools. In 1893, he bought the farm on which he is now living and there established his home. Mr. Windsor has made extensive improvements, including a fine modern farm house, and he and his family are very pleasantly situated on his place of 240 acres. Mr. Windsor has for years raised graded Polled Angus cattle and has an excellent herd. He is a Democrat, voting the ticket "straight".

Feb. 15, 1893, Edward B. Windsor was married to Kate R. Davis, who also was born in this county, and to this union four children have been born, namely: Arlotta, wife of Sidney A. Lusk, Bunceton; Helen W., wife of Speed Boulware, Lebanon township; Grovner D., who is at home assisting his father, and Edward B., Jr., also at home. Mrs. Wind- sor was born in Boonville township, a daughter of Daniel G. and Ruth M. (Brereton) Davis.

Morgan Broe, who died at his home in Clear Creek township in the fall of 1906 and whose widow and several members of the family are still living there, was for many years one of the best known citizens of that part of Cooper County. He was born in Ireland Feb. 3, 1848, and came to Cooper County in 1872. His parents, Patrick and Margaret (Fitzsim- mons) Broe spent their lives in Ireland. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom Morgan was the youngest. Several of these children had come to the United States and when he was 14 years of age, Morgan Broe came to join them. Here he learned the stone cutter's trade and had worked at that trade for some years in various parts of the country, when in March 1872, he became employed as a stonecutter on the M. K. & T. railroad bridge which then was being constructed across the LaMine River between Clifton and Pleasant Green. When the bridge was com- pleted he located at Boonville, where he was employed at his trade until

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in 1874, when he rented a farm in Clear Creek township and engaged as a tenant farmer until 1879, when he bought a farm of 160 acres in that township and spent the remainder of his life there, one of the substantial members of the community. He died Oct. 21, 1906. Mr. Broe was a democrat and always took an active interest in local politics. He was a member of the Catholic Church, as is his widow, and their children were reared in that faith.

July 29, 1872, Morgan Broe married Eliza Sweeney, of this county, and to that union seven children were born, namely: Mary M., wife of Frank Clevorn, of Clear Creek township; Timothy E., on the home farm, giving particular attention to the live stock interests; Anna A., who also is at home with her mother; William M., now living at St. Louis; Eliza C., wife of A. C. Mayfield, a hardware merchant, Pleasant Green ; John H., at home and who in partnership with his brother Timothy, under the firm name of Broe Brothers, and Elsie I., wife of T. W. Stratton, a grocery merchant, Bunceton. Mrs. Broe was born in St. Louis County, Mo., Feb. 7, 1855. and was but an infant in arms when she became a resident of Cooper County, her parents, Dennis and Mary (Quaid) Sweeney, hav- ing come here in the spring of 1856 and settled on a farm in Lebanon township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Both Dennis Sweeney and his wife were natives of Ireland. They had two children, Mrs. Broe and Mary, wife of William Quirk, of Enon, Mo.

Frank C. Stegner, one of Palestine township's well known and sub- stantial farmers and the proprietor of an excellent farm was born in Pilot Grove township on Jan. 23, 1874, son of George J. and Theresa (Richard) Stegner, both now deceased. George J. Stegner was born in Saxony and was 12 years of age when he came to this country with his parents and settled in this county. Here George J. Stegner grew to manhood on a farm and became a farmer. He was twice married. By his union with Theresa Richarp, who was born in this county, he had four children: Frank C .; Charles 1 .. , Palestine township; Julius H., same township, and Ada, deceased. The mother of these children died in 1886, at the age of 30 years, and Mr. Stegner later married Katherine Schreck, who was born in Moniteau County and died in 1917 at the age of 66 years. To that union four children were born, namely: Minnie, deceased; Joseph, who was with the American Expeditionary Forces in France, now living at Boonville; Hannah, wife of H. Schwitzsky, Boonville, and James C., of Boonville. Joseph Stegner, the soldier son, was born Jan. 27, 1887. He was inducted into the National Army and after a period of training sailed

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in September, 1918, for overseas service in the World War, a member of A Company, 351 Regiment of Infantry, 88th Division of the United States Army.

Frank C. Stegner received his schooling in the public schools and not long after he had attained his majority he rented a farm from his grand- mother and began farming. Later, in association with his brother, Charles L., he bought 60 acres and as his affairs have prospered he has added to his original purchase until he is now the owner of a fine farm of 185 acres in Palestine township, where he is engaged in farming and stock raising. He is a stockholder in the Pilot Grove Bank. He is a republican and takes an active interest in local civic affairs, having been one of those who helped to organize the last special road district. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Church.

Mr. Stegner has been twice married. In 1902 he was married to Clara Dumolt, who also was born in this county and who died in 1913. To that union was born one child, who died in infancy. Aug. 10, 1915, Mr. Stegner married Lillian L. Kinser, who was born in Logan County, Ill., daughter of William and Amanda (Robinson) Kinser, and to this union has been born one child, who died in infancy.

William D. Cole, who is a member of one of the real pioneer families of Cooper County, has an excellent farm of 207 acres in Palestine town- ship and in addition to his general farming gives considerable attention to the raising of Duroc Jersey hogs. He was born on a farm in this township March 13, 1863, son of Stephen and Josephine (Bryant) Cole, both of whom also were born in this county, both the Cole and the Bryant families having been represented here since the early settlement. Stephen Cole was a farmer and was one of the well known residents of the com- munity. He and his wife were the parents of six children, one of whom died in infancy and of whom the subject of this sketch was the third in order of birth, the others being, Ada, married D. Horner and is now deceased ; Holbert, Palestine township; George, living in Morgan County, and Irving, also a resident of Morgan County.

William D. Cole received his schooling in the district schools and when 21 years of age began farming on his own account. He rented land until 1886, when he bought seventy acres in the section in which he now lives ; later he added to that farm, later sold his original tract of 70 acres and bought more land until now owns 207 acres, which is well improved. Mr. Cole is a democrat and takes an interest in local affairs.

March 18, 1892, William D. Cole was married to Catherine Reed, whom he had known since the days of her childhood, and to this union

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three children have been born, Noel, Clarence and Carl, all of whom are at home. Mrs. Cole also was born in Palestine township and has lived there all her life. She is a daughter of James and Evaline (Ewing) Reed and was born on Feb. 22, 1874.

George H. Schlotzhauer, a well known farmer of Palestine township and one of the leading orchardists of Cooper County, was born in Pilot Grove township March 17, 1870, son of Chris and Lottie (Morrow) Schlotz- hauer, the latter of whom was born in Scotland and died in this county in 1880, she then being 29 years of age. Chris. Schlotzhauer is one of the leading farmers of Pilot Grove township. He is one of the sons of Henry Schlotzhauer, a pioneer of Cooper County. George H. Schlotzhauer was educated in the district schools and attended the Pilot Grove Academy. Shortly after attaining his majority he bought the place on which he is now living in the spring of 1896. Mr. Schlotzhauer has an excellent farm of 150 acres and has the same improved in admirable fashion. He has a fine apple orchard of 20 acres and has long been regarded as one of the most successful orchardists in Cooper County, as his father was before him, for on his father's place there also is a very fine orchard of 20 acres or more. Mr. Schlotzhauer is a republican. He is affiliated with Bunce- ton Lodge No. 456, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and the Wood- men of the World at Speed. He and his family are members of the Meth- odist Church.

March 10, 1896, George H. Schlotzhauer was united in marriage to Ella Babbitt, who also was born in Pilot Grove township, daughter of Wil- liam and Sarah (Stewart) Babbitt, both now deceased, and to this union five children have been born, namely: Elizabeth B., wife of L. Gander, Lebanon township; Hallie C., who recently returned from army service, and Eugene, Arthur and Mary E. Mr. and Mrs. Schlotzhauer have reared two of the children of William Babbitt, Mrs. Katie Haley and Lester Bab- bitt, both of Pilot Grove township. Hallie C. Schlotzhauer, the soldier son, was born Aug. 2. 1899. In Oct., 1918, young Schlotzhauer enlisted for service in the celebrated "Tank" Corps of the United States Army and was sent to Camp Dix, N. J., for training and was there when the armistice was signed, when his corps was demobilized.

Leslie F. Cordry, a prominent farmer of Palestine township, was born on a farm in Lebanon township on Sept. 2, 1873, son of William F. and Dora (Hutchison) Cordry, both natives of this county, reared on the home farm in Lebanon township, Leslie F. Cordry was educated in the district school and in the Otterville High School. He remained on the home farm until the spring of 1900, when he bought from his father the tract

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of 120 acres on which he is now living. Since taking possession of that place Mr. Cordry has made extensive improvement; on the same, these improvements including the erection of a new and modern farm house and other buildings in keeping with the same. His firm is in a high state of cultivation and his operations are being carried on with constantly increasing profit, he having demonstrated to his own satisfaction that progressive methods pay. Mr. Cordry is a republican. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

Feb. 14, 1900, Leslie F. Cordry was united in marriage to Maggie A. Fritts, who was born in Lebanon township, this county, Oct. 3, 1873, fifth in order of birth of the eight children born there to John W. and Patsy (Reese) Fritts, the latter of whom is still living, making her home with Mr. and Mrs. Cordry. She was born in Audrain County, May 8, 1843, and came to Cooper County with her parents, this having been her home when she married in 1863. Mr. Fritts was a Virginian, born Oct. 9, 1836. When he was 24 years of age, he came to Cooper County. After his mar- riage to Patsy Reese he settled on a farm in Lebanon township and there spent the remainder of his life. He died Feb. 1, 1888, aged 52 years. Mrs. Fritts is now in her 72nd year and can tell many interesting tales of conditions in Missouri as she knew them in her girlhood.

Christopher Schlotzhauer, a progressive citizen of Pilot Grove town- ship, who is a well known farmer, and one of the most successful orchard- ists in central Missouri, is a native son of Cooper County. He was born on a pioneer farm in Palestine township, June 21, 1848, a son of Henry Schlotzhauer and wife, well known in that section in their generation.

Christopher Schlotzhauer was early trained in the ways of farming, and has followed that vocation all his life. He received his schooling in the local district schools, and when little more than a boy served for three months as a member of the Missouri State Militia, during the Civil War. When he attained his majority, he began farming on his own ac- count. His father deeded him 120 acres long before his death, and since coming into possession of the same he has made extensive improvements to the same, for years having had one of the best farm plants in that neighborhood. About 20 years ago, Mr. Schlotzhauer set out an apple orchard of 20 acres on his place, and has for years been recognized as one of the most successful orchardists in Cooper County, though of recent years he has not given the attention to this branch of his operations that he formerly did. He also has another orchard on a farm in the vicinity of Pilot Grove. During the years in which he gave special attention to

CHRISTOPHER SCHLOTZHAUER

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his orchards he was an active member of the Fruit Growers Association, and some years ago shipped in one season 13 carloads of apples from his place. Mr. Schlotzhauer is the owner of 320 acres of land, which is well improved and profitably cultivated. He is a republican. He and his family are members of the Methodist Church.

Mr. Schlotzhauer has been twice married. In 1869 he was married to Lottie Morrow, who was born in Scotland, and who died at her home in this county in 1880, at the age of 29 years. To that union were born four children, namely: George, a farmer, of Bellaire, Mo .; Margaret, who makes her home with her brother, George; Lloyd, Morgan County, Ohio; and Arthur, deceased. On Feb. 11, 1883, Mr. Schlotzhauer married Mar- garet Ferguson, who was born in Pettis County, and to this union five children have been born. Of these the fourth in order of birth died in infancy. The others are as follows: Myrtle, married Fred Harris, La- monte, Mo .; Charles, Pilot Grove; Horace, who is at home assisting his father; and Grace, wife of James Verts, farming near Boonville. Mrs. Schlotzhauer was reared in Pettis County, where she was born. She is a daughter of Samuel and Lucretia (Smith) Ferguson, who spent their last days in Pettis County. Samuel Ferguson was born in that county, and his wife was born in Kentucky.

Robert E. Downing, one of Cooper County's best known real "old- timers," was born in Palestine township March 28, 1847, son of Robert E. and Lucy (Boulware) Downing, and was the second in order of birth of the three children born to that parentage, he having had two sisters, Mrs. Lucy Harness, now deceased, and Agnes, who died in infancy. Robert E. Downing, Sr., was born in Northumberland County, Va., and came to Missouri in the early '40s and settled on a farm west of the site of Bunceton. In 1849 he joined that great band of fortune hunters which streamed across the plains seeking gold in California. Not finding con- ditions there as his fancy had painted them, he started home, taking ves- sel to return by way of Cape Horn, but was taken ill and died before many days out and was buried at sea. He was twice married and by his first wife, Eliza Bell, who also was born in Virginia, had two sons, Everett S., and Samuel W., both now deceased. His second wife, Lucy Boulware, also was born in Virginia. She died at her home in this county in 1875, being then 55 years of age.

The earliest recollections of Robert E. Downing have to do with the efforts he early recognized to help his widowed mother. Of his father

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he has no recollection, for he was little more than an infant when that unfortunate man started on his ill-fated quest for gold. He grew up on the little farm which his mother retained, west of Bunceton, and his schooling was received in a little old log school house more than three miles from his home and to which he walked to and from during the win- ter periods of from three to four months in which school was "held." His boyhood was given over to farm work until he was 18 years of age, when, in 1865, he became employed by the government as a "bullwhacker" for the supply trains of ox-teams plodding across the plains to Ft. Union in New Mexico territory, and during this period of employment under- went some interesting experiences. Upon the completion of this service, Mr. Downing resumed his place on his mother's farm and continued in charge of the same until her death in 1875. In the meantime, a few years prior to that event, he had married; moved to Cass County. After three years, he returned to Cooper County and formed a partnership with Green Walker in the live stock business and was for three years thus engaged. At the end of that time he moved back to the old home farm, then owned by T. J. Wallace, and formed a partnership with Mr. Wallace in the opera- tion of the place which lasted for three years, when, in 1886, he bought 80 acres of the farm now owned by E. B. Windsor in Palestine township. Mr. Downing resided there for about 20 years, when he sold it and bought the quarter section on which he is now living. In addition to his general farming operations, Mr. Downing has been engaged ever since his return from Cass County in the buying and selling of mules and has long been recognized as an expert in mule values. Although Mr. Downing is widely known as one of the "safest" buyers in the country, he says the days of former profits in the mule market seem to have gone forever. Mr. Down- ing is a democrat and has since the days of his young manhood taken an interested part in local civic affairs. For the past 20 years he has been the clerk of the school board in his home district and during that time has done much to help elevate educational standards, it having been dur- ing his incumbency that District No. 49 became famous as the seat of the highest-priced school plant of any country school district in Missouri, a distinction it held from the time it achieved the same until six years ago, when the banner was won away by another district; however, Dis- trict 49 still claims the best country school in Cooper County. The Down- ings are members of the Baptist Church.

Dec. 24, 1872, Robert E. Downing was united in marriage to Martha Paxton, who was born in Nichols county, Ky., Sept. 12, 1846, daughter

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of Thomas and Margaret (Orr) Paxton, both of whom were born in that state. Thomas Paxton died in Kentucky and his widow later came to Cooper County, where her daughters resided, and here spent the re- mainder of her life. To Robert E. and Martha (Paxton) Downing five children have been born: William B., superintendent of schools of Cooper County; Lutie May, who died in infancy; twins, who died in in- fancy, and Martha, wife of W. H. Streitt, of Lebanon township. Mr. and Mrs. Streitt have two children, Wade H., Jr., and Margaret.

Prof. William B. Downing, county superintendent of schools, began his educational career when, at the age of 16 years, following his gradua- tion from the Otterville High School, he was granted a certificate to teach school, his examination papers receiving the highest grade accorded in the county in that year. Though but a boy, his initial effort was success- ful and he ever since has continued as a teacher, and is recognized as one of the leading educators in this part of the State, and in Jan., 1919, was elected superintendent of schools for Cooper County. Professor Down- ing makes his home with his children in the household of his parents, his wife having died in 1906, leaving three children, Lucy, Dorothy and Lewis. The mother of these children was Grace Parrish, who was born in this county, daughter of Robert Parrish and wife, the latter of whom was a Waller, and who died in 1906 at the age of 32 years.

John M. Putnam, manager of the Nelson farms in Kelly township, was born on a farm in Palestine township June 27, 1863, son of Darius and Mary (Jeffress) Putnam, both deceased. Darius Putnam was born in Worcester County, Mass., and was but a child when his father died. His mother married again and he left home and came West, arriving at Boonville when he was 12 years of age. There, under the instructions of George Sahm, he learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed the rest of his life and in which he was successful, making considerable money, which he lost in unfortunate investments. He entered business in Boonville, that being a time when custom-made boots were generally worn, and after some years moved to Bunceton, where he set up in busi- ness and bought a farm on which his sons were reared and trained in the ways of farming, and there he spent the rest of his life, dying at the age of 56 years. His widow died in 1881, aged 71 years. She was born in Tennessee and was married in this county. Darius Putnam was a stal- wart democrat and ever took an active interest in political affairs, serving for some time as constable and later for years as justice of the peace in and for Palestine township. He and his wife were the parents of nine

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children, of whom but two are now living, the subject of this sketch hav- ing a sister older than himself, Mrs. Elizabeth Blackburn, Alhambra, Calif.

Reared on the home farm in Palestine township, John M. Putnam was from the days of his boyhood given an excellent training in the ways of practical farming. He received his schooling in the local schools and when 21 years of age began farming on his own account, renting a por- tion of the Nelson tract. Early in 1888 he married, thereafter continu- ing his farming as a renter until in 1891 he was made sole manager for the Dr. Arthur W. Nelson farms, a position he ever since has occupied, now having under his charge 3500 acres of land in Kelly township. Mr. Putnam is a stockholder in the Traders Bank of Tipton, Mo. He is a democrat, as was his father. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Mod- ern Woodmen of America. He and his wife are members of the Metho- dist Church.

Feb. 22, 1888, John M. Putnam was united in marriage to Elizabeth Ranz, of this county, and to this union five children have been born, namely: Florence, wife of C. E. Hutchinson, Lebanon township; George, Palestine township; Frank, Morgan County; Arthur W., Kelly township, and Thomas, who has but recently returned from service in the United States Army, having received his honorable discharge on Feb. 7, 1919. He was in training at Camp Funston, and was a corporal in the head- quarters company of the Tenth Division, Infantry, when the armistice was signed. Mrs. Putnam was born in Tennessee and was but four years of age when she came to Missouri with her parents, Jacob and Elizabeth Ranz, the family locating in this county. Here Jacob Ranz spent the re- mainder of his life. His widow is now living in Moniteau County.

Joseph R. Koontz, one of Kelly township's successful farmers, was born in Page County, Va., Feb. 21, 1863, son of Lewis and Elizabeth (Hutchinson) Koontz, both of whom also were born in that state, the latter in Shenandoah County, and who died there. Lewis Koontz was born in 1821 and died in 1899. Many years ago he made several trips west and bought land both in Illinois and in Missouri as an investment, but never farmed the same. He made three trips into Cooper County, coming once by boat and twice by wagon, to look after his investments here, but could not make up his mind to make this his place of residence, as many other Virginians, who came here about the same time, did. He and his wife were the parents of 10 children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the seventh in order of birth.

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History of Cooper County, Missouri, Part 87

Author: Johnson, William Foreman, b. 1861 Publication date: 1919 Publisher: Topeka : Historical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1464

Author: Johnson, William Foreman, b. 1861
Publication date: 1919
Publisher: Topeka : Historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1464