USA > Missouri > Cooper County > History of Cooper County, Missouri > Part 88
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In 1883, Joseph R. Koontz came to Missouri to look after some land investments that his father had made in Cooper County and he ever
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since has resided here. He settled on the place where he is now living, 238 acres of which he bought in 1885, and which he has well improved. This farm is the site of the old John Roatcap flour mill, which stood there in pioneer days and the products of which were known for miles about, the early settlers driving from far distant points to get their "grist" done there. In those days there was a big spring near the mill and the waters of which had a wide celebrity among the pioneers.
Dec. 21, 1886, Joseph R. Koontz was married to Lida Funkhouser, an adopted daughter of Eli Funkhouser, and to this union four children have been born, namely: Lewis, now a resident of St. Louis; Russell, farmer, Kelly township; Frank and Josephine, at home. Mr. Koontz is a demo- crat, and he is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America.
Charles S. Phillips, a veteran of the Civil War and one of the leading farmers of Kelly township, was born in Washington County, Ohio, Aug. 6, 1843, son of John and Czrina (Buchanan) Phillips, both of whom also were born in Ohio, the former in Athens County and the latter in Morgan County. John Phillips died in Washington County when about 45 years of age. His widow survived him many years and her last days were spent in Grundy County, Ill. They were the parents of six children, of whom two are still living, the subject of this sketch having a brother, Walter Phillips, Morris, Ill.
Charles S. Phillips was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools. When the Civil War broke out, he enlisted in the Union Army, and went to the front as a member of Company D, Fourth Virginia (after- ward West Virginia) Cavalry, with which' command he served for six months, when he re-enlisted as a member of Company A, 36th Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry, with which he served until mustered out at Wheeling, W. Va., in 1865, the war then being over. During this service, Mr. Phil- lips participated in the battle of Medaly Gap as a cavalryman and after joining the infantry took part in several of the important battles and engagements of the war, including Meadows Bluff, Lynchburg, Winches- ter and Cedar Creek. At the battle of Winchester, July 24, 1864, he was severely wounded by a minnie ball, which went through his right leg below the knee. After the war, Mr. Phillips returned to his home in Ohio and remained until 1867, when he came to Missouri and located in St. Louis County. In 1871 he returned to Ohio, but in 1875 came back to Missouri and located in Cooper County, beginning here by renting a farm in Pilot Grove township and was thus engaged there until 1880, when he moved to Kelly township, rented of James Nelson the farm. In 1893 he bought his present farm. Mr. Phillips has been successful in his farm-
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ing and stock raising and has added to the acreage until now he is the owner of 238 acres and has one of the best improved farms in the neigh- borhood. Mr. Phillips is a republican, but has not been a seeker after office. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Tipton. Formerly he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church (South).
March 4, 1880, Charles S. Phillips was married to Matilda Barnhart, who was born in Illinois in 1853, and to this union four children have been born: Charles S., Kansas City; Clarence E., Lebanon township; Orville H., at home, and Mary, wife of Harry Hegmire, Kelly township.
James N. Blythe, formerly and for many years a well-known black- smith at Pleasant Green, was born on a farm in Otterville township March 20, 1858, son of William and Nancy (James) Blythe, natives of Kentucky, who had come here some years prior to that date and had set- tled on a farm in Otterville township. William Blythe also was a black- smith and the forge he set up on his farm was a great accommodation to his neighbors. He continued to make his home on that place and there died in 1907, he then being 66 years of age. William Blythe was twice married. His first wife, Nancy James, whom he married in Kentucky, died in 1864. By that marriage he was the father of seven children, of whom James N. was the sixth in order of birth. Following the death of the mother of these children, William Blythe married Mary Fink, and to that union seven children also were born.
Reared on the home farm in Otterville township, James N. Blythe received his schooling in the district schools and was early trained by his father not only in the ways of farming but in blacksmithing, to which latter vocation he gave particular attention and about 40 years ago set up as a blacksmith on his own account. He married in 1881 and not long thereafter moved to Pleasant Green, where he bought a tract of 35 acres at the edge of the town, and set up his blacksmith shop, and for many years worked there at his trade, one of the best known smiths hereabout. In 1913, Mr. Blythe bought a tract of land adjoining his home and has since then been devoting the greater part of his time to the breeding of Poland China hogs and to the buying and selling of stock, and has met with success. He owns a well-kept farm of 151 acres. He also is a stock- holder in the Pleasant Green Bank. Mr. Blythe is a democrat, and a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a member of the Methodist Church, and his wife is a Baptist.
Mr. Blythe has been twice married. Dec. 24, 1881, he was married to Margaret Campbell, who was born in Polk County, Mo., and who died
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without issue in 1890, at the age of 41 years. Dec. 28, 1891, Mr. Blythe married Sarah W. Woolery, who was born in this county, daughter of Taylor and Eliza (Berry) Woolery, both members of pioneer families in Cooper County and both of whom are living on their farm, east of Pleas- ant Green.
William F. Cordry, one of the progressive farmers of Lebanon town- ship, was born near the farm on which he is now living, Nov. 8, 1846, son of William L. and Polly Ann (Weir) Cordry. William L. Cordry was born in Todd County, Ky., Jan. 15, 1816, and was but 14 years of age when, in 1830, he came with his parents, James Cordry and wife, to Missouri, the family driving through with both oxen and horses and settling on land which James Cordry had entered from the Government, in Lebanon town- ship. There a log cabin was erected. The nearest market at that time was at Boonville and conditions of living were somewhat rough and prim- itive. The little old log cabin which sheltered the family for years and in which children were born and reared, is still standing on the old home pdace, a most highly valued relic of pioneer days, and is being carefully preserved. It was on that pioneer farm that William L. Cordry grew to manhood and laid the foundations for his after success, for in time he became one of the most substantial farmers and landowners in that com- munity. In the spring of 1838 he married Polly Ann Weir, who was born in Howard County, Sept. 28, 1819, and after his marriage established his home in Lebanon township, where he and his wife spent the remain- der of their lives. Both lived to be past 80 years of age and at their pass- ing left good memories as a legacy to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. William L. Cordry died in 1902. His wife died Oct. 14, 1900. They were the parents of eight children, as follows: Sam- uel J., now deceased, was a soldier of the Union Army during the Civil War; James N., a farmer in Kelly township; William F .; Thomas N., Pilot Grove; Charles W., Palestine township; Robert D., Lebanon town- ship; Mrs. Alice Eichelberger, Fulton, Mo .; and Margaret Ida, wife of Peter F. Smith, Lebanon township.
Reared in Lebanon township, William F. Cordry attended school in the little old log school house which was serving the district in the days of his boyhood, but which before his school days were over was sup- planted by a small frame structure with oak slabs for seats. He was but 15 years of age when the Civil War broke out, but he was enrolled for service, thought it never became necessary to call him out to active duty. In 1871, his father gave him the "80" on which he established his home and on which he is still living. As his affairs prospered Mr. Cordry
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bought more land adjoining and now has an excellent farm of 250 acres, besides which he has given land and money to his children. Mr. Cordry has lived to see many wonderful changes in the methods of agricultural operations since the days of his boyhood and has been progressive enough to adopt the new ways, and he has prospered thereby. Mr. Cor- dry is a republican, but has not been included in the office-seeking class. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church.
Jan. 12, 1871, William F. Cordry was married to Madora Hutchinson, who was born in that same township, Dec. 17, 1851, daughter of L. M. Hutchinson and wife, the latter of whom was a Cordry. L. M. Hutchin- son was born in Page County, Va., and his wife was born in Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Cordry have four children, namely: Leslie L., a farmer of Palestine township; Oliver L., a Lebanon township farmer; Owen E., also of Lebanon township, and Bessie, wife of John Streit, in Otterville township.
Davin Brothers, Michael and Andrew Davin, extensive farmers and stock raisers in Pilot Grove township, and the latter of whom served for three terms as county judge for the western district of Cooper County, and is vice-president of the Pilot Grove Bank, and vice-president of the Elliott & Chapman Furniture Company of that place, have resided in this county since 1877, and have for years been among its most progressive and substantial citizens. Michael Davin was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dec, 2, 1854, and Andrew Davin was born across the Ohio River, in Cov- ington, Ky., June 29, 1860, sons of Michael and Ellen (Ryan) Davin, natives of Ireland, who came to this county after their marriage, and after a some time residence in Cincinnati and Covington, came to Mis- souri with their family and settled on a farm in Pilot Grove township, where they spent the remainder of their lives.
Michael Davin, the father, was born Jan. 6, 1816, and grew to man- hood in Ireland, where on Feb. 8, 1837, he married Ellen Ryan, who was born in 1817. He and his wife remained in their native land until 1848, when they came to the United States. At that time they had several small children and others were born to them after they came to this country. They first went to Cincinnati, but later moved across the river to Covington and there remained until the spring of 1877 when they came to Cooper County, arriving here March 17 and settled on a farm in Pilot Grove township, which place is still in the family and there they spent the remainder of their lives. Michael Davin died on July 9, 1891, and his widow died July 27, 1899. They were members of the Catholic Church
ANDREW AND MICHAEL DAVIN
THE DAYIN FAMILY RESIDENCE
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and their children were reared in that faith. There were twelve of these children, of whom two died in childhood, the others besides the subjects of this sketch being as follows: Thomas, born in Ireland, March 1, 1838, died July, 1898; Mary, married John Kirwin and is deceased; Bridget, wife of Thomas Woods, St. Louis; Jeremiah, deceased; John, deceased; Ellen, with her brothers on the old home place; Margaret, who also is at home, and James, deceased.
Of these children, Michael was the seventh in order of birth and Andrew the ninth. The former had passed his majority when the family came to Cooper County and the latter was about 17 years of age. Thus both were able assistants in the labors of developing and improving the farm on which the family settled. Following the death of their father, the brothers continued operations on the home place and now have an excellent farm of 480 acres, on which they are profitably carrying on gen- eral farming and stock raising. They are republicans and in 1908 Andrew Davin was elected county judge for the western district of Cooper County and by successive re-elections served in that important judicial capacity for three terms. He is a member of the board of directors and vice- president of the Pilot Grove Bank as well as vice-president of the Elliott & Chapman Furniture Company of Pilot Grove. The Davin brothers and their sisters are members of the Catholic Church and Michael and Andrew Davin are members of the Knights of Columbus.
William R. Phillips, one of Clear Creek township's well-known farmers, is a native son of Cooper County, member of one of the real pioneer families. He was born in Clear Creek township, Feb. 18, 1847, son of Martin G. and Susan (Huff) Phillips, both of whom were members of pioneer families in this county and who spent their last days here.
Martin G. Phillips was born in Alabama in 1814 and was but eight years of age when his parents, Jeremiah and Ann (Brown) Phillips, came to Missouri with their family and a few years later settled on Govern- ment land near Buffalo Prairie in Clear Creek township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Jeremiah Phillips was of Irish stock and was a soldier of the War of 1812. On that pioneer farm in Clear Creek township, Martin G. Phillips grew to manhood and after his marriage to Susan Huff, who was born in Kentucky and who had come to Missouri with her parents, settled on a farm in that same neighborhood and there he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. Martin G. Phillips died in 1894, at the age of 80 years. His widow died in 1896. She was born in 1818. They were the parents of 11 children, of whom five are
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still living, as follows: William R .; James W., Yukon, Okla .; George W., of Hughesville, Mo .; Jennie, widow of J. Parrish; and Addie, wife of C. F. Smith, Clear Creek township.
William R. Phillips, from the days of his boyhood, gave his attention to farming. He received his schooling in the local schools of his home neighborhood and remained at home until his marriage in the spring of 1873, when he rented a farm. He continued as a renter until 1888, when he bought the farm where he has since made his home. Since taking possession of that place, Mr. Phillips has improved it in substantial fashion. In his political views he is a democrat. He and his family are members of the Baptist Church.
April 8, 1873, William R. Phillips was married to Catherine Gentry, who also was born in this county, and to this union five children have been born, namely: George, deceased; Jennie, wife of John J. Potter, Clifton; Martin G., Palestine township; Margaret, deceased, and Riley, who is at home assisting his father on the farm. Mrs. Phillips was born in Pilot Grove township, daughter of William and Margaret (Roe) Gen- try, who for years were among the well-known residents of that part of the county.
In May, 1919, Mr. Phillips retired from the farm and moved to Pilot Grove, where he bought property. His son, William Riley, Jr., is con- ducting the farm.
Daniel R. Brubaker, a veteran of the Civil War and one of the well- known and substantial farmers and stockmen of Lebanon township, was born in Page County, Va., Feb. 14, 1844, son of Gideon and Nancy (Roth- geb) Brubaker, both also natives of that state and who spent their lives there. Gideon Brubaker was born in Page county, Va., Aug. 28, 1806, and died in 1892. He was a son of Peter and Barbara Ann (Kaufman) Brubaker, both natives of Virginia. The Brubakers are of Swedish stock and have been established in this country since 1700, when the first of the name on this side of the water settled in Virginia. Gideon Brubaker was married four times and had children by three wives. By his union with Nancy Rothgeb, mother of the subject of this sketch, he had six children, of whom Daniel R. was the first born.
Reared on the farm on which he was born in Page county, Va., Dan- iel R. Brubaker was living there when the Civil War broke out, he then being 17 years of age. He enlisted in the Confederate Army at Luray, Va., and served until finally mustered out. At the battle of Malvern Hill -the seven days fight-he was wounded in the eye and sustained other
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wounds from bursting shells. In the spring of 1866 he married and set- tled down in his home county, where he remained until Feb. 22, 1873, when he left Virginia with his family and came to Missouri, settling in this county. Here he bought a tract of 90 acres, a part of the farm on which he is now living in Lebanon township. As his affairs prospered, he added to the same until he now owns 440 acres. Fifty years and more ago, back in his old home county, Mr. Brubaker taught a term of school and has ever retained the liveliest interest in school affairs. For some time he served as director of his local school district and also has served as clerk of the school board. He maintains an independent attitude on political questions.
March 29, 1866, in Page County, Va., Daniel R. Brubaker was united in marriage with Frances E. Gander, who was born in that county, and to this union 10 children have been born, namely: Edgar, Sedalia, Mo .; Lizzie, wife of V. L. Biedler, of Rockingham County, Va .; Hubert L., Chi- cago, Ill .; Henry M., who is at home with his father; Ashby W., Kansas City ; Elmer J., Kelly township; Ella M., wife of J. C. Cordry, Kelly town- ship; Homer V., of Lebanon township; Nettie L., wife of W. P. Coe, Se- dalia, and Bessie P., wife of T. H. Coe, Sedalia. Mrs. Brubaker, mother of these children, was born on July 18, 1844, daughter of Henry and Mary Coffman Gander, who were born in what is now known as Page County, Va. Three years ago Mr. and Mrs. Brubaker celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.
William H. Glasgow, a successful young stock breeder of Kelly town- ship, was born on Oct. 10, 1894, son of William H. and Belle J. (Gates) Glasgow, both now deceased. The senior William H. Glasgow, who died at Syracuse Oct. 30, 1901, was born in this county, Sept. 23, 1849, son of James H. and Harriet (Cranmer) Glasgow, who were among the pio- neers of Cooper County. James H. Glasgow was born in Delaware, Jan. 5, 1807, and came to Missouri when Government land still was available for settlement in Cooper County. He was a slaveholder and bought from the Government for $1.25 an acre the land upon which he settled, later increasing his holdings until he became the owner of a plantation of 800 acres. He died at his home in this county Dec. 5, 1885. His widow died Oct. 5, 1902. She was born in Kentucky Nov. 10, 1816, and came to this county with her parents, the Cranmers having been among the early set- tlers here. Of the four children born to James H. Glasgow and wife, Wil- liam H. was the second in order of birth. He grew to manhood in this county and became an extensive farmer and influential. He organized
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the Cooper County Anti-Horse Thief Association, and was the first presi- dent and until his death one of the leading spirits. William H. Glasgow, Sr., died in the fall of 1901 and his widow died March 14, 1917. She was born at Memphis, Tenn., June 25, 1860, and was past 57 years of age at the time of her death. She was a member of the Gates family, which came from England to this country in Colonial days and of which now widely scattered family there is a complete genealogy beginning in the 17th century and bringing the descent down to the year 1917. William H. Glasgow and Belle J. Gates were married at St. Louis, Oct. 5, 1892, and to that union three children were born. Of these the subject of this sketch was the second in order of birth. The first born, Versalis H., died in infancy. The third, Clayton S. Glasgow, lives on the farm adjoining that of his brother William, a part of the old home place, in Kelly township.
The junior William H. Glasgow was but seven years of age when his father died and the responsibility of carrying on the operations of the home place early fell upon his shoulders. He completed his schooling in Central College at Fayette and upon his return from college resumed his place on the farm, he and his brother carrying on the operations of the place jointly in behalf of their mother. After their mother's death, in the spring of 1917, the brothers divided the estate equitably, this division giving to each 210 acres. For some years past William H. Glasgow has been giving particular attention to the raising of Hampshire sheep and his breeding cotes have attained more than a local reputation. He has made exhibits at the Bunceton Fair and in addition to the private sales which he conducts on his farm, he has received orders for the increase of his flock from several states. Mr. Glasgow is a member of the American Hampshire Sheep Association of Detroit, and a member of the local Sheep Breeders' Association, which confines its field of activities to Cooper and Moniteau Counties. He is a democrat.
Oct. 18, 1916, William H. Glasgow was married to Dora B. Kite, who also was born in this county, and to this union one child has been born, William H. Glasgow, III. Mrs. Glasgow was born in Lebanon township, daughter of George W. and Emma J. (Buracker) Kite, the latter of whom is living in Lebanon township. She was born in Page County, Va., Jan. 1, 1867. George W. Kite also was born in Page County, Va., March 27, 1857. He and his wife came to Missouri about 1887 and located on a farm in Lebanon township, where he spent the remainder of his life. He
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died in 1905. To him and his wife were born five children, of whom three are still living, Mrs. Glasgow having a brother, Grover C. Kite, of Kelly township, and a sister, Ruth V., who is at home with her mother.
Clayton Stillman Glasgow, one of the progressive young farmers and stockmen of Kelly township was born on the place where he now resides, Aug. 27, 1896, son of William H. and Belle J. (Gates) Glasgow, both now deceased. The former died in 1901 and the latter in 1917. James H. Glasgow, a native of Delaware and the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, bought at an early day a considerable tract of land here on which to establish his home. This pioneer's son, William H. Glasgow, and his wife had three children, the first born a daughter, who died in infancy, Clayton S. Glasgow having an elder brother, William H., who lives on the farm adjoining him.
Reared on the home farm, Clayton S. Glasgow was from the days of his boyhood trained in the ways of farming, the operations of the home place early devolving upon his elder brother and himself due to the fact of their father's death when they were but boys. He completed his schooling in Central College at Fayette and in the University of Missouri and upon leaving the university returned to the home farm and there re- sumed his operations, he and his brother managing the place jointly in behalf of their mother, and after the latter's death in 1917 the brothers divided the estate, each receiving 210 acres of excellent and well improved land. In the following spring Clayton S. Glasgow married and estab- lished his home on that portion of the estate which came to his share and has since been making extensive improvements on the same. In addition to his general farming he has for some time given special attention to the raising of Shorthorn cattle and Shropshire sheep and has met with much success in this line. Mr. Glasgow is a member of local association of Shropshire breeders which confines its activities to Cooper and Moniteau Counties, has been an exhibitor at the county fair and is going into the breeding business in a way to bespeak his continued success and influence in that line, coming to be recognized as one of the wideawake young stockmen of his county.
May 29, 1918, Clayton S. Glasgow was united in marriage with Velma G. Palmer, who was born on a farm near Greenville, Ill., June 15, 1897, daughter of A. L. and Alice (Betteridge) Palmer. A. L. Palmer is a native of Illinois and his wife of Connecticut. Upon coming to Cooper County from Illinois they located on a farm in Lebanon township and are
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living there. Mr. and Mrs. Glasgow are members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. Mr. Glasgow is a democrat, as were his father and grand- father before him. To Mr. and Mrs. Glasgow have been born a son, Cecil Wayne, born April 27, 1919.
George Barnhart, one of Kelly township's substantial farmers and stockmen, was born on a pioneer farm forty miles north Oskaloosa, Iowa, Dec. 15, 1857. He is a son of John and Sarah (Ashmead) Barn- hart, natives of Pennsylvania, who settled in Cooper County at the close of the Civil War and whose last days were spent here, both living to a ripe old age.
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