History of Dade County and her people : from the date of the earliest settlements to the present time, Part 29

Author:
Publication date: [1917]
Publisher: Greenfield, Mo. : Pioneer Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1128

USA > Missouri > Dade County > History of Dade County and her people : from the date of the earliest settlements to the present time > Part 29

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Public spirited, picturesque, eccentric, whole-souled, wide-awake and active, William J. Davis is easily Lock- wood's most distinguished citizen. He was born in Sara- toga County, New York, March 27th, 1834. He was a son of Richard C. and Susan (Pawling) Davis, the former be- ing a native of Saratoga county, New York of Scotch parentage as also was his wife. Her father, Wil- liam Pawling, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Her uncle, Colonel Henry Pawling served in the Continental army with distinction under General Washington. The Pawling family was related to General Alexander Hamil-

HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE

ton and General James Clinton. The Pawlings were Scotch-Irish.

Richard C. Davis and wife were the parents of seven children, two of whom died in infancy :

(1) Alexander, married Mary Sawyer, drowned in Illinois river.

(2) William J. Davis.

(3) Albert P., married Miss Place.

(4) Levi H, married Alexander's widow. (twins) Albert enlisted in the 105 Ills. infantry at DeKalb, Ills., and served during the war. He is now at a Soldiers' Home in California.

(5) Jane Eliza, married J. Sturgeon, and is now de- ceased.

(6) Andrew Jackson, died in infancy.

(7) Herman, died in infancy.

William J. Davis grew to manhood upon the farm, first in New York and later in the state of Illinois. He has a vivid recollection of the days when he cradled grain at 50 cents per day and threshed at 25 cents per day. He mowed with scythe and raked hay at 50 cents, too. He was a natural mechanic, handy with tools, and could con- struct almost any kind of a farm utensil, including wagons, hay-rakes and cradles and his own plow and corn planter. His father came from New York to DeKalb County, Illinois, in 1846, where he died in 1877. He was & Democrat, but he and his four sons voted for "Abe" Lincoln in 1860. He was a successful farmer and stock- man, and a member of the Baptist church. His wife died in 1870.

William J. Davis came to Dade County in 1869 and purchased land for a farm in the then wild prairie, con- trary to the advice of all the early pioneers. The city of Lockwood now stands on a part of his original pur- chase. He named his home the "Evergreen Stock Farm," which soon became noted all over Southwest Missouri. Mr. Davis imported the first Norman stallion and the first Shorthorn bull into Dade County. He also, in 1884, imported five Scotch Clyde stallions and four mares, and

HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE

has a certificate from the United States authorities stating that they were superior stock and would improve the stock of the United States. He made his own cuts to print on the bills for his stallions. He was also a breeder of fine jacks and a propagator of fruits, flowers and tame grasses. He exhibited live stock, fruits, grasses and vege- tables at the county, district, state and even national fairs for a number of years, having now in his possession a string of premium cards and ribbons over 200 feet long. He was awarded a gold medal at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis in 1904 for the best display of tame grasses and clover grown by an exhibitor, competing against the world.

Mr. Davis was the only man in Dade County to give the right-of-way to the K. C., Ft. & G. railroad when it was constructed. It crossed 80 acres of his land. As soon as the railroad was built, in 1881, Mr. Davis platted a town and named it Lockwood, in honor of the General Passenger agent of that road. In order to encourage building, he gave lots to all who would erect buildings thereon, and he gave lots and money to every church erected in the city except the German, and they never solicited it. He gave a whole block to the public school and another bloek to the city for a park. Another act of philanthropy which might be mentioned occurred during the very early days of Lockwood, when there had been a failure of crops and flour was very high. Mr. Davis purchased 40,860 pounds of flour and sold it at cost in order to prevent suffering. Mr. Davis also gave the lot, the water privilege and $50 in cash to the first flouring mill erected in Lockwood.

Mr. Davis built the first house on the present site of Lockwood and was the town's first postmaster. As a breeder he had wonderful mastery and control over his animals. At one time he exhibited on the streets a pair of Norman stallions hitched and driven to a wagon with- out a halter, lines or bridle. At another time he exhibited a 4-year-old stalion on the streets of another town right in breeding season, with lots of horses on the streets,

HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE

threw the rein over his back and asked the horse to kiss him, which he did, and followed him with his tongue against his face whenever he stopped, paying no attention to other horses. His exhibitions of live stock, fruit and farm products on the streets of Lockwood was the real beginning of the Dade County fair. As a veterinary sur- geon, Mr. Davis exhibited great natural skill, and per- formed many remarkable feats along that line.

William J. Davis was first married to Sarah A. Kel-

logg. To this union were born three children:

(1) Susan, intermarried with Charles Polston, a farmer, for many years a resident in the vicinity of Lock- wood, but now in New Mexico. They have eight children.

(2) Minnie B., first married to Samuel Hunt. To this marriage was born one son, Lola, who is now a teacher in a government school in Oklahoma. Her second husband, William Rollman, now resides in Iowa. They have one child.

(3) William Henry, in business in Kansas City, is married and has one child.

In 1892 he was married to Bertha C. Heisey, a native of Pennsylvania, widow of Philip C. Heisey. They have no children.

Besides being a farmer, gardener, stockman and hor- ticulturist, William J. Davis is also a great hunter and fisherman. It has been his custom for several years to spend his winters on the gulf coast of Florida, where fishing for game fish is a rare sport. Mr. Davis has many rare specimens of forest, field and stream, which he exhibits with delight. He is a inan of remarkable physique, being able now, at the age of 82 years, to sit on a chair and place his leg over his shoulders and around his neck, a feat which very few men at any age in life can accomplish.

Some years ago, when Mr. Davis concluded to sell the "Evergreen Stock Farm" and lead a more retired life, he erected a modern home in Lockwood on an eight- acre tract within the city limits. To his lawn he moved from his farm a large number of evergreen trees, many

HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE

of them eight inches in diameter and 30 feet high. So successful was he in this enterprise that in less than two years' time his home had the appearance of having been settled 20 years or more. On this lawn and eight-acre tract Mr. Davis has grown many rare plants, shrubs and curious trees.

Industry and tenacity of purpose has been the watch- word of Mr. Davis' life. While he has accumulated a large amount of property, mostly the fruit of his own industry, he has also been generous, giving to his children abundantly. He is still active and able to do as much or more work than many men 25 years his junior.

His wife is a member of the M. E. church, Mr. Davis being a Baptist, but not an attendant. He is the oldest living member of the local Odd Fellow lodge, has filled all the chairs in the subordinate lodge, and also the encamp- ment. He votes the Republican ticket and takes a great interest in current events. He has traveled extensively, attended many national conventions and expositions, is well posted on many topics, is peculiar in this, that there never was another man just like him, and as long as Dade County history is read, written or talked about, the name of William J. Davis will always find a place upon its pages.

LEWIS C. DUNAWAY.

Lewis C. Dunaway, better known as "Whig" Dun- away, all-around farmer, and good citizen of Dadeville, Dade County, Missouri, is known to almost every man, woman and child in the county. He is a native son, having been born in Sac Township December 19th, 1846, a son of Lewis T. and Jane (English) Dunaway, both natives of Tennessee, where they were married in Ray County and emigrated to Dade County, Missouri, in 1835. They set- tled on Sac river and farmed there until 1850, when he sold out and moved to Crisp Prairie, cast of Dadeville, and he died near Rolla in 1861, his wife living for many years after. Lewis T. Dunaway was an outspoken and

G. W. HAMIC AND WIFE.

ROBERT SPAIN AND WIFE.

HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE

fearless Whig in politics, and it was his reputation along this line that gave Lewis C., his son, and subject of this sketch, the nickname of "Whig," and while everyone knows Whig, very few would know who you meant if you should speak of him as Lewis C.

Whig Dunaway remained at home, working at farm- ing, until the Civil war broke out, and during the war, up to 1865, when he enlisted in Company E, Fourteenth Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, but only served for seven months, although it wasn't his fault, for the war closed, and friend Whig had to go back to farming, which he did, opening up his operations on 180 acres of good prairie land east of Dadeville. This land was unimproved, and Whig went to work with a will, for it is safe to say that he had visions of a coming of an important event in his life, for he worked as never before nor since. He broke up 40 acres of that raw land with steers, fenced it, built a small house, and, you bet, got married. He married Miss Sarah Jane Rector December 20th, 1868, who was a native of Tennessee, born there May 31, 1850, and a daughter of Grigsby Rector and Angeline Butler, his wife, both natives of Tennessee, where they were married and came to Dade County in the year 1852, settling west of Dadeville on 160 acres of government land. Mr. Rector was a Con- federate soldier and was killed during the war at Lone Jack, Mo. Whig Dunaway made no mistake in his choice of a wife, for she was made of the same high-grade mate- rial as he, so they did not surprise anyone when they began to get to the front at once. They stuck to farming, and made a business of it, stayed at the same good old place for twenty-five years, prospered, and kept buying land until at one time they had 480 acres of as good soil as Dade County affords. In 1889 they decided to move to Dadeville, having sold some of their land and given some to their children. In 1901 they bought 36 acres practically in the town of Dadeville, and remodeled the residence which now is one of the very best in the town. Besides this town property, they also own 120 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Dunaway have raised a fine family. Of their

HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE

ten children, eight are living and are a credit to the county and the name of Dunaway. In order of their birth, they are: Amos, born October 25th, 1869, died in infancy; Charlie, May 12, 1871; Anna M., born August 21, 1872, now Mrs. Thad Kirby of North Morgan; Nora J., born May 29, 1875, now Mrs. Charles McNeal of Cedar County; Theron, born April 29, 1878; Lucretia, born January 13th, 1881, now Mrs. Roscoe Pyle of Carthage, Mo .; Lucy E., born September 16th, 1883, now Mrs. Orris Landers, and lives east of Dadeville; Margaret, born February 25th, 1886, and now a teacher of Roswell, N. M .; Zola P., born December 11th, 1889, now Mrs. Roy Davis of South Mor- gan; Wilford C., born August 22nd, 1892, of Dadeville. Mr. and Mrs. Dunaway have 18 grandchildren.

Mr. and Mrs. Dunaway are consistent members of the Church of Christ. Mr. Dunaway is a staunch Republican, and can always be found ready to do his duty to his county and state. A broad-minded man, ever ready with his means to further any cause for the betterment of the county, and a man of strict honor, he numbers his friends by the hundreds, and you would have to look a long, long time to find any person who would or could say aught but good of our friend and fellow-citizen, Lewis C. (Whig) Dunaway.

WILLIAM R. DYE.

Ex-Judge William R. Dye, a resident of Everton, is one of Dade County's most prominent men. He was born in Monroe County, Missouri, April 23rd, 1854, the son of Edward Dye and Celia Ann Fletcher, his wife. The father was also a native of Monroe County, where his parents were early settlers and where Edward grew to manhood and became a farmer and married, but died in carly life; in faet, when William R., his only child, was only three weeks old. Mrs. Dye was a native of Monroe County, where her father, also, was an early settler. Mrs. Dye again married and raised a large family by her second husband, who was B. F. Fugate. The record of

HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE

this second family is as follows: James is a farmer of Polk County; John is a large ranchman of California: Solomon E. is a farmer of Hickory County; Charles of Oklahoma; Richard is a real estate dealer in Arkansas; Henry lives in Polk Township, Dade County; Albert of Hickory County; Joseph is a farmer living near Elktown, Mo., and Elizabeth, who is now Mrs. T. Martin of Dallas County, Missouri.

William R. Dye had the usual experiences of the farmer boy. He came to Dade County in 1874 and at- tended school at Dadeville, after which he taught school in this county for fifteen years, and during this time he did some farming. In 1891 he entered the mercantile business at Everton, opening up a general store in a small frame building. He prospered, and later he bought his present two-story brick building and put in a large stock of general merchandise. In 1879 Mr. Dye married Dorothy A. Cowan, who was born near Dadeville September 25th, 1860, a daughter of Robert and Margaret Cowan. Robert Cowan was a farmer near Dadeville, and was in the Civil war under Captain Morris as his lieutenant.

To Mr. and Mrs. Dye have been born six children, as follows: Margaret, born March 8th, 1881, died November 8th, 1884; Ella, born January 9th, 1884, is now Mrs. L. C. Snoddy of Ash Grove, and she has one daughter, Anneta; Albert, born March 6th, 1887, is in the store with his father; Pearl, born August 10th, 1889, married Charles Moody, a banker of Wentworth, Mo .; Clarence Cowan, born March 8th, 1892, is a telegraph operator; Rosa Gail. born June 12th, 1897, is now attending Drury College at Springfield.

William R. Dye has been and is very prominent in county affairs. He is a staunch Republican and has served with great credit to himself as judge of the county court. He and his wife are prominent members of the Presbyte- rian church, in which he is an elder. Rev. W. R. Russell is now pastor of their church, and it is a pleasant fact to record that he has been their pastor ever since he per- formed their marriage ceremony in 1879, and it was Rev.

HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE

Russell who officiated at the marriage of three of their children. Mr. Dye is a remarkable man, and to say that he has made good in every respect would be stating a strict fact. He has prospered greatly and is today one of our most substantial citizens. Besides mercantile in- terests, he is a large land owner, and is the best and most sought after auctioneer in the county, for at almost every large sale taking place in the county you will see his smiling face and hear his voice. Truly, Mr. Dye is one of our best-known men. He has lived a clean life in every way, and his honest business methods have built up for him a name second to none in this county. A large- hearted man, he is withal a kindly, courteous gentleman, the exact kind of which we need many more within our boundaries. He is now serving as acting mayor of Everton.

WILLIAM ROBINSON EATON. Deceased.

It would be impossible to write a history of the busi- ness development of Dade County, and especially our thriving city of Lockwood, and not pay high tribute to the memory of the late William R. Eaton. Although com- ing to us late, considering the very early organization of the county, he brought with him an energy and fine busi- ness training much needed in our commercial life. He was, at once, a decided success, known far and wide for his honest business methods, and made us feel and know that a man in the truest sense of the word had come to be one of us. His stay was altogether too short, and this feeble sketch is as little as we can do to perpetuate the memory of this good man, our lamented brother and fine citizen.

Mr. Eaton was born in Wisconsin August 16th, 1861, the son of William Tracy and Loverna (Robinson) Eaton. Mr. Eaton Sr. was a merchant of Grand Rapids, Mich., and his son, William R., was reared in that city, having been taken there by his father at the age of 4 years, and

HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE

received the advantage of a good education, having graduated from the Grand Rapids High School and later from one of the leading business colleges of that city.

Very soon after graduation he entered the employ of a large Chicago business house, for whom he kept books for sometime, and eventually became connected with the Williams Lumber Company of Springfield, Mo. By them he was sent to Lebanon, Mo., to take charge of their large lumber interests there, and it was greatly to his credit that in a serious lumber fight he won out, and was sent to Humansville and later to Golden City making good to a marked degree in both places. Then, in 1888, he cast his Jot in our midst, coming to Lockwood, where, after work- ing for about one year, he bought a one-half interest in ¿ lumber yard. He was not long in acquiring the entire business, and did business under the name of the W. R. Eaton Lumber Co., incorporated, and for over 25 years Mr. Eaton was its sole manager.

It is to be noted that Mr. Eaton had little capital when he first launched for himself in Lockwood, but by thoroughly honorable business methods and an untiring energy he built up a business that, at the time of his sudden death, May 4th, 1914, he had an investment of $25,000, and had added a large stock of farming imple- ments to his lumber interests.

Mr. Eaton was twice married, first at the early age of 20 years, and has a daughter, Helen, who is now Mrs. Glenarven Behymer, the wife of one of the leading at- torneys of Los Angeles, Cal., and they have one child, Mary Louise.

On January 1st, 1900, Mr. Eaton married Grace (Hull) Holland, who was born in Clinton, Ill., the daughter of Ansel and Elizabeth (Bates) Hull. By her first marriage Mrs. Eaton had one son, Harold Hull Holland, who is now one of our rising young business men, being asso- ciated with his mother in the lumber business. Mr. Hol- land is married to Miss Kittie Lee, formerly of Miller, Mo., and they have one daughter, Dorothy Lee Holland. Mr. and Mrs. William R. Eaton have four children, as follows,

HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE

all of whom are at home with Mrs. Eaton: Ruth Eliza- betli, William Robert, Grace Loverna and Elsie Rebecca. Mr. Eaton was an independent voter and took great in- derest in civic affairs. He was a valuable member of the Presbyterian church and very active in Sunday school work, having served as superintendent for a number of vears and was elder in the church for some 12 years. He was an Odd Fellow, K. of P. and Modern Woodman. Peace to his memory.

MRS. W. R. EATON LUMBER COMPANY OF LOCK- WOOD, MO.

Mrs. W. R. Eaton, Manager.

The large lumber interests of the above-named com- pany are the legitimate outcome of the efforts of the late William R. Eaton, extended mention of whom is made in another part of this volume. The business was established by Mr. Eaton about 1889. At the time of his untimely and unexpected demise, Mrs. W. R. Eaton, his wife, took active and immediate charge of the large business, and to this day, be it said, to her wonderful business ability, she has successfully managed its affairs and greatly added thereto.

This is the day of business women, it is said, but we of Dade County have few instances, in fact, none, where a business of such magnitude and complications is man- aged entirely by one of the fair sex.

Mrs. Eaton was born in Clinton, Ill., had the advan- tage of a good education, has improved her opportunities, and taken life seriously, and the result is that instead of having to dispose of a large, lucrative business on account of the death of its founder, she was well equipped to take the reins and not only keep it alive but to cope with the competition incident and accomplish greater business success. This company is known far and wide for its fair treatment of its customers and the pleasing person- ality of the manager, Mrs. Eaton, is making itself felt everywhere.

HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE

Mrs. Eaton can furnish you with anything in the building line, can make your estimates in the most ap- proved and up to date fashion, and sell you a bill of goods that you can rely upon, and do it so pleasantly that you are glad to part with the money. All honor to our one and only business woman of the first rank. Mrs. Eaton is something of a farmer, too, owning and managing con- siderable acreage. In addition to her large business, this finely-educated and courteous lady finds time to devote to her church. She and her family are a credit to our county and city. May she live long and never leave us. We need more like her.

WILLIAM N. EDGE.

Is a native of Dade County and was born where he now lives, in South Morgan Township, on the 26th day of December, 1865, a son of Jonathan and Barbara Ann (Cook) Edge. Henry Edge, his grandfather, and wife were natives of Tennessee, were married there, and Jona- than Edge was also born in Tennessee. His grandparents came to Dade County overland, in an ox wagon, bringing a family of children with them. Jonathan Edge was twice married. His first wife was Beckie McClure. She died, leaving seven children, three of whom are still living. They are Mrs. Clate Hargrave of Walnut Grove, Mrs. Steve Gray of Polk County and Mrs. Maggie Baty of Polk County. Of the second family of children, William N. Edge is the oldest. Mary, who is now Mrs. George Clem- mons, lives in the state of Washington. Roxana died at the age of 20 years. Luella, his youngest sister, is now Mrs. L. E. Brown, and also resides in the state of Wash- ington.

Jonathan Edge took up 160 acres of land in South Morgan Township, which was unimproved. He broke it up with an ox team, farmed it in a primitive manner, and prospered. He built a frame house out of native wal- nut, daslı-sawing the weather-boarding and shingles. It was built at a very early date, and was so substantial

HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE

that William N. Edge still occupies it as his home. Jona- than Edge was a good farmer, a substantial citizen, a Republican in politics, and an active member of the M. E. church, as also was his wife.

William N. Edge has always lived on the old home- stead. His father in his lifetime divided the land among his children, but by purchase from the other heirs Wil- liam has acquired title to 100 acres, upon which he lives, farms and prospers. The entire 100 acres is in cultiva- tion and well watered.

Mr. Edge has made considerable improvement in the way of wire fencing and outbuildings, so that now he has a fine farm, well improved. He raises full-blood Hereford cattle. His herd is headed by a registered bull, "Beau Sentinel." He has six registered cows. He also raises Poland-China hogs and has a fine flock of Shropshire sheep.

William N. Edge was married on the 3rd day of October, 1886, to Florilla Walker, a native of Ohio, born April 14th, 1866, daughter of James W. Walker. He was an old soldier and lived retired for years.

William N. Edge and wife are the parents of six chil- dren, five of whom are living, one dying in infancy. Those living are:

(1) Sadie, married Tom Glaze, live in Dadeville, and have four children.

(2) Emma, married William Pyle, and lives in Dadeville. They have six children.

(3) Earl Edger, married Blanch Cannady, a native of Dade County. He is a business man in Kansas, and they have two children.

(5) Willie, married Kib Brame, a farmer of Polk Township.

(5) Frank is still at home.

William N. Edge is a Republican, a member of the Township Board, has served on the school board, drives an Overland car, is a booster for good roads, good schools, and is in every way a most desirable citizen of the com- munity.

DAVID HIGGINS AND WIFE.

HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE

JACOB EIRSMAN.

Was born in the state of Pennsylvania August 25th, 1833, son of Christian and Katie (Harsy) Eirsman, of Swiss and German parentage. They settled in Mont- gomery County, Ohio, in 1836, where they farmed until 1870, when they came to Audrain County, Missouri. Christian Eirsman died in Missouri at the age of 73 years, and his widow went back to Ohio, where she died at the advanced age of 94 years.

Jacob Eirsman remained at home until 18 years of age, working on the farm and working out. At the age of 23 he learned the milling trade, and followed that occu- pation until 1882. He followed this occupation in Greene County, Illinois, and in 1882 came to Audrain County, Missouri, where he purchased land and farmed there until coming to Dade County in 1893. His first purchase in Dade County was 37 acres adjoining Greenfield on the southwest. He lived on this place ten years, then moved to Greenfield. He has owned several farms in the county and is now the owner of a fine home in the city of Green- field, also a farm of 189 acres a few miles northwest of the city, well improved, which he gives his personal at- tention. He also owns an improved farm of 130 acres in Greene County, Illinois, and 80 acres in Texas.

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History of Dade County and her people : from the date of the earliest settlements to the present time, Part 29

Author: Publication date: [1917] Publisher: Greenfield, Mo. : Pioneer Historical Co. Number of Pages: 1128

Author:
Publication date: [1917]
Publisher: Greenfield, Mo. : Pioneer Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1128