History of Dade County and her people : from the date of the earliest settlements to the present time, Part 30

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 30

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Jacob Eirsman was married on the 27th day of Octo- ber, 1859, to Rachel Crummell, born July 4th, 1839, in Ohio. She died in Illinois February 16th, 1906, leaving two living children, one of whom has since died.

Mr. and Mrs. Eirsman were the parents of three children :

(1) Katie, born August 20th, 1860, married M. E. McMahan of Illinois, where they now live. Mr. McMahan is a prominent citizen of Greene County, Illinois, a Justice of the Peace and a successful business man.

(2) Mary Frances, born in 1870 and died in 1875.

(3) Victor Lee, born August 9th, 1879, died May 6th, 1908. He married Bessie Finley, daughter of Albert Finley, and left three children, Katharine Marie, Tom

HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE

Crummell and Alberta Lee. Mr. Eirsman makes his home with Bessie Eirsman and family in Greenfield. He is a member of the Baptist church and was made an Odd Fellow in 1857.

Although 84 years of age, Mr. Eirsman is as active as many men 20 years his junior. He personally con- ducts his farming and stock raising operations on his farm, is able to do a good day's work' at manual labor and his memory is as sound as his physical body. His garden, the product of his own labor, has for many years been the pride and envy of all his neighbors. During the summer months the rising sun finds Mr. Eirsman busy with the hoe or other implement of industry, and in the winter months he is not idle.

DAVID F. EDMONSON.

Born in Greene County, Missouri, in Walnut Grove, April 2nd, 1859, son of Stephen A and Louisa (Looney) Edmonson. Stephen A. Edmonson was born in 1833 and died December 23rd, 1906. Louisa Edmonson was born in 1834 and now resides at Walnut Grove, in compara- tively good health.

David F. Edmonson received his education in the common schools of the community and entered the teach- ers' profession at the age of 21 years. He taught one term of school before his marriage, and six terms after- wards in Polk and Dade counties. He was married No- vember 16th, 1881 to Miss Ophelia G. Cantrell, who was born February 20th, 1863, daughter of Elcanah and Pru- dilla (Speight) Cantrell. The Cantrells and the Speights were pioneer families of Dade County. To this union were born six children:

(1) Jesse, born January 11th, 1886, married Fay Carlock, January 11th, 1906.

(2) Alice, born December 22nd, 1888, married Gor- don Dodd, and lives in Springfield.

(3) Alfred Ray, born August 18th, 1890, married

HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE

Elva Hargraves October 15th, 1913, lives in Polk County, and is a school teacher by profession.

(3) Madge, born September 20th, 1894, is a school teacher, now attending business college in Springfield.

(5) Allen B., born October 11th, 1897, is now attend- ing High School at Walnut Grove.

(6) Mildred L., born January 8th, 1901, is now in High School at Walnut Grove.

The mother of these children died May 21st, 1911.

On the 25th day of December, 1912, David F. Edmon- son was married to Mrs. Hattie M. (Matthews) Cunning- ham, widow of H. Albert Cunningham, a native of Dade County. She was the mother of three children prior to her marriage to Mr. Edmonson:

(1) Mabel L., born July 3rd, 1887, married Emery Clements, a merchant, who is now employed as general manager of the Kresge 5-and-10-cent store in Milwaukee, Wis. They have one child, Emery Richard Jr.

(2) Iva M., born November 8th, 1890, lives in Mil- waukee.

(3) Laclede, born March 5th, 1893, married Imogene Brown, a Kansas City girl, and they live in Colorado and have one son, Henry Albert Cunningham.

Mr. Edmonson farmed on rented land for a number of years, teaching school in the meantime, saved his money, and in 1891 he bought the old Bill Crawford farm of 200 acres, mostly on time. In a few years he paid off the mortgage cleared out the timber, fenced and cross- fenced, and improved the dwelling, so that now it is a fine seven-room house, with two halls, toilet and bath. The house is modern in every respect, including a sewage system. He has a splendid well, drilled 200 feet, and water raises within four feet of top of ground. This is practically an artesian well, with cold, soft water. He utilizes a gasoline engine for pumping purposes, has pres- sure tank in cellar with connections for irrigating lawn and garden. He also uses a windmill in connection with the farm watering system. The farm improvements in- clude two large, modern barns.

HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE

Mr. Edmonson makes a specialty of raising high- class cattle, horses and mules, and he is an enthusiastic exhibitor of prize-winning stock at the various county and district fairs. Some of his mules, especially, have brought record-breaking prices. He usually feeds many hogs for the market. Mr. Edmonson has a 40-acre field of alfalfa, which has flourished beyond his most ardent expectations. In short, Mr. Edmonson has a model stock and grain farm, highly improved, rich soil, well watered, conven- iently located, and one of which he is justly proud.

Mr. Edmonson is a Baptist, while Mrs. Edmonson is a member of the Christian church. He is a Democrat in politics and a stickler for good roads. He has always taken a prominent part in school matters and has served on the school board for many years.

Perhaps, if one should search for the key to Mr. Ed- monson's success in life, he would finde it in this: That he puts his whole life and soul into his work, declaring that whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well. He is not satisfied with anything short of the very best. When he works it is for the purpose of accomplishing a well- defined purpose, and there is no let-up until the object of his labor is accomplished.

MRS. MATILDA (LACK) EVANS.

Before Dade County was known, at the time when this district was known as Barry County, John and Sarah (Hasten) Lack moved from Virginia to Dade County and bought a claim. This was in the year 1839, 77 years ago. At this time there were but few settlers in all this region of country. They came to Boonville by water and from there to Dade County overland, the primitive way.

"Aunt Tilly" was 7 years old at the time her parents moved to this county, she being the third in birth of a family of 11 children, having been born in Virginia April 23rd, 1832. The elder Lacks began to farm soon after they purchased a claim in Lockwood-Greenfield district,

HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE

and by careful management and sagacious living, there were added to that Lack homestead 800 acres of land, known to this day as the Lack Settlement, and much of it is still owned by his heirs. "Aunt Tilly" was born in Virginia, the mother of presidents. From her parents she inherited an ambitious spirit and a strong determination to win in every life attempt. Soon after her Dade County citizenship began she determined to gain the best educa- tion possible, therefore her parents provided for her the best opportunity possible. Her early girl life is closely linked with the schcol history of the county, so much so that it is difficult to mention the early school history of Greenfield without mentioning her name. All the oldest settlers delight to talk about the school interests in those days, and none of them fail to mention "Aunt Tilly." According to the memory of the oldest inhabitants, it was a very difficult matter for members of her class to keep pace with her in her studies. She has always pos- sessed a splendid memory. While other students were fretting over hard problems, she would solve them and have plenty of time for recreation and amusement. Her bright, witty brain always afforded pleasure for her com- panions and her knowledge of matters and various prob- Jems gave her a wide circle of friends.

When true character clothes the life there is nothing that can foil its purpose. Determination to win is a great asset. After a time, when, becoming a young woman, school days became more interesting to "Aunt Tilly," because of the fact that her life dream was about to come true-she should become a master of a school room and lead others in the paths of education. In 1866 she began teaching, and she kept on teaching a few years after she and Mr. Evans were married. She taught at the famous Honey Creek school house over in Pennsylvania Prairie., the school that has one of the richest histories it is pos- sible to find, and which is treated in another chapter. She also taught near Arcola, as well as in Center Township. Many of the tow-headed boys and girls of age remember her well as their teacher and friend. At this time Green-

HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE

field was in her swaddling garments, and the old log school house served the purpose of church functions, as well as school. Helm Wetzel, Samuel Weir and other well- known citizens were her schoolmates. One school house then stood in the vicinity of the Edward Shaw garage, and another stood in the neighborhood of the Dr. Bailey home, now the property of Mrs. Dr. Martin. Another chapter will give full account of the early school houses.

The lilies of the valley give no sweeter charm than a white-headed old couple on their march to the eternal sea. Both fitness and worth surely mark the characters of "Uncle George" and "Aunt Tilly." They bear a charm in age that wins the admiration of the student, the common day man, the man in business, or the man of leisure. Their heads are white-capped with the snows of many winters, yet their hearts are warmed by the return- ing of spring time and early summer sunrays of hope, confidence and trust. When they depart an entire county will mourn.

Mrs. Virginia Pearson and Alexander Lack of Lock- wood are sister and brother to "Aunt Tilly," and John Lack of Center Township is also a brother. The history of the Lack family is too important to omit from the his- tory of our county and people.

SAMUEL FARMER.

Was born in Dade County, Missouri, near Seybert, November 4th, 1867, son of Solomon and Elizabeth (Cox) Farmer, both natives of Tennessee, and married there. They came to Dade County in the early 50's and settled near Seybert Here they farmed for many years, raising a family of 9 children, Samuel being next to the youngest. Four of these children are still living. One brother, William, lives in Oklahoma; one sister, Sarah, is now Mrs. John Harlow of Louisiana, and one sister, Evaline, is now Mrs. James Morris, and lives in Aurora.

Samuel Farmer was 13 years of age when his father died, and from then on he fought his own way in the

HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE

world. He worked out at anything and everything he could find to do for seven years, then entered the mill- ing business at Seybert. At this time the Seybert mill was owned by J. F. Johnson, and he remained in this employment for 27 years, working with Mr. Johnson, Mr. C. W. Montgomery, and later with Arkley Frieze. He became an expert miller, and in 1914 purchased the Hulston mill from the Nixon estate. On acquiring this property, he refitted and remodeled the same, giving it a capacity of 25 barrels per day, with a saw mill in connection. It is now in first class condition, equipped with a 24-horsepower engine, driven by a 30-horsepower boiler, and it is only possible to estimate the extent of the waterpower which, with a fair head of water, his tur- bine wheels would easily develop 100-horsepower or more. He has made a specialty of manufacturing Red Seal first- grade and Purity, a second-grade, flour, brands which are known all over the country for their excellence. He also buys all kinds of grain and produce.

In addition to his mercantile business, Mr. Farmer also does custom grinding, which is a great accommoda- tion to the surrounding community. There are 11 acres of land belonging to this mill site, and the entire plant represents an investment of $5,000. Mr. Farmers' dwell- ing is located on this 11-acre tract.

Mr. Farmer was married on the 2nd day of Septem- ber, 1888, to Miss Lake Pyle, a daughter of Carter and Sarah (Grant) Pyle, whose history will appear in a more extended form in another part of this volume.

To this union were born 11 children: Howard M., Sarah E., Mary, Mabel, Blossom, Nona, Eula, Frieda, Archie, Carter and Hazel. Three are married. Howard married Anna Woody. They have one child. Sarah E. married Dennis Jennings, and lives near Seybert. They have two children. Mary married Ira H. Hall, Sheriff of Dade County. They have one child.

Mr. Farmer is a Republican. He and his wife are each members of the Christian church, and he has been an Elder for some years. Mr. Farmer is a type of those

HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE

industrious men who are self-made. Notwithstanding the handicap of poverty in his early days and the burden of raising a large family, he has faced the struggle cheer- fully, and has succeeded.

WILLIAM LEE FERGUSON.

One of the prominent financiers and business men of Dade County was born September 18th, 1870, in Lafay- ette County, Missouri, son of Richard and Mary J. (McLay) Ferguson. His father was born in Kentucky February 17th, 1839, while his mother was born in Indiana August 27th, 1840. His father died during the year 1906, while his mother had departed this life in 1876.

Richard Ferguson was of Scotch-Irish parentage, being a son of John Henry Ferguson, who was born in England. He was a farmer by occupation and came to Missouri in 1860 and located in Lafayette County, where for a number of years he enjoyed a fair measure of suc- cess. He afterward purchased a farm and moved to John- son County, where he spent the remainder of his days. During the Civil war he aligned himself with the Con- federate cause, and part of his military service was as a private in a division commanded by General Price. He was a Democrat in politics and early in life united with the Christian church.

Mary J. Ferguson was also of Scotch-Irish parentage, and came to Lafayette County in a very early day. Both Mr. and Mrs Ferguson are buried in Lafayette County, at the Mt. Tabor cemetery. She was a member of the Christian church. Five children were born of this mar- riage:

(1) John Chapman, born in Lafayette County June 10th, 1863, died December 21st, 1913.

(2) Jennie L., born in Kentucky May 31st, 1865, married J. S. Gilliland, a farmer, living at Holden, Mo.

(3) James Walter, born in Kentucky October 27th, 1867, died March 28th, 1886,

(4) William Lee, the subject of this sketch.

LOCK WOOD VIEWS.

Loekwwd Hick Ockob

HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE

(5) Sallie G., born in Lafayette County May 17th, 1873, married W. D. Utt, a farmer, living near Holden, Mo.

A very interesting relic, now in the possession of Wil- liam L. Ferguson, is a very aneient book, considerably more than 100 years old. It is a small account book, originally intended for "Tides men to keep their accounts of delivery of goods from on shipboard." It was evi- dently owned and used by Ralph Gorrell during the 18th century as a Tidesman's record, but was afterwards trans- formed into a family record. The original cash entries were in pounds, shillings and pence, and seemed to be for "indigo." The first entry of a birth record reads: "Ralph G. Maxwell, born October 23rd, 1803." Then follows the names and dates of births and deaths, with the notation that they were born in Ireland. Adison C. DeLay was born July 24th, 1809, in France. These were great-grandparents of William L. Ferguson on his moth- er's side. The book has every appearance of extreme old age, being bound in sheepskin, the pages being yellow with age. The entry on the last page in the book is of special interest: "February 1st, 1801, Robert Gorrell, Dr. to David Gorrell, to cash lent you, 6 pounds, 10 shillings, North Carolina currency."

William L. Ferguson was raised on a farm, attended the country schools, after which he took a course at the State Normal at Warrensburg. He then taught for two years in the country schools, and afterwards was principal of the schools in Holden, Mo., for three years, and was also principal of the schools at Hallsville, in Boone County, for three years. He came from Holden to Sonth Greenfield in May, 1904, and engaged in the general mer- chandise business with J. L. Gilliland. After one and a half years he became interested in, and, with others, organ- ized the Farmers' State Bank at South Greenfield, and later became its cashier, which position he still holds.

Mr. Ferguson was married in Greenfield, Mo., Decem- ber 22nd, 1901, to May Boisseau, daughter of C. D. and Sythia Jane (Gilliland) Boisseau, her father being one of the influential citizens of Dade County, having been a

HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE

member of the state legislature from Dade County for two terms and prominent in Republican politics.

Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson are the parents of one child, Lucy Lee, born August 6th, 1906. Mr. Ferguson is a member of the Christian church, while Mrs. Ferguson holds membership in the Presbyterian church at Green- field. He is an Odd Fellow, a M. W. A., a Democrat in politics, and, while not an office-seeker, he has hield many positions of honor and trust in his community. He has been Trustee and Treasurer of Washington Township since its organization, was one of the prime movers in the establishment of the village school at South Greenfield, was active in the erection of the school building, las served many years on the school board, both as director and treasurer, which position he now holds, and is treas- urer of the city of South Greenfield and of the I. O. O. F. lodge of that place.

Mr. Ferguson has been one of the leading spirits in the good-roads movement in Dade County, and as a mem- ber of the Washington Township organization, and also as president of the Good-Roads Committee of that town- ship he worked incessantly for the best interests of the township in the matter of voting bonds for the construc- tion of 17 miles of rock road in his township, and it was largely due to his executive ability in the matter of ex- penditures that the township was able to build such good roads ..

THOMAS RANDOLPH FINLEY.

Was born in the Territory of Arkansas in 1819 upon a farm, and received only a common school education. He emigrated with his family to Kentucky, where he remained two or three years, and then came to Dade County in 1849 and located on what is now Pilgrim Town- ship, where he bought and entered land. Here he raised his family and accumulated property until his real estate holdings amounted to 180 acres. He was a member of the Home Guards during the Civil war, and a member of the Baptist church, but later became a member of the

HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE

Christian church. In politics he was a Democrat. He was a great reader and very conversant with the bible, and engaged in many biblical discussions.

He was married to Mary E. Bandy in Arkansas. She was a member of the Christian church. To this union were born four children, three of whom are living:

(1) Milton L., a carpenter, now living in Colorado.

(2) Louisa A., married John M. Shelton.

(3) Della F., married Robert J. West, and resides near Roberts, Ark.

Louisa A. Finley was married to John M. Shelton November 10th, 1871. He was a son of John D. and Ada- line (Brown) Shelton. He was born in Tennessee Au- gust 1st, 1847. The family lived in Lawrence County, Missouri, in an early day, and John M. came to Dade County in the 70's, and located near Pilgrim and taught school seven years. He farmed the Finley homestead and died there Marh 14th, 1891. He was a successful farmer, a member of the Baptist church, belonged to the I. O. O. F. and was a Democrat in politics.

He enlisted in Company E, Forty-sixth Regiment, Missouri Infantry Volunteers, and served six months, until the close of the war. He was but 18 years of age when he enlisted.

Mr. and Mrs. Shelton were the parents of three children:

(1) Stella, born on the Finley homestead February 17th, 1873, was educated in the home schools and at Ozark College in Greenfield. Married Albert Daigh October 24th, 1893, son of Thomas J. and Mary J. ( Willis) Daigh, one of the pioneer families of Dade County, Richard Willis having settled early in South Township. Albert and Stella Daigh are the parents of one child, Offner V., born June 24th, 1894. His parents reside on a farm in South Township, while Offner is engaged in farming, and also in automobiles.

(2) Luella, born on the Finley homestead October 15th, 1874, married Dr. W. R. Riley of Everton, where she now resides.

HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE

(3) Douglas Jones, born on the Finley homestead December 1st, 1883, and is now farming the Finley home- stead. He married Myrtle Dickinson, and they have three children, Thomas Randolph, Miriam Lecelia and James Dickinson.

Mrs. Shelton is a member of the Christian church. She moved to Everton in 1906, and is now living a retired life in that city.

ANDREW JACKSON FRIAR.

It would be impossible to write a complete history of Dade County without the name, "Friar," standing out prominently upon almost every page. The subject of this sketch is a man who is properly styled as being "indigenous to the soil," having spent his entire life upon the old homestead which his grandfather settled in the 30's.

Andrew Jackson Friar was born in Dade County, Mis- souri, on the 25th day of February, 1863, a son of William and Lucy (Hudspeth) Friar, who were natives of Gilford County, North Carolina. William came to Dade County at the age of 18 years with his father, also named William Friar, in the 30's. They came overland with ox teams, and settled upon the farm where Mr. Friar now lives, his grandfather taking up about 400 acres of choice land along Turnback ereek, much of which was splendid bottom land. On this farm his grandfather and grandmother lived, served, sacrificed and died. They raised a family of eight children, all of whom are dead except Susan Preston, widow of Isaac Preston (deceased), who is still active even at the extreme age of 84 years.

William Friar, the father of Andrew J. Friar, was married in Dade County, Missouri, to Lucy Hudspeth, daughter of Andrew Hudspeth, once sheriff of the county. William stayed with the old home place, and after the death of his father bought out the other heirs and made the place of his choice his permanent home.

HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE

In the exciting days of 1849 William contracted the "gold fever," and, like the Argonauts of old, he set sail in a Prairie Schooner to the golden fields of California, and after a period of some years returned home with a goodly supply of the yellow metal. William Friar was the father of seven children, Andrew J. being the third son. Thad and Robert died in Dade County years ago. William lives in Dade County. Nannie, now Mrs. Judson Adamson lives in Lawrence County. Susan died when 2 years of age, and Lula died at the age of 5 years.

William Friar was a Democrat, served during the Civel war in the Home Guards under Colonel Bailey, and is buried at the Shiloh cemetery. He owned 240 acres of land at the time of his death, was a good man, a suc- cessful farmer, took great delight in live stock, was an upright Christian gentleman, a member of the M. E. church (South), and died as he lived, honored and re- spected by the people who knew him best.

Andrew J. Friar has always lived upon the original Friar homestead. At his mother's death, in connection with his brother, he purchased the interest of the remain- ing heirs, and divided the farm so that he acquired 160 acres, including the dwelling house built by his father in 1876. His entire life has been spent upon the farm, and contentment is his priceless heritage. Since purchasing the farm he has erected a large barn, added to the comfort and convenience of the dwelling, and made other valuable improvements in order to more successfully carry on his farming and live stock enterprises.

On the 7th day of May, 1893, he married Mollie Ruark, a native of Lawrence County, who was born July 10th, 1873, a daughter of Joshua Wheeler Ruark and Selina (Sutton) Ruark, the former being a native of Indiana and the latter of Newton County, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Ruark were married in Newton County, Mis- souri. Joshua Wheeler Rnark died in Lawrence county June 6th, 1902, at his farm, where he had resided 36 years, and his funeral was attended by practically

HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE

every citizen in the community. His remains were buried in the Sychamore cemetery of that neighborhood.

Joshua W. Ruark was 6 years old when he first came to Dade County. At the breaking out of the Civil war he enlisted in the Federal army and served over three years in Company L, Eighth Missouri State Militia. He was captured twice and barely escaped being shot while in the hands of "Bushwhackers." At one time he and a companion were in swimming, when his companion was shot, and Mr. Ruark barely escaped a like fate.

Mr. and Mrs. Ruark were the parents of six children:

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History of Dade County and her people : from the date of the earliest settlements to the present time, Part 30

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