USA > Missouri > Dade County > History of Dade County and her people : from the date of the earliest settlements to the present time > Part 32
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Mr. Garver is a true type of the early pioneer, having lived in Dade County during all the years of her adversity as well as her prosperity. He has seen the broad prairies and fertile valleys transformed from fields of game to fields of grain. Cities, towns and villages have sprung up under his gaze, families have come and gone, popula- tions have changed, but Mr. Garver is still here to tell the story.
He is bearing up well under his weight of years and still takes a lively interest in the passing events. He enjoys the confidence and respect of his neighbors and is one of the substantial men in the community in which he lives.
REV. WILLIAM J. GARRETT.
William J. Garrett, born May 4th, 1820, departed this life June 16th, 1915, being at the time of his death 95 years one month and 12 days of age.
The time of my first remembrance of Brother Garrett dates back to three or four years before the war. I first saw him at the old Sand Mountain camp ground. He was preaching to a large congregation of people. I was then but a boy of 15 or 16 years, but I was attracted by his earnestness and heard him to the close of his dis- course, which made such an impression that I never for- got him, and always thereafter regarded him as an able minister.
It was his first visit to the annual camp meeting that was held on those sacred grounds. He soon became endeared to the vast crowds of people who attended, and was always there during some part of those meetings, and was gladly received by the people and loved for his work's sake.
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When the cloud of war settled down on our country and closed for a time these precious meetings, I, with many young men, went to the army. I am told that Brother Garrett was ever ready through those trouble- years to preach the precious gospel wherever his lot was cast, though I only heard from him incidentally until the fearful strife was over. Brother Garrett, with his family, moved to some place not far from Sedalia, where he labored for the Master until the cloud of war passed away, when he returned with his family to Greenfield and renewed his work.
In the autumn of 1886 the camp meeting was resur- rected from the wreck of war, and the hosts of Israel again pitched their tents on the old camp ground. Brother Garrett was there, and was one of the ministers who preached most ably and spiritually. On that occasion a great revival of religion followed, resulting in the salva- tion of something near 100 souls, a great number for that early day. Among the converts of that meeting there were three young men, each of whom in after years be- eame ministers of the Cumberland-Presbyterian church, namely, W. R. Russell, James H. Barnett and W. E. Shaw.
It was truly a great meeting. It was estimated that on Sunday night there were 140 seekers at the altar and among them were 45 soldier boys of the Sixth Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, and many of them were converted. It is due Brother Garrett's memory that I speak of him as a great preacher. He was able, resourceful and conse- crated, logical in his deductions, spiritual in his delivery and pleasant in his address. He was also a sweet singer, and there was a pathos in his great gift of song that was truly inspiring and encouraging to the unconverted.
Brother Garrett was a favorite in funeral preaching, and went far and near, in his sympathy, when called to such work. He was also a favorite in solemnizing the marriage rite, as his record indicates.
When I was a licentiate I frequently assisted him and Rev. J. D. Montgomery in revival work, and when I was ordained to the full work of the ministry he was
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among the number of consecrated ministers who laid his hand upon my head.
Brother Garrett loved his church, with its doctrines. He was a strong man in its councils, and was therefore prized in his presbytery, and in synod, and was frequently sent as a commissioner to the general assembly.
His services as a pastor were sought by the best churches in his presbytery, and his field work, in some way, was blessed throughout its boundary. He was known and respected not only in his own church, but also by other religious people wherever he went.
Brother Garrett leaves a respected and honorable family, as a trophy of his sterling worth. Many will rise up in the judgment and call him blessed, he having been instrumental in leading them to the Savior of men.
May his mantle fall on others who will continue the work so sucessfully begun and completed in his long and useful life. W. E. SHAW.
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CHARLES W. GILLMAN.
Financier, farmer and stockman, he was born near Carlinville, Ills., June 1st, 1864, the third of a family of seven children, a son of Henry Gillman, a native of Ger- many, who came from the Fatherland many years ago and located in Macoupin County, Illinois, near Carlinville. True to the traditions of his race, he was an energetic, frugal, industrious man, and prospered. In 1869 he came to Dade County and purchased a large tract of land in Marion Township, upon which he raised large num- bers of horses, mnles, sheep and cattle. He remained on this farm until about four years prior to his death, when he moved to Lockwood and retired from active business. He died in 1909 at the age of 75 years. He was a member of the Presbyterian church and voted the Democratie ticket till the first administration of Grover Cleveland, after which time he aligned himself with the Republican party. At the time of his death he owned 1,040 acres of land, a fine residence in Lockwood, three business houses
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and a large amount of personal property, including notes, mortgages and Government Bonds.
In 1893 Henry Gillman, H. A. Cunningham and J. N. Burns organized the private bank of "Gillman, Burns & Co.," which operated in Lockwood until 1896, when it was changed to "Henry Gillman and C. W. Gillman," and so continued till 1903, when it was chartered as "The Bank of Lockwood," with Henry Gillman as President, C. W. Gillman as Cashier and John M. Adams as Assistant Cashier. About three years before the death of his father C. W. Gillman became the President of the insti- tution, and still holds that position.
C. W. Gillman came to Dade County with his father in 1869. He attended the common schools of the county. worked on the farm, and when coming to Dade County helped drive 1,400 sheep from Illinois to the Dade County farm. His schooling was quite limited. From the age of 7 years up to the time he was 12 years old he attended public school, and later attended High School in Green- field. In the fall of 1882 he took a three months course in Business College at Sedalia, returned home, and ac- cepted a position in the "old" Bank of Lockwood. For many years he has owned and managed many farms in the vicinity of Lockwood. At the present time his real estate holdings amount to 320 acres in Lockwood and Marion Townships, and he buys, sells, feeds and ships cattle and hogs extensively.
For a number of years Mr. Gillman lived in Lock- wood, but a few years ago he purchased 160 acres of land lying just east of the city and almost joining the corporate limits. Upon this he erected one of the finest country homes in the state. Equipped with a modern heating and water system and lighted by electricity, it is modern in every respect. In keeping with his progressive in- stinets, Mr. Gillman, at his own expense, graded, graveled and macadamized one-half mile of road leading from the city to his farm at a cost of about $700, thereby setting a good example for his less progressive neighbors.
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Mr. Gillman is the owner of two automobiles, of which he makes constant nse, both for business and pleasure.
On the 26th day of October, 1898, he was married to Lucy B. Pursel, a native Missouri girl, daughter of Alexan- der and Annie (McAllister) Parsel, of Scotch ancestry. They came to Dade County from North Missouri in 1892. He died in 1903. His widow makes her home with C. W. Gillman.
Henry Gillman and wife were the parents of seven children, viz:
(1) Emma, married Henry Miller, a farmer of Marion Township.
(2) John H., a farmer in Marion Township.
(3) C. W. Gillman.
(4) George, a farmer, lives on the old homestead.
(5) Frank, lives in Lockwood.
(6) Sophia, lives in Lockwood.
(7) Lizzie, lives with her mother in Lockwood.
C. W. Gillman and wife have but one child, Mary Helen, born April 26th, 1900. She is a characteristic High School girl, enjoys outdoor sports and is an expert auto driver.
Mrs. Gillman is a member of the Presbyterian church. He is a Mason, a Shriner, and his wife belongs to the East- ern Star. In politics, Mr. Gillman is an active Republican and, while never a candidate for an office himself, his support is much desired by those of more ambitious ten- dencies politically.
Mr. Gillman is yet a young man and vitally interested in the enterprises of his business. The full measure of his success in life has by no means been computed, but if he should quit the stage of action today and retire to private life, the following motto might with all propriety be emblazoned upon the family scroll: "From Sheepfold to Shrine!"
Mr. Gillman's financial success in life has in no way changed his early tastes or tendencies. He is a plain
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HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
man of the plain people. Sociable, accommodating and kind are words which fitly express his bearing toward his neighbors and his friends.
JAMES L. GILLILAND.
Born in Johnson County, Missouri, November 13th, 1863, son of Abel Gilliland, a native of Tennessee, born in 1809 and died in 1879, or Irish ancestry. Came west when a young man, working in the mines near St. Louis, later he came to Johnson County and entered a tract of land, erected a two-story log house upon it, which he afterward weather-boarded. He was a man of simple tastes and retired habits, never desiring to be rich, but always lived well. He was very liberal in his political views, choosing the man rather than the party, and in this way frequently changed the form of his ballot. He married Kathryn Stewart in Missouri and raised a family of nine children:
(1) Nancy, married John Heisey, a farmer and blacksmith, raising a family of six children. She is now dead.
(2) Jane, married C. D. Boisseau, who is now a prominent citizen of Greenfield, ex-member of the Mis- souri Legislature, ex-mayor of the city, and a leading Republican politician. They had three children.
(3) Laura, married Daniel Boisseau, an attorney of Warrensburg. They have one child, O. G. Boisseau, an attorney and Republican politician of Holden, Mo.
(4) Josephine, married John Heisey, now deceased. She is living in Colorado. They had no children.
(5) George, now deceased.
(6) Alice, the present wife of Hon. C. D. Boisseau of Greenfield. Her first husband was Washington Ren- nick, by whom she had two children.
(7) Mattie, now deceased.
(S) Joseph S., a farmer, now residing in Johnson County. Married Jennie Ferguson. They have three children.
HENRY ALBERT CUNNINGHAM.
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HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
(9) James L. Gilliland.
Mr. Gilliland was raised on a farm and received a very meager education by attending the common schools of Johnson County. He remained on the farm until 1901, when he came to South Greenfield and purchased the grocery business then being conducted y J. H. Poe.
In the grocery business Mr. Gilliland has achieved a reasonable degree of success. In 1914. in company with J. H. Fuqua, he erected and equipped an electric light plant for South Greenfield.
On the 26th day of August, 1907, he was married to Miss Nellie Miller of South Greenfield, a daughter of D. R. and Mary (De Berry) Miller, born in 1886. Mr. Miller is a retired railroad bridge builder, having worked in that capacity for both the Rock Island and Frisco railroads. He came to South Greenfield in 1881. Mr. Miller is a veteran of the Civil war, serving on the Union side, and a Republican in politics. His wife is a member of the M. E. church.
Mr. and Mrs. Gilliland have no living children. One child was born of this marriage, but died in infancy.
Mr. Gilliland is a Republican in politics and a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F.
JOHN L. GLASS.
The subject of this sketch was born in Ohio, "the Home of the Presidents," on the 17th day of December, 1851, his father, Jacob Glass, and his mother, Eliza (Cou- ser) Glass, both being natives of the same state and both being buried there, having died about the year 1908.
Mr. Glass was the fourth of nine children to attain adult age, all of whom are now living, except his youngest sister, who was Mrs. Elwood Albright. She died in De- cember, 1893, leaving three children. The remainder of his brothers and sisters still reside in the state of Ohio.
In early life Mr. Glass gave evidence of possessing mechanical skill above the ordinary, and was appren- ticed to a harness-maker, in which trade he became very
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HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
proficient. The confinement of the shop not being in keeping with his instincts, he again took up farm work, where he was employed by the year on various farms in his native stato up to the time of his marriage, after which he was employed by an uncle for three years. In 1879 he took up railroad construction work, and after two years came west, landing in Springfield, Mo., on October 20th, 1881.
With remarkable foresight, he purchased a magnifi- cent tract of land, consisting of 120 aeres, which he im- proved and lived upon for 12 years, during which time he also followed the stone mason trade, his farm being but three miles from Springfield. Desiring a greater acreage, he exchanged his Greene County farm for 320 acres in Smith Township, Dade County, where he now lives, and to which he has added 150 acres, making him one of the most desirable stock farms in the county. When he ac- quired this tract of land in 1893 it was poorly improved, having only a small log house, but few aeres cleared, and no fencing at all.
At the present time it is all fenced and cross-fenced with hog wire, most of the land is in a high state of cultivation and beautified with commodious buildings. In 1911 Mr. Glass constructed an eight-room frame farm dwelling, with a modern lighting plant, cement walks and porch, a splendid barn and convenient outbuildings. A nover-failing spring branch furnishes an abundant supply of water in the pastures, while the house and barn lots are supplied with two excellent wells, equipped with a modern windmill.
Mr. Glass has been able to start each of his boys in life with an 80-aero farm adjoining the homestead, which speaks well for his generosity, as well as his prosperity. He takes great delight in his farming enterprises and manages to raise and market at least one carload of hogs each year, to say nothing of the cream, butter and eggs, and other farm products which go to the market annually.
John L. Glass was married to Eliza Jane Lucas, a native of Pennsylvania, on the 6th day of April, 1875. She
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HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
was born on the 2nd day of December, 1853, and is still living. Her mother and step-father, Isaac P. Edwards, came to Greene County, Missouri, in 1881, resided on a farm north of Springfield, and both died there.
Mr. Glass is the father of five children, all of whom are living.
Thomas F. Glass, his oldest son, was born January 4th, 1876, was married to Sadie Brown, a native of Web- ster County, and they now reside in Dade County on a farm near his father's home. To this union were born six children, viz:
Della, born October 16th, 1901.
Richard, born June 4th, 1904.
Wilbert, born October 24th, 1906.
John Leonard, born March 16th, 1909.
James M., born January 15th, 1912.
Jake Lester, born July 10th. 1914.
His second son, George A. Glass, was born December 17th. 1877. and was married to Pina Reich, a native of Dade County They also have six children, viz:
Mabel. born April 9th. 1905.
Ralph, born November 3rd. 1907.
David, born April 17th, 1910.
Helen, born July 15th, 1912.
George, born December 17th. 1913.
Charles, born September 25th, 1915.
Their oldest danghter. Susie, was born September 2nd. 1879, and married John L. Berry. They settled also in Smith Township, are engaged in farming and have a family of eight interesting children, viz:
Bessie. John Lloyd, Hazel Ruby, a pair of twins named Joseph and Jesse. Orvy, Cecil and Clyde.
The fourth child of John L. Glass, named Jacob O., was born September 9th. 1853, and married Drue Berry. a native of Dade County. He still resides on the old homestead and is engaged, with his father, in running the farm.
The youngest child, Peachye, was born August 15th. 1890. and married Ray Barker, a native of Dade County.
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They reside on a Dade County farm, and are the happy parents of two children, viz: Curtis Leo and Ruby.
Mr. Glass and his wife have long been members of the Christian church, the former having been an elder for six years. He has always taken an active part in poli- ties, and by nativity and tradition was a Republican. In 1894 he was elected Judge of the Western District and served in that capacity two years, during which time the "good roads" movement was inaugurated, and afterward, in 1911, he served one year as County Highway Engineer. He has been a member of the school board in his home
district for 32 consecutive years. Most men have a "hobby," and if this fault can be charged to Mr. Glass, it consists of just three things: "Good roads, good schools and good nomes to live in." When Mr. Glass came to Dade County many of the school houses were without seats and school interest was at low ebb. He, himself, having a good common school education, it was his desire that all his children and his neighbor's children should enjoy the same boon.
As an assurance that Mr. Glass shall live to enjoy a "green old age," he is now blessed with 22 grandchildren, and one remarkable co-incident, which does not often occur in the history of any family, is this: John L. Glass, his son, George, and his grandson, George, were all born on December 17th.
The history of Mr. Glass is but one of the many object lessons taken from real life, which demonstrate what in- dustry, energy, honesty, fixity of purpose and high ideals will accomplish. The owner of a palatial country home, surrounded by family, friends and all the necessities of life, there is no reason why he could not truthfully say unto his children, like Jacob of old, "The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progeni- tors, unto the ntmost bound of the Everlasting Hills."
JOHN GLENN.
Born in Dade County, Missouri, July 10th, 1869, son of James and Martha ( Freedle) Glenn. His father and
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HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
mother are both living. His father is a native of Dade County and lives at Corry. His grandfather, Jack Glenn, was one of the very first settlers of the county. Various branches of the Glenn family reside in Dade County, but principally in the northern and eastern part.
John Glenn started in life for himself at the age of 25 years. Hle received only a common school education and adopted farming as his occupation in life. For a number of years he cultivated rented land and was suc- cessful. In the year 1908, in company with John A. Hall, he purchased 289 acres of farm land near Corry, which they owned jointly for three years, and then divided up. He is now the owner of a fine farm of 145 acres, all in cultivation except 10 acres, fenced and cross-fenced. He has made numerous improvements, including a modern barn and a 90-ton silo. He is engaged in general farming and stock raising, his live stock enterprises including horses, cattle and mules.
On the 3rd day of September, 1893, he was married to Miss Omeda Hall, daughter of Adam Hall, a pioneer merchant of Corry, and whose history is given at length in the sketch of John A. Hall. Mrs. Omeda Glenn was born in Dade County, Missouri, and her marriage to John Glenn six children were born.
(1) Ormal, born July 22nd, 1894. Died at the age of 3 weeks.
(2) McCoy, born March 8th, 1896, married Bessie Friend September 20th, 1916, and they are now farming in South Morgan Township.
(3-4) Effie and Ester (twins), born June 26th, 1899.
(5) Martha L., born October 12th, 1903.
(6) Ina Cleo, born February 15th, 1907.
Mr. and Mrs. Glenn are members of "The Church of God," commonly called "Holiness," and are faithful ad- herents to the cause of Christ. Mr. Glenn is a Republican, and active in the local affairs of the community, espe- cially the schools, having served several years as a mem- ber of the school board.
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HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
JOHN F. GODFREY.
A native of Washington County, Iowa, born July 15th, 1866, a son of Abe and Mary (Lewis) Godfrey, both na- tives of Ohio, but married in Iowa. Abe Godfrey was a veteran of the Civil war. Both he and his wife are dead and buried in Indiana.
John F. Godfrey was next to the youngest of a family of five children. He stayed at home till 30 years of age, working for and with his father till he was 16, when his father died. He taught school in Jay County, Indiana, from the time he was 16 years of age, three of which were spent in Kansas, and at the age of 30 years he went to Oklahoma and bought 160 acres of land in Lincoln County. On the road to Oklahoma he had the good fortune to marry Carry B. Lewis, who was also interested in Oklahoma land. She was teaching school in Pratt County, Kansas, started for Oklahoma single, bnt returned the wife of John F. Godfrey. This hap- pened on August 31st, 1591. She was also a native of Iowa, having been born May 30th, 1872, a daughter of W. W. Lewis (now deceased.)
In 1-99 John F. Godfrey sold his original 160 acres and moved to another 160-acre improved tract, where he remained one year, selling it and buying another 160- acre improved farm in Woods County, Oklahoma. He re- mained on this place till 1910, when he sold out and came direct to Dade County, buying a farm of 160 acres lying directly south of South Greenfield. Ninety-five acres of this tract is in cultivation and fairly well im- proved. He has erected a 110-ton silo since buying this farm. He is engaged in general farming, has about 20 head of horses and mules, 45 head of cattle and 200 head of hogs. The farm is well watered and especially adapted for raising live stock.
Mr. Godfrey and wife were the parents of four children:
(1) Charles Lewis, born July 15th, 1896. Graduated from the Greenfield High School in 1917.
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HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
(2) Albert, born JJanuary 18th, 1893. Graduated from the Greenfield High School in 1917.
(3) Grace, born Dec. 19th, 1901, is now at home attending school. A Freshman in the Greenfield High School in 1917.
(4) Wilford, born August 15th, 1904.
Mrs. Godfrey died February 14th, 1912, and is buried at Pennsboro. She and Mr. Godfrey were both members of the Christian church.
Mr. Godfrey is a Democrat in politics, and was Deputy County Clerk in Pratt County, Kansas. He is a man of good education, and especially well informed on the current events of the day. He is a splendid type of the self-made man, battling in early life against adverse circumstances and coming out more than winner.
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MARION C. GOTHARD.
The man whose name heads this sketch is one of our best-known citizens, and has done and is now doing a vast amount of good in our midst. He was born in Cedar County. Nebraska February 2nd, 1858, a son of Archie and Susan (Delosier) Gothard, both natives of Virginia, and came here at an early date, and died when their only child, Marion, was a small lad. He was raised by his grandfather, Unele Jack Gothard, with whom he lived until 19 years of age. His Grandfather Gothard had saved the money coming to the lad from the govern- ment on account of his father having been a United States soldier, and this he invested in 40 acres of timber land in Cedar County, which the young man cleared before he became of age.
He was an industrious youth and prospered from the start, and added 200 acres near his original 40, paying $2.50 per acre. A little later he secured an other 40, and so, it is seen, he had a fine start in life when quite young, brought about by his desire to get ahead in the world and his close application to business. Now having 280 acres of good land, he decided to get married, and, ac-
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HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
cordingly, on August 4th, 1881, he married Miss Belle Dodson, who was born in Polk County January 4th, 1862, and is a daughter of John and Martha (Grady) Dodson, both natives of Tennessee, and came to Polk County, Missouri, at an early day. To Mr. and Mrs. Gothard have been born six children, as follows: Hattie, born February 14th, 1884, now Mrs. William Compton, and lives near Everton, in this county; Zina E., born January 1st, 1887, received a fine education at Dadeville, Carthage and Springfield Normal, and is now teaching at Cushing, Okla., where she has been for the past four years; Archie, born January 1st, 1890, also educated at Dadeville, Chilo- cothe and Springfield Normal, has taught in Oklahoma, as well as Dade County, is now a resident of Tulsa, Okla .; Eunice O., born August 5th, 1892, also educated at Dade- ville, Carthage and Springfield Normal, and is teaching in Cushing, Okla .; Flossie E., born October 5th, 1896, re- ceived the same school advantages as her two older sis- ters, is now a successful teacher near Broken Arrow, Okla .; Reba, born January 3rd, 1898, is attending school at Cush- ing High School, where she will soon graduate. As will be noted above, Mr. Gathard determined to give his chil- dren the very best of school advantages, and to this fact we owe his coming to be a citizen of Dade County, for he sold out his Cedar County holdings and moved to Dade- ville, buying residence property, and in 1908 invested in a large farm of 455 acres, all in one body, and located in Polk Township, close to Dadeville. This property had few buildings and was not any too well improved. Mr. Gothard moved his town residence to the farm, fenced the place with wire and otherwise greatly improved it, so that now he has one of the best stock farms in all that region. He raises considerable stock, uses a silo, and all modern appliances.
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