USA > Missouri > Dade County > History of Dade County and her people : from the date of the earliest settlements to the present time > Part 43
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same year in Pasquatunk County, North Carolina. They were married in Madison County, Indiana, in May, 1856.
David Miller was of English-German ancestry, while his wife was of Scotch extraction. David was a mill- wright by trade and came to Missouri with his family in the spring of 1868, stopping first at Springfield for a short time, also at Greenfield for two months, after which he purchased a 40-acre traet of land three miles west of Dadeville, where he remained eight or ten years. Finally he purchased a home in Dadeville, where he followed his trade as carpenter during the remainder of his days. He died at Dadeville March 30th, 1915, his wife having de- parted this life, also at Dadeville, December 26th, 1896. Two children were born of this marriage, both boys, Morris Miller, the subject of this sketch, and his younger brother, Anderson, who died in Dade County, single.
Morris Miller remained at home with his father till he was 21 years of age, attended only the common schools of the county during the winter months, and during the summer either farmed or worked at the carpenter's trade with his father. He was married on the 27th day of August, 1877, to Sarah E. Glenn, daughter of George W. and Mary (Lock) Glenn, born in October, 1862, being seventh in point of birth in a family of eight children. Her father was a native of Tennessee, while the Locks came from Illinois. Her brothers were Sig, W. C., Sheri- dan and Joel, all now deceased but Sig.
After his marriage they moved to a small hill farm on Son's creek, where they raised one crop, then moved to Corry, where Mr. Miller followed the mining business for 17 or 18 years. About the year 1890 he moved to Dadeville, where he engaged in the carpenter business in company with his father.
In November, 1894, he was elected sheriff of Dade County on the Republican ticket, and moved to Greenfield. Prior to this time, however, Mr. Miller had served as con- stable of Morgan Township for six years.
Mr. Miller remained in Greenfield seven years, serving one term as sheriff, after which he was deputy sheriff
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under U. S. Keran, and also under W. R. Farmer. He served one term as city collector while in Greenfield. In 1901 he moved back to Dadeville, and in November, 1902, he was elected justice of the peace, and has served con- tinuously in that office ever since. At present he is local register for the vital statistics of the state of Missouri. Mrs. Miller is still living, but a hopeless invalid.
Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of eight chil- dren, viz:
(1) Berta, born August 26th, 1878, graduated from the Greenfield High School, taught school in Dade County for a few years, married Charley Lyons, a Dade County farmer, and now lives three miles northeast of Golden City, in Marion Township. They have two children, Ber- nice and Gradon Gilbert.
(2) Wade, born April 11th, 1880, and died April 7th, 1901, lacking just four days of being 21 years of age. He was single at the time of his death, having been killed in a railroad accident at Neal, Kas.
(3) Henrietta, born in 1882, attended Greenfield High School, taught in Dade County for three years, married Henry Clark, a Dade County farmer. They now live in Golden City, where he is engaged in the elevator business. They have three children, Cleo, Gilbert and Eloise.
(4) James M., born in 1884, attended Greenfield High School, after which he farmed. He died, single, July 20th, 1914.
(5) Maude, born in 1886, attended the schools in Greenfield, married David Penrod. They now live in Golden City, where he is engaged in the lumber business. They have two children, Ernestine, and a boy baby, yet mmamed.
(6) Floy, born in 1888, attended school in Green- field and Dadeville, married William McCandlass, a farmer. They now reside in Lawrence County, Missouri, and have two children, Gilbert and Gradon.
(7) Greta, born in 1890, attended school in Dade- ville, married Herbert Smith, a farmer. They now live in Barton County, near Golden City. They have one child, a girl, Denvil.
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DADEVILLE VIEWS.
L. C. DUNAWAY AND WIFE.
O
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(8) Jessie, born in 1892, attended school in Dade- ville, married Robert Morrison, a farmer. They now re- side in Lawrence County, Missouri.
Of this splendid family the two boys each met a vio- lent death while yet in early manhood. The girls are all happily married and ten grandchildren have come to bring sunshine into their homes and gladness to the hearts of their grandparents, who have toiled, sacrificed and struggled through many long years with little hope of reward save and except the welfare and happiness of their children.
In politics Mr. Miller has always been a Republican and active in the affairs of his party. His nomination and election to the office of sheriff marked a new era in the politics of Morgan Township, which for years had been dominated by a few influential citizens of Dadeville. Mr. Miller was the candidate of the "Boys From the Sticks," and the delegates in the convention which nominated him represented the laboring classes of the county rather than the professional politicians. Mr. Miller is still active in the affairs of life and is prominent in the civic and busi- ness circles of his home city.
JOHN O. MITCHELL.
Dade county has never numbered among her favored sons many millionaires, neither has she been renowned as a rich man's resort, still there are a few men who in early life made their start here and afterward became famous in the business world. To this list belongs John O. Mitch- ell, who was born in Dade county October 22nd, 1858 near where the town of Arcola now stands. He is the son of De Witt C. and Nancy (Carey) Mitchell both natives of Tennessee. His father was born not far from Knoxville in 1833 and died in 1880. In 1855 he came to Dade county and served in the Union army during the civil war. Nancy C. Mitchell was born in Jefferson County, Tenn., and died
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in 1908. Ten children were born of this union, four boys and six girls, John O. was third in order of birth. All the children are living except one brother. In his boyhood days, John O. Mitchell attended the common schools of the county and later on, Ozark college in Greenfield. His first work for himself was as a hired farm hand, but after- ward he taught school in his native county eight years. From school teaching he entered the mercantile business in Arcola during which time he also engaged in farming, stock raising, buying and shipping. He purchased and improved a large tract of land near Arcola, which he still owns. While in Dade county, Mr. Mitchell was a director in the Dade County bank at Greenfield, and was also active in politics. His party drafted him as a candidate for the legislature on the democratic ticket about the year 1900.
In the month of August, 1904 he moved to Tulsa, Okla., where he became extensively engaged in the man- ufacture of brick. With the opening up of the ex- tensive oil-fields in that state, Mr. Mitchell dealt largely in oil and gas franchises and leases. He also invested largely in city and farm property. Along with these com- mercial enterprises Mr. Mitchell mixed a little politics. He was elected by the City of Tulsa to represent her in a joint-statehood meeting at Washington, D. C. in 1906. In the same year he was elected mayor of the City of Tulsa on the democratic ticket. Again in 1910 after the legislature had granted to the city a Commission Charter he was elected mayor, being the first mayor in the state under the Commission form of city government. In 1907 he was one of the organizers of the central Nation- al Bank of Tulsa and was its first vice-pesident, which position he held until 1916. This bank is the second larg- est in the state. In 1915 he organized the Central Mis- souri Company, incorporated for $50,000 of which he is president.
Mr. Mitchell has always taken great interest in frater- nal orders, and is at present a member of the Elks, Masons, Knights of Phythias and other benevolent orders. He took his first degree in Masonry in 1885 in Garrett lodge in
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Arcola, Mo. He is now a member of the Scottish Rite Consistory at South McAlister, Okla., and a member of Akdar Temple of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Tulsa. He owns one of the fine modern homes in the city of Tulsa.
On the 25th day of February, 1886 he was married to Alice M. Young of Greenfield, Mo., to which marriage have been born six children. Two died in infancy. Belva L. is now the wife of Ralph H. Shaw, of Tulsa, formerly of Lima, Ohio. He is engaged extensively in the oil busi- ness. Garland C. married Leota Arthur formerly of Law- rence county, Mo. Young O. married Martha Mowry of Tulsa, formerly of Pennsylvania. Eudora, now the wife of John II. Harvey of Tulsa, a native of Canada, manager of the Kawfield Oil Company. Belva attended Stephens college, Columbia Mo., Garland attended college at Colum- bia, Mo., and Oklahoma University at Norman. Young O. Mitchell graduated from the University of Kansas having formerly spent two years in the University of Oklahoma at Norman. Eudora graduated at Fairmont Seminary, Washington, D. C.
Mr. Mitchell at present is Past Exalted Ruler of Tulsa Lodge No. 946, B. P. O. E. He is still largely in- terested in Dade county affairs, having formed a partner- ship with his two sons who are engaged in the cattle buiness on his ranch near Arcola. Dade County is proud of John O. Mitchell and always points to him as one of her most distinguished ex-citizens.
MARTIN L. MITCHELL.
Was born near Holly Springs, Miss., March 21st, 1844, son of William and Elenor (Stockard) Mitchell, both natives of North Carolina but raised in Tennessee from Childhood. He was born July 7th, 1803 and died at Greenfield, April 2nd, 1898, while his wife was born in 1805 and died at Greenfield, Mo., May 9th, 1875. They came to Dade county in 1848, having raised one crop in Greene county in 1847. Like many of the early pioneers
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of the country, in selecting a location the choice was de- cided by the presence of springs, two of which were found in Center township, northeast of Greenfield. Mr. Mitchell locating near one and his son-in-law, William L. Seroggs locating near the other one. Mr. Mitchell bought some land of John M. Rankin and entered some from the government. On the original homestead he built the first brick house in the county. He burned the brick in a kiln erected near Sac river. This was in 1856. At the time of his death he was the oldest man in the county- 95 years. William Mitchell was a member of the Presby- terian church, a democrat in politics and held the office of Justice of the Peace many years. They raised a fam- ily of ten children: seven boys and three girls:
(1) Salina Jane, died when 5 years of age.
(2) James W., educated himself for a teacher, went to California in 1849, taught after his return to Dade county, enlisted in civil war, Co. L, 6th Mo. cavalry and died of congestion of lungs while in the service.
(3) William Luther, was a Presbyterian preacher, died in Illinois while pastor at Hillsboro in 1863.
(4) Samuel W., (sketch given in full in this volume).
(5) Leah Caroline, married William L. Scroggs, a prominent pioneer of Dade County.
(6) John F., entered union army, died in Greenfield, aged 74 years. He had two daughters in Greenfield, Hattie and Nettie.
(7) David Newton, died at the age of 30.
(8) Mary Elizabeth, married Arch Hopper, educated in Kentucky and taught school in Dade county, died in Humansville, Mo.
(9) Martin L. (the subject of this sketch).
(10) George B., physician in Kansas City, Kas.
Martin L. Mitchell has always made his home at or near the old home place Northeast of Greenfield. After the death of his father, he and his brother Dr. George B., bought the old homestead of 200 acres and divided it. Martin L. now owns part of the old homestead and has since purchased an 80 acre tract adjoining it on the east
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upon which he has a fine residence erected in 1906. This 80 acres was unimproved when purchased, having been entered by A. M. Long.
Martin L. Mitchell was married September 4th, 1867 to Sarah J. Boland, who was born October 15th, 1848, daughter of John and Rebecca (Hudspeth) Boland. They were married in Kentucky and came to Dade county in the early 40's.
Martin L. Mitchell and wife are the parents of three children:
(1) Winifred L., born October 3rd, 1868, married Richard S. Marshall of Rogers, Arkansas, June 6th, 1898, died at Greenfield, Mo., after a few month of matrimonial bliss and was buried from the Presbyterian church in Greenfield, Sunday, December 4th, 1898.
(2) James M., born September 5th, 1872, in Dade County, married Ora Bell Mitchell, a daughter of Thomas Mitchell an early settler of Dade County. He is now farm- ing on a part of the original Mitchell homestead.
(3) Florence E., married Ruel King whose sketch appears under proper caption in this volume, is now de- ceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell are members of the Presbyte- rian church. He is an Elder, a republican in politics, having voted for Abraham Lincoln in 1864-his first vote. Ile enlisted in Co. L. 6th Mo. Cavalry August 1st, 1862 and served three years. Was discharged at Baton Rouge, La., August 1st, 1865. After the war he returned home and farmed with his father. He has always been a farmer and a good one. While he is now living prac- tically a retired life, he still oversees the farming opera- tions and enjoys excellent health.
He is an active member of the G. A. R. post at Green- field and takes great pride in being the owner of not only one of the oldest but also one of the best farms in Dade County.
CHARLES W. MONTGOMERY.
The Montgomery family is one of the oldest, most numerous as well as the most highly esteemed in Dade
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County. The subject of this sketch, Charles W. Mont- gomery is a respected scion of a prolific branch, having been born in Dade county, ten miles northeast of Green- field, August 25th, 1850, son of Emsley C. and Julia Ann (Taylor) Montgomery. His father is a native of Christian County, Ky., while his mother first saw the light of day in Ray County, Mo. Emsley C. Montgomery was born in 1825 and came to Dade County with his father when 15 years of age, or in the year 1840 when his parents took up 280 acres of government land in Sac township, upon which they lived during the remainder of their lives. Em- sley C. is still living on a fine farm of 100 acres adjoining the old homestead. Josiah B. Montgomery, a younger brother of Charles W. now owns and lives on the old place. Emsley C. Montgomery is now in his 92nd year, hale and hearty while his wife, who is still living, has seen the snows of 85 winters.
Emsley C. Montgomery is a veteran of the civil war, perhaps the oldest in the county, having enlisted in the 6th Mo., volunteer cavalry and served three years (lack- ing 4 days) a full sketch of his life and service appearing in another place in this volume.
Charles W. Montgomery remained at home and worked for his father until May 8th, 1870 when he was married to Mary Ellen Ellis, a daughter of Spencer Ellis, an early settler of the county who went with the rush to California in 1849 and died there. Her mother, Mary (Hudson) Ellis remained in Dade county and reared the family among them being Judge Thornton T. Ellis who met accidental death while Associate Judge for the East- ern district.
At the time of his marriage, and immediately there- after, Charles W. Montgomery engaged in farming upon his own account, leased, bought and sold numerous farms, in which occupation he continued until 1886 when in com- pany with Thornton T. Ellis, and his brother Thomas B. Montgomery they opened up a general store at Seybert which they conducted under the firm name of C. W. Montgomery & Co., for a few months when he bought out
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his partners and conducted the business in his own name for three years. He then purchased the Seybert flouring mill for $12,500 on the installment plan, paying the in- terest and $1,000 on the principal each year. These pay- ments were made monthly and for five years he never missed a payment. During this time he rented his store building, sold the goods in bulk and bought 320 acres of fine land adjoining the mill property. He subsequently sold the mill for $10,000 reserving some land, houses and property valued at $2,500. This added to his farm made his entire holding amount to 430 acres with numerous buildings and other improvements.
In the fall of 1894 he was elected Clerk of the County Court of Dade County on the Republican ticket and served eight years during which time his oldest son, Aaron II. had served as his deputy. Aaron HI. Montgomery was elected to this office in 1902 and served four years with his father C. W. Montgomery as his deputy, both retiring in 1906. In 1910 Charles W. Montgomery was elected Probate Judge of the county and re-elected again in 1914 which office he still holds, making a remarkable record for public service. At present he is the owner of numerous small traets of land near Greenfield and several houses in the city. He has also been largely interested in mining enterprises in the Joplin district as well as in Dade County. He has been a member of the M. E. Church since 1879, serving on the Board of Trustees almost con- tinuously. In politics, he has long been recognized as a leader, not only in local circles but in the high councils of the Republican party.
Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Montgomery have been the par- ents of 14 children, 5 of whom died in infancy. Their oldest daughter died leaving three children who were raised by their grand-parents. Those living at the pres- ent time are as follows:
(1) Aaron Il., lives at Whittier, California.
(2) W. E., a merchant at Greenfield, Mo.
(3) Lenora, wife of Henry Hayward, a farmer living in North Morgan township.
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(4) Thomas W., lives at Linsley, Calif.
(5) Elmer Clyde, lives at Eden,Idaho.
(6) Julia, wife of C. W. Tindall of Linsley, Calif.
(7) Lester, also lives at Linsley, Calif.
(8) Nellie L., wife of Ralplı Stapp, a railroad man residing at Arcadia, Kansas.
The brothers of Charles W. Montgomery are extensive farmers and stock raisers residing in the northern part of the county. Their farms are all well improved and kept in a high state of cultivation. As probate Judge, Mr. Mont- gomery has made an exemplary, pains-taking official whose chief delight seemed to be in accommodating the people. Many people have ascribed his popularity in pol- itical campaigns to the fact that while he was in the mer- cantile and milling business at Seybert, no man however poor, was ever denied credit for a sack of flour or a side of bacon. Since entering politics Mr. Montgomery has been obliged to pay many security debts for his old- time friends who took advantage of his generosity and imposed upon his unlimited good nature, but he has never complained or regretted doing an act of kindness for a friend even though it has cost hiim many dollars and severely tested his faith in human nature.
O-
GEORGE WASHINGTON MOORE. Deceased.
Was born in Cedar county, Mo., while his people were enroute for Dade county. This event occurred on the 14th day of June, 1844. His people were from Tennessee. His father, Charles Moore traveled through Dade County into Arkansas where they stayed for some time and after his death his family returned to Dade County.
At the age of 18 years George W. Moore enlisted in the Union army, first in Company E, 14th regiment and later in Co. C, 8th regiment Missouri Volunteer Cavalry. During the war he sent home money to his mother and bought a farm of 120 acres. He had this about half paid for when he married Eliza J. Headlee on the 8th day of
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M. V. HOLMAN AND WIFE.
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August, 1872. She was born March 15th, 1848 in Greene county, a daughter of Samuel Newton and Mary (Mitchell) Headlee. The Moores went to housekeeping in a one- room dwelling which they afterward added on to until they had a fine farm residence. Since Mr. Moore's death his wife has managed the farm with success. She is still the owner of 118 acres, having given 2 acres to the Routh Chapel, M. E. Church. Mrs. Moore has built a fine 80-ton silo, and splendid outbuildings. They have six acres of alfalfa and raise registered Jersey cattle for dairy pur- poses. It is their intention to build up an extensive dairy farm and market the products. At present they have nine head in the herd.
George W. Moore was a member of the M. E. church and his family are members of the same organization. He was a republican in politics. Receiving an injury during the war in the battle of Big Blue from which he never fully recovered and was sick some two years prior to his death which occurred September 10th, 1895.
George W. Moore and wife were the parents of seven children, two of whom died in infancy, and one, John B., born August 10th, 1873, was killed April 24th, 1890 at the age of 17 years. Those living are:
(1) Minnie C., born August 23rd, 1875, is still at home.
(2) Eva D., born Aug. 11th, 1878, is at home.
(3) Charles E., born January 29th, 1881, is still at home.
(4) Morris A., born August 30th, 1884, married Lela McGill of Polk county where they now live.
The Moore farm is located in Morgan township and Aldrich is their shipping point although they also trade some at Dadeville. The entire farm is fenced hog-tight with woven wire and is well watered by two branches, one large cave spring and wells, the waters is forced through the house and barns by a hydraulic ram. They raise and feed from 50 to 60 head of hogs each year.
In addition to the Jersey cattle they have one regis- tered saddle stallion, Custer, No. 3311, one thoroughbred
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draft stallion and two splendid Kentucky Jacks for breed- ing purposes. This farm is known as "The Blue Grass Dairy Farm."
CHARLES W. MOORE.
One of our best known business men is Chas. W. Moore of Dadeville whose well stocked store is the largest and best known of northeast of Dade County.
Mr. Moore is a native of Dade County having been born in Dadeville July 23, 1871, a son of Ruben and Serine E. (Clopton) Moore. Ruben Moore was a native of Tennessee and came to Dade county when quite young and taught school here for many years, here he married his wife who was decendent of the well known and higlily respected pioneer Clopton family of whom extended men- tion is made elsewhere in these volumes under the name of Richard Green Clopton. When the civil war broke with all its fury, Ruben Moore was not to be found want- ing, he enlisted in Co. L, 6th Mo. Cav. serving under Capt. Jesse Kirby as First Sergant, he was discharged at Pilot Knob for disability. He was a successful teacher, farmer and business man and a man well and favorably known throughout the county for his integrity and fair dealing in all things. He died in January, 1914 while his wife was killed by a runaway team on the streets of Dade- ville. Charles W. Moore received a district school edu- cation in Dade county but at the early age of 19 started out in life for himself by working his father's farm. We soon find him in what has proved to be his life work mer- chandising, for after a short trip in the west, lasting about six months, he entered the store of his grandfather Clopton at Dadeville. For six years he worked in this store and until his Grandfather Clopton sold out and then Mr. Moore started a grocery store in the old Clopton building which he run successfully for two years at which time his father entered the business with him and they put in a complete line of dry goods, clothing, etc. After a time Mr. Moore dissolved partnership with his father and
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opened up alone in his present location, his father con- tinued to run the old place for a time when he again became interested with his son and they run a large store, handling drygoods, clothing, boots and shoes, etc., and continued up to 1910 when Charles W. bought out the entire establishment and his father retired to private life.
Charles W. Moore now owns the largest and most complete line of drygoods, clothing, boots and shoes and general merchandise in all north Dade county, in 1908 he bought the large brick building where he is now located, this is a modern structure equipped with carbide lights and all the possible conveniences in an inland town. Noted for his fair dealing and courteous treatment of the public, he has built up a business of which any man might well be proud. His stock is well kept and shows the care of a man well versed in his particular line. Mr. Moore carries a stock fluctuating between $12,000.00 and $15,000.00 and he keeps it moving and fresh and strictly up-to-date.
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