USA > Missouri > Dade County > History of Dade County and her people : from the date of the earliest settlements to the present time > Part 44
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Mr. Moore was married June 22, 1902 to Miss Eva Tarrant, a native of Dade county, born September 1st, 1878, a daughter of Wm. H. and Sarah J. Tarrant, early settlers of Dade county, a sketch of whom is to be found elsewhere in this work. To Mr. and Mrs. Moore have been born four children, namely, Ross T., born March 12, 1909; Emma Maxine, born October 12, 1910; Aluwee, born February 22, 1913 and Charles Dale, born July 10, 1915; all at home and receiving the best of educational advan- tages. Besides being an extensive and prosperous busi- ness man, Mr. Moore has large farming interests, owning nearly 300 acres of valuable farming property. He has 80 acres in South Morgan township, 160 in Polk town- ship besides 28 and one-half in Dadeville. Mr. Moore re- sides in one of the best residences in Dadeville, having built a modern 5-room dwelling. This hustling business man finds time to devote to the social interests of the town, being a member of the I. O. O. F., W. O. W. and Modern Woodman of the World. He is a staunch republican and prominent in party affairs, is a broad minded, public
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spirited citizen, interested in good roads, free public schools and progress for the county along all lines. A man in every sense of the word, a credit to his town, his county and his state.
BAILEY P. MORGAN.
No family in the county are better or more favorably known than the Morgan family of, and near Dadeville. The subject of this sketch, was born in Dade county, Octo- ber 29th, 1847 and has spent his entire life up to now, in Dade county. He is the son of Wick and Nancy ( Worley) Morgan. Wick Morgan was brought to this country by his father and mother, Adonijah and Betsey (Mathews) Morgan who were very early settlers of Indiana and came to Dade county in the early 40's. They rented land for some time and later became large land owners here. Bailey Morgan's mother's people, the Worleys, were also pioneers of this county having settled here about 1840. Wick Morgan was married in Dade June 2nd, 1845 by Judge Pat T. Andrews, he and his wife as well as his father and mother all died here and are buried in the Rice cemetery. Bailey Morgan bought 50 acres of good land about 1880 upon which he now lives, he has always been a farmer, has prospered and now owns 123 acres just east of Dadeville and it is one of the fine farms of the county. In 1901 he built a nice four-room dwelling and here he is living, practically retired. He never married but does not want for love and affection in his declining years for you will find at his home three lovely children who love him and whom he loves and cherishes as his own. It is a beau- tiful story to tell, how this big hearted man took the three- months-old daughter of Pang Morgan and his wife, Mary Vanhoose, who had just died, and raised her from this infant age to lovely womanhood, and now, she is mar- ried to Herman Ackers, a native of Dade county and they live on the Morgan place and have three fine children as follows: Thyra Neoma, born March 8th, 1905; Mary Florence, March 17, 1912; and Ollie Madaline September
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23, 1914. Bailey Morgan is known to almost everyone in eastern Dade county, he is a fine, broad-minded, Christian gentleman. He is a member of the Christian church and held in the highest regard by all who have the honor of his acquaintance.
ALBERT G. MORRIS (Deceased.)
A native of Dade County, was born August 28th, 1874 and died January 29th, 1908. He was a son of Mount Etna and Sarah Ella (Quarrels) Morris, a daughter of Thomas Quarrels and came to Missouri when a young lady. Both families were pioneers coming from Kentucky.
In 1896 Albert G. Morris in company with J. W. Tol- iver bought a small hardware store of Blackmore & Tar- rant in Dadeville, increasing the stock and later moved to a new location, taking in a third partner, Mr. Lindley. This firm continued in business for a time when Morris & Lindley purchased the interest of Mr. Toliver in the firm, after which Mr. Lindley became the sole proprietor. After the dissolution of this firm Mr. Morris again bought in and later bought the entire stock and remained in this business until the time of his death. The business is now run by the Maze Hardware Company. His health was bad for some time prior to his death. He was always engaged in mercantile pursuits.
On the 30th day of December, 1896 he was married to Veda Wilson, who was born September 8th, 1875. They were the parents of three children:
(1) Lucile, born July 22nd, 1898, received her edu- cation in Dade County, attended the Dadeville High School and one year in Drury College at Springfield. She is now teaching in Dadeville.
(2) Mount Etna, born September 1st, 1900, attend- ing school in Walnut Grove where he graduated in 1917.
(3) Albert George, born November 27th, 1905, at- tending school.
Mr. Morris was a democrat but preferred his home life with his family and gave his talents to his business
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rather than to politics. His people are .members of the Christian church. Mr. Morris was a Mason, attaining the Shriner's degree.
Mrs. Morris resides in a fine cottage near Dadeville, is a member of the Presbyterian church, drives an Over- land car, is a good roads booster and is a splendid speci- men of the up-to-date, 20th Century woman who takes a lively interest in public affairs and presides over an ideal home.
UEL W. MURPHY.
No city, town or village ever remained long upon the map of any country without claiming among her dis- tinguished citizens, sooner or later, some representative from the Emerald Isle. Uel W. Murphy was born in North Township, Dade County, Mo., July 19th, 1846, son of Gilbert W. Murphy, born in Edgar county, Ills., March 23rd, 1819, of Irish Ancestry. His parents came from Ireland and early settled in Illinois, while it was yet a territory. George W. Murphy was a farmer and quite successful. He came to Dade County in the latter part of the 30's and located in North township where he entered 120 acres of land, erected a log-cabin upon it and made other improvements. In addition to farming he handled considerable live stock. He died on the old homestead, July 12th, 1871. He was a local preacher of the M. E. church and organized the Methodist Society in North township. Their first meetings were held in his home, the congregation being seated on slabs which he had fashioned for that purpose. He also performed many mar- riage ceremonies among the pioneers, frequently two in a single day. In politics he was an old-time Whig and later joined the Republican party. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity. He was married to Miss Cal- ifornia Lemaster, born in Maury County, Tenn., October 30th, 1823, died May 23rd, 1856, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Lemaster who came to Dade County before the Murphy's came, sometime in 1830-35 and located in North
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Township. They were successful farmers in their day and always had plenty of bacon and venison in the smoke house to last over winter. Mrs. California Murphy was a member of the M. E. church and the mother of ten child ren :
(1) William P., born October 24th, 1840, married Sophia Underwood, who was born in Tennessee in 1838 and died in Dade County in 1994. She was a daughter of Thomas and Mariah Underwood who came from Tennessee in the 30's and located in North township. Her brothers, Robert and Price Underwood were veterans of the Civil war. William P. Murphy and wife were members of the M. E. Church and were the parents of eight children, 5 of whom are living:
Uel W., Louisa F., wife of Charles Wilson, Riah, liv- ing at home, Marguerite, Married Floyd Sloan, died leav- ing two children, and William Roscoc
William P. Murphy was a member of the volunteer Home Guards during the civil war and is a Republican in politics.
(2) Mary A. E., born August 28th, 1842, married Julius Appleby, of Dade County. She died May 26th, 1886 leaving six children.
(3) Lewis M., born May 23rd, 1844, died in 1912 For a number of years he was a merchant at Greenfield and later at Carthage, Mo. He married Cordie Garrett They had three children.
(4 Uel W. (the subject of this sketch).
(5) Eliza J., born September 20th, 1848, married Thomas Travis a farmer and served as County Clerk of Cedar County. She is now a widow, having one child, Alba who first married R. Hartley of Cedar County an 1 after his death became the wife of M. M Ewing a banker at Denver, Colo.
(6) Sarah P., born January 20th, 1850, maried Rob- ert P Underwood who is now deceased He was a farmer and later a merchant. Was postmaster for 10 years under the Mckinley administration and represented Dade county one term in the Missouri Legislature. He was a veteran
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of the Civil war and raised a family. His widow still re- sides in Greenfield.
(7) Cordelia C., born July 8th, 1854, married Glover Killingsworth, now a farmer and stock man at Emporia Kansas. They have five children.
(8) Melville L., born July 25th, 1857, died December 21st, 1889. Married Lizzie Kimber He was a merchant and the father of two children, one of whom, R. P. Murphy is living. His widow resides near Carthage.
(9) Robert W., born December Stk:, 1859, is a hotel man and resides in Kansas City.
(10) Ada M, born January 3rd, 1863, married Henry Whittaker who is now deceased. During hfe he was a merchant at Arcola. They had two children. She is now living in Seattle, Washington.
Uel W. Murphy was raised on a farm and attended the country schools He went from the farm to Arcola in 1884 where for a number of years he was engaged in Merchandising. In 1891 he became the landlord of the Delmonico Hotel in Greenfield, both before and after its re-construction. It was a popular hostelry and gained a wide reputation for hospitality during his 14 years of man- agement. In polities Mr. Murphy is a republican and was elected Sheriff and served one term as a candidate of that party. Since his retirement from the office of Sheriff ho has lived practical y a retired life, serving some years as Constable of Center Township and is now deputy sheriff. Hle is also engaged in the real estate business and lends money upon his own account. The Murphy family, throughout, are staunch members of the M. E. church.
Hle was married November 28th, 1872 to Katherine Travis, who was born in Scott County, Va., February 26th, 1847, daughter of Edward HI. and Margueret (Carter) Travis who came to Dade County in 1853 and located in North Township. He was a veteran of the Mexican war Both he and his wife are now dead. He was a farmer and a local preacher of the M. E. church, a Republican in polities and served as a Judge of the County Court. They
A. C. HAYWARD AND WIFE.
THOS. H. BERRY AND WIFE.
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had six children of which Mrs. Murphy was third in point of birth.
Mr. and Mrs. Murphy have no children of their own but raised one boy, J. C. Brown, from two years of age to manhood. He is a book-keeper by profession and resides at Phoenix, Arizona. He married Ella Dicus, a Dade county girl of a pioneer family.
Both as a citizen, a hotel man and a county official, Mr. Murphy was highly esteemed He was always a consistent, active worker in church circles and a guard- ian of law and order while Sheriff of th . County. At the present time he is among the most highly respected men of the community.
CAPTAIN BENJAMIN MABERRY NEALE.
Dade County points with pride to many distinguished citizens, some of whom were of native birth, others by adoption, whose ability, genius or attainments have left a lasting impression upon the sacred tablets of memory. It requires but little effort to recall the names of many men, who, by reason of their sagacity in business, energy, frugality and tenacity of purpose, have succeeded in ac- cumulating vast sums of money and landed property, which at their death became, at most, a questionable heri- tage unto those who should follow after them. Others, by reason of a strong personality, deep-seated convictions, well-defined moral principles and sterling qualities of heart and brain, have left to posterity a monument more enduring than shafts of lifeless marble or piles of unfeel- ing stone-their's a living monument which has its foun- dation in the hearts and lives of men. To this latter class, Capt. B. M. Neale pre-eminently belonged.
The soil of the Old Dominion claimed him as a child. B M. Neale was born in Wood County, Virginia, Novem- ber 16th, 1841, upon land which formerly constituted part of the original George Washington estate. In 1843 his father settled in La Fayette County, Missouri, and here Benjamin grew to manhood. He attended the common
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schools of the county and later graduated from Central College, Fayette, Mo.
At the breaking out of the civil war he espoused the cause of the South and became one of her most gal- lant defenders. His first service was with Weightman's brigade, Graves' regiment, in which he was commissioned captain. Afterward he joined the Shelby brigade, with which he served with distinction until the close of the war, his service covering exactly four years.
Captain Neale was every inch a soldier. He possessed that unmistakable military bearing which marked him as a leader of men. His very appearance inspired confidence and his word when once spoken was as immutable as the law of the Medes and Persians. While he was austere and commanding in a way, yet there was that kind, sym- pathetic fellow-feeling of comradeship ever present in his heart which found its best expression in deeds rather than words extended to those with whom he was associated.
His first real taste of war occurred at Carthage on the 4th day of July, 1861, from which place his regiment was ordered to Springfield, where it participated in the battle of Wilson's Creek, August 10th of the same year. He was also in the battles of Little Blue and Lone Jack, in the state of Missouri, and during the latter part of the war was in many engagements in Arkansas and Louis- iana, ending his military career at Shreveport, La., June 15th, 1865.
On the 14th day of March, 1867, he was married to Miss Anna E. Groves, a lady of culture and refinement, and to this union six children were born, all of whom are living :
(1) Katie, widow of C. W. Barker (now deceased), who resides in Greenfield, Mo.
(2) Mamie E., now Mrs. J. M. Peterson of Lock- wood, Mo.
(3) Willie G., now Mrs. J. M. Painter of Greenfield, Mo.
(4) Ben M., a prominent attorney and leading dem- ocratic politician of Greenfield, Mo.
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(5) Eula M., now Mrs. W. M. Brooks of Arcola, Mo.
(6) Anna G., still single, engaged in teaching.
In the year 1883 Captain Neale purchased a 320-acre tract of prairie land some twelve miles northwest of Greenfield in Ernest township, upon which he settled, and here his children grew to manhood and womanhood.
About the year 1903 Captain Neale retired from active farm life and came to Greenfield, where he purchased a comfortable residence and spent the remainder of his days in comparative rest and quietude.
During the last years of his life his heart, mind and soul seemed to be wrapped up in the fraternal organiza- tions growing out of the Southern Confederacy. He was a man of strong emotions and undying affection and the cause to which he had given the best part of his life was as dear to him as the very apple of his eye. He had been many times honored by these organizations, holding many positions of trust, in recognition of his valiant services during the war, was promoted to the rank of colonel and only his extreme modesty and feeling for others prevented his election as commander. His own words in declining this honor will best portray his real spirit of manhood. "I have been honored sufficiently. There are others of the boys who are deserving; pass the honor around." Of all the honors conferred upon Captain Neale, perhaps the one most appreciated by him and his immediate friends is a medal of bravery in service, "The Southern Cross of Honor," presented to him by the Daughters of the Con- federacy.
His extreme modesty is again shown by the closing words written by himself in a personal sketch prepared by him for the annals of his beloved organization :
"This, fellow comrades, is a brief recital of my army record, much of which is pleasant to recall, but mixed with some sweet is much bitter-buried friends and dear, brave comrades, tried on half a hundred battle fields, buried hopes and aspirations for our loved sunny South. My fel- low comrades! We lost all save honor. Our dear heroes
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are the admiration of the world and by our good citizen- ship we have won the respect of all good and brave men. Let us cherish the memory of our dead comrades, let us, in memory at least, entwine their brows with unfading wreathes of love, although there be mingled regrets and heart-burnings for what might have been."
In politics, Captain Neale was an unswerving demo- crat and always active in the affairs of his party. Relig- iously, he made a profession of religion when 19 years of age and united with the South Methodist church, from which his membership was never transferred.
He departed this life on Tuesday, October 1st, 1912, at the age of 71 years, survived by his wife and six adult children.
In recounting the striking characteristics of this splendid man it is safe to say that he was a gentleman of the "old school" and carried with him that grace of dig- nified manhood which endeared him to everyone with whom he came in contact. In conversation he was gen- teel, courteous and scholarly, quoting Plato, Shakespeare and Emerson with the fluency of a college professor. Tem- peramentally, he was inclined to be both spirited and ani- mated, speaking his convictions with a force and direct- ness which left no room for doubt in the minds of his hearers. In appearance he was tall and muscular, combin- ing the courtesy of a Chesterfield with the dignity of a Danton, and exemplifying in his every-day life those qual- ities of heart and soul so much admired by all lovers of true manhood and commendable citizenship.
0
BENJAMIN M. NEALE.
Was born in Lafayette County, Mo., on October 28th, 1876, and came to Dade County in 1882, with his parents, who located on a farm in Ernest township. With a common school education, be obtained a certificate and started teaching in the rural schools, where he spent two years, using the money thus earned to pay his way through
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the state university law school, where he graduated in the class of 1902.
Immediately thereafter he opened a law office in Greenfield, and in the years that have since elapsed has enjoyed a steadily growing and almost universally success- ful practice, so much so that at this time he is recognized as one of the ablest attorneys of this section of Missouri. His practice is not confined to his home county, but ex- tends into adjoining circuits, where the ablest lawyers of the state find in him an opponent worthy of their steel in the legal arena.
Like many successful attorneys, Mr. Neale enjoys relaxation from his professional duties by participation in the political campaigns. He is an ardent democrat, and had the management of his party's campaign in Dade County in 1914 and 1916, when, despite the fact that his was the minority party, he succeeded in electing a good share of his candidates. His ability as a political man- ager was recognized in 1916, when he was made a mem- ber of the democratic state committee, and again at the close of that campaign, when he was placed at the head of a special organization sub-committee of that body. At the time this is written, it is practically assured that he will be unanimously made chairman of the democratic state committee at its forthcoming meeting, when Chair- man Cowgill has announced he will resign.
Mr. Neale was married in 1904 to Miss Mary Finley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry H. Finley, of Greenfield. They have two sons, Harry Groves and Thomas Randolph. He is a member of Ebenezer Presbyterian church and an officer in the church organization. For some years he has been superintendent of its Sunday school. He belongs to the various branches of the Masonic order, including Washington lodge, Greenfield Royal Arch chapter and Constantine commandery.
JACOB E. NEWKIRK.
A Hoosier with Irish ancestry would seem to be an odd combination, but Dade County is made up of people
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from every corner and quarter of the globe, and in ad- dition to the above, Mr. Newkirk has a little splash of German blood in his veins.
Jacob E. Newkirk was born in Jackson County, In- diana, March 4th, 1862, a son of Abraham Taylor and Elizabeth (Ruddick) Newkirk. His father was a native of Ohio, while his mother was born in Indiana. His grand- father, Cyrus Newkirk, was a native of New York, having in his veins the rich, red blood of Ireland, with a little tinge of German on his mother's side.
Cyrus Newkirk was an early settler in Ohio, but Abraham Taylor Newkirk came to Indiana when 22 years of age and followed the river for an occupation, running a boat on the Ohio river for a number of years. It was during these boating days that he met and married Eliza- beth Ruddick, and in 1864 they emigrated to Chase County, Kansas. For eleven years they endured the hardships of frontier life, battling with drouth, grasshoppers and chinch- bugs, till in 1875 he exchanged his Kansas lands for 196 acres in South township. Here he settled and here he prospered. At the time of his death he owned 236 acres, some of which were over the line in Lawrence County. Part of his real estate holdings comprised the land where the station of Olinger now is. He kept the postoffice be- fore the railroad was built, and served as Justice of the Peace for twenty years. Abraham T. Newkirk was a life- long democrat. His widow, Elizabeth (Ruddick) Newkirk, is still living at the advanced age of 86 years.
Six children were born of this marriage to live to maturity :
(1) Frank, a farmer in Kansas. Married Minnie Nott, a Dade County girl.
(2) William Lindley. farmer of Lawrence County. Married Bell Marsh of Dade County.
(3) Nora, married William D. Sturdy, of Penns- boro, a farmer, stock buyer and shipper.
(4) Jacob E. Newkirk. .
(5) Elmer Andrew, first wife, Ella Moore, died leav- ing three children. He then married Stella Hunter of Law-
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rence County. They reside on the old Newkirk homestead.
(6) Julia B., married L. R. Moore, a Dade County farmer.
Jacob E. Newkirk received his meager schooling in the common schools of Kansas and Dade County. He vividly remembers a circumstance when at school in Kan- sas, when only seven years of age, that the alarm was given that the wild Indians were on the war path, mur- dering all the whites, and headed direct for the school- house. The children were instructed to rush home, spread the alarm, and warn everybody to take refuge in Cotton- wood Falls, the county seat. Is it any wonder that under conditions of this kind the three R's of primitive education were not fully mastered?
Jacob remained at home till 27 years of age, with his father, until he had accumulated property of about the value of $1.200, when he married Myrtie L. Renfro, daugh- ter of Lewis Renfro of Greenfield. This took place on September 24th, 1889.
Soon after his marriage he rented 160 acres of land in South Township, where he now lives. He remained a tenant, however, but a few years, trading for the land in 1894 upon which he has lived and prospered. His wife died December 25th, 1898, leaving four children :
(1) Grace B. Myrtie (a baby), born September 5th, 1898, died February 26th, 1899.
(2) Mary Elna, born April 6th, 1891, at home.
(3) Lewis A., born August 6th, 1893, married Hazel E Speer of Pennsboro, where they now reside.
(4) Jacob Elwood, born November 28th, 1895. Mar- ried to Nettie Terrell of Southi Greenfield.
On December 29th, 1901, Mr. Newkirk married Miss Ollie A. Neal, born October 31st, 1878, in Gallia County. Ohio, daughter of J. T. and Emma (Allison) Neal, both living in Ohio. To this union there were born five chil- dren, now living :
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(1) Neal, born January 24th, 1903.
(2) John M., born June 24th, 1905.
(3) Beatrice Ida, born May 4th, 1907.
(4) Emory Wesley, born August 7th, 1909.
(5) Louise Irene, born July 17th, 1914.
Mr. Newkirk is actively engaged in general farming, stock raising and feeding. His farm is well watered by Honey creek, and also by wells and springs, making it an ideal place for live stock. One hundred and twenty-five acres are under cultivation. Mr. Newkirk is a democrat, has been treasurer of township for six years, school di- rector and clerk of the board for twenty years. His family are regular attendants at the Methodist Episcopal church. His lodge relations are confined to the W. O. W.
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