USA > Missouri > Dade County > History of Dade County and her people : from the date of the earliest settlements to the present time > Part 50
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He was a farmer and stock raiser and accumulated quite a fortune, and was one of the wealthy farmers of Dade County at the breaking out of the Civil war. Being a southern man and a slave owner, he cast his lot with the Southern Confederacy. Five of his sons were soldiers in the Confederate army, four of them enlisting early, and
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one as soon as he was old enough. John F. was mustered out a lieutenant, Thomas F. was mustered out a major and Lewis, a third lieuterant, was mustered out as adjutant of the Third Missouri Cavalry, with the rank of captain, while Shelby and Joseph were mustered out as privates.
In the summer of 1863 it became so dangerous for a man to live in Dade County who had sons in the Confederate army, and having one negro boy who was eligible for service in the Union army, he went south, taking this negro boy with him. That fall the commanding general gave orders to burn the homes of all southern sympathizers and banish their families. It fell the lot of Major Morgan to carry out these orders in Dade County, which he did to a certain extent. The buildings on the Renfro farm were burned, except a few negro cabins, and the women folks ordered to go south. Major Morgan acted the gentleman in this matter, preserving the original order till after the war, and offered to assist Mr. Renfro in getting damages for the property destroyed, but on account of the strong prejudice existing at that time no claim for damage was ever presented. Mr. Renfro never harbored any ill feeling toward Mr. Morgan on this account. Friends of the family who posed as Union men assisted the family in the pur- chase of a yoke of oxen and a wagon, and they made their way to Lamar County, Texas, where they were joined by Mr. Renfro and where he made his home till the close of the war. The negro women and children lived on the farm during the war and cared for it the best they could.
Mr. and Mrs. Absalom Renfro were the parents of 15 children, ten boys and five girls. They were, however, not all living at one time, a girl dying in infancy, one boy died at the age of 6 years, and another at the age of 16 years. There were two doctors of note and two southern Methodist preachers in the family, to-wit: Thomas F. was a doctor, James was a preacher and a doctor also, and Shelby H. is a preacher. There are but three children of this family now living: Lewis and Joseph, both of Greenfield, and Shelby H. of Texas. Mary (Penn) Renfro died in 1896 in her 88th year. Absalom Renfro belonged to Washington
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lodge No. 87, A. F. & A. M., when the lodge was first organ- ized, and was buried with Masonic honors.
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CAPT. T. F. RENFRO.
(Long Beach California Press.)
One of Downey's pioneers and prominent business men passed away on the 11th. Was born in Missouri 83 years ago. When a young man he went from there to Greenville, Tex., engaging in the drug business, and there married Miss Lucy E. Ballard. After a few years' successful busi- ness he removed to California, locating in Downey on a ranch adjoining the town, 30 years ago.
Here he again engaged in the drug business success- fully for 25 years. Five years ago, on account of failing health, he retired from business, which illness resulted in his death. As a business man, because of his genial and happy spirit and tactfulness, he was doubtless one of the most popular business men who has ever lived in Downey. Socially, because of his unusual southern generosity and warm sympathy, few men were so universally liked. He was almost a life-long member of the M. F. church, South, having united with the church when quite young. Because of his love for music and children, he was an adept in the Sunday school work. As Sunday school superintendent and teacher he was very successful throughout his long church life. His Christian life was not especially demonstrative, but was manifest more in good works, loyalty to his God and to his church, vet without sectarianism, manifesting genuine brotherliness to his fellows, to every class, without prejudice, which perhaps is manifest in the fact that he was a captain in General Shellby's Cavalry Brigade of the Con- federacy, yet by request, Rev. W. G. Cowan, of Long Beach, a member of the Blue, was called to officiate at his funeral, assisted by the Rev. Bond, of the First M. E. church, South, of Long Beach, Saturday, the 13th. Surviving him is the widow, three sons, one daughter, the eldest, E. A. Renfro, at the head of the Renfro Drug Company, Shreveport, La .; T. F. Renfro, of the Queen Drug Company, 22-40 East
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Fourth street, Long Beach, and Mrs. R. P. Queen, 748 Daisy avenue, Long Beach. The youngest, L. B. Renfro, residing at the ranch near Downey, and Miss L. A. Ballard, a sister of Mrs. Renfro, who has always made her home in the family.
T. F. Renfro was born at what is now known as the old Ragedale farm, March 5th, 1834, died in Downey, Cal., January 11th, 1917, being at the time of his death 82 years 10 months and six days old. He was the sixth child of a family of 15 children, born to Absalom and Mary Penn Renro. He professed faith in Christ at an early age, and united with the M. E. church, South, and lived a consistent Christian life until he was called to his reward in Heaven. In his early life he chose school teaching and farming. He taught school all over Dade County. He was married to Francis Lack April 1st, 1856. To this union were born two sons and one daughter. The eldest, John Absalom, died in his infancy. The girl, Sarah Price, grew to womanhood and married Hugh Hampton. She died several years ago, leaving one child, Alva, who makes his home with his uncle, Lewis A., his only surviving son, lives two miles west of Greenfield. In 1872 or 1873 he was married again, to Miss Lucy E. Ballard in Shreveport, La., and to this union were born four sons and one daughter. The eldest, Leon San- ders, died when a small child: the next oldest, Emmett, lives in Shreveport, La., and is engaged in the drug business.
Leona, daughter, married a Mr. Queen, and resides at Long Beach, Cal. Lucine and Vernon still make their home with their parents. When the Civil war broke out he cast his lot with the South, and enlisted in the early part of 1861. He was in the organization of Company A, Third Missouri Cavalry, Colonel Coffee's regiment, and was elected orderly sergeant, and when the war closed he was mustered out with a commission as major. He never came back to make his home in Missouri, but made his home in Texas until abont 1880, when he moved to Downey, Cal., where he made his home until death. His death, while it was not unexpected, for he had been in feeble health for several years, was a great shock to me. It makes me feel,
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Oh, so lonely! Although I never expected to see him again, as we were so far apart, I knew he was living, and that was a great source of pleasure to mne, and in his death it only leaves three living out of this large family; myself, Brother Shelby, who lives in Texas, and Brother Jo of South Green- field. A loving brother .- L. R.
DR. J. C. B. RENFRO.
Dr. J. C. B. Refro was born on what is known as the old Ragsdale farm, near South Greenfield in Dade County, Missouri, October 26th, 1835, and died at his residenc in Houston, Tex., March 27th, 1898. He professed religion at the age of 16, and united with the M. E. church, South, and soon thereafter commenced to preach and teach school in Dade and adjoining counties. In 1856, together with two other brothers, John and Dave, he made an overland trip to California with a drove of cattle. He came back to Dade County in 1858 and resumed his profession of teaching school and preaching. He remained in southwest Missouri until after the war. In 1866 he moved to Texas, and continued his professions, but later on he had to give up his ministerial work on account of throat trouble, only preaching occasionally. He began the study of medicine and graduated with the highest honors of his class in 1872 at New Orleans, La. He finally located at Houston, Tex., where he died. He was married to Nancy I. D. Montgomery the 11th day of March, 1852. To this union were born four children, one girl and three boys: Mary E., now Mrs. Owens of Springfield, Mo .; George A., now of Springfield, Mo., runs a feed and wagon yard; John N., who died at the Springfield hospital in the spring of 1917; Jimmie died when a small boy, his wife dying near Springfield January 7th, 1902.
LOUIS A. RENFRO.
Was born in Dade County, near Greenfield, September 30th, 1859, son of Thomas and Frances (Black) Renfro,
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his father being a native of Dade County, while his mother was born at Charleston, Va. Father born in 1835 and his mother in 1837. His mother died April 15th, 1915, and his father died January 12th, 1917. His father was a Dade County school teacher before the war, but enlisted in the Confederate army, was commissioned captain, and served with distinction during the war, after which he went to Texas and engaged in the drug business at Greeneville, Hunt County. He remained here until 1889, when he moved to California, where he died.
Louis A. Renfro is the second in point of birth of a family of three children. He received all of his schooling in Dade County at the Franklin school. He resided with his mother until her death, although at the age of 18 years he engaged in farming and stock raising on his own account upon her farm. In 1880 he bought the land where he now lives. It was then unimproved. He has since cleared it out, developed it, and constructed modern buildings, so that it is now an ideal stock farm. He has added to his original purchase, so that he now owns 377 acres in one body. He devotes his entire time to his farming and stock raising enterprises. He is a Republican in politics, although he never aspired to or held public office except as a member of the school board, which position he has held for 18 years.
He was married on July 7th, 1887, to Minnie Cart- wright, a native of Dade County, daughter of Jesse and Lydia (Sweeney) Cartwright, both natives of Tennessee. Jesse Cartwright came to Dade County some time in the 50's, and was one of the most noted men of the county. He was a veteran of the Civil war, a brother-in-law of Wil- liam Cunningham, owned a large farm near Lockwood, upon which he resided many years, and finally died in Lockwood December 16th, 1915. His widow is still living and makes her home part of the time with Mr. Renfro. Mrs. Renfro was one of the younger of a family of four children. She was educated in the schools of Dade County.
Mr. and Mrs. Renfro are the parents of six children: (1) Clyde, born July 16th, 1889, died in infancy.
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(2) Pearl, born May 13th, 1891, wife of William El- son, a Dade County farmer.
(3) Ernest, born February 3rd, 1893, is a barber, and resides in Greenfield. Ilis twin brother died in infancy.
(4) Clande, born July 16th, 1896, resides at home.
(5) Ted, born October 29th, 1902, resides at home.
Mr. Renfro is a member of the M. W. A., with member- ship at Greenfield.
DR. WILLIAM R. RILEY.
Among those engaged in the medical profession in Dade County none stands higher in this line of work than Dr. Riley, the subject of this sketch. He was born in Mon- roe County, Indiana, May 9th, 1868, a son of John R. Riley, who was born in Ireland June 3rd, 1843, and brought to America by his mother. His father, Terrence P. Riley, had emigrated to the United States and settled in Monroe County, Indiana, and after getting a start here, sent for his family. During the voyage one of his three daughters was lost overboard from the sailing vessel. John R, was raised on the farm in Indiana and started working out when he was 11 years of age, receiving $6 per month for his labor. He had no school advantages, but in later years learned to read and write. He was married in Indiana, but his wife soon died, and he married again. Soon after this he emi- grated to Greene County, Missouri, coming overland with wagon in 1880. He rented land for about three years near Walnut Grove, but then was able to buy land in Rock Prai- rie Township, Dade County, where he now lives, and where he owns a good 160-acre farm. John R. Riley married as his first wife Miss Sarah Farmer, who was born in Monroe County, Indiana, in 1846, and died May 24th, 1874, leaving three children, of whom Dr. William R. was the oldest, while Charles P. and Emily are both deceased. Miss Far- mer was a daughter of John A. and Emily (Walker) Far- mer. Mr. Farmer was a large farmer and stock man, own- ing some 1,200 acres of valuable land, and also was a mer- chant and interested in a woolen mill, a still and lumber
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yard. He was in the Union army during the Civil war. As his second wife, Mr. Riley married Catherine Gentry, who bore him seven children, as follows: Rosie, now the widow of Charles Thomas; Maggie, at home; Terrence P., a farmer; Emily, now Mrs. Amon Wolfe of Idaho; Ida Bell, now Mrs. Leonard Ball of Greene County; John, who was killed by lightning August 13th, 1914; Frank, a farmer of Dade County.
Dr. William R. Riley was educated in the country schools and the high school at Hendersonville, and taught school for three years, after which he entered the drug business at Ash Grove, Greene County, with Dr. C. Moore, with whom he read medicine until he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at St. Louis in 1894, and gradu- ated March 17th, 1897. After practicing at Ash Grove for one year he moved to Everton May 10th, 1898, where he now enjoys a large and lucrative practice. In 1915 he opened a drug store, and is now located in a fine, newly-fitted brick building which he bought, and now has one of the best- appointed drug stores of the county. Dr. Riley married for his first wife Mary I. Stephenson, who was born Marchi 13th, 1870, a daughter of J. B. and Eliza (Long) Stephen- son. Mrs. Riley died April 12th, 1906, leaving four chil- dren, as follows: Zora E., born September 27th, 1890, and married Harry Criswell, a teacher, residing in Wray, Colo., and they have one child, John Philip, born April 11th, 1914; Zepha, born February 17th, 1891, and who is now teaching in the Everton High School, where she has been engaged for the past four years; Charles W., born December 25th, 1893, is a graduate of Everton High School, and is now attending the State University at Columbia, Mo .; Lillie Frances, born March 31st, 1899, a graduate of Everton High School, class of 1917. Dr. Riley married, second, Miss Luella Shelton, a daughter of John Marshall and Louise A. (Finley) Shelton, a sketch of whom may be found else- where in this work.
Dr. Riley and wife are prominent members of the Christian church, and he is a member of the I. O. O. F., the A. F. & A. M. chapter at Ash Grove, the Royal Select at
GEORGE WASHINGTON MOORE.
E
J. P. WILLETT RESIDENCE.
WILLETT STORE.
Crisp, Mo.
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Springfield, and the W. O. W. He is a member of the South- west Missouri Medical Association and the Dade County Medical Society. In politics he is a Democrat. Dr. Riley takes an active interest in all affairs of the county and state, and can always be relied upon for his help in the advancement of any enterprise that is for the good of our county or its people. He is a broad-minded Christian gen- tleman and well deserves the high esteem in which he is universally held by hundreds of Dade County citizens. By his fair, honest dealing and courteous treatment he has built up for himself a practice and business that is second to none in this County. He is a booster for good roads and a staunch friend of free public schools. We are proud to own Dr. Riley as a Dade County citizen, and it is perfectly safe to say that Dr. Riley will always make his home among us.
E. S. RING.
The subject of this sketeli is one of the enterprising young men of Dade County. He was born at Lockwood on the 22nd day of October, 1889, a son of C. S. Ring and Minnie (Lockard) Ring. His father is one of the substan- tial business men of Lockwood, and for many years has been engaged in the grain and elevator business at that place. Both his father and mother are natives of Indiana, and their respective families were among the pioneers of Missouri.
About the year 1908 E. S. Ring first entered the mer- cantile world, buying out the William Bowers restaurant in Lockwood. He followed this business about two years, when he sold out and accepted employment in the H. H. Steele elevator in Lockwood, remaining here until he and his father purchased the general merchandise store of H. H. Nierman at Ernest. The new firm was styled E. S. Ring & Co., and took possession July 1st, 1916. At the time of the purchase this store was in a run-down condition, but the new firm immediately cleared out the old stock, made extended purchases of new and up-to-date goods, added
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many improvements in the way of fixtures, scales, etc., until now it is one of the best country stores in the county. It is the intention of the firm to install a new Standard wagon scale and buy grain. At the present time the firm handles a large amount of country produce-chickens, eggs, hides and furs-always paying the highest market price.
In connection with the store there is a blacksmith shop, which is furnished free in order to better accom- modate the farmers of the neighborhood. It is now occu- pied by Finley & Evans, formerly of Greenfield.
E. S. Ring was married to Clara Lawrence, a native of the far west. She was born on the 9th day of September, 1892. They have one child: Rosalie Jane, born August 4th, 1914.
E. S. Ring & Co. maintain a fine Ford truck in their business, since they handle ice as well as pop from Spring- field. They carry a general line of dry goods, furnishings, notions, groceries, general supplies, hardware, oils, paints, flour and feed.
E. S. Ring, the manager, is a Democrat, a wide-awake business man, and a good roads booster. Under his pro- gressive management Ernest is bound to be one of the commercial centers of the county.
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LEE ROUNTREE.
One of the enterprising young men of Dade County is Lee Rountree of South Sac Township. He was born May 3rd, 1882, in Cedar County, a son of John M. and Mary M. (Dale) Rountree, both natives of Tennessee. The Roun- trees came to Polk County, Missouri, in the early 50's, and the Dales to Dade County in the early 30's. We would refer you to the sketches of both these early families, which are printed elsewhere in these pages.
Lee Rountree remained at home with his parents until he was 23 years of age. He was given good educational advantages, and first decided on a commercial career, and entered the mercantile business at Cane Hill, Cedar County, which he continued for one year, then clerked in a hard-
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ware store in Boliver for two years, at which time he en- tered the employ of the Kingman St. Louis Implement Company of St. Louis as their representative on the road, which position he held for one year, after which he entered the stock and farming business, buying an improved farm in Center Township, Dade County, consisting of 146 acres. This was in the year 1907, and for three years he lived on this place, then bought 436 acres on the south line of Sac Township. Here, in 1913, he built a fine large residence, which is one of the best in the entire county, and, with its large outbuildings, is one of the show places. The house has all modern conveniences, hot and cold water, bath, etc. This is an ideal stock farm, and here Mr. Rountree breeds and feeds thoroughbred Whiteface and Shorthorn cattle, as well as many hogs, and is one of the few large handlers of sheep in the county. Mr. Rountree married June 14th, 1905, Miss Lucy V. Young, a native of Dade County, born August 9th, 1883, and a daughter of William Marshall and Dialtba Young, more mention of whom will be found else- where. To Mr. and Mrs. Rountree have been born two children, Marion, born November 25th, 1908, and Virginia, born September 27th, 1911.
Lee Rountree is truly a public spirited citizen, and to him is due a large portion of the interest in good roads, and a nice stretch of well-built and well-kept road directly approaching his fine place is due to his individual efforts. All told, Mr. Rountree owns 636 acres, and is considered one of the leading stock men of this county. He is a lib- eral, broad-minded man, and can always be counted upon to help with his time and means any cause that is for the advancement of the county or the people. We would refer the reader to views taken on the Rountree farm, which are among the finest obtainable in the county for this work.
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THOMAS BENTON ROUNTREE.
Was born in Polk County, Missouri, on the 20th day of February, 1841, son of David and Victoria (McKee) Rountree, of Scotch-Irish descent. His parents were mar-
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ried in Tennessee, and came to Missouri first in 1830, but returned to Tennessee, and remained there till 1854, when thy came to Polk County and bought land for a perma- nent home. David Rountree died in 1867, and his wife, Vic- toria, died about 1880.
Thomes B. Rountree remained at home with his par- ents until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in the Confederate army, in 1862. He was a member of Com- pany G, Sixteenth Missouri Infantry, and participated in the battles of Lone Jack, Clear Creek, Prairie Grove, Helena, Mansfield, and other conflicts in which the Six- teenth Missouri Infantry was engaged. He was paroled at Shreveport, La., in June, 1865, and spent one year in Colorado, teaming, after which he returned to Polk County and farmed for three years near the old homestead. He was married on the 27th day of December, 1866, to Jane Hailey, who was born in Cedar County, Missouri, March 24th, 1850, daughter of Merideth Hailey and Mary (Jack- son) Hailey. They were married in Cedar County. About the year 1849. Mr. Rountree and wife bought 120 acres of unimproved Cedar County land, which they improved and lived upon for seven years, then bought 100 acres in Cedar County, Missouri, and lived there three years, after which they returned to their old place in Cedar County, having sold the Vernon County farm. After raising one crop they moved to Cane Hill and entered the mercantile business. This was about 1880. He erected a new building, put in a stock of general merchandise, and was actively engaged in selling goods for 30 years.
Mr. and Mrs. Rountree are the parents of six children, as follows:
(1) Etta, died at the age of 3 years.
(2) Ida, died at the age of 14 years.
(3) Jessie, now Mrs. John McMehen of Walnut Grove, Mo.
(4) Floy, died at the age of 8 years.
(5-6) Clarence and Ezra, twins. Ezra died at the age of 6 months. Clarence married May Robertson, daugh- ter of J. A. Robertson. They have four children:
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(1) Junior C.
(2) Dorothy L.
(3) Thomas Benton.
(4) Ralph Robertson.
They live at Cane Hill and he is engaged in farming.
T. B. Rountree and wife are members of the Christian church and very estimable people. After more than 50 years of active service in agricultural and mercantile pur- suits Mr. Rountree has retired from life's strenuous activi- ties, but has lost none of his interest therein. During life he has made many ardent and lasting friendships, and these are the trophies which he prizes most highly. They will be carried as priceless souvenirs into the sunset glow of his declining years. Although Mr. Rountree lives "just over the line," he is nevertheless counted as one of Cedar County's most valuable citizens.
JOSEPH A. ROBERTSON.
With a long and illustrious line of ancestors to his credit, many of whom won distinction on fields of battle, while others were towering lights in the moral and re- ligious world, Joseph A. Robertson came as a ray of sun- shine into the home of Milton and Mary (Hardy) Robert- son in Mohaska County, Iowa, April 20th, 1885. His father and mother were natives of the mountainous district of East Tennessee, and were married there. One child, Samuel F., was born in Tennessee August 6th, 1851. He is now living in Dade County. In 1852 Milton Robertson emigrated to Mohaska County, Iowa, purchased a farm prospered finan- cially and raised a large family of children, viz:
(1) Samuel Francis, born August 6th, 1851, lives in Dade County.
(2) John W., born January 30th, 1553, died March 29th, 1912. He practiced medicine in Dadeville many years, and his widow is still living at that place.
(3) Joseph A. Robertson.
(4) James F., born January 7th. 1857, died January 1st, 1861.
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(4) Sarah Ann, born May 4th, 1858, married Michael Grisham, who is now deceased. At present she lives in North Yakama, Wash.
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