USA > Missouri > Gentry County > History of Daviess and Gentry counties, Missouri > Part 55
USA > Missouri > Daviess County > History of Daviess and Gentry counties, Missouri > Part 55
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Abner Graves, the father of W. P. Graves, was engaged in farming and stock arising in Andrew County practically all of his life. After the Civil War broke out, he and seven others were the first to raise the stars and stripes in Andrew County, and during the Civil War he served in the 5th Missouri Cavalry; he was a Republican and a member of the Christian Church.
W. P. Graves was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools of the early times and during the Civil War, long before he reached his majority, he enlisted in the Union army, becoming a mem- ber of Company B, 43rd, Missouri Infantry. He was mustered out of service at St. Louis after the close of the war and received his honorable discharge; he then returned home and for eight years was employed on the cattle ranges of the West. As a momento of his cowboy days, he has on exhibition in his office his cowbell which he lost in Powder River, Col., and which was afterwards found and sent to him, being identified by his initials thereon. It also bears the date of 1876. While in Gentry County on a visit he was persuaded to settle here; he bought a small farm which he later sold to his brother, William, and also sold his corn at the same time for 11 cents per bushel. He then went to Ford City where he served as postmaster for three terms when he resigned and re- moved to King City where he has been Justice of the Peace for 20 years.
Mr. Graves was married to Nelia Rainey, a daughter of Benjamin L. Rainey. Mrs. Graves is one of four children born to her parents, three of whom are now living : Ida, married W. J. Hobbs, Douglas, Okla .; and Elizabeth resides with Mr. and Mrs. Graves at King City, and Mrs. Graves.
Mr. and Mrs. Graves have no children but reared a boy, Emmett Rainey, a nephew of Mrs. Graves. He is now married and in the em- ploy of the Louden Manufacturing Company at Minneapolis, Minn.
Mr. Graves is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, King City Post, and is Past Commander, and has served as Adjutant several years. He has been active in the Grand Army of the Republic and has been Aid-de-Camp on the staff of the National Chief Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a Republican, and belongs to the Christian Church.
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Delbert D. Snapp, a well known citizen of King City who is a vet- eran of the World War, is a native of Gentry County. He was born at King City July 6, 1887, and is a son of J. A. and Rebecca Jane Snapp. J. A. Snapp was born at Greenbush, Ill. Rebecca Snapp bore the maiden name of Brown and was a daughter of Daniel C. and Jane (Bottom) Brown, both natives of Connecticutt and both died in Wisconsin. They were the parents of two children : Mrs. Snapp and Daniel who is an ex- tensive farmer and stockman and a large land owner, residing at Empire Prairie, Andrew County.
To J. A. and Rebecca Jane (Brown) Snapp were born two children : Avery A. and Delbert D., the subject of this sketch. Avery A. Snapp was born at King City, Sept. 7, 1884, and now is engaged in general farming and stock raising near King City. He was married to Nettie B. Keys and they have two children : Harold and Garland.
J. A. Snapp is a well known farmer and stockman and is the owner of 320 acres of land which is well improved. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge and is a Democrat.
Delbert D. Snapp was reared on the home place and received a good preparatory education in the local schools and high schools. He then entered the University of Missouri where he took the Academic courses and also the law course. After attending the University, he took up the study of law. Shortly afterwards, he was appointed City Attor- ney of King City and has served in that capacity for several terms.
When the United States entered the World War, Mr. Snapp en- listed in the Quartermaster Department. He was assigned to the Motor Transport Corps. At first he was sent to Jefferson Barracks, near St. Louis and afterwards to Camp Megs where he served as general office clerk. From there he was sent to France where he was connected with the despensing of motor truck supplies. He remained in France in con- nection with this department until after the armistice was signed when he was returned to the United States and after remaining for a time at Camp Taylor, Ky., he received his honorable discharge June 27, 1919.
After receiving his discharge from the army, Mr. Snapp returned to King City. He is City Attorney at the present time. Shortly after re- turning to King City he took an active part in the organization of the American Legion and at the organization of the local Post he was elected Vice-Commander and has also served as Post Commander. The Ameri- can Legion Post at King City is a strong organization and now has 61 members in good standing. During the state convention of the Ameri- can Legion held at St. Joseph in 1921, he was selected as a member of
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the Executive Committee, representing the Third Congressional District and is now serving in that capacity.
Mr. Snapp is a member of the Masonic Lodge at King City and is a Democrat. He is a member of the Christian Church and one of the pro- gressive and enterprising citizens of Gentry County.
Anthony Peniston, a leading farmer and stockman of Jackson Town- ship, and owner of 167 acres of well improved land, was born April 13, 1858, on the farm where he now resides, and is a son of Theodore and Susan C. (Williams) Peniston.
Theodore Peniston served under General Clark in the Black Hawk War. He then studied law and was admitted to the bar. After practicing for several years at Gallatin, he engaged in farming in Jackson Township. He came to Daviess County in 1831 with his father, Robert P. Peniston, who was one of the first settlers in Daviess County, and one of the founders of Millport. This town was started east of Grand River, and was burned by the Mormons. Robert P. Peniston's mother was Nancy Nuttle.
Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Peniston were the parents of eight children, four of whom are now living: Anthony, the subject of this sketch ; Wm. P., postal department of Kansas City; Mary A., wife of Henry Hamilton, Jackson Township; Robert L., Livingston County. Mr. Peniston was born in Jessamine County, Ky., May 6, 1812, and died Nov. 8, 1892. His wife was born Aug. 2, 1827, in Bedford County, Va., and died in January, 1911. They are both buried at the Centenary Cemetery, known as the old Penis- ton Cemetery.
Anthony Peniston has been a farmer during his entire life. He mar- ried Minnie R. McClung on Dec. 22, 1887. She is the daughter of Ed. C. and Elizabeth Catherine (Rhea) McClung, natives of Daviess County, and Virginia. Mr. McClung died several years ago and his wife is now living in Missouri. Mrs. Peniston was born in Jamesport Township, April 5, 1870.
Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Peniston, as follows: Robert H., living at home; Edna, wife of Robert T. Pogue, Grand River Township; Jennings Bryan, at home. He has served in the United State Navy and during the World War he crossed the ocean six times, and served 14 months. On his last trip General Pershing was aboard.
Robert H. Peniston has been a mute since his birth, and was educated in the Fulton, Mo., Institution for the Deaf and was a very unusually apt student. Dec. 16, 1915, he was married to Bertha Bafford Schlegel, a daughter of Alex. and Mary (Bafford) Schlegel. She was born in Omaha, Neb., April 2, 1893, and is also a mute. The Schlegel family live at Wel- lington, Mo., and Mr. Schlegel is editor of the Wellington News. To Mr.
MR. AND MRS. ANTHONY PENISTON
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and Mrs. Robert Peniston two children have been born: Evelyn V., and Alex. Anthony. They have always made their home with Mr. Peniston's father.
Anthony Peniston is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist church. He is a charter member of the Farmers Co-Operative Associa- tion of the state of Missouri. Mr. Peniston has been very successful in general farming and stock raising, especially in breeding registered Chester White and Poland China hogs. He is also a small grain farmer.
Mr. Peniston relates the story of a Mr. Creason, who in 1838, went in search of honey from Splawn Ridge near Gallatin, in company with his nephew. Mr. Creason accidently shot himself through the hip, and his nephew started back in search of aid. In the meantime a snow storm came up, and the rescue party, including Mr. Theodore Peniston, could not locate Mr. Creason for several days. When found he was almost dead from exposure and starvation. Indians lived in this country at that time as Mr. Creasons' nephew stayed at an Indian camp until the following spring.
William Parks, now deceased, was for many years identified with Gentry County where he worked at his trade which was that of a car- penter. He was born in Jacksonville, Ill., and was reared to manhood in that state. He married Anna Sibbald, a native of New York state, and to them were born seven children all of whom are deceased. They are as follows: Lulu, Walter, Harry, Clarence, Arthur, Hallie, and James Raymond.
James Raymond Parks was a soldier in the United States Army in the World War and made the supreme sacrifice, giving up his life on the battle fields of France. He was born in Gentry County May 29, 1893. He was educated in the public schools of Gentry County, attending high school. He was engaged in automobile work. When the United States entered the World War, he became a member of Company B, 365th Regiment, 89th Division. After a period of training of three weeks at Camp Funston, Kan., he was sent from there to France with his Divi- sion. He participated in the severe fighting in which his Division took part. On Nov. 4th, seven days before the Armstice was signed, after be- ing severly wounded himself, he was attempting to rescue the lieutenant of his company who was also wounded and they were both killed by the. explosion of a high power shell. His remains were buried in France but later shipped to the United States, reaching Hoboken, N. J., Sept. 16, 1921, and shipped from there to King City, reaching the later place Sept. 23, 1921. The body of another soldier Lawrence Hamel of King City was also shipped here at the same time, and a double funeral was
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held with military honors and the remains of James Parks is now resting in the Millen Cemetery north of King City.
Mrs. Parks is an estimable lady and has many friends in King City where she has made her home these many years.
W. L. Cole, a well known funeral director of King City, has been engaged in business here since 1898. He is a native of Missouri and is a member of one of the very early pioneer families who settled in An- drew County at an early day. W. L. Cole was born in Andrew County, May 29, 1866, and is a son of Jesse and Caroline (Osborn) Cole. Jesse Cole was born in Indiana and his wife was a native of Daviess County, Mo. They spent their lives engaged in farming and stock raising in An- drew County. Jesse Cole served in the State Militia during the Civil War. He was a life long Democrat and a consistant member of the Christian Church.
W. L. Cole was one of six children born to his parents, the others being as follow: George, who was murdered when six years old; Mary Ann, deceased; John, who is engaged in farming and general stock raising near Canon City, Col .; Oliver, an electrician of St. Joseph.
W. L. Cole was reared on the home farm in Andrew County and re- ceived his education in the public schools. He began life for himself as a farmer and in 1894 worked in a furniture and hardware store in King City. and in 1898 he engaged in the undertaking business at King City and since that time has been successfully engaged in that business. His business extends over a large scope of territory and he maintains a branch establishment at Union Star and one at Whitesville.
Mr. Cole was united in marriage with Miss Ida E. Edwards, a daugh- ter of Henderson and Elizabeth (Lemaster) Edwards, who were the par- ents of the following children : Ella, married Montgomery Slemmons, a ranchman who lives in Texas; Alice, a practicing physician herself, married Dr. Mayhew, an eye, ear and throat specialist and they are en- gaged in the practice of their profession in Atchison, Kan., and St. Jo- seph, Mo .; Cora May, married Joseph Bright, a farmer near Savannah, Mo .; Dr. William B., an osteopathic physician, engaged in the practice of his profession at Concordia, Kan., and Ida E., who married W. L. Cole of this review. She was associated with her husband in the undertaking business and was a licensed embalmer. She died Dec. 28, 1921. She was one of the first lady licensed embalmers in this section of the country and was recognized as a woman of unusual business ability.
During the course of their business career Mr. and Mrs. Cole have buried over 2,000 people.
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Mr. Cole is an enterprising man and one of the dependable citizens of Gentry County. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. at King City.
Rufus H. Limpp, mayor of King City and owner of the King City Oil Company, is one of the progressive and enterprising men of Gentry County. He was born in Holt County, Nov. 10, 1894, a son of John R. and Irma (Durrette) Limpp and is one of two children born to them, the other one being W. R. Limpp. W. R. Limpp was born in Holt County, married Strausie Follett and lives 23 miles northwest of King City. John R. Limpp is a prosperous farmer and stockman and the owner of a val- uable farm of 280 acres five miles north of King City.
Rufus H. Limpp was reared on a farm and attended the district schools and high school. He then engeged in the garage business which he continued for eight years in King City. In 1919 he engaged in the oil business as proprietor of the King City Oil Company to which he has de- voted his attention with well merited success to the present time.
Mr. Limpp was married Nov. 15, 1913, to Miss Sylvia M. Rardin, a daughter of Miles and Lena (Miller) Rardin. Mrs. Limpp is the only liv- ing child by her father's first marriage. One child died in infancy. To Miles Rardin's second marriage were born two children: Leona and Louise, both attending the public schools. Miles M. Rardin resides in Longmont, Colo., and is the proprietor of a moving picture show at that place. To Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Limpp have been born two children : John Milo and Rufus Pershing.
Rufus H. Limpp has other interests in addition to the oil business and is the owner of one-half interest of 240 acres of land near King City. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, A. F. and A. M., No. 377, King City, and the Shrine, Moila Temple, St. Joseph, Mo. He is a Republican and one of the dependable citizens of Gentry County. He was elected mayor of King City in 1922 and now serving in that capacity.
A. Rizzi, who for many years was successfully engaged in farming and stock raising, is now living a retired life at King City, after having accumulated a competence by industry and good management which are always the chief elements of a successful career. Mr. Rizzi was born in northern Italy and emigrated to America in 1875. He came to Gen- try County where he was engaged in farming and stock raising about seven years. Later he went to Kansas where he homesteaded 320 acres of land. After remaining in that state four years, he sold his land there and returned to Missouri and bought 85 acres in Gentry County. He sold that land later and bought 80 acres in DeKalb County where he lived for four years. He then returned to Gentry County where he
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bought 120 acres. Six years later he sold that and bought 200 acres which he later sold and bought 235 acres in DeKalb County which he still owns. This is a valuable and well improved place upon which stands a beautiful two-story residence and the other farm buildings and im- provements are of a high standard. After retiring from active farming operations Mr. Rizzi moved to King City where he has a nice residence on Main Street and other city property.
Mr. Rizzi was married to Miss Pauline Kaiser, a daughter of Con- rad and Martha (Knoepfel) Kaiser. Mrs. Rizzi is one of the following children born to her parents : Mrs. Eva Sager, near Stanberry, Mr .; Henry, a retired farmer and stockman, Beatrice, Neb .; Lizzie and Lou- ise, twins, Lizzie married Fred Herman of Kansas City and Louise mar- ried Charles Shultz and they are both deceased; Caroline, married James Simmons, a farmer and stock raiser and lives in Oklahoma; Anna, married Fred Shultz, King City; Lydia, married Arthur Boner, de- ceased ; Mary, married August Jacoby, a farmer and stock raiser, near Ford City ; Ella, married Paul Kabus, a miller and farmer now living in St. Joseph, and Mrs. Rizzi. The first two children were born in Germany and the other in Missouri.
To A. Rizzi and wife has been born one child, Jeanette, now the wife of Landry C. Loest, who is engaged in farming and stock raising, raising Poland China hogs, Aberdeen Angus cattle and standard bred poultry, and lives in Miller Township.
Mr. Rizzi is a Republican and he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. They are highly respected citizens of King City where they have a wide accquaintance and many friends.
Frank Morton, a well known contractor of King City, is a native of Missouri and is the son of Gilkey and Sarah (Slater) Morton, the former a native of Maine and the latter of New York.
Gilkey Morton was born in Bangor, Maine, and was a blacksmith by trade. He was a Republican and a member of the Methodist Church and is now deceased. To Gilkey and Sarah (Slater) Morton were born the following children : One died in infancy ; Louise, married Thomas How- ard, a farmer and stockman, Lomax, Ill .; Helen, married John Walker, who was engaged in the furniture business and he and his wife are now deceased ; Carrie, deceased, and is buried at Monticello, Ill .; William, was a rancher and died in Montana; and Frank, the subject of this sketch.
Frank Morton was educated in the public schools and in early life learned the plasterer's trade, beginning at the age of 17 years. For a
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number of years he followed that line of work as a journeyman and for several years he has been engaged in contracting during which time he has done some extensive jobs of plastering. He is an expert workman and thoroughly understands his line of work.
Mr. Morton was married to Miss Oka Shout, a daughter of James and Maria Jane (Alexander) Shout, both now deceased. James Shout was a native of Pennsylvania and was reared in that state. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in a Pennsylvania Regiment; during the course of his military career he was taken prisoner and for several months was confined in the Confederate prison at Bell Island, and Sal- isbury and Libby prisons. After the close of the war he came west. He was engaged in the meat and grocery business and was the owner of 120 acres of land in Kansas and 80 acres in South Dakota. He served as superintendent of the Boys Reform School of Kansas for two years, hav- ing received his appointment from Governor Morrill. He was a Repub- lican, a member of the Presbyterian Church and for many years was a prominent Mason. His wife was a very capable woman and served for some time as matron of the Girls Reformatory of the state of Illinois. To James Shout and wife were born four children: Lenora, married Frank Gerlach, Elkton, S. Dak .; Monta Bell, deceased and her remains are buried at Shannon, Ill .; Rosalie, married J. H. Conrad, Elgin, Ill .; and Mrs. Frank Morton of this review.
Mrs. Morton is one of the capable and widely known women, not only of Gentry County, but of the state. She with seven other King City women founded the City Library, which after only a few years now con- tains nearly 1,000 volumes and is a library of which any town may be justly proud. She was also one of the organizers of the King City Study Club in 1917. This Club was federated the same year and Mrs. Morton was elected district secretary and is now serving her second year as sec- retary of the local club. Mrs. Morton is a Republican and takes an active and prominent part in political affairs. She was a delegate to the State Republican convention held at Kansas City in 1920 and served as a member of the Committee on Permanent Organization. Mrs. Morton was educated in the public schools and graduated from Lena, Ill., High School and afterward attended the Salina Normal. She is the second cousin of the late President William Mckinley and is also related to Judge W. B. Rose of the Nebraska Supreme Court.
To Mr. and Mrs. Frank Morton have been born two children: Mary, deceased and her remains are buried at King City ; and Helen Margue- rite who is a graduate of the King City High School and Lyceum Arts
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Conservatory of Music of Chicago and is now the leading musician at the Princess Theatre in Denver, Col.
Mr. Morton is a Republican and he and Mrs. Morton stand high in the community.
John J. Shrike, the well known and efficient jeweler and optician at King City, is a native of Ohio. He was born at Dayton, Nov. 27, 1851, a son of David and Caroline (Flora) Shirke, the former a native of Ger- many and the latter of France. They were the parents of nine children, three of whom are living: Caroline, married John Kochner, a farmer and stock raiser, LaCrosse, Wis .; Tillie, who is married and lives in Wis- consin; and John J., the subject of this sketch.
David Shrike came to America at the age of 13 years. He served in the Mexican War, entering the service with the rank of captain. He was promoted to adjutant and afterwards to Colonel. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Union army and served until the close of the war with the Wisconsin troops. After the Civil War he engaged in the shoemaking business at Tipton, Mo. He then came west and settled in Missouri. He served as mayor at Tipton. He was a Democrat and be- longed to the G. A. R. and was Post Commander. He died at the age of 87 years.
John J. Shrike was educated in the public schools and the Dayton Commercial College. After coming to Missouri he served as postmaster at Elston, for seven years. After taking courses in the Jacksonian Opti- cal College of Chicago and the Needles Optical College of Kansas City, Mo., he engaged in optical work 35 years ago. In 1916 he came from St. Louis to King City where he has since been engaged in his line of work as optical jeweler. He is an expert in his line of work and has had years of experience. By his efficiency he has built up a large patronage in King City and vicinity.
Mr. Shrike was married to Miss Mary Stein, a native of Ohio and a daughter of George Stein. To Mr. and Mrs. Shrike have been born the following children: James, deceased; Carrie, married George M. Nel- son, a locomotive engineer, St. Louis; Ella, married James Wood, a ma- chinist, Jefferson City; Garnett Woolsey, a blacksmith and wheelright, Sedalia; George David, who is engaged in the dyeing and cleaning busi- ness in Nebraska ; John D., who is also engaged in the dyeing and clean- ing business in Nebraska ; Mae, married Samuel Sarbitz, who is engaged in the railroad salvage business in St. Louis; and Charles M., who is en- gaged in the dyeing and cleaning business at King City. He entered the United States service and was in training for several months at Camp
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Dodge, Iowa. He was a member of the 128th Division and was just ready to sail for overseas when the armistice was signed. He remained in the service for some time after that and received his honorable dis- charge at Camp Dodge, Iowa.
Mr. Shrike is a Republican.
Ebenezer Edgar Blacklock, now deceased, was a successful man of affairs and during the course of his career was a dominant factor in the business development of King City and vicinity. He was one of the widely respected citizens of this community. Mr. Blacklock was a na- tive of Scotland ; he came to America in 1851 and remained in New York City for five months. He then went to Wisconsin where he was engaged in foundry work for a time when he went to Rock Island, Ill. From there he went to Australia. Some years later he returned to America and located at St. Louis where he worked at his trade as foundryman. From there he went to Leavenworth, Kan., and took charge of a Great Western Foundry. He was thus employed for five years when he came to Gentry County and bought 320 acres of land. He was successfully en- gaged in farming and stock raising for 25 years when he retired from the farm and moved to King City. He was interested in the banking and mercantile business and for several years was a director of the First National Bank of King City, and also served as vice president of the King City Hardware Company.
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