USA > Missouri > Gentry County > History of Daviess and Gentry counties, Missouri > Part 58
USA > Missouri > Daviess County > History of Daviess and Gentry counties, Missouri > Part 58
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Mr. Cook is now practically retired from active business affairs, although he makes his home on his farm in Jackson Township. He is a Republican, and is one of the substantial and highly respected pioneer citizens of Gentry County.
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HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
George F. Sealey, a well known citizen and prosperous farmer and stockman of Gentry County is a native of Iowa. He is a son of John and Elvira (Stores) Sealey, the former a native of England and the latter of New York. John Sealey came to America with his parents when a child and the family settled in Hoboken, N. J. When he was 19 years old he came west and settled in Jackson County, Iowa. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in Company I, 24th Regiment, Iowa Infantry and during the course of his military career he took part in some of the im- portant battles of the Civil War, besides numerous skirmishes and lesser engagements. He rose to the rank of Sergeant and had many narrow escapes. On one occasion his haversack was shot off and while he was never wounded, he never fully recovered his health after the war. His wife taught school in Iowa while he served in the Civil War. After re- turning from the army he engaged in farming and stock raising. He was a Republican and a member of the Methodist church. He is now de- ceased and his widow lives in King City.
George F. Sealey was educated in the public schools and began life farming rented land. After two years he bought 80 acres which he later sold and bought 160 acres. He afterwards sold that and bought 200 acres in Jackson Township which he still owns. This is a well improved farm and Mr. Sealey carries on general farming and stock raising and has met with success.
Mr. Sealey married Addie Brown, a daughter of Thomas Jefferson and Rebecca (Tucker) Brown, the former of Tazewell County, Virginia, and the latter of Illinois. Thomas Jefferson Brown was a veteran of the Civil War, having served in the Missouri State Militia. He was a farmer and stockman all of his life. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Grand Army of the Republic and was a Republican and belonged to the Baptist Church. He and his wife are deceased and are buried in Gentry County at Berlin. Mrs. Sealey is one of the following children born to her parents: Margaret, married J. W. Barclay and is now de- ceased ; Louise, married Clark Hussey and is deceased ; Lillie, deceased ; Volney, now living retired at Albany; Thomas, farmer and stockman, King City ; Rebecca, married Orlin Butler, Ford City ; Ailey, married Da- vid Fore, Gentryville; Dora, married Jesse Clark, Ford City; Orville, a former county judge of Gentry County, now resides near Berlin in this county ; and Mrs. Sealey of this review.
To Mr. and Mrs. Sealey have been born the following children: Esther and Lillie, deceased; Maurice E., born June 19, 1893, educated in the public schools and Gard's Business College, St. Joseph, entered
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the United States army in September, 1917, after a period of training at Camp Funston went to France with the 89th Division and took part in much of the severe fighting on the western front, was severely wounded at the battle of Argonne Forrest, being struck in the leg, hip and back by shrapnel, was discharged at Camp Funston in April, 1919, and is now engaged in farming and stock raising in South Dakota; Glenn, was born March 10, 1894, was educated in the public schools and Commer- cial College at St. Joseph, enlisted service in the World War, was dis- charged after the Armistice was signed and now lives in South Dakota ; Mabel, was born Dec. 22, 1895, was educated in the pubile schools and Gard's Business College at St. Joseph, married Ray Pulley and lives at Denver, Colo .; Paul, born Oct. 14, 1899, in Gentry County, educated in the public schools and Commercial College, is now engaged in farming and stock raising with his father: Thedore is now engaged in farming and stock raising in South Dakota; and James Wayne, who is attending the local schools.
Mr. Sealey is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a Republican and a mem- ber of the Methodist Church.
L. C. Loest, a progressive and prosperous farmer and stockman of Miller Township was born in Gentry County, Dec. 6, 1877, and is a son of William and Barbara (Huber) Loest.
William Loest was born in Berlin, Germany, and came to America in 1866. He first located in St. Louis and went from there to St. Joseph and then came to Gentry County, where he became a well-to-do farmer and stockman and the owner of 408 acres of land. Barbara (Huber) Loest was also a native of Germany and came to America in 1865.
To William Loest and wife were born the following children: Wil- liam and Albert, both deceased; Amelia, married Fred Heintz and they live in King City ; Lena, married Claude Gregory who is engaged in the poultry business in King City; Otto, a farmer and stockman in Gentry County ; and L. C., the subject of this sketch.
L. C. Loest was reared to manhood on the home farm in Gentry County and received his education in the public schools. He began farm- ing for himself on rented land and thus continued for eight years. He then bought his present place of 200 acres in Miller Township. He has made extensive improvements and has a good residence, barns and other suitable farm buildings. He raises Aberdeen Angus cattle and Po- land China hogs and is recognized as one of the successful stockmen of the County.
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Mr. Loest married Miss Jeanette Rizzi, a daughter of A. Rizzi, a prominent citizen of King City, a biographical sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Loest have been born three children as follows: Carl, born March 23, 1903, a graduate of high school and now taking an agricultural course in the University of Mis- souri at Columbia ; Charlotte, born Jan. 17, 1905, now a high school stu- dent, resides at home with her parents; Lucille, also a student in high school, resides at home with her parents.
Mrs. Loest is a very successful poultry raiser and has met with un- usual success in raising Plymouth Rock chickens and Narragansett tur- keys and has won first prize at a number of poultry shows. The Loest place is underlaid with a rich deposit of coal, an 18-inch vein having been proved in several different places on the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Loest both support the policies and principles of the Democratic party and he is a member of the Masonic Lodge.
John M. Cummings, a well-to-do farmer and stock raiser of Miller Township is a native of Canada, born in 1867. He is a son of Patrick and Mary Ann (Cushing) Cummings, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Canada. Patrick Cummings was reared to manhood in his native land and when 21 years old went to Canada where he was mar- ried. In 1869 he came to the United States and settled in Andrew County, Missouri, and engaged in farming and stock raising and also carried on dairying. He was a Democrat and a member of the Catholic Church. He and his wife are both deceased and are buried at Concep- tion, Mo. They were the parents of the following children: Martin, Catherine, and Mary, all of whom are deceased; Susan, married Dennie Buckley ; John M., the subject of this sketch ; Thomas, Norman, Okla .; Mary, St. Joseph; and Patrick J., Lone Wolf, Okla.
John M. Cummings was about two years old when the family came to Missouri. He attended the district schools and was brought up on the home farm and has thus made farming and stock raising his life occupa- tion. He is the owner of 440 acres of land in Miller Township and car- ries on general farming and stock raising. He gives special attention to raising Aberdeen Angus cattle, Spotted Poland China hogs and Norman horses.
Mr. Cummings married Addie Ulrich who was born in California, a daughter of Christopher Ulrich. a native of Indiana and a veteran of the Civil War. Christopher Ulrich enlisted June 1, 1861, in Captain Edgar's 2nd Company; served to March 31, 1862. Then in Company F. 6th M. S. M. Cavalry from March 31, 1862, to May 30, 1864, and in Company A,
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13th Missouri Vet. Cavalry from May 31, 1864, to April 18, 1866, when he received his honorable discharge.
Mr. and Mrs. Ulrich now reside in Cameron. Mrs. Cummings is one of the following children born to her parents: Vaddie, married Benja- min Boley, a farmer and stockman in Gentry County; Lizzie, married Christopher Case a farmer and stockman, Ford City; Rosa, married Ste- phen Clevenger, a farmer and stockman, Turner; Lena, married William Meyer, a real estate and insurance man of Colorado; Flossie, married Frank Myers a farmer, near Cameron; John a farmer and stockman, Cameron; Fred, a dairyman, Cameron; Christopher, Jr., painter and decorator, Kansas City ; and Mrs. Cummings.
To John M. Cummings and wife have been born the following chil- dren: Loretta, married Ferris Keys, manager for the Miner & Frees Lumber Company, King City, and they have two children, W. C. and Frances Jackson; the former aged two years and the latter an infant. Thelma, a student in high school; Blanche attending school; Lorine, a student in the public schools. Mr. Keys is a veteran of the World War, serving 18 months in France and rose to the rank of sergeant. His hear- ing was slightly affected from concussion of heavy exploisves. He was a member of the 89th Division.
Alva Mann, one of the leading farmers and stockmen of Gentry County and a member of a prominent pioneer family of this section of the state is a native son of Gentry County. He was born on the farm where he now resides Nov. 17, 1877, and is a son of James and Matilda (Berge) Mann.
James Mann was a native of Lincolnshire, England, and when a boy of 15 years he came to America. He made the trip across the At- lantic on a ship named the City of Glasgow which sank on the next trip it made. After coming to this country he first located in St. Louis and worked in a harness factory for a time. From there he went to Iowa where he was employed in a mine for a time when he went to Minnesota and shortly afterwards returned to Iowa and from there came to Gentry County. Here he bought land and engaged in farming and stock raising and prospered. He owned a half section of land in Gentry County, two sections in Nebraska, one section in Minnesota and 80 acres in Iowa. When he came to Gentry County there were no railroads here, all the principal supplies being hauled with teams from St. Joseph. There was only one store in King City. He was an extensive cattleman and a prom- inent factor in the early development of Gentry County.
James Mann was twice married. His first wife being Zenorah Rad-
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ford, a native of Iowa and one child was born to that union. Bion Mann, now a fruit farmer living in California. After the death of his first wife James Mann married Mitaldia Berge and three children were born to that union : Lillie, married Charles Potter of Gentry County ; Frances, married Hiram Rainey, Stoddard County, Missouri; and Alva, the sub- ject of this sketch. James Mann was a Republican and a member of the Methodist Church. He and his wife are both deceased and are buried in the Moulton, or Owl Creek Cemetery.
Alva Mann was educated in the public schools and high school and afterwards took a course in the Chillicothe Commercial College where he was graduated. After reaching manhood he was associated with his father in farming and stock raising for eight years. He then bought 40 acres of land and began farming and stock raising on his own account. He is now the owner of 240 acres of valuable and well improved land. He has a good two story residence and the barns and other buildings about the place are of a high standard. Mr. Mann carries on general farming and raises Hereford cattle, Duroc Jersey hogs and Shropshire sheep. He is also widely known as a successful breeder of seed corn and has exhibited his seed corn, at the World Fairs at Chicago and San Francisco and numerous other fairs throughout the country. He has won a number of first premiums and in all has taken 150 blue ribbons in the exhibition of his seed corn. He is one of the leading seed corn men of the country. He specializes in Yellow Dent corn and is recognized as one of the three leading corn breeders of Missouri.
Alva Mann married Mary Boley, a native of Gentry County, and a daughter of Enoch and Elizabeth (Rainey) Boley. Enoch Boley was a native of Tennessee and when the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Union army and served three years and experienced much severe fight- ing although he was never wounded. He was at the battle of Wilson Creek, Blue Ridge, Independence and a number of other engagements. After the war he engaged in farming and stock raising and both he and his wife are deceased and are buried in the Moulton Cemetery. He was a Republican. Mrs. Mann is one of the following children born to her parents: John, a farmer and stockman in Gentry County; Joseph W., also a farmer and stockman in Gentry County; Sarah, married Marcus Potter, a farmer and stockman in Wyoming; and Mrs. Mann of this re- view.
To Mr. and Mrs. Alva Mann have been born the following children: Pearl, born April 21, 1902; Wayne, Oct. 19, 1905; Clifford, born June
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1, 1912, and Dale, born Oct. 26,. 1916, all of whom reside at home with their parents.
Mr. Mann is a public spirited and progressive citizen and is widely known in Gentry County and western Missouri.
Idella Knight, a well known and highly respected citizen of Gallatin, was born in Daviess County, the daughter of Ellis and Sarah (Baker) Knight.
Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Knight were natives of Virginia and early settlers of Daviess County. They settled three miles east of the present home of Miss Knight. Mr. Knight carried on general farming and stock raising until the time of his death, June 13, 1871. His wife then opreated the farm with the assistance of her two sons, Thomas Benton and Isaac Newton. She died July 25, 1880, at the age of 76 years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Knight are buried in Centenary Cemetery.
To Ellis and Sarah (Baker) Knight 12 children were born, as follows: Louis Chauncey, deceased; John Wesley, deceased; James F., married Sarah Peniston, both deceased; Martha Ann, deceased; William Ellis, married Mellissa Smith, living east of Gallatin; Sarah Elizabeth, deceased; was the wife of George Burge, Oklahoma; Thomas Benton, married Lina B. McCollough, both deceased, and are buried in McCollough Cemetery, Tripplett, Mo .; Isaac Newton, married Margaret Leeper, deceased, buried in Brown Cemetery, Gallatin; Nancy Ellen, married Rev. Willian L. Mer- ritt, both deceased ; Mary S., the widow of James B. McCollough, now living with her sister; Idella, the subject of this sketch; Naomi Lee, died Sept. 14, 1921.
Miss Idella Knight moved to her present home in December, 1885. It is a beautiful two story frame dwelling, located just on the southeast edge of Gallatin.
In politics Miss Knight is a Democrat, although she takes no active in- terest in politics.
There is probably not a better known family of Democrats in Daviess County than the Knight family. They are of the sturdy pioneer stock whose sons and daughters have helped to develop this section to its present status, and they always have been a "tribe" of good, dependable, popular folks, doing favors and service for others, but seldom, if ever, asking favors for themselves.
Miss Knight is a member of the Methodist church. She and her sis- ter, Mrs. McCollough are interesting ladies, and highly respected and honored citizens.
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RESIDENCE OF IDELLA KNIGHT AND SISTER MRS. MARY MCCULLOUGH
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HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Claude M. Evans, a progressive and enterprising farmer and stock- man of Miller Township, Gentry County is a native of this county. He was born in 1881 and is a son of Jefferson and Sarah Frances (McGuire) Evans. Thomas Jefferson Evans was an extensive farmer and stockman and was successful in his undertakings. He was a Democrat and a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church. He was affiliated with the Masonic Lodge and the Knights of Pythias. He is now deceased and his remains are buried at King City and his widow now lives at Ford City.
Claude M. Evans was one of three children born to his parents, the other two being as follows: Earl, a farmer and stockman, living in Gen- try County ; and Samuel, a bookkeeper in the Citizens National Bank at King City. Claude M. Evans was reared on a farm and educated in the district schools and since early manhood has been engaged in farming. He was associated with his father for a time and for awhile operated rented land. He now owns 120 acres which is well improved with a good residence and barn and he carries on general farming and stock raising and is meeting with success. This is one of the historic old places of Gentry County, having been crossed by the old St. Joseph trial in the early days and an old log cabin stood on the present site of Mr. Evans' residence.
Mr. Evans was married to Margaret Rainey, daughter of William and Emeline (Boley) Rainey. William Rainey was a prominent farmer and stockman. He was a member of the Christian Church and was a Re- publican and a Mason. He died in May, 1920, and is buried at Ford City. His widow resides on the home place.
Mrs. Evans is one of the following children born to her parents: John H., a merchant in St. Joseph; Benjamin P., a Spanish-American War veteran who also served in the Philippine Islands, is now a vet- erinary surgeon in St. Joseph; David M. and Albert B., twins; David M., resides in St. Joseph and Albert B. is a farmer and stockman in Gen- try County ; Hiram B., is a Spanish-American war veteran and lives in southern Missouri ; Ira, Dix, Ill .; Roy O., in the ice business in St. Joseph ; Osha, married Clarence Starks, a railroad man of Kansas City ; Elmer L., a merchant at Ford City ; Tipton, a World War veteran, now engaged in farming and stock raising in Gentry County; and Mrs. Evans of this review.
To Mr. and Mrs. Claude M. Evans have been born three children: Zelma, born Dec. 22, 1906; Maxine, born Dec. 20, 1914; and Marvin Miller, born Nov. 30, 1918.
Mr. Evans is a Democrat and a member of the Presbyterian Church and the Evans family is highly respected in Gentry County.
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HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
John R. Hardwick, an enterprising and well known general mer- chant at Berlin, Gentry County, is a native of Kentucky, born Oct. 10, 1851. He is a son of Nimrod and Jane (Pugh) Hardwick, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Tennessee. They came to Missouri in 1856 and settled in Gentry County. This was well on the border of the frontier at that time and the country was wild and unbroken. The family first lived in a log cabin and endured the many privations inci- dent to pioneer life. The father engaged in farming and stock raising and was the owner of 360 acres of land. He was a Mason, a Democrat and a member of the Christian Church. He and his wife are both de- ceased and are buried in the Wheeler Cemetery.
Nimrod Hardwick and wife were the parents of the following chil- dren : George N., Eliza, Samuel, and Emiline, all of whom are deceased ; Lovey, married A. W. Mance, a farmer and stockman, living in Missouri ; William, a farmer and stockman, in Oklahoma; Emma, who is now a widow and resides in California ; and John R., the subject of this sketch.
John R. Hardwick received his education in the district school in the early days and when a young man was engaged in farming on the home place with his father. In 1905 he opened a dry goods and drug store and a few years later he engaged in the general mercantile busi- ness to which he has since devoted himself. He carries a very complete line of general merchandise and has an extensive trade over a large scope of territory.
Mr. Hardwick married Emma Oriez, a native of Switzerland who came to this country with her brother when she was a young girl. Henry Oriez, the brother is a railroad agent and now lives in Kansas. To Mr. and Mrs. John R. Hardwick have been born the following children: Samuel, born Dec. 1, 1883, is assisting his father in the drug store at Berlin ; Nora, born June 1, 1885, married Jesse Campbell, a farmer and stockman, living in Nebraska; John M., born Nov. 10, 1887, a farmer and stockman, Elkhart, Kan .; Ziti, born Sept. 3, 1889, married Allen Robertson, a farmer and stockman of Gentry County; Ruth, born March 4, 1891, married L. L. Carson, a farmer and stockman of Gentry County ; Russell, born July 6, 1893, clerking in a dry goods store at Elkhart, Kan .; Ernest, born Feb. 24, 1895, a veteran of the World War, was in training at Camp Funston, went overseas with the 89th Division, partici- pated in the heavy fighting of that Division, was severely wounded in the battle of Argonne Forest and after the armistice was signed was honorably discharged and is still under the care of the government at Harding, Mont .; Eliza R., born Sept. 3, 1897, graduated from high
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school and the State Teachers College at Maryville, now a bookkeeper and stenographer in the First National Bank, King City; Lucile, born March 6, 1898, graduated from high school and the Teachers State Col- lege at Maryville, is now a bookkeeper in the First National Bank at King City; Camelle, born May 3, 1901, a graduate of high school and the Teachers State College at Maryville, is now teaching in Gentryville; Pauline, born Oct. 29, 1903, a graduate from high school and the Teachers State College at Maryville, is now a teacher at Mt. Pleasant; and Mildred, born Jan. 7, 1907, a student in high school and resides at home. The children were all born in Gentry County.
Mr. Hardwick is a Democrat and a member of the Christian Church. He is public spirited and progressive and the Hardwick family stand high in the community.
William E. Dator, a Civil War veteran and prominent pioneer of Miller Township, was born in Green County, New York, Sept. 11, 1839. He is a son of John and Sallie (Barker) Dator, both natives of Green County, New York, where the father was prominently identified in poli- tics and served as sheriff for a number of years.
William E. Dator was one of six children born to his parents. The Civil War broke out about the time he reached his majority and he en- listed in the Union Army, becoming a member of the 11th Illinois Cav- alry of which Col. Robert G. Ingersoll was Colonel. Mr. Dator took part in all the engagements in which his regiment participated and experi- enced much severe fighting. Before the war, Mr. Dator worked by the month for a time at $8.00 per month. He came to Missouri in 1866. He bought 200 acres here before coming to this state and is now the owner of 237 acres. His palce is well improved with a good residence, barns and other improvements which have been made by Mr. Dator, the place being practically unimproved when he bought it. He experienced all the hard times, low prices and high rates of interest which made the lot of the builders of the West a hard one. There were no railroads when he came here which made transportation difficult and markets inaccessa- ble. Everything had to be hauled to St. Joseph.
Mr. Dator married Mary Jane Lowery, a daughter of Charles and Mary (Earlick) Lowery. Charles Lowery served as county judge of Gentry County and was an extensive land owner, owning 600 acres. He was a prominent farmer and a Republican. He and his wife are both deceased and their remains are buried in Fairview Cemetery.
To William E. Dator and wife have been born the following chil- dren: Carrie, who was a teacher for ten years, married George Hall, also a teacher; William, who now manages his father's farm; Ella,
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married William Adkisson, of Gentry County; Addie, married Edward Manring, a farmer and stockman living at McFall.
Mr. Dator is one of the substantial citizens of Gentry County and has always taken an interest in public affairs and the welfare of the community. He served as clerk of the school board for 40 years and at the time of his resignation was the oldest clerk in the county. Mrs. Da- tor died in 1909 and her remains are buried in Fairview Cemetery.
William Alexander Jameson, a Gentry County pioneer now living retired at McFall, is a native of Tennessee. He is a son of David Finley and Eliza Anne (Batton) Jameson, both natives of Tennessee. The Jam- eson family were very early settlers in Gentry County, coming here from Monroe County in 1853. The father was a farmer and spent the re- mainder of his life in Gentry County after coming here. He died Dec. 2, 1887. His wife is also deceased.
David Finley Jameson and wife were the parents of the following children : Francis Y., David, Mary Jane, and Joseph, all of whom are deceased ; Hiram, a farmer and stock raiser near Ford City ; Samuel, liv- ing retired at McFall; and William Alexander, the subject of this sketch. David Finley Jameson was prominently identified with the early history of Gentry County. He was the owner of 160 acres of land and served as justice of the peace for seven years. He was a Democrat and a member of the Presbyterian Church.
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