USA > Missouri > Mercer County > History of Harrison and Mercer Counties, Missouri : from the earliest times to the present : together with sundry personal, business, and professional sketches and family records : besides a condensed history of the State of Missouri, etc > Part 55
USA > Missouri > Harrison County > History of Harrison and Mercer Counties, Missouri : from the earliest times to the present : together with sundry personal, business, and professional sketches and family records : besides a condensed history of the State of Missouri, etc > Part 55
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BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.
J. C. Kimbrough was born November 18, 1847, in Edgar County, Ill., and moved to Harrison County, Mo., in August, 1866, where he has since resided. When eighteen years of age he started out in the world for himself as a day laborer, but has risen in life until he is now the owner of 200 acres of excellently improved land, which is all the result of his business ability, industry and good management. Octo- ber 26, 1879, he married Miss Amanda Bondurant, daughter of E. J. and K. M. Bondurant, who bore him two children: Charles G., and one who died unnamed. Mrs. Kimbrough died October 21, 1880, and in April, 1882, Mr. Kimbrough was united in marriage with Mrs. Rosanna Guymon, nee McGowen. Mrs. Kimbrough is a daughter of John and Eunice (Jones) McGowen, and the mother of one child -John V. Kimbrough. Mrs. Kimbrough is a member of the Mis- sionary Baptist Church. Mr. Kimbrough is a Democrat in politics, and is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry. He is the third of six children born to Goldman and Pamela (James) Kimbrough, natives of Kentucky and Indiana, respectively. The mother died in June, 1857, and the father in 1859 married Miss A. Jane Knight, who bore him five children. He was a carpenter by trade, and served his town- ship in several local offices. He was a son of Richard and Jane (Morrison) Kimbrough, natives of Alabama and Kentucky, respect- ively. Richard was a soldier in the War of 1812, under Gen. Jack- son, and was the first school teacher in Edgar County, Ill. He par- ticipated in the battle of New Orleans, and was also a soldier in the Florida War. His death resulted from a wound received in the War of 1812.
Simon P. King was born in Monongalia County, W. Va., October 7, 1827, and is a son of William and Celia (Bailey) King, both na- tives of Greene County, Penn. The father came west to Iowa in the fall of 1853, and the following year located in Harrison County. Himself and wife are now residents of Bethany, aged, respectively, eighty-two and eighty-four years. Of five sons and eight daughters born to them, four sons and five daughters are now living: Simon B .; Frances Marion; Hannah, wife of John Oxford; Irena, widow of Isaac Wheeler; Furtinna, wife of Matthew Hogan, and Elizabeth, wife of John Lark, are residents of Harrison County, Mo. The first named was reared to manhood on farms in Virginia and Ohio, and came west with his parents, wife and family in 1853. He first located upon a farm, five miles north of Bethany, and in 1869 came to the town, where he engaged in the grocery business until 1880. He was then elected treasurer of Harrison County, and after serving two terms of two
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HARRISON COUNTY.
years each in a faithful and efficient manner, returned to the grocery business. In September, 1886, he engaged in the retail meat busi- ness in his store one block east of the southeast corner of the public square, where he is doing well. In June, 1847, he married Ruhama Dunlap, also a native of Monongalia County, W. Va., by whom he has three children: Delilah, wife of William J. Taylor; William J., and Mary J., wife of Alexander Jennings. Mr. King is a successful and reliable business man, and in politics is a Republican. Himself and wife belong to the Christian Church.
Robert D. King, M. D., of Bethany, Mo., was born December 12, 1837, in Baie de Vert, Westmoreland Co., New Brunswick, and is a son of Robert and Nancy (Goodwin) King, natives of Canada. Robert D. was reared to manhood, and educated in Canada, and in 1860 attended the Portland, Me., Medical School, preparatory for college. From there he went to Philadelphia, and attended the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, in March, 1862, graduating from that institute. He then practiced his chosen profession four years in his native county, and in September, 1866, came to Missouri, practicing in Caldwell County until December, 1877, and then coming to Bethany, where he has since enjoyed a lucrative patronage. June 10, 1878, he married Mary, daughter of John S. Allen, of Bethany. Dr. King is a Democrat in politics, and is president of the board of United States pension examiners for this point.
John Kinion was born in Washington County, Ind., in 1820, and is a son of John and Mary (Hoggatt) Kinion, natives of North Caro- lina, who were taken to Indiana when children and there reared. After their marriage they spent their entire lives in Washington County, where they died when John was a child. The father was a farmer by occupation, and to himself and wife three children were born: Hester, John and Rebecca, of whom John is the only survivor. John Kinion, Jr., was reared in the Quaker faith, and lived with his mother's people until February 29, 1844, when he was married to Artemecia B. Freeman, by whom he had nine children, seven now living and all save the eldest son, who resides in Wyoming, liv- ing in Missouri. Mr. Kinion remained in Washington County, Ind., until 1847, then removing to Wapello County, Iowa. In 1856 he came to Harrison County, Mo., where he now owns a good farm of 200 acres in Madison Township, 140 being under good cultivation. Mrs. Kinion was a member of the United Brethern Church, and died in Harrison County, in 1870, being buried in Mount Pleasant Ceme-
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BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.
tery. Three years later Mr. Kinion married Mrs. Nancy Young. During the war Mr. Kinion enlisted in Company E, Missouri State Militia, Col. King's command. In February, 1863, his company was transferred to the Sixth, previous to which it participated in the battle at Springfield, and afterward in several skirmishes. He was dis- charged in December, 1863, on account of physical disability. Since the war Mr. Kinion has been a Republican in politics, and is a member of the G. A. R. He is united with the Methodist Church at present.
William Knott was born in December, 1821, in Fayette County, Ind., and, at the age of nineteen moved to Randolph County, Ind., where he was married, and ten years later moved to Tazewell County, Ill., where he became a prominent citizen, taking an active part in the upbuilding of the town of Delavan, and being the foremost man in securing the county fair at that town. He moved to Harrison County, Mo., in January, 1881, and engaged in the mercantile busi- ness at Hatfield for four years, since which time he has been interested in farming and stock raising. While in Delavan, Ill., he was quite an extensive shipper and buyer of stock, and a member of the firm of Knott & Snideker, harness and saddle manufacturers. He began life for himself at the age of nineteen with no capital, but has so well suc- ceeded in his business ventures that he is now the owner of 1,100 acres of well improved land in Harrison County, and also owns some valu- able town property in Delavan. September 9, 1842, he married Miss Margaret Clark, a native of Randolph County, Ind., and a daughter of John Clark, who married a Miss Huffman. To Mr. and Mrs. Knott seven children have been born: Smith A., Mary E., John L., Andrew J., William C., Franklin (deceased) and Charles H. Mr. Knott is a Democrat in politics, and has served as school director at Delavan and other places where he has made his home. He is a Master Mason, and himself and wife are members of the Christian Church. He is the second of nine children born to Ephraim and Agnes (Hyers) Knott, natives of Pennsylvania and New York. The father was a soldier in the Mexican War, and a son of William and Sarah Ann (Peyton) Knott, who were of German descent. William Knott was a soldier in the War of 1812 and the Revolution. The maternal grandparents of our subject, William and Sarah Ann Hyers, were natives of New York State.
John W. Lark was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, June 26, 1829, and is the son of Anton and Elizabeth Christine Lark, the former of whom died when John W. was but four years old. Brought up by his kind and affectionate mother he received a common-school
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HARRISON COUNTY.
education, and remained at home until his mother's death, at which time he was eighteen years of age. Subsequently he was occupied in working upon farms, and at the age of twenty, in accordance with the laws of his country, served as a soldier. In 1854 he sailed for America, landing at New York, and removing thence to Ohio where he resumed agricultural pursuits. In 1856 he removed to Missouri, locating near St. Joseph, where for a while he was occupied in hauling rock to that city. In the meantime he had entered 160 acres of Government land in Harrison County, to the improvement of which he now turned his attention. July 1, 1860, he married Miss Elizabeth King, who was born September 20, 1844, in Virginia. She removed with her parents to this county in 1854. Some time after his marriage Mr. Lark became a true citizen of the United States by taking out his naturalization papers. In 1864 he changed his religious views from the Lutheran faith in which he had been reared to the faith of the Christian denomination. In 1865 he disposed of his old homestead, and purchased over 400 acres near Eagleville, Harrison County, upon which he now resides. To Mr. Lark and wife seven sons and six daughters have been born: Christine S., born June 26, 1861; Mary F., born November 27, 1863, died when nine years old; William S., born January 29, 1866; John H., born February 14, 1868; Simon Peter, born February 23, 1870; Libby F., born February 10, 1872, died when one year old; Jacob S., born January 8, 1874; Wilda M., born September 13, 1876; Bertha A., born November 16, 1878; Rosa B., born September 19, 1879; James A., born December 12, 1881; Nora E., born March 16, 1883; Frederick G., born August 4, 1886.
Wesley Leazenby was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1832, and is a son of Joshua and Lucinda (Toothaker) Leazenby. The father of the former, Thomas Leazenby, was born in Dublin, Ireland, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Joshua Leazenby's birth occurred near Harper's Ferry, Va. The mother was born in the northeastern por- tion of Ohio. The father was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and when a boy went to Pickaway County, Ohio, where he farmed in connection with his ministerial duties for many years. He was married in that county, and there both himself and wife died, the latter surviving her husband nearly half a century, and never again marrying. Wesley was reared under the parental roof, and at the age of eighteen went to Miami County, Ind., and a year later returned to Ohio, and with his youngest brother purchased the old homestead. In 1854 he was married to Miss Celia Lima, a native of that county, and daughter of Harrison and Jincy Lima. In 1855 Mr. Leazenby
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BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.
started west in search of a new home, and first went to Wapello County, Iowa. After voting for Fremont in 1856 he came directly to Harrison County, Mo., which has since been his home. In 1862 he enlisted in the Sixth Missouri Cavalry, Col. Cathwood's command, under Capt. Page, and was wounded in the battle of Painter Creek on August 8, 1862, by some of Porter's men. Having been shot through the shoulder he has since been unable to work, and for his disability draws a pension of $12 per month. After receiving his dis- charge in 1863, he returned home, where he now has a well stocked and improved farm in Madison Township. The home place contains 320 acres, four miles south of Cainesville, and altogether he owns nearly one section, all in Harrison County. To himself and wife six children have been born, four of whom are living: Mary L., Jincy E., Ulysses Grant and John W. The two eldest are married. In politics Mr. Leazenby is a Republican.
H. C. Lessley was born in Augusta County, Va., May 9, 1834, and is a son of James and Mary (Crawford) Lessley, who were of Irish and Scotch descent, and were married in Virginia, where the father passed his life engaged in farming. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, and to himself and wife ten children were born, of whom seven are living, all save our subject being residents of Virginia. The father was an extensive land holder, an earnest member of the Presbyterian Church, and lived to the age of eighty-five years. The mother was one hundred years of age upon her last birthday, and is still living in Augusta County, Va., which was her native county. She has been a member of the Presbyterian Church seventy-five years. H. C. Lessley remained at home until sixteen years of age, and then began life for himself with 62} cents in money, by working at his trade, that of a printer. He was thus engaged in Staunton, Augusta County, for about five years, and then finding that a sedentary life was ruining his health, began the study of surveying, which, however he never practiced. In 1856 he went to Poweshiek County, Iowa, and ten months later came to Harrison County, Mo., where in 1857 he entered 400 acres of land which he proceeded to improve. August 24, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Twenty-third Missouri Volunteer Infantry.
Merritt Lewis, a citizen of Bethany, Mo., is a son of Samuel and Susan (Wise) Lewis, natives of North Carolina and West Virginia, respectively, and was born March 12, 1839. The father moved to Indiana with his family about 1841, where he died. Merritt grew to manhood in Indiana and Illinois upon farms, and during the Rebellion
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HARRISON COUNTY.
enlisted in Company E, Fifty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in which he served four years as a private and non-commissioned officer. In 1865 he came to Missouri, and located in Harrison County, where he has since made his residence, engaged in farming and stock-raising very successfully. He owns a fine farm of 240 acres in Bethany Township, located one mile south of the town, in which he resides, and also is the owner of other valuable farming land, and several pieces of good town property. He is a self-made man, having com- menced life with but little means, and by his own unaided efforts suc- ceeded in accumulating a handsome competency. Mr. Lewis was married in this county to Mary J. Copeland, a native of Ohio, which union has been blessed with four children, now living: Charles, John Claude, Bert and Grace. Mr. Lewis is a Republican in politics. He is a Master Mason, and is classed among Harrison County's prosperous business men.
John Lilly was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1833, and is a son of John and Rebecca (Storm) Lilly, natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively. The father gave his attention to farming as an occupation, and when a young man went to Ohio, where he was married about 1808. From there he went to Indiana, and then to Illinois, where he assisted in the war against the Mormons. He then went to Livingston County, Mo., where he died in 1863. He was a strong Union man during the war, and for the preservation of the Union spent much time and money. He was an earnest worker in the Christian Church, to which he gave three acres of land in Livingston County, where he is now buried, and upon which the Lilly Grove Church is erected. He died at the age of fifty-seven, and was shortly after followed by his widow, who had removed to Jamesport, Mo. Her maiden name was Rebecca Matthews, and her union with Mr. Lilly was his second marriage. Four of his sons now live in Missouri, and one daughter resides in Illinois. John Lilly, Jr., was reared in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, and while in the last named State mar- ried Miss Artimissa Westfall, a native of Adams County, Ill., and daughter of Alfred Westfall, a prominent farmer of that county. Mr. Lilly remained in Illinois until 1856, with the exception of a trip to Iowa, and then moved to Livingston County, Mo., and later came to Harrison County, where he owned some property. March 29, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, Sixth Cavalry, Col. E. C. Cathwood's com- mand, and served three years. He fought at Yellow Creek, Jefferson City, Boonville, Independence, Big Blue, Little Osage, and New- tonia. After his discharge Mr. Lilly returned home and engaged in
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BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.
farming and stock raising. He now owns a fine farm of several hun- dred acres, and is one of the successful men of the township. To himself and wife nine children have been born, eight of whom are living: Angeline, Anna, Mary E., John A., Joseph M., Clara R., Catherine A. and Rosa. Charles W. is deceased. Five of the children are married and living in Harrison County, and the remain- der are at home with their parents. Mr. Lilly is a member of the Christian Church.
John Linthacum was born in Wayne County, Ill., in 1845, and is the eldest of eight living children of Thomas and Mary E. (Crews) Linthacum. The father was born in Bullitt County, Ky., in 1821, moved to Wayne County, Ill., in 1824, and to Harrison County, Mo., in 1855. He is a self-made man, and owns a farm of 240 acres, upon which he resides. His wife is a daughter of William and Catherine (Shaw) Crews, natives of Tennessee and Kentucky, respectively, and is the mother of the following ten children: John, Marshall, Francis, Julia A. (deceased), Julia A., Martha (deceased), Mary, Ida B., and William (twins) and Elizabeth. The paternal grandparents of our subject, Thomas and Parmelia (Wood) Linthacum, were natives of Maryland and Kentucky, respectively. The former was a captain of a company of Kentucky State militia for many years, and was also captain of a ship which ran between Anne Arundel County and Balti- more. John Linthacum moved to Harrison County, Mo., in 1853, and has since made this county his home. He began life when of age, in very moderate circumstances, but through industry, business ability and good management is now the owner of a splendidly improved farm of 772 acres. He received a common-school education during his youth, and in 1866 was married to Miss Mary K. E. Bondurant, daughter of E. J. and Kiziah M. (McGee) Bondurant, and by whom five children have been born: Stella, Charles, Walter, Luther B., and Ira. Mr. Bondurant is a native of Shelby County, Ky., and about 1852 settled in Harrison County, Mo., where he now owns a good farm of 630 acres. Mr. John Linthacum is a Republican in politics, and was elected county surveyor in 1884. He has also served as justice of the peace, and was the first township clerk under the township organiza- tion. During the Rebellion he enlisted in the United States army, but was never called into active service. Himself and wife are members of the Christian Church.
John W. Loveland, an enterprising citizen of Harrison County, was born in Berkshire County, Mass., September 11, 1821, and is the son of Alfred and Polly (Russ) Loveland, who were natives of Connecticut.
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HARRISON COUNTY.
The Loveland and Russ families moved to Berkshire County, Mass., and were still residing there when Alfred L. and Polly R. were mar- ried. He was a farmer and shoemaker. For many years he and his wife were members of the Methodist Church. He died in Hinsdale, Berkshire County, at the age of seventy-five, while his wife lived to the advanced age of ninety-seven years. To this union were born eleven children, six of whom are now living. At the age of six years John W. was thrown upon his own resources, and was first taken by Amos Raymond to raise, with whom he lived until he was past eighteen years old, when he concluded he was not justified in enduring the ill treatment he was constantly receiving, and ran away to Dalton, in the same county, where he went into a blacksmith shop, and commenced to learn the trade. He remained here one winter, then engaged in farming and lumbering, in which he continued until twenty-seven years old, when he married Amelia Shepard, who was born in Berk- shire County, Mass., December 4, 1824, and is the daughter of Nar- cissus Shepard. This happy union has resulted in one son, Monroe C., who was born March 20, 1850, who is now living with his father, and engaged with him in extensive farming and stock raising. He married Claribel Torrey, who was born in Williamstown, Mass., in 1853. She was the daughter of Myron Torrey, and died in 1884. When married first John W. Loveland moved to Williamstown, and purchased a small farm upon which he continued to live for seven years, when he sold it, and rented land until 1868, when he started west in search of a home, locating in Harrison County on the farm upon which he now lives, but which at that time had but very little improvement, was entirely unimproved and covered with brush and timber. Although Mr. Loveland has never aspired to office, he has always been a hearty supporter of the Republican party. He is an example of what a firm determination to succeed, coupled with natural ability, will accomplish. Having very limited oppor- tunities for an education, he read and observed closely, and this, united with his energy and perseverance in business (aided also by his estimable wife), has brought him to his present position. He and his son are the owners of one of the finest located and best improved farms in the county. The citizens of the county are indebted to him for excellent roads in his neighborhood, also the bridge across Bridge Creek, and he is one of the most respected men in the county.
A. & S. McClure are the proprietors of the Roller Mills and Card- ing Machine at Bethany, Mo., which are operated under the firm name of J. B. McClure & Sons. The father was a native of Ohio, and
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BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.
came to Missouri in 1839. He purchased the above mill in 1878, which since his decease in 1883 has been under the control of his; three sons. The mother, Martha (Williams) McClure, was also born in Ohio, and is the mother of thirteen children, five of whom are- deceased. Those living are Andrew, husband of Elizabeth (Srubb) McClure, and father of four children; Sparks, who married Minerva B. Higgins, who bore three children; Frank, who married Clementine Osburn, who has two living children and has lost one; Alexander, who married Sarah Ramsey, who bore him nine children, eight of whom are now living: Elkanah, who married Mary Ward, who bore him eight children; Mary J., deceased wife of Henry Lewis, who left. three children; Ruth, widow of John Slinger, wife of Sol. Weary and' mother of five children; Elizabeth, wife of G. H. Hughes, mother of eight children; and Mahala, wife of Jackson Moore, and mother of five children, two of whom are dead. J. B. McClure served as a. lieutenant in the War of the Rebellion in the Union army, in which his sons, Andrew and Elkanah, were also soldiers. The men of the- family are all Republicans in politics.
Michael McCullum, born in Sullivan County, Mo., October 6, 1851, is a son of Alexander McCullum, a prominent farmer citizen of Jef- ferson Township, Harrison Co. [see sketch]. Michael accompanied his father to Harrison County, Mo., in 1853, where he was reared upon a farm, and secured a good common-school education in his youthful days. He taught school in early life, and in 1876 came to Bethany Township, where he was employed in the capacity of clerk in various kinds of business for several years. In July, 1880, he entered the Bethany Savings Bank as clerk, and in December, 1881, was promoted to the office of cashier, which position he still holds. February 9, 1879, he was married to Miss Laura E. Weary, a native of Wisconsin, and daughter of Solomon Weary of this county. Mrs. McCullum has borne one son-Ernest-now deceased. Mr. McCul- lum is a Democrat in politics, and a hearty worker for the temperance cause. Himself and wife are members of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church.
W. G. McDonald is of Scotch and Irish origin, was born in Mus- kingum County, Ohio, November 10, 1846, and is a son of William and Sarah (Leach) McDonald. The father was born in Scotland, and came to America with his parents when a child, settling first in New Jersey and next in Ohio. He learned the stone mason's and plaster- er's trades in New York City, and followed the same in Ohio about thirty years. Both himself and wife lived to an advanced age, and
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HARRISON COUNTY.
their seven children are all living and married. Both were members of the United Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. McDonald was a Republican. W. G. McDonald was reared and received his early edu- cation in Concord, Muskingum Co., Ohio. Later he attended the Muskingum College, and taught district schools in his native county. He studied law two years with Hiram Skinner at Cambridge, Guern- sey County, Ohio, where he was admitted to the bar. He came to Harrison County later, but his limited means compelled him to teach school, and he abandoned his chosen profession. Afterward he clerked for J. H. Burrows & Co., and for the last seven years has been engaged in the mercantile business at Cainesville, and at present is a partner in the firm of L. M. Wickersham & Co. In 1872 he was united in marriage with Miss Rose Frazier, of Akron, Harrison Co., Mo., and a daughter of David Frazier (deceased). Mrs. McDonald died in 1880, leaving two children-Minnie and Clara. In May, 1884, Mr. McDonald married Miss Eleanor McGee, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Richard McGee (deceased). This marriage has been blessed with one child-Nellie. Besides his mercantile interests Mr. McDonald has a farm of 135 acres, and owns other real estate. He is a Republican in politics.
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