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 57
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 57
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75
Edgar S. Miner was born in Madison, Wis., June 19, 1846, and is a son of Samuel E. and Maria C. (Kelley) Miner, natives respectively of Vermont and New York [see sketch of father]. Edgar passed his youth and received his education in his native State, and at the age of sixteen enlisted in Company G, First Wisconsin Cavalry, and served as private until the close of the war. He then engaged in the lumber business in Wisconsin with his father, and in 1880 came to Missouri, where in June of the same year he continued the lumber business at
580
HARRISON COUNTY.
Bethany, as a partner of Benjamin H. Frees, a prominent and wealthy citizen and business man of Chicago. Mr. Miner has since been the active and successful manager of this business at Bethany, and has branch establishments at Ridgeway and New Hampton, of this State. He is also a partner in the Ridgeway Bank. October 15, 1867, he wedded Mina Gardner, a native of Monroe, Wis., and a daughter of ex-Senator Gardner, a prominent lawyer and politician of that State (now deceased). This union has been blessed with two daughters, Daisy and Shirley. Mr. Miner is a stanch Republican, and for several years has been a member of the city council. He is a member of the G. A. R., A. O. U. W., and is a Knight Templar, and recognized as one of Bethany's enterprising and successful citizens.
William A. Miner, junior member of the firm of Miner & Frees, lumber merchants at Ridgeway, Mo., was born May 8, 1861, in Brod- head, Wis., and is the youngest of a family of eight children of Samuel E. and Maria (Kelley) Miner. When four years old he was taken by his parents to Monroe, Greene Co., Wis., and when seventeen years old graduated from a high school in that county. He then worked in a planing-mill two years as bookkeeper, and had charge of the buying and selling of the lumber. March 30, 1881, he moved to Bethany, Mo., where he worked in his brother's lumber yard. Eight months later he moved to New Hampton, where he had the management of a lumber yard for three years. He then came to Ridgeway, and formed a partnership with his brother, Ed. S. Miner and B. M. Frees for the transaction of a general banking business, the capital stock of which was $5,000, and resources over $100,000. He is also an equal partner with B. M. Frees in the lumber yard at Ridgeway. March 17, 1883, he was united in marriage with Miss Martha A. Spencer, a native of Har- rison County, Mo., by whom he has had two children: Charles F. and Elbert S. Mr. Miner is a Republican in politics, and has served as trustee of Grant Township about eighteen months. He is one of the enterprising and successful business men of Ridgeway, and a highly respected citizen.
Wesley W. Mock was born in Burlington, Iowa, October 14, 1844, and is a son of Michael B. and Margaret A. (Biddleman) Mock. The father was born in Pennsylvania, October, 20, 1806, and was a son of Joseph Mock, a native of Pennsylvania, who died in Ohio. The mother was also born in Pennsylvania on November 20, 1809 and was a daughter of John Biddleman. Michael B. moved from Ohio to Burlington, Iowa, where he engaged in carpentering until his death December 11, 1844, when Wesley was but an infant. The mother
581
BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.
was again married in 1850, and died in Harrison County, Mo., May 2, 1859. Wesley received a limited education at the country 'schools during his younger days and worked upon the farm until 1861. October 15, of that year, he enlisted in the Federal army, joining Company I of the Twenty-third Missouri Regiment. In 1864 he re-enlisted as a veteran, and in 1865 was promoted from the position of sergeant to that of first lieutenant of Company D.' He was mus- tered out in August, 1865, and afterward lived one year in Gentry County, Mo., since which time he has resided in Harrison County, three and one-half miles from Martinsville. He owns 480 acres of land, and raises a variety of grains, but devotes most of his atten- tion to fine stock. He owns a fine herd of Galaway cattle at the head of which is an important bull valued at $460, one of the highest priced animals in the county. He has also fine blooded Norman and English draft horses, Berkshire hogs and fine Merino sheep. He has over $6,000 invested in fine stock, and is one of the well-to-do men in the township. In 1864 he married Miss Elizabeth Carter, who was born in Rush County, Ind., June 9, 1840, and is a daughter of Vincent Carter. Mr. and Mrs. Mock are the parents of eight children, all of whom are living. They both belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Ennis Moore was born in Clay County, Ind., June 14, 1833, and is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Moore) Moore, natives of Henry County, Ky. The father was a farmer by occupation and from Ken- tucky moved to Clay County, Ind., where himself and wife passed the remainder of their lives, dying at the advanced age of about eighty. Of a family of ten children born to them three are now living, two being residents of McLean County, Ill. Ennis Moore was reared in his native county, and at the age of twenty-five left the parental roof, although he made his home in Indiana until 1860 engaged in farming. December 25, 1856, Mr. Moore wedded Miss Lydia Moore, who was however no relation to him. This union has been blessed with ten children, the following six still living: Perry, Emily, Caroline, Thomas, Herschel and Willard. The first two are married and residents of Harrison County. Mr. Moore came to Harrison County, Mo., in 1860, but during the war went to McLean County, Ill., where he remained until 1869. He then returned to this county where he is ranked among the well-to-do citizens, and owns a well-improved farm of 275 acres, which property is all the result of his own labor, good manage- ment and good business ability. In politics Mr. Moore is a Democrat.
Thomas Monson is a native of Kentucky, and was born May 22,
582
HARRISON COUNTY.
1819. When twenty-one years of age he went to Bourbon County, Ky., and in 1852 came to Harrison County, Mo., locating near Beth- any, where he still resides. His home farm contains 375 acres at present, quite an amount of the original tract having been given to his children (about 600 acres in all). He also owns 120 acres in another tract, and has eighty acres in Butler County. He is a success- ful farmer and stock dealer which have been his life-long occupations. In 1841 he married Miss Catherine, daughter of John and Betsey Current, by whom he has had twelve children: Samuel (deceased), Mar- garet (wife of D. J. Heaston), Mary (wife of John C. McGeorge, of Kansas City), Eliseph (who married Rena Price), Thomas C. (who married Edna Skinner), Desdemona (deceased wife of William Dunn, who left one child), Nora (deceased, aged seventeen), Ella J. (deceased, aged six), twin sons (who died in infancy, unnamed), George B. (who married Veva McClure), and Ida (wife of G. T. Phillips). Mr. and Mrs. Monson are worthy members of the Christian Church. In politics Mr. Monson is a Democrat, and in 1860 was elected sheriff of the county, which position he efficiently filled two years. Previously he had served seven years as constable. His parents, Samuel and Margaret (Talbert) Monson, were both reared in Kentucky, and lived in Nicholas County of that State at the time of their deaths. Both were united with the Baptist Church.
S. J. Moore was born in Clay County, Ind., March 22, 1840, and is a son of Samuel and Susan (Clark) Moore, natives of Tennessee and Kentucky, respectively. The former was born March 22, 1800, his marriage occurring December 21, 1826, in Kentucky, from whence they immigrated to Clay County, Ind. In 1856 they came to Harrison County, Mo., and in 1875 went to Washington Territory, where the father died July 7, 1877, aged seventy-seven years, three months and seven days. The mother then returned to Harrison County, Mo., where she died January 6, 1886, aged seventy- five. Mr. and Mrs. Moore were both members of the Christian Church, and were the parents of fourteen children, ten of whom are living. S. J. Moore remained upon his father's farm until 1859, when he began life for himself, and married. August 20, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Twenty-third Missouri Infantry, Col. Tindall's command, under Capt. Robinson, and served three years and two months. He participated in a number of important engagements, among which were Jonesboro, Atlanta and Shiloh. At the last named battle he was shot in the head and disabled six months. After his discharge at Atlanta he returned home, and has since devoted his attention to
583
BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.
agricultural pursuits, being now the owner of a well-improved farm. December 12, 1859, Mr. Moore wedded Miss Caroline Dale, a native of Kentucky, born June 20, 1840, and one of nine children of Abraham and Martha Dale, the former of whom is now past eighty-three years of age, and one of Harrison County's citizens. This union has been blessed with three children, two of whom are living: Martha S., born November 12, 1865, married January 12, 1887, William Dale, a farm- er of this county; and Carrie L., born January 2, 1877; one son, born November 3, 1860, was married in April, 1880, to Miss Phillips, and on October 6, following, committed suicide. Mr. Moore draws a pension of $4, is a member of the G. A. R., and in politics a Republican.
George Morgan was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, May 4, 1835, and is a son of Richard and Nancy (McCain) Morgan. The father was a native of the same county, and was of English descent. The mother was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., and of Irish origin. They were married in Muskingum County, and made that their home until 1866, when they came to Harrison County, Mo., where the father engaged in farming, and the mother died April 16, 1884, at the age of eighty. The mother was a Christian lady, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Morgan has resided with his son- in-law, John A. Frazier, since the death of his wife, and is now aged eighty-two. George Morgan is the second son and third child of a family of nine children, seven of whom are living. All reside in this county save a brother and sister, who make their home in Decatur County, Iowa. George remained at home until twenty-five years of age, and then began life as an independent farmer. Previously he had taught seven winter seasons of school, and after his marriage October 30, 1860, to Miss Frances E. Frazier, of Muskingum County, Ohio (daughter of David Frazier), he taught school and farmed in Ohio until 1865. He then came to Harrison County, Mo., and since the winter of 1882 has devoted his attention entirely to agricultural pursuits. He owns a nicely cultivated farm and is one of the well-to-do and prosperous men of his township. To himself and wife ten chil- dren have been born, six of whom are living: Charles E., William L., George W., Robert F. and Ernest. The eldest child, Mary L., is the wife of Henry Evans of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan are members of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics the former is a Republican.
Washington Morgan was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, February 22, 1842, and as his birth was upon the anniversary of Gen.
584
HARRISON COUNTY.
Washington's birthday he was named in his honor. He was reared in his native county, and at the age of nineteen enlisted in Company F, Ninety-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Col. John Lane's com- mand, under Capt. William Hannis, and served until the close of the war. He participated in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Perryville, Atlanta, Franklin, Nash- ville, Kenesaw Mountain and many others. At Atlanta our subject was detailed by general order into the Artillery Brigade, Fourth Army Corps, and held the position of issuing clerk twenty-two months. About that time he was kicked by his horse upon the forehead so severely that the bones were fractured and obliged to be removed. His life was at first despaired of, but he finally regained his health, although the imprint of the horse's shoe may still be seen upon his face. June 10, 1865, he was discharged at Nashville, Tenn., from active service and was finally mustered out at Columbus, Ohio. He then returned to Muskingum County, Ohio, and from there went to Akron, Mo. March 21, 1867, he wedded Miss Annie Cleveland, who was born near Cleveland, Ohio, which city was named in honor of some of her ancestors. Mrs. Morgan is the daughter of Samuel R. and Lucy (Tubbs) Cleveland, and has borne Mr. Morgan eight children, five of whom are living: Edwin, Orie, Norman, Carl C., and Riley. Mr. Morgan is a well-respected gentleman, and owns a small but finely improved farm, which is desirably located. He is an active church member, and has been a Sunday-school teacher and superintendent for many years. Himself, wife and entire family have united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of the G. A. R., and draws a pension of $12.
James Moss is of English and German descent, and a son of Joshua and Jane (Housar) Moss, who emigrated from South Carolina to Tennessee, and from there came to Mercer County, Mo., during the early history of the county. The father was a farmer by occupa- tion, and a man of remarkable constitution. At the time of his death, when he was ninety-two years of age, he was vigorous in mind and body, his death being the result of a wound in his foot. His principal amusement in life was that of hunting, as when he came to the country it abounded in Indians, deer, bears and wild game. Here he built a home in the wilderness, and cleared a farm, upon which he lived many years with his faithful wife, who also lived to an advanced age. James Moss was born in Claiborne County, Tenn., and was about ten years of age when his parents moved to Missouri, where
585
BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.
he made his home with them until nineteen years of age. He then removed to Williamsburg, Ky., and clerked in his brother's store about six years. Soon after he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Gatliff, a native of Kentucky, and daughter of Squire Gatliff, who represented his county several times in the Legislature. The second marriage of Mr. Moss occurred in Daviess County, Mo., Mrs. Elizabeth (Scott) Rogers, widow of Jacob Rogers, becoming his wife. Mr. Moss resided in Daviess County but a short time after his second marriage, and in the spring of 1859 came to Harrison County, where he engaged in the mercantile business for twenty-four years at Caines- ville with success. He then conducted a hotel for three years, but having, by the exercise of prudence, industry and economy, amassed a comfortable competency, is now living a retired life. By his first marriage Mr. Moss had one child, now a resident of Texas and mar- ried. His second union was blessed with two children: Martin, who died in early manhood, and C. J., wife of W. E. Baxton, photographer of Cainesville. Mr. and Mrs. Moss are now living upon their town property in Cainesville, and besides owning the same, have 200 acres of fine pasture land, well fenced, in Harrison County, near the town. Mr. Moss is a Democrat in politics. He is the ninth child born to his parents, seven of whom are still living.
Moulton & Cuddy, general merchants of Bethany, is a firm com- posed of Henry A. Moulton and Stephen M. Cuddy, and has existed since January, 1885. Their store is situated on the southeast corner of the public square, in the Cuddy Block, and is well stocked with sta- ple and fancy dry goods, hats, boots, shoes, carpets, notions, etc. Henry A. Moulton was born in Elkhart County, Ind., January 28, 1848, and is a son of Myron and Lydia (Myers) Moulton, na- tives of Ohio and Pennsylvania. Henry passed his youth upon his father's farm, in his native county, and received a good common- school education. In 1864 he came with his father to Missouri, where the latter located in Fox Creek Township, Harrison County, at which place he died in the spring of 1869, leaving his wife and Henry to mourn his loss. In 1868 Henry came to Bethany, and worked for H. M. Cuddy as a clerk until he became his partner, in January, 1875. After the death of Mr. Cuddy, Sr., Mr. Moul- ton conducted the business alone for five years, the heirs of Mr. Cuddy still retaining an interest in the business. November 10, 1874, Mr. Moulton married Florence Snyder, a native of Ohio, and daughter of George H. Snyder, of Bethany. Mr. and Mrs. Moul- ton are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and to them
37
1
586
HARRISON COUNTY.
five children have been born: Myron H., Birt S., Roy, Clara and Clarence (twins). Mr. Moulton is a Republican in politics. Stephen M. Cuddy was born in Bethany, January 19, 1860, and is a son of the late H. M. Cuddy [see sketch]. He has spent his life in his native place, and since the age of twenty, having previously received a good education, has been engaged in the mercantile business. Since becoming a partner in the above firm he has con- tributed largely to its success, and is well known as one of Beth- any's enterprising young business men. In politics he, too, is a Republican.
Harvy Nally, M. D., is a son of William and Patsey (Gillespie) Nally, the former a native of Albemarle County, Va., born July 7, 1806, and the latter a native of Jackson County, Ohio, born January 7, 1818. William went to Jackson County, Ohio, when eleven years old, and was there married January 12, 1837, and engaged in farming. In 1865 he moved to Livingston County Mo., and in 1869 came to Har- rison County, settling in Adams Township, where himself and wife now reside. They are the parents of eleven children, eight of whom are living. Two died in infancy, and one son, Moses, died at the age of thirty from typhoid fever. The remainder, with the exception of Mrs. Susan (Nally) Poor, a resident of Ohio, live in Missouri. Dr. Harvy Nally was born November 4, 1854, in Jackson County, Ohio, and during his youth received a common-school education. At the age of twenty-one he began the study of medicine at the State Uni- versity of Columbia, Mo., from which he graduated in two years. He then practiced a short time in Bethany with Dr. Walker, and in Jan- uary, 1877, located in Cainesville, where he has become the leading physician, and is enjoying a lucrative practice. November 29, 1881, he was united in marriage with Charlotte Earl Pickens, who was born April 7, 1860, in Missouri, and is a daughter of Enos Pickens. Mrs. Nally is a finely educated lady, and a graduate of the Illinois Female College. To the Doctor and wife three children have been born: Enos C., Hortense and Bronna. Dr. Nally is a member of the A. F. & A. M., I. O. O. F., and is a prominent Republican in his township.
Orlando H. Nally, a prominent farmer of Adams Township, was born in Jackson County, Ohio, and was the sixth of eleven children of William and Patsey (Gillespie) Nally. The father, of Scotch descent, was born in Virginia, in 1806, and in 1817 went to Ohio, where he was married in 1837. In 1865 he removed to Livingston County; thence in 1868 to Harrison County, locating in Adams Town- ship where he still resides, as well as his wife, who was a native of
587
BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.
Ohio, born in 1818. Both are devoted members of the Christian Church. Orlando H. was reared at home with a common-school edu- cation, and was married in 1873, to Miss Samantha, daughter of Eper- son and Sarah Burris, formerly of Ohio, where Mrs. Nally was born. This union has been blessed with seven children, five of whom are liv- ing: Cornelia May, William S., Charles, Basha L. and Moses Earl. Politically he is a Republican, and cast his presidential vote for R. B. Hayes. He has also satisfactorily served as justice of the peace for two years. As a result of his enterprise and good management, Mr. Nally has now a fine farm of 540 acres, all in a good state of cultivation, near Blue Ridge, and by his active interest in all educational and laudable undertakings has become one of the leading citizens of the township.
Dr. Harry R. Neeper is the leading dentist of Bethany, Mo., and one of the prominent citizens of the place. He was born in Mogadore, Summit Co., Ohio, September 3, 1858, and is a son of Samuel and Mary A. (Russell) Neeper. The father was born in Lancaster County, Penn., March 11, 1832, and is a successful physician of Kahoka, Clark Co., Mo. His father, James Neeper was a son of Samuel Neeper, a native of Scotland. The mother was born in Philadel- phia in 1836, and was a daughter of John G. Russell, a member of the firm of Carey, Hart & Russell, bookbinders, of Philadelphia. She was married to the father of our subject, May 12, 1857, and to their union seven children were born, of whom H. R. is the eldest. He remained in the place of his birth until nine years of age, moved to Missouri in 1867 and remained on a farm until nineteen, during which time he received a good common-school education. In the spring of 1878 he began the study of dentistry under Samuel Mur- dock, A. M., M. D., of Kahoka. October 20, 1880, he came to Bethany, Mo., which was the day the first train arrived, and here established an office and began the practice of his profession, which he has con- tinued to the present with good success. He was married March 7, 1883, to Miss Edith M. Shepherd, who was born in Payson, Adams Co., Ill., April 11, 1860, and by whom one daughter, Gladys E., was born May 22, 1884. The father of H. R. Neeper, graduated at the head of his class in medicine at the medical department of the Western Re- serve College, Cleveland, Ohio, February 27, 1857. He had previously studied under Alexander McMillen, M. D., at West Lebanon, Wayne Co., Ohio, and after graduating located at Mogadore, Ohio, where he practiced until the commencement of the Rebellion. In 1861 he en- listed in the Federal army, and was elected captain of Company G,
.
588
HARRISON COUNTY.
of the Sixty-fourth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until honorably discharged on account of physical disabilities, caused by wounds received at Stone River and Missionary Ridge. His com- mission was dated October 31, 1861; he was mustered in January 1, 1862, and was discharged May 17, 1864, at Cincinnati, Ohio, by special order of the war department. In 1867 he removed to Missouri, and is now one of the leading physicians of Kahoka, Clark Co., Mo. His wife died July 12, 1875. Our subject is a member of various socie- ties, is now J. W. in Masonic lodge, Commander in Select Knights A. O. U. W., a member of the Sons of Veterans, and member of the Missouri State Dental Association, etc.
Isaac M. Neff was born in Franklin County, Ind., November 15, 1834, and is a son of Elihu S. and Amanda M. Neff. He was reared upon a farm, and received a liberal common-school education during his youth. At the age of eighteen he began teaching, which he con- tinued to do until he had instructed 1, 470 children, whose names he has preserved. In 1856 he married Miss Barbara A. Maple, who was born in Franklin County, Ind., August 23, 1834; she is of German descent, and a daughter of Elijah and Sarah (Coon) Maple. Elijah Maple was a tanner and stone mason by trade, and assisted in building the old National road. In 1857 Mr. Neff came to Harrison County, Mo., where he bought Government land, and is now permanently located. He at first purchased eighty acres which he increased to 280 before giving eighty acres to his children. Mr. Neff constructed the first bridge built across Thompson's Fork of Grand River, and has also built many others. For the past fourteen years he has been engaged in moving buildings, and has been very fortunate in his busi- ness undertakings. He is a man of natural inventive ability, and has invented a tension brace bridge that promises to be useful in bridge building. He has also conceived an invention for a fire place whereby the cold air is admitted from the outside, passes around a sheet iron casting that fits the fireplace, and comes into the room warm. His chief invention is a perpetual spring which is constructed in this manner: a deep gully was washed out near his house, and up this branch he put a blind ditch, near the mouth of which he filled with brush and dirt. The soil has collected to a depth of sixteen feet, and from the higher ground runs an irrigating ditch whose waters are fil- tered through the sandy loam and finally run out at the lower ditch, furnishing a never failing spring. About an acre of soil has thus been caught, which is very fertile and upon which he raises two crops. Mr. Neff deserves much praise for the assistance he has given in the
589
BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.
advancement of agriculture and fruit growing. He is a member of the State Horticultural society and both the State and United States Agricultural societies, and is also the reporter for the ornithology and mammology service. During the war he served in the enrolled militia, and rendered valuable service at Chillicothe by quieting a riot of 4,000 militia. In politics he is a Republican, and both himself and wife are members of the United Brethren Church. He has a family of the following six children: William H., Sarah A., Thomas V., John J., Rhoda M. and Franklin E. Mr. Neff states that Jan- uary 15, 1888, was the coldest day in his recollection, the highest point of land in the neighborhood showing a temperature of 26° below zero, and the lowest 36° below zero, a difference in altitude of 100 feet. The mercury thus indicated a fall of 1° for each ten feet in descent.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.