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 68
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 68
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Perry Constable was born in Hardy County, Va., in 1836, and is a son of William and Martha (Evans) Constable. The father was of Scotch descent, and was also born in Hardy County, in 1809. In 1838 he moved to Franklin County, Ohio, and in 1840 came to Mercer County, Mo., at first settling in Lindley Township. He soon after located upon the farm now owned by David Vanvactor. He entered 160 acres of land now owned by his son-in-law, Jesse Mulvaney, and in 1851 bought the farm now owned by Isaac Tillotson, upon which place he died in 1853. He was one of the pioneer settlers of the county, and his occupation was that of farming. The mother was of German descent, and born in Hampshire County, Va. She was the mother of six children, of whom our subject is the second, and died in January, 1861. Perry was but four years old when brought to Mercer County, and made his home with his mother until he had reached manhood. In 1856 he married Miss Andocia Banks, nee Smothers, daughter of Benjamin and Nancy Smothers. Mrs. Con- stable was born in Franklin County, Ind., in 1835, and is the mother of eleven living children: Mary Ann (wife of James O'Neal), Martha Jane (wife of Joseph Brown), William B., Francis M., Ari- zona, Maria, Rebecca, Elmer, Frank and Larkin. By her first mar- riage, with Aaron Banks, Mrs. Constable had one child-Joseph Jones. In 1857 Mr. Constable decided to make Texas his future home, but when he arrived in Arkansas, while on his journey, abandoned the idea, and returned to Mercer County. He was a strong Union man during the war, and March 15, 1862, enlisted in Company F, Third Missouri State Militia Cavalry. After eleven months' service he was transferred to Company I, Seventh Regiment, Missouri State Militia Cavalry, of which he was elected duty sergeant. He participated in the battles fought at Jefferson City, Marshall, Big Blue and Mine Creek, besides numerous other engagements. He was mustered out at Warrensburg, Mo., April 3, 1865, and discharged at St. Louis. The same year he bought seventy acres of land where he now lives, to which he has added until he now owns 260 acres, and is considered one of the substantial men of the township. He lives in a good frame dwelling the erection of which cost $800, and is a success- ful farmer. He is a Republican, a member of the G. A. R., and a Master Mason. His wife belongs to the Christian Church.
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Jackson Cook was born in Claiborne County, T'enn., December 27, 1840, and his parents, Wiley and Lucinda (Harper) Cook, were both born in the same State. The father immigrated to Missouri in 1843, locating first near Independence, but removing to Mercer County in 1847, where he has since resided upon a farm in Princeton Township. He is one of the oldest pioneer settlers of the county now living, and is highly respected in the community where he is known. Five of his children are living: Insley, of Washington Territory, Jackson, Sarah (wife of Wesley Clark, of Mercer County), John T. and Alcy (wife of Calvin Curtis). Jackson was reared upon a farm in Mercer County, and during his youth secured a common- school education. He engaged in farming until the close of the Rebel- lion, when he removed to Princeton, where he has since successfully engaged in the furniture business. He carries at his store on the west side a large and good stock of furniture, carpets, window shades, etc., and has the only undertaking establishment in Princeton. He is also engaged in the sale of pianos and organs, in partnership with T. E. Evans, and is regarded as one of Princeton's well-to-do and enter- prising business men. In 1861 Mr. Cook married Elizabeth Hutchi- son, a native of Lincoln County, Ky., by whom he has had five chil- dren: Amanda J., John H., William, Frank and Claude. Mr. Cook is a Republican, and during the late war served six months in the State Militia. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and a member of the I. O. O. F.
Richard Coon was born July 29, 1859, in Washington Township, Mercer Co., Mo., and is the third of a family of six children, three of whom are still living. His parents, Stanley W. and Eliza- beth (Wilkerson) Coon, are natives, respectively, of Ohio and Virginia, and during their youth came to Mercer County, Mo., where they were married. They then settled upon the farm now owned by P. Harri- man, and at the expiration of fifteen years moved upon the place now owned by William Vandeveer. In the fall of 1883 they moved to a farm which the father had purchased in Medicine Township, where they are still living. Richard Coon began life for himself at the age of eighteen, and until September, 1883, farmed upon rented land. He then established his present hardware business at Mill Grove, and although a young man, is one of the enterprising merchants of the town. He owns 120 acres of land in Medicine Township, three lots and two dwellings in Mill Grove, and his store and stock of goods. He is a Democrat in politics, and cast his first presidential vote for Hancock in 1880, but although he is an active and hearty worker for
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his party always votes for the best man for local offices, and is no aspirant for political honors himself. May 20, 1877, he was united in marriage with Ella, daughter of Samuel and Martha (Nichols) Ewing, and to this union three children have been born, two of whom are living: Clifford E. and Bonnie Lee. Mrs. Coon was born May 23, 1859, in Mercer County, Mo., and is a worthy member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, as is also Mr. Coon. They are highly respected citizens, and liberal supporters of educational and religious enterprises.
Simon H. Croft was born February 2, 1859, in Oxford County, Canada. His parents, Frederick and Mary (daughter of Simon Heist) Croft, were both natives of Canada, and immigrated to Macon County, Mo., in 1869, where they lived two years and then moved to Daviess County, Mo., where the mother shortly after died. The father remained in that county until July 19, 1887, when he joined his wife beyond. The subject of this sketch was at that time general agent for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad at Marion, Mercer Co., Mo., and a younger brother then living in Daviess County came and made his home with Simon H. During his youth the educational advan- tages of Simon H. Croft were very limited, and his school life con- sisted of but about three months in all. He was, however, of a studi- ous nature, and by close application to books and hard study during his leisure moments he has acquired a fair amount of knowledge and become a well-informed man. He worked upon a farm until eighteen years of age, and in 1877 was employed by the above named railroad company as a section hand, in which capacity he worked about three years. In the meantime he had formed a friendship with a telegraph operator at Winston Station, and began to learn telegraphy. In a year's time he was able to satisfactorily perform the duties of teleg- rapher at Leavenworth, Kas., where he passed three years. He was then induced to accept the agency of Winston Station, where he remained until the railroad company sent him to Marion Station, Mo. He now holds the position of general agent at that point, and owns a nice little home, where his sister presides as housekeeper, and his brother, Aaron, makes his home. He is an enterprising young man, and esteemed by his acquaintances, and is one of the board of direct- ors of public schools.
James Daly, proprietor of the Princeton House, was born in County Gallaway, Ireland, June 24, 1842, and is a son of John and Mary (Fallon) Daly, also natives of Ireland, where they passed their lives. James was left an orphan early in life, and in 1854 immi-
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grated to the United States, locating first in Fayette County, Ohio, upon a farm. In September, 1855, he came west to Mercer County, Mo., where he married Mary O'Reiley in 1865. In 1883 he moved to Trenton, Mo., and conducted the Omahart Hotel there for a year and a half. December 1, 1884, he came to Princeton, and took charge of the Princeton House, which he has since conducted successfully, and as it is the only first-class hotel in Princeton, he enjoys the leading patronage of the traveling public. He is a Republican in politics, and during the Rebellion, in the year 1861, enlisted in the first Mis- souri Cavalry, United States army. He served until the close of the war, and in 1863 was promoted to be second lieutenant, which position he held until mustered out. While in service he lost his right eye. He is the father of eight living children: William J., Edward P., Lizzie, Cassie, Frank, Mollie, Joseph and Maggie. Mr. Daly is a member of the G. A. R., and himself and family belong to the Roman Catholic Church.
William H. Davis was born November 25, 1837, in Hardy County, Va., and is a son of Jonathan M. and Elizabeth (Constable) Davis. The father was also a native of Hardy County, and born in 1814. His father, Henry M. Davis, was born in Wales, and came to America, where he married, and locating in Virginia embarked in mercantile life; he was a soldier in the War of 1812. Jonathan M. lived in his native State and county until the fall of 1843, when he came to Mercer County, Mo., and settled upon the farm now owned by W. J. Clamands. He resided in Harrison Township until about 1878, when he removed to Lindley Township, at which place he died Feb- ruary 24, 1884. He was a pioneer settler of the county, and for many years ran a saw and grist mill in partnership with his brother- in-law, William Constable, on Grand River, near the mill of James
P. Anderson. His wife was born in Hardy County, Va., in 1815, and died January 22, 1884. William H. is the second of a family of eleven children, and when six years old was brought by his par- ents to Mercer County, with whom he remained, working on his father's farm or in the mill until twenty-five years of age. In Sep- tember, 1863, he married Delilah A. Wolf, daughter of John and Sarah Wolf, who came to the county in 1840. Mrs. Davis was born in Harrison Township, of this county, October 11, 1841, and has two children: William Sherman and George Davenport. The former works upon his father's farm, and the latter farms in Montana. In 1867 Mr. Davis bought forty acres of land, where he has since resided, but to which he has added until he now owns 300 acres.
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His son, Sherman, is the owner of 160 acres, and in partnership with his father keeps on an average 150 head of stock. In the summer of 1885 Mr. Davis erected a handsome dwelling, at a cost of $1,300. In politics he is a Democrat, and cast his first presidential vote for Douglas in 1860. During the war he served in the Home Militia.
Clark Deshler was born June 7, 1830, in Athens County, Ohio, and is the eighth of fourteen children (six deceased) of Christopher and Nancy (Phillips) Deshler, natives of Virginia. They were mar- ried in Ohio, and after their marriage settled on a farm in Athens County, where the father died in 1863. The mother then lived with her daughter, Mrs. Lida Sutherdon, until her death in 1874. The father was an expert brick mason by trade, was the builder of the Athens County University, and the greater number of brick buildings in the town of Athens, which was but a rye field when he first came to the county, but is now a town of about 2,500 inhabitants. In con- nection with his trade he farmed in the summer and manufactured chairs in the winter. He was prominently identified with the upbuild- ing of the county, and his loss was mourned by a large circle of friends. Clark remained with his parents until twenty-two years of age, and then in company with his brother, Horace W., and forty-two others, started for California, via New York, Aspinwall and the Isthmus. Just before reaching Kingston, Jamaica, the ship in which they had taken passage, was badly wrecked, but they finally reached their destination in safety, after one of the most perilous and tedious jour- neys ever made over that route. They landed at San Francisco on the 2d of April, 1852, having been' nearly four months upon the journey. They remained in San Francisco but a short time, and then proceeded upon a steamer to Stockton, where Clark met a merchant who knew a brother of his who had preceeded him to California two years before. Their new acquaintance offered them money, and any assistance to reach their destination, and they then proceeded seventy- five miles on foot to the mines. Clark spent one month in the mines, six weeks engaged in haying, three months in threshing and then bought a mule team, and until January, 1858, hauled mining tools and provender to the mines. Previous to the close of 1857 he was married (December 30) to Charlotte, daughter of Henry and Frances (Hope) Zieger. In 1858 he started homeward with his wife, and after a pleasant journey arrived in New York, the 27th of Janu- ary. There Mrs. Deshler remained with her brothers, while Mr. Deshler went to Philadelphia to deposit the gold dust he had accu- mulated in California, and which he wished converted into money.
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From there he went to visit his parents in Athens, and then went back east for his wife and money. He subsequently resided in Athens County, Ohio, two years, and then immigrated to Missouri, where he settled upon a farm in the northern part of the county. A year later he permanently located upon his farm in Madison Township, Mercer County, where he has since resided. On September 2, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Thirty-fifth Missouri Infantry, and was soon ordered to St. Joseph. From there he went to St. Louis, where the troops were armed, and in the spring of 1863 started for the south. He served three years, part of the time as sergeant, and was at the battles of Helena, Ark .; Shell Mound, Miss., and several important skirmishes. He was honorably discharged June 28, 1865, but not mustered out until July 15. Two days later he arrived home to his farm duties. Mrs. Deshler was born on the St. Law- rence River, March 8, 1838, and is the mother of seven children: W. H., C. L., Carrie F., Estella May, wife of William Fadke; Albert P., E. H. and E. B. Mr. Deshler started for California when but a young man, with no capital, but now owns 202 acres of fine land in Mercer County, and is considered one of the leading and prosperous citizens of the same, and a self-made man. He is a Republican, and was elected judge of the first district of Mercer County by that party in 1886, and is now discharging the duties of that office in connection with his agricultural pursuits. Previous to the war he was a Democrat, and cast his first presidential vote for F. K. Pierce in 1852. Himself and wife are active members of the Presbyterian Church.
John Dodge was born November 16, 1820, in Sullivan County, N. Y., and is a son of Jonathan and Hannah (Brown) Dodge, natives of Long Island and New York, respectively. They were married in the latter State, and lived in Sullivan County until the father's death in 1827. Soon after the mother immigrated with her children to Illinois, where she settled in McHenry County, at which place her death occurred in 1870. John Dodge was educated in the common schools of his native county, and at the tender age of eleven began to care for himself. He worked in a card-board factory in Sullivan County, N. Y., for nine years, and then engaged at carpentering four years. He then farmed for two years, after which he moved to Illinois, and set- tled in McHenry County. In the spring of 1850 he went to Califor- nia, and until June, 1854, worked in the mines. He then returned to McHenry County, Ill., and the following spring sold out and moved to . Mercer County, Mo. There he purchased a tract of land, upon which
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he has since resided, with the exception of the time spent in war. September 30, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Thirty-fifth Regiment of Infantry, and remained in service until June 12, 1865, when he was discharged on account of disability contracted while in service. After his return home on March 15, 1868, he was united in marriage with Julia C., daughter of Silas and Tabitha (Haven) Hartshorn. Mrs. Dodge was born June 14, 1836, in Washington County, Ohio, and in 1845 went with her parents to Crawford County, Ill., and in 1850 to Grundy County, Mo. She was married at her home in Mercer County. Mr. Dodge is a self-made man. Having been cast upon his own resources when but a boy, by industry and the assistance of his faithful wife is now the owner of 320 acres of good land, most of which is well cleared and cultivated. He owns forty acres of timber land besides his farm, and is considered one of the substantial farmers of the county. Previous to the war he was a Democrat, and his first presidential vote was cast for the Democratic nominee in 1844, but since the war he has become identified with the Republican party.
James P. Drake was born in Richland County, Ohio, December 4, 1839, and is the son of James T. and Catherine (Sneath) Drake, natives of New York and Maryland, respectively. In 1814 the father moved to Ohio, and located in Erie County in 1814, and while in Ohio, was married in 1833, after which he continued to live in that State until 1866. He then moved to Missouri, and settled upon a farm near Princeton, where himself and wife have since resided, and are classed among the old and respected citizens of Mercer County. James P. Drake was reared principally in Erie County, and remained at home with his parents until 1859, after which he resided in Texas eight years. While there he served in the Confederate army, under Gen. Parsons, from May 29, 1862, until the close of the war. Imme- diately after the cessation of hostilities he was married, and in 1867 came to Mercer County, Mo., and settled upon his present farm in Ravanna Township, upon which he has since lived, with the exception of two years spent in the mercantile business in the town of Ravanna. He now owns one of the nicest farms in the county, consisting of 435. acres, all fenced, and under a fine state of cultivation. The improve- ments are of the best, and his residence and barn are substantial and comfortable. His marriage occurred in Texas, December 3, 1865, Miss Mary J. Meador becoming his wife. She was born in Alabama, and is a daughter of William and Sarah Meador, natives of North Carolina. This union has been blessed with the following six children: Sarah C., Edie, Matella, James, Charles and Thomas P. Mr. Drake is one of
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the substantial and successful farmers of Mercer County, and for the past eight years has been extensively engaged in shipping stock. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a highly respected citizen. In politics he is Independent, and has served one term as county judge.
John T. Duncan was born in Tennessee May 7, 1831. His father, Alfred G., and his mother, Elinor, daughter of John Duncan, were cousins, and natives of Tennessee. After their marriage they immi- grated to Missouri, where John was reared upon a farm, and lived with his parents until his marriage. In 1856 he was united in mar- riage with Harriet, daughter of Charles Wakefield, by whom four children were born: Mary E., Alfred G. (deceased), Charles A. and Harriet E. (deceased). Mrs. Duncan died on December 22, 1863, and Mr. Duncan then moved from his own farm, and took his children to his mother, with whom he made his home until February 8, 1866, when he married Mary D., daughter of James H. Brown. He then returned to his own place, which now consists of 235 acres in the homestead, all fenced, well improved, and upon which are a good residence and comfortable outbuildings. To his second union the following children have been born: James H., Eliza A., Susan E., Sarah I., William M. (deceased), Edith L., Arthur C. (deceased) and Theodosia. Mr. Duncan is a Democrat in politics, and during the war lent his influence to the Union army. He is an old pioneer settler of Mercer County, and has noted the advancement of the coun- try since its early history. He often compares the manner of his life, in the olden times with the present, and longs for the days of "auld lang syne," when he was obliged to beat corn on a stump to make the bread which he cooked upon a board.
James D. Dykes was born in Mercer County, Mo., March 8, 1847, and is a son of James and Jennie (Foster) Dykes. The father is of English descent, and born in Anderson County, Tenn., in 1812, where he was reared upon a farm and married. In 1845 he immigrated to Mercer County, Mo., and settled in Morgan Township, where he has since resided. He lives upon the farm he originally entered, and is the owner of 400 acres. During the Rebellion he served as second lieutenant in Company M, Twelfth Missouri Cavalry. He has been twice married, his second wife, Mary (Wilson) Dykes, still living. His first wife, and the mother of our subject, was born in Tennessee in 1812, and died in 1853. James D. is the youngest of a family of six children, and during his younger days received a common-school education. In 1867 he entered the State University at Columbia,
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which he attended fifteen months, and then taught school for about. ten terms in Mercer County, beginning that vocation at the age of nineteen. August 15, 1875, he married Miss Alice V. Smith, daugh- ter of George W. and Matilda Ann (Walton) Smith, natives of North Carolina, who came to Mercer County in 1856. Mrs. Dykes was born April 1, 1853, in Rowan County, N. C., and is the mother of the fol- lowing five children: Annie J., George S. (deceased), Nellie May (deceased), Dollie W., and James W. Mr. Dykes is a Republican, and cast his first presidental vote for Grant in 1868. He was a strong Union man during the war, and in September, 1862, enlisted for three years in Company C, Thirty-fifth Missouri Infantry, in which he served one year. He was present at the battle of Helena, and July 4, 1863, was shot in the right arm, which was amputated on the sixth of the same month. He remained in the hospital at Memphis, Tenn., until September 10, and was then discharged and returned home. He is a leader of his political party in Mercer County, and in the fall of 1872 was elected sheriff, and re-elected to that office in 1874. Two years later he was elected treasurer of the county, and in 1878 re-elected. In 1880 he was elected constable of Morgan Township for two years, and in 1882 received the election as collector of revenue for the county, and in 1884 was re-elected, which forcibly illustrates his efficiency as a public officer. In July, 1886, he bought 140 acres of land, and in the spring of 1887 located where he now resides. He owns 180 acres, and in the summer of 1887 erected a dwelling at a cost of $800. He is a member of the G. A. R. and A. O. U. W., and his wife is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church at Prince- ton.
Josiah S. England was born in Bedford County, Penn., December 22, 1832, and is a son of Peter and Elizabeth England, also natives of that county. Peter England was of German descent, and was a son of William England, being one of the early settlers of Pennsyl- vania. He was the father of nine sons and two daughters. Peter England's wife was a member of the German Reformed Church. He died February 5, 1887, at the ripe age of eighty years. Elizabeth, his wife, died October 5, 1887, aged seventy-six years, leaving sons and daughters and many friends to mourn their loss. J. S. England united with the church when eighteen years old, and has endeavored to live a consistent Christian life up to this time. He left the pater- nal roof (1853) when of age, going to Ohio. Thence he returned to Pennsylvania, and, realizing the necessity of an education, he attend- ed Rainsburg Seminary for three consecutive terms, and finished up
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the common English branches. Subsequently he taught six terms of school, two in Pennsylvania, two in Illinois, and two in Missouri. In 1858 he embarked for the west, located at Marshfield, Mo., remained there until 1863, and then moved to Illinois, where he engaged in the mercantile trade for ten years, then coming to Mercer County, Mo., where he is still engaged in merchandising, in Somerset. On February 10, 1859, Mr. England was married to Nancy E. Shackelford, daughter of Garland and Mary Shackelford. Mrs. Eng- land was born in Greene County, Mo., December 4, 1842, and has raised a nice family of children, of whom three are married. Mr. and Mrs. England have had many trials in life together, especially during the late war in Southwestern Missouri, where so much diver- sified opinion existed. He cast his lot with the Republican party, and always took that party as a matter of right and safety. When only nine men voted for Abraham Lincoln in the county of Webster, he was one among them, and rendered good service in the Home Guards, and in the militia. He joined the Tenth Illinois Cavalry, but was rejected on account of inability to stand hardships. He has always endeavored to be right and on the right side, having an eye single to the glory of God, and His guidance by day and night in the hours of despondency. They are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and take a prominent part in State, church and Sunday-school work and the cause of prohibition.
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