History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri, Part 59

Author: Goodspeed, firm, publishers, Chicago (1886-1891, Goodspeed Publishing Co.)
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Chicago, The Goodspeed publishing co.
Number of Pages: 998

USA > Missouri > Cedar County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 59
USA > Missouri > Dade County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 59
USA > Missouri > Barton County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 59
USA > Missouri > Hickory County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 59
USA > Missouri > Polk County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 59

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).

Samuel W. Gordon, a successful merchant of Half Way, Mo., is a native of Polk County, and was born on the 12th of February, 1857, being one of ten children, nine of whom are living at this writing, born to James W. and Elizabeth (Benton) Gordon, who were born in Washington County, Ky., and Illinois, respectively. Both were early settlers of Missouri, coming to Cole County with their parents at an early day. Here they married, made their home, and reared their family, and here the father died in 1884, at the age of sixty-two years. His widow continued to reside on the farm until 1886, and since that time has resided in Fort Smith, Ark., with her children. She is an earnest and consistent member of the Missionary Baptist Church. The father was a Democrat in politics, and, although he learned the shoemaker's trade in early life, he gave the most of his attention to farming, in which occupation he was quite successful. Samuel W. Gordon received his education in the common schools of Polk County, and, in 1876, left the parental roof to go to the Cherokee Nation, where he was engaged in teaching school for five months, and then, for some time, was engaged in business in Greenwood. The four following months were spent in Johnson County, after which he returned to Polk County, where he has since been occupied in farming and stock trading. In June, 1886, he embarked in the mercantile business in Half Way, keeping an excellent line of goods, which he sells cheap for cash, or exchanges for produce. On the 23d of September, 1884, he was married to Miss Ada Morris, a daughter of William Morris, by whom he has two children: Floyd and Claude. He is treasurer of the I. O. O. F., of which he is a

646

POLK COUNTY.

member, and in his political views is a Democrat. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. His brothers and sisters are as follows: William J., a carpenter at Buffalo, Dallas County, Mo .; J. N., a farmer and teacher, of Crawford County, Ark .; Emma E., wife of J. W. Davidson, a farmer of Polk County, Mo .; M. W., a resident of Springfield, Mo .; Benjamin S., a stock trader in the Cherokee Nation; Elmore, at Fort Smith, Ark .; Bridge, also at Fort Smith; Rachel, wife of John Boyd, of Crawford County, Ark .; and Elizabeth, at home.

Charles H. Grant, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Madison Township, residing three miles northwest from Fair Play, Mo., was born April 23, 1839, in Giles County, Tenn. His parents, John A. and Ann (Hannah) Grant, were natives of Virginia and Tennessee, respectively; he was born about 1805, and she about 1808 or 1810. They were married near 1836, and the father followed farming, and was also overseer on a plantation in Ten- nessee until 1854, when he came to Polk County, Mo., and from there to Cedar County in the fall of the same year. Aside from his farming interest, he was also quite a mechanic. He died in the last named county February 8, 1855, and the mother died in Tennessee in 1850. She was of Scotch descent, and a member of the Baptist Church. In their family were seven children, three now living: C. H., J. A., and Martha C. Charles H. Grant came to Missouri with his father in March, 1854, and grew to manhood in Polk County. He attended the common schools of Tennessee for about six years, and this was about all of his schooling. July 6, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Sixteenth Missouri, six months' men, and afterward re-enlisted December 18, 1861, in Company A, Eighth Regiment Missouri State Militia Cavalry, and was in the Humansville battle. He was wounded May 20, 1864, in a skirmish by a thirty-eight calibre revolver, the ball entering his left side below the lower lobe of the left lung, and coming out behind the right shoulder. He was laid up for six weeks. For this he receives a pension. He was mustered out January 25, 1865, returned home, purchased a farm, and December 27, 1866, he married Miss Mary M. Frieze, of Polk County, Mo. Eight children were the result of this union, seven now living: Ann E., Cordelia A., Martha R., Ulysses S. A., Hattie R., James W. and Mary J. Mr. Grant is a Republican in politics, and was elected by that party in 1870 to the office of assessor of Polk County, serving two years, and serving as deputy assessor from 1873 to 1878. He also filled the same position in 1880. He is a mem- ber of the Masonic Fraternity, also the G. A. R., and is a mem- ber of the Baptist Church, of which he was deacon. He has been a school director most of the time since 1865. John A. Grant, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of Ireland, born about 1765, and when a young man came to

647

BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.

America. He was in the War of 1812 under Jackson, and died in Tennessee about 1845 or 1846. The paternal grandmother was also of Irish descent, and died in Tennessee a short time previous to the death of her husband. The maternal grandfather, John Hannah, was a native of Scotland, and died in Tennessee previ- ous to 1835. The maternal grandmother also died in that State, several years previous to the death of her husband.

Thomas Greer, another successful farmer, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, July 19, 1844, and is the second of six children, four now living, two sons and two daughters, born to George and Eliza (Gourley) Greer, both natives of the northern part of Ire- land. The parents were married in their native country and there remained until 1849, when they sailed for America, locat- ing at Philadelphia, Penn. The father was a dyer by trade, which occupation he followed in the old country and also in Phil- adelphia. In 1856 they emigrated to Boone County, Ill., where he and his sons worked out. Everything was high on account of the Crimean War, but soon however, wheat dropped to thirty-five cents, and money was loaned at twenty per cent. Wishing to find a warmer climate, Mr. Greer and family moved to Polk County, Mo., in February, 1860. He and wife were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and he was a Republican in politics. He died in 1887, but the mother is still living and is seventy-six years of age. Thomas Greer was but five years of age when he was brought to America, and he received what education he got in the public schools of Philadelphia. When about eleven years of age he began learning the man- ufacture of hosiery, and worked at the business for about nine months. After coming with his parents to Missouri he worked by the month for the man who owned the place where our subject is now living. In August, 1861, Mr. Greer enlisted in Company C, Fifteenth V. S. R. C., Missouri Home Guards service, and was on duty until December. In February, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Eighth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, and served three years, but never received a scratch. Returning to his home, he engaged in farming, and in 1874 was elected sheriff of Polk County and served two years. In 1882 he was elected collector, and served a term, being elected by the Republican party, with which he affiliates. He is a Knight Tem- plar and also a member of the G. A. R. January 1, 1867, he married Miss Emaline Lower, a native of Roane County, Tenn., born January 18, 1846, and a daughter of George W. and Elvira Lower. To them were born ten children, eight now living: Charles E., Robert A., Alice, Thomas, Naomi, Emma, George, Oliver and Maud. Both Mr. and Mrs. Greer are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Greer owns 230 acres of land,

648

POLK COUNTY.

with 175 acres under cultivation. He is a wide-awake citizen, and one who is highly respected.

G. W. Griffin, M. D., practicing physician and surgeon at Fair Play, Polk County, Mo., is a native of Roane County, Tenn., born June 15, 1844, and the son of William and Elizabeth (Harvey) Griffin. William Griffin was born in North Carolina, but grew to manhood in Tennessee, where he married Miss Harvey, after which he emigrated to Missouri in the fall of 1850, and has been a resident of Polk County ever since, residing near Shady Grove, in that county. He served in the Federal Army, Company D, Sixth Missouri Cavalry Volunteers, for three years, and rendered active service for his country. His wife, Elizabeth (Harvey) Griffin, was born in Tennessee, and is still living. They are the parents of eight children. The paternal grandfather was a native of Ireland, and early emigrated to America. The maternal grandfather was a native of England, who emigrated to America, locating in McMinn County, and there passed his last days. Dr. G. W. Griffin passed his boyhood days in Polk County, Mo., received a liberal education, and in July, 1861, enlisted in the Federal service, participating in the battle of Wilson's Creek, the first battle in Southwest Missouri. He was in Company D, Sixth Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, and served twenty-three months, when, on account of disability, he was discharged. He commenced the study of medicine at the age of twenty years, studied under a preceptor for four years, and practiced under him for eleven years. He graduated from the Missouri Medical College with the degree of M. D., and after- ward practiced in Hickory County for three years. He then located in Fair Play May 28, 1888, and has been practicing in that city and vicinity ever since. He owns a house and residence in this city, and a farm near Shady Grove. He was married November 12, 1863, to Miss Susan B. McIntosh, who was born January 25, 1845. They have an interesting family of five living children, but have lost three: Ophelia A., Elijah M., Horace E., Buel W. and William C. Two children (twins) died in infancy, and one died at the age of fourteen years. Dr. Griffin is a Republican in politics, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a third-degree Mason and an Odd Fellow.

Green Hadlock, one of the successful tillers of the soil, was born in what is now Tazewell County, Ill., May 18, 1831, and is the second of eight children, six sons and two daughters, born to Samuel and Eliza (Owen) Hadlock, natives, respectively, of New York and Connecticut. The father was born in 1802 and the mother in 1810. When young, they moved with their parents to Ohio, where they attained their growth, were married, and there remained until 1830, when they removed to Woodford County, Ill., and, in 1858, to this county, where they settled on the farm

649

BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.

now owned by their son, Green Hadlock. In Illinois Mr. Had- lock ran a mill for about fifteen years, though his chief occupa- tion was farming. Politically he was a Whig, but was afterward a Republican. He was a man very fond of the chase, and quite a successful hunter. He died in 1886, and the mother in 1874. At the age of twenty-one Green Hadlock began for himself, by farming, and this continued for some time. He was married, November 24, 1858, to Miss Maria Gunn, a native of Woodford County, Ill., born March 22, 1835. Her parents came to this State in 1838. To Mr. and Mrs. Hadlock were born nine chil- dren, six now living: Owen, H. Clay, Mary A., Clara, Emma, and Effie. During the war Mr. Hadlock served a short time in Company F, Twenty-sixth Missouri Enrolled Militia, and, after serving a month, he was promoted to the rank of second lieuten- ant. While in Illinois he was revenue collector of his township. He is the owner of 240 acres of land, with 160 under cultivation. When he started out in life he had but little means, but by his own industry he has become one of the substantial farmers of the county. He is a Republican politically, and is a member of the G. A. R.

Jefferson B. Hatler, dealer in hardware, pumps and saddles, at Bolivar, Mo., was born in Greene County, Mo., August 22, 1840, and when five years of age came with his parents to this county. His father, Charles B. Hatler, was a native of West Tennes- see, born in 1801, and his mother was born in Kentucky, in 1800. After marriage they moved to Missouri (1832), and settled near Springfield, whence after a residence of about thirteen years, they moved to Polk County, Mo. He was a farmer by occupation; a Whig in his political views, and a member of the Methodist Church, as was also his wife. He lived to be fifty-four years of age, and' she, eighty-two. They were the parents of eight children, three of whom are now living, all sons. The youngest of this family, Jefferson B. Hatler, received a limited education in the old-time log school-house, and assisted his father on the * farm. In June, 1861, he enlisted in Capt. Mitchell's Company of State Militia Cavalry, Confederate Army, and served six months, participating in the battles of Wilson's Creek, Drywood and Lex- ington. In 1862 he joined the regular Confederate Cavalry, and served until the close of the war, participating in the following battles: Pea Ridge, Corinth, Champion's Hill, Grand Gulf, siege of Vicksburg, before Sherman from Dalton to Atlanta, Altoona and Franklin. At the last-named battle he was captured, taken to Chicago and exchanged in March, 1865. During his service he was three times slightly wounded. He then returned home, and in 1867 was united in marriage to Miss Theresa E. Elzey, a native of Bentonville, Ark. Three children are the fruits of this union: Troy C., Benjamin and Zoa. Having farmed until

650

POLK COUNTY.

1882, Mr. Hatler turned his attention to merchandising at Slagle, Polk County, and in 1885, he moved to Bolivar, where he has a good business. In politics, he affiliates with the Demo- cratic party. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the A. O. U. W. Mrs. Hatler is a member of the Baptist Church.

Henry Ham, now seventy-three years of age, one of the prominent farmers and stock-raisers of Johnson Township, Polk County, Mo., and one of the old and much-esteemed citizens of the county, was born September 6, 1816, and is the son of John and Mary (Dibret) Ham, both natives of Maryland, where they grew up and were married. The father was a soldier in the War of 1812, was a tanner by trade, and, after moving to London, Ohio, he still continued his trade. To his marriage were born eleven children, two now living. The paternal grandfather, Peter Ham, was a native of Pennsylvania, and moved to Maryland, where he followed the tanner's trade for many years, He died in that State. The great-grandfather Ham was a native of Ger- many, who emigrated to America at an early day, and settled at Germantown. The maternal grandfather of our subject was a native of Germany, and emigrated to America, where he passed his declining years. He was a cooper by trade. Henry Ham left Maryland at ten years of age and went to Ohio, where he grew to manhood. He was married there to Miss D. J. Gragg, who bore him two children, both deceased, and his wife also is deceased. After her death he went to Illinois, remaining there ten years, and then, in 1860, came to Missouri, bought a farm, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. Eight years later he set- tled on his present farm, where he has remained ever since, and where he has 1, 100 acres of land. He also owns a house and lot in Bolivar, valued at $600, besides possessing $2,000 worth of personal property. His second marriage was to Miss Mary Watson, who bore him one child, John H. After her death he married Miss Mary J. Kennedy, and one child, Martha J., was the result of this union. He is a Republican in politics, and his first vote for President was for Henry Clay. Mrs. Ham is the daughter of John Y. and Martha P. (Dunnegan) Kennedy, both natives of Tennessee, and both died in Cedar County, Mo. They were the parents of ten children. After marriage Mr. Kennedy moved to Missouri, locating in Morgan County, but moved to Cedar County, afterward to Polk County, and then to Dade County. He died in Cedar County in 1875, and was sixty- three years of age. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Ham was a pioneer of Missouri from Tennessee, and her maternal grand- father settled in Polk County, Mo., near Dunnegan Spring, and it was after that family the spring was named. Mrs. Ham received her education at an early day, and taught eleven terms

651

BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.

of school in Cedar County. She owns forty acres of land in that county, and is an intelligent, well-educated lady. She was married at the age of thirty-nine years.

Dr. Caleb N. Headlee, one of the most eminent physicians of Polk County, Mo., has been in active practice at Pleasant Hope since about 1865. His birth occurred in Maury County, Tenn., June 27, 1827, being one of four surviving members of a family of nine children, eight of whom lived to maturity, born to the marriage of Caleb Headlee and Mary Steele, who were born in North Carolina and died in Missouri in 1847, when about sixty-five years of age, and in 1867, aged nearly ninety years, respectively. They were married in the " Old North State," and were among the early emi- grants to Giles County, Tenn., soon after moving to Maury County. Both were members of the Methodist Church, and took great interest in church affairs. The father was a veteran in the War of 1812, and, while a resident of Tennessee, held the office of justice of the peace for a number of years. He was of Welsh de- scent, and throughout life followed the occupation of agriculture. His father, Elisha Headlee, was born in New Jersey, but died in Greene County, Mo., at the extreme old age of ninety years. Mrs. Mary (Steele) Headlee was a daughter of Samuel Steele, a native of Pennsylvania, and was of Irish descent, her father hav- ing been born in the " Emerald Isle." Dr. Caleb N. Headlee, the subject of this memoir, received his education in Tennessee and Missouri, and at the time of his father's death was eighteen years of age. From that time until 1860 he farmed on his own account, and at the latter date crossed the plains to California, and, after successfully mining there for several years, he returned to Greene County, Mo., via the Isthmus of Panama and New Orleans. Soon after his return he began the study of medicine under his brother, E. B. Headlee, and in 1859 went to Marion County, Ark., where he continued to practice five years, then came to Springfield, Mo. After a short time he located at Pleasant Hope, where he has won an enviable reputation as a medical practitioner. In 1880 he began selling drugs, but after a short time sold out his stock, only to re-engage in the occupation soon after, and continued until his building caught fire and was consumed. He is now selling drugs again, and is doing a good business. May 10, 1849, he was married to Dovey L. Armour, a daughter of Washington and Nancy S. Armour. She was born in Giles County, Tenn., about 1830, and is the mother of five children, all of whom are living: Victory J., Mary O., Melville P., Nancy L. and Arminein. Mrs. Headlee is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and in his political views the Doctor is a Democrat. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity. His brothers and sisters are: Jane L. Foster, of St. Louis; Marthy L. Clark, of Grayson County, Texas; Samuel W., of Greene County, Mo.,

652

POLK COUNTY.

a farmer, who is now representing that county in the State Leg- islature.

William J. Hensley, general merchant, and a member of the hardware firm of Hensley & Kinder, at Aldrich, Mo., was born March 13, 1846, on his father's old homestead, near Shady Grove, in Polk County. He is the son of James M. and Frances J. (Brown) Hensley, and grandson of Benjamin Hensley, who was born probably in South Carolina. He was with Gen. Washing- ton in the Revolutionary War, and suffered greatly for want of food. He was also in the War of 1812, under Jackson, and after that war he returned to Tennessee, and continued his occupation of farming. He emigrated to Polk County, Mo., about 1840, moved to Cedar County in 1854 or 1855, and died in that county about 1861-62. The paternal grandmother was a native of one of the Carolinas, and died in Polk County, Mo., in 1848 or 1850. The maternal grandparents were natives of Tennessee, and emigrated to Polk County, Mo., at an early date. Here the grandfather died in the forties, and the grandmother in the fifties. James M. Hensley, father of our subject, was born in East Ten- nessee, in 1821, and grew to manhood in his native State. At the age of nineteen or twenty he came with his parents to Polk County, Mo., and here followed farming. He was married to Miss Frances J. Brown, about 1845, and during the war entered the Missouri State Militia under Capt. Delaplaine, and served about one year. He is now living near Bolivar, and enjoys very good health. He is a member of the Christian Church. He was the father of nine children, eight now living. His wife is a mem- ber of the Baptist Church, is still living, but does not have very good health. William J. Hensley is the eldest of the children born to his parents. He attained his majority in Polk County, and in boyhood attended the district schools. He moved with his parents to Cedar County, in about 1855, but returned to the former county with his parents in 1862. During the late war he enlisted in Capt. Delaplaine's company, and served three months, after which he returned home and married Miss Sarah C. Croft, of Polk County. She was born February 27, 1842, in Dade County, and is the daughter of Gillis G. and Mary (Bridges) Croft. To Mr. and Mrs. Hensley were born five children, all living: Mary J. (now Mrs. Brown), John W., Alice E., Florence and Nettie. After marriage Mr. Hensley settled on a farm near Bolivar, where he remained until 1884, when he moved to Shady Grove, where he was engaged in mercantile business. He was also postmaster at this place. In 1887 he moved to Aldrich, where he has since been engaged in his present business. He is a Republican in politics, and his wife is a member of the Chris- tian Church.

Rev. Gideon H. Higginbotham, a successful agriculturist and

653

BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.

stock-raiser of Polk County, Mo., who has made most of his prop- erty by his own individual labor, is the son of Capt. Thomas and Rachel W. (Mckinney) Higginbotham, and the grandson of John and Sallie (Dowell) Higginbotham. The grandparents were both natives of Kentucky, where they were married. About 1830 they moved to Illinois, Sangamon County, and there the grandfather died some two years later. The family then returned to Kentucky, and in 1845 came to Polk County, Mo., where the grandmother died. John Higginbotham was a soldier in the War of 1812, fought at New Orleans, and both he and wife were members of the Missionary Baptist Church. In their family were six children, three sons and three daughters, of whom only two are now living. One of the sons died in the Mexican War, and another was killed in the late war. Capt. Thomas Higginbotham is the only son now living. He was born May 14, 1822, in Wayne County, Ky., grew to manhood on the farm, and never attended school more than six months altogether. . At the age of fourteen years he was bound out by his mother until twenty-one, and during that time he learned the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked for about seventeen years, along with farming. When he first came to Polk County, Mo., he made boots and shoes for every merchant in Bolivar, but, after abandoning the bench, he turned his attention to farming and stock raising. In 1841 he married Miss Rachel W. Mckinney, a native of Kentucky, and by her became the father of eleven children, eight now liv- ing, six sons and two daughters. Mrs. Higginbotham died in 1885, at the age of sixty-two years. In July, 1862, he joined Company F, Seventh Provisional Cavalry, and later the Fifteenth U. S. A. On the organization he was elected captain, and served until 1864, when, on account of rheumatism, he resigned. He held the position of presiding judge of county court and ex- officio probate judge. Both he and present wife are members of the Baptist Church. He is a Democrat in politics. June 6, 1887, he married Mrs. Ada Wiggs, a native of Illinois. He is the owner of 525 acres of land, and besides this he has assisted his children considerably. He was a great lover of the chase in his early days, and spent much of his time in hunting. His son, Gideon H. Higginbotham, was born in Wayne County, Ky., June I, 1843, and when about two years of age his parents moved to this county, and resided in the neighborhood of where he now lives. Gideon assisted his father in tilling the soil, and attended the old subscription schools of that day. In June, 1861, he en- listed in the Home Guards, serving about three months, and in January, 1862, he joined Company A, Eighth Missouri State Militia Cavalry, and served until November, 1863. He was in the battle of Humansville and numerous skirmishes. In Octo-

654

POLK COUNTY.

ber, 1862, he was taken with typhoid pneumonia, from which he has never fully recovered. He receives a pension of twelve dol- lars per month. March 1, 1863, he married Miss Mary A. Mc- Kinney, a native of Wayne County, Ky., born October 19, 1842, who, when a small girl, was brought to this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Higginbotham were born nine children, of whom seven are now living: John T., Elizabeth R., Mary C., Lucy A., Gideon F., James W. and Mattie S. Those deceased are: Ella M. and Charley W. After the war Mr. Higginbotham located on the farm where he now lives, and where he has continued to live ever since. Having prepared himself, by private study, for the minis- try in the Baptist Church, he was licensed to preach in May, 1883, by Pleasant Hill Church, and in May, 1888, he was ordained by Elder G. M. Botts and W. W. Palmer. He has been actively engaged in the ministerial work since 1883. He is the owner of 166 acres of land, about seventy acres under cultivation. He is a member of the Wheel, and in politics is a Democrat.

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.

History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri, Part 59

Author: Goodspeed, firm, publishers, Chicago (1886-1891, Goodspeed Publishing Co.) Publication date: 1889 Publisher: Chicago, The Goodspeed publishing co. Number of Pages: 998

Author: Goodspeed, firm, publishers, Chicago (1886-1891, Goodspeed Publishing Co.)
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Chicago, The Goodspeed publishing co.
Number of Pages: 998