History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri, Part 63

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 63
USA > Missouri > Dade County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 63
USA > Missouri > Barton County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 63
USA > Missouri > Hickory County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 63
USA > Missouri > Polk County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 63

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).

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POLK COUNTY.

Austin A. Mitchell, treasurer of Polk County, was born in this county September 13, 1858. The Mitchell family traces its ancestry to three brothers, who came from England in an early day. The father of our subject, Stephen C. Mitchell, was born in Blount County, Tenn., in 1831, and came to this county when only four years old, where he grew to manhood and married Martha Hendricks, of Arkansas, by whom he had a family of eight children. He served in the late war as a Union soldier till 1864, when he resigned as second lieutenant. The subject of this sketch received his education in the Bolivar schools, and in the Southwest Baptist College. Having clerked for his father till 1885, he became his partner in business, and in 1886 was elected county treasurer, and re-elected in 1888. In September, 1887, he married Lizzie B. Morrow, and they have one girl. He is a Republican, a member of the I. O. O. F. and K. of P. He is the youngest county official, and an efficient business man.

Rev. John B. Ellis, president of Morrisville College, was born in Robertson County, Tenn., February 14, 1848, where he was reared and received his early education. After leaving the public schools he attended Calender's High School, of Sumner County, Tenn., then taught two years, and then spent two years in Union College of West Tennessee, lacking only four months of graduating as a Ph. B. He again turned his attention to teaching, and in 1875 came to Greene County, where he taught several schools. In 1876 he returned to Tennessee, and married Miss Eliza T. Matthews, a native of Sumner County, Tenn., after which he returned to Missouri and joined the Southwest Missouri Con- ference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and was actively engaged in his ministerial duties until 1886, filling posi- tions at Neosho, Marshfield, Westport, etc. He was presiding elder of Springfield District from 1883 to 1886, when he was elected president of Morrisville College. Mrs. Ellis is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. In their family are five children: Mattielou, Rebecca M., John A., Lida L. and William P. Prof. Ellis is a member of the Masonic order, and a prominent man in the county. His parents, Green D. and Rebecca (Deal) Ellis, were both natives of Davidson County, Tenn. The great-grandfather Ellis was an Englishman, who came to this country at an early day, settling in North Carolina, and from there the younger members of the family found their way to Tennessee. The father of our subject was born in 1803, and the mother in 1816. After growing up, they were married in Davidson County, Tenn., in 1835, and for a livelihood the father followed farming, though he taught school in early life. Both he and wife were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In their family were nine children, seven sons and two

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daughters. He died in 1879, and she in 1887. He was a Whig in politics.

D. A. Murphy, ex-assessor of Polk County, Mo., was born in Greene County, of the same State, in 1859, and is the son of D. R. and Lucy A. (Gore) Murphy. The father was born in Knox County, Tenn., November 24, 1802, and grew to manhood in that State. He was married there, and reared a large family of children. He emigrated to Missouri in 1839, locating in Cedar County, where he lost his first wife. He was then married to Mrs. Lucy A. (Gore) Allen, who was the mother of four children by Mr. Allen. By her second marriage she became the mother of five children, D. A. Murphy being second in order of birth. Mrs. Murphy is still living, and resides near Fowler City, Kan., with her youngest son. D. R. Murphy was a minister in the Missionary Baptist Church, was one of the pioneer preachers of the county, was a Union man during the late war, and at that time served as chaplain in the Federal army. He died August 28, 1875. The paternal grandfather was a native of Ireland, and was an officer in the Revolutionary War. He died in Polk County at an advanced age. D. A. Murphy has been a resident of Polk County since the spring of 1869, when his father moved to Humansville. During the early days he received a common school education, and later engaged as clerk in the mercantile establishment of Barnett & Paxton, and remained with the firm seven years. He then embarked in the boot and shoe business for himself, and followed the same for three years, and, subse- quently, was nominated for assessor on the Republican ticket in 1886, and was elected. In order to attend to his office, he closed out his boot and shoe business in the spring of 1887, and has since devoted himself to duties of assessing. He received the nomination for this position without seeking it. He was married to Miss Emma Barnett, December 23, 1883, and the fruits of this union are two children: Leslie B. and Bessie Lee. Mr. Murphy is a Republican, as could have been guessed with- out adding this, by the above statements. He is a member of Modern Lodge No. 144, A. F. & A. M .; also of Bolivar Royal Arch Chapter No. 5.

Dr. L. C. Neil, physician and surgeon of Aldrich, Mo., was born in Williamson County, Tenn., June 26, 1854, and is the son of Dr. S. B. and Margaret M. (Roundtree) Neil, natives of Bedford County, Tenn., and Maury County, Tenn., respectively. The paternal grandfather, William Neil, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1771, and when fourteen years of age emi- grated to America and landed in Charleston, S. C. He was married in Mecklenburgh County, N. C., to Miss Sarah Calhoun, a native of North Carolina, born about 1795, and after marriage they emigrated to Maury County, Tenn., in 1806, where the grand-

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father followed agricultural pursuits. He died there in 1852. They were the parents of ten children, two now living. The maternal grandfather, David Roundtree, was born in Maury County, Tenn., in 1807, and there grew to manhood. He mar- ried Miss Victoria McKee about 1826 or 1827 and came to Polk County, Mo., in 1840. Six years later he returned to his native State, but in 1855 he again returned to Polk County. He was a farmer by occupation, and died in Polk County Mo., in 1867. His wife was born in 1810, in Maury County, Tenn., and died in Polk County, Mo., in 1879. They were the parents of fifteen children, seven now living. Dr. S. B. Neil, father of our subject, was born December 7, 1825, and spent his boyhood days in the place of his birth. He began the study of medicine in 1849, under Drs. Eberlee and Kincaid, remaining under their preceptorship two years. He then attended his first course of lectures at Mis- souri Medical College at St. Louis in 1850-51, after which he returned to Marshall County, Tenn., and began the practice of his profession, continuing six years. He then attended his second course of lectures at Nashville, Tenn., in 1855-56, and graduated in the class of the latter year, receiving the degree of M. D. He was married in Marshall County, Tenn., in October, 1851, to Miss Roundtree, and afterward moved to Williamson County, Tenn., where he practiced one year. He then returned to Marshall County, remained two years, and then, in December, 1855, he came to Cedar County, Mo. From there he moved to Dade County in 1857, and from there to Polk County, in 1859. In 1863 he moved to Cooper County, Mo., remained there two years, and then returned to Polk County in 1865. He was appointed postmaster at Aldrich in 1887. He is a Democrat in politics, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity. To his marriage were born five children: Sallie V., now Mrs. Emerson; Leonidas C .; Margaret A., now Mrs. Hines; Fannie P., now Mrs. Dillard; and Eberlee K., who is one of the most promising dental surgeons of Southwest Missouri, his practice being principally in Polk and adjoining counties. The mother was a member of the Christian Church, and died November 4, 1880. Dr. L. C. Neil spent his boyhood days in Polk County, and began the study of medicine in 1881, under Dr. Weaver, of Bolivar. He studied with a pre- ceptor for six months, and then continued to study with his father for two years. He attended lectures at Missouri Medical College, St. Louis, during 1883-84, after which he returned to Polk County. In 1884 he again entered the college, and graduated in the following year with the degree of M. D., after which he began practicing in Polk County. He was married in 1881, to Miss Lucy Fisk, a native of Dade County, Mo., born in March, 1855, and the daughter of Elder Nathaniel and Martha H. (Goodpasture) Fisk. She grew to womanhood in Springfield, Mo., and has been

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a member of the Christian Church from early girlhood. Dr. Neil's family consists of himself, wife, and niece, Willie Fisk. Willie Fisk was born February 26, 1878. Dr. Neil is a Democrat in politics, is a member of Polk County Medical Society, and is one of the promising young physicians of the county. Mrs. Neil has been a member of the Christian Church for ten years.

Elwood Smith Odor, M. D., of Bolivar and vicinity, was born in Culpeper County, Va., October 11, 1818, and is the son of Elwood and Nancy (Wigfield) Odor. The father was a farmer by occupation, and had been a soldier in the War of 1812. In 1823 he went on a collecting tour, and had obtained a large sum of money, for which, it is supposed, he was killed, as nothing was ever heard of him. The family subsequently, in 1830, moved to Coshocton County, Ohio, where the mother died in 1861, at the age of eighty years. She was a member of the Baptist Church. In their family were seven children, four sons and three daugh- ters, and Dr. Odor is the only one now living. He was reared to farm life, and received his education in the common schools, and also by individual study. Having farmed until thirty years of age, he began to read medicine on account of his poor health. After spending some time in a private institution, he began to practice, and in 1852-53 he took a course of lectures at the Eclectic Medical Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio. He then practiced in Ohio until 1861, when he moved to Illinois. In December, 1867, he came to Bolivar, and has enjoyed a good practice since. April 7, 1842, he married Miss Martha McMorris, a native of Virginia, and to them were born ten children, six living : Celia, Joseph T .; William S., a graduate of the American Medical Col- lege, St. Louis, and associated with his father in the practice; Ottoman C., Otho G. and John M. Dr. Odor has practiced his profession for thirty-eight years, and for twenty-one years in this county, and has been very successful. He is a Republican in politics, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church.

Nathan W. Okey, stock-breeder, was born in Monroe County, Ohio, February 19, 1823, and is the son of Arthur and Sophia (Hollister) Okey. The father was born in Delaware, October 5, 1786, and the mother was born in Connecticut, October 14, 1789. When young they came with their parents to Ohio, and were among the early settlers. Here they were married, and here passed their entire lives. He was an extensive farmer and stock- dealer, and often drove stock to Philadelphia, as there were at that time no railroads. He was a strong Whig in his political views; and he and wife were members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. He died July 4, 1838, from the effects of having a tooth pulled. His wife died October 17, 1876. In their family were eight children, six sons and two daughters, and the fourth child in order of birth was Nathan W. Okey. Like the

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average country boy he received a good practical education in the common schools, but later attended Woodsfield College. Like a dutiful son he remained with his mother until he married, and then she made her home with him. March 25, 1846, he married Miss Maria J. Belt, a native of Monroe County, Ohio, born July 5, 1826, and the fruits of this union were nine chil- dren, eight now living: Sarah M., Hannah L., Milton G., Arthur S., John H., Archie M., Jennie M., Haddie L. and Laura. Both Mr. and Mrs. Okey are members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. Having lived in Ohio until 1866, he came to this county and followed tilling the soil until 1887, when he removed to Morrisville. He owned 338 acres of land, which he sold on coming to town. He now pays some attention to the raising of stock. He has a fine Lexington and Pilot horse and a good jack. He is a Republican in politics.

Ira O. Parrish, an old and well-known citizen of Polk County, Mo., was born near where he now lives, June 26, 1842, being a son of Barnett P. and Emeline (Wright) Parrish, who were born in Ohio and Illinois respectively. The father was born on the 13th of September, 1818, and is still living, a resident of Taney County, Mo. The mother died there in 1867, and after her death Mr. Parrish wedded Miss Mary Harris, who has since died. His present wife was Rebecca Frazier. When a young boy he was taken by his parents to Indiana, and there resided until manhood, when he moved to Polk County, Mo., and in 1866 to Taney County, where he has since resided. He has been a farmer all his life, and as such has been quite successful. Dur- ing the Mexican War he served in Gen. Price's regiment, and was in several skirmishes. In 1862 he enlisted in the Enrolled State Militia, but only served about one year. He is a Repub- lican in politics. His father, who also bore the name of Ira, it is supposed was born in Ohio, and his death occurred in Polk County, Mo. Ira O. Parrish, the immediate subject of this sketch, is the second of seven surviving members of a family of eleven children, ten of whom lived to maturity, and remained at home until August, 1861, when he enlisted in the same regi- ment in which his father served, and remained with it until December, 1861. In 1863 he enlisted in Company L of the Fif- teenth Missouri Federal Service, and received his discharge in July, 1865, having been in several battles when Price made his last raid through Missouri, holding the rank of orderly sergeant. After his return from the war he turned his attention to farming and stock raising, being also an extensive dealer in stock. He began life without means, but is now the owner of a well- improved and well-located farm. February 20, 1862, he married Miss Nancy Mary Burnes, a daughter of Thomas J. Burnes, Sr. Mrs. Parrish was born in Georgia, November 14, 1841, and died

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in Polk County, Mo., in 1863; and September 17, 1866, Mr. Par- rish married Mary J. Armour, a daughter of Robert A. Armour. She was born in Giles County, Tenn., June 27, 1841, and she and Mr. Parrish are the parents of five children: William Franklin, Albert H., Emory W., L. B. and Ora E. Mr. Par- rish is a Master Mason, and he and family worship in the Cum- berland Church, of which he and wife are members.

Jesse R. Payne, when a small boy, emigrated with his parents, Joseph C. and Anna (Johnson) Payne, from his native county, Washington, in Tennessee, to Missouri, and located on a farm on what was known as Sentinel Prairie. His parents were married in 1819 in Hawkins County, Tenn. (the mother's native county), but made their home in Washington County, where the father was born, until coming to Missouri. The father was a successful farmer, having started in life with no means, but at the time of his death, October 11, 1858, at the age of sixty years six months and two days, he was one of the substantial citizens of the county. He was a life-long Democrat. The mother died April 13, 1878, at the age of seventy-five years eleven months and sixteen days, having been an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years. Both parents were of English descent, and the paternal grandfather, Jesse Payne, served in the Revolutionary War. Six of their eleven children are now living, Jesse R. being the only son. He was born on the 24th of August, 1839, and remained at home until his father's death, when he turned his attention to farming and stock raising and dealing, and now owns 800 acres of land, some of the finest in Polk County. On the 14th of June, 1874, he wedded Miss Sarah E. Bewley, a daughter of William and Martha Ann (Davis) Bewley. She was born June 30, 1855, and by Mr. Payne is the mother of the following family: William Elbert, Ann E., Nancy C., John H., Martha Pearl and James L. The family attend the Missionary Baptist Church, of which the father and mother are members, and the former has been a life-long Democrat. He and his brother, John H., were partners in business from boy- hood until the latter's death on the 2d of June, 1882. They began at the foot of the ladder, and became very successful financiers. Mr. Payne's brothers and sisters are as follows: Polly A., who died in July, 1884; Elizabeth, who is a resident of Polk County; James F., who died October 18, 1866; Sarah, wife of Isaac Wainscot, of Bates County, Mo .; Alsey, wife of Barnett S. Wainscot, also of Bates County; Elbert E., who died September 25, 1853; John H. N., who was born on the 24th of August, 1834, and died June 2, 1882; Elender J., wife of Y. M. Pitts, of Hickory County, Mo .; William A. J., who died in infancy; and Lucinda, wife of T. W. Simpson, of California.

John W. Paynter, of the Fair Play Mercantile Company, of

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HICKORY COUNTY.

Fair Play, Polk County, Mo., was born in Cedar County, Mo., February 8, 1867, and supplemented his common school educa- tion with a course at Ash Grove College, Greene County, Mo. After leaving school he entered his father's store, and engaged in mercantile pursuits, which he continued until September 1, 1887, when he became a member of the general mercantile firm of Fox, Potts & Paynter, at Fair Play. Immediately after becoming a member of the firm, they were burned out, but sustained only a small loss, on account of the insurance, and being able to save some of the goods. The firm continued as Fox, Potts & Paynter until December, 1887, when the firm title was changed to Fair Play Mercantile Company, and thus it still continues. They carry from $8,000 to $10,000 worth of goods, with an annual sale of $30,000. They do considerable jobbing work, and constantly employ four men. Mr. Paynter is the son of C. W. and Margaret A. (Jackson) Paynter, natives of Virginia and Tennessee respectively. C. W. Paynter was born in 1845, and came to Missouri before marriage, locating on a farm in Cedar County. Later he engaged in merchandising on Bear Creek, Cedar County, and there he is occupied in business at the present time. During the late war he donned his suit of blue, shoul- dered his musket, went out in defense of his country, and served three years. He was married to Miss Margaret A. Jackson, in Cedar County, and to them were born three children: John W., Elsie and Mary. The mother died in Cedar County about 1873. The paternal grandfather, Huston S. Paynter, was a native of Virginia, and came to Missouri, where he died. He was a farmer by occupation. The great-grandfather Paynter was a native of Germany, and emigrated to America at an early date. He was a strong, active man. The maternal grandfather is a native of Tennessee, is still living, and is a resident of Stockton, Mo. He served in the Federal army during the late war. J. W. Paynter is one of the young, but wide-awake, stirring business men of Fair Play, Mo. He is a Republican in politics, is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and keeper of records in Hines Lodge No. 114.

Prof. John Calvin Pike, B. S. and Professor of Natural Science in the Southwest Baptist College, is well known through- out Polk and adjoining counties, and although young in years has won an enviable reputation as a prominent educator. He was born in the county on the 25th of January, 1863, and from early boyhood has been very fond of reading, and while acquiring his rudimentary education in the public schools applied himself diligently to his studies, thus becoming capable, at an early age, to reason and think for himself. He soon perceived that a good education, a thorough knowledge of the business affairs of life, together with a sufficient amount of energy, were

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essential if he wished to become eminent in any calling, and at the early age of seventeen years he entered the Southwest Bap- tist College, from which institution he was graduated with the degree of B. S. in 1886. The same year he was called to the Peirce City Baptist College, where he taught during 1886-87, his efforts meeting with such success that in the latter year he was called to his Alma Mater and was given the chair of Natural Science, which speaks very highly as to his efficiency and the respect and esteem with which he is regarded by the public. He is ably discharging his duties, and is doing all in his power to raise the standard of the college. In his political views Prof. Pike is a Prohibitionist. He belongs to the Baptist Church, and his wife, whose maiden name was Mary S. Smith, and whom he married October 12, 1887, belongs to the Christian Church. Mrs. Pike was born in Cedar County, Mo., and she and the Pro- fessor are the parents of one child, Caroline.

Francis M. Pitts is a native of Trigg County, Ky., born in 1842, and is a son of Barney and Catharine Pitts, who were natives of Kentucky and North Carolina respectively. The father died in Hickory County, Mo., in 1876, when seventy years of age, and the mother in March, 1888, when extremely old. They came from Kentucky to Missouri about 1848, and located near the southern border of Hickory County, where they spent their days, having been among the wealthy farmers of the locality, being the second heaviest tax-payers of the county. Mr. Pitts was a Republican in politics, and he and his wife became the parents of thirteen children, three sons and two daughters of whom are now living: Francis M .; James Monroe, a prominent farmer of Hickory County; Barney, a farmer of Kansas; Mary, widow of Sandy Richards, lives in Hickory County; and Jane, wife of Michael Dorman, a farmer of Hickory County. Francis M. Pitts made his home with his parents until 1861, when early in the spring of that year he enlisted in the Home Guards, and afterward in the Eighth Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, in which he served until discharged in 1865, a portion of the time being sergeant of his company. After the war he bought the farm on which he now resides, and has become one of the successful farmers and stock-raisers of the county. He is a member of the Agricultural Wheel, a Republican in politics; and he and. his wife, whom he married March 5, 1866, are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Her maiden name was Mahala Ann Zumwalt, a daughter of Adam and Loretta Zumwalt, and she was born in Polk County, Mo., March 17, 1843. She and Mr. Pitts are the parents of three children: Elizabeth, wife of W. H. Roberts; James M., and Oliver C., all of whom are farmers. Barney Pitts, father of our subject, was a son of Burrell Pitts, who was a sol- dier in the Black Hawk War, and was also in the War of 1812,

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and at the battle of New Orleans. He died in Hickory County, Mo., when very old, and his wife died at the age of 104.

William M. Potts, of the Fair Play Mercantile Company, was born in Polk County, Mo., in 1863, and is the son of William A. and Polly (Underwood) Potts. William A. Potts came to Mis- souri when five years of age, and has been a resident of this State ever since. He is a farmer by occupation. His wife was born in Tennessee, and came with her parents to Missouri when four years of age. By her union to Mr. Potts she became the mother of seven children, five living. William M. Potts obtained a good practical education in the common schools, and supple- mented the same by a term in Southwest Baptist College. In 1883 he engaged in merchandising, but sustained considerable loss by fire. After this he clerked for a number of months, and then became a member of the firm of Fox, Potts & Company, which title was afterward changed to Fair Play Mercantile Company. This company is doing a good business on account of their fair dealing and prompt attention to their patrons, and from the fact that they are pleasant, social gentlemen to deal with. Mr. Potts is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the I. O. O. F., and is master of finances in the Knights of Pythias. In his political views he affiliates with the Republican party. His paternal grandfather was born in Tennessee, but went to Illinois, and from there to Missouri, where he passed his declining years.

Alexander Ralph, a well-known and highly esteemed resident of Polk County, Mo., was born near Gallatin, Sumner County, Tenn., on the 18th of February, 1825, and is a son of Lewis and Mary (Smith) Ralph, who were born, reared, and spent their lives in Sumner County, Tenn., the mother dying when our subject was quite young, and the father in 1877, at the age of seventy- seven years. Both were members of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church, and, in early life, he was a Whig in politics, and afterward became a Republican. Alexander Ralph is one of three surviving members of their family of nine children, eight of whom lived to be grown. He received his education in the common schools of Sumner County, and there made his home until 1848, when he came to Missouri, and located in Polk County, and rented land west of Bolivar for about one year. He then spent two years on Twenty-five Mile Prairie, after which he came to his present farm, which consists of 320 acres of as good land as there is in the county. October 15, 1848, he was married to Sarah Ann Kizor, a daughter of John and Fanny Kizor, who spent their lives in Sumner County, Tenn. Mrs. Ralph was born there on the 8th of March, 1827, and she and Mr. Ralph are the parents of eight children: William B., at home; James A., a ranchman of Nevada; Marcus B., at home; Frances C., wife of John Wilson, a farmer of Polk County, Mo., are living: and John L., Robert

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History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri, Part 63

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