History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri, Part 65

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 65
USA > Missouri > Dade County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 65
USA > Missouri > Barton County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 65
USA > Missouri > Hickory County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 65
USA > Missouri > Polk County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 65

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).

Jasper N. Sperry, real estate and loan agent, of the firm of J. N. Sperry & Co., was born in Vinton County, Ohio, Janu- ary 23, 1851, and is the son of James and Ruth (Claypoole) Sperry, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. James when a small boy emigrated to Ohio with his parents, and was there married to Miss Claypoole. In 1869 they moved to Cham- paign County, Ill., where the mother died in 1886. She was a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Sperry is now living in Polk County, Mo. He has followed farming all his life, and has been quite successful in this occupation. The father is a Demo- crat, and has affiliated with that party since old enough to vote.

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Jasper N. Sperry was the eldest of six children, four sons and two daughters, and received his education in the district schools. At the age of sixteen he began teaching, and after accumulating some means, he attended Illinois Industrial University for some time. In 1874 he began reading law with Cunningham & Web- ber, of Urbana, Ill, completing his course with U. S. Clay- poole of Ohio, and was admitted to the bar in 1876. After prac- ticing a few months he returned to Urbana, Ill., and taught a school for some time. In 1878 he married Miss Ruth Ratcliff, a native of this county, but who was in Illinois on a visit. The following year they moved to Polk County, Mo., and here Mr. Sperry was engaged in farming, teaching school and merchan- dising until 1883, when he opened a real estate office, and is now also connected with the Bolivar Loan and Trust Company. [See page 322.] As a business man Mr. Sperry has been quite suc- cessful; having come to this county with almost nothing, he has accumulated a handsome property. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M .; he and wife are members of the Christian Church.

Judge Louis Stahl, superintendent of the yard for the T. A. Miller Lumber Company, at Bolivar, is a native of Munich, Ger- many, where he grew up and received a good college education. In his native city he met Mrs. Anna Brass, née Bay, who was a native of Albany, New York, but who was visiting in Europe, and they soon became fast friends, then husband and wife. Having sailed for America, they landed in New York in 1867, where Mr. Stahl engaged in the lumber business, and this continued until 1881, when they moved to Seward, Nebraska. There he also ran a lumber establishment, and was quite a prominent man, having held the position of police judge of that city for some time. Since coming to Polk County, Mo., he has been superin- tendent of the lumber yard of the above-mentioned company, and does an extensive business, handling over 600,000 feet of lumber and over 1,000,000 shingles. He is one of the most successful business men of the county.

Francis M. Stewart. Among the prominent farmers of Marion Township, Polk County, Mo., stands the name of the above named gentleman, who was born in this county, August 12, 1838, and was reared to farm labor. His education was obtained in the old log school-house, and as a consequence was not of the best, but this he has aided materially by observation and reading. He was married August 4, 1858, to Miss Rebecca Zumwalt, who was born August 30, 1837, in Franklin County, Mo., and who is the daughter of Jesse Zumwalt. Eight children were the result of this union: John W., Jesse T., Francis M., Augustus S., James V., Richard E., Effie F. and Sidney H. In June, 1862, Mr. Stewart enlisted in Company A, of Elliott's

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Battalion, Confederate Army, and served until July, 1865. He was in the battles of Prairie Grove, Helena, Cape Girardeau, Cane Hill, Little Rock and Jefferson City. He was never wounded or taken prisoner, although he was in many tight places, but was fortunate enough to escape without either of the occurrences happening. After the war Mr. Stewart lived three years in Moniteau County, and in 1868 he came back to Polk County, Mo., and located on the farm where he now lives, which consists of 328 acres, with about ninety acres under cultivation. He had accumulated some property before the war, but when he returned from the service all had been destroyed, and he was obliged to commence at the beginning. His parents, Evan and Nancy B. (Jenkins) Stewart, were both reared in Tennessee, where they remained until 1836, and then came to this State. The father followed tilling the soil all his life, though for about twenty years he drove stock south to Arkansas, Louisana and Texas. He was a soldier of 1812, and now draws a pension, as he is still living, and is about ninety-three years of age. He is a Democrat in his political views. He accumulated a large fortune before the war, but during that stirring period lost lands, stock, ne- groes, etc. The mother was a member of the Baptist Church, and was the mother of eleven children, nine sons and two daugh- ters. Six of the sons enlisted in the Confederate army. After the death of the mother, which occurred in 1865, Mr. Stewart married Mrs. Melvina Bridges née Todd. Grandfather Jenkins was a Revolutionary soldier.

Samuel D. Strain, county assessor of Polk County, Mo., was born in Washington County, Tenn., October 1, 1833, and is the son of John A. and Sarah W. (Brewer) Strain, and grandson of John and Isabella Strain, both of whom died in Washington County, Tenn., in 1837 and 1835, respectively. The maternal grandparents, Samuel and Sarah Brewer, were both natives of Tennessee. The grandfather died in his native State in 1837 or 1838. They were the parents of six children, three surviving. John A. Strain, father of our subject, was born in Washington County, Tenn., in 1804, and attained his majority in that State. He was a farmer by occupation, but in connection conducted a saw-mill. He was married in Greene County, Tenn., about 1825, to Miss Brewer, moved to Dade County, Mo., in 1842, soon afterward to Polk County, and rebuilt the old Davis Mill, which is one of the oldest mills in this section of country. He died at his home in Polk County, about 1879. To his marriage were born eight children, seven now living, and Samuel D. Strain being the fifth in order of birth. The mother was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and died at the old home in Polk County, at the age of sixty-five years. Samuel D. Strain came to Missouri from Tennessee with his parents when ten years of

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age, grew to manhood in Polk County, and assisted his father in the mill until January, 1861, when he enlisted in Company F, Enrolled Missouri Militia, and served about three years. He entered the ranks as a private, but was promoted to corporal, and after- ward to orderly sergeant, which position he held until the close of the war. He then returned home, farmed for about two years, and in 1869 bought the old Orleans Mill, in partnership with B. B. Rice. In 1880 he engaged in mercantile pursuits at Orleans, but in 1882 sold the store, and did not resume business again until 1885, when he continued until 1887. After that he transferred his mercantile business from Orleans to Sharon, a station on the Gulf Railroad, three miles southwest of Orleans, and the business is managed by his son. In the fall of 1888 Mr. Strain was elected on the Republican ticket to the office of assessor. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He was married to Miss Martha L. Leith, who was born in Cooper County, Mo., in 1843, and who died in 1881. To this marriage were born eight children, five of whom are now living : Charles L. (deceased), William J., Samuel D., Jr., Oliver D., James R., Arthur B., and two infants (deceased). In 1883 Mr. Strain married Miss Anna Walker, who was born in Scotland about 1849, and came to America at the age of twelve years with a brother. She became the mother of two children, one living, Matthew R. (deceased) and Eva W. Mrs. Strain is a member of the Presbyterian Church Mr. Strain was appointed postmaster at Orleans about 1871, serving in that capacity until February, 1889, when he was succeeded by D. M. Strain. Orleans is one of the oldest postoffices in the county, being established some time in the thirties.

B. F. Teeter, a successful business man of Polk County, Mo., engaged in selling drugs at Half Way, was born in Collin County, Texas, July 3, 1849, and is the son of Jacob and Sarah Ann (Weedin) Teeter, who were born in St. Charles and Cooper Counties, Mo., respectively. The former was born in 1812 and died in 1870, still survived by his wife, who resides in the county, and is now in her sixty-first year. They were married in Cooper County, and moved from there to Texas, and in 1848 located in Collin County, where they resided until 1855, then took up their abode in Denton County, coming in 1865 to Polk County, Mo. The father was a successful farmer throughout life, and was an earnest worker in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, his wife being a member of the same, but she is now a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. The Teeters are of German descent, the paternal grandfather having come from Germany to the United States, locating first in Kentucky, and later in St. Charles County, Mo. The Weedin family are English. B. F. Teeter is one of five children born to his parents, the names of his broth-

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ers and sisters being: Mary E. (Barham), William J., Rebecca A. (Keeling), and Nancy E. (Hood). B. F. Teeter received his early education in the common schools of the " Lone Star State," and after his father's death, remained at home managing affairs for his mother until he was twenty-four years of age, at which time he went to Mason County, Ill., where he was engaged in farming for one year. He then returned to Polk County, Mo., and, after farming for two years, entered a general mercantile establishment, with which he was connected for seven years, and, after remaining idle for nearly one year, opened a drug store at Half Way, which he has since successfully conducted. In March, 1886, he was appointed postmaster of the place, and is now faith- fully discharging the duties of this office. He is a Democrat in politics, and is secretary of the Masonic lodge, of which order he is a member. He also belongs to the I. O. O. F. On the 24th of January, 1878, he was married to Nancy L. Brock, a daughter of Lewis Brock. She was born in Knox County, Tenn., in 1857, and has borne six children, five living: Ora O., Treva M., Maude I., Grover C. and Andre. Gertrude died in childhood.

John A. Thomas, a prominent farmer of Marion Township, was born in North Carolina May 17, 1821, and is the youngest of seven children, four sons and three daughters, born to John and Elizabeth (West) Thomas, natives of North Carolina, where they were reared and married. The parents remained in their native State until about 1836, when they moved to East Tennes- see, and there spent the rest of their days, both living to a good old age. He was a farmer by occupation, and was a very suc- cessful one; was a Whig in politics, and was a first-class citizen in every respect. The mother was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. John A. Thomas spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, and received no educational advantages, not even being able to read or write. After remaining with his mother until twenty-two years of age, he began for himself by engaging in tilling the soil. In 1843 he married Miss Mary Weese, a native of Roane County, Tenn., and about a year younger than her husband. About 1846 they moved to Fulton County, Ill., and the following year to Carroll County, Ark., where they remained until 1862, when they came to Polk County, Mo .. with his family. In November, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, First Arkansas Cavalry, U. S. A., and served until August, 1865; was in the battle of Prairie Grove and many skirmishes. While trying to remove his family from Carroll County, Ark., he was surprised by a squad of bushwhackers, was shot through the left arm, shattering the bone, and the arm has always given him trouble. Had not some of his neighbors been in the squad, he would undoubtedly have been killed; as a compensation he receives a pension of eight dollars per month. After the war

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Mr. Thomas joined his family in Polk County, and here he has since remained. After coming here he rented land for about seven years, and since then has become the owner of 320 acres, but at present has but 240 acres. He has eight children: Martha, Hughey, Eliza, William, Catherine, James, Mary and John. Mr. Thomas has been a hard working man all his life, and has accu- mulated considerable property. He is a member of the Mission- ary Baptist Church, and is a Republican in his political views.

Eugene D. Tingle, editor and proprietor of the Humansville Bee, and attorney at law at Humansville, is a native of Maryland, born at Snow Hill, Worcester County, July 4, 1840, and the son of Judge William and Sallie Maria (Williamson) Tingle. Judge Tingle was a native of Maryland, and occupied a seat on the bench of the twelfth judicial district for over twenty years. He died at Snow Hill in his sixty-ninth year. Judge Tingle was a son of Capt. Daniel Tingle, who was a sea captain, and who perished on his ship, which was supposed to have been burned at sea by pirates. Daniel Tingle was also supposed to have been a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and was the son of an English gentleman, who made a home for himself in America. Sallie Maria (Williamson) Tingle was the daughter of Rev. Stewart Williamson, a Presbyterian divine, and a prominent man in that church in early times. He was a native of Pennsylvania. Eugene D. Tingle grew to manhood in his native State, completed a lit- erary course of study at Newark Academy, Delaware, and his legal studies were finished at the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia. He practiced law for a few years at Snow Hill, Md., and in 1869 came to Shelbyville, Mo., where he practiced his profession for quite a while, serving as superintendent of schools of Shelby County for several years. He was married at Shelbyville, Mo., to Miss Mary C. Boettcher, a native of Mis- souri, and a lady of education and refinement, being a graduate of the Christian College of Columbia, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Tingle were born two children, Thomas Rackliffe Fassitt, and Willie (deceased). In December, 1888, Mr. Tingle came to Humansville, Mo., and started the Weekly Bee, a Democratic paper, which is a spicy sheet, full of news and useful informa- tion. Mr. Tingle has traveled extensively in the interest of news- papers and real estate, having been a correspondent for different interests.

Harry D. Train, of the Ewert & Train Charcoal Company, Fair Play. Among the many business men of Fair Play deserving of mention is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Minnesota, April 5, 1860, and moved with his father to Kansas City in 1870. There he attended the public schools for four years, and at the age of fourteen years entered the employ of one of the largest dry-goods firms in the city as cash boy;

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and at the end of six years was employed by that firm, receiv- ing a salary of $3,000 per year. He subsequently left their employ, and engaged in the real estate business in Kansas City in 1880, where he remained until 1887, his real estate busi- ness proving a grand success, and he realized over $100,000 from it. In 1886 he was elected a member of the city council and served two years. In the fall of 1887 he came to Fair Play and purchased a half-interest in the charcoal plant for $15,000. He also opened a lumber yard, a general merchandise store, and a bank, of which he is cashier. In the spring of 1887 he pur- chased the entire stock of the charcoal company, and incor- porated it with a capital stock of $50,000. Mr. Train is in every way a substantial citizen and a shrewd business man. He was married to a Kansas City lady, Miss Dora Freeland, in 1881, and one child, Harry, was the result of this union. Mr. Train is the son of H. C. and Maria E. Train; the father, now living, is seventy-five years of age, but the mother received her final sum- mons September 8, 1871. H. C. Train is at present city inspector of Kansas City. He is a wagon-maker by trade and was in partnership with the proprietor of the Bain wagon. Of the seven children born to this union, there were five sons and two daughters. The paternal grandfather was born in Southern New York, but became a pioneer of the northern part of that State, and there died. The maternal grandfather, John Bullene, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and the name can be traced back to Queen Ann Boleyn.

The origin of the Tuck family is traced back to two brothers who, at an early day, emigrated from England to the United States, and settled in Virginia. From one of these brothers descended Joseph Tuck, who was born in Halifax County, Va., July 4, 1800, and when seventeen years of age moved with his parents to Blount County, Tenn., where, January 13, 1825, he married Miss Elizabeth Bond, a native of that county, born in October, 1809. In 1835 they moved to McMinn County, Tenn., remaining there until 1837, when they came to this county, and located one and a half. miles west of Brighton. There the mother still lives. The father died May 25, 1887. He was an indus- trious, well-to-do farmer, and a good citizen. He and wife became members of the Methodist Episcopal Church about 1825, and he was a Democrat. in politics. In their family were ten children, six sons and four daughters; of these one son and one daughter are dead, and one son lives at Willits, Cal., and one at Sherman, Texas. The others are citizens of this county, and are members of the Methodist Church, South, and Democrats in politics.

Henry C. Turk. In sketching the life of this gentleman, it is but just to say that his career through life has been irreproach-

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able. His birth occurred in Hickory County, Mo., April 27, 1850, his parents, Andrew and Mary (Williamson) Turk, having been born in Roanoke and Floyd Counties, Va., respectively. When a young man the father came to Missouri, and, after resid- ing for about five years in Hickory County, came to Polk County, where he made his home until his death, March 13, 1870, at the age of fifty-nine years, his birth having occurred on the Ist of March, 1811. The mother was born in 1821 and died June I, 1863. She came with her parents, James Williamson and wife, from Virginia to Hickory County, Mo., in 1844. After her death Mr. Turk espoused Mrs. Jane Williamson, who is now a resi- dent of Hickory County. He was a machinist and millwright by trade, which occupations he learned in Ohio, but, after coming to Missouri, gave the most of his attention to farming, at which he was quite successful. He was a member of the Baptist Church, a Royal Arch Mason, and, by his first wife, became the father of five children, four of whom are living: Sarah, wife of J. H. Payne; Ellen, wife of J. H. Payne, Jr .; Virginia, wife of J. W. Viles; Frances, the deceased wife of Reuben Long, and Henry C. To his last union one son was born, Solon, who is living with our subject. The latter was educated in Bolivar Academy and at home, and, when starting out in life for himself, it was as a farmer and school teacher, but for a number of years past has given his entire attention to farming and stock dealing. His land is very fertile, and is well adapted to stock purposes, being plentifully supplied with water. In 1876 Mr. Turk acted as assessor and census enumerator, and in 1880 was United States census enu- merator in Green Township. In 1882 he was elected assessor, and two years later was nominated county representative by the Democratic party, but, on account of sickness, resigned. Jan- uary 26, 1873, he was married to Maria F. Robinson, a daughter of Rev. Jehu Robinson. She was born in Webster County, Mo., in 1855, and is the mother of four children, only two living: Pearl and Earl. Andrew J. and Charles A. are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Turk are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.

William Underwood. Prominently identified with the farm- ing and stock-raising interests of Polk County, Mo., stands the name of Mr. Underwood, who was born in Roane County, Tenn., October 29, 1840, and is the son of Enoch and Sally (Owens) Underwood. Enoch Underwood was born in Spartinburgh dis- trict, S. C., in 1802, and was the son of John and Jennie (Utley) Underwood. He moved at an early age with his parents to Roane County, Tenn., and there attained his majority. He was married in that county, and there remained engaged in farming until 1842, when he emigrated to Polk County, Mo., where he still continued agricultural pursuits. He was a member of the Christian Church, and died in Polk County, February 16, 1879.

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His wife, Mrs. Sally (Owens) Underwood, was born February 22, 1802, in Roane County, Tenn., and grew to womanhood there. By her marriage she became the mother of seven children, four now living. Mrs. Underwood is still living, and is a member of the Christian Church. The paternal grandparents were natives of Tennessee, and died in Roane County of that State. They had ten children. The paternal grandfather, Edward Owens, was probably born in Virginia or Carolina. He married Eliza- beth Sumpter in Virginia, and afterward moved to Tennessee, where they received their final summons. They were the parents of twelve children, only one now living. Elizabeth Sumpter's father, William Sumpter, lived in Virginia, and there married Miss Margaret Hoskins. He was a brother of old Gen. Sumpter, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, under Gen. Wash- ington. William Underwood, subject of this sketch, came with his parents to Polk County, Mo., in 1842, and grew to manhood in that county. He received his education in the common schools, but ill-health prevented him from advancing very far in his studies. He was married in March, 1866, to Miss Martha Fox, daughter of John and Jane (Wollard) Fox. Mrs. Fox was born in Polk County, Mo., May 28, 1846, and grew to womanhood in that county. She became the mother of fourteen children by her marriage, thirteen now living : Sarah Jane, now Mrs. Crane; Margaret A., Enoch S. (deceased), John F., James C., William M., Thomas W., Lizzie M., Esther Pearl, German N., Dolly, Robert M. and Gracie C. (twins), and Benjamin H. In 1862 Mr. Underwood entered the Union army and served three years. After the war he returned to Polk County, where, as mentioned above, he was married. He is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the following orders: A. F. & A. M., K. of P. and the G. A. R. He and wife are members of the church.

Charles A. Walters, one of the proprietors and managers of the Brighton Flouring Mills, was born in Berks County, Penn., in June, 1838, and is the son of John U. and Margaret (Tyler) Walters, the father born in Germany, and the mother in Switzer- land. John U. Walters was a machinist by trade, and when a young man went to Switzerland, where he met and married Miss Tyler. Soon afterward they came to America, and after living for some time in Philadelphia, moved to Berks County, where he ran a farm in connection with his shop. In 1870 they came

to this county and here spent their last days. In their family were seven children, five sons and two daughters, the second child being Charles A. Walters. He assisted his father with the duties on the farm, received a common school education, and when seven- teen years of age learned the miller's trade, but, as trade was dull, he helped repair several mills, and thus took up the mill- wright business. In 1858 he came to Illinois, and milled there

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until 1870, when he moved to Springfield, and worked at car- pentering for about two years, after which he came to this county. He then worked on the farm and at the carpenter trade until 1875, when he and two brothers built a saw-mill, and, about two years later, put up a flour-mill, with a capacity of thirty barrels per day. His brothers having withdrawn from the business, the firm took the present title. In addition to the mill, Mr. Walters is the owner of 147 acres of land. In 1876 he married Miss Ellen Emlet, who bore him two children: George and Blanche. Mrs. Walters is a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. Although Mr. Walters has met with reverses in business, he is now in a prosperous condition and has a good property. When President Lincoln made the first call for troops, Mr. Walters enlisted, but as there were too many, his company was not taken for some time, and so he returned to his work. Politically he has been a Democrat until 1888, when he voted for Gen. Harrison. He is a Mason.

John Benton Wann, M. D., a native Missourian, was born in Lawrenceburg, Lawrence County, on the 27th of December, 1847, and is a son of Daniel and Sarah (Hague) Wann, who were born, reared and married in Tennessee. In 1824 they made a settlement in Lawrence County; Mo., where the father engaged in tilling the soil. He served as a soldier from Tennes- see in the Mexican War. His father, William Wann, was a Vir- ginian, who after the Revolutionary War settled in Tennessee. The Wanns were presumably of Scotch extraction, and were of large stature, strong physique, and long lived. Dr. John B. Wann was the fifth child and second son of seven children, and grew to manhood in Cass County, where he obtained a good common school education, and farmed until his twenty-third year. He then gave up farming for a time, and spent several years in traveling, trading, and otherwise occupying himself throughout the Western States and Territories. In 1876 he returned from Oregon to his home, and began giving his atten- tion to the study of medicine, graduating from the Kansas City Medical College as an ad-eundem from the Missouri Medical College, at St. Louis. He had, in the meantime, practiced medi- cine, and after graduating located at Humansville, Polk County, where he is regarded as one of the leading members of the medical fraternity. He is a member of the Polk County Medical Society, is a stockholder in the Highland House property, and a member of the Blue Lodge in the Masonic fraternity. He was married to Miss Julia McFall, in Lawrence County, Mo., but she died in Oregon in full communion with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, leaving him a son and daughter: Addie and Elmer. He married his second wife also in Lawrence County. Her maiden name was Miss Susie A. Wilkerson, and she was

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History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri, Part 65

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