USA > Missouri > Cedar County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 86
USA > Missouri > Dade County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 86
USA > Missouri > Barton County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 86
USA > Missouri > Hickory County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 86
USA > Missouri > Polk County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 86
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Thomas Egger, cashier of the bank, the firm title being F. Egger & Sons, was born in Green County, Wis., in February, 1859, and is the son of Fredolin Egger, a native of Germany, who came to America when a young man and settled in Wis- consin. After remaining in this country a time, he returned to his native country to find a wife in the person of Miss Anna Streiff, whom he brought with him to America. After mer- chandising at New Glarus, Wis., until 1874, he moved to Apple- ton City, St. Clair County, where he opened a bank under the firm name of F. Egger & Co., which was subsequently changed to
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F. Egger & Sons, and in 1882 to the First National Bank of Appleton City, of which he is president. He became the father of six children, three sons and three daughters. Two of the sons are associated with the father in the Lamar Bank. Thomas Egger, the immediate subject of this sketch, received his educa- tion in the common schools and at Milwaukee Academy. From the school-room he went into the Bank of Appleton City, but in 1882 the bank at Lamar was started with $25,000 capital, and he was given entire charge of the business. He is a competent business man and a prominent citizen. In his political views he affiliates with the Republican party. In 1882 he married Miss Mary B. Fry, a native of Chester County, Penn., by whom he has three children, a son and two daughters. In connection with the banking business the firm also handles considerable grain.
Judge John V. Elder was born in Greencastle, Ind., April II, 1835, being the son of William J. and Nancy (Vannice) Elder, who were born respectively in Kentucky and Ohio. When a young man, the father went to Hamilton, Ohio, where he was engaged in merchandising, and while there he married Miss Van- nice, and in 1833 moved to Greencastle, Ind., where they died in 1841 and 1857, having been earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. John V. Elder, one of their six children, was educated in the public schools of Greencastle. When fourteen years of age, he learned the tinner's trade, at which he worked some twenty-two years, coming to Lamar, Mo., in 1867. He was engaged in the hardware business until 1884, and has since followed the occupation of farming, being now the owner of 400 acres of land, all within a mile of Lamar. He is a stanch Republican in politics, and from 1868 to 1870 he was supervisor of registration, and from 1876 to 1878 was judge of the county court, and also filled the position of probate judge for some time. In the spring of 1862 he enlisted in Company D, Fifty-fifth In- diana Volunteer Infantry and was in the battle of Richmond, Ky., afterward enlisting in the Twentieth Indiana Battalion, Milton A. Osborn commanding, and was discharged at Indianapolis, Ind., in September, 1865. He took an active part in the battles of Nash- ville, Jonesboro and Atlanta. He was twice wounded at Nashville, once very severely in the left arm, and slightly in the left side. May 31, 1868, he was married to Miss Mary J. James, a native of Janesville, Wis., who died March 4, '1889, leaving no family.
John J. Fast, a successful agriculturist, was born in Greene County, Penn., October 16, 1814, and is the son of Christian and Elizabeth (Blosser) Fast, the father a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1796, and the mother a native of Vermont, born in 1794. Great-grandfather Nicholas Fast came from Germany at an early day, and settled in Pennsylvania. Christian Fast, the grand- father, a Revolutionary soldier, was captured by the Indians and
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held thirteen months. Grandfather Blosser was a sturdy Virginia farmer. After marriage, Christian and Elizabeth (Blosser) Fast moved to Richland County, Ohio, where he followed agricultural pursuits for many years. Both were members of the Christian Church. He was a Democrat, and died at the age of forty-five years, from the effects of swallowing shot. The mother died at the age of forty-one years. In their family were ten children, seven sons and three daughters. The eldest of this family, John J. Fast, was reared on a farm, and had very meager educational advantges, not attending school over a year altogether. By private study, however, he qualified himself for teaching, and followed this profession for some time. September 13, 1835, he married Miss Hannah Day, a native of New York, born October 12, 1818, and the daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Robbins) Day, natives, respectively, of Vermont and Massachusetts. Mr. Day was twice married, and was the father of eighteen children. To Mr. and Mrs. Fast were born twelve children, seven sons and five daughters, eleven of whom are living and married. In 1836 he and family moved to Fulton County, Ill., where they resided for thirty years, coming to Barton County in 1866. He was the first treasurer of the Lamar school board ; was formerly a Democrat, but since the formation of the Republican party he has voted that ticket. He and Mrs. Fast are members of the Free Will Baptist Church, and are much respected citizens. Mr. Fast is the owner of 500 acres of land, and much of his success in life is due to his good wife, who has been a true helpmate to him. When starting out for himself, he was obliged to go in debt for an ax, but by using that diligently, and his wife her spinning wheel, they were soon on the road to prosperity.
Charles H. Fink, nurseryman and farmer of Lamar Township, Barton County, Mo., was born in Lexington, Ky., February 14, 1822, and is the son of John and Matilda (Hammond) Fink, both natives of Virginia. Grandfather Fink was a native of Germany, and when a young man came to America, locating in Virginia. Grandfather Hammond was of English descent, and an early Virginia settler. The grandparents on both sides immigrated to Kentucky in an early day, and located near Lexington, where Mr. Fink's parents were married. When a young man, John Fink enlisted in the War of 1812, and was within a short distance of New Orleans when that famous battle took place. After his return from the war, he married Miss Hammond, and lived in Kentucky until 1830, when he moved to Greene County, Ill., and subsequently to Macoupin County, of the same State. He started a poor man, was a stone-mason by trade, and after settling his family on his claim he went to Alton, where he worked at his trade, and sent back provisions, which never reached his family. Sickness prevented his return, and during his absence his family,
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consisting of his wife and eight children, were reduced to extreme want, living upon wild meat, acorns and nuts. After a pro- tracted absence, home was made happy by his return. He was a thorough-going farmer, and whatever enterprise he believed to be right he supported with all his might. Both he and wife were zealous members and earnest workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he was a class-leader for many years. Politically he was a Democrat until the Free-Soil party sprang up, and after its dissolution he affiliated with the Republican party. He died at the age of seventy-seven, and his wife at the age of seventy-two. In their family were ten children, four sons and six daughters. The third child, Charles H., was reared to farm labor, and, owing to the deficiency of schools, and the demand for his services at home, he never attended school more than two weeks, and that after he was grown. His father and mother could read only indifferently, and so everything he received in the way of an education was obtained by individual labor. One spelling-book went through the entire family, and any newspaper or tract was devoured by the subject of this sketch with avidity. For a slate he used the bleached jawbone of a horse they had brought with them from Kentucky, and for a copy-book he appropriated the shoulder blade of the same. His pen and pencil were one, and made by rolling out a leaden bullet. At the age of seventeen he began to battle for himself, first working by the month, then . farming for himself. December 15, 1843, he married Miss Martha A. Boggess, who lived about ten years, and bore him three children, two of whom, with his wife, died of cholera. For his second wife he chose Mrs. Elizabeth M. Ross, sister to his first wife. She lived about ten years after marriage, and passed away leaving four children. In 1864 Mr. Fink married Miss Mary Trible, a native of England, who bore him two children. Mr. Fink and Mr. B. Boggess laid out and founded the flourish- ing town of Girard, Ill. While in that State Mr. Fink was largely interested in the culture of fruit, and in the improvement of the town and county. In 1869 he moved to Lamar, Barton County, Mo., and started the first nursery in this section after the war. He has 160 acres in nursery stock, eighty acres in an orchard of apple and peach trees, also two farms in the county, besides property in other sections. He adheres to no political party, though he affiliated respectively with the Whig, Free-Soil, Know-Nothing, Republican and Greenback parties. He takes a deep interest in horticulture, being president of the Barton County Horticultural Society. He is a demitted Mason, and was presiding judge of this county a term. Of his first marriage one child is living, Elizabeth C .; of his second marriage there are living Richard M., Martha M., Virginia E. and Robert L., and
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of his third marriage, Maud and Oliver H. Seven children are now living, all fairly educated, thrifty and enterprising.
Richard M. Fink, druggist at Lamar, was born in Macoupin County, Ill., December 15, 1852, and is the son of C. H. and Elizabeth E. (Boggess) Fink. He was reared to the nursery business, received his education in the public schools of Girard, Ill., and finished his schooling at the State University, at Colum- bia, Mo. After leaving school he taught for about two years, but came with his parents to Barton County, Mo., in 1869. In 1879 he commenced clerking for A. W. Atwood, druggist at Lamar, remained three years in this capacity, and then became his part- ner. A year later he sold out to his partner, and purchased the store he now runs in 1883. He has a good stock, and does a good business. In 1884 he married Miss Sallie E. Harris, a native of Cooper County, and to them were born two children; Maggie Edith and Charles Harris. In politics Mr. Fink is a Republican. After leaving college he found himself in debt about $400, and began clerking at $25 per month and board. Having no bad habits, he saved some money, and gradually worked his way to the front. Before engaging in the drug busi- ness he began the study of medicine with the intention of becom- ing a physician, but, a position in Atwood's drug store being offered, he accepted that, and hence changed his 'course of life, He is a self-made man in every respect.
S. P. Finley, sheriff and farmer of Barton County, Mo., was born in Macoupin County, Ill., in 1840, and is a son of J. T. and L. B. (Bremion) Finley, natives respectively of Kentucky and Virginia. The father was one of the first settlers of Macoupin County, Ill., and in 1867 came to Barton County, Mo., where he spent the rest of his days, dying in 1878. He was a farmer by occupation and a Democrat politically. When a child the mother was taken to Illinois by her parents, and was there reartd and married. She is still living, and resides in Lamar. S. P. Finley was reared to mature years in Illinois, and received a good education in the common branches in the public schools of that State. He came to Missouri with his parents, and engaged in farmiug, and has served a number of years as sheriff of the county. November 4, 1885, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Miller, who was born in Missouri in 1864. They own a good farm of 120 acres, and are among the thrifty farmers of the county. He is a Royal Arch Mason, a member of the Farmers' Alliance, and in his political views is a Democrat. His maternal grandfather, who was of Scotch descent, was born in Virginia, and died in Illinois.
George W. Finley, proprietor of a livery stable at Lamar, Barton County, Mo., was born in Sangamon County, Ill., July II, 1861, being a son of Zura N. and Sarah (Fields) Finley,
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natives, respectively, of Illinois and Ohio. The mother removed with her parents to Illinois when a child, and here she was mar- ried to Mr. Finley, and made her home until 1866, when they came to Barton County, Mo., and are here residing on a farm. The father is a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the Congregational Church. In their family were two sons and four daughters, of whom George W. is the eldest. He attended the district schools and Eastman's Commercial College, at Pough- keepsie, N. Y., and was graduated from that institution in 1886. In the spring of 1887 he engaged in the livery business, in Lamar, with Judge John Bates, and then with J. M. Fisher, who suc- ceeded Mr. Bates, and since August, 1888, has been associated with G. A. Mathews. Their establishment is supplied with eleven excellent vehicles, and they keep on an average sixteen head of horses, which are always in good condition, and ready for work. Mr. Finley is a Mason, and in his political views sup- ports the principles of the Democratic party.
G. W. B. Garrett, sheriff, was born in Loudoun County, Va., May 27, 1857, and is the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Harden) Garrett, both natives of Loudoun County, Va., where they were reared and married. After living there until 1866, they moved to Northern Missouri, and in 1882 to Barton County, settling on a farm, and there the father is living at present. The mother was a worthy and consistent member of the Baptist Church, and died in the year 1888. The father is a Democrat in politics. In their family were twelve children, of whom four are now living, all sons. The educational advantages of G. W. B. Garrett were very meager in youth, but upon reaching manhood he earned the money by working on a farm to take a two years' course at the Kirksville Normal. He then returned to the farm, and continued tilling the soil until 1888, when he was elected sheriff of Barton County. Previous to this he had held the office of justice of the peace of North Fork Township, for a period of two years. In politics he is a stanch Democrat. Of Mr. Garrett it may with truth be said that he is a man in every way fitted for the position he is now holding, brave and fearless in the discharge of his duty, honorable and conscientious in all his business relations, and a man universally respected.
James T. Gealy, of the real-estate and loan firm of Gealy & Harlow, of Golden City, Barton County, Mo., was born in Mercer County, Penn., October 8, 1835, and came to Barton County in May, 1881, where he has since resided. He is a son of William J. and Matilda (Thoine) Gealy, both natives of Pennsyl- vania. James T. Gealy was reared to farm life, receiving his educa- tion in the common schools, and at Westminster College, in Penn- sylvania. He studied law, and was admitted to the Venango County (Penn.), bar in 1875, and was admitted and licensed at the city
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of Lamar to practice law in the several courts of the State of Missouri, at the fall term of 1881. He has been three times married; first, in February, 1857, to Miss Lettice Perry, a native of Pennsylvania, who bore him four children: James I. (deceased), Calphurnice (deceased); Ettie, wife of T. A. Heady, of Springfield, Mo .; and Carrie. He was married the second time to Miss Lizzie Gray, a native of New York City, August 30, 1876. One child, Freddie (deceased), was born to this union. He was again married, in September, 1888, to Miss Emma Conrad, a native of Michigan. Mr. Gealy is an ancient member of the I. O. O. F. He has been city attorney since the origin of the city of Golden City; owns city residence, house and lot in the city of Lamar, Mo., and also property at Peabody, Kan.
Edwin Gilkey, farmer, and owner of the Gilkey coal bank in Ozark Township, was born in Adams County, Ill., in 1841, being the third of six children born to the marriage of Franklin Gilkey and Nancy Ford, who were born, reared and married in Ken- tucky. A short time after the latter event they removed to Adams County, Ill., where Mr. Gilkey, who was of Irish descent, and a farmer by occupation, died in 1872, followed by his wife in 1883. Edwin Gilkey received but little education in his youth, and at an early day became familiar with the duties of farm life. When the war broke out he joined Company F, Seventy-Eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was in the Atlanta Campaign, and was present at the grand review at Washington, D. C. In 1866 he married Mary L., a daughter of William and Louisa Wallace, who were born in Canada and New York, respectively, and removed to Hancock County, Ill., at an early day, where Mr. Wallace is yet living. His wife died about 1882. Mrs. Gilkey was born in Hancock County, Ill., and her union with Mr. Gilkey resulted in the birth of nine children, two sons and four daugh- ters now living. In 1870 Mr. Gilkey removed to Crawford County, Kan., and from there to Barton County, Mo., being one of the pioneer settlers of Ozark Township. They own a good farm of ninety-two acres, one mile west of Liberal, on which is a valuable coal bank. He is a Democrat, casting his first presi- dential vote for Seymour in 1868, and for the past eight years he has been constable of Ozark Township. Mrs. Gilkey is a mem- ber of the Church of the Latter Day Saints.
Peter C. Glixner, proprietor of the cigar factory at Lamar, was born in Covington, Ky., February 18, 1861, his parents being John and Tracy (Felix) Glixner. The father was born in Bavaria, Germany, and on reaching manhood came to America and located at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he followed the blacksmith's trade, and was afterward married to Miss Felix. They moved to Ken- tucky, but after a short residence in that State, moved to Jen- nings County, Ind., where the mother died, having borne a
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family of two sons and two daughters. Mr. Glixner returned to Germany after the death of his wife. He was a fine horse-shoer, and gained quite a widespread reputation in that line. Peter C. Glixner was the youngest of his father's family, and when about seven years old went to live with an uncle in Covington, Ky., and, when not attending school, worked in a cigar factory. While working at his trade he would take his dinner and books and go to the factory, which came to the knowledge of his uncle, and the latter told him he must go to school or leave. He chose the latter, and at the age of thirteen years started out to fight the battle of life alone. He worked at his trade in Indiana, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas, and in 1882 came to Lamar, and after working a short time for John E. Rundell, he and W. M. Hart bought out Mr. Rundell, and Mr. Glixner soon after became sole proprietor, and as such continues. His estab- lishment gives employment to five hands, and they turn out an annual product of over 300,000. All his property has been acquired since coming to Lamar, as he had but $25 on reaching the town. He finds a market for his products in Barton and ad- joining counties. September 28, 1887, he was married to Miss Emma Sturdevant, a native of Illinois, who is an earnest member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Glixner is a Republican, a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F. and the K. of P.
P. R. Gray. In giving a brief sketch of this gentleman, it is but the truth to say that he is one of the prominent men of the county, and has been quite successful in his enterprises. He was born in Switzerland County, Ind., October 7, 1836, and is the youngest of a family of eight children, six now living, born to Truman and Lorina (Bradford) Gray, who were born near Middlebury, Vt., and Massachusetts, respectively, the former's birth occurring in 1795. When a boy he moved with his parents to New York State, and was a resident of Lawrence County, where he was married when about twenty-five years of age. They afterward located in Switzerland County, Ind., where the father was successfully engaged in tilling the soil. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, participating in the battle of Platts- burg, and was a Whig in his political views until 1879, when he became a Republican, and as such remained until his death in 1879. The mother of our subject was a daughter of Joel and Tryphena (Smith) Bradford, natives of Massachusetts. Joel was a son of Simeon and Phœbe (Whiting) Bradford; Simeon was the son of Ephraim and Elizabeth (Bartlett) Bradford; Ephraim, a son of Major William and his third wife Mary (Holmes) Brad- ford; Major William was a son of Gov. William and Alice (South- wart) Bradford, Gov. William Bradford being one of the Puritans who came to this country in that famous old ship, the " May- flower." Truman Gray was a deacon in the Presbyterian Church,
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his wife being a member of the Methodist Church. Their chil- dren are as follows: Joel, a retired farmer of Washington, Iowa, is a stockholder in the First National Bank of that place; Robert, a farmer of Barton County, Mo .; Lucinda, widow of William Waite, now residing in Reynolds, Ill .; Theda, wife of John C. Moore, a retired farmer of Reynolds, Ill .; and P. R. Gray, whose name heads this sketch. The latter was educated in Switzerland County, Ind., principally, and when fifteen years of age went to Iowa, and farmed with an older brother for four years, after which he went to Rock Island, Ill., from there to the State of Missis- sippi, then back to Indiana and Illinois, and in 1866 came to Barton County, Mo. While a resident of Rock Island he was engaged in the hotel business, but after coming to Barton County he turned his attention to farming and stock-raising, and has been quite successful, owning at the present time 450 acres of as good land as there is in the county. On the 8th of June, 1863, he was married to Mary Walsh, a daughter of Daniel and Matilda Walsh, who were born in County Antrim, Ireland, and Pennsylvania, respectively. She was born in Indiana County, Penn., Decem- ber 12, 1840; and her union with Mr. Gray has resulted in the birth of ten children: Norman C., Celina, Freeman W., Olive, Fred J., Mark Lee and Cora A., living; and Scott P., Eva, and Frank W., who died in childhood. Mr. Gray is a stanch Repub- lican, a strict temperance man, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Joel Green, a well-to-do farmer and stockman of Newport Township, was born in Hardin County, Iowa, in 1848, and came to Missouri in 1880. 'He spent his early days in .following the plow and attending the common schools, and made his home with his parents until twenty-six years of age, at which time he began farming for himself, and now owns 120 acres of good land in Barton County. He was married in 1883 to Miss Mattie Lisk, who was born in Johnson County, Mo., and she is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Green takes an active interest in politics and public matters, and is a stanch Republican in his political views, as was his father before him. He is a successful farmer, and makes a specialty of raising a good grade of horses and mules. He belongs to the Farmers' Alliance. His parents, L. D. and B. (Miller) Green, were born in New York and Kentucky, respectively, and at an early day emigrated to Hardin County, Iowa, which State was at that time a Territory. The father was of English descent, and in 1880 came to Barton County, Mo., where he continued to make his home until his death. The mother is still living, and resides in Barton County. The following are their children: Alexander; J. S., now in Kan- sas; Elizabeth F., wife of O. B. Slinker, of Barton County; Mary, wife of Samuel Bishop, of Dade County; Louisa J., wife
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of Willis Devine, of Kansas; and Joel, who is the eldest of the family.
James Gregory, another successful farmer and stock-raiser of Lamar Township, Barton County, Mo., is a native of York County, Penn., born February 22, 1822, and is the son of John and Elizabeth (LaRue) Gregory, both natives of Pennsylvania, he of Scotch-Irish descent, and she of German and French. Mr. Gregory was an extensive farmer, and died in 1852. In 1835 they moved to Morgan County, Ill., and in the days of militia he was colonel of a regiment. He was a Whig in politics, and was a member of the Presbyterian Church, as was also the mother, who died in 1862. Of their family of seven children, five sons and two daughters, James Gregory was the third in order of birth. He attained his growth on the farm, and, while growing up, learned the blacksmith trade, at which he worked for some time. After farming and trading until 1852, he went to California by way of South America, visiting Brazil, Chili, etc., and, after reaching California, he mined, ranched and freighted for two years. He then returned by way of Central America, Cuba and New York. In 1862 he again went West, and remained abroad until 1868, engaged in mining, ranching, freighting, saw-milling and dealing in stock. He has been in every Territory but Alaska, Arizona and New Mexico. He bought Brigham Young's cattle when he died, located in Carbon County, Wyoming Territory, and drove stock from Texas and west to St. Louis. Having located in Carbon County, Wyoming Territory, he here engaged in the stock business until 1877, when he moved to Barton County, Mo., and settled on his present farm of over 1,200 acres, which is situated five miles east of Lamar. He devotes his energies to the raising of fine stock of all kind, and principally short-horn cattle. In 1860 he married Miss Frances B. Guyatt, a native of Canada, and the fruits of this union are two children: James R. and Mary B. While in Illinois, Mr. Gregory served eight years as sheriff, deputy sheriff and constable, and while in Wyoming he was chosen by both parties to the Legislature, but refused the position. He takes an active part in politics, is a Republican, as are also all the members of his family. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and his son is a Knight Templar. He began in life a poor boy, and has made his property by his own industry. He has traveled fourteen times across the continent, is a self-made man, and one of the influential citizens of the county.
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