History of Howard and Cooper counties, Missouri : written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of its townships, towns, and villages : together with a condensed history of Missouri, a reliable and detailed history of Howard and Cooper counties-- its pioneer record, resources, biographical sketches of prominent citizens, general and local statistics of great value, incidents and reminiscences, Part 56

Author: National Historical Company
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: St. Louis : National Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1198

USA > Missouri > Cooper County > History of Howard and Cooper counties, Missouri : written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of its townships, towns, and villages : together with a condensed history of Missouri, a reliable and detailed history of Howard and Cooper counties-- its pioneer record, resources, biographical sketches of prominent citizens, general and local statistics of great value, incidents and reminiscences > Part 56
USA > Missouri > Howard County > History of Howard and Cooper counties, Missouri : written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of its townships, towns, and villages : together with a condensed history of Missouri, a reliable and detailed history of Howard and Cooper counties-- its pioneer record, resources, biographical sketches of prominent citizens, general and local statistics of great value, incidents and reminiscences > Part 56

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).

554

HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.

of honor ; and, settling down to farming, was married May 22, 1862, to Miss Tillitha, daughter of Archibald Hill. However, contrary to all laws of war, in 1864, he was made subject to the Union draft, and determined if he had to fight he would fight according to his own honest convictions of the right, he re-enlisted in the Confederate army, or rather raised a company of Confederate volunteers, of which he was made captain, and joined Price's command at Lexington, Missouri. A short time after this he was commissioned by General Magruder to raise additional volunteers, for the Confederate service, and while proceeding north on this commission, was wounded twice in a skirmish, and subsequently surrendered at Arrow Rock. At the close of the war he resumed farming, which he has since followed. He has a good farm and generous cheer, by word and deed, for all who pass his way. He is a democrat, but liberal in his political as he is in his religious and other opinions.

Formed on the good old plan, A true and brave and downright honest man ! He blows no trumpet in the market-place, Nor in the church, with hypocrite face, Supplies with cant the lack of Christian grace ; Loathing pretence, he does with cheerful will What others talk of while their hands are still.

He has been a member of the Masonic order for twenty years. Twice he has been warmly and strongly supported for the sheriffalty of the county, and he is now serving his second term as justice of the peace. Mr. Martin's wife was taken from him by death - of heart disease - in 1880. She left no children.

JAMES MITCHELL,

farmer, section 5. That immigration is rapidly pouring into this state, and from the north at that - the best class of northern farm- ers - becomes apparent to any one who takes the trouble to investi- igate the facts. Among the many examples in proof of this that can be cited in almost every neighborhood, is that of Mr. Mitchell, of Moniteau township, who came here from Ohio in 1874 and bought a fine farm of 447 acres, and is now one of the leading farmers and most highly respected citizens of the county. He was born in Franklin county, Ohio, August 7, 1832, and was the second of a family of four children, viz. : Elizabeth, wife of John Garrett ; Irving, Martha Ro- beck - all of Ohio -and himself. His father, James Mitchell, and mother, formerly Miss Elizabeth Keyser, were both originally from Pennsylvania to Ohio, but were reared in the last named state. James, the subject of this sketch, was brought up on his father's farm, and was educated in the common schools. April 1, 1854, he was married to Miss Caroline Meek, in his native county, and they fol- lowed farming there until their migration to this county, in 1874.

555

HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.

They have nine children - Thomas F., Sylvia, Martha, Charley, Ed- mond, Sarah, William, Humphrey and Catherine - all at home. Mr. M. has been a member of the I. O. O. F. for sixteen years.

JOHN H. MURRAY,

farmer, section 24. Mr. Murray's father, Hiram H. Murray, was originally from Virginia, but in early life came to Boone county, where he met and married Miss Nancy Inglehart, formerly of Ken- tucky. Of the children born of this union, nine are now liv- ing, including John H., the subject of this sketch. He was born in Boone county August 17, 1851, where he was reared and given an ordinary, good education in the common schools. At the age of twenty-two, June 6, 1873, he was married to Miss Mary E., daughter of John S. Jones. Farming has constituted his principal employ- ment in life, and in 1876 he located on his present place, in Moniteau township, which contains 239 acres. He raises about 100 acres of wheat, and other kinds of grain in proportion. He also has consid- erable live stock in excess of what he requires for his own use. Mr. and Mrs. Murray have two interesting children -John Lee and Hor- ace Early - the former aged three years and the latter one year old. Mr. M. is a member of the M. E. church.

MRS. SALLIE PEELER,

farm in section 18. Mrs. Peeler was left a widow with seven child- ren by the death of her husband, Alfred Peeler, in 1867, since which the management of the farm has mainly devolved upon her. How- ever, she has been greatly assisted in this, in the last few years, by her son John A., now a young man twenty-three years of age. They have an excellent farm of 300 acres, and such has been the success with which it has been managed that she has been able to bring up all her children, the youngest of whom is now a young lady of eighteen years of age, giving them all good educational advantages as they grew up. Mrs. Peeler's husband, Alfred, was a son of David Peeler, mentioned in the sketch of William H., in this volume. Alfred Peeler was born in this county August 9, 1822. Reared on his father's farm, and receiving in youth an ordinary good education, when twenty-four years of age, September 26, 1848, he was married to Miss Mary Williams, now his widow, the subject of this sketch. After their marriage they settled on the farm where Mrs. Peeler now lives, and where, nineteen years afterwards, June 19, 1867, her hus- band was taken from her by death. Mrs. Peeler was a daughter of John and Mary (Stemmons ) Williams, and was born in Madison county, Kentucky, March 24, 1829. Her father died in that county a short time after her birth, and when she was but three years of age her mother came to this county and settled near Rocheport. Here, the same year, her mother met and married Judge David Pipes, men- tion of whom is made in the sketch of his son, George M. Pipes,

556

HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.

elsewhere in this work. Her mother is still living at the Pipes home- stead, just across the line in Boone county. To Mrs. Peeler and her husband were born seven children, all of whom are living - Georgia A., born October 24, 1851, wife of Elder G. A. Perkins, of Fayette ; David R., born June 15, 1853, married and lives in California ; Henry W., born October 20, 1855, lives near his mother ; Mary J., born September 13, 1858, attended Camden Point female college, and is now wife of George Perkins, of Columbia; Johu A., born September 8, 1860, assisting his mother in management of the farm ; Martha E., born January 3, 1863 ; and Maude, born October 15, 1865. Mrs. Peeler and her daughters are all members of the church at Ashland.

WILLIAM H. PEELER,

farmer, section 8. Mr. Peeler's father, David, who was for many years a leading citizen of Howard county and a member of the legis- lature from this county in 1840, came originally from North Carolina, where he was born May 10, 1794. When a young man twenty-five years of age, in 1818, he, in company with his brother John came west and stopped in Howard county, where, about two years after- wards, David settled on the farm on which William H. now lives. Here he followed farming, and he also followed milling and distilling for a number of years, and became more than ordinarily well-to-do in life. He held the office of justice of the peace eight years, when that position was of some real dignity and importance, between the years 1830 and 1840, and at the election of the last named year he was elected to the legislature. He died April 30, 1882, at the advanced age of eighty-eight. He was twice married. His first wife, formerly Miss Sarah Wilcoxson, originally of Kentucky, to whom he was mar- ried in 1821, died January 26, 1857. Ten children were born of this union, six of whom are now living - Elizabeth, now Mrs. Geery ; Joseph, Elder N. B., William H., Barnabeth, in California ; Jas. D., in Randolph county. Those deceased are Alfred, the eldest, who died in 1867 ; Martha H., wife of Henry Knaus, died in 1856 in Cooper county ; Rebecca J., wife of J. R. Sonsley, died in 1858 in St. Louis, and John O., died in 1877. His second wife, previously Miss L. A. Brown, born July 2, 1826, to whom he was married in 1863, died June 20, 1882, leaving two children - Rosa and George. William H. Peeler, son by his father's first marriage, was born in this county July 23, 1834, and in the same house where he now lives. When in his twentieth year he was married March 20, 1864, to Miss Eliza M. Atherton, a native of Illinois, in Alexander county, of that state. Returning then to his old home in Howard county, he re- sumed farming, which he has since followed. Of the original family homestead he has 210 acres, and his place is well improved and in good condition. He is an industrious, intelligent farmer, and as a citizen and neighbor is well respected. Mr. and Mrs. Peeler have a family of six children - Jennie A., William B., DeAtherton, Charles F., James E., and Eva May.

557

HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.

GEORGE M. PIPES,

farmer, section 21. Judge David Pipes, father of George M., came to Boone county with his parents among the first settlers of the county, when he wash ut nine years old. There he grew up in the pioneer days of the country, and after reaching manhood was married to Mrs. Mary Williams, widow of John Williams, and previously a Miss Stemmons, of which union George M., the subject of this sketch, was born. Judge Pipes being a man of more than ordinary intelligence and of great industry and enterprise, became a prominent citizen of the county and filled various public offices. George M. Pipes was born on his father's farm, two and a half miles from where he now lives, now owned by Mr. Sutherland, October 12, 1833, and was educated in the common schools. He remained with his father until twenty-three years of age, and on January 14, 1857, was mar- ried to Miss Fannie, daughter of Wm. H. Settle, of Moniteau townt ship, this county. He then bought a part (153 acres ) of his presen- farm, and since that time has added to his original tract, until now be has a place of 275 acres of excellent land, most of which is substan- tially and comfortably improved. He grows grain, principally wheat, about seventy-five acres, and other kinds in proportion. They have four children - Luther M., David F., Robert Emmet and Ora Kate. Luther is now married, his wife having been a Miss Ella Hart, of Boone county. They live near his father. Mrs. Pipes, wife of George M., died February 8, 1880. Mr. Pipes has been a member of the Christian church for nearly thirty years. For several years he has corresponded for the press of Boone and adjoining counties from Moniteau township, under the nom de plume of " Monitean," and has acquired a wide reputation as an intelligent, versatile correspondent.

ALLEN PIPES,

farmer. Mr. Pipes was the fourth of a family of eight children of George Pipes and wife, nee Jackman, who emigrated from Kentucky to Boone county, this state, in 1817, and afterwards, in 1822, settled in Howard county. The father was originally from North Carolina, and was a farmer by occupation, which he followed in this county until his death, October 2, 1846. The mother survived her husband twenty-three years, dying Angust 11, 1869. Allen Pipes was born be- tore his parents left Kentucky, in Washington (now Boyles) county, that state, October 20, 1815, but was principally reared in this county. Farming has constituted his occupation thus far through life, and he now owns an excellent place of 250 acres, and gives his atten- tion mainly to raising grain. Mr. Pipes has been twice married. His first wife, previously Miss Sallie A. Porter, of Audrain county, to whom he was married November 2, 1841, died in 1845, leaving two children, who soon followed her to the grave. He was not married again for some fifteen years. September 13, 1860, however, he was married to Miss Anna M. Cline, of this county. They have had three 37

558

IIISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.

children, two daughters, both of whom died in infancy, and a son, Allen, Jr., now sixteen years of age. Mrs. Pipes is a member of the Christian church. Mr. P. is a successful farmer and highly respected citizen. He resides on section 13.

J. S. RAINS,

stock dealer and farmer, section 10. Among the stock dealers and farmers of Howard county the above named gentleman is worthy of special notice. He has been engaged in farming in this county since the close of the civil war, and for some time past has been dealing ex- tensively in live stock, buying and shipping to St. Louis and other principal markets. The farm in which he, with some others, is inter- ested, contains over 700 acres, and on this Mr. Rains grows large quantities of wheat, corn, hay, etc., and he also raises considerable numbers of stock above what he requires for farm purposes. He was born in Richmond township, this county, February 17, 1842, and was the eldest of seven children of Allen and Margaret ( Douglas ) Rains. Of the children, five are now living. On attaining manhood, the war being then in progress, J. S. identified himself with the south, and was a member of General Poindexter's command ; but some time before the close of the struggle he went to Montana, where he engaged in mining and remained until the restoration of peace. He then re- turned to Howard county and commenced farming, which he has since followed. September 8, 1870, he was married to Miss Lucy, daughter of E. P. Kirby, now of Randolph county, since which he has lived on his present farm. Mr. and Mrs. Rains have six children : Kirby, Jimmy, Wilbur, Clifton, Frank and Mary. Howard died in infancy. Both parents are church members.

THOMAS H. RICHARDS,

farmer, section 24. Thomas H. Richards was born in Madison county, Kentucky, March 4th, 1824, and was a son of Reason and Elizabeth (Patterson ) Richards, of that county. When he was three years of age his parents removed to this state and settled on a farm in Boone county, where they reared their family. Thomas H. grew up on his father's farm and in October, 1848, was married to Miss Sarah A., daughter of Olmore and Martha Thompson, of this county. In 1850, Mr. Richards was attracted to California by the gold excitement, and there engaged in mining and freighting. Returning sometime afterwards, however, in 1855, he settled on the farm where he now lives - in Howard county - which contains 240 acres of good land, and is comfortably and substantially improved. Mr. Richards is an energetic, good farmer, and is well respected as a neighbor and a citizen. He has a family of eight children : Wm. E., Anna M., Amanda I., Melia F., Julia D., Thomas C., Sarah C. and Emma M. One is dead, Martha E., born September 21st, 1850, died June 3d, 1873. Misses Anna and Julia attended the Howard female college,

559

HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.

at Fayette. Mr. Richards has been a member of the Methodist church south, since 1844, and has long been a trustee of his church and an earnest, zealous worker in the Sunday school. He is now superintendent of the neighborhood Sunday school. He was in the Confederate army from 1864 until the war closed, having joined General Price's command, near Lexington, this state, and surrendered at Shreveport, Louisiana. His father died some ten years ago, but his mother is still alive, residing with her youngest son, in Boone county, at the advanced age of eighty-three.

JOHN DOYLES RICKETTS,

farmer, stock raiser, etc. Mr. Ricketts came to Howard county, in a comparatively early day, and in 1836, settled on the farm where he now lives. He first bought 250 acres and improved it himself. After- wards he added to it until his farm numbered 560 acres, its present dimensions. He became and still is a very successful farmer. During the war, however, he sustained considerable losses, and among others his slave property, consisting of ten negroes. During and before the war, he dealt in stock and was quite successful in that line of busi- ness. He was born in Jessamine county, Kentucky, December 11th, 1806, and was the youngest of a family of ten children, of Thomas Ricketts, originally from Maryland, and wife, formerly Miss Martha Wilson. Of ten, but two, himself and a sister, Mrs. Martha Davis, of Midway, Kentucky, are now living. John D. was married to Miss Martha, daughter of Dr. Crews, of Madison county, Kentucky, Feb- ruary 20th, 1834. This union proved a happy one and lasted for forty-four years, but was finally broken by the death of his beloved wife, February 4th, 1878. Nine children were born to them, two of whom died after reaching their majority, two in youth and one in infancy. Those living are John K., Samuel C., Benj. W. and Luther M. Luther M. Ricketts, the youngest son living, is now managing his father's farm. He was born October 31st, 1854, and was married after attaining his majority to Miss Luella, daughter of Mrs. Olive A. Rowland. They have one son, born August 14th, 1880. James D. Ricketts' deceased children are as follows : Edward, the eldest, died in infancy ; David, died October 22, 1868, aged thirty-two ; Margaret E., died aged four months ; Wm. H. C., died August 28, 1865, aged twenty-two, and Hugh D., died November 11th, 1863, aged twelve years.

JOHN K. RICKETTS,

farmer and stock raiser and dealer, section 15. Among the names of the enterprising, intelligent and successful farmers and stockmen of Howard county, the name that heads this sketch justly occupies a prominent and conspicuous place. Mr. Ricketts' farm is not one of the largest in the county, although it is by no means a small one, containing as it does 360 acres, but considering its size, it has but few, if any superiors as a grain and stock farm in the township. It is exceptionally well

560

HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.

divided into fields for cultivation, clover and timothy meadows, blue grass pastures, etc., and besides raising large quantities of grain and hay, Mr. Ricketts also raises considerable numbers of cattle, sheep and hogs, and other live stock. He was born in the township where he now · lives, November 11, 1840. His father, John D., and mother, Martha Ricketts, came from Jessamine county, Kentucky, in 1836, and set- tled on a farm in this township. There were eight children born, four of whom are still living, including John K. He was in the Confeder- ate army during the war and was captured during Poindexter's raid, and confined in Alton prison six months. After the war, December 21, 1865, he was married in Monitean township to Miss Mary F. daughter of Allen Rains, of this county. They have one child, a daughter, Miss Maggie, now attending the female college in Fayette. Mr. R. settled on his present farm in 1867, which then contained only 175 acres, since which he has added to it until it has reached its present proportions. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity at Fayette for about twenty years. For a number of years past he has been a member of the democratic eentral committee of the county.

JOHN F. RIDGWAY,

section 35. On the farm where he now lives, John F. Ridg- way was born January 16, 1834. He was the seventh of a family of eleven children born to Thomas Ridgway and wife, previously Miss Sarah Staniford - the father a native of Kentucky, but the mother originally from South Carolina. However, they both came to this state early in life, where they met and married, and then reared their family in this county. Thomas Ridgway was a successful farmer, and died at an advanced age at his homestead, where his son, John F., now lives, in 1872. His wife followed him to the grave in 1875. Of their family of children besides John F., seven are now living, Luvena, wife of Colonel Minor ; Lurano, wife of Frank Tolson ; Eliza A., wife of Oscar Rawlings ; George, Mary J., wife of John Burreughs ; Enoch C., of Macon City ; and William. John F. was married in October, 1861, to Miss Virginia B. daughter of Dr. J. W. Redmon, and then went to Linn county, this state, where he lived until 1877, when he returned to the old family homestead on which he has since lived. It contains 400 acres and he is one of the well-to-do farmers of the county. He has been running a threshing machine for several years and has met with excellent success. Mr. and Mrs. Ridgway have four children, Charles, Willie, Mertil and Gertie.

JUDGE ROBERT A. ROWLAND, DECEASED.

Judge Rowland, who for nearly forty years had been a citizen of Howard county, abundantly successful as a farmer and eminently re- spected as a citizen, died suddenly of pneumonia, at his homestead in Moniteau township, December 23, 1878, eight days before he was to have taken his seat as an associate justice of the county court.

561

HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.

" He gave his honors to the world again, His blessed past to Heaven, and slept in peace."

His parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Rowland, were early settlers of Boone county, and there Judge Rowland was born February 27, 1821. Reared on a farm, he grew up amidst the honest, healthful surround- ings of country life, and thus in youth formed a character for honor and integrity, and habits of industry and plain, frugal tastes that could hardly have failed to bring him success and deserved popularity in after life. Foreseeing the importance of a good practical education when he should come to engage in the responsible activities of life, he lost no time while still young to improve his mind by study, both in the schools he attended and by diligent study at home. Hence he ac- quired an education above the average of the attainments of those around him. Thus prepared for the responsibilities of life, at the age of twenty-one he pushed out into the world for himself. Yielding to his natural preferences for agricultural pursuits, he adopted farming as his occupation, and followed it without intermission through life. In 1845 he located in Howard county, and April 7, 1846, was married to Miss Olive A., daughter of John B. and Sally ( Matheney ) Keithly, early settlers and highly-respected residents of Boone county. Bring- ing his young wife to his new home, the following year he bought the farm, or a part of it, on which his subsequent life was spent, and where he reared his family. They were blessed with ten children : Thomas B., Homer M. (a prominent minister of the gospel in Texas ) ; Luella, wife of L. M. Ricketts ; James F., Isaac N., in Texas ; Cora, died in girlhood ; Robert L., died in his second year ; William J. and Ola M. During the war he served under General Poindexter, but was captured and confined in Gratiot street prison, St. Louis, and in Alton mil- itary prison - in the latter one year. After his release from prison, he served under General Price until the general surrender. Returning then to his farm, he led a quiet, successful and retired life until his death. Although averse to public life of any kind, such was his well- known worth and qualifications, and his wide-spread popularity, that in 1878 he was elected to the office of county judge against his express wishes. Worthy as his life had been, he died a worthier death - in the full faith that

One short sleep past we make eternally,

And Death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.

JAMES T. SCOTT,

general merchant at Sebree. This gentleman was born in Port Royal, Henry county, Kentucky, September 5, 1848, and in 1866 came with his parents to Missouri, and stopped at Madison, Monroe county, where he learned the shoemaker's trade, but did not follow it after- ward. He then engaged in school teaching, having received a good education in youth, which he continued about three years. December 29, 1872, he was married to Miss Ida Wilson, of Madison, and in 1877

562

HISTORY OF HOWARD AND COOPER COUNTIES.

came to Sebree, and became interested with his brother in their pres- ent business. In 1879 he became sole proprietor of the store, and has since conducted it alone with excellent success. He carries a large and well selected stock of goods and has a wide and rapidly increasing trade. Mr. and Mrs. Scott have but one child, Henry, aged six years. Mr. Scott's parents, W. H., and Nancy ( McKendree) Scott live in Howard county, near Burton.

WILLIAM SHIELDS,

farmer, section 15. James Shields and William Johnson were both early settlers of Howard county, and here each reared a family of children. Of the family of the former, Thomas Shields, who was born in Kentucky before his father left that State, was married here to Miss Frances, daughter of William Johnson, she also being a native of Kentucky. William Shields, the subject of this sketch, was born of this union September 19, 1835. His father, who was a successful farmer, died July 27, 1865, his mother surviving her husband about sixteen years, dying only two years ago, October 20, 1881. Wil- liam followed farming after he grew up until the outbreak of the war, and then enlisted in the Confederate service and participated in the Boonville and Lexington battles, and in several of the others that followed in which Price's army took part. While with General Poin- dexter he was captured at Laclede, and afterwards confined in the mili- tary prisons of St. Louis and Alton about six months. After this he rejoined Price and was with his command in the last campaign in this state. He continued in the service until the general surrender at Shreveport, Louisiana. Returning home, he resumed farming, which he has since followed. May 8, 1872, he was married to Miss Mary J., daughter of James P. Manion, after which he settled on his present farm, containing 160 acres of land, a part of the original tract purchased by his father. Mr. and Mrs. Shields have two sons, James and Sonie. Mr. S. is a member of the Christian church.

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.

Author: National Historical Company Publication date: 1883 Publisher: St. Louis : National Historical Co. Number of Pages: 1198

Author: National Historical Company
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: St. Louis : National Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1198