USA > Missouri > Lafayette County > History of Lafayette county, Mo. , carefully written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of its townships, cities, towns, and villages > Part 57
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HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
do with me. He answered her: "It is enough for you to know that we are going to take him out of here d-d quick." I then showed him my pass, and after reading it he said: "I am an officer and will respect this, but you will be killed in less than two weeks if you stay here." He then left, with his command. The next Sunday I was called to the door by three men, who presented their pistols at me and bade me follow. They made me mount an old mare, that had a colt following her, and ride at least 15 miles with a sheep-pelt for a seat .. We stopped at Uncle Henry Roberts', on the way, and confiscated his saddle for my use. In a few hours the rest of the company came along, and arrested Uncle Henry, and made him ride to headquarters bare-back. He was not in a praying mood, just then, if he was an elder in the church. I was taken to the old Harris house, where I was kept for several weeks, with about a hundred others. The officers would not respect my pass, and shortly after about seventy of us were transferred to the McDowell college military prison at St. Louis, where we were detained for three months. While sitting at the win- doww one day, I threw a kiss at three ladies on the street, who responded by waving their handkerchiefs. They were arrested and put into prison for it. Soon after we were transferred to Alton, and while there the small pox broke out among us. It being very difficult to get nurses for the sick, I volunteered my services. I caught the disease, but having a very light attack, soon recovered. After being imprisoned, there and elsewhere for nine months, I was released under $3,000 bonds, went home, made a sale, and went to Virginia City, Montana, where I remained until the last of September, when I returned home. Finding affairs unsettled as yet, and thinking myself not safe, I concluded to go north. I landed in Omaha and the first letter I received from my wife, I learned that I had not been gone from the house a half hour, before the militia were after me. After an absence of six months, I returned and found everything quiet; those who had been the most eager to hunt me down, heretofore, have since seemed my very best friends. Such, are some of my experiences in what I term a rich man's war and a poor man's fight."
WILL S. ANDERSON,
Higginsville, is the son of Ira D. Anderson, who came from Warren county, Ky., and was one of the first settlers of Lafayette county. The subject of this sketch was born Aug. 1, 1852. He remained with his par- ents till 1876, he then took a trip to Kentucky where he remained for a short time and then returned to his father's farm, taking occasional trips through different States. He then went to Higginsville, in July, 1881, and engaged in the livery business.
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HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
FATHER FRANCIS C. CURRAN,
Pastor of the Catholic church, Higginsville, was born in the county Lei- trim, Ireland, April 21, 1850. His preparatory education was received at Summer Hill college at Athlone; after this he attended St Patrick's College at Carlow, where he received his orders, May 26, 1877. October 26, fol- lowing he reached St. Louis, Mo. Here he was assigned a charge as assistant pastor for a few months, was then transferred to Kansas City, where he was assistant with Father Donley for three years or more, then was appointed to the St Mary's church at Higginsville.
MORDECAI M. GLADDEN,
was born in Warren county, Ky., Jan 16, 1838. Moved with his parents to this state in 1841 and located in Lafayette county where he was edu- cated in the common schools. In July, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Capt. Fred. Neet's company, White's regiment, U. S. volunteers; was surrendered at Lexington. He then enlisted in the E. M. M., and was elected First Lieutenant of the company, but was discharged together with six other former members of White's regiment, by the governor because they were not subject to exchange. In May, 1864, he located in Warrensburg, Johnson county, Mo., and engaged in mercantile business where he re- mained until 1872. He then returned to the farm, Aug. 24, 1874 he was married to Miss M. J. McKee, of Clinton county, Mo. She died in about one year. He again was married to Miss Fannie E. Mills, daughter of Henry D. Mills.
HILLORY JOY,
farmer; born in Frederick county, Maryland, Aug. 25, 1817. He moved from Maryland to Maysville, Ky, in 1839 where he continued his profes- sion. He married Miss Evaline Norman the same year he came to Maysville. He then moved to Buchanan county, Mo., and remained until 1846, then came to Lafayette county, and located at his present home. By the above marriage he has nine children-Wm. O., Geo. S., Lucy A., Mary, Benjamin, Eugene, Emma, Robert and Luther, all of whom are married save one. Mr. Joy has a nice farm of 180 acres, well im- proved throughout. On this farm he has a bank of coal of the best qual- ity and the vein about eighteen inches thick and can be worked by stripping or mining, and also has several stone quarries upon his farm.
JAMES O. HOGAN,
farmer; is the oldest son of Alexander C. Hogan, who was born March 1, 1783, near Richmond, Va. The subject of this sketch came to this State with his father in 1839, and located where he now lives, upon land they entered soon after they came to the State. The father of James O.
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HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
Hogan is still living at the ripe age of ninety-eight years, and is as active as many a younger person, retaining his mental faculties and dividing his time visiting among his children. James was married April 27, 1853, to Miss Sarah A. Warren. By this marriage they have two living children: Eddie and Jerry. Mrs. Hogan died March, 18, 1857. September 1, 1857, was again married to Miss Euphemia M. Slusher. By this marriage he has four living children-Joanna, Eulalie M., James Henry and Nora Belle. In 1861 he enlisted in Gen. Joe Shel- by's command, and remained with him until he [Shelby] went south, then James joined Capt. Rathbun's company, Gordon's regiment, and was engaged in most of the battles that were fought by those commands; after the war he returned home and settled down to civil life.
RICHARD T. CONN.
John Maddox Conn, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Ireland, where he was married. On his arrival here he settled in the colony of Virginia, and on the breaking out of the war that revolu- tionized the political status of the colonies, he, like most Irishmen of that period, joined the continental army. He raised quite a family, and became an early settler of Bourbon county, Kentucky, where he and his wife were both buried after long and useful lives. Our subject's father, John M. was eighteen years old when his parents settled in Kentucky. He soon became enlisted in the defense of the settlements against Indians, and the war of 1812 beginning at this time, he joined the forces raised, and served in one or two expeditions against the Indians of the northwest, and was under the command of Gen. Harrison in his celebrated Indian campaign. He continued to reside in Bourbon county till his death. He became quite a wealthy farmer, and was a gentleman of considerable influence. His wife was formerly a Miss Mary N. Keene, by whom he raised ten children, eight of whom are still living: Dr. Notley, Dr. James V., Mary A., Ethline, Sophia, William, Sarah T. Mr. Conn was born in the ides of March, 1817. He received a liberal education, at Burlington, Boone county, and afterward took a clerkship in a dry goods house in Covington, where he soon rose to a partnership, and where he spent eleven years of his life. His health failing, he sold out his interests, and returned to his native home, and conducted his father's farm for three years. He moved to this county with his family in 1850, and bought the farm now occupied by Mills and Douthett. He bought his present home in 1856, a fine tract of four hundred acres, very handsomely improved, and well supplied with water, from never-failing springs, and fine coal. Mr. Conn is a neat and successful farmer, and has done something as a live-stock dealer. He was married in December, 1845, to Miss S. J. Polk, daughter of Col. Daniel Polk, and a relative of James K. Polk; also of
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HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
Trusten Polk, once governor of this state. They have two daughters: Annie V., the wife of S. W. Foder, a wealthy farmer of St. Louis county, and Miss Florence.
LILBURN B. JENNINGS,
is the son of John D. Jennings, who emigrated from East Tennessee, about the year 1816, and entered land in Dover township, near the town of Dover, where the subject of this sketch was born, April 16, 1825, and lived till the year 1849. His father then moved into Washington town- ship, where they lived for twenty years. During this time Mr. Jennings bought his present home in Davis township, where he now lives. On the 11th day of November, 1844, he was married to Miss Eliza Rose, daughter of John W. Rose, of Kentucky. By this marriage nine children were born: James T., John D., Henry, George W., William, Mary, Martha J., Rich- ard C., and Edward R. Most of his children are married, and settled around him. Mr. Jennings and wife are both members of the Baptist Church. His father died under peculiar circumstances, having attended an election, and, on returning home, went to the field to cut a load of corn, and when driving into his barn with the load, a blade of the corn ran into his ear, destroying the drum of the ear; inflammation set in; he lingered about two weeks, when death came to his relief, and ended his sufferings.
PHILIP E. AYERS,
farmer, is the son of Thomas H. Ayers, who was born in Virginia; he came from Kentucky to Missouri in 1814, remaining here about two years, when he returned to Kentucky. In 1869, Philip again moved to this state and located where he now lives. On the 8th day of March, 1859, he was married to Miss Addie Brown, of Jefferson county, Ken- tucky. She was the daughter of Hon. James Brown. By this marriage he has four children, living: Annie E., Lula M ., Katie B., Ebert E. Mr. Ayers and wife are both members of the M. E. Church. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F. He was born December 23, 1836. His farm is underlayed with coal of fine quality, but as yet has not been fully devel- oped.
H. H. LUCE,
editor of Lafayette County Advance, P. O. Higginsville. The subject of this brief sketch is a native of Wisconsin; born in 1859. His father and mother are natives of Massachusetts and Vermont, respectively. They moved to Wisconsin at an early period. At the breaking out of the Civil War, his father, C. D. Luce, enlisted in the Federal service. Being trans- ferred with his command to Missouri, he was very much pleased with the general appearance of the country and entered land in Andrew county, to
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HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
which he moved his family in 1864. He was a sailor during the early part of his life, having made three different voyages around the world, while acting in that capacity. The old gentleman died during the same year in which his family moved to this state. The family remained together on the farm until 1873, when they removed to Savannah, the county seat of Andrew county. Here Homer, the subject of this sketch, was sent to school for a period of four years, after which he began the study of the law. Being in somewhat straitened circumstances, he taught school for two years and also contributed numerous articles to the vari- ous papers of the county, for the purpose of obtaining means for the prosecution of his studies. He also practiced law in the Lower Courts with an unusual degree of success. In 1879 he moved to Higginsville and assisted in establishing the Lafayette County Advance, the first and only newspaper published there. It is a staunch Democratic paper, very ably and profitably conducted by its young editor, who has the entire control and management of it. Although young in years and having been but a short time in the county, the youthful editor by his fertile brain and indomitable energy has contributed in a great measure, toward the pro- gress and development of its resources. His " maiden vote " was recorded for Hancock and English. On the 22d of November, 1880, he led to the marriage altar, Miss Katie E. Houx, oldest daughter of Geo. Houx, one of the oldest citizens of Lafayette county.
JOSEPH R. MAJOR,
merchant, P. O. Higginsville. Was born in Wellington, this county, Jan. 8th, 1855. Is the son of Wm. B. Major and Prudence E. Warder, who were married in Lexington, Mo. In 1870 he went to Aullville and engaged in mercantile pursuits for two years at the expiration of which time he sold out his stock of goods and went into the grain business. In 1878, April 24th, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Kellar, of Aull- ville. In 1880 he removed to Higginsville and opened a hotel, complete in all of its appointments. . The town being then in its infancy and the business not meeting his expectation, he sold out and again embarked in the grocery business. Mr. Major is a man of ability and enterprise, court- eous and obliging and thoroughly deserving of the liberal patronage of which he is the recipient.
MARK A. BRADY,
merchant, P. O. Higginsville. Is a native of Ireland; born in the Province of Ulster, Aug. 20th, 1837. Emigrated to the United States in 1857 and in 1860, returned to his native land, where he remained until the close of our Civil War. He then returned and settled for a time in Plainfield,
U
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HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
Indiana. June 7th, 1868, he was married to Miss Katie D. P. Taggard, by which union he had two children; one of whom is living: Hugh. The other, a girl, was four and one-half years of age at the time of her decease. Mrs. Brady died June 8th, 1871. Aug. 7th, 1878, Mr. Brady moved to this state and county, locating at Higginsville, where he now resides, engaged in the prosecution of a lucrative mercantile trade. He is an active and consistent member of the Catholic church, and also a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
OWEN V. THORNTON,
merchant, P. O. Higginsville. Was born in West Virginia, in 1844. Moved to Missouri in 1870. In 1872, he was married to Miss Rosa A. Loftus, of Saline county Missouri. They have two children living: George J. and' Vincent L. In 1879, he moved to Higginsville. and in the fall of 1880, was elected principal of the high school of that place. He taught during the winter, and in the spring engaged in the mercantile business. Prof. Thornton has been a successful teacher of twelve years experience but he realizing the fact that a business life is much more independent and reliable, though not more honorable, determined to embrace the first good opportunity which presented itself of leaving the profession, and engaging in business. He has opened out a large and handsome stock of furniture, upholstering goods, carpets etc., which he is handling with profit to himself and satisfaction to others.
ROBERT CURTIS CARTER,
physician and surgeon, P. O. Higginsville. Was born in Henrico county Va., January 12, 1838. Moved to Missouri in 1849, and settled at Dover, this county, where he remained until the breaking out of the civil war. He then enlisted in the confederate service under Gen. Jo. Shelby. He was regularly sworn in at Waverly, in August 1862. He was engaged in the battles of Coon Creek, Newtonia and in all of the skirmishes incident to the march of Gen. Shelby, through Missouri, in his endeavor to form a junction with Gen. Raines. After the close of the war he returned to his old home in Missouri, and began the study of medicine; finally graduating from the medical department of the Old McDowell college, in 1868. He then returned to Dover, and began the practice of his profession, which he continued to follow there until the fall of 1874, when he removed to the northern part of the state and located in Gentry county, where he remained, still practicing medicine until March of 1880. He then returned to this county, and settled at Higginsville, where he now resides, the recipient of a large and lucrative practice. In 1868, he was united in marriage to Lenoir C. Campbell, oldest daughter of Capt. J. F. Campbell, one of the oldest settlers of this county. By this union they have four
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HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
children: Frank L., Shannon, Carson and Mary Myrtle. By close appli- cation to business, and deep delving into the mysteries of medical science, the Dr. has obtained a popularity throughout the town and surrounding country, which is very desirable.
RICHARD A. COLLINS,
Attorney at law, P. O. Higginsville. "Captain Dick," as he is famil- iarly called, is the youngest son of Gen. Richard Collins, of Kentucky, and was born in Mason county, Kentucky, in December, 1841. In 1857 he moved to Missouri. He was educated in Cincinnati, graduating from the St. Zazarier college. He has represented this (Lafayette) county, two terms in the State Legislature. Was in command of Gen. Jo Shelby's artillery, during the progress of the civil war. After the close of the war. he returned to Missouri and located at Higginsville, where he now resides, engaged in the practice of law. Capt. Dick is a young man of worth and stands at the top of the ladder in his profession. A whole chapter might be devoted to the gallant "Capt. Dick," and his exploits during the war, but for want of space and in consequence of an injunction served upon us by the captain himself, we will have to desist.
ORVILLE A. JONES,
Dentist, P. O. Higginsville. Was born in Carroll county, Virginia, in 1843. Moved to Missouri in 1868, and settled at Warrensburg, Johnson county, where he remained until 1869, when he removed to Brownsville, Saline county, where he practiced dentistry from 1872 to 1875. In the latter year he moved to Aullville, this county, where he remained until 1880, when he moved to Higginsville, and resumed the practice of his profession. In 1861 he enlisted in the confederate service under General Floyd. Was engaged in the battles of Cross Lanes, Cornfect's Ferry, Cotton Mountain, Blue Stone River, Parrisburg, Lewisburg, Rocky Gap, and several others too numerous to mention. After a fight at Rocky Gap he was transferred to Richmond and put under the command of Stonewall Jackson. From this time on he had no rest, their march being one continuous skirmish line. Was captured at Piedmont, in the Shenan- doah Valley, on the 5th of June, 1864, and taken to Camp Morton, where he remained until the 9th of April, 1865, when he was paroled. Just before his capture his regiment was one of the largest in the command, but at the fight at Piedmont, all but 74 were either killed or captured. The doctor is now practicing dentistry in Higginsville, and has gained a wide-spread reputation as a man skilled in his profession. His patients come from far and near.
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HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
JAMES H. BOWEN,
merchant, P. O. Higginsville. Was born at Harper's Ferry, Virginia, January 24, 1846. Is the only son of Wm. H. Bowen and Julia Amelia Culp, both natives of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where they were mar- ried in 1844. In 1859 the family moved to Missouri and settled at Lex- ington, this county, where James prepared himself for college, which he entered at Gettysburg, in 1861, the family returning with him. He remained at college until the spring of 1862. On his return to Missouri he joined the U. S. Telegraph Corps as operator, under Captain P. C. Clowry. Was sworn into the service in the spring of 1863, for three years, or the war. Was mustered out of service December 5, 1865, at Sedalia. After the close of the war, he returned to Lexington, where he remained until his marriage, which occurred on the 4th of July, 1874. He married Miss Susan J. Pool, by whom he has three children: Farris Wade, Philip and Pleasant Henry. Mrs. Bowen is the daughter of Pleasant C. Pool, who is now living on his farm near Mayview. Mr. Bowen was engaged in farming until April, 1881, when he moved to Hig- ginsville, where he is now engaged in the mercantille business, liber- ally patronized by the people of the town and surrounding country.
WM. H. LITTLEJOHN,
farmer, P. O. Aullville. Is a native of this state and county; born Novem- ber 8, 1843. Was raised on a farm, and educated in the common schools of this county. In 1862 he enlisted in Company "G," Col. Elliott's regi- ment, State Guards, in which he served for six months, and was mustered out at Osceola. He re-enlisted in Company "F," 1st Mo. Vol. Cavalry, as private. He fought in the following battles: Lexington (while in State Guards), Newtonia, Pineville, Fayettsville, Cassville, Prairie De Ann, Cove Creek, Helena, Little Rock, Springfield, Hartsville, Clarenden, Duval's Bluff, Prairie de Rone, Boonville, Jefferson City, Marshall, second battle of Lexington, Blue Mills, Independence, Westport, Little Osage, Warrensburg, Batesville, and several others of less note. At the battle of Prairie de Rone he was slightly wounded in the right knee. He sur- rendered at Lexington, with David Poole, in May, 1865. He then took a trip to Virginia City, Montana, where he remained for a short time, engaged in freighting. In December of same year he returned to this county, and went to his mother's farm, where he remained until his mar- riage, which occurred in 1873, he leading to the altar Miss Amanda Brown, a native of Johnson County. They have two children, named respectively, James and Mary. Since the war he has been engaged in farming and stock raising. His farm consists of 160 acres of first-class land, situated one mile west of Aullville. He also owns a fine farm of 180 acres located in Johnson County. Is an.influential man and a good citizen.
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HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
DENNIS PAYNE,
farmer, P. O. Aullville. Born in Scott County, Ky., October 11, 1834. When six or seven years of age, his parents brought him to this county, locating for a while in Lexington, and there settling upon a farm, where Dennis was reared; working on the farm summers and attending school winters. In August, 1862, he enlisted as private in Company "C," Gen. Shelby's Regiment, Volunteer Cavalry. Was engaged in the battles of Coon Creek, Newtonia, Cane Hill, Springfield, Cape Girardeau, Boon- ville, Jefferson City, Marshall, Helena, Hartsville, Batesville, Neosho, Duval's Bluff, and Camden. Was surrendered at Shreveport in 1865, when he returned to this county and located upon a farm consisting of 80 acres, situated near Aullville, where he still resides, engaged in its cultiva- tion. In 1866 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Stephenson, a native of this state. Five children were born to them, named as follows: Joseph, Oliver, Augustus, Bryant, and Lee. Mr. Payne has a good record as a soldier, and stands high in the estimation of the community as a citizen.
HORACE WILSON WINSOR,
Superintendent of Winsor Coal Company, P. O. Higginsville. Is the only son of Hon. Edward Winsor; born in Lexington, Lafayette County, Mo., October 23, 1846. Lived there, attending school after arriving at the proper age, until April, 1864, when he went to Denver, Col., where he remained for a short time. On his return, in the September following, he went to Fulton, Mo., and entered the Westminster College, remaining there until March, 1865, when he went to St. Louis to attend Bryant & Stratton's Business College, which he attended at intervals until 1866. In March of that year he returned home and entered into partnership with his father in the insurance business, to which he still devotes a part of his time. In 1878 he engaged in the coal business with his uncle, N. B. Win- sor, with whom he remained until his death, which occurred in October, 1879. In same year Mr. Winsor moved to Higginsville, where he has since acted as Superintendent of the Winsor Coal Company. In June, 1871, he became a member of the A. F. and A. M., Lexington Lodge, No. 149. In August became a member of Chapter No. 10, of R. A. M., and in January, 1872, a member of the De Molay Commandery, No. 3. Was elected Master of the Lexington Lodge in 1877, High Priest of the Chapter, and Eminent Commander of the Commandery. In 1878 was appointed Deputy Grand Master of the District, comprising Lafayette and Saline counties. Has been a representative to Baltimore, New Orleans, and Chicago, at the Triennial Conclave of the Grand Encampment of K. T. During the seige of Lexington Mr. Winsor was in the city and saw the most of the battle. His father's residence is near the battle
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HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
ground, and was riddled by balls and grape shot. Mr. W. is a whole- souled, genial gentleman, and a man influential in public affairs.
ADAM REED,
livery stable P. O. Higginsville, is the son of Joseph Reed, Esq., born in Clinton county, Ohio, August, 23d, 1850. He moved to Missouri in about 1867, and settled in Lafayette county, where he remained, working on the farm with his father until 1877, when he embarked in business for himself; locating at Higginsville, he established a livery and sale stable, in which he is engaged at the present time. August 18th, 1880, he was married to Miss Sophronia Jennings, daughter of Rev. James Jennings, one of the old and prominent settlers of the county. Mr. Reed is a young man of promise, with health, energy and a determination to succeed in whatever he undertakes; qualities which are bound to win laurels for their possessor.
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