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 58
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75
LIEUT. COL. GEORGE P. GORDON,
farmer, P. O. Concordia, the seventh child of Judge Thomas Gordon, was born in Henry county, Tenn., August 8, 1828. In May, 1831, the judge brought his family to Lafayette county, and entered some land near Lexington, which is now owned by Evan Young. Here the subject of this sketch was reared and educated, attending the high school at Lexing- ton, which at that time was under the supervision of Wm. Van Doran. In 1849 he went to California and traveled through the northern part, prospecting along the American and Nubia rivers and their tributaries. In January, 1852, he returned, reaching home about ten days before the death of his father. He was married February 12th, 1857, to Miss Susan A. Corder, a daughter of Nathan Corder. She died April 15, 1873, leav- ing a bereaved husband with four children to mourn her loss. The chil- dren are named as follows: Nathan, John, Bird and Frank. In 1861 he enlisted in the state guards and afterwards in the regular confederate ser- vice, in which he remained until the close of the war. While in the state guards he held the rank of captain; was discharged from this service in December, 1861, and in the August following enlisted in the regular service. In 1863 he was promoted to the rank of Major; by Gen. Hind- man, at the suggestion of Gen. Shelby, and in 1865 was again promoted to the rank of Lieut. Colonel, by Gen. Shelby, as division commandant; was engaged in the following battles: Carthage, Wilson's Creek, Prairie Grove, Springfield, Hartsville, Cape Girardeau, Helena, of Shelby's raid through southern Missouri, of Price's raid, and of several minor engage- ments too numerous to mention in this brief sketch. He surrendered in June, 1865, with Shelby's division, to Gen. Frank Herron. Returning to his home he again resumed his occupation of farming. He was again
531
HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
married, March 31, 1874, to Mrs. Nancy Corder, widow of Addison Cor- der. The fruit of this marriage is one child, Lulu. Colonel, or Major Gordon as he is better known, is a member of the Masonic lodge at Aull- ville, also an honored member of the O. S. Presbyterian Church.
THOMAS M. ELSEA,
farmer and stock trader, post-office Blackburn, is a native of Fauquier county, Va., born in 1834. At the age of seven years, he came with his parents to Lafayette county, and located in the neighborhood of Corder. Here he grew to manhood and received his education. He then served an apprenticeship to the carpenter trade, near Elmwood, in Saline county, at which he worked for three years. In 1861 he 'enlisted in Capt. J. O. Shelby's company, with which he remained until the battle of Pea Ridge, having previously participated in the battle of Lexington. After the bat- tle of Pea Ridge he was appointed steward of one of the hospitals, in which service he continued until 1863. He was captured at Cowskin prairie. In August, 1863, he went to Colorado, where he remained, engaged in mining, until the fall of 1865 when he returned to this county. Mr. Elsea was married in February, 1866, to Miss Sarah L. Ramsey, daughter of John W. Ramsey, of this county. They became parents of seven children, three of whom are now living: Hannah V., Alonzo B. and Jessie. Mr. Elsea is a steady, industrious farmer, strictly honorable in his intercourse with his fellow citizens.
GROVE YOUNG,
merchant, P. O. Higginsville, is a native of this state and county, born August 26, 1843; was raised and educated here. In 1870 he was united in marriage to Miss Ella L. Greer, of Johnson county, Mo. They have one child, Alexander J., now in his ninth year. In 1874 he engaged in the mercantile business at Aullville, where he remained until 1879, when he moved a portion of his stock to Higginsville, where he now resides, engaged in the sale of dry goods and notions. Mr. Young is a thorough business man, fully alive to the interests of his native county, the devel- opment of which he has watched with much pleasure and satisfaction.
JOHN MADISON CANTERBURY,
P. O. Higginsville; the oldest son of Franklin P. and Nancy Canterbury, was born in Lawrence county, Ky., November 17th, 1833. His parents moved to Missouri in 1835, and settled in Audrain county, near Mexico, where the subject of this sketch lived until 1875. He was united in mar- riage April, 1852, to Miss Helen Smith, of Kentucky. By this union they have seven children: Nannie E. (married Joseph Pruette), born in 1853; Frank P., born in Audrain county, Nov. 25, 1856; James W., born
532
HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
July 8, 1860; Clara, born February 25, 1863 (married to Joseph Hatcher, July 16, 1880); Helen, born July 16, 1866; Bird Price, born December 1, 1869; Enna, born July 8, 1873. Leaving Audrain county he removed his family to Clay county, near Kansas City, where he remained until 1878; then going to Higginsville where he now resides. Mr. C. is a descendant of Archbishop Canterbury, of England, also closely allied to Benj. Frank- lin. He is a thorough-going, public spirited, influential gentleman, in the full enjoyment of vigorous health. Although not possessing a supera- bundance of this world's goods, his heart and hand always respond to the cry of distress. His present family consists of his own unmarried chil- dren, those of his brother Benjamin (who settled in Audrain county, Ky., in 1835), and himself, he having the misfortune to lose his wife November 19, 1880. In 1875 his grandmother died at the advanced age of 93 years. Up to this date there were 160 members of the Canterbury family, 31 of them deceased; the living all located within a half day's journey of each other. In this new world of trial and vicissitude, it is seldom that all the members of so large a family remain within visiting distance of each other; the necessary changes of life generally scattering them to the four quarters of the globe. They are certainly to be congratulated upon hav- ing been able to preserve intact the family circle for so long a time.
GEORGE W. VIVION,
hotel proprietor, P. O., Higginsville. Born in Clark county, Ky., March 24, 1821. Was raised on a farm. In 1833 he came to Lafayette county and in 1838, enlisted in a Lafayette county regiment, and engaged in the Mormon war. Went to the far west and returned with his command, after which he engaged in various pursuits until 1846, when he enlisted in Doniphan's company, for service in the Mexican war. Was in the service fourteen months. In 1859 he removed to Coryell county, Texas, where he remained until after the close of the civil war. Was not engaged on either side. Followed blacksmithing, carpentering, etc. In the fall of 1839, he was married to Mary E. Walker, daughter of Samuel Walker, one of the first settlers of this county. Nine children were born to them, viz: Charles W., Kate L., now wife of Mr. Robnett, Flavel W., Nancy E., wife of G. A. Chamblin, Eliza, wife of R. E. Chamblin, Samuel W., Lee Emmitt, Lula and Anna. He has twenty-four grand-children. In 1866, he came back to Lafayette county, and in the fall of 1872, went to Higginsville, where he now resides. Lost twenty slaves by the war; had two sons in the confederate army; Charles W., in Gurley's command in Texas, and Flavel W., with Gen. Price. Owns 520 acres of land in this county. Mr. Vivion and wife are members of the Christian church, res- pected by all.
533
HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
HARVEY J. HIGGINS,
farmer, postoffice, Higginsville. Is a native of Fayette county, Ky .; born Sept. 19, 1812. Lived there until 22 years of age, when he moved to Liberty, Ills., where he lived five years, engaged iu the mercantile trade. In about the year 1840, he landed at Hillman's Landing, (now known as Berlin), and purchased 460 acres of land, (where he now resides), in the cultivation of which he has since been engaged. When he first came he sold bacon for two cts. a pound and No. 1 wheat for twenty-five cents per bushel. Was one of the incorporators of the Chicago & Alton railroad, of which he is still a director. Also was one of the directors of the old Pacific railroad, and a strong advocate of its being built through Lafay- ette county. Has been a leading worker in all railroad enterprises for the benefit of his adopted county, aiding liberally with time and money. At times he has been severely censured by some for what he has done in that direction, but he feels sure that posterity will approve of his work. Mr. Higgins was the founder of the town of Higginsville, formerly owning the land upon which it is built. It is named for him. He has been mar- ried three times; his first wife was Miss Susan Tyler; they were married, May 9, 1839. His second wife was Mrs. Eleanora Holland, married Nov. 18, 1855. His third was Miss Carrie F. Young, of this county, daughter of Maj. A. G. Young. He is the father of five living children, two sons and three daughters; all married but the youngest. Mr. H. is a member of the Presbyterian church, of which he is now an elder. Has been con- nected with the church for thirty years; has served as magistrate for the last four or five years, discharging his duties in that capacity in a credita- ble manner. Was unfortunate during the war, losing property of the value of $25,000.
OLIVER K. BURNS,
insurance and real estate agent, postoffice, Higginsville. The subject of the following is a native of Jefferson county, Va., born May 5, 1825. Came to Lafayette county and settled in Dover township in 1841. During the year 1857, he was engaged in a commission and storage house in St. Louis. He afterwards lived in Carroll and Saline counties, living at Wav- erly, when the war broke out. In 1864, he joined Price on his raid, enlist- ing in company C, Gordon's regiment ; had no arms for some time; was in action at Newtonia; surrendered in 1865, at Shreveport. Lived in Waverly till 1878, when he came to Higginsville. Is a member of the school board, of which he was president last year. In 1850, he was uni- ted in marriage to Lucy S. Van Meter. Thirteen children were born to them, seven of whom are now living. Mr. Burns is an old line whig and protectionist, but votes the democratic ticket. He has a good record as a soldier and a gentleman, and is a man of ability and influence.
534
HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
SETH MASON,
farmer, Higginsville Post office, was born in Frederick county, Va., July 19th, 1816; was educated at private schools and at William and Mary College. Lived in his native county engaged in farming until 1854, when he came to Lafayette county and located upon a farm, originally owned by Mrs Ward, a sister of Gen. F. P. Blair, Jr. In 1861 he organized and led a company to Camp Holloway for the purpose of repelling invasion. In the latter part of August the company was disbanded. His health being considerably impaired, he took no further active part in the war, but sympathized with the south. He was greatly harrassed by the Fedrals. In 1870 he was assaulted by one Thompson McDaniel, an ex-guerrilla under Poole and a noted desperado. He was wounded three times, disabling both arms to such an extent that he was obliged to lie in bed for three weeks, and is still greatly crippled. Being wholly unarmed he was unable to defend himself and the villain escaped for the time unscathed. A party, led by his son Edward, went in pursuit of McDaniel and followed him to Atchison, Kansas, but did not succeed in finding him there. In a few days McDaniel returned to Higginsville with a pal named Parker. They encountered the parly which was in pursuit of McDaniel and a skirmish ensued. Parker was killed, McDaniel escaping to Kentucky, where he was afterwards killed. The captain was married to Miss Amelia P. Earl, of. Frederick county, Va. They became the parents of fifteen children, ten of whom are living, four sons and six daughters, all living in this county. Mr. M. came very near losing his life on account of following a company of Federals, for the purpose of recovering three of his slaves of which he lost eleven during the progress of the war. He is owner of 300 acres of fine farming lands and a man highly respected by his fellow-citizens.
AI EDGAR ASBURY,
banker, Higginsville. Mr. Asbury was born in Pruntytown, Taylor county, West Virginia, August 16, 1836. He was partly educated at Rector College, Virginia, and finished his education at Allegheny College, Pennsylvania. In 1857 he removed with his father's family to Richmond, Ray county, Mo. Here he studied law in the offices of C. T. Garner and Hon. Mordecai Oliver, formerly member of congress and afterwards secretary of state of the state .. In 1859 he was admitted to the bar and removed to Texas county, and practiced his profession until the breaking out of the civil war, when he took service on the side of the south, first in the service of the state of Missouri, and afterward, and until the close of the struggle, in that of the Confedrate States. In 1865 he returned to Missouri and engaged as clerk in his brother's store at Dover, in this
535
HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
county. In a short time, comparativly, he engaged in business for himself as a merchant at Dover, where he remained until 1878, when he returned to Higginsville and opened a banking house. In 1880 he organized the Asbury-Catron banking company, of which he is still the senior member. Mr. Asbury was married Nov. 9, 1865 to Miss Ellen Knox Gaw, of Lafayette county, who was born May 15, 1842. They have been the parents of seven children, two of whom died in infancy and five are living, viz: Eva Garnett, Hugh Gaw, Leah Barn- ett. Ai Edgar, Jr., and Harvey N. He is a member of the masonic order and he and Mrs. Asbury are members of the Baptist church. He has large interests in the coal mines near Higginsville, on the Chicago & Alton railway, is proprietor of Asbury's addition to the town of Higgins- ville, and is possessed of a fair competency of this world's goods, every dollar of which has been honestly acquired by himself, for in almost every sense Mr. Asbury is a self-made man. At the close of the civil war, and upon his return to Lafayette county, his capital was a $20 gold piece, all that was left of the proceeds of the sale of his horse and pistols after his surrender at Galveston, Texas. Capt Asbury's record as a soldier is a remarkable one. His first service was as conductor of a wagon train of powder, which he conveyed from Jefferson City to the camp of Gen. J. H. McBride, about 150 miles. This was a perilous service since the road was rough and rocky, the powder sifted from the kegs continuously and the wheels of the wagons struck fire at almost every revolution. On reaching the camp of Gen McBride that officer appointed him an Aide-de- Camp on his staff with the rank of lieutenant colonel. In this capacity he served in the battles of Oak Hill, Dry Wood, Lexington and in Zagon- yi's attack on Springfield. At Elk Horn or Pea Ridge, he was on the staffof Gen. Frost. He served twelve months in the service of the state, and upon the expiration of this term engaged under Gen. McBride in recruiting troops for the Confederate States, during which service he was engaged in many an adventure and skirmish with the enemy. April 20, 1863, at West Plains, Howell county, this state, he was captured together with his company of recruits intended for Cornell's regiment of Missouri volunteers. Capt. Asbury was a prisoner of war for twelve months, dur- ing which period he endured extreme privations and sufferings, not to mention indignities at the hands of his captors. While enjoying (?) the hospitalities of Federal prison-keepers he was frequently confined in filthy prison cells, half-starved and clad, and incarcerated closely for many weeks at a time. At St Louis not long after his capture he was paroled with 27 other officers and started for City Point, Va., for the purpose of being exchanged, where he arrived and exchange being refused he was placed in Fort Norfolk. On the way from Fort Norfolk to Fort Dela- ware, the vessel-the Maple Leaf-upon which he and about 100 other
536
HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
Confederate officers were, was seized by about ten daring spirits, who overpowered the guard, forced the engineers to land, and, after adminis- tering paroles to the officers and crew, struck out for the Confederate lines which they reached in safety. Twenty-seven of the prisoners, Capt. A. among the number, took no part in the emeute, having due regard for their paroles and refused to escape. Notwithstanding they had sworn to do no act in aid of the Federal government until exchanged the officers of the Maple Leaf, as soon as their captors were out of sight, placed the twenty-seven paroled Confederates under gaurd, and instead of taking the vessel to her destination, steamed away to Fortress Monroe and from there to Fort Delaware. From here Capt. Asbury and his com- rades were taken to Jonhson's Island, in Lake Erie. In February, 1864, he was exchanged at Richmond, Va., and went to the parole camp at De- mopolis, Ala. From Demopolis he made an adventurous journey to the army of Gen. Price in Arkansas, joining Gen. Shelby's division, at Bates- ville. In the fall of 1864 he came into Missouri with a recruiting force, commanded by Col. Rathbun, in advance of Gen. Price's army. The force captured Lexington and Capt. Asbury conscripted the town. After Price's army passed through Lexington, Capt. Asbury crossed the river with 18 others, and became temporarily attached to Bill Anderson's guer- rillas, and was present when Anderson was killed. After this event Arch Clements took command and led the force around Richmond, across the Missouri at Brunswick, and Capt. A. soon made his wayto the Confederate armyunder Gen. Kirby Smith, in Arkansas. With this army he served until the close of the war, when, as before stated, he surrendered at Gal- veston, Texas, in June, 1865, and returned to Missouri, arriving at Dover, July 9, following.
ANTHONY BENNING,
P. O. Mayview. One of the oldest and most prominent citizens of Lafay- ette county. Was born in Fayette county, Ky., Sept. 9, 1809, where he was raised on his father's farm, and educated at Georgetown, Ky. At the age of twenty he taught school for several years, then went to Washing- ton City and spent four years as clerk in the postoffice department, under Wm. T. Barry, postmaster-general during Jackson's second administra- tion. His eyesight failed him in consequence of the incessant labors of that position, and he was compelled at last to resign, returning to Ken- tuky and farming for a time. He then moved to Missouri and settled in this county, bringing with him about $6,000, his own earnings, and pur- chased 160 acres one mile south of where Mayview now stands. Upon this foundation he built up, before he died, one of the finest estates in the county. During the war he lost heavily in slaves and personal property- His costly dwelling was burned and himself thrown into prison. He was
537
HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
harried by the militia and finally banished. After the war he returned to this county, and bought a home in Lexington, where he lived with his family till his death, March 18, 1872, though he continued to superintend to the last his large farming interests in the southern part of the county. He was strictly honorable, prompt and energetic in all business matters. He had no political aspirations, and though he could have obtained almost any office in the county or state, he constantly declined all political preferment. He was the first postmaster of Mayview, then called Tabo, which he held for years as an accommodation to his neighbors. On the 9th of October, 1850, he married Miss Bettie Spurr, daughter of Dr. Buford Spurr, of Kentucky. Her mother's maiden name was Judith Gray. Mrs. Benning is the great-grand-daughter of the venerable Augustine Easton, who, for over half a century, was a Christian minister of Bourbon county, Ky. The great-grandfather of Maj. Benning was a pioneer of the state of Ver- mont, where the family was well known and stood high. Mrs. Benning still survives her husband, and has six children living out of a family of eight -James A., Taylor B., John G., Ottie V .- now wife of Thomas M. Chinn - Robert E. and Thomas E.
DOVER TOWNSHIP.
JARED J. CALDWELL,
stock-trader and farmer, Dover P. O. The subject of this sketch is a native of Kentucky; born in 1849. His parents came to Missouri in 1857, locat- ing in this county, where Jared is still living, engaged in the cultivation of a fine blue grass farm of 124 acres. His mother still living, residing with him; his father being dead. Mr. C. is an industrious and enterprising business man, of unimpeachable integrity, possessing the confidence of all who have any dealing with him.
SAMUEL BIGGERSTAFF,
engineer and saw-mill operator, Dover P. O. Was born in Monroe Co., Ky., Aug. 15, 1824. Soon after his birth his parents moved to Cumberland county aud located on a farm, upon which the young man grew to man- hood. Obtained his education in the common schools of that county. In 1846 he came to Clinton Co., Mo., where he lived until 1851, when he came to this county, where he has resided since, engaged in engineering and operating a saw-mill which he owns, it being the first mill with a cir- cular-saw apparatus ever brought into the county. July 19, 1844, he was married to Miss Hizia Hill, of whom he was bereaved after seventeen short months of wedded happiness. In 1847, July 18, he was again united in marriage to Miss M. J. Beck, by whom he had seven children, five of
-
538
HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
whom are now living-Asa W., John M., Thomas J., Catherine B. and Ottie L. For the second time he was called upon to mourn the loss of a wife, she being thrown from a carriage while out riding, from the effects of which she shortly afterwards died. Nov. 20, 1869, he was married to Mrs. E. J. Inman, of this county. By this union he has one child-Willie. Mr. B. has been a resident of this county for a number of years, and is closely identified with its interests. Is a man of liberal views, clear headed and of good judgment.
JOHN B. BURBRIDGE,
retired farmer, P. O. Dover. Born in Clark county, Kentucky, March 10, 1826. Was educated at the Transylvania University, at Lexington, Kentucky, from which he graduated, in about the year 1847. After graduating, he removed to Garrett county, where he practiced medicine for one year. From thence, he went to Shelby county, and engaged in farming, which occupation he followed until December of 1850, when he came to this state and county, and located upon a farm, which he culti- vated until a short time since, when he retired from active life, and is now residing about one-half mile west of Dover, enjoying the fruit of many years of unremitted toil. In 1848, he was united in marriage to Miss E. . O. Buchanan, of Baltimore, Maryland, a relative of ex-President Buchanan. By this marriage he had four children: Mary, Elizabeth D., Sallie M., Emma B. His wife dying, he was married again, to Miss Emma A. Hilliard, of Lafayette county. Mr. B. has long been a resident of this county ; is a man of strict integrity, and unimpeachable character; ready with money and counsel to further the development and progress of the natural resources of the county of his adoption.
N. A. SHORES,
blacksmith, P. O. Dover. Is a native of Illinois; born in St. Clair county, September 24, 1848. His father being dead, his mother moved to Cum- berland county, Illinois, when he was quite small. He lived with his grandfather until he was nine years of age. His grandfather dying, he was thrown, at this early age upon the cold charities of an unfeeling world, with no resources but his own unaided exertions, to keep him from want and misery. Being active and intelligent, and willing to work, he succeeded in maintaining himself comfortably, until the year 1862, when he enlisted as drummer boy in the Sixty-first Illinois infantry. He, how- ever, shouldered a musket, and entered the ranks with the rest, partici- pating in the following battles, in which he carried himself with the bear- ing of a veteran: Vicksburg, Fort Donelson, Little Rock, Helena, and other minor engagements. At the close of the war, he was mustered out, wearing the shoulder-straps of a first lieutenant, having, by meritorious con-
539
HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
duct, risen from the post of drummer boy to that of the second in com- mand of a company. Returning home, he worked with his uncle, at the blacksmith's trade, for a short time, after which he went to California, where he spent ten years, traveling about and engaging in various occu- pations. In the summer of 1880, he returned to Higginsville, engaging in the restaurant business, until fall, when he went to Dover, where he now resides, working at his trade.
DR. E. R. MING,
physician and surgeon, P. O. Dover. The Dr. is a native of Missouri; born in Callaway county March 13th, 1849. His father was a native of Virginia; born March 13th, 1813. Came to Missouri at an early day, locating in Callaway county. He was married to Miss Elmira Harrison, a resident of Boone county, Missouri, and a native of the same. Their nuptials were celebrated in 1846. Seven children were born to them, as follows: John W., Edwin R., Bettie T., Laura E., Annie M., V. Lee and J. Samuel. In 1853, when E. R. was four years of age, the family moved to this county and located at Dover, where his father, being a physician, opened an office and pursued a successful practice. He after- wards opened a drug store, which, with the aid of E. R., he operated in connection with his other duties. The old gentleman died Oct 6th, 1880. Mrs. Ming is still living in Dover. The subject of this sketch was raised and educated primarily in this county. In 1874 he entered the Missouri Medical College at St. Louis, from which he graduated in the spring of 1876, acquitting himself with high honors. Since then he has been engaged in the drug business and the practice of medicine in Dover and vicinity. The Dr. is a finished scholar and a genial gentleman, eminently worthy of the liberal patronage accorded him by an admiring community. While applying himself closely to private affairs, he is not unmindful of public interests, and by his clear and logical analysis of cause and effect, and keen insight into the true inwardness of any enterprise, great or small, has contributed largely to the welfare of the county generally.
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.