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 59
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G. E. DICKSON,
farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Dover. Born in Lincoln county, Ky., April 5th, 1832. His parents left Kentucky in 1838 and came to Missouri, spending one year in Cooper county and then in '39 coming to Lafayette county, where the subject of this sketch was educated, partially, attending school for a time at Sweet Springs, Saline county. Was engaged in farming until 1854, when he went to California, where he remained for five years, engaged in stock trading. Came back to Missouri in 1859- remained until '61, and returned to California. He remained there three years and then went to Idaho and stopped two years there. Again
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HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
returning to Lafayette county, he settled upon a fine farm of 920 acres, where he now resides, engaged in its cultivation; also giving special atten- tion to raising stock. Mr. Dickson is an intelligent, progressive farmer; a man who believes that a mere knowledge of how to plough and sow does not constitute all of the requirements of a first-class husbandman. A glance at his well appointed farm and plentiful crops will show at once that he combines reading and observation with his experience. In 1868 he was united in marriage to Miss Laura Brown, of Lincoln county, Ky. Three children were born to them, named as follows: William, Nora Belle and Joshua B. Mr. Dickson, Sr., is a native of Kentucky; born in 1797. He is still living in this county and enjoys good health for an octogenarian.
F. H. BRAY,
machinist. P. O. Waverly. Is a native of Christian county, Missouri; born July 9, 1845. Was educated at the Ozark Normal Institute, where he was at the breaking out of the war. He then enlisted for one year in the confederate army under Gen Price. Fought in all the battles of Cor- inth, and at the fall of Vicksburg. Was then transferred to the west of the Mississippi, and was engaged in the battle of Saline river, which was the last of any note. At the close of the war, the family moved to this county, where they have since resided. Mr. Bray learned his trade of his father. Since settling in this county, he has been engaged principally in smithing and farming upon a small scale. He also owns the largest steam thresher in the county, which he operates during the season. July 9, 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss N. C. Weedin, of this county. They have one child: Miles Edwin. His wife dying, he was married the second time to Miss M. E. Love, also of this county. By this union he has also one child, named Harris Leslie. His father was a native of N. Carolina, and came to Mo. in 1844. The place of his residence is called Braytown, in honor of his family. Mr. Bray has been a resident of this county for several years, and its development bears the impress of his good judgment and active co-operation.
B. F. CORBIN,
farmer. P. O. Corder. Born in Rappahannock county, Va., January 24, 1822. Was educated and grew to manhood in his native state. Septem- ber 7, 1851, he came to Mo .; stopping one year in Howard county, then coming to this county, where he has since resided, settling in 1854, upon the farm he occupies at the present time. It consists of 165 acres of well improved farm land, and bears the impress of an experienced hand in all its belongings. August 18, 1862, he enlisted in the confederate army, under Gen. Shelby. Fought in the battles of Lexington, Springfield,
Hours Fully A E esbury
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HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
Prairie Grove, Hartsville, Helena, Pine Bluffs, Marks Mills, Cape Girar- deau, Westport, Newtonia, besides other minor engagements. Was hon- orably discharged at Shreveport, in June 1865. Was never wounded, but had his gun shot from his hands, twice. Mr. Corbin was first married, December 24, 1844, to Miss Francis M. Miller, of Va. They became parents of six children, named respectively as follows: Francis E., Henry, James W., Lula, Richard L., and Miller J. Mrs. Corbin dying, he was married again to Miss C. E. Carrolton, of this county, a native of Alabama. This union is blessed with five children: Estella, Bennie E., Mary A., Paulina and Mecham. Mr. Corbin deals considerably in stock. He is a man of strict integrity and good business habits. Is one of the substan- tial citizens of the county, honored by all.
HARRISON STEELE,
farmer. P. O. Dover. The subject of the following is a native of this state and county, and was born on the 8th of October, 1849. Was edu- cated in the common schools of this county, and has always followed the independent life of a farmer. His father was a native of Pa., and came to Missouri in 1838, settling in this county, where he died, his wife and five children surviving him. Mr. Steele has been identified with the inter- ests of the county all his life, and is a young man of worth, taking an active part in public affairs.
HENRY L. CORBIN,
farmer, P. O. Dover. Is a native of Virginia, born in Rappahannock county, June 12, 1845. His father moved to Missouri in 1851, and to this county in 1852, of which Henry, our subject, has ever since been a resi- dent, with the exception of nine months spent in the army. Has always been engaged in farming. In October, 1864, he enlisted in confederate army, Col. Gordon's regiment, company C, Gen. Shelby's brigade. Was engaged in the battles of Westport, Cane Hill, and several other engage- ments of less note. Was honorably discharged at Shreveport, in June, 1865. He then returned to this county, making the trip from Shreve- port to Waverly by water. June 10, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Potter, of this county; six children were born to them, named as follows: Willie F., Thomas C., Ottie M., Henry, Edward and Sallie. Mr. C. owns a fine farm of 250 acres, upon which is built a handsome residence, and substantial outhouses. It is under a high degree of improvement, showing substantial evidence of the practical knowledge and enterprise of its owner. V
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HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
J. A. JEFFRIES,
farmer, P. O. Dover. The subject of our sketch was born in Fauquier county, Virginia, April 14, 1839. Was educated in his native state and came to Missouri at the age of 19, and settled in this county, where he has since resided, the greater part of the time. In May, 1861, he enlisted in the confederate army under Gen. Shelby, Col. Gordon's regiment, com- pany A. Participated in the battles of Carthage, Springfield, Newtonia, Marks Mills, Marshall raid, Helena, Little Rock, and many other minor engagements. Left the service at Corsicana, Texas, he, like many others, never having been regularly discharged. He then went to Mexico, where he remained ten or eleven months, engaged in farming. From thence he went to California and engaged in the same occupation there for about the same length of time. He then went to Virginia where he remained for a short time and then came back to this county. In 1873, was married to Miss Sallie J. Dickson, of this county. They have four children: Mar- garet, Emma, Lizzie, Sallie.
N. F. FOX,
farmer and miller, P. O. Dover; is a native of this state and county; born July 1, 1827; has always been a resident of Dover township. Was raised on a farm and educated in this county. In 1855 he went into the milling business, operating a saw-mill, in partnership with Samuel Biggerstaff, situated three-fourths of a mile east of Dover. In September, 1862, he enlisted in the confederate army, under Shelby, Gordon's regiment, com- pany B; was engaged in the battle of Newtonia, where he was severely wounded in the thigh. Was taken prisoner about the 18th of October, 1862, and taken to St. Louis. From there he was taken to Alton, where he remained until June, 1863, when he was exchanged and ordered to the east, arriving in Richmond, Virginia, the last of June, and joining the com- mand of Gen. Forrest, was engaged in several skirmishes and was again captured at Penola, Mississippi, February, 1864. He was taken to Spring- field and there took the oath and returned home. In 1848, he was mar- ried to Miss Sarah E. McCool, of this county. Their union is blessed with five children, as follows: Sarah E., Susan A., Wm. N., Della R., and Robert E. Mr. Fox is a veteran of the Mexican war, having served for one year under Col. Easton. He has a good record as a soldier and is a citizen of worth and merit, respected by all.
CAPT. R. TODHUNTER,
breeder of blooded stock, P. O. Dover. The captain is a native of Ken- tucky, born in Jessamine county, February 10, 1841; was educated at the Transylvania University, at Lexington, Kentucky, attending during the
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HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
four years of '57 and '60, inclusive. Shortly after leaving school, he enlisted in the confederate army, under Gen. Churchill. Was commis- sioned captain and assistant-adjutant general, in 1863, January 16. Served in that capacity over Ector's Texas brigade, during the remainder of the war. Was in all of the engagements participated in by the commands of Hood, Johnson and Bragg. Was severely wounded at the battle of Mur- freesborough, being shot through the left breast, also received a bullet in the leg at Chickamauga, and one in the neck at Nashville. A colonel's commission was given him, with permission to raise a regiment of super- numery officers, (whose commands had become depleted by the casualties of war) which was nearly completed when the war closed. He surren- dered under Gen. Taylor, at Meridiana, Mississippi, in April, 1865. By special permission of the officers in charge of the surrender, he was paroled as assistant-adjutant general of the brigade with which he served. He then went to Kentucky, where he remained five years and then came to this county, of which he has since been resident, engaged in breeding fine stock. In June, 1874, he was united in marriage to Miss Annie Neill, of Lexington, Missouri. They have had two children, one now living, viz: Neill, a fine boy of four years of age. The deceased one was named Jennie; born in April, 1875, and died in July, 1880. The captain in his attempt to improve the stock in this vicinity, deserves the hearty co-op- eration of all interested. He handles short horns, and trotting horses rep- resenting many different breeds.
JAMES H. CATHER,
farmer and school teacher; P. O. Dover. Was born in West Virginia, Taylor county, November 20, 1849. Lived there, attending school when he became of the proper age, until 1866, when he came to this state, locating, first, in Knox county, where he attended school one year; going from thence to Chariton county, and entering the Brunswick seminary, which he also attended one year. He then went to Lexington, then to Dover, where he attend school for five years. After leaving school he engaged in teaching, which occupation he has alternated with farming ever since-teaching during fall and winter, and cultivating his farm during summer. January 27, 1875, he was married to Miss Emma E. Fulkerson, of this county; a native of Virginia. Their union is blessed with three children: Louiana, Ernest, and Amanda. Mr. Cather is living on a well cultivated farm of 85 acres, which, with all the property he now possesses, he has acquired by his own unaided exertions. He has always taught in this county, and during the last three years has taught the school situated one mile east of Dover, which fact argues well with his success as a teacher. During the latter part of the war he was engaged in teaming, between Webster and Beverly. He is an active, energetic business man;
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HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
successful in whatever he undertakes; being so, probably, because he engages in no enterprise without first carefully weighing the reasons, pro and con, and subjecting them to the critical analysis of his well balanced judgment.
GRANVILLE K. CAMPBELL,
fauxmer, P. O. Dover. The subject of this sketch is a native of Alabama; born at Huntsville, June 22, 1823. His parents, James and Ann Elizabeth Campbell, were formerly residents of Lafayette county, moving to Ala- bama in about 1818 or '19. In 1834 the family returned to this county, locating upon a farm in Lexington township, where Granville passed his youth in a manner common to farmer boys; attending school in winter and working on the farm in summer. In 1849, October 3, he married his first wife, Miss Louise J. Walker. By this marriage they had five boys: Samuel W., James H., Robert Lee, Hiram Farris, and Ion Granville, (deceased). Mrs. Campbell died July 9, 1865. In 1853 Mr. C. purchased the splendid farm upon which he now resides, consisting of 515 acres of land, which in its advanced state of cultivation, and comfortable and con- venient buildings and improvements, shows that a man of broad views and practical experience is at the helm. June 5, 1866, he married for his second wife, Mrs. Maria Johnson, nee Hockensmith. The fruit of this union is one son: Alexander B. Mr. Campbell took no active part in the late war, remaining at home during the greater part of the time, engaged in the cultivation of his farm. By his steady application and industrious efforts, he has succeeded in accumulating considerable wealth, which he uses in a manner calculated, according to his judgment, to produce the greatest good to the largest number. He has started three of his sons in business, having given to each a fine farm. He has also taken an active part in public affairs, and to him the county is indebted in a great measure, for its present advanced stage of prosperity.
W. H. CARTER,
farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Dover. The subject of this brief sketch, one of the influential citizens of the county, was born January 30, 1842, and is a native of Richmond, Virginia. His father, having made several trips through the west, and being pleased with the country, made prepara- tions for removing his family thither, but died in January, 1849, before accomplishing his object. His mother, however completed the prepara- tions and moved to this state, November 5, 1848, locating on a farm, where our subject passed his boyhood-attending the high school at Dover for several years. In 1864 he entered Bethany college, remaining there two years. He then spent the same length of time in the Kentucky university, at Lexington, Kentucky. Returning to Lafayette county he taught school
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HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
for six or seven years, the most of the time at Dover. Since then he has been engaged in farming and stock raising. He was united in marriage to Miss Ada B. Campbell, daughter of Robert Campbell, of this county, Dec. 20, 1866. Four children are the fruit of their union: Jennie, Ollie, Kenneth, and Byron. In November, 1880, he was elected to represent the eastern district of this county, in the state legislature; was the democratic candidate and was elected by a large majority, without any effort on his part; showing his popularity among the voters of his district. With such men as Mr. Carter in the legislature, the people may rest assured that public affairs will be administered upon a basis of right and justice.
WILLIAM KIRTLEY, .
farmer, P. O. Dover. The parents of the subject of this sketch were native Virginians, who went to Boone county, Kentucky, at an early day, where Wm. was born, October 28, 1812. Was raised and educated in his native state. In 1837 he came to Missouri on a prospecting tour, and being prepossessed with the country moved there in 1844, settling in Lafayette county, Dover township, where he purchased land and opened up a farm. In 1856 he built a fine, large, brick residence. August 27, 1832, he was married to Miss Elizabeth E. Shelby, of Charlestown, Indi- ana, a distant relative of Gen. Jo Shelby of this county. By this union they have seven children, namely: Elijah B., Gustavus A., James B., Richard B., Charles C, (named after Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, Mary- land, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence), Dora M., Montie M. In 1831 while making a trip from Cincinnati, to the south, via. the river, engaged in shipping stock, a causualty happened, which came near being serious. When near New Madrid the boat struck upon a snag and instantly filling, all came near being drowned. By prompt action,
however, all were rescued. While on his return trip from Missouri, an opportunity was offered him to purchase a tract of land at $10 per acre, which is now worth $500 per acre. As he had already bought in Lafay- ette county, he declined, thereby making, as he expressed it, " the greatest mistake of his life." Mr. Kirtley is an energetic, enterprising business man; one who does not sit down to "cry over spilt milk," but immedi- ately goes to work and rectifies a mistake, as far as possible when one is made.
E. BEE SMALL,
merchant, P. O. Dover. Was born September 18, 1861, in Wood county, West Virginia. Was raised and educated there. His father being pro- prietor of a hotel in Lubeck, he was engaged in that for a time, acting in the capacity of clerk. He spent two years in Oxford, Dodridge county, clerking for a merchant of that place, named Ephraim Bec. He then
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HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
returned home and worked on a farm for a time. In December, 1879, he came to this state and county, stopping at first in Higginsville, working for different parties, finally locating at Dover, where he is now employed learning the tinner's trade. His father is a native of California, going to Virginia when a young man. Mr. Small is an industrious, energetic young man, of strict integrity, possessing the entire confidence of his employers and acquaintances.
GEORGE W. GARR,
farmer, P. O. Dover. Is a native of Virginia, Madison, county, born May 4, 1827. Was raised on a farm and educated in the common schools. May 17, 1850, he came to Missouri, locating in Lafayette county, and engaging at carpentering, which trade he had learned before leaving Vir- ginia, and which he followed until the breaking out of the war. In July, 1862, he enlisted in Col. Gordon's regiment, company B, under General Shelby. Entered as private and was engaged in the battles of Carthage, Little Rock, Prairie Grove, Helena, where he was wounded in the shoul- der and arm, but not seriously. Was also wounded at Clarendon by a ball passing through the arm, and breaking one of the bones in the wrist. At Westport he was struck by a ball which he now has in his possession. His horse was killed in same battle, he making a very narrow escape. At the close of the war he went to Mexico with Shelby and has never been regularly discharged. July 4, 1865, he left Mexico for home, arriv- ing there the last of the month. In August, 1865, he was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary A. Slusher, daughter of Thomas Slusher. Their union is blessed with three children, viz: Alice M., Alberta, Wm. Willis. Mr. Garr built one of the first houses on the Petitesaw Plains. Is now engaged in the cultivation of one of the finest farms in the state, consist- ing of 600 acres:
LEWIS W. WERNWAY,
stock and grain dealer, P. O. Higginsville. Was born in Nicholas County, Ky., July 20, 1836. Is the oldest son of Thomas D. The family moved from Kentucky in 1844, and settled in Ray County, near Richmond, upon a farm, where Lewis grew to manhood. He then engaged as book- keeper for the firm of Gratz & Shelby, with whom he remained until 1857, when he left them and engaged as clerk on one of the large steamers, then plying on the Missouri River from St. Louis to St. Joseph, in which capacity he remained until the breaking out of the war. He then entered the confederate service as 2d Lieutenant in Col. Grave's Regiment. Fought in all of the engagements in which his command was engaged up to 1863, when he was discharged at Tupelo, Miss. Was married to Miss Lucy A. Thompson, of Louisville, Ky., in May, 1866. By this marriage
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HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
they have three children, viz .: William, born the 11th of March, 1867; Lewis, born July 11, 1869; John, born July 13, 1871. Since the war, mat- ters being somewhat unsettled, he has been engaged in buying and ship- ping stock and grain, while his family remain upon his farm, which is situ- ated in Dover township, about half way between Dover and Lexington.
JAMES L. WARREN,
farmer, P. O. Higginsville. Son of John Warren; was born in this state and county, Dover Township, October 1, 1839. His grandfather, Martin Warren, a pioneer of three states, Virginia, Kentucky, and Missouri, was in the revolutionary war under Washington, and is mentioned in Red- path's history of the United States. The town of Warrensburg is named for him. James, the subject of this sketch, was, reared in this county, his principal occupation being farming. Took no part in the civil war. Taught school a part of the time, and in 1864 went to Nebraska for a short time. A brother, belonging to Col. Elliott's Regiment, was captured and died in prison. At the close of the war he located upon the farm, where he now resides, engaged in its cultivation. July 18, 1862, he was united in mar- riage to Miss Anna Watson. They are parents of eight children, four boys and four girls, all living. Mr. Warren and wife are members, in good standing, of the Christian church. A native of this county, Mr. Warren points with pride to the evidences of its progress, and feels the satisfaction of having done his share towards the accomplishment of its present stage of prosperity.
JOSEPH H. PAGE,
farmer, P. O. Page City. Born in Warren County, Ky., April 16, 1813. Came with his father and family to Lafayette County in 1827. They traveled the whole distance in wagons, which contained all their worldly possessions. Lived in the wagons until they succeeded in erecting some cabins sufficient for their protection, which were located within a few rods of his present residence. Here he lived the life of a pioneer in the full sense of the word. In 1830 he went to Fort Gibson, in Cherokee Nation, where he worked eleven months, clothing himself, and saving the sum of $60 out of his wages, which he sent to his father. In 1835 he again went to the Cherokee Nation, and returned at the end of six months after experiencing many privations, with $150. In 1836, January 7, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Couts, a native of Kentucky, born September 5, 1819, and who is still enjoying gook health; able to do her own work. When first married they commenced housekeeping in a man- ner consistent with their means, thereby escaping the trials incident to the lives of young married couples, who desire to make a showing which their income will not warrant. They lived in a little cabin with simple
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HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
furniture, Mr. Page making his own table out of a plank, caught in a drift, in Little Tebo. Mrs. Page's dowry consisted of a cow, a calf, and a bedstead. Comfortably situated as they are now, surrounded by all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, the aged couple may review their past experiences with complacency, and point with pride to their luxurious home, acquired by their own unaided efforts and unremitting economy. They are parents of fifteen children, twelve of whom are now living. Two died in infancy, and the other at the age of 22. All live in this state. Mr. and Mrs. Page are members of the Reformed church. Mr, P. is a member of the A. F. and A. M. Lexington Lodge. The farm upon which Mr. P. resides is a fine one, with all the necessary improve- ments in the way of buildings, machinery, orchards, etc. One apple tree in his orchard measures nine feet in circumference. Probably Mr. Page has done more than any other one man, towards developing the resources of this county. Active and energetic, he is always on the alert and ready to put his shoulder to the wheel in the prosecution of any enterprise which meets with the approbation of his well matured judgment.
GEGRGE W. CORDER.
Mr. Corder is a native of Rappahannock county, Va., born March 5, 1828. His parents moved to Lafayette county in the spring of 1839. Mr. C. has since been a resident of this county, obtaining his education princi- pally in Lexington, Mo. Has always lived upon and operated the farm which his father entered in 1839. In 1861, he enlisted in the Missouri State Guards, under Shelby. He served six months in the M. S. G. and then enlisted in the regular service, joining company C, Col. Gordon's regiment. Was engaged at the battles of Lexington, Pea Ridge, and quite a number of others of less note. Was honorably discharged at Shreveport, in June, 1865. He went through the service without receiv- ing a scratch, although having several bullet holes in his coat, and also having several horses shot under him. In 1853, he married Miss Eliza- beth Wall, of Henry county, Mo. Six children were born to them, as fol- lows: Wm. M., Nathan, Rovella A., Robertie Lee, Bettie and George. In 1878, Mr. Corder platted and laid out the town of Corder, which the railroad company named in his honor. Is a member of the A. F. and A. M., Higginsville Lodge, No. 364; also a member of the P. of H., Corder Lodge. Is also a member of the M. E. church, south, of Dover. Post- office, Corder.
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