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 63
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JOHN D. KUESTER,
postoffice, Concordia. Is a native of Germany, born March 11, 1820. Was partially educated in his native land. At the age of eleven, he came with his parents to the United States, locating in Benton county, this state; where they lived until 1849, when they came to Lafayette county, where they have since resided. In 1862, he enlisted in company B, 7th M. S. M., Col. Phillips. He was on a furlough and received orders to report at Lexington, which he did. Upon his arrival he was captured by some of Gen. Price's men; detained for ten days and then came home. He was with the party of Germans who were attacked by bushwhackers on the 10th of Oct. 1864, near Brownsville. He was one of the five or six who succeeded in making their escape. In 1852 he was married to Elizabeth Powling, a native of Germany. They have six children, all living: Han- nah M., Emma, Jonathan, Edward, Sophia, William. Mr. Kuester is an industrious, enterprising man, popular with his fellow-citizens.
FREDERICK COOK,
of the firm of Cook & Vogt, hardware, P. O. Concordia; born in Osage county, Mo., March 2d, 1846. When he was eight years of age he went
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HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
with his father and family to Wisconsin, where he lived for seven years, in the meantime acquiring a fair education in the public schools. From there he went to Freeport, Ills., where he resided until after the war. In 1863 he enlisted in Capt. Green's company, 142d Ills., but was not mus- tered into the service. In 1866 he came to Johnson county, this state, where he lived until 1876. While residing here he was married to Miss Stina Frerking, by whom he has three children: Dora, Frederick, Clara. In 1876 he moved to this county and settled at Concordia, and was engaged in general merchandise business for three years. During the years of '79 and '80 he held the position of post-master. In 1881, Feb- ruary, he entered into a partnership with Julius Vogt, in the hardware and agricultural implement business. The firm is doing a flourishing business, carrying a stock worth $5,000. Mr. Cook is a man of energy and enterprise, and since his residence in the county has contributed largely toward its prosperity.
HENRY DEUCHLER,
grain dealer, P. O. Concordia; born in Baden, Germany, August 7, 1849. He was raised and educated in his native country, where he resided until the age of 18, when he came to the United States, over which he spent one year in traveling. California, Missouri was the first place in which he stopped for any length of time, remaining there for four years, engaged in milling, having learned the trade in Europe. He also worked for three months in Sedalia, at the same business. In 1872 he came to Concordia, where he has since resided with the exception of one year, 1875. At present he is engaged in buying and shipping grain, doing a very lucrative business. In 1874, August 10, he was united in marriage to Miss Lena Brinckman, a native of St. Louis, Mo. They have had three children, two of whom are now living, Henry and John. Both he and his wife are active and consistent members of the Evangelical church at Concordia, respected by all.
MISS LUCY JOHNSON,
milliner, P. O. Concordia, was born in California, Mo. At an early age she went with her mother to Warrensburg, Mo., where she was educated, graduating with the highest honors at the State Normal school of that place. While living in Franklin county she devoted the most of her time and attention to teaching. She was engaged in the schools of Warrens- burg, Knob Noster and Holden. In 1879, being a practical milliner, she came to Concordia and opened a millinery establishment, in which she has a fine stock of goods and is having quite a lucrative trade. Miss Johnson is modest and unassuming in her demeanor, intelligent and of good social qualities, and is eminently deserving of the respect and liberal patronage accorded her by the community at large.
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HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
REV. W. GAERTNER,
pastor of St. John's church, P.O. Concordia; a native of Germany, born Aug. 13, 1846; was educated there, taking a Theological course at the " Mis- sion House" at Bremen. At the age of 31 he first saw the shores of this mighty republic, locating in Saline county, Nebraska, where he preached for two years. In 1876, June 21st, he was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Schlapper. Their union was blessed with four children, three now living, as follows: Paula, Clara, Hildegarde; the deceased was named William. On the 21st of September, 1877, he came to Lafayette county and located about three miles north-east of Concordia, where he is now living; having in charge as pastor, the St. John's church. Mr. Gaert- ner is highly esteemed as a citizen and revered as a pastor.
JOHN S. KLINGENBERG,
flouring mill, P. O. Concordia; is a native of this state and county, born Dec. 26, 1850; was educated in the common schools and raised on a farm. His father, H. H. Klingenberg, is one of the old settlers of the county ; he is a native of Prussia, and came here in 1837; he was married to Cather- ine Brunyes, a native of Germany. They have had seven children, six of whom are now living: John, Henry, Joseph, Louisa, Margarette, Mary. John, the oldest, and the subject of this sketch, was married in 1873 to Matilda Koenig, a native of St. Louis county, Mo. They have three children: Albert, George and Jesse. He is the proprietor of the "Con- cordia Star Mills," complete in all its appointments, with three run of stone and a capacity of 35 barrels per day. He is also the owner of the warehouse near the railroad, through which he handles large quantities of all kinds of grain; is doing a thriving business. Mr. Klingenberg and his wife are members of the Methodist church at Concordia.
C. W. KEMMERLY,
jeweler, P. O. Concordia; born in York county, Penn., Oct. 14, 1848. While quite young he came with his parents to Sandusky county, Ohio, where he lived until he was seventeen years of age. His early life was spent on a farm in a manner usual to farmer boys, working on the farm in the summer and going to school winters. In 1866 he, with his father and family, came to Johnson county, Mo., where he lived until 1872, learning the jeweler's trade. In that year he came to Aullville, this county, and followed his trade. In 1874 he came to Concordia and opened a jewelry store in Thierman Bros' building, where he displays a fine stock of goods and has a lucrative trade. In 1875 he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Hasler, a native of Germany. They have had four children, two of whom are now living: William J. and Birdie May. Mr. K. is a mem- ber of the Methodist church at Concordia; a man of worth and a good citizen.
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HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
DRURY A. RIDGWAY,
real estate and broker, Aullville, was born in Georgia, Jan, 28, 1820. Obtained his education in the common schools of that state. In 1842, June 30th, he was united in marriage to Miss Fanny S. Reese, by whom he has had seven children, six of whom are now living: D. A. Jr., F. V., E. B., Kate P., Annie E. and Fanny S. While living in Georgia he was engaged in farming and merchandising at Columbia. In 1858 he moved to Mississippi where he lived for the next ten years engaged in cotton planting. In 1868 he came to Independence, Mo., where he remained one year and then came to this county. He located at Aullville in May, 1872, where has since resided, engaged in the real estate and loan business. By the solicitation of friends he was appointed justice of the peace for his township and at the expiration of his term of appointment, was elected for ensuing term. After serving in this capacity for four years, he resigned the office, much to the regret of his fellow-citizens. Mr. Ridgway is an influential member of the Methodist church at Aull- ville and a man of intellectual strength and force of character.
JOHN P. ARDINGER,
merchant, Aullville post office, was born in Berkley county, Va., in 1839, where he was reared and educated. When the war broke out he enlisted in the First Virginia cavalry, commanded by Col. J. B. Jones. Was en- gaged in the following battles: first Manssas, Seven Pines, Wilderness, Will- iamsburg, Yorktown, Petersburg, second Manassas, Gettysburg, Antietam, New Baltimore, South Mountain and numerous other skirmishes. At the first battle of Manassas, he was slightly wounded just below the left knee. He was honorably discharged at Appomattox in 1865 and in 1866 he came to this county and engaged in the mercantile business at Greenton. From there he went to Lexington and in 1872 he went to Aullville, where he now resides engaged in a general merchandising business. In 1873 he was married to Miss Lucy C. Smith, a native of this county. They have four children: John P., May S., Robert C. and an infant not named. Mr. Ardinger owns 390 acres of first-class improved farm land, located near Pageville. He is a wide-awake, energetic business man and an invaluable member of society. Is a member of the Episcopal church.
JOHN BENNETT,
blacksmith, Aullville, Is a native of Ohio, born in Knox county, at Mt. Vernon, Jan. 29, 1831. He obtained his education in the common schools there and also learned the blacksmith trade. At the age of nineteen he moved to Jackson county, Mo., and settled at Lone Jack, where he lived until the war broke out. In 1853 he was married to Miss Mary Snow, a
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HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
native of Jackson county, Mo. Their union was blessed with five child- ren, only two of whom are now living: Larestia and Linnia. His wife died in August, 1879 and was buried at Lone Jack. In 1862 he enlisted in Company C, Second regiment, Gen. Shelby's brigade, under Marma- duke. Fought at the battles of Lone Jack, Newtonia, Cane Hill, Cape Girardeau, Marshall, Sprinfield and Hartsville. He surrendered to Gen. McReynolds, at Little Rock in 1865. He then came to Lafayette county and lived at Dover for about three years and in 1868, went to Aullville where he now resides engaged in blacksmithing. Mr. Bennett is an industrious, reliable business man of whom nothing can be said to his discredit.
LIEUT. W. A. THORNTON,
grain-dealer, P. O. Aullville. Born in Orange county, Virginia, Decem- ber 12, 1827. The first school he attended was at Gordonsville. When quite young, he went to Cooper county, Missouri, where he grew to man- hood and finished his education. In May, 1861, he enlisted in the M. S. M., at Jefferson City, as lieutenant, in Capt. McCulloch's company. This battalion was soon after re-organized, at Coswkin Prairie. William Brown was elected colonel of the regiment, Robert M. McCulloch, lieu- tenant-colonel; R. A. McCulloch, captain of his company, and he still holding the office of lieutenant. He fought in the battles of Boonville, Drywood, Lexington, Pea Ridge, Corinth, Iuka, Bolivar, Denmark and Sweden, Ft. Pillow, Holly Springs, and in all other engagements in which his command was engaged. In 1865, he was surrendered by Gen. Taylor to Gen. Canby. At that time he belonged to the Second Missouri cav- alry. Dr. Thomas Fields, of Alma, C. T. Ford, and himself are the only members of that company now in Lafayette county. He was in the first democratic convention, of Freedom township, held after the war, for the purpose of appointing a county central committee. He afterwards went to Lexington, and engaged in merchandising for several years. Then he went to St. Louis, and was engaged in the commission business for two years. From there he went to Concordia, and engaged in the grain busi- ness; first, in partnership with Dr. J. H. Woolridge, and lastly, with Mr. Frerking. In 1873, he came to Aullville, and embarked in the grain busi- ness again, where he is at present, handling immense quantities of grain. As a soldier he has a clear record, and, as a citizen, is at the zenith of popularity with his acquaintances.
DR. JACOB WELBORN,
physician and surgeon, P. O. Aullville. The subject of this sketch is a native of North Carolina; born December 19, 1816. He obtained a com- mon school education in that state, at Abbott's Creek School, Davidson
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HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
county. In 1838, he came to this state and county, and located south of Aullville, and engaged in farming. He read medicine with Dr. Dobson, and in the year 1853, he graduated at the St. Louis Medical University. After receiving his diploma, he returned to this county, and entered upon the practice of his profession. In 1850, he was united in marriage to Miss P. J. Spurgeon, a native of North Carolina. They have had seven chil- dren, five of whom are now living: Edward L., Arthur B., Laura J., Walter S., and Charles C. His wife died in 1865. He remained quietly at home during the war, attending to his practice. In 1877, he moved to Aullville, where he still risides, his time and attention fully occupied with a large practice. As a physician, he stands among the leaders in the pro- fession ; is progressive in his views, and always ready to seize, with avid- ity, upon anything which tends to throw light upon the mysteries of one of the most important of sciences-that which deals with human life.
J. E. SHACKELFIRD,
drugs and groceries, P. O. Aullville; is a native of Virginia, born Novem- ber 19, 1844; was educated in the common schools. At the age of 12 he went with his parents to Preble county, Ohio, where he lived until 1869, engaged in farming. He then went to Johnson county, Missouri, where he lived about eleven years. While here he married Cynthia C. Home, a daughter of Judge Home. Their nuptials were celebrated in March, 1871. They have one child, Jessie J. In the spring of 1881, he moved to Aullville and is now engaged in the drug and grocery business, carrying a $1,600 stock of goods; has a good trade. In June, 1881, he harvested a crop of wheat from the " Mock farm," of 90 acres, said to excel in quantity and quality any other ever grown in the township, upon the same number of acres. Total yield of 1800 bushels. Mrs. Shackelford is an active and leading member of the Baptist church. Mr. George H. Eck, his partner, was born near Frederick City, Maryland, April 13, 1856. At an early age his parents brought him to Preble county, Ohio, where he lived until January, 1879, when he came to Johnson county, Missouri, and lived near Oak Grove, for two years, engaged in farming. In March, 1881, he moved to this county and settled at Aullville, entering into part- nership with Mr. Shackelford in the drug and grocery business.
ABNER WARD,
wheelwright, P. O. Aullville; born in Randolph county, North Carolina, July 17, 1823. His early life was spent on a farm, working on the farm in the summer season and attending school during the winter. At the age of 19 he came to this state and county, and located in theneighborhood of Aullville. In 1851, he was married to Miss Margarett Mulkey, a native of Lafayette. They have had six children, five of whom are now living:
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HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
Mary A., Solomon, Nancy E., Emma C .. Virginia L. In 1862 he enlisted in company F, first regiment, under Gen. Jo. Shelby. Fought in the bat- tles of Newtonia, Cape Girardeau, Helena. In the fall of 1863 he came home on account of sickness, but not being allowed to stay, he went to Illinois and remained there till the close of the war. In 1869, July, when the town of Aullville was surveyed, Mr. Ward picked his lot and built a dwelling house. In 1872 he built his shop in which he carries on his trade. He is an enterprising, industrious business man, and first class mechanic.
BENJ. R. BAMS,
grain dealer and hardware, P. O. Aullville; is a native of West Virginia, born September 3, 1846. Obtained his education in the public schools and was raised on a farm. At the age of 25 he came to this state and county and shortly after went into the grain business at Aullville. In In 1875, he and his brother James H., went into the hardware business at same place. They carry a stock of about $2,000 and are doing a thriv- ing business. During the last six months of 1880, they have shipped 112 cars of wheat and 20 cars of corn, to St. Louis. Mr. Bams is a man of business tact and integrity and follows the Golden Rule to the letter.
ROBERT L. BERRY,
merchant, postmaster, P. O. Aullville. Born in Macoupin county, Illi- nois, September 4, 1841. Raised and educated there. Before the war he was engaged in merchandising. In 1862 he enlisted in company A, 122d Illinois infantry. Fought in the following battle, Parker's Cross Roads. In December, 1863, was honorably discharged on account of dis- ability, ensuing from a wound in the right thigh, caused by a shell. In April, 1864, he entered a dry goods house in Illinois, and remained in it until 1868, when he same to this state and county and located upon a farm. He farmed until 1878, whe he went into the livery business at Aullville. He afterwards engaged in a general merchandising business at the same place. He has in stock $3,500 worth of goods and his yearly sales amount to $15,000. He also has an interest in a livery stable at Higgins- ville. In 1865 he was married to Miss Pauline Keller, a native of Waverly, this county. Mr. Berry is also postmaster at Aullville.
DAVID L. HOFFMAN,
carpenter, Aullville. Is a native of Tennessee, born October 8, 1842. At the age of three years his father moved to Jackson county, Missouri, where they livey for three years, and then went to Lexington, this county. While living there he attended school, and learned the carpenter's trade of his father. In January, 1862, he enlisted at Sedalia, in company B, 7th
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HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
regiment of cavalry, Missouri state militia. He fought with this regiment two years and eight months. He then re-enlisted in the 13th cavalry, company H, Missouri volunteers, under Col. E. C. Catherwood, and was mustered out in May, 1866, by special order of the war department. In the 7th he was second duty sergeant and appointed provost marshal at Mar- shall, Mo. In the 13th he was first sergeant in company H, until November, 1864, when he was commissioned 2d lieutenant, of company F. Was engaged in the battles of Compton Ferry, Switzler's Mills, Springfield, Marshall, Boonville, Lexington, Independence, Blues, Little Osage, Hartsville, Oxford Bend, and numerous others. At Lexington in 1862, he was cap- tured by Col. Cockrell's men, but succeeded in making his escape, during a severe storm. After the close of the civil war, he was sent west to fight Indians, and guard military posts, in Colorado, New Mexico and Western Kansas. While there his sufferings from inclement weather were extreme. In 1865 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Kincheloe, a native of Kentucky. They have had six children, five now living: Myrtle F., Wm. L., Sallie M., Joy L., Edward C. Mr. Hoffman is now living at Aullville, following his trade, having six men in his employ.
ROBERT GRAHAM,
liquor dealer, P. O. Aullville. Is a native of Belfast, Ireland, born May 14, 1832. While quite young he emigrated to Nova Scotia, where he staid six months, going from thence to Maine, where he remained four years. During the time he was in that state he attended night school. At the age of seventeen he went to Worcester, Massachusetts, where he lived about three years, attending school the greater part of the time. From there he went to Chicago and engaged in the stock business. He made Illinois his home until 1851, when a severe attack of the gold fever carried him off to California, where he remained three years engaged in freighting. Returning to Illinois he occupied his time in buying and ship- ping hogs, etc., until the civil war broke out, when he again returned to California, where he remained until 1868. He then went to Mexico, where he lived for one year engaged in mining, meeting with considerable suc- cess. In 1869 he came to Lafayette county, and settled near Aullville, turning his attention to farming and coal mining. In 1877 he located in Aullville and engaged in the liquor business. April 11, 1877, he was united in marriage to Miss Fields. They have two children born to them, one now living, named John. Mr. Graham is a member of the Catholic church.
MORDECAI M. COOKE,
Justice of the Peace, P. O. Aullville. Born in Warren county, Ky., March 27th, 1817. Was bred on a farm and educated in the common schools of
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HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
Kentucky. At the age of 17 he embarked in the dry goods business at Bowling Green, Ky. At the age of 27 he left Kentucky and came to this county, where he lived for 18 months and then went to Johnson county and continued in the same occupation for a year and a half, located at Columbus. From there he went to Waverly and followed the same business for two years. In 1850 Mr. Cooke erected a building and put in a stock of goods at a point on the stage line between Georgetown and Lexington, about two and one-half miles west of where Concordia now stands, which has since been known as Cooke's store. In same year a postoffice was established there and Mr. Cooke was appointed postmas- ter. After a residence of 17 years at this place, he sold out to Mr. Kane, and went to Elmwood, Saline county, from which place he came to this county, locating at Aullville, where he now resides, engaged in fulfilling the duties of Justice of the Peace for Freedom township, vice James H. Bowers, resigned. In 1853 he was married to Mrs. C. Davis, a native of North Carolina, and daughter of David Mock. One child was born to them; now deceased.
HAVILAH SMITH,
blacksmith, P. O. Aullville. Is a native of Fayette county, Ohio; born July 23d, 1853. Was raised on a farm and educated in the public schools. At the age of 23 he commenced learning his trade in Clinton county, which he followed in his native county until he came to Missouri. In 1878 he led to the marriage altar Miss Susan Patton, a native of Stafford county, Virginia. They have one child: Minnie E. In August of 1880 he started for Missouri, and the 6th of Sept., same year, settled at Aull- ville, where he now resides, doing a good business at his trade. Although but recently a citizen of this county, Mr. Smith has already, by his upright character and geniality, secured to himself many firm friends, who show their appreciation by a liberal patronage. He and his wife are both mem- bers of the Friends church.
JAMES. R. OSBERNE,
firm of Osberne & Hammond, livery, P. O. Aullville. The subject of this sketch is a native of Daviess county, Missouri; born Aug. 16th, 1846. Was reared and educated in his native county. At the age of 20 he came to Lafayette county, where he remained one year, then returned to Daviess county and led to the marriage altar, Miss Margaret Cope, a native of that county. After the honeymoon he brought his bride to this county, where he had previously prepared a home. One child was born to them, named Lalla G. He was bereaved by the death of his wife, who died Feb. 9th, 1870. In the following year he took a trip to the mountains, hoping by a change of scene to assuage his grief in a measure. He remained in Mon-
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HISTORY. OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY.
tana two years, engaged in freighting. He then returned to this county, and Nov. 5th, 1873, was married to Miss Bertie Cooksey. By this union they have two children: Claud A. and Daisie M. In the same year of his second marriage he purchased a farm consisting of 80 acres of splendid land, located one mile northwest of Aullville, which he occupied until Dec. 17th, 1880. He still owns the farm, which is a model of neatness and under a high state of cultivation. During his occupancy, he raised at various times from 20 to 23 bushels of wheat and 15 barrels of corn per acre. After abandoning his farm he moved to Aullville and engaged in the livery business, entering the firm of which he is now a member. His partner, Mr. T. D. Hammond, is a gentleman of high character and strict integrity, and the two together comprise a firm which is eminently deserv- ing of the liberal patronage vouchsafed it by an appreciative community. Their receipts are from 8 to 10 dollars per day.
CHARLES A. GRAHAM,
blacksmith, Aulfville postoffice. Born in Lexington, Lafayette county Sept. 10, 1834. His early education was obtained in that city. Lived on a farm until the age of 12. He learned his trade of a man by the name of Cruse, living in Henry county, two miles north of Calhoun. He fol- lowed his trade for four years in that county. He then went to Lexing- ton and worked for a man by the name of John Zeiler, for two years. While there he was so unfortunate as to become crippled. He then went into the commission business, which he followed until the breaking out of the war. In 1862 he was married to Miss Nannie J. Roberts, a native of Johnson county. They have ten children, six sons and four daughters,
named as follows: Lulu T., Nellie, Roberta, Jessie, Stonewall J., Chas. A., Joseph, Selden P., James H. and Frank. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. F, General Gordon's regiment, 1st Missouri volunteer cavalry-served as blacksmith. He participated in the battles of Cane Hill, Springfield, Hartsville, Prairie Grove and Cape Girardeau. In 1864, as he was acting as mail carrier, he was captured near Calhoun by the militia, and held prisoner for about two weeks, at Clinton and Sedalia. Was then paroled. He then went to Illinois, and locating at Breeze, followed his trade for a time. We next find him at St. Louis, where he lived six years, working for the Marine Railway and Dock company. From thence he went to Johnson county, and purchased a farm, which he cultivated for two years, situated three miles east of Hazel Hill. He then sold his farm and moved to Aullville, where he now resides, engaged at his trade.
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