USA > Missouri > Lincoln County > History of Lincoln County, Missouri, from the earliest time to the present > Part 46
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came to his present charge, where he has continued ever since. Father Cleary is an estimable pastor, and is dearly beloved by all his members.
E. A. Cobb, farmer and stock raiser of Lincoln County, Mo., was born in Montgomery County, Mo., in 1846, and is a son of Henry and Rachel B. (Downing) Cobb. The father was a South Carolinian, and came with his mother and step-father to Missouri. He was married in Lincoln County, but made his home in Mont- gomery County, where he passed the remainder of his days, dying when our subject was an infant. His widow married again and lived in Lincoln County until her death, which occurred in 1884. Her second husband was George Elsberry. E. A. Cobb was the youngest of two children and was reared by his grandmother Downing, with whom he remained until about fourteen years of age, when at that early age he began farming for himself. Sarah Cannon became his wife in 1866. She is a daughter of Eph- raim and Nancy Cannon, and is the mother of the following chil- dren: George, Nida, Gertie, Earl and John. Two children are dead. Mr. Cobb rented land until 1882, when he purchased his present farm of 126 acres, which is well situated and under good cultivation. He supports the principles of the Democratic party.
Osborn N. Coffey, an old and respected citizen and an early settler of Lincoln County, Mo., was born in Casey County, Ky., February 4, 1807, and is the son of Jesse and Elizabeth (Riffe) Coffey, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. Their ances- tors were from Virginia and Pennsylvania, respectively. The father was an extensive dealer in hogs, which he used to drive to Richmond, Va., a distance of about five hundred miles. He was a colonel in the War of 1812, was for two terms a member in the State Legislature, and a member of the Constitutional Conven- tion of Kentucky. Both were members of the Missionary Bap- tist Church, and lived to a good old age. They reared a large family of children, of whom Osborn N. is the second. While growing up he had very poor opportunities for schooling, though he aided himself very much in that direction after attaining his growth. At the age of eighteen he began for himself, and soon after engaged as clerk in a store, where he remained two years. In 1829 he married Miss Jane L. Bell, a native of Lincoln
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County, Ky., and in their family were seven children who lived to be grown. One of the sons served in the Confederate army and was twice severely wounded. In 1831 Mr. Coffey moved to Missouri, and three years later to Lincoln County, where he opened a store at Louisville. At the same time he dealt in hogs and tobacco, but failing in this he purchased the place where he now lives, which consists of 363 acres of land. Both he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and for many years he was a magistrate. He has done quite well, financially, though he has had many reverses and losses.
Capt. William Colbert, president of the Farmers' and Mechan- ics' Savings Bank at Troy, and proprietor of the Colbert House, was born June 22, 1827, his parents being Shelton and Elizabeth (Mabry ) Colbert. The father was born in Kentucky, although his ancestors were natives of France, from which country they moved to Ireland and finally to America. The mother was born in North Carolina and was of English-Welsh descent. When a girl she moved to Kentucky, where she was afterward married to Mr. Colbert. In 1826 they came to Missouri, and located in Lin- coln County, where a permanent home was made. He lived to be about forty-two years of age and she about seventy-six. He was a strong Democrat and she an active member of the Christian Church. In their family were nine children, four sons and five daughters. Capt. William Colbert attained his growth in Lin- coln County, and received a very limited education. In 1848 he married Miss Margaret Brown, a native of North Carolina, who bore him seven children, three sons and four daughters. Hav- ing farmed until the breaking out of the late war, he organized Company B, of the Thirty-seventh Missouri Militia Cavalry, and was chosen captain of the same, serving in that capacity about a year. He then organized Company C, of the Second Provisional Regiment Cavalry, and held the captaincy of this until 1864, when he was commissioned second lieutenant of Company A, Forty- ninth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and was elected captain on organization of that company. He was commissioned lieuten- ant-colonel of the Sixty-fourth Regiment of Missouri Militia, December 29, 1865. In 1869 he was appointed circuit court clerk of Lincoln County, and ex-officio recorder. Having filled
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that position two years by appointment, he was successfully elected four times to that office in the face of a strong Dem- ocratic majority, thus holding the office eighteen years, longer than any other man save one. Mr. Colbert was a Democrat before the war, a strong Union man during that time and has been a stanch Republican since. He began a poor boy and is now considered one of the wealthiest men of Lincoln County. Besides being president, he is also one of the directors of the bank. In 1866 his first wife died, and the following year he married Miss Mary Dregay, a native of St. Louis but of English extrac- tion. Four children were born to this union, two sons and two daughters. Mr. Colbert is a member of the Christian Church, as were both of his wives. He is a member of the G. A. R. and is also an Odd Fellow.
Josiah Creech, attorney, of Troy, is the son of George W. and Parthena (Pollard) Creech, natives of Nashville, Tenn., and Lynchburg, Va., respectively. They came to Lincoln County, Mo., at an early day, and reared their family to honest toil. After attending the common schools, Josiah took an academic course as a foundation for the legal structure to be built thereon. Having taken a course of reading under Quigly & Bonfils, he was admitted to the Lincoln County bar in 1871. Four years later he was united in wedlock with Miss Marrie Brevator, a na- tive of St. Louis, who bore him three children, two sons and a daughter. Mr. Creech has been called into active life somewhat; besides holding the offices of alderman and mayor, he has been public administrator of the county for eight years, and prosecut- ing attorney for two terms. In his political principles Mr. Creech affiliates with the Democratic party. He is a Royal Arch Mason, a third degree Odd Fellow and a much respected citizen.
Jonathan W. Crume was born in Nelson County, Ky., in 1821, and is a son of John and Jane (Kirkham) Crume, who were born in Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. The former was born in 1781 and when thirteen years of age went with his father, Philip Crume, to Kentucky, where he afterward married and, in 1830, removed to Lincoln County, Mo. He was a soldier in the War of 1812 and died in 1840. His wife was born in 1783 and died in 1856. The maternal grandfather, Michael Kirkham, was
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an Irishman. Jonathan W. Crume is the sixth of eight children, and received a limited early education. He was married in 1842 to Leah Jane, a daughter of Littleton Dryden, who came from Maryland to Lincoln County in 1836. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. To Mr. and Mrs. Crume were born eight chil- dren, two of whom are dead. He, at one time, had a good farm of 650 acres, and is a progressive and prosperous farmer. He was a Whig in politics previous to the war, but since that time has supported the principles of the Democratic party. He is a Mason and his wife is a member of the Methodist Church. Jesse S. Crume, the Democratic nominee for county sheriff, is the third child of Jonathan W. Crume, and was born in 1849. He received a limited education and at the age of twenty-three began doing for himself, engaging in the mercantile business at Cap-au-Gris in connection with an elder brother, continuing for two years. In 1873 he was married to Hettie, a daughter of Monroe and Susan Thomasson, who were formerly of Virginia and early settlers of Lincoln County. The father died in 1886 at the age of sixty-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Crume have six children: Arthur L., Minor M., Renie S., John L., Hubert J. and Ella G. Mr. Crume is quite extensively engaged in breeding fine horses and cattle. He is the present Democratic nominee for county sheriff, and, if elected, would prove a good officer. He is a Mason, belonging to Lodge No. 270, at New Salem.
Joseph D. Damron is a native of Nelson County, Va., born in 1827, and is a son of Druey C. and Charlotta (Martin) Damron, who were also born in Virginia, in 1802 and 1808, and died in 1887 and 1871, respectively. They came to Lincoln County in 1843 and here afterward made their home with the exception of 1846-47, which they spent in Pike County. They were members of the Baptist Church. Joseph D. is the second of their thirteen children, ten of whom lived to be grown, and in his boyhood days received a very limited education. At the age of eighteen years he began working for himself on a farm for $8 per month, and continued that occupation until 1857, when he went to Cal- ifornia. In 1853 he made a trip to Vancouver's Island, but in 1859 returned to Missouri, and acted as overseer for the neigh- boring planters until the slaves were emancipated. March 1.
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1861, he married Virginia Hall, who died in 1862. A year later he married Nannie B., a daughter of Richard and Mary J. Hall, and sister of his first wife, and by her is the father of three living children: Guy, Mollie (wife of L. D. Reynolds) and Charley. Mr. Damron owns a fertile farm of 136 acres, and is one of the county's prosperous farmers. He votes the Democratic ticket and he and Mrs. Damron are members of the Baptist Church.
James L. Dawson is the eldest of a family of six children, four of whom are living, and was born in Amherst County, Va., in 1828, to the union of Rev. Ludwell L. and Jane ( Watt) Daw- son, his grandfather being Rev. Lewis Dawson. The latter was a Methodist minister of Virginia for many years. The father was also a minister of that State and died in 1843, preceded by his wife in 1842. James L. Dawson was educated in the common schools and at the age of fourteen years began doing for himself. Subsequent to 1844 he and his youngest sister came to Lincoln County, Mo., and he was engaged in lead mining until 1850, when he began farming and has a fine farm of 330 acres, which he has managed in connection with stock raising up to the present time. He is a Democrat and Mason, and is Master of the lodge at New Hope. In 1850 he was married to Susan D. Harvey, and by her is the father of five living children, to whom he has taken great pains to give good educations. Mrs. Dawson's parents are Fran- cis and Malinda Harvey, who were formerly of Virginia, but became residents of Missouri in 1831; six of their children were born in Virginia and ten in Missouri. The father died in 1860 and the mother eight years later. Mr. Dawson's only son, Francis L. Dawson, was born in Lincoln County, in 1857, and besides at- tending the common schools was a student at Clarksville High School for five years, and the Gainesville ( Ark. ) High School for two years. He then spent two terms at William Jewell College, Liberty, Mo., and after his return home assisted in tilling the farm and taught nine terms of school. October 16, 1885, he was married to Mollie J., a daughter of A. M. and Missouri Thomas, who were formerly from Kentucky and Tennessee, respectively. Both had been twice married, and died in 1883 and 1850, respectively. To Francis L. and Mrs. Dawson was born one child, Lillian. Mr. Dawson is living on the old homestead,
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which consists of 470 acres, and he is a Democrat in politics. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. and Triple Alliance, and also be- longs to the Baptist Church.
Nathaniel N. Day is a son of James and Emily (Rochester) Day, and was born in Lincoln County, in 1840. He is the fourth of eight children, and was educated in the common schools. In 1861 he enlisted for six months under Col. Burbridge, of Price's army, and was in the battle of Lexington. In 1862 he was mar- ried to Mary, a daughter of Willett and Elizabeth Elston, who were formerly of Kentucky, but came to Lincoln County about 1839. The father died in 1873, but the mother is still living. Mrs. Day was born in 1840, and became the mother of nine children, eight of whom are living. Since his marriage Mr. Day has resided on his present farm of 100 acres. He is a Democrat in politics and his first presidential vote was cast for Breckinridge. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he, wife and two children are members of the Baptist Church. His father was born in Kentucky in 1808, and came with his father, Francis Day, to Missouri in 1818. He was married in St. Charles County in 1832, and three years after came to Lincoln County, and be- came one of the well known farmers of the county. He has been a life-long Democrat. His wife was born in Virginia in 1815, and is still living. Francis Day, the grandfather, was of En- glish-Welsh descent, and was born in Maryland. He was reared in Virginia, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary War under one of the Lees. He was an early settler of Kentucky, and also of Missouri, and died in the latter State about 1825 or 1826.
Thomas Diggs (deceased) was born in Bourbon County, Ky., in 1808, and in 1815 came with his parents, David M. and Susan Diggs, to St. Louis County, Mo., remaining there some three years and then coming, in 1817, to Lincoln County, being among its very earliest settlers. They located on Bryant's Creek on what is known as the Boone farm, lived there seven or eight years, then moved one mile east, and there the father spent the remainder of his days, dying in 1863 when about eighty- eight years of age. He and his son, Thomas, erected a saw and grist-mill on Bryant's Creek, which they managed for many years, it being probably the first water mill in Lincoln County.
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The country was in a very wild state at that day, and the woods were full of Indians and wild animals. They had to seek shelter and safety a number of times in Clark's Fort, just below Troy, to protect themselves from the attacks of the former, who were very hostile at times. Thomas Diggs was an only child, and his early playmates were the Indian lads, with whom he would smoke, eat muskrat, coon and opossum. Owing to the primitive state of the country he received no educational advantages, but by his own endeavors became versed in the rudimentary branches. He always lived on the old home farm and was recognized as one of the most industrious and honest citizens of the county. He was a great hunter and sportsman, and at the time of his death, which occurred March 10, 1888, was well fixed financially. He was married in 1832 to Jane, daughter of William and Sarah McMil- lin, who were North Carolinians by birth, where Mrs. Diggs was born in 1812. They died in Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Diggs were born eight children, five of whom are living: William C., Henry H., Benjamin F., Thomas J. and Sarah E., wife of J. D. Tinder. Mr. Diggs took great interest in the cause of education and the general upbuilding of the country, and was noted for his hospitality and generosity, having reared and educated a number of orphan children. He was a Whig and a stanch Union man during the war, and later he became a Republican in politics. His son, David M., died in 1865, in the hospital at St. Louis, while serving his country, and Benjamin F. also served in the Union army. Mr. Diggs was a member of the Methodist Church and was strictly temperate in his habits.
Andrew J. Dixon, farmer, is a son of William H. and Hannah (Hensley) Dixon, who were born in Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. They were married in the latter State, and about 1837 moved to Monroe County, Ind., where they lived in a tent until the father could build him a house, which he, in time, suc- ceeded in doing. It was a cabin of round poles, 16x16. Two other families spent the winter with them, and all lived in this house. The mother died in 1858, leaving five sons and four daughters to mourn her loss. The following year the father and four children came to Missouri, and in 1870 to Lincoln County. Here he spent the remainder of his days, being nearly eighty-two
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years old at the time of his death. He was a Democrat in poli- tics and a millwright by trade, and in all respects was a worthy man. Andrew J. Dixon was born March 20, 1829, in Scott County, Va., but he was reared and educated in Indiana. At the age of sixteen he began working at the carpenter's trade, and also learned brick masonry and blacksmithing. In 1854 he wedded Elendar C. Cannon, who was born in North Carolina, and became an early resident of Indiana. They came to Adair County in 1858, and the following year to Lincoln County, where they have since lived. During the war he enlisted in Company D, Third Missouri State Militia, and served until April, 1865, and then helped organize the Enrolled Militia. He was commissioned captain of Company E, and was a participant in thirteen engage- ments, but was unhurt. Since the war he has been engaged in blacksmithing and selling farm implements. He was postmaster of Louisville from May, 1866, to February, 1885, and has been school director eighteen years and justice of the peace four years, and is now notary public. His wife belongs to the Christian Church, and he is a Mason, and in his political views is a Repub- lican. He owns 100 acres of good land, and is a highly respected citizen. He and wife have three sons and two daughters.
Alexander Donaldson was born in Washington County, Penn., April 14, 1833, and is a son of James and Eliza (Crow) Donald- son. James came with his parents from Scotland to Quebec, Canada, when about fourteen years of age, and after residing there until after his father's death, he and the rest of the family located in Washington County, Penn., where he married and spent the remainder of his days. His wife was of Irish descent and died in 1847. The father died in Helena, Ark., while endeav- oring to obtain his son's release from military duty, on account of being under age. He was a coal dealer and farmer, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Alexander is the eldest of their five children. He attended the common schools of Green- field, Penn., and at the age of fifteen years began clerking in a store, where he remained until 1852, at which date he went with his father to California, and was a successful miner. After sojourn- ing in that State two years he returned home, and the following year was married to Mary Furnier, a native of Washington
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County, born November 23, 1836. In 1856 he came West to look up a location, and the following year brought his family to Pike County, Mo., but since 1859 has made Lincoln County his home. He owns a fine farm of 286 acres, and has a pleasant and comfort- able home. He suffered many privations incident to pioneer life, but overcame all those obstacles, and is now enjoying the fruits of his labor. Heis a Republican in his political views, and during the war served in the Enrolled Militia. He also served one term as justice of the peace, and is a Master Mason. He became the father of nine children. His son, James S., was born in Lincoln County, June 7, 1864, and was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools. He farmed until 1886, then built a com- modious store room, and he put in a nice stock of hardware, stoves and tinware. He is doing a fairly prosperous business. He votes the Republican ticket.
Andrew F. Downing, an extensive farmer and stock raiser, and a native of Lincoln County, is a son of James and Martha (Cacy ) Downing, and was born July 9, 1827. He received such educa- tion as could be obtained in the primitive schools of his day, and in 1848 was married to Nancy Tucker, who died in 1857, leaving four children. Six years later Mr. Downing wedded Emma A. Guthrie, who was born in Missouri, July 5, 1838. They also have four children. Mr. Downing and wife are members of the Cum- berland Presbyterian Church, and in politics he was formerly a Whig, and later a Democrat, but for some years past has taken but little interest in politics. He was Master of the Masonic Lodge at Auburn for twelve years. He has a farm of 655 acres, and has a fine herd of short horned cattle, and is a prosperous and thrifty farmer. Mr. Downing's father was a hatter by trade, a Whig in politics, and he and wife were members of the Method- ist Church. They both died in Missouri.
Ezekiel A. Downing, a farmer and stock raiser, is a native of Lincoln County, Mo., and was born in 1839. He is a son of Rev. Ezekiel and Margaret (Markle) Downing, who were born in the " Blue Grass State" in 1795 and 1796, respectively. The father became a resident of St. Charles County, Mo., when about eight- een years of age, and there married in 1815. They came to Lincoln County a year later, where they spent the remainder of
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their days. He was a thrifty farmer, and was a successful and prominent Presbyterian minister. After the mother removed from Kentucky she lived in Vincennes, Ind., for some time, and about 1802 removed to St. Charles County, Mo. She is still liv- ing and resides on the old home farm. Her father, David Markle, was born in Maryland and died in Lincoln County. Ezekiel A. Downing is the youngest of eleven children, and received his education in the old log school-houses of early days. In 1866 he was married to Mildred J., a daughter of Ichabod and Elizabeth Davis, formerly of Kentucky and Virginia. Mr. Downing has lived on a farm adjoining the old home place for a number of years. He owns ninety-two acres, all under fine cultivation and well improved. He is one of the first citizens of the county, and is trusted and esteemed by all who know him. He votes the Democratic ticket.
George J. Dryden was born in Hannibal, Mo., May 29, 1836, and is a son of Littleton and Eleanor P. (Johnson ) Dryden, who were born in Maryland in 1797 and 1803, respectively. They came to Hannibal, Mo., in 1836, and soon after came to Lincoln County, where they both died in 1867, the former on the 16th of February, and the latter on the 14th. The father was a hatter by trade, and was a soldier in the War of 1812. George J. is the eighth of ten children, and after attending the common schools was a student one term at Troy. At the age of twenty years he began merchandising at Snow Hill, and then operated a steam saw and grist-mill for a number of years. Since 1867 he has followed farming, but has also taught several terms of school. March 1, 1860, he was married to Alice Wood, who died in 1869, leaving two children, one now living-Kate M. His second marriage was consummated in 1870, his wife's maiden name be- ing Nancy Cunningham, who died in 1872. Two years later he married Lydia J. Hammock, and three of their six children are living: James L., Mary Lee and Georgia J. Mr. Dryden owns a fine farm of 200 acres, and in his political views is a Democrat. His wife belongs to the Methodist Church.
Beverly Duey, sheriff of Lincoln County, Mo., and a native of this county, born May 1, 1835, is the son of David and Mary G. (Harvey) Duey. When a mere child David Duey's parents
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parted and he was left with a couple who had no children. He moved with his foster-parents to St. Louis when six years of age, and was the only boy, with the exception of one, that spoke the English language in that city. After the death of his foster- father he came with the widow to Lincoln County, and tenderly cared for her all her life. In this county he married Miss Harvey, and the fruits of this union were nine children, eight sons and one daughter. He was a pioneer member of the Christian Church in this State, being a constant, zealous worker all his life, as was also his wife, and he was also a Democrat in politics. He died at the age of forty-eight and his wife at the age of sixty- three. Their second child, Beverly Duey, was educated in the old fashioned, puncheon floor school-houses, and at the age of twenty began his career as a farmer, and this has been his occupa- tion through life. He has a fine farm of 300 acres, and has been successful. In 1857 he married Miss Dolly Crenshaw, a native of Lincoln County. Eight children were the results of this union, seven now living, four sons and three daughters. Both Mr. and Mrs. Duey are members of the Christian Church. In 1884 Mr. Duey was elected to the position of sheriff, and re-elected without opposition in 1886. In his political principles he affili- ates with the Democratic party, and he is a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity.
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