USA > Missouri > Randolph County > History of Randolph County, Missouri > Part 56
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Mr. Campbell is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He is an enterprising citizen and has an extensive acquaintance in west- ern Randolph County and is known for his integrity and honesty. Mr. Campbell has lived at his present residence since 1880. He has not moved since he began housekeeping.
George Edward Gipson, one of the well known and successful farm- ers and stockmen of Chariton township, is a native of Missouri and comes from an old distinguished family of pioneers. He was born in Macon County, Mo., July 14, 1866 and is a son of Daniel Baker and Elizabeth Catherine (Teter) Gipson. Elizabeth Catherine (Teter) Gipson was also a native of Macon County, Mo. and a daughter of Isaac Teter, a verx early settler in that part of Missouri.
Daniel Baker Gipson was born in Macon County, Mo. and was a farmer all of his life. He was a son of Stephen Gipson, who was born in Randolph County and was a son of Robert Gipson. Robert Gipson lived to the remarkable age of 120 years and even in his advanced years was a man of unusual physical strength and vitality. When he was 100 years old he won a wrestling match. The Gipson family were very early pioneer settlers in Missouri, coming from Kentucky to this state. They were originally Virginians, however, and in the early days, members of the family migrated from that state to Kentucky.
To Daniel Baker and Catherine (Teter) Gipson were born 14 chil- dren, 12 of whom grew to maturity and 11 are now living as follows: George Edward, the subject of this sketch; Isaac; Minnie married Newton Hinton and lives at Limon, Colo .; Mollie, deceased; Jasper N .; Mack L .; Jua married George Hinton and lives at Limon, Colo .; Eva married Dr. F. L. Tripper, a physician at College Mound, Mo .; Charles; Henry; Lula married John Clemson; Jay U .; Homer and Herbert, who died Nov. 11, 1918.
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George E. Gipson was educated in the district schools and took a higher course at College Mound. He has made farming and stock raising his life's occupation and has met with success in his undertakings. He first bought 79 acres of land in 1905. Later he bought 39.5 acres and in 1915, he bought 160 acres, of which his son owns 80 acres. Mr. Gip- son now owns 198.5 acres of well improved farm land where he carries on general farming and also stock raising.
Mr. Gipson was married April 13, 1892, to Miss Regina Berry, a native of Putnam County, Mo. She was born Sept. 10, 1870, and is a daughter of Hamilton Wade and Rebecca Ann (Cassidy) Berry, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. Hamilton Wade Berry moved to Macon County with his family in 1889, where he was a Cumberland Presbyterian minister. He died in 1917 at the age of 82 years. To Mr. and Mrs. Gipson have been born the following children: Claude Ansel, a farmer and stock raiser of Chariton township, married Helen Hudson and they have one child, Walter Roy; Lelah, died in 1901 at the age of about one year; Dessie Lula, a junior in the Macon High School and George Henry, a student in the high school.
Mr. Gipson is a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian church. He holds membership in the Knights of Pythias Lodge of College Mound, Missouri.
Aubert Bruce Richmond, a successful farmer and one of the well known breeders of registered cattle of Randolph County, owns and oper- ates a farm of 200 acres in Chariton township. Mr. Richmond was born just east of his present home in Chariton township, March 24, 1867. He is a son of James M. and Elizabeth Rose (Dawkins) Richmond.
James M. Richmond was born in Randolph County in 1836 and died in 1883. He was the son of James Matt Richmond, one of the very early pioneers of Randolph County who came to this state from North Carolina and spent the remainder of his life here. James M. Richmond, father of Aubert Bruce Richmond, was a farmer and stockman and at the time of his death was the owner of 200 acres of land in Chariton township. Elizabeth Rose (Dawkins) Richmond was born in Randolph County and was also a member of a pioneer family of this section. She was a daugh- ter of George Dawkins who was also a native of Randolph County and whose parents were among the very early settlers here. Mrs. Richmond died in 1871. To James M. and Elizabeth Rose (Dawkins) Richmond, were born the following children: Vanitia Vitulla Potts of Thomas Hill;
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Mis. Mary Elizabeth Matlock, of Chariton township; Sedonia E., Bynum- ville, Mo .; Edgar M., Moberly, and Aubert Bruce, the subject of this sketch.
Aubert Bruce Richmond spent his boyhood days on the home farm and attended the public schools. Later he took a course at the State Normal School at Kirksville, and afterwards studied law at Huntsville, Mo. He then engaged in farming. In 1900, he went to Moberly and was engaged in the hotel business for seven years and then was engaged in the mercantile business for 21/2 years. He then returned to Chariton township and since that time has devoted himself to farming and stock breeding. He owns 200 acres of land which was formerly the home place of his grandfather. He carries on general farming and makes a specialty of breeding registered Aberdine-Angus cattle and Poland China hogs. He finds a ready market for his pure bred registered hogs and cattle and sells to breeders throughout the country. He is recognized as one of the successful breeders of Randolph County and while through his efforts he has been instrumental in raising the standard of live stock, he, at the ยท same time has been rewarded financially for his foresight in this branch of animal husbandry.
Mr. Richmond was married in 1886 to Miss Lutie W. Richmond, a native of Randolph County. She is a daughter of W. T. and Mary Susan (Gray) Richmond, the former of North Carolina and the latter of Ken- tucky. To Mr. and Mrs. Richmond have been born two children: Lady Belle, died in 1916 and Mary Alice, a graduate of the Moberly High School, who resides at home with her parents.
Mr. Richmond is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He is a Democrat and takes an active interest in political matters. In 1916 he was a candidate for sheriff. He is a progressive citizen and has an extensive acquaintance in Randolph County and is highly esteemed.
William Edward Musick, a prominent farmer and stockman and an extensive stock dealer of Chariton township, is a native of Randolph County. He was born in this county May 18, 1866 and is a son of Elijah C. and Elizabeth (Dunn) Musick, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Missouri.
Elijah C. Musick was born in 1834 and died in Randolph County in July, 1918. He came to Missouri with his father whose name was also Elijah in 1852. They settled in Randolph County and the first work that Elijah C. Musick did was for "Uncle Billy" Rutherford. Later he began
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farming for himself and followed that occupation throughout his life. . During the Civil War, he served in the Union army and was a charter member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He was an upright and honorable citizen and highly respected by all who knew him. To Elijah C. and Elizabeth (Dunn) Musick were born four children as follows: Bell, died at the age of 25 years; William Edward, the subject of this sketch; Eva Lou, died at the age of five years; and Linnie Maude, mar- ried Julius Ragsdale and has seven children.
William E. Musick was educated in the public schools and attended school at College Mound and also studied under Riley Hall of Darksville. At the age of 17, he began life for himself and operated rented land for several years. In March, 1905, he bought 120 acres and proceeded to improve it. It was practically all grown up in brush and it was no easy task to clear it and convert it into his broad tillable acres as they now appear. However, by constant effort and industry, he now has one of the well improved farms of the county. In 1918, he bought 120 acres more and now has a splendid farm of 240 acres with two sets of farm buildings. His residence is equipped with a modern lighting system and other modern conveniences and fixtures. Mr. Musick carried on general farming and stock raising and for the past seven years has bought and shipped stock on a large scale. He deals extensively in mules and is one of the largest mule dealers in the country.
Mr. Musick was united in marriage in May, 1889 to Miss Anna Lewis who was born in Huntsville, Mo., April 3, 1864. She is a daughter of Dr. Waldo and Sophia (Schaefer) Lewis, both natives of Virginia and early settlers in Randolph County. Dr. Lewis died in 1865 and his wife de- parted this life in 1876 and Mrs. Musick was reared to womanhood by her grandfather, J. C. Schaefer. J. C. Schaefer was a prominent settler of Randolph County and organized the first Sunday school in this county. He was one of the 12 charter members who organized the first Baptist church in Huntsville. He was a native of Germany and left that country when a boy to escape military service.
To Mr. and Mrs. Musick have been born the following children : Callie, married Roy Terrill and they reside on a farm north of Darksville; Lucille, married Knox Cross and they reside in Chariton township; Mrs. Nadine Frazier lives on a farm near the Music home and James Wyatt who was born Dec. 13, 1896 and was inducted into the National army dur- ing the World War on Sept. 6, 1918. He was trained at Camp McArthur,
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Tex. until November and from there transferred to Camp Merritt and was about to sail for France when the armistice was signed. He was dis- charged Jan. 18, 1919, and is now at home. Nellie, the youngest child, is also at home with her parents.
Mr. Musick is a Republican and a member of the Missionary Baptist church. He holds membership in the Knights of the Maccabees. He is progressive, enterprising and a valued citizen to his community and Randolph County.
Irven Ratliff, prosperous and progressive farmer and stockman, who is the owner of a well improved farm of 300 acres in Chariton township, is a native of Illinois. He was born in Hancock County, Ill. July 16, 1865 and is a son of William and Nannie (Cozad) Ratliff. William Rat- liff was a native of Virginia. He came to Missouri with his family in 1867 and settled near the line between Macon and Randolph counties. Here he engaged in farming and spent the remainder of his life in that locality. He died in 1914 at the age of 70 years. Nannie (Cozad) Rat- liff was a native of Illinois and a daughted of Benjamin Cozad. She was born in 1849 and now resides on her home place in Macon County where she is the owner of a farm of 80 acres. To William and Nannie (Cozad) Ratliff were born the following children: Mrs. Lucy Maude Swetnam, de- ceased ; Ethel, deceased; Mrs. Mattie Reed, lives in Oklahoma; Mrs. Angie Phipps, lives in Texas ; B. C., Moberly ; Velora, resides in Macon County ; Harry also resides in Macon County and Irven, the subject of this sketch. Four children died in infancy.
Irven Ratliff was educated in the district schools and remained at home with his parents until he was about 20 years of age. He then went to California and after remaining on the Pacific coast four years he re- turned to Randolph County and here engaged in farming and stock rais- ing. He first bought 120 acres of land and has bought more land from time to time until he is now the owner of 300 acres. His place is well im- proved with a good residence and one of the best barns in Chariton town- ship which he built in 1919. It is a substantial building 34x78 feet in dimension. Mr. Ratliff carries on general farming and stock raising and is also a successful breeder of pure bred Duroc Jersey hogs. He also raises cattle and horses and feeds cattle for the market.
Mr. Ratliff was married Jan. 8, 1890 to Miss Mary S. Harlan. She is a daughter of Samuel L. and Martha Elzira (Moffitt) Harlan, natives of Randolph County and McDonald County, respectively. To Mr. and
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HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY
Mrs. Ratliff have been born the following children: Raymie C., born in Randolph County, March 29, 1891; Rupert Earl, born July 19, 1896, served in the National army during the World War from September, 1918 and was discharged in February, 1919, at Camp McArthur; Leonora H., born June 20, 1898 is a student of Stephens College, Columbia, Mo .; Harold, born June 18, 1905 and Howard, born Sept. 19, 1910 and Reta and Reber died in childhood.
Mr. Ratliff is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He is one of the representative and progressive citizens of Randolph County.
Charles Price Fullington, one of the judges of the county court of Randolph County and a prominent farmer and stockman of Salt Spring township, is one of the widely and favorably known men of Randolph County. Judge Fullington is a native son of Randolph County and was born in a two room log house which is now a portion of his present home which has been remodeled and enlarged. He was born Dec. 31, 1863 and is a son of James Madison and Martha Susan (Dameron) Fullington.
James Madison Fullington was a native of Randolph County and died during the Civil War while serving in the Confederate army under Gen. Sterling Price. He was a son of William Fullington, a native of North Carolina who settled in Missouri in the 30's. Martha Susan (Dameron) Fullington was a daughter of Harrison Dameron, an early pioneer of Randolph County who was also a native of North Carolina. To James Madison and Martha Susan (Dameron) Fullington were born two chil- dren: Thomas W., a farmer and stockman of Salt Spring township and Charles Price, the subject of this sketch. After the death of her first husband, Mrs. Fullington married J. J. Ashurst and one child was born to that union, Mrs. Laura Cora Dameron, who resides in Salt Spring town- ship.
Charles P. Fullington was reared and educated in Salt Spring town- ship and since he was old enough, he has been engaged in farming and stock raising in this township. For a number of years he and his brother operated the home place and later he bought it. He is now the owner of a farm of 270 acres which constitutes the home place and which was one of the valuable and well improved farms of the county. He also owns a half interest in 226 acres which is located one and one-half miles south of his home place.
Judge Fullington was united in marriage Nov. 15, 1886 with Miss Mattie Bagby, a native of Randolph County. She was born Sept. 9,
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HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY
1866 and is a daughter of "T. J." and Emma F. (Hale) Bagby, both natives of Missouri. "T. J." Bagby was a son of Owen H. Bagby, a Ken- tuckian who was a Randolph County pioneer and Emma F. (Hale) Bagby was a daughter of Israel Hale, a native of Pennsylvania and an early set- tler in this section. To Judge and Mrs. Fullington have been born five children as follows: Emma Susan, married E. T. Dameron, Silver Creek township; James T., residing at home with his parents; Harold L., also resides at home and two sons died in infancy.
Judge Fullington is a Democrat and takes an active interest in political affairs. He was elected judge of the county court in 1916 and re-elected to that office in 1918 and is now serving his second term. He is a capable and conscientious public official and as judge of the county court has made, and is continuing to make, a commendable record. Many im- provements of a public nature in the county have been pushed to com- pletion and many others are under way and in contemplation. During his administration, the splendid county sanitorium was elected and a number of concrete bridges and culverts were built and much road improvement inaugurated, including the two state highways. He gives the public business the same thoughtful consideration and careful management that he does to his own private affairs and the people of Randolph County may well congratulate themselves upon having such an efficient public servant as Judge Fullington.
Judge Fullington is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Methodist church.
G. F. Braddick, a veteran locomotive engineer of Moberly, who has been in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company for a number of years, is one of the well known railroad men of this section of Missouri. Mr. Braddick is a native of New York State, born Sept. 24, 1852, and has devoted himself to railroading since boyhood.
G. F. Braddick began his career as a railroader when he was 22 years of age. He entered the employ of the Rock Island Railroad Com- pany in the capacity of fireman with headquarters in Eldon, Ia. He worked for that company for three years and then came to Moberly, Mo. and entered the employ of what was then known as the Northern Missouri Railroad, but which is now a part of the Wabash system. He began on that road as a fireman and three years later was promoted to engineer and since that time he has been in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company as locomotive engineer and has to his credit many years of faithful service as an employee of that great transportation system.
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HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY
To Mr. and Mrs. Braddick have been born the following children: William Albert, a locomotive fireman of Moberly in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company and Letha Marie, who resides at home with her parents.
Mr. Braddick is a member of the Presbyterian church. He is one of Moberly's valued and substantial citizens.
William A. Irons, for many years extensively engaged in farming and stock raising in Prairie township, is now living retired after a successful career. He was born at Warm Springs, Va., Dec. 18, 1843, the son of Thomas and Nancy (Given) Irons.
Thomas Irons was born in Scotland, in 1808, and left his native land when a young man and came to America, locating in Virginia and in 1844 came to Missouri. Mr. Irons bought land in Monroe County and en- gaged in farming and stock raising until 1849, when he went to California at the time of the gold rush. Three years later he returned to Mis- souri and settled on the Irons' farm, now owned by his son, where he passed the rest of his life. He died there in April, 1876. During his life Mr. Irons was a staunch Democrat. He had a brother, John Irons, who also came west, locating on land in Monroe County, Mo., where he spent his life. Nancy Given Irons was born in Monroe County, Va., in 1810, and was reared and educated there. She died in the early 80s. To Thomas and Nancy Irons were born the following children: Robert, deceased; Bettie, the wife of John McKinsey, who is now dead, and his widow resides in Moberly ; William A., of this review; Mary, the wife of M. H. Neal, of Prairie township; Susan, deceased, was the wife of James Genola; John, who resides in California; Thomas, deceased; Dazerine, the wife of San- ford Anderson, of Prairie township; Wesley, deceased, and Presley, his twin, who lives in Kansas City.
William A. Irons was only two years old when his parents made the long trip across the country to the new home in Missouri. He was reared on the frontier farm of his father, and attended district school. His father owned about 800 acres of land. When his father died he inherited his share of the property and later bought more land and became one of the prosperous and prominent farmers of the community. Some 20 years ago Mr. Irons gave up the actual management of his business, turning it over to his sons, Oliver and Guy, since which time he has been enjoying well earned and deserved rest.
In May, 1880, Mr. Irons was married to Miss Mary Oliver, of Prairie township, the daughter of Sims and Betsie (Pyles) Oliver, natives of Mis-
WILLIAM A. IRONS
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HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY
souri. Mrs. Irons died in 1895. To Mr. and Mrs. Irons were born the fol- lowing children: John, of Sugar Creek township; Lucile, the wife of Sam Littrell, of Monroe County ; Oliver, who was drafted during the world War and after entering the service was assigned to Company H, 126th Regi- ment, 32d Division, sailed for overseas service April 3, 1918, was killed in action Oct. 11, 1918, in the battle of the Argonne, and was buried in France; Guy, at home, married Mary Yeager, of Moberly, and they have one child, William; Gaston, a farmer of Prairie township, and Robert, the second oldest child, died in infancy.
Mr. Irons has been a Democrat since he cast his first vote. He takes an interest in all public affairs and reads widely on national questions of the day.
E. G. Deskin, now living retired in Moberly is a Civil War veteran of the Union army and a Randolph County pioneer who has been identified with this section of Missouri for 65 years. He was born near Vicalia, Bath County, Ky., in 1842 and is a son of Elijah and Nancy (Vice) Deskin, both natives of Kentucky. The father was born in 1805 and died in 1890 and the mother was born in 1818. They came to Missouri in 1855 and settled on a farm south of Moberly and the parents spent the remainder of their lives in this county. They were the parents of the following children: Daniel, deceased; Margaret J., deceased; E. G., the subject of this sketch; Charles W., deceased; Franklin, Antelope, Texas; Mrs. Elizabeth A. Dixon, of Moberly ; Ashland B., Kewanee, Ill .; William C., Wichita, Texas.
E. G. Deskin came to Missouri with his parents in 1855 and was engaged in farming in Randolph County until 1870. He then moved to Moberly when the town was just about started. Here he was employed by the North Missouri Railroad Company which is now a part of the Wabash system for seven years. He then engaged in the transfer busi- ness and followed that for ten years, when he became a mail carrier and was one of the first class mail carriers in the city of Moberly. After carrying a mail sack for Uncle Sam for 25 years, he resigned on account of failing health and has since that time lived retired in his comfortable home at 919 South Fourth street.
Mr. Deskin was married Sept. 27, 1866 (this was the date of the first sale of lots in Moberly) to Miss Mary Ann Mckinsey, a daughter of James L. and Lucy (Hume) Mckinsey of Kenton County, Ky. James L. Mckinsey served in the Civil War in Company G, 9th Missouri S. M. N.
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HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY
Mrs. Deskin is one of the following children born to her parents: William P .; John R. also served with his father in the Civil War; Elizabeth Amanda, Nancy, Drucilla, Thomas Jefferson, James E., Randolph, Martha Ellen, Granville and Mrs. Deskin. Mckinsey street in Moberly was named after Mrs. Deskin's father. To E. G. Deskin and wife have been born the following children: Nora M., a reporter on the Monitor-Index; James Elijah of Casper, Wyo .; Clarence Enoch, Des Moines, Ia., a conductor on the Rock Island railroad; John Omar, a carpenter in the employ of the Wabash railroad, resides at home with his parents; Bell and Nell, both residing at home also.
Mr. and Mrs. Deskin celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, Sept. 27, 1916 which was made a memorable occasion in Moberly. The anniversary ceremony was performed by the Rev. C. N. Broadhurst and the Commercial Club presented the venerable bride with $30 in gold.
When the Civil War broke out, E. G. Deskin answered President Lin- coln's call for volunteers and enlisted in Knox County, Ill., Dec. 1, 1861 for a period of three years or during the war, and was mustered into the United States service at Springfield, Ill. as a private in Company D, 64th Illinois Infantry under Capt. John W. Stewart and Col. John Morrill. This regiment was known as the Yates Sharpshooters in honor of the war governor of Illinois. They were first ordered to Quincy where they were supplied with arms and ammunition and then moved to Cairo and then to New Madrid, Mo., where they were assigned to Morgan's brigade, Payne's division, Pope's command. Later they proceeded to Decatur, Ala. and then to Chattanooga, Tenn., to join Sherman. They partici- pated in the following engagements: New Madrid, Island No. 10, Seige of Corinth, Chambers Creek, Tuscumbia Creek, Iuka, Resaca, Snake Creek, Kingston, Vanwerp, Dallas, New Hope Church, Ackworth, Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountains, Chattahoochie, Nance Creek, Decatur, Battle and Seige of Atlanta, Sand Town, Jonesborough, Cedar Town, Pool's Station, Savannah, Kings Bridge, Pocotaligo, Salkahatchie, Cambahee Ferry, Columbia, Orange Berg, Fayetteville, Goldsboro, Bentonville and a num- ber of other minor engagements and skirmishes. After Johnson's sur- render, the regiment marched to Washington, D. C. and took part in the Grand Review; was with Sherman on the March to the Sea.
During the course of his military service, Mr. Deskin was wounded at the battle of Corinth, Oct. 4, 1862, being twice pierced in the right side by pieces of shell and also struck on the left knee from which he has
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never fully recovered. He received his honorable discharge at Savannah, Ga., by reason of expiration of his term of service, Dec. 24, 1864, with a splendid military record to his credit.
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