USA > Missouri > Ray County > History of Ray county, Mo. > Part 64
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HISTORY OF RAY COUNTY.
the war, he resumed his former occupation of milling. In 1866 he was placed in nomination by his party for county clerk of his county, but the entire republican ticket was defeated. In 1869 he removed to Audrain county, Missouri, and engaged in farming; but, after one year, went to Carroll county, where he also farmed, continuing this vocation until in 1871, he moved to Carrollton, and purchased the woolen mills at that place, which he operated three years, at the end of which period he moved to Ray county and bought a mill, east of Richmond, which, in 1879, he moved to that city and rebuilt; and he now has, in Richmond, one of the finest and most thoroughly equipped steam flouring mills in this part of the state, where he does both local and custom work. John R. Hamacher was married August 2, 1864, to Miss Margaret A. Vandu- sen, of Scott county, Indiana. To this union were born three children, but one of them is deceased. Gertrude, born October 12, 1867, and Elmer, born March 23, 1871, are living. Mr. Hamacher is a member of the Masonic order.
ANDREW J. BOTTS.
Andrew J. Botts was born March 30, 1853, in Jefferson county, Iowa. His father was John Botts, a native of Adair county, Kentucky, born in 1820 and died in 1870 in Macon City, Missouri. His mother's maiden name was Susan Craig, she also, was born in Adair county, Kentucky, and died in Macon City, Missouri, in 1864. When the subject of this sketch was about four years old, his parents moved with him to Macon county, Missouri. In July, 1864, he went into the union army as drum- mer in company B, 42d Missouri volunteers. He remained with the army until the close of the war-doing garrison duty in Tennessee, and par- ticipating in various skirmishes. After the war, he returned home and entered into the tinning business, and in 1867 went to Chillicothe, Missouri, to learn the trade of tinner. He remained there three years, and in 1870 went to Millville, Ray county, and took charge of a hardware store. After two years, he moved to Richmond and opened the hardware store he now owns and conducts. He has a very large and complete stock of hardware goods; in fact it is a store that would do credit to a much larger city. He was married May 24, 1876, to Miss Lina E. Ballinger, of Ray county. They have one child, Walter, born April 30, 1877. Mr. Botts is an active, industrious, public spirited young gentleman, and is an honor to the town in which he lives.
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HISTORY OF RAY COUNTY.
WILLIAM C. PATTON.
William C. Patton, son of Robert W. Patton, a native of Tennessee, and who settled in Ray county more than half a century ago, was born July 30, 1854, in Ray county, Missouri. After attending the common schools, he was entered a student at Richmond College, and in that institu- tion received his education. He taught school a year after leaving col- lege, and then entered the Ray County Savings Bank as clerk. In May, 1877, he accepted a situation in the drug store of Doctors Taylor & Smith, of Richmond, which he held until March, 1881, when he purchased the interest of Dr. Taylor in the drug store, and now, in partnership with Jas. W. Smith, M. D., under the firm name of Smith & Patton, is engaged as druggist and pharmaceutist. Their store is well appointed, and contains every article properly belonging in such an establishment. Mr. Patton has served three terms as recorder of the city of Richmond; further than this, he has not asked the suffrage of his fellow-citizens. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is correct in habits, truthful, high-toned and honorable. He is yet quite young and being strong and vigorous and endued with all the characteristics of true manhood, his future is bright with hope.
WILLIAM P. HUBBELL.
William P. Hubbell was born March 13, 1828, in Franklin county, Ken- tucky. He is a son of Captain William D. Hubbell, who was born at Bridgeport, Connecticut, in 1797, and is still living. Captain W. D. Hub- bell was a clerk on the first steamboat that passed up the Missouri river, in the spring of 1819. He is quite active, both mentally and physically for one of his age, and is still cheerful, interesting and instructive in conversa- tion, and the fact that he must soon "pass on" causes him no gloomy fore- bodings. He lives at Columbia, Boone county, Missouri. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm. At the age of twelve years his father moved with him to Howard county, Missouri, but remained there but two years, till he removed to Clay county, Missouri. In the spring of 1850, William P. Hubbell went to California, crossing the plains with a train of ox wagons. On the way he and his associate travelers established a ferry across Green river, which they conducted about six weeks, and sold out at a net profit of about $5,000. He returned home in 1851, and engaged in merchandising, first at Liberty, Clay county, and afterward at what is now Missouri City. He continued in business there for eleven years. In July, 1864, he went to Carrollton, Illinois, where he was engaged till the fall of 1865, in the mercantile business. He then came to Richmond, Missouri, and here again resumed his favorite occupation of merchandising. Mr. Hubbell owns, lives on and superintends a beautiful,
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well improved and fertile farm just outside the limits of Richmond. He has some eight or ten acres in small fruits of various kinds, besides a large orchard of apples, peaches, pears and cherries of the finest varieties. He is also a member of the firm of Shotwell & Co., engaged in coal min- ing. They have a shaft near Richmond, and employ more than twenty men in taking out the coal. He has been engaged in the mercantile busi- ness ever since he came to Richmond, and is now in that occupation in connection with his eldest son, John W. They carry a full stock of dry goods and groceries. William P. Hubbell was married August 25, 1859, to Mary C. Quail, at Washington, Pennsylvania, of which place she is a native. They have the following children living: John W., Mary W., William M., Clarence H. and Charles G. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church, and their exemplary christian character is worthy of all emulation.
WILLIAM MARSHALL.
William Marshall was born December 12, 1829, in Glasgow, Scotland. In his childhood he accompanied his parents to Canada, and remained there till he became a man. He served an apprenticeship of six years, learn- ing the trade of boot and shoemaker. In the spring of 1852 he came to Richmond, Ray county, Missouri, and for about one year plied his voca- tion in the employ of another; at the end of that time, he purchased an interest in the shop of his employer, and subsequently, by purchase, became sole proprietor, and has ever since conducted the business alone. William Marshall started in life a poor boy, without any advantages of wealth or personal assistance from others; but by patient toil, prudence and economy, has succeeded in gaining a competency. He has a handsome property, including a comfortable home in the city of Richmond. He has no enemies, and his friends are numbered among the best men in the county. He was married October 9, 1853, to Miss Eliza Kavanaugh, of Ray county, a native of Canada. They have four sons and three daugh- ters living: Sarah E., William E., Robert, Mary C., John, James and Jessie.
JOHN T. BANISTER.
John T. Banister was born in Ray county, Missouri, on the Sth day of October, 1851. His father was Judge Nathaniel Banister, a native of Nicholas county, Kentucky. He removed to Missouri and settled in Ray county in the year 1843. Judge Banister was a man greatly esteemed by the people of Ray county. From 1864 to 1865, he was judge of the pro- bate court of Ray county. He was a prominent lawyer, a wise counselor and a sincere friend, devoted to his neighbors, his county and his country. He died May 18, 1877, in Richmond, Missouri. The subject of this sketch
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HISTORY OF RAY COUNTY.
was educated at Richmond College, Richmond Missouri. Having com- pleted his education, he engaged in teaching school, and continued in this pursuit for five years. In the fall of 1876, he was elected by the people, county surveyor of Ray county. His term of office expired January 1, 1881, but at the general election in November, 1880, he was re-elected to serve four years from the first of January, following. He was elected on the democratic ticket. John T. Banister is an unassuming gentleman, of ardent temperament, candid, obliging and kind. As an officer he is equal to the Jeffersonian test, as is amply proven by the readiness of the people to make him his own successor. He resides with his mother, whose mai- den name was Levisa J. Craig. He is a native of Kentucky, but was among the early settlers of Ray county, Missouri.
OLIVER N. HAMACHER.
Oliver N. Hamacher was born April 17, 1856, in Scott county, Indiana. In 1870 he moved with his parents to Audrain county, Missouri, and in the fall of the same year moved to Carroll county, Missouri, and after remaining on the farm one year with his father, spent two years in school at Carrollton, Missouri, and at Lexington, Indiana. After which he came to Ray county, and entered into the milling business with his brother. Continuing with his brother four years, he went to Dewitt, Missouri, where he was in the milling business until the fall of 1877, when he returned to Ray county, and again joined his brother, John R. Hamacher, as partner with him in the ownership and control of their steam flouring mill, at Richmond. They have four run of burrs, do excellent work, and have an extensive trade. Mr. Hamacher is a member of the I. O. O. F. He was married, May 13, 1880, to Miss Minnie A. Prechard, an accom- plished lady of Richmond, Missouri. In connection with their mill, the Hamacher brothers have a wool-carding machine, with a capacity of 100 pounds per day. Oliver N. Hamacher also owns a farm of 120 acres. He is a young man of great promise, and is highly respected for his upright, moral character.
JOHN T. PATTON.
John T. Patton was born June 9, 1829, in Bedford county, Tennessee, and in the fall of 1830 moved with his parents to Ray county, where he has ever since resided. He is a son of James Patton, deceased, who was a native of Tennessee, born in the year 1801. He was among the first settlers of Ray county, and helped to establish the first state and county roads in and through the county. He continued to reside in this county until his death, which occurred in 1877. The subject of this sketch was a farmer all his life up to the year 1876, when he moved to Richmond, where he engaged in the lumber trade and in dealing in agricultural
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HISTORY OF RAY COUNTY.
implements, in connection with his brother-in-law, W. R. Jackson, Esq. They have a large trade, doing an extensive business in each of their lines. John T. Patton was married in 1850, to Miss Margaret Emmer- son, an intelligent, amiable lady, of Ray county. To this union were born three children, who are yet living: Laura A., wife of William Magill, of Ray county; Isabel, wife of Rufus Hill, of Ray county, and Margaret J., at home. His wife died in 1858, and Mr. Patton was again married, in November, 1859, to Miss Narcissa R. Jackson. They had one child, but it is now deceased. Mr. Patton and his wife are members of the Christian Church. He is a good citizen, an honest man, a polite and genial gentleman.
CHARLES JOHNSON, M. D.
Charles Johnson was born in the year 1826, in Yates county, New York. He attended a medical school in New York, from which he received his diploma. The school was subsequently moved to Philadel- phia. He began the practice of medicine in 1847, in New York state, but has practiced, also, in Indiana and Illinois. In 1856 he came to Rich- mond, Ray county, Missouri, and continued the practice of his profession until 1874, in which year, on account of failing health, he moved to Colo- rado, and continued the practice of medicine at Silver Spring ranche, near Colorado Springs. In the spring of 1878 he went to Wilson county, Kansas, where he owned a farm, and practiced about one year, after which, in the spring of 1881, he returned to his former home, Richmond, Missouri, where he intends spending the remainder of his days. Doctor Johnson was married in September, 1856, to Mariah L. Cowdery, of Ray county. She was born in Ohio. He never belonged to any church soci- ety, religious or secret organization of any kind.
WILLIAM D. FISHER.
William D. Fisher, born in 1852, is a native of Chester county, Penn- sylvania. He is a son of George W. Fisher, now living at Mt. Carroll, Illinois. His father, George W. Fisher, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1826. The subject of this sketch, at the age of two years was taken by his parents to Carroll county, Illinois, where they settled in 1854. In 1868, he took up the photograph business, and after learning the art of photo- graphy, moved, in 1870, to Kansas City, Missouri, where he worked at his calling three months; thence he moved to Liberty, Missouri; after remaining in that town three months, he came to Richmond, where, in connection with Dr. Kice, he continued his business of photography. In 1874, he went to Yankton, Dakota, where he remained two years, after which he returned to Richmond, where he now resides and is engaged at his vocation. Upon his return to Richmond, Mr. Fisher entered into the
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HISTORY OF RAY COUNTY.
mercantile business, which he continued for three years, and then opened the photographic rooms he now occupies. Having spent a number of years in preparing himself for his business, Mr. Fisher is well qualified by skill and experience to prosecute his profession with success. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a worthy gentleman, manly, upright and reliable.
MURRAY F. McDONALD.
Murray F. McDonald was born January 3, 1836, in Culpepper county, Virginia. His parents were Eben McDonald, and Elizabeth (Settle) McDonald, both of whom were natives of Culpepper county, Virginia; Eben McDonald, born about 1806, and his wife, Elizabeth, in 1808. They were highly respected and honored citizens of the Old Dominion, and were noted for that genuine hospitality which ever characterizes the true Virginian. Eben McDonald died in 1852, and Elizabeth McDonald in 1863. Murray's grandfather, Latt McDonald, was also a Virginian. He served creditably in the war of 1812. He had five brothers who emi- grated westward from Virginia at an early day. Murray F. McDonald, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm, receiving his education at a high school in Jefferson, Virginia. When he came to be a man, he entered the mercantile business as clerk and salesman. In 1854, he moved to Richmond, Ray county, Missouri, where he was again employed for some years as salesman in a dry goods store. In 1859, he embarked in his favorite pursuit, that of merchandizing, on his own account. He retired, however, in 1861, on account of the civil war, then commencing. In 1869, he again resumed the mercantile business, in Richmond, Missouri, at the store room he now owns and occupies, on the north side of the court house square. He has a very large, costly and elegant stock of goods, and is liberally patronized. Murray F. McDonald is one of the leading business men of Richmond; he is of a modest, retiring disposi- tion, attends closely to his calling, but he is deeply interested in the wel- fare of his town and county, and is a man of warm impulses, morally upright, honest and reliable. He has been a member of the city council several terms, and has held other positions of trust since becoming a res- ident of the city of Richmond. He was married December 28, 1858, to Miss Maggie Davis, a daughter of Dr. Nathaniel Davis, of Richmond, Missouri. They have four children living, viz: James A., born December 3, 1859; Murray, born January 7, 1861; Beverly, born November 13, 1862, and Daisy, born August 8, 1866. Mr. McDonald is a member of Richmond Lodge A. F. and A. M.
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HISTORY OF RAY COUNTY.
OLIVER T. DICKENSON.
Oliver T. Dickenson was born in 1839, in Albemarle county, Virginia. In 1844, when he was five years of age, his parents moved with him to Boone county, Missouri. At the age of eighteen he went to learn the trade of carriage-maker. He was several years in learning his trade, and in 1859 opened a carriage and buggy manufactory in Richmond, Mis- souri, where he made carriages and buggies of a very superior kind, employing constantly from six to eight workmen. He continued in a prosperous business till the tyclone of June 1, 1878, swept over Rich- mond, totally demolishing his shop, among others, and destroying over $4,000 worth of finished work, ready for delivery. He was left without tools and entirely without means to carry on his business, which he set- tled up as best he could, and in 1880 built the livery stable where he is now engaged in the livery business. He has a good trade, and is a plain, unpretending, honest man, who attends closely to his business, harms no man, pays his taxes, and discharges the duties of a citizen cheerfully, punctually, and honorably. He is a member of the order of Knights of Honor and of the Knights of Pythias. Oliver T. Dickenson was mar- ried in 1863 to Susan J. Asbury, of Ray county, but a native of Kentucky. They have two children living: William N., born August 18, 1864, and Minnie L., born October 8, 1873, and two deceased. He is a son of Nim- rod W. Dickenson, a native of Virginia, who was drowned in the Mis- souri river in 1844. His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Robinson. She also was a native of Virginia; was born in 1815, and died about the year 1872.
WILLIAM S. CONROW.
William S. Conrow, son of the late Honorable Aaron F. Conrow, was born in Ray county, Missouri, May 4, 1855. He was educated at Rich- mond College. After leaving school he adopted the law as a profession, and entered upon its study under the instruction of Captain James L. Far- ris, attorney at law, Richmond, Missouri. In 1877, he was admitted to the bar, and began the practice of his profession in partnership with Cap- tain Farris. In April, 1878, he was elected city attorney of Richmond, and re-elected in 1879, and again in 1880. April, 1881, he was elected city recorder, an office he now holds. These positions of trust, bestowed by his fellow-townsmen, evince the confidence they have in young Con- row. He is a talented young man, and if he continues prudent, persever- ing, and pains-taking, will succeed in life.
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HISTORY OF RAY COUNTY.
JOHN F. MORTON.
John F. Morton was born in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, March 6, 1860. When he was about two years of age, his parents moved to Ports- mouth, Ohio; in the high schools of which city, young Morton received his education. In the spring of 1879, he began the study of law, having for his preceptor, General A. W. Doniphan, of Richmond, Missouri, to which place young Morton had moved the year previous. In the spring of 1881, he was admitted to the bar, and the same spring was elected city attorney of Richmond, the duties of which position he is discharging very accep- tably. He is a son of John F. Morton, deceased, a native of Kentucky. His father died in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1866. His mother is now the wife of Maurice C. Jacobs, M. D., of Richmond, Missouri. John F. Mor- ton is an intelligent young man, studious, temperate and energetic, and if he continues as such, as he doubtless will, a bright future awaits him.
DANIEL T. DUVAL.
Daniel T. Duval is a native of Ray county. He was born in the year 1850, and raised on a farm, and followed that occupation continuously till the spring of 1881, when, after selling his farm, he purchased the saddle and harness stock of J. W. Harrison, of Richmond, and engaged in that trade. He has a commodious store-room, and a full line of everything pertaining to a well appointed saddle and harness shop, and is rapidly building up a large and lucrative business. Mr. Duval is a son of Thomas A. Duval, who came from Virginia, where he was born, to Ray county, Missouri, at an early day. He died in 1864. Daniel T. Duval is a prom -- ising young man, active, energetic and attentive to business.
JOSEPH H. DEVLIN.
Joseph H. Devlin was born in Chariton county, Missouri, in the year 1844. His father was Reverend Joseph T. Devlin, a minister of the M. E. Church South. He was a native of Delaware, born in June, 1811, and died in Ray county, Missouri, in October, 1878. He was a sincere, earnest Christian, a faithful minister, a steadfast friend, and in every department of life, one of the best and purest of men. Joseph H. Dev- lin, the subject of this sketch, was educated at the Richmond College. He has always lived in Missouri, but as his father was a Methodist min- ister, he necessarily moved from place to place. After leaving school he went to Carrollton, Missouri, where, for about twelve years, he was engaged in selling goods. In October, 1880, he moved, with his family, to Sherman, Texas, but after spending the winter in that place, returned to Missouri, and located in Richmond, Ray county, and took charge of 36
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the lumber yard of McDonald & Company, which position he still holds. He was united in marriage, May 16, 1872, with Miss Maggie Ritenour, of Kansas City. They have had four children, only one of whom, Mamie, born May 1, 1879, is living. Mr. Devlin is a member of the M. E. Church South. His wife also, is a member of that church. He is also a member of the A. O. U. W. A worthy citizen, he receives the respect of all who know him.
MATTHEW J. CREEL.
Matthew J. Creel was born, August 18, 1833, in Culpepper county, Virginia. When about sixteen years of age, he went to learn the carpen- ter's trade, and served an apprenticeship of four years. In 1855 he emi- grated to Van Buren county, Iowa, and two years later came to Ray county, Missouri. He was exetensively engaged in farming till the outbreak- ing of the civil war. After the close of the war, he embarked in the mercan- tile business, and followed it for about ten years. Abandoning mercantile life, he resumed his trade, and has since worked at it in the city of Rich- mond, Missouri, continuously. He has been a member of the M. E. Church South for many years, all the time one of the most active and untir- ing workers in behalf of his church, and of religion generally. He takes a warm interest in the Sunday-school work; leads in the Sunday-school singing, and is also leader of the church choir. His wife is also a mem- ber of the M. E. Church South, and is a pious, unassuming Christian woman. He was married, May 10, A. D. 1859, to Miss Mary E. Bran- stetter, of Richmond, Missouri. They have eight children: Sallie P., Myrtie E., Henry L., Sterling Price, James P., Edward B., Mattie H., and John E.
JOHN R. GREEN.
John R. Green was born November 4, 1858, in Caldwell county, Mis- souri. He is the son of John W. Green, Esq., a native of Kentucky, born in 1836, and now a respected citizen of Richmond, Missouri. In 1866 our subject moved with his father's family to Richmond, Ray county, where he has ever since resided. He was, like many other excel- lent and scholarly young men of Ray county, educated at Richmond Col- lege. After leaving school, he was employed for about four years as clerk in a drug store at Richmond. January 1, 1879, he accepted the appoint- ment as deputy circuit clerk under the late John W. Spurlock, and in that capacity continued to act until the spring of 1881, when he was appointed by Governor Crittenden, clerk of Ray circuit court, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of John W. Spurlock, Esq. During his service as deputy clerk, Mr. Green had control of the office a great deal of the time, owing to the protracted illness of Mr. Spurlock, and when appointed
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to the office was well qualified for the position. As an officer he is cour- teous, attentive, and in every way efficient. As a private citizen, he is generous, obliging, and honorable. A brilliant future is before him.
CHARLES SEVIER.
Charles Sevier, son of Major Robert Sevier, was born at Fort Leaven- worth, Kansas, September 30, 1832. In 1840, he, with his father's family, located at Richmond, Ray county, Missouri. He was educated at the Richmond College, and at the Masonic Institute, Lexington, Missouri. In 1853 he entered the circuit clerk and recorder's office, (ex-officio) as assis- tant to his father, then the incumbent of those offices. He was shortly afterward appoint his father s deputy, and continued as such until 1865. He then went to farming on his farm near Richmond. Mr. Sevier owns a fine tract of land of about two thousand acres, most of which is in the vicinity of Richmond. During the past two years much of his time has been engrossed in settling the estate of his father; he has, however, all the time superintended his large tracts of farming land, most of which are in grass. Charles Sevier was married in 1856, to Susan L. Murrell, of Lafayette county, Missouri. To this union were born the following children, who are living: Samuel M., born August 10, 1859; (who has recently graduated at Kemper's Family School, Booneville, Missouri,) and Isabel, born January 5, 1862. His wife, an amiable lady, died June 4, 1866. Mr. Sevier was again married January 28, 1869, to Emma A. Dines, of Ray county. She is an accomplished, estimable lady. They have four children: Robert, born December 1, 1869; George F., born July 28, 1872; Mary R., born July 27, 1876, and Ann H., born April 24, 1878. Mr. Sevier is a member of the Presbyterian Church, a good citi- zen, and an honest man.
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