USA > Missouri > Ray County > History of Ray county, Mo. > Part 67
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W. F. LANCASTER.
William F. Lancaster was born in Mercer county, Kentucky, in August, 1827, and was educated there. When he left school he was apprenticed for two years to a carpenter in Cincinnati, Ohio. Went with his parents, after finishing his apprenticeship, to Van Buren county, Iowa, and lived there fifteen years, following carpentering for a while, then saw-milling, and afterward farming. He came to Ray county, Missouri, in 1865, having purchased land here the year previous. His farm at that time was in a poor state of cultivation, had only an inferior log house upon it, and no other improvements worthy of mention. By his industry and prudent economy Mr. Lancaster is now surrounded by all the comforts and improvements enjoyed by any of his neighbors, a fine commodious resi- dence, a large, roomy and substantial barn, which is an object of admira- tion to all who see it, and an excellent orchard, while the entire place has an air of business thrift and enterprise. Mr. Lancaster was not himself engaged in either army during the rebellion, but had three brothers on the Union side. One of these died in prison, another at Memphis, and the third, surviving the war, returned home. Wm. F. Lancaster has been
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twice married. First, in 1854, to Miss Jane Smith, of Iowa. The issue of this marriage was four children, two of whom, James Rolla and Vesta Iowa, yet live. His second wife was Miss Jennie McDowel, of Ray county. By her he has two children: Charlie C., and Eddie E. Mr. Lancaster did the most of the work with his own hands in the construc- tion of the buildings upon his farm. He is a good carpenter, a practical, successful farmer, an estimable neighbor and a good citizen.
DAVID W. KELL.
The gentleman whose name heads this sketch was born in Madison county, Illinois, July 29, 1844. He was educated at Shurtleff College, in the city of Alton. His father was conducting a hardware store there, and when young Kell had finished his collegiate course he found employ- ment in that business. He was afterwards, in the year 1863, engaged in railroading, and later, found employment on a steamboat. He emigrated to California in 1865, and while there was occupied with farming. He returned home in 1867, and in 1869, visited Ray county, Missouri, and remained during the summer. After his return home he continued the cultivation of his farm. In 1874, he left Illinois, and established his home in Ray county, and here he has ever since resided. Mr. Kell was mar- ried to Miss Louise Clarke, of Ray county, Missouri, in the month of December, 1870. She proved a most excellent wife, and devoted mother. Three children were born to them: Edward C., Reuben L. and Ella M., who were early deprived, by death, of their mother's loving care. Mrs. Kell died in October, 1878. She was very popular, and highly esteemed for her amiable character. Her untimely death was deeply mourned by her many friends and relatives. Mr. Kell has a fine farm of two hundred acres, with a handsome and comfortable residence. He is a good citizen, and a reliable, honest, upright man.
S. O. MASON.
Samuel O. Mason was born on the 31st day of May, 1835, in Mason county, Kentucky. His parents immigrated to Missouri when he was very young, and settled for a time in Lafayette county. Here he received his education, and, after leaving school, devoted himself to farming. He enlisted from Lafayette county, with General Jo Shelby, and served for some time in the Confederate army. He was discharged at Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He returned to Missouri, and began farming in Ray county. Mr. Mason was married on the 23d day of September, 1856, to Miss Georgia Ann Delaney, a resident of Lexington, Lafayette county, Mis- souri, but born in Kentucky. Of this union eight children were born, six of whom, Robert, Ida, Flora, A., Byron, and Georgia, still live. Two,
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who were younger, died in infancy. Mr. Mason was called upon to suffer the loss of his excellent wife, and the children to mourn the absence of a loving, tender mother's care. Mrs. Mason died August 9, 1878, and the sunshine went out of that once happy home. Mr. Mason has traveled considerably over different states of the Union, but has seen no section of the country he likes better than old Ray. He has a fine large farm, in excellent condition, a handsome residence, and a commodious and con- viently arranged barn. He deals extensively in live-stock, and is con- stantly grazing or feeding stock for market. He is to-day the possessor of a handsome competency, and has the pleasant reflection as he enjoys it, that it is all the result of his own industry.
ROBERT W. MASON.
This gentleman is a Missourian. He was born in Lafayette county, on the 12th day of June, 1857, and was educated there and in Ray county. His parents removed with him to the latter county in 1865, where he has ever since been engaged in his favorite occupation, farming. He was married on the 18th day of November, 1879, to Miss Lillie J. Slusher, daughter of a prominent farmer of Lafayette county, Missouri. R. W. Mason is the eldest son of Mr. Samuel O. Mason, a native of Kentucky. Mr. Mason owns an excellent farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres in Richmond township, in an unsurpassed condition in point of product- iveness, a fine, commodious residence, and other improvements and con- veniences of modern kind. He is an industrious, progressive, and suc- cessful young farmer, and is universally liked for his good-natured hos- pitality, so freely dispensed to friend or stranger. He counts his friends by the score. With the advantages he now possesses, and his well- established habits of industry and economy, Mr. Mason cannot fail of attaining great wealth long before he is an old man.
J. R. HUNT.
James R. Hunt was born three miles from the town of Richmond, Ray county, Missouri, on the 29th day of June, 1829. Richmond, was at that time, a straggling village. His parents were natives of the state of Ken- tucky, and came to Ray county among the pioneer settlers. In the acquirement of his education he received the advantages of such schools as were accessible to him at that early day. He has always been a farmer, that being his chosen vocation. He did not engage in the civil war. Spent some time in 1865 on the plains of the great west. He was mar- ried on the 6th day of June, 1852, to Miss Anna E. Morris, daughter of Washington Morris, Esq., an old settler and prominent citizen of Ray county. The issue of their union was fourteen children; ten of whom, Sallie, Isabelle, Francis Marion, Edward S., Cordia, George W., Kate,
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Emma, Ella and Ollie, are now living. Mr. Hunt's mother, who lives with him, though seventy-three years of age, retains a strong active mem- ory and is in excellect health. This estimable old lady remembers vividly many interesting anecdotes and incidents connected with pioneer life in the county. Mr. Hunt owns a valuable farm, well stocked and improved, and is in a highly prosperous condition. He is quite extensively engaged in breeding and handling fine sheep. He is a practical, successful farmer, an obliging neighbor, and a highly respected citizen in his community.
GEORGE S. EWING.
A native of Howard county, Missouri, and was born January 19, 1832. His parents removed to Ray county when he was very young, and here, together with some schooling in Kentucky, he received his education. He was occupied with farming until the beginning of the great civil war, when he espoused the cause of the south and enlisted for the war under General Sterling Price. He was engaged at the battles of Corinth, Springfield, Iuka, Franklin, New Hope Church, and other lesser engage- ments. Was discharged at Jackson, Mississippi, in the spring of 1865, and returning to Ray county, Missouri, resumed his farming. Mr. Ewing was married in the month of June, 1852, to Miss Lydia A. Tisdale, of Ray county. They became the parents of five children, living: Wil- liam W., Robert S., Joseph, Jackson and Thomas. In religion, Mr. Ewing is a Baptist, a consistent and devoted Christian and a good man.
REV. N. B. PEELER.
This gentleman, whose life's history we now have the pleasure of presenting to his many friends and admirers, was born in Howard county, Missouri, on the 21st of April, A. D. 1832. He was educated at Bethany College, West Virginia, graduating in 1858. He was fortunate in receiv- ing instructions, counsel and admonition from that distinguished divine, Alexander Campbell, the founder of the Christian Church. In 1859, he went to Kentucky and spent eight years there, preaching and teaching school in the counties of Woodford, Fayette and Henry. Returning again to Howard county, Missouri, he continued the work of a minister and teacher for four years. He moved to Richmond, Ray county, in 1871, and organized and taught the public school in that place for one year. From August, 1872, to December, 1873, he was pastor of the Chris- tian Church at Carrollton, Missouri; from that time until 1875 of the church at Richmond, Missouri; preaching, also, at different points in the county. Subsequently he removed to the farm upon which he now lives, and which he conducts in connection with his teaching and ministerial labors. Mr. Peeler was married on the 10th day of November, 1865, to
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Miss Mary A. Redd, of Fayette county, Kentucky. From this union seven children have been born to them: Julian, Alfred R., Paul and Spence, twins, David H., Archibald O. and Annie. The Rev. Mr. Peeler's father was born in North Carolina, in 1794; immigrated to Howard county, Missouri, in 1818, and has lived there ever since, and although he has reached the ripe age of eighty-six years, he is remarka- bly strong and healthy. Mr. Peeler, senior, has been judge of the county court and was at one time a member of the general assembly of the state of Missouri. His occupation is farming. He is a descendant of the Ger- mans who settled in Pennsylvania at an early day, and has always enjoyed the respect and esteem of his fellow men. Rev. Peeler is now pastor of the Hickory Grove Christian Church and also of the congregation at Russellville. He is a popular and successful minister, a good teacher, a prominent citizen, and is greatly beloved by his people. He has done a good work for the denomination he represents in Ray county.
W. R. BALLINGER.
Wm. R. Ballinger is a Kentuckian. He was born in Garrard county, Kentucky, in the year 1816. He obtained his education in the common schools. He was early inspired with a liking for the life of a farmer, and has always pursued that calling. In 1836 he went to Illinois, and for a length of time followed farming and stock-raising in that state. He would, perhaps, still be living there, were it not for the failure of his health. He came to Ray county, Missouri, in the fall of 1871, and lived for three years on a farm, near Richmond. He afterward removed to the place, where he now resides. Mr. Ballinger's parents were Virgin- ians, who removed to Kentucky with the tide of early immigration to that state. Wm. R. Ballinger was married in the spring of 1853, to Miss A. E. Bibb, of Illinois. The issue of this marriage is eight children: Mary L., Paulina, Mattie, Jennie, Henry, Benjamin, Allen, and William. He owns a fine farm of 360 acres, nearly all of which is under cultivation; has a good, substantial dwelling, and other improvements usually found on a well-kept farm. He is extensively engaged in raising fine stock. Mr. Ballinger is a prominent citizen, and universally respected, and held in high regard as a man by his neighbors.
S. C. DAVIS.
Was born in Ray county, Missouri, November 26, 1836. His parents were from the state of Tennessee, and came here with the first settlers of Ray county. They had three sons, two of whom were killed during the civil war. Mr. Davis was educated in the schools of his native county, and after leaving school engaged in the avocation of farming. He was married in the month of February, 1856, to Miss Sophronia A. Schooler,
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of Ray county. Six children have been born to them, whose names fol- low: Isabella A., Edward R., Martha A., Benora F., Maggie A., and James F. Mr. Davis has traveled considerably through the great west. Spent some time at the Mormon city of Salt Lake, Utah. He owns a farm of one hundred acres of good, rich land, a comfortable residence, and necessary out buildings for the shelter of stock and grain. He engages largely in the cattle trade, and fattens cattle for market upon his farm. He is a practical business man and highly prosperous. He is a worthy member of the order of Patrons of Husbandry, Crooked River Grange, number 1,005, and a good, substantial citizen of Richmond township.
FRANK REMELINS.
The subject of this sketch is a native of Germany, having been born in Bavaria, one of the German states, in the month of October, 1836. He received his education in the justly celebrated schools of his native land. He was trained to the calling of a furrier and previous to his departure from Europe, was engaged in dressing furs and in other departments of the business. Left Germany in 1853, for America, and landed at New York, remaining there for about four years, working at carpentering. He left New York about the year 1858, and travelled through all the northern, most of the western and southern states, finally settling in Mis- souri, near the town of Springfield, in Greene county. Here he lived and worked at carpentering, in its different branches, until 1861, when he enlisted in the home guards, under Colonel Phelps. Afterwards, his time having expired in the home guard service, he enlisted in the fourteenth regiment of state militia, commanded by Colonel Richardson. He was at the battle of Springfield, Missouri, and in several other skirmishes. Receiving his discharge at Warrensburg, in the spring of 1865, he came to Lexington, Missouri, and resumed work at his trade, carpentering and millwrighting. He removed to Ray county in 1869, and has since lived here. Mr. Remelins was married in the year 1858, to Miss Augusta Bube, also a native of Germany. They became the parents of five chil- dren: Louis, Ike Eugene, Frank, Emma and Paulina. He owns five hundred and twenty acres of Ray county's best land, well improved and stocked with the best varieties of domestic animals, a handsome, comfort- able residence, a good barn and other out buildings, and is a successful, wealthy farmer and a substantial citizen of his adopted county.
S. C. EDGAR.
This gentleman is a native of Kentucky, born in Hart county, Decem- ber 12, 1845. His parents moved to Grayson county, Kentucky, when he was but three years of age, and there he received his education, and
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began the work of a farmer. From Grayson county he removed to Hardin county, in the same state, where he lived until 1869, in September of which year, he removed to Ray county, Missouri. Here he has ever since had his home. During the war between the states, he was in the Union army, under General Johnson, but was not engaged in any impor- tant fights. Mr. Edgar was married on the 10th day of January, 1877, to Miss Florence Maberry, a native of Ray county. They have one child, living: Carl C. He owns a fine, productive farm of 120 acres, in a good section of the county, adjacent to schools and churches. Mr. Edgar is a kind, obliging neighbor, and an industrious, practical farmer, and is well thought of by his fellow citizens of Richmond township.
A. D. HARBISON.
The gentleman whose name heads this article, was born in Shelbyville, Shelby county, Ky., on the 11th of October, 1849. When he was but nine years old his father removed to a farm in Ray county, Missouri, and here our subject was reared and educated, and here he has always pursued the business of farming. Mr. Harbison was married in the year 1874, to Miss Susie Goldbar, of Ray county, Missouri. Two children have been born of this union: Myrtie Alice and Minnie Eliza. Mr. Harbison owns one hundred acres of Ray's best soil, with a good, comfortable residence, and the whole place betokens industry, thrift and enterprise. He is one of the best citizens of Richmond township.
JAMES P. HAYNES.
J. P. Haynes is a prominent farmer of Richmond township and now (April, 1881,) holds the office of public administrator of Ray county. He was born August 20, 1816, in Murray county, Tennessee. His parents were natives of North Carolina. When he was yet quite young, his father moved from Murray to Bedford county, Tennessee, but remaining there only for a time, immigrated to Ray county, Missouri, settling in the town- ship in which our subject has ever since lived. Mr. Haynes' education was finished in the schools of Ray county. He was reared upon a farm, and farming has always been his chief occupation, though he taught school for some time in his early manhood. His father died in 1862 at the age of seventy-five; his mother lived until 1880, when she died, at the ripe old age of eighty-nine years. Mr. Haynes is of a quiet, peaceable dispo- sition, and has never taken any part in war-like movements, except for a short time, against the Mormons, in this county. He was married Novem- ber 1, 1841, to Miss Jane Schooler, a native of Tennessee. They were married in Ray county. The issue of this marriage is six children, living. Their names are as follows: Joseph H., George R., James H., Rosabelle
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J., Mary E. M., and John A. Mr. Haynes was elected justice of the peace in 1854, and held that office for eleven years, and as an evidence of the popularity and respect in which he is held by the people of the county, he was, in 1872, elected by a handsome majority, on the democratic ticket, to the responsible office of public administrator. This office he has ever since held to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. He also is, and has been for years, director of the schools of his neighborhood. Mr. Haynes is the owner of three hundred acres of as good land as any in the county, in an excellent state of cultivation, with a good comfortable residence, and other necessary improvements. He is engaged, to a con- siderable extent, in breeding and raising fine stock; his blooded Cotswold sheep, especially, are the admiration of all. He is a worthy member of Myrtle Lodge No. 338, A. F. & A. M., and also of Crooked River Grange No. 1005, P. of H. In religion, Mr. Haynes is a consistent member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He is one of the most substantial farmers and best citizens of Ray county.
W. S. PETERS.
William S. Peters was born in Fauquier county, Virginia, June 7, 1819. In 1821, his parents removed to Kentucky, and lived in that state until the year 1855. From Kentucky the subject of this sketch came to Boone county, Missouri, landing at Rocheport on the Missouri river, March 26, 1855, and after living in that county for a time, moved to Malta Bend, in Saline county, where he purchased a fine farm and was largely engaged in the stock dealing business with J. W. Layne. From Saline county he moved to Carroll county in the year 1877, and two years afterwards to this county, where he has since lived. He owns a good farm, well improved and thoroughly cultivated, but devotes his own attention chiefly to buying and shipping stock, in which business he has had as much experience, perhaps as any man in the county. Mr. Peters was married in Garrard county, Kentucky, January 13, 1840, to Miss Miriam Herring, whose parents were natives of Virginia. Three children were born of this marriage: James H., (now engaged in stock business at St. Louis), Sarah E., (died in June, 1879), Seymour H., (engaged on his father's farm four miles east of Richmond). Mr. Peters is a successful trader and a practical business man, a kind, obliging neighbor, a valuable member of the community and a prominent and highly respected citizen.
A. R. CHENAULT.
A. R. Chenault was born in Iredell county, North Carolina, June 5, 1835, and grew up in his native state. He was educated at Taylorsville College, North Carolina, and at Wm. Jewell College, Liberty, Clay county, Missouri. He taught school for a time in North Carolina, and then (1858)
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came to Missouri, stopping first in Pettis county, and teaching in Buffalo Academy. He next went to Clay county, Missouri, and was during a number of years principal of a high school at Missouri City, after which he came to this county, and presided for three years over the college at Richmond. He is a ripe scholar, and was a popular and efficient teacher. At the close of his engagement in the college at Richmond, he retired from the profession of teaching, and purchased a fine farm near the R. & L. Junction, which he has since occupied and conducted. This place comprises eight hundred acres of very valuable land. It is handsomely improved and in a fine state of cultivation. Its excellent condition evinces that Mr. Chenault is as successful in farming as teaching. During the civil war he was in the Confederate army, under General Sterling Price, for a short time, but was compelled to leave the army on account of severe sickness, from which he almost lost his life. He participated in the bat- tles of Carthage, Wilson's Creek, and other minor engagements. Mr. Chenault was married in 1866, to Miss Ella Estes, of Ray county. They are the parents of six children: Cora, Lula, Ida, William, Charles, and Bessie. Mr. Chenault is a useful member of the community and a prom- inent and highly respected citizen of the county.
THOMAS J. OGG.
Thomas J. Ogg is a Kentuckian. He was born in Madison county, Kentucky, on the 15th day of June, 1837, where he lived until he was grown, and then came to Ray county, Missouri. He settled on a farm about two miles southeast of Albany and resided there until 1864. He was fortunate enough to escape embroilment in the troubles of the war and remained quietly at home engaged in the management of his business. In the year 1864 he removed to the farm upon which he now lives, (section 19, township 52, range 28.) Part of this place he owns individu- ally, and about one hundred and sixty acres in partnership with his brother, Wm. A. Ogg. He is also the owner of a good grist and saw-mill. Mr. Ogg was married in the year 1862, to Miss L. E. Cox, of Ray county. The issue of this marriage was two sons, both of whom are now living. About ten years after their marriage, Mrs. Ogg died, and Mr. Ogg was married again, in 1875, to Miss Lucy A. Owen, daughter of Henry E. Owen, Esq., of Ray county. Of this union two children were born, one only, Henry, is now living. Mr. Owen has been a member of the Chris- tian Church for about fifteen years. His first wife was also a member of that church. The present Mrs. Ogg is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Ogg is also a member of the Masonic lodge at Richmond. He is a fixture here and intends remaining in Ray 'county the remainder of his life. He has been very successful, both with his farming and milling, and is a very useful and valuable adjunct to the community in which he lives.
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HISTORY OF RAY COUNTY.
N. B. OGG.
Napoleon B. Ogg was born in Madison county, Kentucky, in the year 1840. He received his education and grew up there, working on his father's farm. His father is still living there, and is now quite old. N. B. Ogg came to Ray county, Missouri, in the year 1868, and in the month of January, 1872, was married to Miss Lou Emma Burns, daughter of A. Burns, Esq., formerly a resident of Ray county, now deceased. Four sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ogg, all of whom are now living. Their names in order of birth are as follows: Cyde, Charles B., Montie Lee, and Bertie. On first coming to this county Mr. Ogg engaged in the mercantile business at Ogg's Mill, west of Richmond, and subsequently
at the town of Morton. He was four years in this business, and during that time he was constantly occupied in buying and selling cattle and hogs. The business of a stock trader is Mr. Ogg's chief occupation at present, though he also conducts a farm near Richmond. Mrs. Ogg is a worthy member of the M. E. Church South, at Todd's Chapel. Although Mr. Ogg has not been a resident of Ray county for many years, he is well identified with those who are deeply interested in her welfare and most active in the development of her resources and the promotion of public enterprises.
WILLIAM WILSON.
This gentleman was one of the company who sunk the first shaft for coal in Ray county. Wm. Wilson was born in Lawarkshire county, Scotland, in the year 1845. He has always been a miner. In the year 1865, he came to America, and spent a short time, after his arrival in this country, in the state of Pennsylvania, then coming west, he lived for a time in different states, until 1869, when he finally settled in Ray county, Missouri, and received naturalization papers from the circuit court here. Soon after locating in this county, Mr. Wilson began mining for coal, and, as has been stated, inaugurated the business by sinking the first shaft in is what now known as mine number six, on the railroad, one mile south of Richmond. This enterprise was highly successful, and the great coal beds of Ray county were opened to the world. There was a ready mar- ket at a good price, for all the coal that Mr. Wilson could get out, and he continued the business until now he is the possessor of a handsome income from mines and real estate. He is the owner of a beautiful place of seventy-three acres, in the western suburbs of Richmond, where he has of late, turned his attention to the raising of the best varieties of poultry. He has a patent incubator with which to hatch his fowls, and is prepared with every modern convenience and device to assist in raising them. If this venture proves a success, as no doubt it will under the management
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