USA > Missouri > Ray County > History of Ray county, Mo. > Part 71
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R. B. HALIGAN.
Robert B. Haligan was born in Fayette county, Kentucky, March 11, 1856. His parents, William G. and D. A. Haligan, were also natives of the state of Kentucky. They removed, when Robert was fourteen years of age, to Ray county, Missouri, and settled upon the same farm he now occupies. His father died in 1873, and his mother the year following. Mr. Haligan was married on the 14th day of June, 1874, in this county, to Miss Martha Farris, a native of Ray county. They have one child, Robert P. The subject of this sketch has been engaged in farming and stock-raising in this county ever since leaving school. He owns a third interest in his father's homestead, a fine farm of three hundred acres of valuable land, about two hundred acres in a fine state of cultivation and enclosed by good substantial fences. This farm is improved by a com- fortable and conveniently arranged dwelling house, a substantial and roomy barn, and other buildings. It is also supplied with an abundance of water for the accommodation of stock, and has a thrifty, bearing orchard. Mr. Haligan is a rising young farmer, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him. He is now serving as justice of the peace, to which office he was appointed by the county court in March, 1881.
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HISTORY OF RAY COUNTY.
ANDREW J. RIFFE.
The gentleman whose name heads this article is a native of Casey county, Kentucky. He is the son of John and Mary Riffe, and was born on the 6th day of April, 1828. His parents removed to Missouri and set- tled in Ray county when he was eleven years of age, and he was educated and grew up in this county. In the month of April, 1850, in company with five other young men from the same vicinity, he'went, with the hope of bettering his fortunes, to the gold mines of the far west. After spend- ing six months in a tedious overland trip, suffering great hardships, and running the gauntlet of hostile bands of Indians, he and his companions arrived in California. Mr. Riffe remained in California and other parts of the west, until July, 1851, and then returned to his home in Ray county. He owns an excellent farm of two hundred and forty acres, about one hundred and sixty acres in cultivation, forty acres in pasture, and the remainder woodland. His farm is under good substantial fences, well watered and in a fine state of productiveness. It lies conveniently near good schools, churches and markets. Mr. Riffe was married February 6, 1854, to Miss Angeline Dorton, a native of the state of Kentucky. They became the parents of eight children, only three of whom are now living: Charles, Lizzie and Archie. Mr. Riffe and his wife are active members of the Christian Church. He is a prosperous farmer and a val- uable and influential citizen.
ETHBERT M. ENDSLEY.
Ethbert M. Endsley was born in Ray county, Missouri, June 18, 1834. He is the son of John and Hannah Endsley. His father first came to this county about the year 1819. The subject of this sketch lived on his father's farm until the spring of 1852, when he went to California, and engaged there in mining and other pursuits during about five years, returning to this county in 1857. Having been occupied so long (nearly six months), in going to California overland, he chose the ocean route on the return trip, sailing from San Francisco to the Isthmus of Panama, and returning home from there by boat. In 1864, Mr. Endsley went to Salt Lake City, Utah, and thence to Montana Territory, where he engaged for about a year in freighting with teams, after which he came back again to this county, and has lived here ever since. Mr. Endsley owns a good stock farm of four hundred and eighty-three acres, about ninety acres of tillable land, and the balance in pasture and woodlands. He is largely engaged in raising the best breeds of live stock, and pays particu- lar attention to Short-horn cattle. His farm is handsomely improved, and well arranged and conducted. It bears a thrifty and prosperous appear- ance. Mr. Endsley has been twice married. First, December 27, 1857,
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HISTORY OF RAY COUNTY.
in this county, to Miss Eliza M. Vance, a native of the state of North Carolina. They became the parents of nine children, seven of whom are now living, viz: Amanda, Alice B., Ethbert M., John N., Everett, Fanny, Eliza M. Mrs. Endsley died in the month of June, 1873, and he was again married, September 15, 1875, to Mariah L. Owens, a native of Ray county, Missouri. Both Mr. Endsley and his wife are leading members of the Christian Church. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the Grange and of the Farmers' Club. He is a highly esteemed citi- zen, and a valuable member of the community.
ZAZA D. RALPH.
Zaza D. Ralph is a native of Ray county, Missouri. He was born November 27, 1830. He received his education and grew up to manhood's estate in his native county. In 1864, he went to the great west and spent seven months on the plains, returning again to this county. He was mar- ried December 24, 1850, to Miss Martha A. Simpson, a native of Virginia, born February 1, 1836. They became the parents of seven children: Mary, born December 12, 1851; Jessie B., born July 20, 1854; Ella, born August 7, 1857; Lucy A., born November 10, 1860; Fanny A., born March 1, 1864; Zula D., born August 6, 1866; Laura L., born June 5, 1869. Mr. Ralph owns a fine farm of six hundred and forty acres, six hundred acres enclosed by good fences and about four hundred acres in cultivation. This farm is handsomely improved and well stocked with the best breeds of horses, mules, cattle, hogs and sheep. He pays partic- ยท ular attention to raising fine cattle and has made that branch of his busi- ness very successful and profitable. He is also engaged in buying and selling live stock. Mr. Ralph and his wife with their eldest daughter are members of the Christian Church. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Grange. Mr. Ralph is a prosperous farmer and stock dealer and influential citizen, and a man highly respected and esteemed in the community.
RICHARD. W. BATES.
The subject of this sketch was born in Ray county, Missouri, Feb- ruary 14, 1847. His parents were William and Zerilda Bates. His father is a native of Virginia, he came from that state to Ray county, in the year 1835, and is yet living here in his sixty-seventh year. His mother (Zerilda) was born in the state of Kentucky. Our subject remained at home, with his parents, working on the farm in summer, and attending such schools as he could have access to, in the winter, until he attained his majority. Richard W. Bates was married in the month of January, 1871, by Rev. Mr. Newland, of the M. E. Church, to Miss Mary Miller. She lived only about eighteen months after marriage, and
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HISTORY OF RAY COUNTY.
her early demise was much lamented by a large circle of friends and relatives. Mr. Bates was again married March 22, 1877, by Rev. J. M. Wheeler, of the Baptist Church, to Miss P. Gaut, daughter of Joshua R. and Winnie A. Gaut, natives of the state of North Carolina. She was born in Ray county, Missouri, March 18, 1846. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bates, named, Sallie, date of birth, October 30, 1871. Mr. Bates owns one hundred and fifty-four acres of good land, one hun- dred and fifteen acres under cultivation, the rest growing timber of good quality. He is also engaged, to a considerable extent, in raising and feed- ing live stock. Mr. Bates is a practical, successful farmer, and a good citizen.
REV. WILLIAM C. GARRETT.
William C. Garrett was born in Pulaski county, Kentucky, April 23, 1823, and continued to live there, with his parents, until he was fifteen years of age. The family then emigrated from Kentucky to Jackson county, Missouri, where they lived during one summer, and then removed to Buchanan county, Missouri. Mr. Garrett was married on the 20th day of February, 1840, by Reverend Benjamin Riley, of the Christian Church, to Miss Milly Kerns, who was born in Russell county, Kentucky, Janu- ary 13, 1821. Five children have been born to bless this union. Their names, with dates of birth, follow: James M., born May 25, 1841; John W., born May 2, 1843; Sarah J., born March 26, 1845; Mary A., born June 1, 1849; William F., born October 26, 1857. In the year 1845 our subject moved to Andrew county, Missouri, where he lived three years, and then went to DeKalb county, Missouri, and remained there until 1854, when he removed to Henry county, Missouri. From there he went to Jefferson county, Kansas, and thence, after a time, to Pottawattamie county, Kansas, where he lived until 1874, and then came to Ray county, Missouri, where he located permanently, and has since resided. Mr. Garrett has been an active minister of the Regular Baptist Church for more than thirty-eight years. In the discharge of his ministerial labors he has traveled thousands of miles, and often been subjected to great hardships. Often he was compelled to walk long distances-sometimes as far as sixty miles-to keep an appointment that had been made for him to preach. His life has been that of the pioneer preacher, and he has wrought well and faithfully in the vineyard where the Master assigned him work. Heis a very successful preacher, and is universally respected and revered by the members of his flock.
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HISTORY OF RAY COUNTY.
DR. H. B. HAMILTON.
Henry B. Hamilton was born in Lincoln county, Kentucky, July 18, 1822. His parents, Thomas and Rachel Hamilton, were also natives of Kentucky, and immigrated from that state to Ray county, Missouri, when Henry was about ten years old. After completing the course of study taught in the schools of his adopted county, our subject returned to Ken- tucky and entered the medical department of Transylvania University, and graduated from that institution of learning in 1847. He returned to Ray county and commenced the practice of his chosen profession, and has continued it ever since with abundant success. Dr. Hamilton was married May 8, 1849, to Miss Elizabeth R. Craig, by Rev. John Walker of the Christian Union Church, in Ray county, Missouri. Mrs. Hamilton is the daughter of John and Susannah Craig. She was born December 25, 1833. Her father was a native of the state of Pennsylvania, her mother of North Carolina. Dr. and Mrs. Hamilton became the parents of two children: Charles L., born October 22, 1858; Claude C., born April 17, 1866. Dr. Hamilton was engaged in merchandising in company with J. R. Green, at Hainesvill, in Clinton county, Missouri, from 1853 to 1857. He then occupied and improved a tract of land which he had. entered in Caldwell county, Missouri. This farm he exchanged for a stock of goods and engaged in merchandising again for about a year, at Kingston, Caldwell county, and then came to Richmond and engaged in the same business for the space of one year. He then returned to his farm where he has ever since lived, occupied in attending to the duties of his large practice. His son Charles L., graduated from the St. Louis Medical College in the spring of 1880, and is now associated with his father in the practice of medicine. Both father and son belong to the allopathic school of medicine.
J. O. KILLGROVE.
James O. Killgrove was born in Carroll county, Arkansas, June 6, 1846. His parents were John H. and Lucinda C. Killgrove, natives of North Carolina. Our subject continued to live at home with his parents, until the commencement of the civil war. He enlisted in company A, second Arkansas volunteer cavalry, which was assigned to service in Arkansas and Missouri, against the army of the Confederate General Price. He was discharged May 17, 1865, at St. Louis. His father had removed to he Perry county, Illinois, during his term of service in the army, and hither went, after being discharged, to join the family. After living in Illinois for three years, he went back to Arkansas, and was there married, in Johnson county, to Miss Mary A. Barnett, June 9, 1872, by Rev. Mr. Canada, of the M. E. Church. Mrs. Killgrove was born January 30, 1847. She is the daughter of Josephus and Jane R. Barnett, natives of
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HISTORY OF RAY COUNTY.
the state of Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Killgrove became the parents of five children: Ellsworth L., born March 16, 1873; T. E., born January 21, 1875; Winona A., born January 28, 1877; Osborne E., born January 28, 1879. Ellsworth died August 19, 1874. In 1873 he immigrated to the state of Texas, where he lived for more than two years, and then returned to Ray county, Missouri, and has since lived here. Mr. Kill- grove owns a neat, nicely improved farm, and is doing a thriving business. He is highly regarded by all of the community in which he lives, and is a valuable and influential citizen.
ISSA H. NATION.
Is the son of W. K. and Nancy Nation. He was born in Daviess county, Missouri, January 31, 1851. His father was a native of Kentucky, and his mother of Missouri. Our subject left home at the age of nineteen years, and going to Polk county, Missouri, engaged in herding stock there, for about eighteen months, and then returned to Daviess county. Mr. Nation was married February 11, 1877, to Miss Maria McGhee, the daughter of William and Orlatha McGhee. She was born May 30, 1853. The issue of this marriage has been three children, two of whom are now living: Lorenzo, born February 11, 1878; George R., born March 14, 1881. The principal occupation of our subject has always been farm- ing, though he has engaged at carpentering also, at different times during life. Both Mr. Nation and his wife are leading members of the Mission- ary Baptist Church at Rockfall. He is a thrifty, enterprising and suc- cessful farmer and good citizen.
THOMAS S. VAUGHN.
Is a native of Lincoln county, Kentucky, and was born April, 1822. His parents were Newman and Precia Vaughn, natives of the state of North Carolina. When Thomas was fifteen years of age, his parents moved to Bond county, Illinois, and resided there until 1846, when our subject returned to Kentucky. and remained there three years, and then went to California. From that state he traveled for about six years, going to the Sandwich Islands, in the Pacific Ocean, and to other places of interest. Returning once more to his native state, he remained there for a short time, and then removed to Illinois for a time. From Illinois he came to Ray county, Missouri, and located where he now lives, and pur- sued the avocation of cabinet-making for about fifteen years. Since that time he has been engaged in the business of farming. In the month of April, 1857, Mr. Vaughn was married to Miss Sarah A. McCullum, daughter of Williamson and Mary J. McCullum, natives of Tennessee. The marriage ceremony was performed by Reverend Samuel P. Johnson, of the Christian Church. The result of this union has been five children,
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HISTORY OF RAY COUNTY.
all but one of whom are living: 'Laura, born February, 1858 (now the wife of W. J. Craig); Josie E., born August, 1872; Charlie T., born February, 1875; John R., born November, 1880. Both Mr. Vaughn and his wife are members of the Christian Church, and also of the Crab Orchard Grange, P. of H. Mr. Vaughn owns a fine fertile farm, well improved, and in a good state of cultivation. He is a valuable citizen, and is held in universal respect and esteem by his neighbors.
LILBURN C. HARRIS.
This gentleman was born in East Tennessee on the 20th day of Novem- ber, 1830. When he was only two years old, his parents, James and Jane Harris, also natives of Tennessee, immigrated with him to Howard county, Missouri, and after a short time spent there, to Ray county, where the family located permanently, on the farm where our subject now resides. His father died when Lilburn was but fourteen years old, and the care and support of the family devolved, in a large measure, upon him. The family consisted of eight persons, and young Lilburn's duties at home were too arduous to allow him much time for attending school, and his education was, in consequence, somewhat limited. At the age of twenty years, Mr. Harris was married, in February, 1850, to Miss Mary Clark, by John E. Wells, justice of the peace. After his marriage he was engaged at farming until the outbreaking of the civil war. In 1862 he was enrolled in the militia and served until 1864, when he enlisted in com- pany B, 44th Missouri regiment of volunteer infantry. He participated in the battles of Duck River, Springhills, Franklin, Nashville, Cedar Point, and Spanish Fort. He was discharged August 15, 1865, and imme- mediately returned home to his family. His wife died in August, 1866, leaving him with seven young children. He was again married, April 10, 1867, by Judge McKissack, of Ray county, to Miss Salina J. Veach. She too, died, after becoming the mother of two children, June 29, 1869, and Mr. Harris was married the third time, November 20, 1880, to Miss Margaret A. Clark, sister of his first wife. This ceremony was per- formed by William Brown, justice of the peace. The third Mrs. Harris. was born March 30, 1832. She is the daughter of R. and Nancy Clark. Her father was a native of Kentucky, and her mother of North Carolina. Ten children have been born to Mr. Harris by his different marriages, seven of whom are now living and three dead. Their names with dates of birth are as follows: Sarah E., born July 6, 1851; Elijah J., born November 4, 1852; Margaret, born February 21, 1856; Marcus L., born July 7, 1861; Nancy E., born August 14, 1864; Benuretta, born December 30, 1867; Willemetta, born May 30, 1869; Hannah A., born January 13, 1858, died January 19, 1872; Julia F., born September 30, 1854, died, May,
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HISTORY OF RAY COUNTY.
1873; Georgia A., born May 5, 1859, died July 19, 1872. Mrs. Harris is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. James Harris, father of our subject, was born January 17, 1804, and died September 25, 1844. His mother (Jane), was born August 4, 1810, and died in the month of Feb- ruary, 1878.
JUDGE WILLIAM McKISSACK.
William McKissack was born in Cocke county, Tennessee, September 1, 1812. His parents removed when he was only seven years old to Mis- souri, and, locating first in Saline county, lived there for three years, and then came to Ray county, and settled upon the same place where Judge McKissack now lives. Our subject was educated in the schools of this county, and remained at home with his parents until nineteen years of age, and then commenced farming on his own account. In the month of December, 1832, William McKissack was married to Miss Rachel Odell, by Elder Turnadge, of Ray county. Mrs. McKissack is the daughter of Isaac and Nancy Odell, natives of Tennessee. She was born in the month of December, 1815, in the state of Indiana, whither her parents had removed. Ten children have been born to Judge and Mrs. McKis- sack, only four of whom are now living. John enlisted in company B, 44th Missouri volunteers, and died at New Orleans April 11, 1865, and was buried there. Simon enlisted in the 3d regiment of Missouri cav- alry, in which he was orderly sergeant, and was killed June 8, 1862, at the battle of Springfield. His remains were brought home and interred in the Odell cemetery. Sarah, who married George P. Clevinger, is now deceased. Isaac is also dead. James enlisted in company B, 44th regi- ment Missouri volunteer infantry, and was killed in the engagement at Franklin, Tennessee, and buried on the battle-field. Martha married James Woods, and is now living near her father's home. William is mar- ried, and lives in Vernon county, Missouri. Mary Ann married John Connerford, and now lives in Kansas. Moses is unmarried, and still at home with his parents. Two children, unnamed, died in infancy. Wil- liam McKissack was judge of the county court of this county for ten years. He has also served as justice of the peace for a number of years. He and Mrs. McKissack are leading members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Judge McKissack is one of the oldest, most highly respected, prominent and influential citizens of Ray county.
J. D. ROWLAND.
Jesse D. Rowland is the son of D. and Rachel Rowland, and was born in the territory of Indiana, September 6, 1816. While an infant his parents removed with him to Missouri, and located in Saline county, where they lived for three years, and then came to Ray county and set-
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HISTORY OF RAY COUNTY.
tled on a farm (section three, township fifty-two, range twenty-nine), where our subject resided until his marriage. He was married March 1, 1839, to Miss Mary P. Lyman, by Hiram Warner, of the Christian Church. Mrs. Rowland is the daughter of Asa and Sarah Lyman, natives of the state of New Hampshire, who immigrated to Missouri in the year 1840. She was born February 7, 1818. The issue of this union was twelve children, three of whom are now dead. Their names and dates of birth follow, viz: Lyman H., born October 2, 1841; Rhoda, born March 3, 1843; George R., born January 16, 1845; Willard J., born December 18, 1846; Clarissa J., born January 24, 1849; Mary E., born November 25, 1851; Jesse D., born October 2, 1852; Rachel, born October 17, 1854; Asa D., born July 7, 1860; Maria L., born April 10, 1840, and died in 1869; Milly M., born May 12, 1857, died May, 1876; Thomas E., born April 28, 1859, died August 23, 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Rowland united with the old school Baptist Church in the year 1838 and he is, also, a member of the Albany Grange, P. of H. Mr. Rowland has been a life- long farmer and now owns an excellent farm, well improved and stocked with good breeds of live stock. His business is very prosperous and he enjoys the confidence and respect of all who know him.
FRANKLIN J. ROSS.
The subject of this sketch was born in Casey county, Kentucky, May 17, 1831. His parents were Matthias and Adaline Ross. His father was born in Duchess county, New York, and his mother in Lincoln county, Kentucky. In the year 1833, his parents removed to Illinois, and after living in that state for ten years, to Ray county, Missouri, and settled near where the village of Albany now stands. Our subject remained at home and engaged in working on the farm until he was eighteen years of age, and then went out into the world to fight the battle of life for himself. He began at first laboring for wages upon the farms of his neighbors and continued working in this way until 1850, when he went to California and engaged there in mining for about eighteen months with fair success. He returned home by water via the Panama route. Franklin J. Ross was married March 20, 1855, to Miss Hannah Riffe. Two daughters were born of this union. Mrs. Ross died June 4, 1864, and Mr. Ross was again married October 9, 1866, to Miss Amanda Brosher. They became the parents of one daughter; and, after living about five years after her marriage the second Mrs. Ross, also died January 27, 1872. Our subject was married the third time, June 1, 1874, to Miss Alice Roselle. Mr. Ross was principally engaged in farming until 1870, when he began mer- chandising at the town of Orrick and has since continued in that business, very successfully, at the same place. He has three daughters. Mary J., was married to Mr. William Richie and is now living in Utah Territory.
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HISTORY OF RAY COUNTY.
Laura died March 16, 1881. The youngest, Amanda, born March 16, 1871, is living at home with her parents. Mr. Ross is a popular, pros- perous business man and a valuable citizen.
HENRY C. PERDUE.
Henry C. Perdue was born in Buckingham county, Virginia, October 12, 1836, and is the son of Josiah and Virginia Perdue, natives of the same state. The family emigrated to Missouri in the year 1845, and set- tled on a farm in Ray county. His father died in 1859, and our subject, in consequence, received only limited advantages for acquiring an educa- tion. Mr. Perdue was married on the 1st day of June, 1861, to Miss Mary E. Ballard, daughter of W. H. and Jane Ballard, natives of Albe- marle county, Virginia. Five children, now living, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Perdue. Their names, with dates of birth, are the following: Henry D., born March 3, 1863; Minnie, born February 27, 1865; Mary E., born December 12, 1868; Emmett, born August 3, 1873; Melvin, born July 28, 1877. Mrs. Perdue died April 26, 1879. She was a very esti- mable lady, greatly beloved by her friends, and her death was deeply mourned by her bereaved husband and family. Prior to the year 1861, Mr. Perdue was engaged almost exclusively in farming. At the com- mencement of the war between the states, he joined his fortunes with the cause of the south, and enlisted in company A, commanded by Captain (afterward Lieutenant-Colonel) Reeves. He participated in the battles of Carthage and Wilson's Creek, besides other skirmishes. At the last named fight he received a wound, which disabled him, and he was absent, in consequence, from the command until Christmas, following the date of the battle. He was discharged at Springfield, Missouri, in January, 1862, and returned home to this county, where he was soon after taken by the Federal authorities, and thrown into prison at Lexington, from which he was subsequently paroled. Mr. Perdue is now engaged in business in company with Mr. M. S. Laforgee, at Orrick, in this county, under the firm name of Perdue & Laforgee, druggists.
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