USA > Missouri > Ray County > History of Ray county, Mo. > Part 77
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ROBERT H. FINCH.
Robert H. Finch was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, January 7, 1827, and lived there until the age of twenty-two years, when he came to Missouri, and settled in Ray county. In 1849 he made a trip to Cali- fornia, in quest of gold, but after remaining there during one year, returned to this county, and has lived here ever since. Mr. Finch owns nine hundred acres of valuable land, six hundred acres in the prairie, under fence, well cultivated, with an abundance of pasture land and pure water, for the accommodation of stock. His farm is improved with a
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fine large frame house, good barns, and other buildings, and two large, thrifty, bearing orchards. He is engaged extensively in dealing in stock, and devotes special attention to breeding and raising only the best varie- ties. Mr. Finch was married in this county, December 8, 1856, to Mary B. Brown, by Rev. John Walker. Mrs. Finch was born in Warren county, Missouri, February 25, 1831, and came with her parents to Ray county, in 1835. Mr. Finch and his estimable lady are leading members of the Old School Presbyterian Church. He is also a member of Bee- Hive lodge, No. 393, A. F. & A. M., and was a charter member when the lodge was organized, and received the honorable distinction of being elected to the office of W. M. by his brethren. Mr. Finch is one of the most prominent and prosperous farmers and stock dealers of this section of the country. He is an upright, fair-minded, honorable gentleman, and a useful and highly respected citizen.
C. P. WRIGHT.
Cornelius P. Wright was born in Cumberland county, Kentucky, Jan- uary 23, 1833. In 1850 he learned the trade of a house and sign painter, in Burksville, Kentucky, and has pursued that calling ever since. At the age of twenty-one years he immigrated to Missouri, and located in Platte county, where he lived, engaged at his trade, during fourteen years. In 1868 he came to this county, and still lives here. He is located in busi- ness at Lawson, where he owns a good house and lot. Mr. Wright was married May 17, 1860, in Platte county, Missouri, to Miss Martha A. Shaw, a native of Cumberland county, Kentucky, born in the year 1843. Mr. and Mrs. Wright have five children: Arabella A., born June 24, 1861; Quintilla J., born October 5, 1864; Lewis G., born August 29, 1866; Minnie, born December 24, 1872; Elizabeth A., born December 9, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Wright, with their three eldest children, are mem- bers of the M. E. Church South, and Mr. Wright is also a member of Bee-Hive lodge. No. 393, A. F. & A. M., at Lawson, and belongs to the organization of Knights of Honor. During the late civil war he served about eight months in the 82d regiment of Missouri state militia. He has filled the office of justice of the peace, in Platte and this county, for fourteen years. Mr. Wright is a good painter, and is doing a fine business.
J. H. RAUM.
Joseph H. Raum was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, November 13, 1820. He was educated and grew to manhood's estate in his native county. In 1847, he went to Washington county, Pennsylvania, but remaining only three years, returned to Cumberland county, and in 1868, emigrated to Missouri and settled in Ray county. Mr. Raum owned
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the land upon which the town of Lawson is situated, and its location is due to his liberality in donating land to the railroad company whose line runs through the town. Mr. Raum was married in Cumberland county, Penn- sylvania, in 1852, to Miss Henrietta Hawk, a native of Franklin county, born January 13, 1827. Her parents were Jonathan and Mary Hawk, natives of Pennsylvania. The issue of this marriage was five children: Clara, born November 13, 1853, now the wife of Emerman; Kansas, born October 26, 1856; Lansing, December 23, 1858; Bird, born October 25, 1865. Mr. Raum and wife are leading members of the Old School Pres- byterian Church. He is now proprietor and manager of the Lawson hotel, and keeps a good house, which receives the patronage of the travel- ng public.
JOHN CROWLEY.
John Crowley was born, August 10, 1828, in Clay county, Missouri. His parents were John and Sarah (Mayo) Crowley. His father was born in the state of Alabama, February 2, 1792; died September 29, 1877. His mother was born in Tennessee, October 10, 1797; died September 10, 1851. His grandfather, James Crowley, was a soldier in the war for American independence, and was present at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. Berry Crowley (great-grandfather of John) was a native of England. He was killed in a battle with the Indians, on the Ohio river, in Kentucky, at a very early day. The subject of this sketch lived in Clay county, working on his father's farm until the age of twenty- six years, when he went to California. He started on this long journey from St. Joseph, Missouri, May 4, 1853, in company with his brother, Thomas Crowley, and four hired men, to help drive their cattle, and spent about four and a half months in a tedious overland trip, arriving in California, September 16. After spending about two years in the "Golden State," Mr. Crowley took passage on a steamship, at San Francisco, February 14, 1855, for the Isthmus, crossed among the first passengers on the railroad across Panama, and sailed from Aspinwall to Cuba, and thence to New Orleans. From there he came home by river, arriving March 31, 1855. In 1856 he removed to this county, and has lived here ever since. He owns nine hundred and seventy acres of land, seven hun- dred acres in cultivation, well fenced, and in a fine state of productiveness. This farm is improved, with one of the handsomest and most conveniently arranged dwelling houses in that section of the county, besides barns and other buildings. Mr. Crowley is a thoroughly practical and thrifty farmer, and the excellent condition of his farm is an evidence of his good management and industry. He is largely engaged in dealing in live- stock, and devotes much attention to raising the best breeds. Mr. Crow- ley was married, in Clinton county, Missouri, February 2, 1858, to Miss
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Ann Fuller, by Reverend E. M. Martin, of the Methodist Church. Mrs. Crowley is the daughter of Andrew and Mary Fuller. She was born in Clinton county, Missouri, April 6, 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Crowley are the parents of nine children, viz: Charles, born January 15, 1859; Sallie M., October 11, 1860; Elizabeth J., September 17, 1862; Albert, September 15, 1864; John C., February 27, 1867; Frank T., October 9, 1869; Ann May, January 27, 1872; George W. and Claude C., twins, born Decem- ber 20, 1874. Mr. Crowley and his wife are active, prominent mem- bers of the M. E. Church South, and he is also a leading member of Bee-Ilive Lodge, No. 393, A. F. & A. M. He is highly esteemed and respected, by all who know him, for his many excellent qualities as a man and a citizen.
JOHN H. GOODMAN.
John H. Goodman was born December 29, 1837, in Henry county, Vir- ginia, and remained at home there until the commencement of the civil war. He enlisted in the 10th regiment of Virginia volunteers, Confeder- ate army, and was in the battles of Seven Pines, Norfolk, and others. After the close of the war, Mr. Goodman emigrated to Missouri, and set- tled in Ray county, where he has since resided. He owns a small, neat, well cultivated farm, under good fence, and improved, with a comfortable dwelling house and other buildings. His principal business is dealing in live stock. He is extensively engaged in buying stock in this and adjoin- ing counties, which he ships to eastern markets. He is well and favora- bly known throughout a wide extent of country, and has the confidence and respect, in a large degree, of the people. Mr. Goodman was married in Virginia, November 3, 1858, to Miss Sarah F. McDonald. They have eight children. Mr. Goodman is a leading member of Bee-Hive Lodge, No. 393, A. F. & A. M.
WILLIAM EARHART.
William Earhart was born August 25, 1844, in Cambria county, Penn- sylvania, and received his education and learned the carpenter's trade there. At the age of nineteen years, he emigrated to Missouri, and set- tled in Buchanan county, where he worked at his trade during four years, and then removed to Lathrop, Clinton county, Missouri. He remained in the business of contractor and builder at Lathrop for six years, and then, in 1877, came to Lawson, this county, where he is now engaged in the same avocation. Mr. Earhart's business is very prosperous, and he keeps six carpenters employed under him to meet the demand for build- ing. He was married in Buchanan county, in 1866, to Miss Sarah M. Guinn, daughter of Peter and Sarah B. Guinn, natives of Kentucky. She was born in Buchanan county, Missouri, in July, 1853. They are the
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parents of three children: Emma A., born July 8, 1871; Lida, born December 5, 1875; Jessie, born December 8, 1878. Mr. Earheart and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. His popularity as a man and his efficiency and ability as a workman, are well attested by the large and lucrative patronage he receives.
JEDEDIAH SMITH.
The subject of this sketch was born in Guilford county, North Caro- lina, in the year 1792. He was married in his native state in 1819, to Miss Jane Close, daughter of Joseph and Susan Close, natives of North Carolina. Mrs. Smith was born in Guilford county, North Carolina, October 20, 1802. During the war of 1812, Mr. Smith served in the North Carolina militia. He emigrated to Missouri and settled in Ray county in the year 1838, and engaged in farming and stock raising. Mr. and Mrs. Smith became the parents of the following named children: John Calvin, Joseph Addison, Susan Ann, William Washington and Margaret E. J. Mr. Smith was an elder in the O. S. Presbyterian Church for many years. He died in September, 1869. He was a highly respected citizen, and a devout and active Christian. Mrs. Smith is yet living on the old homestead.
W. W. SMITH.
William W. Smith was born May 5, 1827, in Guilford county, North Carolina. He is the son of Jedediah and Jane (Close) Smith, natives of North Carolina. In 1838 William, in company with his parents, removed to Ray county, Missouri, and settled near where he now resides. In 1845 our subject returned to Tennessee, and finished his education at Mount Pleasant College, Murray county, after which he came back to this county, and in 1850, went, with a party of neighboring young men, to California. They made the trip with mule teams, and were on the road from the 10th of April until the 6th day of July, following. They mined awhile, and kept a provision store for a time, and withal made it pay pretty well. After staying in California one year, Mr. Smith sailed from San Francisco by way of the Isthmus of Panama and New Orleans, for home, which he reached in the spring of 1851, and has lived here ever since, engaged in trading, farming and stock raising. He owns two thousand acres of excellent land, the greater part of which is in cultiva- tion. He has one thousand acres in the home place, which is hand- somely improved by a fine, large dwelling house of fourteen rooms, well furnished and comfortably and conveniently arranged. He also has good barns and other buildings, for the accommodation of stock and the shel- ter of the products of his broad and fertile acres. His is one of the largest, best appointed and valuable farms in Ray county. Mr. Smith
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W. W. Smith
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was married in this county, May 5, 1857, to Miss Sallie E. Miles, daugh- ter of John N. and Margaret Miles, natives of Kentucky. She was born in Lawrenceburg, Anderson county, Kentucky, October 3, 1839. They became the parents of nine children, viz .: Thomas C., born April 17, 1858; Emma A., born November 24, 1859; Margaret J., born April 13, 1862; Robert A. L., born January 24, 1864; Miles W., born March 18, 1866; Susan K., born March 30, 1868; Annie J., born March 24, 1870; Sarah E., born August 17, 1872; Ella, born January 16, 1875. Mr. Smith and his wife are leading members of the Old School Presbyterian Church, and he also belongs to the Masonic fraternity, (Bee-Hive. Lodge No. 393.) He has always been the friend of education and religion, an active supporter of schools and churches, a public spirited and valuable citizen, and his dealing and intercourse with his fellow men have always been characterized by just and honorable deportment, and he enjoys the confidence, respect and esteem of all.
W. J. HURT.
William J. Hurt was born in Surrey county, North Carolina, June 22, 1821. He came to Missouri at the age of twenty-one years, and after living in Buchanan county for four years, came to Ray county, and set- tled upon the farm he now owns and occupies, section nineteen, township fifty-three, range twenty-nine. He owns two hundred and eighty acres of good land, one hundred and fifty acres in cultivation, has a good house and orchard, and is very conveniently and comfortably situated. Mr. Hurt was married in Clay county, Missouri, in 1846, to Miss Mary Crow- ley, by Rev. George Huffaker. Mrs. Hurt is the daughter of John and Sarah Crowley, natives of Tennessee. She was born April 4, 1825. They have ten children, living, viz .: John W., James T., Riley F., Sarah, Christopher C., Jackson, Alice J., Lavorasly, Daniel and Ella. Mr. Hurt is a member of the Christian Union Church. He is a prac- tical, successful farmer and stock raiser, and a respected and useful citizen.
W L. WATKINS.
The subject of this sketch was born and raised in Woodford county, Kentucky. He came to Missouri and settled in Clay county, more than fifty years ago, first establishing a cotton spinning mill there, and subse- quently putting in additional machinery for the manufacture of woolen fabrics, which business he pursued in the city of Liberty for a number of years, and then removed to his present location, just upon the dividing line of Ray and Clay counties. Here he erected a large, spacious, three story brick building, and equipped it with the best improved and modern machinery, for the manufacture of woolen goods. In addition to being a
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complete and thoroughly furnished woolen mill, it has also a custom flour and grist department, which turns out a superior grade of flour and meal. Several years ago our subject took his son, John H., into partner- ship with him in business, and their enterprises are now conducted under the firm name of W. L. Watkins & Son. The junior partner is a thoroughly competent, active and experienced business man and has, of late years, chiefly managed and conducted the business of the firm. Messrs. W. L. Watkins & Son keep from twenty-five to thirty operatives, male and female, employed, and produce an excellent quality of goods, such as blankets, jeans, flannels, cassimeres and a full line of all goods produced by a first-class factory. Their goods are of unexcelled quality, and find a ready sale in the markets of the large cities of our own and neighboring states, and are in good demand in the towns of northwest Missouri. In addition to their manufacturing business, the Messrs. Watkins own 3,600 acres of valuable land, the greatest part of which is farming land, improved, with a handsome, commodious brick dwelling, large substantial barns and other buildings. They are also largely engaged in raising fine stock, making a specialty of Short-horn cattle and Berkshire hogs. Messrs. Watkins & Son have always been active and efficient in the aid of educational and religious institutions, and have done a good work for the advancement of the business interests of their section of the county. Their social and business lives have always been free from any reproach- ful or dishonorable act, and they enjoy the esteem and respect of a large circle of valuable and influential friends.
M. B. CUMMINS.
Madison B. Cummins was born near Greensborough, Guilford county, North Carolina, October 18, 1827, and received his education there. He came to Ray county, Missouri, when seventeen years of age. In 1850, he went, with the hope of bettering his fortunes, to the gold mines .of the new west. After spending ten years in California, he returned to this county, but remaining only a short time, went again to California, and remained there until after the close of the civil war. He then returned and settled here, permanently. He owns a good farm of six hundred and fifty-six acres, about two hundred and sixty acres under fence, and improved with a comfortable dwelling house and other build- ings. He is engaged in raising stock, and handles only the best breeds. His business is in a very prosperous and thriving condition. Mr. Cum- mins was married in this county, March 19, 1867, to Miss Margaret E. J. Smith, daughter of Jedediah and Jane Smith. She was born in Guilford county, North Carolina, September 5, 1830. They have one child, Lulu S. J., born November 19, 1868. Mr. Cummins and his wife are consistent,
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worthy members of the Old School Presbyterian Church. He is an accommodating neighbor, a charitable man, and a highly respected and valuable member of the community.
JOHN H. MELLON.
John H. Mellon is a native and lifelong resident of Ray county, Mis- souri. He was born October 17, 1851. He began the business of a dealer in live stock, in 1873, and has continued it, on a larger scale each year, ever since. He devotes his entire attention closely to his calling, and is one of the best as well as the largest stock traders in Ray county. In a pecuniary point of view his operations are very successful. He was married first, in 1877, in this county, to Miss Eliza J. Thompson. She was born September 1, 1845. Mrs. Mellon lived but a few months after her marriage, dying April 21, 1878, and the subject of this sketch was again married, in the month of March, 1879, to Miss Rebecca A. Wind- sor. She was born September 15, 1858. The issue of this marriage has been one child, James F., born March 11, 1880. Mr. Mellon is a useful citizen, and has won the respect of all with whom he deals, by his candor, honesty of purpose, and gentlemanly conduct.
W. M. McGAUGH.
Willliam M. McGaugh was born August 21, 1834, in Ray county, Missouri. He learned the blacksmithing trade in 1851, and after travel- ing about and working, at that calling in various places, he settled at the thriving town of Vibbard, this county, in the year 1876, and has since pursued his trade at that place. In April, 1881, he built a new shop and is doing a good business. Mr. McGaugh owns several good houses and lots in Vibbard. He was married in Carroll county, Missouri, in April, 1867, to Miss Betty M. Grider, daughter of Samuel and Mary Grider, natives of Kentucky. Three children have been born to them, viz: Walter Lee, born October 23, 1868; Mollie Belle, born August 17, 1869, died in September, 1880; and Ella, died in infancy. Mr. McGaugh is a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 384, A. F. & A. M. He is a good workman, a temperate, industrious man, and a valuable member of the community in which he lives.
MOSES HESS.
The subject of this sketch was born in Lafayette county, Missouri, June 25, 1842. He is the son of Joseph and Margaret Hess, natives of the state of Kentucky. At the age of seventeen years he enlisted in com- pany B, 3d regiment of Missouri volunteers, and was engaged in the battles of Springfield, Neosho, Newtonia, Pineville, Cane Hill and Little Rock. He was discharged in 1865, and soon after came to this county,
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and has since resided here. Mr. Hess was married to Miss Sarah Atkins, in October, 1866. They became the parents of five children, three of whom are now living: William, George and Charles. Mrs. Hess died May 31, 1875, and our subject was again married March 12, 1876, to Miss Mary Sharp, daughter of Aaron and Martha Sharp. She was born in the year 1856. The issue of this union has been four children, only two of whom, Martha and Cora, are now living. Mr. Hess is an industrious man of good, steady habits, and a good citizen.
THOMAS CROWLEY.
Thomas Crowley was born in the month of September, 1830, in Clay county, Missouri, and was reared there on a farm. In 1853, he went with a drove of cattle to the state of California, and remained there about two years, returning March 31, 1855. He came to this county and settled on the farm he now owns and occupies, in 1857. He owns a fine farm of five hundred and forty-two acres, five hundred acres of which are under good fence, and the greater part in cultivation. He has a comfortable, well arranged dwelling house, and a fine bearing orchard. Mr. Crowley was married in this county, in the month of October, 1857, to Miss Susan Nelson, by Rev. Hardy Holman. She is the daughter of Joshua and Henrietta Nelson, natives of Alabama, and was born in this county, Decem- ber 20, 1839. Mr. and Mrs. Crowley became the parents of the follow- ing named children: Fanny, born November 14, 1858; John, born May 7, 1862; Robert, January -, 1864; Kate, born January -, 1866; Mollie, born January -, 1868; Thomas P., born January 12, 1873; Susan M., born February -, 1875; Cappy, born June 25, 1877; James H., born November 9, 1880; John died October 13, 1864, and one in infancy. Mr. Crowley is a member of the M. E. Church South, and an active supporter of religion. He is a very prosperous farmer and stock-raiser, and a pub- lic spirited and influential citizen.
JOHN CLEAVENGER.
John Cleavenger was born in the state of Virginia, July 2, 1798. He is the son of Richard and Sarah (Wood) Cleavenger. His father was a native of New Jersey, and his mother of Shenandoah county, Virginia. His parents removed to Cocke county, Tennessee, when he was a small boy, and there he grew up, working on his father's farm until 1819, when he left Tennessee and came to Missouri. Mr. Cleavenger was one of a party who made the trip by river, in a keel-boat which they constructed themselves in Tennessee before leaving. When they reached the mouth of Fishing river, while ascending the Missouri, they steered their boat into the smaller river, and after ascending it about six miles landed, and settling there, made their homes thenceforth in this county. All kinds of
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game was abundant, and their chief occupation at first was hunting, but in a few years they cleared land, improved farms, and settled down to a quiet life of farming. Mr. Cleavenger was first married in 1817, to Eliza- beth Hensley, of Virginia. The issue of this marriage was one child: Mary, born September 8, 1819. Mrs. Cleavenger soon after died, and he was again married in 1823, to Miss Margaret Wills, daughter of James Wills, an early settler of Ray county. She was born in Rutherford county, Tennessee, January 1, 1801. They became the parents of eleven children, four of whom are now living: Lily A., born; February -, 1828; Sarah, born March 5, 1831; Margaret, born June 21, 1833; Richard, born Octo- ber 28, 1836. From 1830 to 1832, Mr. Cleavenger was sheriff of Ray county, and in 1856, was elected to represent the county in the general assembly. The duties of his office he discharged with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the people. He has been a member of the Old School Baptist Church for more than sixty years. His wife is a Presby- terian. He is one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of Ray county.
JOHN R. STARKEY.
John R. Starkey was born in Mason county, Kentucky, August 26, 1832. At the age of six years he came with his parents to Ray county, and has lived here ever since, engaged, after he grew up, in farm- ing. He was married in this county, to Miss Margaret Cleavenger, daughter of Mr. John Cleavenger. They have one child, Jeremiah R., born April 26, 1871. Levi Starkey, father of our subject, was born in the state of Pennsylvania, in 1804, died in 1863. Mary D., the mother of John R. Starkey, was born in Virginia in 1805, and is yet living in Carroll county, Missouri. Both Mr. Starkey and his estimable lady are members of the Baptist Church, and he is also a member of the Masonic lodge at Richmond. He is an industrious, enterprising farmer, a highly respected man and valuable citizen.
W. A. HUNTSMAN.
W. A. Huntsman was born in Chickasaw county, Mississippi, Septem- ber 12, 1842. He received his education and grew up there. Early in life he learned the trade of a painter, and has since pursued that avocation. He came to this county, first, in 1870, and remained here about five years, when he went to Linn county, Missouri, and worked at his trade there, until April 1880, when he returned to Ray county, and located at the town of Lawson, where he is now engaged at his trade. Mr. Huntsman enlisted, June, 1861, in company F, seventh Mississippi cavalry and served throughout the war in the C. S. A. He was with General Lee at Appomattox, and laid down his gun there, April 9, 1865. During the
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