USA > Missouri > Ray County > History of Ray county, Mo. > Part 79
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N. L. POST.
Nelson L. Post was born in Windom, Canada, June 12, 1833. His parents were Reuben and Ruth Post. When he was quite young they removed with him to Cleveland, Ohio, and lived there about two years. From Cleveland they went to Coshocton county, Ohio, and there his father worked on a canal for some time. He was educated in Ohio, and after he grew up, worked for various farmers of that state until he went to Michigan, where he continued working at farming for about two years. He then worked on a boat, running between Alleghany and Sandusky, for three years. After this he was first mate of a vessel trading in grain between Chicago, Buffalo and Oswego. He then served an appren- ticeship to the wagon making trade, at Austin, Michigan. He remained there about two years. He then engaged at the ship carpentering trade. Afterwards returned to Ohio, and was engineer for a period of time, in a
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steam saw mill, in Ashtabula county. Mr. Post was married on the 4th of July, 1854, to Miss Susan E. Morey. The issue of this marriage was one child, Edwin A., born August 5, 1855. Mrs. Post died in 1857, and October 2, 1859, Mr. Post was married to Miss Margaret Lucas. They became the parents of six children, all of whom are now living. Their names with dates of birth follow: Robert H., born June 15, 1861; Nelson H., born May 25, 1867; Jacob A., born March 18, 1869; Alice M., born March 7, 1871; Lydia W., born March 17, 1873; Alexander L., born October 8, 1876. The second Mrs. Post died on the 29th of October, 1876, and Mr. Post was again married May 24, 1877, to Miss Amanda M. Hat- field. She was born in Ray county, Missouri, March 2, 1846. She has borne Mr. Post two children: Samuel J., born August 28, 1878, died September 20, 1878; Mary B., born December 17, 1880. After his first marriage Mr. Post continued in the saw mill business, in Ohio for a time, and then engaged in the Chicago and Green Bay lumber trade. In 1854 he went to Clinton, Iowa, and remained there farming, until 1861. He enlisted in the Union army August 17, 1861, company E, Thirteenth reg- ment, Iowa volunteers. He was engaged in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, Jackson, Kenesaw Mountain and Atlanta, and was with General Sherman on his celebrated "march to the sea." He held position of sergeant. Was discharged July 28, 1865, and at once returned to his home in Iowa. He engaged in wagon making, for a short time, and then came to Ray county, Missouri, and located upon his present farm, where he has lived ever since.
MOSES RITTER.
Son of William and Margaret Ritter,. was born in Claibourne county, Tennessee, on the 10th of October, 1818. He remained at home with his parents in his native county until he was twenty-four years of age, and then commenced farming on his own account. He came to Ray county, Missouri, in 1843, and located upon his present place, section fif- teen, township fifty-four, range twenty-seven. He was married first in 1840, to Miss Rhoda Carr. They had one child, Mary Ann, born in May, 1843, and now Mrs. Wild. Mrs. Ritter died in 1843, and Mr. Rit- ter was married the second time in 1845, to Miss Catherine Hammitt. She died the same year, and he was again married August 12, 1842, to Miss Martha A. E. Fowler. The issue of this union was five children: Plina F., born August 12, 1853; James P., born March 6, 1855; Martha E., born January 14, 1857; Moses A., born June 4, 1859; William F., born June 21, 1868. The third Mrs. Ritter is a native of Bedford county, Tennessee. Her parents were Samuel and Sarah Fowler. She was born January 24, 1833, and came with her parents to this county at the age of twenty-seven years. Mr. Ritter owns a fine farm of 358 acres,
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150 acres in a high state of cultivation. This place is well improved and watered. Mr. Ritter is a prosperous farmer, and well regarded by his neighbors.
MAJOR JOHN GRIMES.
John Grimes was born in Campbell county, East Tennessee, on the 19th day of December, 1818. His father, George Grimes, was of Irish extraction. He died about the year 1846. His mother, Nancy, was of German descent. She died in 1863. Our subject was educated in his native county, and lived there with his parents until about twenty years of age. He came to Ray county, Missouri, first in the year 1837, and engaged in farming here for two years. He then returned to Tennessee, and entered the southern stock trade, in which business he continued for three years. He then bought a tannery, and operated it for the space of ten years, after which he dealt in dry goods until 1859, when he returned to Ray county, Missouri, and engaged in merchandising at Knoxville, in which business he has ever since continued. Major Grimes was married June 4, 1843, to Miss Nancy T. Kincaide. She was born in Campbell county, East Tennessee, February 26, 1818. Her parents were Thomas and Martha Kincaide, both dead. Major and Mrs. Grimes became the parents of five children; four of them are still living: Martha J., born July 14, 1845, married to W. R. Withers in 1867, has one child, John C .; Nancy C., born June 21, 1847, married in 1870, to John Linville, has one child, Thomas G .; Louisa E., born June 10, 1849, married in 1870 to D. D. Gant, has two children, Mary Y. and Robert C .; John K., born Sep- tember 29, 1854, is a practicing physician at Polo, Caldwell county, Mis- souri. In 1862, Mr. Grimes was elected captain of company G, state militia, and when the regiment to which his company was assigned was organized, he was promoted to the position of major, and served during the war. He and Major Cox commanded the Union forces in the fight at Albany, in this county. Major Grimes represented this county in the general assembly in 1864. He owns lands in sections 25, 26, 27, 34, 35, township 54, range 28, and in section 32, township 54, range 27, 1,100 acres in all. He has given each of his children 220 acres. His home- stead is handsomely improved, and is one of the best farms in that section of the country.
J. D. GANT, M. D.
Dr. J. D. Gant is the son of James and Mary Gant; he was born on the 17th day of June, 1822, in Orange county, North Carolina. Attended the schools of his native county, and lived there until 1837, when he came to Ray county, Missouri, with his parents, and settled on a farm about seven miles northwest of Richmond. He worked on the farm until he was . twenty-two years of age, and then began the study of medicine. Entered
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the St. Louis Medical College in 1849, and after attending three courses of lectures, graduated from that institution, receiving his diploma in 1854. He returned to this county in the month of July, 1854, and locating at Knoxville, commenced the practice of his profession, which he has ever since continued there. About three years ago he established a drug store and has since conducted that business in connection with his practice. Dr. Gant was married to Miss Sarah A. Creason, on the 10th day of May, 1855. She is the daughter of Goodwin and Sarah Creason, and was born in this county, October 31, 1837. She has borne Dr. Gant five children, four of whom are yet living. Their names, with dates of birth are: Marietta, born October 7, 1857, died March 12, 1871; Carrie F., born September 13, 1859; Ida F., born January 25, 1861; William F., born May 12, 1863; Samuel G., born May 9, 1866. Dr. Gant owns more than one thousand acres of land, about eight hundred and forty acres of which are in a fine state of cultivation, well improved, with handsome, commodious residence, good barns, and other buildings. The farm is well watered, and has a good, thrifty bearing orchard of about six acres. The doctor is also engaged largely in raising and feeding live stock, of which he handles only the best varieties. He is a leading member of the order of A. F. & A. M. Mrs. Gant is a member of the M. E. Church South. Dr. Gant keeps abreast with the progress of his profession, and in his practice is universally popular and very successful.
W. P. BURGESS.
William P. Burgess is a native of Ray county, Missouri. He was born October 31, 1840. Received his education in the district schools, and remained at home, working on the farm, until he attained his majority. His father, William G. Burgess, was a native of Tennessee. He came to this county in the year 1839, and died here, October 3, 1858. Our sub- ject enlisted in the Federal army February 3, 1862, company D, 6th Mis- souri cavalry, commanded by General Catherwood. Re-enlisted on the 27th of February, 1864. He was in no regular battles, but was engaged in several skirmishes. He received his discharge from the service Janu- ary 11, 1866, and returned to his home in this county. Mr. Burgess is liv- ing on the old homestead with his mother. The farm (section twenty- seven, township fifty-four, range twenty-eight), comprises eighty acres of land, all in cultivation, and improved with comfortable and convenient buildings. Mr. Burgess is engaged, to a considerable extent, in raising good breeds of live stock. The farm is well adapted to that business. He has a fine, thrifty orchard of one hundred and fifty trees, of good vari- eties of fruit. His mother, Mrs. Sarah Burgess, was born February 27, 1810. She is living with her son on the old homestead .. Mr. Burgess is a thrifty, enterprising farmer, and a good citizen.
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HISTORY OF RAY COUNTY.
ADRIAN GORDAN.
Adrian Gordan is the son of J. D. and Emily B. Gordan. He was born in Ray county, Missouri, on the 9th day of November, 1850. He was educated in the schools of this county, and lived on the farm with his parents until he was twenty years of age. In 1870 he went to Lisbon- ville and was engaged there in selling goods for about seven years. After the death of his father, which occurred in the month of March, 1877, he returned home and took the management and control of the farm. He has lived there ever since. Mr. Gordon was married March 7, 1872, to Miss Celesta P. Tiffin. She is the daughter of John and Elizabeth Tiffin, and was born March 3d, 1853, in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Gordan became the parents of three children, two of whom are living: Grace T., born January 13, 1876; Eva L., born March 12, 1878. Their first child, Beatrice, died October 23, 1874. The homestead of the Gordan family, section sixteen, township fifty-four, range twenty-eight, comprises six hundred and thirty-five acres of excellent land. It is well improved, and in a fine state of cultivation, with good orchards and an abundance of pure water. Our subject's mother, Mrs. Emily B. Gordan, is a native of Mont- gomery county, Kentucky. She was born February 1, 1818. She came to Missouri in 1830, and stopped with her parents during the two years in Caldwell county, and then came to this county. She was married to the father of our subject, January 10, 1838. They became the parents of six children, only two of whom are now living: Talitha, born October 15, 1841, and our subject. Mrs. Gordan, since the death of her husband, has continued to live on the old homstead with her son Adrian, who is a rising young farmer, and a valuable and excellent citizen.
D. T. MAYES.
David T. Mayes, a prominent farmer and stock dealer, was born in Ray county, Missouri, on the same farm upon which he now resides, March 2, 1845. He is the son of Wiley and Susan Mayes. His father was born in the year 1800, and came to this county in 1832, he was one of the first set- tlers in that part of the county, where his son now resides. Our subject laid the foundation of his education in the district schools, and afterwards attended the academy at Knoxville. The further prosecution of his studies at school, was interrupted by the civil war, but possessing strong natural talent, and an ardent desire for knowledge, he has devoted himself ever since to the study of standard books upon a variety of subjects, and reads regularly the current literature of the day. September 17, 1864, Mr. Mayes enlisted in company G, 31st regiment of state militia, Union, and was engaged in several skirmishes. The winter following his enrollment he went to Nebraska with stock and did not return until after the restoration of
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peace, in 1865. David T. May's was married December 2, 1875, to Mrs. Margaret A. Saunders, widow of Thomas Saunders and daughter of James and Rachel Noel. She was born in Jackson county, Missouri, February 13, 1851. She is the mother of two children by her first marriage: George E., born December 16, 1870, and James W., born September 10, 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Mayes are the parents of one child, Susan R., born August 12, 1877. Mr. Mayes owns a fine farm of four hundred acres of excellent land, all inclosed by good fences, improved with a handsome, comfortable and commodious residence, conveniently arranged, and sub- stantial barns, sheds and other buildings. This place is well watered and admirably adapted to the purposes of a stock farm. Mr. Mayes devotes particular attention to the raising of fine stock, making a specialty of the best breeds of hogs and sheep. In politics Mr. Mayes has always been a Jeffersonian democrat. He takes much interest in politics, and keeps well informed concerning events in the political world, especially those of his own state and county. He is connected with the Ray County Immigra- tion Society, and thoroughly awake to the superior natural advantages his native county offers to the intelligent and industrious emigrant. Having always lived here he is identified with the county's progress, and feels a deep interest in the further development of her material wealth and resour- ces in the future.
WINFIELD MILLER.
The subject of this article was born near Richmond, Ray county, Mis- souri, September 22, 1853. His father, Felix Miller, was also born in this county. The date of his birth was November 10, 1822. Our sub- ject's grandfather, James Miller, a native of Virginia, came to Ray county, from Tennessee, at an early day. He was of Scotch-Irish descent. Winfield's mother, Sophronia, was born, June 10, 1824, in Tennessee. She came, with her father, to this county, at the age of fifteen years. Winfield Miller, after completing the course in the district school at Rich- mond, attended a private school, kept by Prof. S. J. Huffaker, for three years. In the fall of 1872 he entered Central College, at Fayette, How- ard county, Missouri. He completed the course of study in that institu- tion, and graduated with the degree of A. B. At the age of nineteen years, Mr. Miller engaged in mercantile business; first, for three years at Richmond, and then, in the spring of 1877, moved to Knoxville, where he has since resided, and conducted a general merchandise store, in company with Mr. Gant. Winfield Miller was married, January 5, 1875, to Miss Mary C. Stone, daughter of Doctor J. E. Stone. She was born in Knox- ville, Ray county, Missouri, November 14, 1854. Her father was born in this county, in 1822; died November 29, 1857. Her mother, Mary A., was born in Virginia, January 17, 1822, and came to Ray county in 1845.
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Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller: Felix E., born October 20, 1875, and William W., born September 11, 1880. In the fall of 1875, Mr. Miller was appointed deputy sheriff under J. C. Brown. He also served in the same capacity under Thomas McGinnis, until January, 1881. He discharged the duties of that office very efficiently, and to the entire satisfaction of the people. He has also held other offices of trust in his township. Although comparatively young, Mr. Miller is a practical business man, and has built up a substantial and flourishing trade at Knox- ville. He is highly esteemed and very popular with all his large circle of friends.
JOHN C. TIFFIN, M. D.
Doctor John C. Tiffin was born in Cass county, Ohio, January 20, 1813. He is the son of Doctor Clayton and Catherine Tiffin. He remained in Ohio, attending school, until he was seventeen years of age, and then, going to St. Louis, Missouri, pursued the study of his chosen profession, medicine, for three years, under the instruction of his father and Doctor White. In 1835 he entered the Cincinnati Medical College, and after- ward graduated from that school with the degree of M. D. After leaving college he practiced his profession in Clinton county, Ohio, for three years, and then, coming to Missouri, practiced in Clinton county for a short time, and then, in 1842, came to Ray county and established himself permanently where he now resides. Here he has had a very extensive and eminently successful practice. He was the first regular graduate of medicine to settle in that part of the county, and, in making his rounds while visiting patients, he has rode more, perhaps, than any other physi- cian in this section of the country. Doctor Tiffin was married on the 12th day of November, 1835, to Miss Margaret Carder. Three children were born of this marriage, two of whom are now living: Clayton, born February 12, 1837, in Frankfort, Ohio (also a physician), and Edward P., born November 24, 1838. Mrs. Tiffin died in the month of September, 1842, and on the 23d day of April, 1843, Doctor Tiffin was married to Miss Elizabeth H. Whitsett. The issue of this marriage was five chil- dren, all but one of whom are yet living: John, born March 15; 1844; (he, too, is a physician); Mary E., born March 28, 1848; William W. (physician), January 12, 1850; Celesta P., born March 3, 1853. Two sons were in the Federal army during the war, and one, Clayton, was cap- tain of a company. Doctor Tiffin owns about seven hundred acres of land. He has a handsomely appointed home, where, having retired from active practice, he will spend the evening of his life in comfort and ease. Perhaps no other professional man in the county has enjoyed the confi- dence, esteem, and respect of the people of Ray county in a larger degree or for a longer time than Doctor John C. Tiffin.
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THOMAS SHIMMIN.
Is an Englishman. He was born in the town of Peel, on the Isle of Man, November 18, 1811. He attended school there, and at the age of fourteen years commenced learning the blacksmith's trade, under his father, Thomas Shimmin, Sr. Before leaving Great Britain for America, he traveled through many parts of England and Scotland. At the age of twenty-four years he immigrated to the United States, landing at Phila- delphia, April 13, 1836. He engaged in blacksmithing and carriage making in that city for about two years. February 5, 1838, he enlisted in the dragoon service of the United States. Went from Philadelphia to New York, thence to New Orleans, and from there to the Indian Terri- tory, then to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He was blacksmith of com- pany E. Received his discharge February 5, 1841, and then came to Ray county, and stopped for a while at Camden. on the river. He then went to Knoxville, this county, and remained for a time. In 1869, he went to California, but only remained about a year, coming back again to Knoxville, where he has lived ever since working at his trade. Mr. Shimmin has one son, John Henry, born March 30, 1867. Our subject is an excellent workman, and controls a large and profitable patronage.
MAJOR W. P. WITHERS.
William P. Withers is the son of Peter and Evelina A. (Price) Withers. He was born in Jessamine county, Kentucky, on the 27th day of Septem- ber, 1819. The family are of English origin; their ancestors settled in Fauquier county, Virginia, at an early day. Their chief occupation has always been farming. In religion they were Baptists, and in politics whigs, until the dissolution of that body, since which time they have been divided in political sentiment. In 1832 our subject removed with his parents to McLean county, Illinois. Here his parents both died, his mother in 1848, and his father in 1850, at the age of eighty years. His father served as a soldier in the early Indian wars, under General Wayne, " Mad Anthony of the West." William P. Withers was married to Miss Mary E. Coles, in November, 1843. She was a native of Hartford, Indiana, born in 1825. They have had eleven children, only five of whom are now living: George A., Henry C., Nellie, Ned, Allen W. Mrs. Withers died July 17, 1863, and Mr. Withers was married again October 22, 1867, to Miss Mattie J. Grimes, daughter of Major John Grimes. She was born July 18, 1845, in Campbell county, Tennessee. One child was born of this marriage, John G., born October 30, 1868, in Hamilton, Cald- well county, Missouri. In 1843 Mr. Withers removed to Howard county, Missouri, and conducted a hemp factory there for about two years. He then returned to Illinois, and remained there until 1850, when he went to
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the state of California, and engaged in stock-raising near Stockton for about a year, returning to Illinois by sailing vessel via Panama and New York. He continued, after his return, farming in Illinois until 1858, when he was elected sheriff of McLean county, and discharged the duties of that office for a term of two years, under Judge David Davis. In June, 1861, he raised a company of volunteers, and went into camp at Spring- field, Illinois. He afterward received a commission as captain of com- pany C, 5th Illinois cavalry, and in the month of February, 1862, left Springfield for the battle-ground. He was engaged in battles of Doni- phan, Missouri; Helena, and Vicksburg, Mississippi; besides many others. He was discharged November 2, 1864, and returned home. Soon after going home he was commissioned as major of the same regiment in which he had formerly served, but before he joined the command the war ended. During the time he was in the army he served under Generals Curtis, Prentice, Washburn, Logan, Sherman, and Grant. Mr. Withers removed to Caldwell county, Missouri, and engaged there, for a time, in farming, and then entered the hardware and agricultural implement trade at Hamilton, but was soon compelled to abandon it on account of ill health, and came to Ray county in 1869, and settled upon his present place (section 35, township 54, range 28), and has lived there ever since. He owns 230 acres of land, the greater portion of which is in cultivation and well improved. He has been a member of the Missionary Baptist Church since he was seventeen years old. He is also a member of Royal Arch Chapter A. F. & A. M. In politics, Mr. Withers has always been a republican. He was a member of the earliest conventions of that party, and has always taken a prominent part in local politics. He was person- ally acquainted with President Lincoln, and heard him deliver his first campaign speech.
WILLIAM KELMEL.
Was born in Baden, Germany, on the first day of November, 1830. He came with his parents to the United States in 1831, landing at New York. They went to Zainesville, Ohio, and remained there about three years; then removed to another part of the state, and lived four years longer there. At the expiration of that time they removed to Jer- sey county, Illinois, and remained there during about six years. Came to Missouri in the year 1853, and stopping in Caldwell county, lived there until 1865, when our subject came to Ray county, and settled upon his present farm, where he has lived ever since. He owns two hundred and ninety-seven acres of good, rich land, in a fine state of cultivation, well watered and well improved. He is also engaged, to a considerable extent in raising and feeding good breeds of live stock. Mr. Kelmel was mar- ried on the 5th day of February, 1860, to Miss Martha Holman. They
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became the parents of two children: David, born December 15, 1860; William L., born October 7, 1864. Mrs. Kelmel was born June 7, 1841, in Ray county, Missouri. She died on the 7th of August, 1871, and Mr. Kelmel was married again February 14, 1872, to Miss Sallie Thomp- son. She was born in this county on the 25th of April, 1846. Mr. Kel- mel is an industrious, thrifty, successful farmer, and a valuable citizen.
JOHN CLARK.
This gentleman was born in Henry county, Virginia, on the 25th day of September, 1804. His parents were William and Keziah Clark. He was educated in his native state and remained there working at farming until he was twenty-four years of age, when he went to Tennessee and lived in that state, during twenty years, engaged in farming. In 1850 he removed to Howard county, Indiana, and lived there until he came to Ray county, Missouri in, 1855. He settled then upon his present place. Mr. Clark was married on the 22d of April, 1828, to Miss Henrietta Clark, also a native of Henry county, Virginia. They became the parents of
thirteen children, eight boys and five girls. Thomas, son of John and Henrietta Clark, was born in Campbell county, Tennessee, in the month of April, 1844. He removed with his parents from Tennessee to Indiana, and from that state came with them to Ray county, in 1855. Here he lived, attending school and working on his father's farm until the out- breaking of the late civil war. He enlisted February 8, 1862, in company D, 6th Missouri cavalry, Captain S. E. Turner; Colonel Catherwood. He was engaged in several skirmishes, but no regular battles. He was in Kansas and Arkansas. Discharged March 21, 1865. He at once returned to this county, and has lived here ever since. Mr. Thomas Clark was married on the 26th day of July, 1866, to Miss Margaret Higgs, daughter of John and Rebecca Higgs. The issue of this union was one child: Viola, born May 27, 1867, in Ray county, Missouri.
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