USA > Missouri > Saline County > History of Saline County, Missouri > Part 74
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PATRICK LOFTUS, farmer and stock-raiser, 760 acres of land, P. O., Shackelford. Mr. Loftus was born in county Mayo, Ireland, March 12, 1814. Was educated in the public schools of same city. In May, 1836, he came to America, engaged in boot and shoe making, in the city of New York, for two years. In 1838, went to Philadelphia, where he followed his trade two years more, and from thence to Charleston, South Carolina, where he carried on his trade till the year 1845. In that year, 1845, he came via New Orleans and St. Louis, to Arrow Rock, in this county, and in April, rented a farm, south of Shackelford. In the fall, he entered 120 acres of land, and 640 since, where he has farmed successfully since. He was married in New York City, November, 1838, to Miss Bridget Flynn, a native of Ireland, born December 26, 1812, in county Mayo. By this union were born: Ellen, Catrine, John, Lizzie, Rosa, William, Sarah, Agnes and Teresa. Himself and lady are still living,
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and in good health, and are enjoying the evening of a useful and happy life.
REV. EDWARD HAMILL, P. O., Shackelford. Father Hamill was born in Armagh county, Ireland, March 26, 1814. He received his early education at Miller's Academy, in the same county. In 1834, he crossed the ocean to America, remaining two years in New York. From New York he went to Virginia, remaining five years, then to St Louis, where he completed his education for the priesthood. In 1849, he was ordained and has been on missionary duty nearly ever since. Immediately on leaving the seminary, he entered upon sacerdotal duty in St. Louis, having charge of different churches until the spring of 1853. In 1853, sent to St. Pauls, in St. Charles county. From 1853 to 1859, he minis- tered to churches in the various counties north of the river. In 1859, he was sent to Lexington, Missouri. In 1867, came to Saline county, where he now has charge of the "Church of Enunciation," in section 10. His residence is near the church. He is the oldest ordained priest in the state of Missouri. Though many summers have passed over his head, he is very jovial, and enjoys a good hearty laugh. He begun to build the church, a handsome stone one, in 1878, and has just finished and dedicated the same. He also was chiefly instrumental in building the large brick Catholic Church in Marshall.
COOPER B. ROUNTREE, P. O., Shackelford; farmer and stock raiser; was born in Maury county, Tennessee, January 16, 1830. He was six years old when his father moved to Green county, Missouri; was edu- cated in the public schools of that county. In 1850 he went to California, and engaged in stock speculation for ten years. He traveled extensively, being in Texas four years engaged in grazing sheep. In 1865 purchased his present home of 308 acres, in Saline county. In 1870 sold his farm in Saline and moved to Lafayette county. In 1879 exchanged his farm there for his old home in Saline, where he has since resided. His farm is one of model improvements, supplied with pure living water from his two large springs and a well with wind pump. Married August 30, 1863 to Miss Ellen P. Smith, of Henry county, Kentucky. They have three children: Mary C., Martha M. and Benjamin F.
WILLIAM H. VAUGHAN, P. O., Shackelford; farmer; was born in Vermont, near Burlington, on Lake Champlain, October, 9, 1814, and lived there until he was six months old, then moved with his parents to Ohio. He remained there until he was five years old, then moved with his parents to Indiana, and there he received a common school education. He went to Boone county, Kentucky, when he was twenty- two years old, and on February 22, 1838, was married to Miss Emily Balsley, of North Bend, same county. By this union they have six children: Fannie A., George B., Eva M., Ada A., Arthur W. and
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William H. In 1841 he came to Saline county, Missouri, and pur- chased 1,000 acres of land, and then returned to Kentucky. In 1849 he went to California for two years, then returned to Kentucky. In March, 1867, he moved with his family to his farm in Saline county, where he has since resided. June, 1862, he enlisted in the Confederate service under General Humphrey Marshall. A short time after, he was made captain of company B, Third Kentucky mounted riflemen. Was under General Hodge's command, from spring of 1863, until he was badly wounded and taken prisoner in November. He was shortly afterwards paroled by General Granger, and returned to Kentucky, where he remained with his family until the war closed. After the war, June 9th, took the oath and has since then been a peaceful and law- abiding citizen. Whilst General Burnside had charge of the troops at Cincinnati, his (Vaughan's) wife was arrested on suspicion of having cor- respondence with her husband. She remained in prison three weeks, sometimes sleeping on a bench and sometimes on straw. After General McClellan took charge of the troops there, she was sent home without trial.
P. C. ARMENTROUT, merchant, P. O., Shackelford. Was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, November 4, 1848. His father was Jere- miah, and his mother Sarah J. Armentrout. Was raised and educated in the Oak Grove Academy of the same county. He remained and farmed with his father until he came to Saline county, landing at Miami, October 4, 1869. He taught school in the county for four years. In 1863, he rented a farm, and began farming and trading in cattle. He was a suc- cessful trader, and in August, 1876, purchased land south of Shackelford. He moved there in 1877, where he remained until 1879, when he sold out and came to Shackelford, and commenced buying and shipping grain for Rea & Page. In 1878, he was appointed deputy assessor, which posi- tion he held until 1879. First of April, 1880, engaged in the grocery business with Mr. G. Gauldin. The firm was known as Armentrout & Gauldin. He afterwards bought the full interest, then his brother came in as partner, making the firm Armentrout & Bro. Armentrout & Bro. are wide awake men, do business on the square, and have built for them- selves a reputation as first-class men. Was married March 8, 1871, to Miss Rachel V. Kiser, of Saline county, by Rev. Joshua Barbee. By this union they have three children: Ida M., John W., and Lottie Lee. He is a master mason, and also master workman of the A. O. U. W. Lodge.
J. S. BRICE, druggist, P. O., Shackelford. Was born in Audrain county, Missouri, November 5, 1857. Ancestry, Mr. John J. and Mrs. Charlotte Brice. February, 1871, he came with his father to Saline county. Here he has speculated. successfully in sheep for some years,
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until engaging in the drug business at Shackelford. Mr. Brice is a young man of moral, temperate and social habits, enterprising, and can show a nice assortment of drugs and medicines.
JACOB C. KEITHLEY, P. O., Shackelford. Was born in Ralls county, Missouri, March 4, 1831. His grandfather, Jacob, lived in south- ern Kentucky, where he raised a large family of children, eighteen in number (thirteen sons and five daughters), most of whom moved to Mis- souri before it became a state, (one of whom was killed by the Indians in St. Charles county); and they settled in St. Charles, Pike and Ralls coun- ties. His son Levi (father of Jacob C.), married Miss Fanny White in Kentucky, and came to Missouri in 1819, and was one of the pioneer set- tłers of Ralls county, where he lived and farmed until 1875, and died at the advanced age of eighty-one years. He was a soldier in the Black Hawk war of 1832. Jacob C., the subject of this sketch, was the eighth of nine children by his father's first wife. Was educated at Van Rensse- laer Academy, in Ralls county, and at Westminster College, Fulton, Mis- souri. In April, 1857, he came to Saline county and engaged in teaching for three years in the Petra neighborhood. October 27, 1857, he was married to Miss Jane M. Vawter, daughter of Wm. Vawter, of Boone county, Missouri, and born January 16, 1837. Of this union were born eight children, viz .: Irving W., June 20, 1858; Herbert R., June 2, 1862; Flora, December 3, 1863; Ella, August 28, 1866; George E., December 20, 1868, and Rowland Hill, June 1, 1877, now living; and Joseph C. and Stanley, who died early. In September, 1860, he moved to the neighbor- hood of Salt Springs, where he now lives. The next spring the war began, but, although Mr. Keithley espoused the Union cause, he did not volunteer into the service. When the order to enroll in the Enrolled Mis- souri Militia was made, however, he obeyed, and was in the service at Marshall for one year-about four months in active service-and there being no further need of his services, he paid the commutation tax, which exempted him thereafter. In September, 1852, he united with the Pres- byterian Church (O. S.), in Ralls county, and has never regretted the step from that day to this, but has striven to live the life of a consistent Christian. Since the war he has devoted himself to farming. Latterly he has been striving to effect the propagation of different fish in several ponds, fed by lasting springs. In one he has native fish, such as perch, newlites or crappies, and channel cats; in another, German carp, obtained from Washington City. His object is to make these ponds furnish fish as food the year round. His farm is well improved, containing, among many other improvements, a stone milk-house, through which cold spring water flows, keeping milk and butter sweet and fresh in the hottest weather.
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JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP.
CHARLES W. HALL, farmer, P. O., Slater. Was born in Scott county, Kentucky, near Georgetown, in 1818. Was educated in that state, also in Missouri. Raised a farmer. In 1835, he, with his father, Chas. W., Sr., came to this state, locating near Palmyra, Marion county, where he farmed for twenty-five years. He was married, in February 1840, to Miss Harriet B. Smith, a native of Virginia. They have eight children, five girls and three boys: Thomas, Charles W., John, Louise, wife of Charles Wise; Ellen, wife of Samuel Oots; Gabriella, wife of Brack Mas- terson; Margaret, wife of P. Oots, and Josephine. In the spring of 1855, Mr. Hall came to this county and settled at the farm upon which he now resides, near Slater. He deals quite extensively in blooded stock, exclu- sive of his farming operations.
THOMAS P. LAIR, farmer, P. O., Slater. Was born in Russell county, Kentucky, 1805, where he was reared and educated until the age of fifteen. He then went to Garrett county, where he farmed for two years, at the close of which he worked for three years at the busi- ness of tanner and currier in the establishment of Benjamin Moberly. From there he went to Palmyra, Marion county, and there worked at his trade for six or seven years. In 1837 he moved to Shelby county, Mis- souri, where he again farmed for fifteen years. In 1830 he was married to Miss Kittie M. Anderson, a native of Kentucky, by whom he had ten children, only three of whom are now living: Elizabeth A. (Mrs. Rawlings), Sarah E. (Mrs. Hatfield), Margaret R. From Shelby county Mr. Lair went to Knox county, where he farmed until 1867, after which he spent one year in Texas, coming to this county in 1869, where he has since resided, engaged in the cultivation of a splendid farm. He has been a member of the Missionary Baptist Church for more than a quarter of a century; is strictly conscientious in all of his dealings with his fellow- men, and highly esteemed by all.
JAMES G. KEMPER, farmer, P. O., Slater. Is a native of Fau- quier county, Virginia. Born in 1845. Was raised on a farm and edu- cated in the common schools. In 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate army, Capt. James H. Jamison's company, 11th Va. Infantry, under Gen. Longstreet. He went out as private, but by his gallant and meritorious conduct, he gradually rose, step by step, from the ranks to the command of his company, a feat accomplished by very few, in the history of the war. He was engaged in the following battles, in all of which he acquitted himself with credit: Bull Run, Yorktown, where he was badly wounded in the thigh by a minnie ball; taken prisoner and exchanged at the end of six months; second Manassas, Gettysburg, Drury's Bluff, Fredericksburg, Wilderness, and all other battles in which his command
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was engaged, until the surrender at Appomattox Court House; after which he returned home, and pursued his occupation of farming. In June, 1866, Capt. Kemper was married to Diadama Jones, of his native county. In December, of same year, he moved to this county, arriving with only $10 in his pocket. He took up his residence with Mr. W. W. Fields, with whom he lived for ten years. His wife died November 1, 1879, leaving four children: James Lloyd, John G., Myra W. and Stella M. By the indominitable energy which characterized his career during the war, coupled with industry and economy, Mr. Kemper is possessed of a splendid farm, upon which he may spend the remainder of his days in peace and comfort, surrounded by his family.
WILLIAM WHEELER, farmer, P. O., Slater. Was born in Gar- rard county, Kentucky, in 1805. He attended the common schools of his native county until fourteen years of age, when he, with his mother and brothers, came to this county, where he finished his education, and served an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade. He has worked at this trade, more or less, in connection with farming, during his life. He was married in 1830, to Miss Mary Harris, of this county, who died in June, of same year. In 1836, he was again married, to Miss Minerva J. Thomas, niece of Finis E. Kirkpatrick, of Vernon county. They had two children, one of whom is now living, Elbridge G. Mr. W. accom- panied Gen. G. W. Lewis on the expedition against the Mormons. He
is a pioneer in the full sense of the word, having been identified with the interests of this county since 1819. He has watched the progress of affairs with a great deal of satisfaction, and feels the proud conscious- ness of having contributed largely to the same ..
JESSE WOLFSKILL, farmer, P. O., Slater. Was born in this state and county, in 1837, on the farm where he still lives. Was educated by private tutors. In 1861, he enlisted in the M. S. G., Capt. Brown's company, under Gen. Parsons. While in this command he took part in the follow- ing battles: Booneville, Carthage and Wilson's Creek. After the last battle he was taken sick and returned home, where he remained until 1864, when he re-enlisted in Col. B. F. Gordon's regiment, Capt. Joseph Elliott's company, which company becoming too large, a new one was organized under Capt. Benj. Nixon, which was joined to Col. Slayback's regiment. With this regiment he participated in the battles of Lexington, Little Blue, Independence, Westport, Big Blue, Fort Scott, and Newtonia. He surrendered at Shreveport in June, 1865, and reached home in July, following. Mr. W. was married in 1866, to Miss Ida Gilliam, daughter of A. W. Gilliam, of this county. The fruit of this union, was four children, three of whom are living: Allie, George H., and Judson. He is now engaged in cultivating and improving a fine farm, upon which he is gradu- ally acquiring a competence.
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JOHN R. LUCAS, farmer, P. O., Slater. Was born in Howard county, Missouri, in 1829. At the age of six, his father, Washington Lucas, came to Saline county, and located about three miles south of New Frankfort. He had been engaged in some of the Indian wars. Mr. John R. was raised on a farm, and educated under private tutors. He was married, in 1850, in Saline county, to Miss Sallie Gwinn, daughter of the Rev. Abner Gwinn. His wife died in 1876, leaving six children living, four being dead. The living are named as follows: Nancy E., (Mrs. E. D. Norvell), Wm. B., Abner W., John P., Sarah D., Martha K. In June, 1877, he was married, the second time, to Miss Emma Bright- well, by whom he had one child, now dead. Mr. Lucas is an energetic, successful farmer, a man of integrity, esteemed by all who know him.
NEWTON B. ROSS, farmer, P. O., Slater. Was born in Monroe county, West Virginia, in 1844; was educated at the "Emory and Henry College," in Virginia, Prof. E. E. Wiley, president. At the commence- ment of the war he enlisted in the command of Major-General Loring, King's battalion of artillery. In 1863 he was transferred to Major-General Ransom's command, East Tennessee, and in 1864 to Early's corps, Breck- inridge's division. He participated in the battles of Knoxville, Lynch- burg, Monocacy Junction, Winchester, Fisher's Hill, and several other skirmishes in the valley. He surrendered at Christiansburg, under Gen. Eckles (Gen. Early being sick at the time), in April, 1865. In 1866 he entered college, taking a scientific course, and graduating in the follow- ing year. Mr. Ross came to Saline county in February, 1875, locating in the McDaniel neighborhood. He was married in December, 1878, to Miss Kate Graves, daughter of Benjamin Graves, deceased. They have one child, Lillian G. In the fall of 1876 he was elected to the office of county surveyor, which position he held for four years, a fact which in itself fully attests to his ability to fill the office in a creditable manner. At present he is dealing to quite an extent in fine stock in connection with his farming. Mr. R. is a man of intelligence and strict integrity.
ELLIS B. PUTNEY, saw-mill operator, P. O., Slater. Was born in Buckingham county, Virginia, in 1859. His brothers, Charles F. and David, are natives of same state and county, where all were raised and educated. Ellis B. and David served an apprenticeship to the carpenter and wheelwright trade, at which they worked until the year 1868, when they moved to Lafayette county, Missouri, where they built a water-mill, on Big Sni creek, eight miles southwest of Wellington. They operated this mill three years, after which they worked at their trade for four years. In 1875 they came to Saline county, and rented a saw and grist mill, which they operated for one year. In 1880 they purchased the mill which they are now operating, and with which they have cut over 150,000 feet of lumber, besides doing considerable other work. Their partner,
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Joseph H.'Musgrove, was born in Knox county, Missouri, in 1854, where he was raised and educated. In 1874 he came to this county, where he has since resided. The father of the Putney brothers, Isaac B., is a native of Virginia, where he was engaged in the milling business. He came to this state and county with his sons in 1868. December 10, 1835, he was married to Miss Nancy Wilson, of Virginia, who died in 1870, leaving eleven children: Samuel J., Robert W., Isaac (Jr.), Fulton, David, William, Ellis, Charles F., Nancy, Elizabeth, and Virginia. Isaac B. has one granddaughter living, Mariah Jeffries.
JOSEPH H. WOLFSKILL, farmer, P. O., Slater. Was born in this state and county, 1821. Was educated in the common schools, and raised upon a farm. In 1847, he was married to Miss Sarah L. Watson, a native of Virginia. They have five children: Parthena A., wife of Geo. E. Woodson, Susan H., wife of Amos Price, Mary E., wife of James Garrett, Wm. B., and Jos. D. Mr. Wolfskill owns one of the oldest and best improved farms in the county. His father, Wm. J. Wolfskill, was born in 1793, in Kentucky. His mother was born in same state, in 1801. They came to Saline county, 1817, being pioneers in the fullest sense of the word. Mr. W. was a soldier of 1812, and took part in several important battles, the battle of the River Raisin among others. He has often said that David King killed Tecumseh, who fell dead but a short distance from him, and whom he recognized by a blemish in the eye. Mr. W. also enlisted in the Blackhawk war, serving during the entire campaign. He was married in Garrett county, Kentucky, in 1817, to Miss Susannah Wheeler, a sister of Mr. Wm. Wheeler, of this county. They have had nine children, four of whom are now living: Jessie, Eliz- abeth A., wife of Wm. H. Renick, Susan K., wife of Richard G. Eubank, and Joseph H. Mr. Wolfskill entered 320 acres of excellent land, the most of which is still owned by his heirs. He died in 1876, his wife dying four years previous.
GEO. W. LATIMER, farmer, P. O., Miami. Was born in Boone county, Kentucky, in 1836. Came to Saline county, when about eight years of age, with his father, Randall Latimer, locating where he now resides. He studied surveying, with his father, and during the years of 1574-6 served the county in capacity of surveyor. In 1861, he enlisted under Col. Frank Robinson, and was captured at Blackwater, in same year, and held prisoner for three months, after which he returned home. In 1864 he re-enlisted in Shelby's brigade, Col. Williams' regiment. He partic- ipated in all of the battles and skirmishes in which his command was engaged, during Price's raid. After the close of the war Mr. L. taught school for a short time in Texas. He was married in December, 1866, to Miss Bettie Bell, daughter of the Rev. Wm. M. Bell, of this county. They were blessed with four children: Ida B., Wm. R., Edward R. and
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an infant not named. In the fall of 1872, he went to Bates county, Mis- souri, where he engaged in farming and dealing in stock, until the year 1874. For a short time previous to this he was engaged in the grocery business at Miami. Mr. L. is an old resident has and watched the progress and growth of his county with a great deal of pride.
JOHN WILL WINNING, farmer, P. O., New Frankfort. Was born in the city of Arrow Rock, October 27, 1841. Was named after Dr. John Long, an intimate friend, and resident of that place. Was raised a farmer and educated by private tutors, of eminent ability. In 1864, during Price's raid, he enlisted in Col. Slayback's regiment, Captain Benjamin Nixon's company, under Shelby. Was engaged in the following battles: Lexington, Little and Big Blue, Independence, Westport, Newtonia and Ft. Scott. He surrendered at Shreveport with his regiment, and returned to Saline county. Mr. Winning was elected to the office of justice of the peace for Jefferson township, in 1872, which office he still holds, a fact, which in itself, is a sufficient guaranty of his ability to administer justice. He was married October 5, 1875, to Miss Elvira M. Woodson, daughter of James Woodson of this county. Mr. W. has also held the office of notary public, since February 28, 1873; having been commissioned twice. Is at present engaged, also, in farming and stock-raising, having formerly made a specialty of raising tobacco, which he still cultivates to some extent. He is a genial, whole-souled gentleman, enjoying the confidence of all. .
JOHN WILLIAMS, (deceased), was born in Yazoo county, Missis- sippi, about the year, 1814. His early life was passed on a farm and in acquiring an education. In 1836, he came to Saline county, locating on the old Thomas Roger's farm, near Miami. In 1841, he was united in mar- riage to Miss Julia Davis, of this county. They have had six children, only one of whom is living: Joshua. Mr. Williams was with General Lewis in the campaign against the Mormons, in which he was slightly wounded in the lip. He died in 1855, and was buried in Chariton county. His widow was again married in 1859, to Isaac Ulrey, of Carroll county. They had two children, one of whom is living: Andrew. Mrs. Ulrey died in 1860, and was buried in Carroll county. Four years later, Mr. Ulrey followed his wife to that "bourne from which no traveler returns," and was laid beside her. Mr. Joshua Williams, the only survivor of the first mar- riage, was born in 1842, in this county, where he was raised and educated. In September, 1861, he enlisted in the Federal army, company A, 11Sth Missouri infantry; participated in the following battles: Shiloh, Corinth, Atlanta, Bentonsville, Columbia, and many other engagements too numer- ous to mention. After the war he returned to this county. In 1865, he was married to Lucinda Johnson, of this county, by whom he had two children, John L. and Marion C. His wife died in 1869. In 1871, he
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was married the second time to. Sarah C. McLain, of this county. By this marriage he also had two children, one of whom is now living, Maudie A. Mr. Williams is an intelligent and progressive farmer, and a man of whom nothing can be said to his discredit.
JOHN T. RHOADES, farmer and blooded stock raiser, P. O., Slater. Is a native of this state and county, born in 1848. Was raised on a farm and educated in the common schools. Was married in 1875 to Miss Martha Norvell, by whom he had three children, two of whom are now living: William B., and Lilian. In addition to his farming, Mr. Rhoades is giving special attention to the breeding of fine blooded stock, in the accom- plishment of which he will confer a lasting benefit upon the farming commu- nities of this and the adjoining counties. Too little attention has been given to this specialty, in the past, the consequence of which is that the greater part of the stock raised in these days is of an inferior grade, and the efforts of Mr. Rhoades to improve it, deserve the commendation and co-operation of all who are interested in stock-raising.
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