USA > Missouri > McDonald County > Illustrated history of McDonald County, Missouri: from the earliest settlement to the present time > Part 12
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Every one of these Lodges ought to take heart and reconvene themselves. The field is indeed white unto the harvest, but the laborers are few. The change in public sentiment the last few years has been gratifying to the tem- perance people, but if we are to cement this in- to strong, clear intent and purpose, we must do more and better work. Let us up, and be at our labor, while it is yet to-day!
HISTORY OF MCDONALD COUNTY.
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CHAPTER XIII.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
A. A. ADAMS, familiarily known as Allen, is a son of Jeff and Mary E. Adams, who for many years were familiar citizens of Buffalo township. He was born in Texas, January 17, 1864. In 1867 his parents came to this county and located on the Sugar Fork of Buffalo creek. His mother died in 1888, his father in 1894. He and Miss Ada L. Hayes were united in marriage August 11, 1889. She bore him three children, all of whom are now living. She died November 20, 1894. Mr. Adams was reared on his father's farm, and attended the district schools what time he could be spared from the farm duties. He followed that occupation until October 1895, when he bought a half interest in the Coy Mills, since which time he has been interested in that business, being now located at Tiff City. He has given his attention to the various details of the business until he has become almost as fa- miliar with the milling business as the farm
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work. At present he is engaged inrunning the engine and assistant manager of the business of the firm.
ANDREW D. ANDERSON. of McMillin town- ship. son of Robert and Hester Anderson, was born in Barry county. Missouri September 3. 1840. Five years later his parents moved to this county and settled what is now the Schmidt farm. since which time the object of this sketch has principally been a resident of this county. He enlisted August 2. 1862. in Co. H. Sixth Kansas Cavalry. Volunteers and served until June 22. 1865. The last ten months of the war he was held a prisoner at Tyler. Texas. He was first married December 7. 1865, to Rachel L. Mizer of Tennessee. To them were born seven children after which she died. Mr. An- derson and Mrs. Malinda C. Hamilton. a widow with three children, were married September 28, 1890. To them another seven children were born. He at first joined the Baptist church but afterwards withdrew and joined the North Methodist of which denomination he was for many years a local preacher. His present widow. after her marriage with Mr. Anderson, also withdrew from the Baptist and joined the church to which he belonged. He was a pros- perous farmer and at the time of his death. November 1895, owned a farm of over 200 acres.
HISTORY OF MCDONALD COUNTY.
He lived an exemplary life. highly respected by all who knew him and greatly beloved by his wife and children to whom hehad ever been a kind husband and father.
ROBERT ANDERSON. was born in Grayson county. Virginia. February 1. 1631. Here he lived until he was about 18 years old. when he went to Tennessee. and from there to this county in 1861. One of the first scenes he rem- embered of seeing after reaching this county was the holding of court on a big flat rock at the forks of the two Sugar creeks. He was first married to Nancy Testerman. of Ash county. North Carolina in 1848. After bearing seven children four of whom are still living she died and was buried at Beaver Springs ceme- tery. He served in the quarter master's de- partment one year under Gen. Price. Mr. An- derson has been appointed post master four different times and served in all about twenty years, holding the position at Erie. Baladan. and Anderson. He established the latter office in 1857. and the town incidentally bears his name. He was justice of the peace four years at Erie and Indian Springs. By occupation he is a merchant and mechanic. having sold goods for upwards of twenty years. and has built 21 houses in this county.
ZACH BAKER. our present efficient county
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clerk, is one of the most prominent men of McDonald county. He is a son of Judge Hiram Baker, and was born in Wayne county this State in 1846. His parents came to this county in 1853, where the object of this sketch was principally reared. He received a fair education in the common schools, mostly in Camden county, where they went during a portion of the war. He was especially efficient in figures and penmanship. He was married in 1879, and they have seven children, all living. Mr. Baker, or Zach as every body calls him, has been nom- inated by the Republicans and Independents several times, and came within a few votes of being elected when the opposition had some 300 majority. In 1886 he was elected county assessor, which office he filled with credit, and his work received the approval of the Democratic county officials. In 1894 he was elected to the of- fice which he now holds. By occupation he is a farmer and knows what hard work is. He is a minister in the Christian church, and seems to be a great favorite with the young couples who are matrimonially inclined.
A. H. BARLOW, one of the oldest and most respected citizens of this county, was born near Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1818. Where he was quite a small boy his parents moved to Tennessee, where they died. He came to Neosho
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in 1841, and has lived in Newton and McDonald counties ever since. He received his education at home, studying at night by light of pine knots. He married Elizabeth Gibson in Tennessee, they had twelve children, four of whom are dead. Of the living, two are in Colorado, two in the Chocktaw Nation, one in Kansas, one at Neosho one at Stella, and one near Miami, I. T. Some years after the death ot his first wife he married the widow Michael of Newton county. They have three children all living. One at Anderson, one in Ark. and one in Colorado. Mr. Barlow was originally a Whig, and says he sticks to it yet, but voted for Bryan last fall. He has been a carpenter, cabinet maker and mill wright. During the war he lived on a small farm near Neosho most of the time, but finally went to Neosho and followed the Union army. During the war his house and fences were all burnt, but they caught from the forest fires. He says the Rebels treated him well and he never had an enemy in his life.
SAMUEL D. BEST was born January 3, 1829, in Lincoln county, North Carolina. His par- ents moved to Tennessee when he was but 18 months old, where he was brought up. He was first married in Blunt county, Tenn., in 1851, and has 15 children, 13 of whom are still living. He is now living with his second wife to whom
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he was married in the north part of this state a few years ago. In early life he attended school at Perryville, Tenn., where he acquired his ed- ucation. Mr. Best has quite an interesting war record, having served three years under Stan- ley and Sheridan. He was in many battles, among which were Perryville, Nashville, Mur- feesborough and Knoxville. He was First Lieu- tenant, Co. D., Second Tenn. Cavalry; was wounded near Murfeesborough in March, 1863, and some time later resigned on account of dis- ability. Mr. Best is a farmer by occupation, and owns a comfortable home on the Pineville and Indian Springs road.
JAMES H. COWAN, son of David and Matilda Cowan, was born in Barton county, Alabama, Dec. 24, 1840. His parents moved to Tenn. and from there to Missouri in 1853, and settled where the object of this sketch now lives, on Big Sugar creek near Cyclone. He attended school at the Love school house in Elk Horn township. In 1872 he was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Phillips, but she died two weeks later. The next year he married her sister Mary. She lived twelve years and bore five children, three of whom are living-Nancy (Cook), Marcus Andrew, and David C., all in this county. Mr. Cowan is a farmer by occupa- tion, a staunch Republican in politics, and for fifteen years has been a member of the Missionary
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Baptist Church. He enlisted in Co. M. Sixth Mo. Cavalry September 1, 1861; again in Fifteenth Mo. Cav. Nov. 1, 1863. He served as Corporal for some time, and was elected Lieu- tenant, but the war closed before his com- mission came.
D. S. ELLIFF, was born in McDonald county, Missouri, March 11, 1867, and has lived here all his life. He received a good education in the district schools and when quite a young man, taught three terms, but he prefered the life of a farmer and has followed that occupation since. July 19, 1888, he and Miss Nettie B. Elliott, daughter of Judge Elliott of this county, were
united in marriage. They have had three children-Inez, Monroe and Goldie. Inez died February 21, 1897, at the age of seven years. When but eighteen years of age Mr. Elliff united with the Baptist church of which he has ever since been a consistent member. He was lecturer of the Farmer's Alliance of this county for two years. He has been a leading member of the Populist party for many years, and his integrity and hard work were rewarded after the campaign of 1897 by the appointment to a lu- crative position in the House of Representatives, 39, General Assembly. At the present time he is a member of the Populist Congressional and State Executive Committees.
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T. C. GILBREATH, son of John and Mary Gilbreath, was born in LaPorte county, Indiana, in 1846. In 1852 his parents moved to Iowa and from there to Harrison county Missouri in 1855. When the war broke out they went to Des Moines, Iowa where he attended school. He was married in Newton county, Mo. May 8, 1870, to Miss R. M. Mickens, formerly of Story county, Iowa. They have had six children, five of whom are living. He came to McDonald county in 1893 from Jasper county, where he had lived for several years. He operated a saw mill first on Big Sugar, then near Pineville, where he did a thriving business. He sold his mill and tried farming awhile, but afterwards resumed his former occupation, and is apparently master of the art. In 1896 he was elected justice of the peace of Anderson township which position he fills with credit. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and Encampment of O. F. Politically he is a Greenbacker.
J. TURNER HORNER, son of Dr. John T. and Mary Horner, was born July 26, 1866, in Webster county, Missouri. When he was but six weeks old his parents moved to Barry county, where Mr. Horner spent his boyhood and youth. He received a good education at Cassville, and began teaching at theage of twenty years. He soon became one of the leading teachers of
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Barry county, and was several times teacher of some of the best schools in that county, and was principal of the Purdy schoolin 1889. Jan- uary 1, 1888 he was united in marriage with Miss Mattie Jessee of Cassville, Missouri. They have three children, two girls and one boy. In 1889 he moved to McDonald county to take charge of the Pineville school of which he was principal that year and the next. He was again elected to the same position for the term of 1896-7, all of which he filled with credit. In the campaign of 1894, he was a contestant be- fore the Republican County Convention for
Representative, but on being defeated, was unanimously tendered, the nomination for Presiding Judge of the County court, to which honorable and responsible position he was elected the following November. As an officer he has performed his duty ably and honestly. He now resides at Rocky Comfort where he has a comfortable home, and follows his chosen professon, that of teacher. He is elected prin- cipal of the Rocky Comfort High School for the school year 1897-98.
P. A. HORTON, was born in Benton county, Arkansas, August 17, 1869. He is a son of Daniel and Sarah (Graham) Horton. His father died a short time before he was born and his mother, who re-married, lived only about a
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year afterwards. His mother and stepfather moved from Arkansas to Joplin where they remained a short time when they came to Mc- Donald county. Press as he is usually called was raised on Indian creek near Erie. In 1890 he and Miss Sarah Bogle were united in mar- riage; they have three children, all of whom are living. He has spent most of his life on a farm and hopes to some day own a good one of his own. For the past year or more he has been interested in the saw mill business. He belongs to the Democratic party with which he has voted ever since he arrived at his majority, and from which he sees no reason to change.
HARRY S. JACKSON, is a son of S. H. and Mary Jackson, formerly of Tennessee, but now citizens of this county. Harry was born in Neo- sho, Missouri, June, 1873, consequently is still a young man. He attended the public schools at Neosho until the year 1887, when with his parents he came to McDonald county and located at Caverna. By improving his time in school he secured a good business education, which he has since improved by practical use and by a general course of useful and instructive reading, so that now he is counted as one of the best posted young men of the county. He was put to work in the mill at Caverna some years ago and thoroughly learned the business. He
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now has charge of the mill and is making a success of the enterprise, which is due to his good management and courteous treatment of all with whom he deals. The probabilities are that in the years to come he will rise to distinct- ion among our people.
S. T. LANE: Another of the pioneers of this county is the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch. He was born in Green county, this state, October 28, 1843. His birth place is now the historic Springfield battle ground. His parents, Samuel and Frances Marion (Robinson) Lane, came to McDonald county in 1845. He married Miss Isabel C. Kin- cannon, of Washington county, Arkansas. They
have no children. Mr. Lane enlisted for the war in the 1st Missouri Confederate Artillery, where he held the position of bugler. He was in the battles at Carthage, Pea Ridge, Prairie Grove, Helena, Jenkins Ferry, and other smaller engagements. He joined the M. E. Church, South, in 1890, his wife having become a member of that church several years before, and both are living consistent Christian lives. He has been a farmer and carpenter by occupation and politically a life-long Democrat. For many years he lived on his farm on Patterson creek, but is now a resident of Tiff City, where he has a comfortable home and, with his estimable lady is enjoying the blessings of life.
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MARTIN L. MARRS, son of Aaron and Emmaline Marrs, was born in Washington county, Arkan- sas, August 18, 1855. He remained in the land of his birth until some years after he was grown to manhood coming to this county in 1885. He attended school at Vina Grove Seminary Ar- kansas where he gained an education that renders him fit for the responsible county office which he now fills. On the 7, day of September, 1880, he and Miss Elizabeth Bunch, also of Washington county, Arkansas, were married. Their union has been blessed with five children, all of whom are living. Mr. Marrs was nominated on the Democratic ticket in 1896 for county assessor and was elected by a large majority. With the exception of a short time in the mercantile business at Jane, he has been a life-long farmer, and after his term of office he expects to return to his chosen occupation.
M. E. MEADOR, of Anderson, is a son of Martin and Sarah Meador who settled in this county in the early days. He was born in this county February 28, 1859 and has always lived here. He attended the district school' at Beaver Springs near where his father lived. In 1880 he was married to Miss Mary Anderson, also of this county. After bearing six children five of whom are living, she died May 1, 1896. When the rail road was built through this
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county it passed over a piece of his land, and with an eye to business, he at once laid it out in town lots. He has ever since been one of the principal men in building up the town of Anderson, and much of its success has been due to his work and influence. Mr. Meador is at present engaged in running a saw mill and livery stable. He is one of the stand-by's in the Republican party, having never wavered from that faith.
J. P. MADDEN, one of the best known citizens of this county, was born in Warrick county Indiana March 29, 1838. He remained in his native state until in middle life where he held several positions of honor and trust. He was . educated at a private school and followed the avocation of teacher for several years. He was Township Trustee, and assessor, also constable and deputy sheriff. In 1875 he moved from Indiana to Kansas and from there came to this county in 1878. Since living here he has worked at a saw mill for some time, then handled tim- ber at Anderson and now keeps a hotel there. He, at present devotes much of his time can- vassing for cemetery marble work. He filled the office of county assessor on the Democratic ticket for two terms, 1889-93. and proved to be an honest servant of the people. He first married Miss Mary E. Hedges, of Warrick
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county Indiana, November 17, 1859. She died April 25, 1887. In 1889 he married Maggie S. Nance, with whom he is now living.
JOHN L. MONTGOMERY, was born on Red River, Texas, June 28, 1848. He is a son of Jos. B. and Martha Montgomery, for many years a prominent family of this county. In 1850 his parents left Texas and located near Fayettville Arkansas. In 1863 they came to Missouri, and located in this county in 1867. John L. was married to Miss Hassie Hyatt of Newton county in 1868. They had two children, both boys now in business in Rocky Comfort. His wife died July 15, 1890. One of his brothers served in the Union army, and his father commanded a company at the battle of Pea Ridge under Gen. Price. He is a member of the Christian Church, and in politics has always been a staunch Republican. For many years he was in the mercantile business at Rocky Comfort, but a couple of years ago withdrew from that business and now devotes his time to his farm where he has an elegant home.
W. H. NOEL, was born August 27, 1846, in Casey county Kentucky. His parents, B. S. and Nancy Noel, moved to McDonald county, Mo. the same year, consequently the object of this sketch has lived here from infancy. Au- gust 1, 1864 he joined the 2nd Cherokee regiment,
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Confederate Volunteers and served to the close of the war. Was in several skirmishes in Missouri and Arkansas, and in one or two pretty severe engagements. November 20, 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Nannie Huffman, of Collins county, Texas. To them have been born ten children, seven of whom are still living. Before their marriage both had united with the Baptist church of which they have been consistent members for some thirty years. Mr. Noel was deputy sheriff five years: 1887-1892. In 1892 he waselected asses- sor, and re-elected in 1894, being the only Dem- ocrat elected on the county ticket that year. He is now (1897) deputy assessor.
JOHN W. NUTTING, son of George and Margaret Nutting, was born in this county, January 6, 1847. He lived at the home of his parents on Buffalo creek until August, 1862, at which time he enlisted in the Confederate army, Sixteenth Missouri Cavalry, but in a short time they were dismounted and became Infantry. He was in the battles at, Helena, Pleasant Hill and Saline River, besides numerous minor engagements. His discription of their advance on Helena, the attack repusle and retreat sounds like a romance. He surrendered at the close of the war at Shrevesport, La. In 1869 he was married to Miss Margaret Raba a native of Knox county,
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Tenn. They have seven children all living. He is a member of the Baptist church, a farmer, and a life-long Democrat. In 1888 he was elected county judge for the western district, and re- elected in 1888, serving four years. His ability as an officer is tersely expressed in the appella- tion given him as "The watch dog of the county treasury. "
R. W. PATTERSON was born in Buncomb county, North Carolina, November 29, 1857. His parents came to McDonald county in 1871. On the 31, day of March, 1878 he and Miss Sarah E. Click of this county were united in marriage. They have four children, Clara A., Effie, Stella and Alfred. In politics he has always been a Democrat, and for the past twenty-three years has been a member of the Baptist church. He has been engaged in farming most of his life and owns a good farm near Anderson, but the last five or six years has been clerking in a store at that place. He was deputy assessor two years under Chapman and four years under Madden. Was justice of the peace four years 1892-6 and for the last six years has been a notary public. His business qualifications are first class and his genial manners and fair dealings contribute much to the success of the firm with which he is connected.
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H. C. PRATER was born in Kentucky February 2nd 1851. In 1855 his parents settled in Johnson county, this state, and in 1865 came to McDonald county. In 1870 to 1874 the object of this sketch spent in California, but with this exception has lived in this county. On the 17th day of Feb- ruary, 1876 he was married to Miss Sarah J. Kenney. They have nine children living. He served as Justice of the Peace in Pinevile township six years, and in 1892 was a candidate for the office of Collector, being defeated by 80 votes. In 1894 the Republicans again nominated him and he was elected by a plurality of 126. Mr. Prater has always borne a reputation as a competent business man, and strictly honest in
his transactions. He is a member of the Meth- odist church. One of the grandest things that he will ever have to think of is that for many years while poor himself, and burdened with a large family, he took care of his old father and mother without ever a thought or hope of reward. He has a good farm on Indian creek near Lanagan where he has been living the past four years.
J. H. QUALLS. The object of this sketch was born in Madison county, Askansas, March 11, 1860. His parents moved to Christian county Mo., during the war, then back to Arkansas. Went to Colorado in 1876 and came to McDonald county in 1879, since which time Mr. Qualls has
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been a permanent resident. June 20, 1886 he and Miss N. C. Lewis, of this county, were united in marriage. They have three children; Rosa E. eight years of age, Bertie M. five years, Samuel B. one year old. He and his wife united . with the Missionary Baptist church about seven years ago. He is now publishing the Tiff City News, a nice, clean paper that is a credit to both Mr. Qualls and the community in which it is located. His first venture in the newspaper business was at Anderson, in 1893, when the Messenger was established. Since that time he has been connected with two other papers. He is a member of the Populist party, and during the campaign of 1894 was chairman of the county central committee of that party.
G. M. D. SEABOURN, son of Bradford and Catherine (Campbell) Seabourn, was born in Bradley county, East Tennessee, June 3, 1845. He came with his parents to McDonald county in 1858. He was first married in 1862 to Miss Missouri Anderson, sister of A. D. Anderson, late of this county. By her three children have been born. Some years after her death he married Miss Sarah Eden by whom he has four children living. He was never in the regular army, but served for a time in the state malitia. He was in the fight at Neosho with General Shelby by whose men he was
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captured and released on parole. The entire family were strongly Union and had to leave this county in 1862, at which time they went to Lawrence county returning in 1866. His father served over two years in the 6th Kansas Cavalry. Mr. Seabourn does not belong to any church, has never held a public office and is a farmer by occupation. He owns a good farm, is in com- fortable circumstances, comes of a good family and is highly respected by all who know him.
WILLIAM K. WILSON, son of Levi and Eliz- abeth Wilson, was born in Jackson county, Tennessee, November 4, 1841. His youth was spent in the land of his birth, and on the 21st day of March, 1861 he was united in marriage with Miss Lena A. Clark. During the war they were compelled to "refugee" to Kentucky be- ing loyal people. Mr. Wilson joined the First Tenn. mounted Infantry in 1864 and served until the close of the war, being most of the time in the mountains of his native state. In 1868 he and his wife both joined the Christian church of which they are still consistent mem- bers. In 1871 they moved to Illinois, and in 1877 to this county. He improved a nice place near the Roark school house, and while there served as district clerk several years. He is now making another comfortable home near Coy. They have been blessed with nine children,
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