USA > Missouri > Livingston County > Past and present of Livingston County, Missouri : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 15
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FRED F. CARDER.
Fred F. Carder, a successful farmer and stock-raiser of Moores- ville township, where he owns one hundred and twenty acres of land, was born in Jackson county, West Virginia, September 2, 1864. He is a son of Jefferson and Julia (Welch) Carder, who moved to Put- nam county, Missouri, in 1877, where the father followed farming until his death in 1880. His wife survived him many years, dying in 1910, and both are buried in the Bethany graveyard, Putnam county.
Fred F. Carder was thirteen years of age when he was brought to Putnam county by his parents. He attended public school during the winter months and after the death of his father assisted his mother in the operation of the farm. He laid aside his books at the age of twenty and at that time assumed entire management of the homestead, which he developed along practical and progressive lines for a number of years. In 1908 he sold that property and moved
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into Livingston county, where he purchased his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres on sections 32 and 33, Mooresville town- ship. He has since improved the place in a substantial way, building a fine barn, granaries and outbuildings and installing the needed farm equipment. His unremitting energy, his industry and his good man- agement have resulted in a gratifying degree of success and today his land is in a high state of cultivation. Large herds of cattle and sheep graze in the pastures and droves of hogs are also fed and fattened. Mr. Carder is a man of wide experience and broad infor- mation and his success has been the result of his ability and industry.
Mr. Carder has been twice married. On the 4th of October, 1888, he wedded, at Unionville, Missouri, Miss Ida Christian, a daughter of Edley T. Christian. She passed away May 2, 1890, and is buried in the Bethany graveyard, Putnam county. To this union were born two daughters : Estella E., who is a student in the Missouri Baptist Training School; and Ida May, who died in infancy. On December 5, 1908, Mr. Carder was again married, his second union being with Miss Martha McPherson, a daughter of Irwin and Margaret Mc- Pherson, of West Virginia. The father engages in agricultural pur- suits near Parkersburg, in that state. At the outbreak of the Civil war he went to the front as a volunteer, engaging in many hotly contested battles. At the present time he makes his home in West Virginia. His wife died May 26, 1901, and is buried in Liverpool, in her native state.
Mr. Carder is a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church and in politics gives his allegiance to the democratic party. Although one of the later arrivals in Livingston county, he has already become thoroughly identified with its interests and is at all times ready to lend his aid and cooperation to any movement calculated to benefit this section or to advance its development.
JOHN J. MAY.
The name of May has been well known in Livingston county since pioneer times, for representatives of the family have lived in this section since 1849. In that year James May came to this county and preempted land in Cream Ridge township, to which he gradually added, founding in this way the old May estate, of which his son John J. May is now manager and part owner. The farm comprises three
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hundred and fifty-eight acres lying on the east half of section 20 and on sections 22 and 23 and is one of the well improved and valuable properties of this locality. John J. May was born upon the property, February 9, 1855, and has spent his entire life here. His parents were James and Nancy (Creaghead) May, the former the founder of the family in Livingston county and for many years one of the substantial and representative citizens. He was recognized as a powerful factor in agricultural development and was also prominent in public life, serving for twelve years as public administrator and cooperating heartily in all progressive public movements. He died in 1895, at the age of seventy-one, and is survived by his wife, who makes her home in Colorado during the summer months.
John J. May was reared to farm work and as a boy became famil- iar with the details and methods of practical farming, much of his success today resting upon the thoroughness of his early training. He acquired a primary education in the district schools and later attended the Kirksville State Normal, which he left at the age of twenty-two. He afterward began teaching in Cream Ridge township and continued to do so until 1895, although he did not abandon his connection with farming, spending his summers managing the home- stead. He inherited a share in the property and was made one of the administrators of the estate, which he has managed since the death of his father. Upon it he has steadily carried forward the work of improvement, building a new residence, substantial barns and a num- ber of other buildings and neglecting nothing which would make this a model agricultural property. He is widely recognized as a pros- perous and enterprising agriculturist and stock-raiser of the com- munity and as one whose success is entirely the result of his well directed labor and capable management.
Mr. May married, in Jacksonville, Illinois, April 11, 1883, Miss Lullah Davis, a daughter of John T. and Ann E. Davis, the former for many years a successful farmer in Livingston county. He died in Cream Ridge township and is buried in the May cemetery, which was named in honor of the father of the subject of this review. Mr. and Mrs. May have five children : Ina L., the wife of W. H. Stickney, of Joseph, Oregon; Mansur, a painter in Denver, Colorado; Glen D., of Pueblo, Colorado; Vivien, who lives at home, and Anna, who is attending school.
Fraternally Mr. May is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he is well known in business circles of Chula as an important stockholder in the Farmers & Merchants Bank. He gives
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his allegiance to the democratic party and served as county assessor from 1906 to 1907 and has also been township collector and assessor for a number of terms. In his official career he has always been most loyal to the interests of the county and devoted to its welfare. As a citizen he is public-spirited and whatever tends to promote the best interests of the community receives his indorsement and hearty sup- port.
WILLIAM H. WILBURN.
As the owner of a valuable farm of one hundred and forty-five acres on section 25, Jackson township, Livingston county, William H. Wilburn is representative of the progress agriculture has made in this section. A native of this county, he was born in Springhill, Missouri, March 14, 1855, a son of Charles Harvy and Tabitha J. (Crim) Wilburn, the former a card roll manufacturer and agricul- turist who came to this county in 1844 from West Virginia. Success along his lines of industry came to him and he was prominent in the communities in which he lived and where he became popular on account of his many substantial qualities of heart and mind. Politi- cally he was a stanch democrat, believing in the principles that party represents. He died on July 4, 1897, at the age of sixty-six years, his wife having also since passed away.
William H. Wilburn acquired his education in the public schools of Springhill, Missouri, continuing his lessons until he reached the age of twenty years although he assisted his father to a large extent during that time. After his marriage he rented land upon which he farmed for twenty years and then bought the property he now owns. This land he holds in partnership with his wife and engages in mixed farming, following progressive methods and also specializing in stock- raising, deriving a gratifying income from the latter branch of his activities. Since he possessed himself of this land he has erected thereon a handsome residence and all other buildings to shelter his grain and stock, having installed such improvements as are deemed indispensable to modern agriculture.
On October 18, 1876, Mr. Wilburn was married, near Springhill, Missouri, to Miss Mary Mast, a daughter of J. George and Rosinna (Grouse) Mast, the father being one of the pioneers of this section having come here in 1865. He became one of the well known and prominent men of the locality, passing away September 26, 1909, at
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the age of eighty-two years. His wife only survived him for a few months, dying on December 31, 1909, at the age of eighty years. They were laid side by side to their final rest in Mount Pleasant ceme- tery. Mr. and Mrs. Wilburn are the parents of six children, as fol- lows: Annie E., the wife of Lawrence Jones, an agriculturist; Ros- inna E., who married Frank Dowell, a prominent farmer of Jackson township; James H., who assists his father in the cultivation of the farm; Charles C., also engaged in farm work at home; W. Frank, a former student of Jackson University at Chillicothe, Missouri; and Theovelma, at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilburn are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, to the work of which they give their earnest support, the former serving in the capacity of trustee. His political affilia- tions connect him with the democratic party to which since voting age he has given his unqualified support. A man of progressive ten- dencies, he has not only achieved success for himself but has been a constructive factor in the development and advancement of Jackson township, Livingston county.
JOHN H. HOYT.
Since receiving his honorable discharge as a soldier in the Civil war John H. Hoyt has lived upon his farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Livingston county and as the years have passed has made it a most excellent and productive property. He was born in Ohio in February, 1846, and is a son of Caleb R. and Mary (Taylor) Hoyt, both of whom have passed away, the mother dying in 1853 and the father in 1873. The former is buried in Adams county, Illi- nois, while the latter was laid to rest in Maybury cemetery, in Fair- view township.
In the acquirement of an education John H. Hoyt attended the country schools of Adams county, Illinois, whither his parents had removed when he was still a child. At the age of eighteen he laid aside his books in order to offer his services to the Federal govern- ment and was sent to the front as a private in an Illinois volunteer regiment. After one year of able and loyal service he received his honorable discharge and coming to Missouri bought forty acres of land, adding thereto, as he was able, until his holdings comprised three hundred and twenty acres, all located in range 23, Livingston
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county. He has continued to improve the property, building a good house, barns, granaries and outbuildings and installing the necessary farm equipment. He has thus added greatly to the value of the prop- erty. Mr. Hoyt engages in mixed farming, raising grain and keep- ing eight horses, fifty head of cattle and about one hundred swine. He makes a specialty of raising thoroughbred Galloway cattle, a line which he has followed for the past twenty years and enjoys a high reputation for the results which he obtains. Two hundred and fifty acres of this farm are under cultivation and all of the work is done under his supervision and direction.
Mr. Hoyt has been twice married. His first union was with Miss Amanda Messer, a daughter of Isaac and Margaret (Patterson) Messer, both of whom have passed away. Mr. Hoyt's first wife died in November, 1880, leaving two children: Charles T., a general mer- chant in Blue Mound; and John M., a farmer in Dawn. On August 22, 1883, Mr. Hoyt was again married, his second union being with Miss Octa Bowen, a daughter of James A. and Amelia (Purcell) Bowen, both deceased, who are buried at Blue Mound. To this mar- riage seven children have been born: Carrie, the wife of G. D. La Munyon, a railroad man with headquarters in Whitefish, Montana ; Grace, who is a teacher in Columbia Falls, Montana; Verna, who is also engaged in teaching at that place; and Burt A., Mary, Gladys and Eugene F., all of whom are still pursuing their studies.
Mr. Hoyt is a democrat in his political beliefs, and fraternally is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is num- bered among Livingston county's successful citizens, but the most envious cannot grudge him his prosperity, so honorably has it been gained and so worthily used.
ALEXANDER S. MOSELEY.
A native of Livingston county and a resident therein for sixty- seven years Alexander S. Moseley is widely and favorably known as one of the foremost agriculturists of this district, where he owns a farm comprising two hundred and forty acres on sections 21 and 28 in Jackson township. Born in that township on December 19, 1845, his parents were James S. and Eliza (Jones) Moseley. The former, one of the early pioneers here, became subsequently a prosperous farmer originally coming to this country in 1830 from the state of
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Virginia. Having successfully followed farming pursuits all his life, the father passed away November 19, 1879, at the age of seventy- nine years, his wife having preceded him in death in 1873 at the age of sixty-eight years. Both are buried in the cemetery at Springhill, Missouri. The family is of English origin, but members of it crossed the Atlantic in the early days of the history of this country.
Alexander S. Moseley, in the acquirement of his education, at- tended the Springhill district school, enjoying such advantages as were provided in the primitive days of his youth. He left school at the age of fifteen and then assisted his father in the work on the farm until twenty years of age, becoming well acquainted with the methods and details of agriculture and laying the foundation of a career that brought him success. He then married and leased a farm from his father-in-law, his efforts being attended with such good results that in 1868 he was enabled to buy forty acres, to the cultiva- tion of which he gave his assiduous attention. As his means in- creased he added to his holdings and gradually extended the boun- daries of his property until it reached its present proportions. Fol- lowing general farming he specialized along lines of stock-raising and gratifying results have attended his efforts in that respect. He erected upon his farm a handsome residence and has made thereon all improvements, which are kept well in repair. Instituting such equip- ment and machinery as he deemed indispensable to modern and inten- sive farming, he has enhanced the value of the property to such an extent that his farm is today considered one of the most valuable in Jackson township.
On May 3, 1866, Mr. Moseley married, on the farm upon which he now resides, Miss Fannie Guthridge, who after a happy married life of nine years passed away on November 1, 1875, and was buried in the Guthridge cemetery. She left three children : Walter, an agri- culturist, residing in Chillicothe, Missouri; Catherine, the wife of William Frederick Williams, a prominent agriculturist of Jackson township; and Charles F., who also follows that occupation in the same township. On March 10, 1878, Mr. Moseley married, in Samp- sell township, Miss Martha A. Dickison, a daughter of William S. and Mary (Cooper) Dickison, both of whom were old settlers of Daviess county, Missouri, but are now deceased. The mother found her last resting place near Gallatin, Missouri, and the father died while returning from the Civil war. To Mr. and Mrs. Moseley were born three children: Norah E., a graduate of Jackson University; Mary E., who married Charles W. McLean, a bookkeeper, residing in
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Arizona; and J. O., assistant cashier of the Bank of Concordia at Concordia, Kansas.
Public-spirited and deeply interested in all matters of public im- portance, particularly in the cause of education, Mr. Moseley has been a director of the school board for about twenty years and gave highly satisfactory service. He also held the office of road supervisor for three terms, being closely connected with the good roads movement and doing all in his power during that time to improve the highways and roads in the township. His faith is that of the Methodist Epis- copal church, South, and he takes an active and helpful interest in the church and its allied societies. A man of serious purpose, Mr. Mose- ley has largely given his attention to one goal and has attained to pros- perity in his line by hard work and close attention to business. How- ever, he himself gives great credit for his success to the able assistance of his faithful wife, who shared with him alike adversity, as she now participates in his prosperity.
P. E. BAGLEY.
P. E. Bagley is one whose active life has been spent in railroad service and who through determined purpose, strict integrity and con- scientiousness has attained an important place in his chosen pro- fession, acting as station agent for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad at Utica. He is a native of Livingston county, born Febru- ary 1, 1871, and is a son of W. W. and Mary (Exi) Bagley, the for- mer one of the most prominent farmers of Green township, where he now resides. The mother passed away in 1892 and is buried in Utica.
P. E. Bagley acquired his education in the Utica public schools, laying aside his books at the age of twenty and securing employment with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, in the service of which he acts today. He holds the position of station agent at Utica and is one of the most trusted men in the employ of the railroad cor- poration. He owns also a property near Utica, upon which he resides.
Mr. Bagley was married at Kearney, Nebraska, in 1894 to Miss Josie Barnes, a daughter of Zack and Mary Barnes, both of whom have passed away and are buried in Kearney. Mr. and Mrs. Bagley are the parents of six children : Volney, Vida, Vinita and Verne, all of whom are attending school; and Victor and Vivian.
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Mr. Bagley is a devout member of the Baptist church and has been clerk for the past two years. His political views are in accord with the principles of the republican party, while fraternally he is connected with the Masonic chapter and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He takes a deep interest in public affairs and is a highly respected citizen, having also gained recognition as a faithful and trusted employe of the railroad he serves.
CAPTAIN JAMES J. STITH.
A highly valuable and well cultivated farm of one hundred acres on section 28, Jackson township, Livingston county, stands as a monument to the industry and energy of Captain James J. Stith, who since September 1, 1865, has made his home in this county. Born in Meade county, Kentucky, on July 12, 1838, he is a son of William and Anna (Hayden) Stith, the father coming with his family to Livingston county in 1865. A purposeful man, he was successful in his life's labors and passed away in June, 1880, at the age of seventy- three years, deeply mourned by his family and a large number of friends, his burial taking place in the Guthridge cemetery. The mother died nearly four decades earlier, in 1841, and is buried in the Hayden family graveyard in Meade county, Kentucky.
James J. Stith attended school in Kentucky, laying aside his text- books at the age of sixteen years. In 1856 he came to Chariton county, Missouri, and in 1857 removed to Kansas, where he worked out by the month, making his home there until 1860. During that time, however, he made a trip to Pike's Peak, where for a short time he engaged in gold mining and also freighted lumber and helped to saw blocks and make shingles, which were the first ever brought into Denver. In the spring of 1860 he returned to Kansas, but shortly thereafter came to Jasper county, Missouri. On November 1, 1860, however, he left with his father's family for Davis county, Iowa, where he stayed for a short time, then buying a farm in Scotland county, Missouri. When the war broke out, however, he joined the Confederate army under General Harris and was a member of Com- pany C in the Second Regiment of General Harris' Brigade and fought in the battle of Athens, which was the occasion of his first baptism of fire in the war, his regiment fighting its way through all the way from Springfield to Pea Ridge, where he participated in the
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engagement. He later was assigned to Forrest's cavalry and then to Wheeler's cavalry and surrendered at Waterproof, Mississippi, re- turning via Kentucky to Chillicothe with seventy-five cents in his pockets and no place to lay his head. The first night after his arrival here he slept on his trunk and during the fall and winter found work, being remunerated at the rate of twenty dollars per month. In the spring of 1866 he leased a farm, engaging in agricultural pursuits, an occupation which he has followed ever since. In 1874 he purchased his first twenty-eight acres of land and as his financial resources in- creased added to his holdings until they reached their present extent. Captain Stith engages in general farming and also raises considerable stock. When he came here the brush and timber was so thick that he had to cut his way through to get to the place where his handsome residence now stands. Gradually, however, he cleared his land and put it under the plow, bringing his acres to a high state of productiv- ity. A number of improvements are evidence of his labors and he has installed such implements and machinery as he has deemed neces- sary to profitable cultivation.
On December 6, 1866, Captain Stith was united in marriage at Springhill, Missouri, to Miss Irene A. Moseley, a daughter of James S. and Eliza (Jones) Moseley, who is mentioned at greater length in the article on A. S. Moseley. Mr. and Mrs. Stith became the parents of eight children. Nora L., the wife of C. P. Venable, a farmer in Jackson township; William A., a ranchman of Montana; J. C., who also follows agricultural pursuits in Jackson township; E. Myrtle, the wife of T. J. Carpenter, a farmer of Chillicothe township; Annie, whose husband, A. L. Smith, follows agricultural pursuits in Jack- son township; T. Everett, who farms in Craig county, Oklahoma; Gertrude, who is engaged in school teaching in Jackson township and has been following that profession for the past two years; and Junius, who died in infancy.
Public-spirited and interesting himself in the welfare of Living- ston county and his nearer neighborhood, Captain Stith has with dis- tinction served in the office of justice of the peace for fifteen years. His political affiliations are with the progressive party, in the plat- form of which he finds embodied those principles which he believes will bring about that purification from corrupt practices so long countenanced by the two older political organizations. He is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and takes an active and helpful interest in its work. A resident of Livingston county for nearly five decades, he has seen pioneer conditions give way before
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the onward march of civilization and has not only been an interested witness of the changes that have occurred but a helpful and cooper- ant factor in bringing about general advancement, especially along agricultural lines, in which connection he has been instrumental in raising standards of farming in these parts. Mr. Stith is also a well known member of the Anti-Horse Thief Association, with which organization he has been affiliated for twenty-five years. His right- mindedness and sincerity of conviction is evident in the valiant ser- vice he did in the Civil war, for, being convinced of the right of his cause he stood for his principles and offered his life in defense of his convictions. Brave in war and brave in peace, he has fought the battles both ably and well, and today, as a man of seventy-five years, stands high in the regard of his fellowmen, who esteem him for his many manly qualities.
SQUIRE JOHN H. MATHEWS.
A prominent agriculturist of Jackson township, John H. Mathews has not only attained success along that line but has also served with distinction in official positions, having for a number of years graced the bench as justice of the peace, receiving high commendation for his fairness and impartiality in conducting the office. Residing on one hundred acres of fertile land on section 29, Jackson township, Livingston county, Mr. Mathews is a native son, being born here, near his present residence, on June 4, 1848, a son of Stephen and Mary (Trammel) Mathews. The father, one of the pioneers of this region, was a native of New York, settling in Livingston county in 1842, finding a home in the wilderness of the virgin forest. Having acquired title to about four hundred acres of land, he cleared eighty of that amount and became successful along agricultural lines. He was popular, well liked and highly esteemed for his many Christian qualities, and it is said of him that he never had an enemy. Politically he was a republican and also did service in the home guard during war times. Official recognition came to him in election to the posi- tion of trustee of the township. Well beloved by many, he died March 25, 1910, at the age of eighty-eight years, his wife having preceded him to the better land in 1890 at the age of sixty-five years, and they are buried side by side in Brassfield cemetery. The Mathews family is of English origin but for many years have made their home
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