USA > Missouri > Nodaway County > Past and present of Nodaway County, Missouri Volume I > Part 43
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Isom Linville, as already intimated, was a very devout Christian, and was known for his old-time hospitality. At Methodist campmeetings he was a great worker. during which times he would put up a boarding tent at
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which everybody was welcome, often making such announcement publicly. Ministers made his home their headquarters. Sometimes during revival meetings as many as twenty guests would stay over night with him. They found him always cheerful and an interesting story teller. The death of this highly esteemed and most worthy citizen occurred in March. 1903. at an advanced age. His wife died prior to his death.
A. Columbus Linville, of this review, lived on the home farm, south- east of Graham. during his early boyhood and when fifteen years of age the family moved northeast of Graham and there he grew to manhood. He mar- ried Lizzie Clark on October 8. 1871. She was born in Scioto county. Ohio. in 1852, and came to Nodaway county, Missouri, in 1871 with her parents. Miles H. and Mary (Edgington) Clark, who located near Graham. Miles H. Clark was born and reared in New York. His wife was the daughter of George and Bettie Edgington; she, too, was born in Ohio, in or near Scioto county. Mr. and Mrs. Miles H. Clark lived in the neighborhood of Gra- ham over twenty years, then moved to the southern part of Missouri, remain- ing there about six years, then returned to Nodaway county and lived in Quitman the rest of their lives. Mr. Clark dying in 1902 at the age of seventy- eight years. and Mrs. Clark dying in 1909. when eighty-six years old.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Linville lived at intervals for twenty years near Graham, and about 1899 moved to the southeastern part of Green township and lived there about six years, then moved into Monroe town- ship, remaining there four years, south of Albright school house, and they now live one mile west of that school house in the southern edge of Green township, where he is very comfortably situated. Politically, he is a Dem- ocrat.
Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Linville, of whom seven are living, namely: Sarah Jenetta, born August 23. 1872. married James Melton and lives in Quitman, being the mother of seven children, Alfred, Dessie, Charley, Elsie, Everett. Dorothy and Ralph. Ada Marie dying in infancy : Lucy Ellen, born December 10, 1873. married James Marcus, living north of Graham, and they have four children, Ray. Clare. Marvin and a baby boy ; Della Pearl, born September 2, 1875. married Julia Dilkes, lives in Kansas on a farm, and has two children, Columbus and Lucy : Alviry M .. born April 18. 1877. married Thomas Russell and lives near Graham, and is the mother of one child, Sylvia; Maggie D., born February 16, 1879. died August 15, 1880: Anna B., born February 5. 1882, married Alfred DeWitt and lives near Skidmore on a farm, having four children. Margie
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Helen. Ross, Harlan and Robert Lee : Effie L., born January 24, 1884, mar- ried Earl Mclaughlin and lives in Quitman, and is the mother of four chil- dren, Orville. Leonard, Chloe and Stella May; Jesse Valdo, born March 30, 1889, is living at home: Derwerd Earl, born August 7. 1892. died February 9. 1893.
NOBLE C. COVEY.
The career of Noble C. Covey, well known ex-county treasurer of Nod- away county. has been characterized by well-directed industry, good manage- ment and a progressive spirit. ever fostering a broad-minded policy which has resulted in much good to this locality. He was born near Warrensburg, Johnson county, Missouri. July 11, 1869, and he is the son of George S. and Bettie (Goode) Covey, both having come to Missouri from Kentucky, the father, however, being a native of Virginia. After living in Lincoln county, Kentucky, one year he came to Missouri about 1868. He saw some hard and exciting service during the war between the states, having served four years in the Fourth Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, during which time he was a prisoner in Andersonville. He once sold to an officer for fifty cents an article which he had cut from bone after weeks of hard work. A guard offered to bring him a peck of sweet potatoes for the fifty cents. He let down a rope and paid the fifty cents. Upon drawing up the sack with the supposed potatoes he found it contained only pine knots. He proved to be a very faithful soldier and after his trying career in the army he returned home and took up farming again. In 1882 he came to Washington town- ship. Nodaway county. Missouri, locating in the southeast corner of the county, where he and his wife are still living, owning a good place and a comfortable home. in the village of Guilford. He has always devoted his attention exclusively to farming, and not sought public office, but has al- ways been loyal to the Republican party.
Noble C. Covey was thirteen years old when he came to Nodaway county. He assisted his father with the general work about the place until of legal age, attending the common schools during the winter months: it being necessary for him to work out after he was fifteen years old. his schooling was interrupted; he turned part of his wages to his parents. He continued to work out as a farm hand until his marriage at the age of twenty-six years.
At Rosendale. Andrew county, Missouri. on February 13. 1895, Mr. .Covey was united in wedlock with Hattie Roberts, daughter of an excellent
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family of that locality. They began their married life in Washington town- ship, Nodaway county, where Mr. Covey rented land for five years. He then spent two years engaged as painter for the Chicago Great Western Railroad Company. He managed a branch store at Guilford, for a company that operated stores at Savannah. While on the farm he was elected township collector for two terms of four years in all, and rendered very efficient ser- vice in this capacity. He was delegate to various conventions in the Re- publican party, having long been an active worker in its ranks. He was the nominee of that party in 1904 for county treasurer and in November of that year was triumphantly elected, and on April 1, 1905. entered the office for two years, and he made such a splendid and praiseworthy record that he was re-elected to this office in 1906. This proved his popularity with all classes, for Nodaway was at that time declared to be Democratic. The campaign was a close one the last time, but in 1904 Mr. Covey received a majority of thirty-nine votes. The last time he was elected the contest was a very close one. In all townships but two, the votes were tied. He conceded one to his opponent by twenty-five, but on its coming in it was found to be a tie. Hopkins township was the last one to be heard from, which came in with a majority of sixty-seven. This was after a very spirited campaign.
Mr. Covey retired from office April 1, 1909, having made a record that was praised by all concerned. because he gave the office his close personal attention and treated everybody on the square.
Since retiring from office he has resided in Maryville. He is one of the local men who are influential in the active work of the Republican party. He was a delegate to the judicial and state conventions.
Mrs. Covey died February 2, 1906, leaving four children, Charley. Deney, Jamie and Dale. On September 26, 1908, Mr. Covey was again mar- ried, his second wife being Anna May Worst, who had served as deputy to Mr. Covey during his last term of office. This union is without issue.
Fraternally Mr. Covey is a member of the Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
EPHRAIM EVERIST.
One of the progressive farmers and highly respected citizens of Polk township. Nodaway county, is Ephraim Everist, who has ever taken high rank. Possessing energy and determination, he has been very successful in making everything he undertakes result to his advantage, and his success
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in his chosen calling is attested by the fact of his having started in an humble manner and is now the owner of valuable real estate, having accumulated the same by his own efforts.
Mr. Everist was born in the Buckeye state, like many of the residents of Nodaway county. he having first seen the light of day in Clinton county. Ohio. January 21, 1840. His father was Amos Everist and his mother was known in her maidenhood as Dinah Kibby. The former was a native of Maryland and the latter of Ohio. They met and married in that state and from there came to Mason county, Illinois, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Eight children were born to them, of which number Ephraim. of this review, was the second in order of birth. He was reared on the home farm in Clinton county, Ohio, where he was early placed in the fields during the crop seasons and there attended the district schools in the winter-time. He remained in his native community until about 1860, when he moved to Mason county, Illinois. He there took up farming, which line of endeavor his father had always followed, and there he remained until 1885, when he was attracted by the stories of the rich land in Nodaway county, Missouri, and came here at that time and settled on the farm where he now lives in Polk township, having resided here ever since. He took a comparatively raw piece of land and has developed it into one of the best farms in the com- munity, his place consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, all under a high state of improvement and cultivation, with good buildings, fences and, in fact, everything that makes a country place attractive. He has always de- voted his attention exclusively to farming and stock raising, keeping, from year to year, some excellent varieties of live stock.
Mr. Everist was married in Mason county, Illinois, to Mary Elizabeth Hole, who was born in that county, on July 15. 1847. She is the daughter of Joseph E. and Clotilda (Green) Hole, her parents having been natives of Indiana. To Mr. and Mrs. Everist six children have been born, named as follows: Zilla, Ralph, Louis, Cecil, Harry and Ethel. They were all educated in the local schools and given every chance for successful and use- ful careers. Harry is in Seattle, Washington : Ethel is a stenographer.
DILLARD JEFFERSON THOMAS, D. D. S.
The popular and efficient dentist. Dr. D. J. Thomas, of Maryville, Mis- souri, has attained an influential position in the professional circles of Nod- away county while yet young in years, and it is a pleasure to the biographer
DILLARD J. THOMAS, M. D.
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to take up the record of his life, incorporating with it also a brief mention of his immediate ancestors.
Doctor Thomas was born April 4. 1881, at Whitesville, Andrew county. Missouri. His father is D. J. Thomas, a native of Kentucky and now a resi- dent of Tarkio, Missouri, having come to this state about forty years ago. spending the past twenty-eight years in northwestern Missouri, where he is widely known, being engaged as a commercial traveler.
D. J. Thomas, Sr., has been a traveling salesman for twenty-eight years. beginning with the Turner-Frazer Mercantile Company of St. Joseph. Mis- souri : he is now with the Nave-McCord Mercantile Company, of that city. He educated his five boys in the best colleges. When fifteen or sixteen years old he entered the army during one of the late Indian wars, as a cook, which accomplishment he still retains. After three years in the army he returned to his "old Kentucky home" and worked his way through night school, and re- ceived a good education, taking the degree of Master of Arts. He then came to Missouri, settling in Whitesville, where he taught school for a few years. then he operated a mercantile business which he continued until he went on the road over half a century ago. He is one of the best known traveling men in the state.
The Thomas family is of Welsh descent. Grandfather Thomas was a native of Kentucky and in the early days he was in great demand as a stonemason. This family is related to General Thomas of Civil war fame. and its representatives through each generation in America have been noted for their willingness and ability to do things.
The Doctor's mother was known in her maidenhood as Phoebe Kester- son, a native of Indiana, in which state her people were highly respected. She has hosts of friends about her home in Tarkio. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Thomas, Sr., named as follows : Ralph V. is auditor with the Harper Brothers Publishing Company of New York City: Dr. William A. is practicing dentistry at Omaha, Nebraska; Dr. Eugene L. is practicing dentistry at Fullerton, Nebraska : Lloyd E. is a traveling salesman out of St. Joseph, Missouri : Dr. D. J., Jr., of this review.
Doctor Thomas spent the first seventeen years of his life at Whites- ville and there received his primary education in the public schools. Later he entered Tarkio College at Tarkio, Missouri, where he made an excellent record and graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1899. Being musically inclined and having devoted considerable attention to the study of music, he began teaching this, one of the highest of the esthetic arts, and con- tinued successfully at St. Joseph, Missouri, until 1901, then spent one year at Fullerton, Nebraska, in the dental office of his brother. Then, in 1902, he
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entered the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, taking a three-years course in dentistry, graduating in 1905. He began practice in Philadelphia and remained there two years, while there he was a member of the faculty as demonstrator of operative dentistry in the University of Pennsylvania, being the youngest member of the faculty. This is evidence of his thorough mas- tery of the science of dentistry and of his high standing with the instructors of that institution. In May. 1907. he located in Maryville, Missouri, and has been in the practice here ever since. building up an extensive patronage in the city and surrounding country. He has a neat and well-equipped office, which is always a busy place, and his practice is steadily growing. While in the university he took a course at the Philadelphia Hospital of Surgery and re- ceived a diploma from the same.
Doctor Thomas was married on June 6, 1906, to Margaret A. Shaaber. the representative of an excellent family of Reading. Pennsylvania, in which city she was born and reared. She is the daughter of Andrew and Sarah (Roland) Shaaber. This union is without issue.
Doctor Thomas is a life member of the Dental Alumni Society of the University of Pennsylvania, and also of the General Alumni Society of the University of Pennsylvania, the Delta Sigma Delta fraternity, the Darby Dental Society of Pennsylvania, the State Dental Society and Academy of Stomatology. In all these he takes much interest and has an excellent stand- ing among his professional brethren.
The Doctor is organist at the Christian church at Maryville. While in the university he was an officer in the Greek fraternity two years, was secre- tary of the Darby Dental Society, was conductor of the university band for two years, was editor-in-chief of the Class Record Book, and pianist in the university orchestra.
Mrs. Thomas is prominently associated with musical affairs in Maryville. being a musician of no mean ability, having studied under a special instructor in Philadelphia, and is an accomplished vocalist, singing in local churches.
JOSEPH THOMAS LINVILLE.
An enterprising farmer of Green township, Nodaway county, is Joseph Thomas Linville, who was born south of Graham, in this county, in 1852, the son of Aaron and Martha E. ( Patton) Linville. For a further history of these parents the reader is referred to the sketch of W. R. Linville. appear- ing elsewhere in this work.
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When Joseph T. was a small boy the family moved to near Skidmore, where he grew to manhood. his father having died while in the army, when Joseph T. was eight years old, after which the boys were compelled to make their own way very largely. Much of the responsibility of rearing the fam- ily fell on the subject, who worked both at home and as a hired hand for others, turning his earnings to the household. When nineteen years old, on September 19, 1872, he married Elizabeth J. Sharp, daughter of Daniel and Melinda Sharp. a sister of William Sharp, whose record appears in this work. She was born in Clinton county. Missouri. Her father, George Sharp, was born in Orange county, North Carolina, March 23, 1848, and he was the son of Daniel and Melinda (Koch) Sharp. The family came to this state in a one-horse wagon all the way from North Carolina when George Sharp was one month old, he being sick all the way. They camped out all night and during part of the trip slept on the snow, which was two feet deep. Daniel Sharp's father, who attempted the trip, died on the way and was buried in Clinton county, where the family settled, and remained in that county two years, then came to Nodaway county. the parents spending the rest of their days here. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Sharp: Isaac; George, father of Mrs. Linville: Monroe, Wil- ham, Henry Powell ( usually called Paul) ; Eliza Missouri, wife of Clark Harris: Evan, wife of C. F. Smith, and Betty, wife of J. T. Linville.
After his marriage Joseph T. Linville, of this review, rented a farm and worked for himself. continuing to live in the east part of Monroe town- ship or near there. He saved his money and in 1874 was able to buy forty acres in the northeastern part of Monroe township: two years later he sold out and rented for a time. then bought in another tract, in the southeast part of Monroe township. the same number of acres he first owned and he lived there about four years, then sold out and lived in Skidmore four months. The next spring he rented in the southeastern part of Green township one year, then moved into the northern part of Monroe township and lived there one year. The next year (1884) he bought forty acres in that locality and lived there ten years, then bought one hundred and twenty acres where he now lives in the southern edge of Green township, about two miles east of Nodaway river, where he has a good farm which he has greatly improved and there has a very comfortable home. Mr. Linville has been a Democrat all his life and he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.
Eleven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph T. Linville, eight of whom are living, namely : Ollie Ann, born July 29, 1873, married George William Devers, February 19. 1895, and lives in Skidmore, and they are the
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parents of five daughters. Fannie. Neva. Blanche, Iona and Aleta : Melinda Emeline, born June 3. 1875, died March 4, 1890, when fifteen years old : William Edward, born August 21, 1877, lives in Skidmore where he owns a meat shop. being a trader and dealer in various lines, especially stock and farm products : Fredward Clinton, born January 14, 1880, married Josephine Emma Schrader, June 10, 1903. and he lives on a farm in Nebraska: they are the parents of two living children, Grace and Troy Lester, and Hazel, de- ceased : Louisa, who was born on January 15. 1882. died on July 15, 1883: Aaron Monroe, born March 1. 1884, is living at home; Nannie Lena, born June 29. 1886, died June 5. 1888: Ralva Lester, born May 4, 1888, married Etta Shrewsbury, December 22, 1909, and lives in the northern part of Mon- roe township; Maggie Elizabeth, born March 31. 1891, married Francis O'Riley. April 5. 1910: Mary Vernon, born July 28. 1893, and Ora Alice, born September 1, 1896, are both at home with their parents.
EUGENE H. DAVIS.
A man who has always been interested in every enterprise for the gen- eral welfare of the community and who liberally supports every movement calculated to benefit his fellow-men both materially and along the line of moral reform is Eugene H. Davis, the well known and efficient superintendent of the well-managed county home of Nodaway county, Missouri. Courteous and kind to all, broad-minded in his views of men and affairs, and firm in his convictions. it is a compliment worthily bestowed to speak of him as one of the worthiest young men of this locality, and, judging from his past hon- orable record and his habits of industry and frugality. the future must neces- sarily have much of good in store for him.
Mr. Davis was born at Grant City, Missouri, December 16, 1873. He is the son of John A. and Anna E. (Hilsabeck) Davis, the father a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Illinois. They came to Worth county. Missouri, when they were young, accompanying their parents, there met and married and settled in Grant City. From there they moved to St. Joseph. in 1877, and from there they moved to Maryville, where they lived about five years, then moved to Bedison, this county. They lived there five years, then moved to Parnell, Nodaway county, where they resided for a period of ten years. They afterwards lived in different places, and since 1902 they have made their home with their son. Eugene H .. of this review.
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Eugene H. Davis made his home with his parents until he was about twenty-six years of age. He received a common school education, and fol- lowed different occupations with varying success. For nine years he engaged in farming near Burlington Junction and he managed the place in a manner that indicated his mastery of the art of husbandry.
When the local authorities were casting about for a suitable man to take charge of the county home. their attention was directed to Mr. Davis as being the most suitable for this important and responsible position, owing to his ability as an organizer, his success as a farmer and his exemplary hab- its, and in February, 1910, he was chosen for this place, and on March 1. 1910, he assumed control of the same and at once inaugurated a splendid system of management, thus far demonstrating the wisdom of his selection for the place. The county house was built in 1908. It is a commodious, modern, well arranged and substantial building, built of brick and will ac- commodate fifty or sixty people. It is surrounded by beautiful grounds and good land.
Mr. Davis was married in Platte county, Missouri, on July 26, 1900, to Lillian Webb, who was born in that county, August 31. 1876, and the daughter of David and Mary (Lankford) Webb, a well established family there. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are the parents of three children. Estol E., Bettie L., Orville O. The first named died when two years two months and fifteen days old.
Mr. Davis is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 405, at Burlington Junction ; also the Modern Woodmen of America, Camp No. 2075. Mrs. Davis is a member of the Christian church.
WILLIAM EVERHART.
One of the enterprising and well known citizens of Maryville is William Everhart. a man of energy and determination in business affairs. Indolence and idleness are entirely foreign to his nature, and his continued activity in the management and development of his particular line of endeavor has stamped him as the possessor of commercial talents of no mean order. He deals in coal and feed. manages a cold storage plant and manufactures double distilled and filtered ice, and he holds a high rank among the sub- stantial men of affairs of Nodaway county.
Mr. Everhart came to Maryville in 1894 where he established a feed
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and wood business and six years later dealt in coal and ice. dealing in the latter for two years until in 1909, when an ice-making plant was established with fifteen tons ice capacity, with five thousand barrels of cold storage. He buys apples and also does a cold storage business for other dealers, and alto- gether is kept very busy at all time. Mr. Everhart also recently purchased the natural ice plant of Maryville, which gives him exclusive control of the local ice business. He has been very successful since coming here and is de- serving of the large rewards that have attended his efforts. He invested but five hundred dollars in 1894. renting the site of the old Methodist church building where he began in a modest way a wood and feed business. He did his own delivery with a pair of ponies. He soon built up a very satisfactory business and on January 14. 1906, he lost his entire stock by fire, sustaining a loss of ten thousand dollars. He had purchased a fourth of a block, this with over four hundred cords of wood and stock of coal was lost. The insurance rate had become so high that he discontinued his policy a few months prior to the fire. But nothing daunted, he at once resumed business and erected his present substantial cement block building. He had to buy new equipment, for three of his new wagons, just from the shops, were burned, also his scales. On the night of the fire, a delegation of Maryville bankers sent him word to draw on them in case he found it necessary to con- tinue his business. This gave him new courage. His dwelling, standing on the next lot, was saved only by the hardest kind of work. His new building covers almost one-fourth of a block and was built at a cost of twenty thous- and dollars, including the ice plant ; his coal sheds are at the depot and he can carry one thousand tons of coal. He sells annually from five to six thousand tons of coal. besides large quantities of ice, wood, feed, etc .. his gross annual sales now amounting to about seventy-five thousand dollars. This is criterion enough of his splendid business acumen, his rare foresight and his honesty which has inspired the confidence of those with whom he has had dealings. From eight to fifteen men are constantly in his employ. He owns twelve head of horses which are used in carrying on his large business. He has thus built up an immense business in a short time, after being seriously handicapped by fire and having started in an humble manner. But he has the necessary enthusiasm. the push and the sagacity to succeed in the face of all obstacles. He has an excellent plant, modern. well equipped and where a splendid system is carried out in all departments.
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