USA > Missouri > Nodaway County > Past and present of Nodaway County, Missouri Volume I > Part 51
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56
John S. Miller, proprietor of the well known "Cedar View Stock Farm." in Polk township, was born in Athens county, Ohio, on August 4, 1847, and he is a son of Daniel D. and Sarah ( Bodwell) Miller, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Ohio. After their marriage. these parents settled in Athens county, Ohio, and the rest of their days were spent on the farm where they first located. They became the parents of six children, three sons and three daughters, and of this family the subject of this sketch is the eldest son and fourth child in order of birth. He was reared on the parental farmstead, where he lived until his marriage, at the age of twenty-two years. He then settled on a farm in Athens county, where he lived until December, 1874, when he came to Nodaway county, Missouri, locating in Hughes town- ship, where he spent the two following years. He then removed to Polk township and soon afterwards bought ninety acres of land there, on which he settled and where he has since resided. He has erected good buildings. planted a splendid orchard and, altogether, he has one of the best appointed farms in Nodaway county. Mr. Miller makes a specialty of the breeding and raising of Shorthorn cattle. Shropshire sheep, Poland-China hogs and White and Buff Leghorn chickens. In the handling of this stock he confines himself to thoroughbreds and enjoys a splendid reputation because of the high quality of the stock sent out from his place. He takes a justifiable pride in his efforts to raise the quality of farm animals and he has accomplished much along this line. Mr. Miller does nothing by halves, and in building his fences he uses cement posts, some of them of his own manufacture. this one item showing the thorough manner in which everything is constructed about the place. Mr. Miller has a practical knowledge of the carpenter's trade, which he learned while living in Athens county. Ohio, and this knowledge has stood him in good stead. he having one of the best-equipped carpenter shops in the county. He is a genial and companionable man and in his comfortable home the spirit of hospitality is ever in evidence. The home is a most delightful abiding place and is the center of a large social circle.
On November 15. 1868. Mr. Miller was married to Sarah Jane Angell. who was born in Athens county, Ohio. on April 13. 1846. a daughter of Wil-
533
NODAWAY COUNTY, MISSOURI.
liam and Magdeline ( Haning) Angell. These parents were natives respect- ively of Pennsylvania and Ohio, and they both died in Athens county, Ohio. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom Mrs. Miller was the eldest. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have become the parents of nine children, namely : Cora C., the wife of W. R. Phillips, of the state of Washington : Fred D., a farmer near Barnard, Missouri; Imlah D., of St. Joseph, Missouri; Carl C .. who died in infancy: Gladys B., the wife of John R. Evans, of Polk town- ship: Daniel D .. who resides at home ; Mattie May, who was the wife of H. M. Dorman, died in the state of Washington on April 4, 1908: Arthur S .. of Washington ; William Albert died August 20, 1898, at the age of twenty years.
ยท Mr. Miller has taken a keen interest in public affairs, and has held the offices of justice of the peace for two terms and road overseer for many years. performing the duties of these offices to the entire satisfaction of his fellow- citizens. He also served over twenty years as postmaster, the office being known as Hughes postoffice. He gave it up when the rural delivery was established and the office discontinued. He and his wife are active members of the Missionary Baptist church, to which they contribute liberally of their time and means. Sufficient has been said of the subject to prove him entitled to a place in the front rank of the energetic, self-made men of his adopted state, those who, by well-directed enterprise and unswerving honor, have wrought nobly and well and who from the pinnacle of large success look back over lives of honor and rectitude in which is found little to criticise, but much to commend.
WILLIAM R. WELLS.
We now take under review one of the sterling citizens of Polk township, Nodaway county, where he has resided for a number of years and where his life has been spent in such a manner as to gain him an ample competence. Mr. Wells is one of the successful farmers in this community, where he owns an attractive farm, having so conducted his business affairs as to bring success to himself, comfort to his family and good to the community.
William R. Wells was born in the province of Ontario, Canada, on August 28. 1870, and is a son of Charles and Ann (Campbell) Wells. Charles Wells was born in London, Ontario, Canada, on December 11, 1833. His parents, Thomas and Ann Jane (Thompson) Wells, were natives of Ireland, who emigrated to Canada, where their deaths occurred. They were the par-
534
PAST AND PRESENT
ents of six children, Charles, W. R., Mary J .. James, Elizabeth and Thomas. Charles was reared in Canada, and lived there until early in the seventies. when he went to Nodaway county, Missouri, where he remained four years. returning then to Ontario, Canada, where he remained during the following twelve years. In about 1888 he again came to Nodaway county and settled in Hughes township, where he has since resided. He has always followed farming and stock raising and has a finely improved farm, on which is a full set of commodious and attractive buildings, while the place is well improved in every respect. He is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land. all of which is in cultivation. He was married in Ontario, Canada, on February 14. 1866, to Ann Campbell, who was born in Durham county, Ontario, Decem- ber 25. 1845. the daughter of John and Margaret McCoy, natives of Ireland. but whose deaths occurred after their migration to Canada. To Mr. and Mrs. Wells were born eight children, namely: John T., of Polk township. this county : William R., the immediate subject of this sketch: James Alfred, of Oklahoma: Henry, at home: Edward. of Santiago, Chili: Norman D .. of Wyoming: Jennie Mabel. a school teacher in Oklahoma: Edith Evangeline, a school teacher in Utah. Mr. and Mrs. Wells are members of the Presby- terian church, in which Mr. Wells has served as an elder for many years. He takes a deep interest in the general welfare of the community and commands universal respect.
William R. Wells was reared by his parents and received his education in the public schools of his native community. He accompanied his parents on their removal to Nodaway county and has remained here continuously since. He has always followed agricultural pursuits and is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of splendid land in Polk township. He here carries on general farming and is meeting with excellent success. He is thoroughly practical in his ideas and keeps closely in touch with advanced ideas relating to the science of husbandry, being considered a progressive and up-to-date farmer.
On June 22. 1898. at South Omaha, Nebraska. Mr. Wells was united in marriage with Myrtle Wells, who was born at Grosse Point. Michigan on the 26th of April. 1869, the daughter of John J. and Mary R. (Cox) Wells. the former a native of Ireland and the latter of England. Mr. and Mrs. Wells are the parents of two children. Mary O. and Iola R.
Politically, Mr. Wells is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party and he has taken a commendable interest in public affairs, particularly as relating to educational affairs, having served several years as a member of the school board. Religiously, he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church.
535
NODAWAY COUNTY, MISSOURI.
in which both take an active part, being deeply interested in the Sunday school. Fraternally. Mr. Wells is a member of the great, beneficial order, the Modern Woodmen of America. He is well regarded throughout the community, being regarded by all classes as a man of force of character, sta- bility, industry and honesty.
MARCELLUS C. WILLIAMS.
The subject of this review, who is the owner of a fine landed estate in Polk township. Nodaway county, Missouri, in his successful career as a husbandman, must have clearly demonstrated what an enterprising and indus- trious man can accomplish when he has good, common sense and honesty of purpose to control his energy, and as a result of these praiseworthy qualities he stands today as one of the substantial citizens of the vicinity of Mary- ville, where he is well known.
Marcellus C. Williams was born in Morgan county, Ohio, on the 3d day of March. 1849. and he is a son of Isaac and Elizabeth ( Reese) Wil- liams. These parents were also natives of the old Buckeye state, and were agriculturists of good standing in their community. Sometime early in the seventies they brought their family to Nodaway county, Missouri, and estab- lished themselves on a farm in Polk township, to the operation of which the father devoted his remaining years, both being now deceased. They were persons of high character and enjoyed the respect of the entire community. Of the nine children who blessed their union, the subject of this sketch was the first born. Marcellus Williams spent the first decade of his life in his native county, and then lived with his parents in Pike county. Ohio, until their removal to Missouri. He has since maintained his residence in this county and has consistently devoted his efforts to farming and stock raising. in both of which lines he has met with a gratifying measure of success. He now owns two hundred acres of fine land, all of which is improved and under a high state of cultivation. He has erected good buildings on the place and its general appearance indicates the owner to be a man of good judgment and excellent taste. He has resided in his present location since 1881 and in the community he is regarded as a progressive and up-to-date farmer.
In April, 1881, Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Laura B. Anders, who is a native of Ohio and a daughter of John and Maria (Barringer) Anders. To this union have been born the following children: Bert, Grace, Cal and Blanch. Mr. and Mrs. Williams and the members of their family
536
PAST AND PRESENT
move in the best social circles of the community and because of their genuine worth and estimable personal qualities they are popular with all who know them.
ANDREW BICKET GRAHAM.
Among the men of sterling attributes of character who have impressed their personality upon the community of their residence and have borne their full share in the upbuilding of Nodaway county, mention should not be omitted of Andrew Bicket Graham, of Green township, where he has long maintained his home and where he has exerted a strong influence for good to the entire community, being a man of upright principles and desirous of seeing the moral, educational and material advancement of Nodaway county. of which he is a native, having been born in 1860, in Nodaway township, a mile and a half west of where Wilcox is now located. He is the fourth child in a family of five children born to Matthew W. and Emily ( House) Graham. the father born near Louisville, Kentucky, where he grew to maturity and from which state he and his brother, Amos, came to Nodaway county. Mis- ouri, in a very early day. Amos married Mary House, the town of Maryville having been derived from her first name.
Matthew Graham, father of Andrew B., was a soldier in the Mexican war. He was the son of Isaac Graham, who lived for some time in Nodaway county ; his son Matthew came here in the early fifties, and his death occurred September 30. 1905. Emily (House) Graham, mother of Andrew B., was born in Kentucky, near the birthplace of Matthew Graham. She came to Nodaway county, Missouri, before her marriage. Besides Andrew B., the names of the other children born to Mr. and Mrs. Matthew W. Graham are given as follows: Georgia Ann, wife of Marion Bowman, lives at Elmo and has three sons and two daughters ; Susan Alice first married William McKee. reared four children, three sons and one daughter : Mr. McKee died in 1880 and she afterwards married William Robinson, now deceased: four children were born to the second marriage ; Mrs. Robinson now lives with her children in Atchison county. Marion Worth Graham lived near Gilbert, this county. married Lucy Sutton and has one daughter. Charles Edward Graham, who married Jane Van Sycle, lived four miles southwest of Elmo on the old home- stead, which place his father bought after leaving Wilcox; he has one son. The mother of these children is now living in Elmo with her daughter. Mrs. Georgia Ann Bowman.
Andrew B. Graham, of this review, was reared in Nodaway township
-
ANDREW GRAHAM AND FAMILY
537
NODAWAY COUNTY, MISSOURI.
and lived there until he was eighteen years old. Then his father sold out and moved to near Elmo where he bought a farm. When twenty-two years old, Andrew B. farmed on his own account for one year. in Atchison county, then moved to Cherry county, Nebraska, and farmed six years. He home- steaded three claims there of one-fourth section each. While in Nebraska, in 1885, he made a trip back to Maryville and married Jane Sellers, daughter of Duncan and Jane Sellers. Three children were born to this union: Emily Jane is living in St. Louis ; Maggie Alice died when three or four months old ; an infant died unnamed. The mother of these children died in the spring ot 1889.
About 1907, Mr. Graham disposed of his property in Nebraska and returned to Nodaway county, buying one hundred and sixty acres of land near Elmo and lived there about six years. In November, 1893. he married Mrs. Alice (Caldwell) Yates, widow of William Yates, deceased. She was born in Stark county, Illinois, and when ten years of age came to Missouri, her family locating in the east part of Atchison county. She is the daughter of George and Sarah (Barr) Caldwell. She grew to maturity in Atchison county and lived there until she married William Yates. Two children were born to them: Harry, living at Summerfield, Kansas, is married and has a son, Harold ; Pearl Yates also lives at Summerfield, Kansas. Their father who was the son of William H. and Maherza ( Ryker) Yates, died in 1899.
After the marriage of Mr. Graham to Mrs. Yates they lived near Elmo until about 1897, when they moved to a place five miles west of Quitman, where Mr. Graham now owns a very valuable and well improved farm of three hundred and thirteen acres in one farm and eighty acres in another, and he has been very successful as a general farmer and stock raiser. He also purchased, in February, 1907, twenty acres in the southeast edge of Quitman and there has made his home ever since, having a commodious and pleasant dwelling, attractively located on rising ground, commanding a beautiful view.
Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Graham: Fern Valentine is living at home, as is also Eva Myrtle; Cecil Lowell died when one year old ; Forest Harold is living with his parents; Lena Belle died when seven weeks old.
Mr. Graham is still very actively engaged in farming-in fact, is con- sidered one of the leading agriculturists of this township, a man of energy, good judgment and honesty. He is not a public man, but rather loves the quiet of home and the associations of his family; however, his support in all worthy measures looking to the interests of Nodaway county may be depended upon. Politically he is a Democrat and he and Mrs. Graham belong to the Christian church.
53
PAST AND PRESENT
SANFORD L. WILSON.
Admired and respected for his general intelligence, as well as for his sterling qualities as a neighbor and a citizen, no man in Independence town- ship stands higher in public esteem than the worthy individual the salient facts of whose life and characteristics are herein set forth. Sanford L. Wil- son was born on February 21, 1873, in Fremont county, Iowa, and is a son of Jerry and Caroline (Sharpe) Wilson, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Missouri. Mrs. Wilson's father, James Sharpe, having been an early pioneer of this state, where both he and his wife died. The subject's paternal grandparents were Jerry and Elizabeth (Lockett) Wilson. who were early settlers of the state of Indiana, subsequently coming to Iowa. where his death occurred, after which event his widow came to Missouri, and died here. The subject's father, Jerry Wilson, was quite young when he came West with his parents, who first located in Fremont county, Iowa, later re- moving to Taylor county, that state. and still later to Gentry county, Missouri. where his death occurred in May, 1904. His widow is now living in Gentry- ville, Gentry county. They became the parents of nine children, of which number eight are living. Jerry Wilson was by vocation a farmer, and at all times commanded the respect of those who knew him, his life having been characterized by strict personal integrity and honesty of purpose. In politics, he was a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, while, religiously, he and his wife were members of the Christian church.
Sanford L. Wilson was reared by his parents and received a good, prac- tical common-school education. He early became accustomed to farm labor and has always devoted himself to that line of effort. In 1898 he left Taylor county. Iowa, and came to Nodaway county, Missouri. Here for two years he farmed on rented land and then bought eighty acres of land in Independence township. where he now resides, to which he added forty acres, owning now a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres. Here he has carried on general farming. in which he has met with well-deserved success, and in connection with which he has devoted considerable attention to the breeding and raising of draft horses, with gratifying results. He evinces a spirit of enterprise and progressiveness which is sure to win success in any line and among his fellow- agriculturists he enjoys a good reputation because of his energy, industry and practical methods. His place is well improved and stands in unmistak- able evidence of the good judgment and industrious habits of the owner.
On February 22, 1899, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Nellie Risser, who was born July 17. 1873, in Fremont county. Colorado, a daugh-
539
NODAWAY COUNTY, MISSOURI.
ter of Jacob and Jane Ann (Locke) Risser. These parents were natives, re- spectively. of Germany and Pennsylvania, the father having, on coming to America, located first in Indiana, and later moving to Illinois, where his mar- riage occurred. Later he and his wife went to Colorado, where they resided until 1882, when they came to Nodaway county and bought land in Inde- pendence township. He added to his original farm until he became the owner of eight hundred acres. He is now dead and his widow is living on the home farm. Mr. Risser was a stanch Republican and he and his wife were faithful members of the Christian church. They were the parents of ten children, of whom eight are living. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have been born four children. Cleva. Truman, Neva and Dola, all of whom are living.
Politically. Mr. Wilson renders an earnest support to the Democratic party and he takes a commendable interest in local public affairs, though not an office seeker. Religiously. he and his wife are members of the Christian church, to which they give an earnest and liberal support. Personally, Mr. Wilson is genial and friendly, easily makes friends, and is held in high esteem in the community. to the best interests of which he at all times gives his sup- port.
MANFORD J. WILSON.
Agriculture has been an honored vocation from the earliest ages and as a usual thing men of honorable and humane impulses, as well as those of energy and thrift. have been patrons of husbandry. The free outdoor life of the farm has a decided tendency to foster and develop that independence of mind and self-reliance which characterize true manhood and no greater blessing can befall a boy than to be reared in close touch with nature in the healthful. life-inspiring labor of the fields. It has always been the fruitful soil from which have sprung the moral bone and sinew of the country, and the majority of our nation's most renowned and distinguished men were born on the farm and are indebted to its early influence for the distinction which they have attained.
Manford J. Wilson was born in Fremont county, Iowa, on February 21. 1873. and is a son of Jerry and Caroline (Sharpe) Wilson, the former a native of the state of Indiana and the latter of Missouri. The subject's maternal grandfather, James Sharpe, was an early pioneer of Missouri, where he and his wife spent their last days, both being deceased. The paternal grand- parents, Jerry and Elizabeth ( Lockett) Wilson, located in Indiana in an early
540
PAST AND PRESENT
clay, subsequently locating in Iowa, where his death occurred, after which event his widow came to Missouri, where her death occurred. Jerry Wilson, Jr., came West in young manhood with his parents, who first located in Fre- mont county. Iowa, later removing to Taylor county, that state, and still later to Gentry county, Missouri, where his death occurred in May. 1904. His widow is now living in Gentryville. Gentry county. They became the parents of twelve children, of which number eight are living. Jerry Wilson was by vocation a farmer, and was highly respected in the various communities where he lived. Politically, he was a stanch Democrat, while, religiously, he and his wife were members of the Christian church.
Manford J. Wilson was reared on the paternal farmstead and is indebted to the common schools for his early mental discipline, which has been liberally supplemented during the subsequent years by much reading and habits of close observation. In young boyhood he removed with his parents to Taylor county, Iowa, and in 1899 he came to Nodaway county, but two years later he went to Nebraska, where during the following six years he engaged in farm- ing. In 1904 he returned to Nodaway county and bought one hundred and twenty acres of land where he now resides. On this land he has made many permanent and substantial improvements and because of his practical methods and progressive spirit he stands high among the farmers of Independence township. He carries on general farming and stock raising, in both of which lines success has attended his efforts.
Politically. Mr. Wilson is numbered among the stanch supporters of the Democratic party, in the success of which he takes a deep interest. He and his wife are constant attendants of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mrs. Wilson is a member and to which they give a liberal support.
On November 5, 1902, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage with Fannie Jackson, a daughter of Edward and Mary Jackson, who were natives of England. These parents, on coming to the United States, located in Iowa, from which state they removed to Nebraska, where the mother's death oc- curred. The father is now living at North Platte. Nebraska. Of the five children born to them, two are living. Mr. Jackson is a farmer by vocation. in politics, a Democrat, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belonged. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson has been born a son, Roy. Their comfortable and attractive home is the center of a large social circle, who appreciate the spirit of hospitality and good cheer which is ever in evidence there. Mr. Wilson is a stanch supporter of all movements which promise to be of benefit to the community and enjoys a high standing among his fellows, who appreciate and value him because of his genuine worth.
541
NODAWAY COUNTY, MISSOURI.
FRED C. WYMAN.
A young farmer of modern, progressive methods who is deserving of the success that is crowning his honest efforts is Fred C. Wyman, of Green township, Nodaway county. He was born at Maitland, Holt county, Missouri, February 28, 1881, and he is the son of Dr. Russell C. and Bertha (Duchman) Wyman.
Dr. Russell C. Wyman was born in Illinois and when a child was brought to Missouri by his parents, who located in Atchison county, but later moved to Nodaway, then Holt, county. Bertha Duchman was born in Wisconsin. about twenty miles from Milwaukee. She was the daughter of Jasper and Annie Duchman, both natives of Germany, from which country they came to Wisconsin. When Bertha was twelve years old they came to Nodaway county. Missouri, and spent the balance of their lives near Graham.
Fred C. Wyman lived near Maitland until about nineteen years old. he having worked on a farm several years, when he and his father bought a farm on the "halves" northwest of Maitland in Holt county, and there Fred C. lived two years. While there his father died, his mother having died about four years previously. Fred C. Wyman was the second of a family of five children, namely: Charlie, Lionel, Grace. Demas and Helen.
In 1902 Fred C. Wyman married Daisy Brown, daughter of W. Taylor and Nancy Jane ( Kyle) Brown. Her father, a sketch of whom appears else- where in this work, came here from Kentucky before the Civil war. Mrs. Wyman was born four miles west and two miles south of Skidmore, where her parents still reside. Her mother was born near Graham.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.