USA > Missouri > Nodaway County > Past and present of Nodaway County, Missouri Volume II > Part 16
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A Mo Come LoThe a Cathal
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NODAWAY COUNTY, MISSOURI.
ing one hundred and sixty acres in one tract. Selling out in 1891, he bought a farm of two hundred and eighty-five acres about two miles northwest of Skidmore and moved there, making that place his home until his death, which occurred on April 1, 1907, at the age of sixty-one years and six months, hav- ing been ill two weeks. He was a good farmer and kept his place in excellent condition, and he had a comfortable and cheerful home.
Mr. Cottril was a member of the Masonic order and he and his wife be- longed to the Christian church. He frequently recalled the trip he and his wife made from Illinois to this county, coming all the way in a wagon, being on the road fourteen days, eight of which were rainy; they crossed the Miss- issippi river on a ferry-boat at Burlington, Iowa.
Mr. Cottril was a devoted Christian, kind in his home and to his neigh- bors, agreeable to all, a true Mason and a noble man and citizen, in whose death his church, his lodge and the community lost a much lamented member. He faced the unknown beyond with true Christian faith and fortitude, say- ing to his daughter just before the end came that he was "going where the sun forever shines." His was indeed a noble nature and one worth emulating.
Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cottril, namely : Charles Ira, who was born July 18, 1871, in Atchison county, married May Long, daugh- ter of A. M. Long and wife : she was reared in Green township, this county ; they live now in Brown county, Kansas, whither they moved in the spring of 1910. where Mr. Cottril is engaged in farming ; they have two children, Nellie and Vernon. Mattie A. Cottril, who was born September 12, 1875, in Green township, married William Taylor, a native of Indiana, born near Laurel, and who came to Missouri when seventeen years of age: they live two miles north and one mile east of Skidmore, Green township, where they own one hundred and eleven acres, and they are the parents of six children, an equal number of boys and girls, Adrian, Elta, Mabel, Paul. Maud and Glen. Roy E. Cottril was born in Green township, March 20, 1885 : on August 22, 1909. he married Bess Strickler. daughter of Edgar R. and Britomarte (Rice) Strickler. She was born in Polk township, this county. Roy E. and wife live on the Cottril homestead, northwest of Skidmore.
SAMUEL T. WARE.
Although the unmarred life-chapter of the subject of this sketch has been closed and the seal set thereon forever by the "grim reaper," his in- fluence for good still pervades the lives of those with whom he was asso-
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ciated, for his life was led along high planes of endeavor and resulted in not only the accomplishment of good for himself and family, but in the advancement of the best interests of the community where he lived.
Samuel T. Ware was born in Ross county, Ohio, on April 3, 1844, and was a son of John H. and Eliza Jane ( Harper) Ware, both of whom were natives of Highland county, that state. About 1856 the family removed from Ohio to Omaha, Nebraska, where the father engaged in the active practice of law. Two years later, however, the family came to Nodaway county, locating within the corporate limits of where Burlington Junction now stands, the father here entering one hundred and sixty acres of land, which is now a part of the town. He was successful in his business affairs and at the time of his death he was the owner of three hundred acres. Some- time after coming to this county he started Ware's Commercial Bank, the first bank at Burlington Junction, and, in association with his son, John H. Ware, Jr., he operated it up to the time of his death. He was stanch in standing for his honest convictions and at the time of Lincoln's first candi- dacy for the presidency Mr. Ware and three of his sons were the only men here to vote for him. Mr. Ware served many years as a justice of the peace, and during his life he gave some attention to the practice of law, being a man of deep and comprehensive knowledge of the principles of practice and pleading. He was active and energetic in whatever he undertook and stood high in the opinion of his business associates and acquaintances. He was an earnest member of the Presbyterian church, to which he gave liberally.
Samuel T. Ware received the major part of his education in the public schools of Ross county, Ohio, and after coming to Nodaway county, at the age of fourteen years, he entered and completed an academic course at the academy at Clarinda. Iowa. He engaged some years in teaching school and then took up the pursuit of farming. Subsequently he went into the milling business at Quitman, this county, with which he was identified for about twenty-five years. On the death of his father he returned to the home farm and took up its management. He gave special attention to the breeding and raising of white faced and Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs, as well as Percheron horses, in which he met with great success. He acquired the ownership of two hundred acres of land adjoining the city of Burlington Junction and also owned other tracts of good farming land. He was a man of progressive ideas, yet of sound and conservative judgment. everything he undertook being carried through successfully. He occupied a prominent
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place in the community for years and served as justice of the peace. He was active in politics and was deeply interested in his church. In his death. which occurred on December 23. 1896, the community suffered a distinct and irreparable loss, and his memory is held sacred by those who knew him.
In November, 1871, Mr. Ware was united in marriage with Agnes McKnight, the daughter of Calvin Sears and Huldah (Russell) McKnight. These parents were originally from New York state, but moved to Wiscon- sin, where the father followed farming, and in 1858 they came to Nodaway county, locating west of Quitman, where he accumulated about three hun- dred acres of good land. His only son was a soldier in the Civil war. To Mr. and Mrs. Ware were born the following children: Lenonora, wife of Edgar Johnson: James C .. Richard H., Frank E., Samuel T. (deceased), Jesse C. (deceased). During the Civil war Mr. Ware served as a member of the State Militia.
At the time of his death, the Burlington Junction Post had the follow- ing to say of Mr. Ware :
"As a friend, he was sincere, constant and true. He saw the good in his friends-their shortcomings he overlooked, and he was always ready to aid in every possible way. His manhood and genuine worth were per- haps better seen and more fully understood in the home than anywhere else. As a husband, he was loving, thoughtful, helpful and considerate. As a father he was kind and exceedingly anxious that his children should have the very best training physically, intellectually and morally. He lived with and for his family. He is no longer present in person, but he will live over his life in his children and through them his influence will extend indefinitely and the world will be better for his teachings and example. His erect figure. kindly face and pleasant greeting will long be remembered and will be missed by his numerous friends, who recognized his sterling worth and loved and respected him. He is survived by his wife, daughter, three sons, son-in-law. two daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren."
Quitman Lodge. No. 196. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of which Mr. Ware was an appreciative member, passed the following resolutions : "Whereas, it has pleased the Supreme Architect of the Universe to call from labor to rest our dearly belover Brother Samuel T. Ware, who died December 23, 1896. therefore,
"Resolved, that in the death of Brother Ware his family have lost a devoted husband and father, the lodge a faithful and useful member, and the community an upright and honored citizen.
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"Resolved, that we will ever bear in grateful remembrance the zeal and fidelity with which Brother Ware discharged all of his Masonic duties, and will try to imitate his devotion to the grand principles of our fraternity.
"Resolved, that we tender our heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved widow and children, and recommend them to the care of that God whom Brother Ware served and whom he trusted."
CHARLES E. WALKER.
Among the enterprising men of Nodaway county who owe their suc- cess and advancement in life to their own industry and well-directed efforts is Charles E. Walker. To him the reward that is always vouched to the honest and persevering is a sufficient recompense, and this is his, as may be seen by a brief review of his very active career.
Mr. Walker was born in Atchison township. Nodaway county, Missouri, in 1869, the son of William H. and Mary A. (Manes) Walker; the father, a full sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work, was born in Ross county. Ohio.
Charles E. Walker spent his youth on the home farm, where he assisted with the general work about the place and attended the district schools in the winter-time. Being ambitious for a higher mental discipline, he took a course in the Missouri State University, from which he was graduated, having made a splendid record for scholarship. Believing that the free life of the husbandman held the greater charms and inducements for him, he turned his attention to farming after leaving the school-room and he has made this his chief life work, his efforts meeting with well merited success. He operates six hundred acres which constitutes one of the best and most de- sirable farms in this favored section of the great Empire state of the West. His place is well improved in every respect and is under a high state of culti- vation. He has an attractive and nicely furnished residence and large and substantial outbuildings. He carries on general farming and stock raising, feeding large numbers of hogs and cattle from year to year. Ever since he first took up farming on the home place in 1894. where he still resides, his advancement has been steady and he has become one of the leading farmers of this part of the county ; however, some of his extensive operations have been carried on in another state. In the fall of 1898 he moved to Colorado
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NODAWAY COUNTY, MISSOURI.
and there he and his brother became the owners of a cattle ranch of two thousand acres which they operated very successfully. It was known as the "Old Barnes Camp" on the Cashlapode river. In 1903 they sold this ranch and moved to Loveland. Colorado, where they engaged extensively in cattle feeding. In April. 1907. Charles E. Walker returned to the farm north of Burlington Junction. Nodaway county, Missouri, where he now resides.
Mr. Walker was married on January 1, 1902, to Eva A. Gaugh. the daughter of an excellent family of Chillicothe, Missouri. This union has been graced by the birth of one child. Pauline Frances.
Politically Mr. Walker is a Republican, and he is a member of the board of supervisors for ditch draining. Fraternally he belongs to the lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the chapter. Mrs. Walker is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. They are well known in the northern part of the county and popular with a large circle of friends.
WILLIAM H. WALKER.
One of the best remembered and highly honored citizens of the western and northern part of Nodaway county was the late William H. Walker, one of the most successful agriculturists of his day and generation whose methods and modes of living it would be well for the youth to emulate if they would reap the rewards of industry and wholesome living.
Mr. Walker was born in Londonderry, Ohio, in 1844. the son of Jesse and Eliza (Huddle) Walker, a fine old Buckeye family. He was educated in the district schools of his community and assisted with the general work about the place. He proved his patriotism when but seventeen years of age by enlisting in the Twenty-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, being one of the gallant members of Company B, which saw some very strenu- ous service.
After the close of hostilities Mr. Walker returned to Ohio and in 1865 came to Nodaway county, Missouri, when much of this section was un- developed. His parents accompanied him and they purchased land where Mrs. William H. Walker now resides : here the parents spent the rest of their lives. becoming well situated.
William H. Walker was married on December 24. 1868, to Mary A. Manes, who was born in Brownsburg. Indiana. She was the daughter of Elihu and Margaret (Foster) Manes, who, in 1865. came to Nodaway
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county, Missouri, and located near Clearmont, the father having died in Iowa a short time previous.
After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Walker they began farming two and one-fourth miles south of Clearmont and there developed a good farm, living on it until 1880, when they bought the present Walker homestead and here Mr. Walker's death occurred on November 2, 1907. He put excellent improvements on this place and it ranked among the best in the township. He was very successful as a general farmer and was a business man of more than ordinary ability. He accumulated eleven hundred acres, six hundred of which were located north of Burlington Junction, the remainder south of the town where the Walker home is located. He carried on general farming on an extensive scale and also fed cattle and hogs in large numbers. He was very successful in whatever he undertook, seldom miscalculating, and he had the confidence of everyone, for his life was exemplary and all his business done on legitimate and fair basis.
To Mr. and Mrs. William H. Walker the following children were born : Charles E., a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work; Anna L., Everett E. (Mrs. Margaret McDowell), Pearl, Edward M., William H., Jesse H., Alma is deceased, as is also Pancie.
Mr. Walker was a Republican and a prominent Mason, belonging to the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Shriners, chapter, commandery and other degrees of this fraternity. He was a member of the Christian church, of which Mrs. Walker is also a member. He was a man whom to know was to respect and admire, courteous to all, obliging, generous, hospita- ble in his home and a man who will long be remembered for his upright life and his splendid business achievements.
J. W. PRAISWATER.
In studying the interesting life histories of many of the better class of men, and the ones of unquestioned merit and honor, it will be found that they have very largely been compelled to map out their own careers and furnish their own motive force in scaling the heights of success, and it is such an one who is represented in the following paragraphs.
J. W. Praiswater is a native son of Missouri, having been born in Holt county, in 1872, and he is a son of Samuel and Susan ( Niece) Prais-
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water. These parents, who were born, reared and married in Cocke county, Tennessee, moved to Indiana, where they remained until about 1860, when they came to Missouri, where he followed farming, which was his life oc- cupation. During the Civil war he served in the Union army. On first com- ing to Missouri, he located in Andrew county, subsequently removing to Holt county, but finally again going to Andrew county, where he now re- sides. To him and his wife were born ten children, two of whom died in infancy, the others, five sons and three daughters, reaching mature years.
The subject of this sketch was reared under the parental roof and se- cured his education in the public schools. Up to the year 1908 he devoted himself to agricultural pursuits, his first efforts being in Holt county, where he operated two hundred and forty acres of land. Besides carrying on gen- eral farming, he paid much attention to the breeding and raising of livestock, specializing on Shorthorn cattle. Poland-China hogs and German coach horses. He was practical in his operations and a good business manager, so that he met with a gratifying measure of success in his efforts. In 1908 he entered the employ of the T. W. Balou Lumber Company, in Holt county, and the following year he came to Burlington Junction and, in company with J. W. McGee, bought a lumber yard. They operated this enterprise together until February, 1910, when Mr. Praiswater bought his partner's interest and is now engaged in the business alone. He carried a large and well selected stock of lumber and building material and enjoys a large and constantly increasing patronage, his efforts to accommodate and please his customers be- ing duly appreciated by them. He is a thorough business man and his high standard of integrity has earned for him the regard of all who have had dealings with him.
In 1894 Mr. Praiswater was united in marriage to Edith Duncan, and they have become the parents of three children, namely: Emilla Garnet, Edith Gladys and Grace Loraine.
Politically, Mr. Praiswater exercises his right of franchise in support of the nominees of the Republican party and takes a proper interest in public affairs, though not a seeker after the honors or emoluments of public office. Fraternally, he is an appreciative member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while his religious membership is with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is an earnest and liberal supporter.
Tireless energy, keen business foresight and honesty of purpose and action have characterized Mr. Praiswater's business career and he has hon- estly merited the success which is attending his efforts.
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GEORGE W. MAY, M. D.
Among the highly respected citizens of Nodaway county, none occupies a higher place in public estimation than the gentleman whose name appears above, who for many years was a leader in the medical profession in this county, standing in the front rank among the practitioners of the healing art. He has now, because of advancing years, relinquished the active practice, and is living comfortably and quietly at his home in Burlington Junction.
George W. May was born on November 6, 1838, in the state of Virginia, and is a son of John and Clarissa (Jordan) May, both of whom also were natives of the Old Dominion state. John May was a blacksmith by trade and eventually moved to Indiana, and from there to Iowa, where he and his wife spent their last days.
The subject of this sketch received .a fair common school education in Virginia and Indiana, and, under the direction of his father, learned the trade of a blacksmith, which he followed several years, and then was em- ployed as a mechanic until the age of twenty-one years, when, in August, 1861, he enlisted in the Fifth Regiment Kansas Cavalry, of which he became first orderly sergeant. Subsequently he was transferred to Company K. Tenth Regiment Kansas Volunteer Infantry, of which he was second lieu- tenant and eventually captain, serving in the latter capacity until receiving his honorable discharge in September, 1865. During his military service the subject became interested in the subject of medicine and gave the subject serious study under the direction of the regimental surgeon. During a part of the years 1863 and 1864 he was stationed in St. Louis and while there began his studies in the St. Louis College of Medicine, attending two sessions. Immediately after his discharge from the military service he located on a farm at Pleasanton, Iowa, where he remained until about 1868, when he entered upon the regular practice of the medical profession at Pleasanton. He met with pronounced success and in 1873 he moved to Atchison county, Missouri, practicing there until 1880, when he located at Burlington Junc- tion, Nodaway county, where during the following twenty years he gave his undivided attention to the active practice. He was also in the drug business for about five years of this time. He retired from the active practice in 1900 and has since lived quietly at Burlington Junction, enjoying that rest which he so richly earned during his active years. Doctor May acquired a wide reputation for his success in handling diseases and he successfully handled many very difficult cases, being also frequently called into consultation by his professional brethren, by whom he was held in the highest esteem.
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NODAWAY COUNTY, MISSOURI.
On November 10, 1856, Doctor May was united in marriage with Mary A. Crawford, and they became the parents of seven children, Alice E., Jessie B., Clarissa G., Maggie, Ole J., Zulu and Leo J., who served in the Spanish- American war. Mrs. Mary May died on March 10, 1893, and on August 28, 1895, the Doctor married Mrs. Sarah E. (Evans) Thomson. The latter was born at Kalamazoo, Michigan, in March. 1846, and removed from there to southern Iowa with her first husband. She is an earnest member of the church of the Latter-day Saints. Politically, Doctor May is a stanch supporter of the Republican party. Every worthy movement has always found in him a stanch supporter and his influence has ever been exerted for the advance- ment of the highest and best interests of the community. Because of his high character and genuine worth, he enjoys the regard of all who know him.
ROBERT N. BARBER.
One of the central figures in the banking circles of western Nodaway county is the gentleman whose name forms the caption to this review. Promi- nent in business circles, with a reputation that has won him a name for sound judgment and high-grade business ability, there is today no more prominent or highly esteemed man in Nodaway township, with the history of which he has been identified for a number of years.
Robert N. Barber is a native of Nodaway county, having been born in Monroe township, on November 21, 1874. He is a son of Newton H. and Huldah (Martin) Barber. the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Alabama. The paternal grandparents. William and Eliza (Hammond) Bar- ber, who were of English nativity, came to America and settled in Ohio in the early history of that state, and there lived on a farm. The subject's ma- ternal grandparents, James and Lucy (Putnam) Martin, lived for many years in Alabama. During the Civil war he and one son served in the Union army, the father dying of exposure and the son being killed in battle. Newton H. Barber moved with his parents from Ohio to near Quincy, Illinois, where they followed farming until about 1870, when they came to Nodaway county. Missouri, locating in Monroe township. There the elder members of the family spent the remainder of their days, their deaths occurring at Skidmore. Newton H. Barber acquired one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he operated until 1881. when he moved to Nodaway township and secured one
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hundred and sixty acres, to which he devoted his attention up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1883. He was the father of three children, all of whom are still living. Politically he was a member of the old Green- back party and his religious membership was with the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he took an active interest.
Robert N. Barber secured his elementary education in the public schools of Burlington Junction, supplementing this with a commercial course at Maryville, completing his studies in 1892. From that time until 1898 he was engaged in operating the home farm in Nodaway township, but in the year named he accepted the position of assistant cashier of the Northwestern Bank of Missouri at Burlington Junction, of which he became cashier in 1904. He is still the incumbent of this responsible position and has general over- sight of the bank's affairs, much of its success being due to his business ability and sound judgment. He is also interested in the real estate business, having an accurate knowledge of land values and handling a number of important deals.
In 1901 Mr. Barber was united in marriage to Mrs. Amy Staples, the daughter of David Boyer. This union has been blessed in the birth of two interesting children, Huldah M. and Robert N., Jr. Politically, Mr. Barber is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, though in no sense a seeker after public office. Fraternally he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. His religious membership is with the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he gives a liberal support. A courteous and genial gentleman, Mr. Barber has won a host of warm personal friends and is well liked by all who know him. He is considered a strong business man and his integrity and honesty of purpose are above suspicion.
EMMIT A. HAWKINS.
Emmit A. Hawkins is recognized in his township as a public-spirited citizen, ready at all times to assist in promoting public improvements and as an advocate of good roads and good schools he has done much good and is deserving of a place in the history of his locality.
Mr. Hawkins was born in Warren county, Illinois, in 1853. He is the son of August B. and Mary (Cowan) Hawkins, the father a native of North Carolina and the mother of Louisville, Kentucky. August B. Hawkins was a successful merchant for many years, and his death occurred in 1861. He
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