USA > Missouri > Nodaway County > Past and present of Nodaway County, Missouri Volume II > Part 6
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Mr. Williams and wife are members of the Christian church, and the former is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Wil- liams. is a fine type of a self-made man, considering the disadvantages of his youth and the fact that he has had to fight his way to the front, raising a large family and gaining a comfortable competency, all unaided.
REV. FR. ANSELM INEICHEN.
In every life of honor and usefulness there is no dearth of interesting situations and incidents, and yet in summing up such a career the writer must needs touch only on the more salient facts, giving the keynote to the character and eliminating all that is superfluous to the continuity of the narrative.
Father Anselm, as he is familiarly known to his parishioners, rector of St. Mary's parish, at Maryville, Missouri, was born in Canton Luzerne, Switzerland. May 25. 1853. and lived on the paternal farm until he was sixteen years old. He was actuated by a laudable ambition to do something for his fellowmen and with that object in view he entered Benedictine Monastery at Engelberg, Switzerland, where he remained until 1873. Be- lieving that the United States offered a wider field for his labors, he came to our shores in 1873 and took a four-years preparatory course for the priesthood at Conception, Missouri, and he was first ordained priest on September 29. 1877, by Bishop Hogan, of St. Joseph diocese, and the fol- lowing day he celebrated his first mass in the Conception, being an as- sistant under Abbott Frouwin Conrad, O. S. B., of the monastery. In Jan- uary, 1880, he was assigned as assistant to Father Adelhelm, in which ca- pacity he remained until June 3. 1881, when Father Adelhelm removed to
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Oregon to start a new monastery, and he has since devoted his attention exclusively to pastorial work.
In January, 1880, he was assigned to the First Church at Maryville, the foundation for this church having just been laid and he completed the building in due course of time.
The acts of Father Anselm, both spiritual and temporal, have met with the united approval of his own people and all others as well. The good he has accomplished does not stand alone in the splendid buildings he has caused to be raised since coming to Marysville, but they are deeply engraven on the hearts of the people of Nodaway county and the approval of his own conscience and that of the Divine Master are all the reward he wishes for his labors in behalf of the church. He has been very popular with the people of this parish and the work has been greatly strengthened and built up since his coming and his splendid achievement in erecting the handsome edifice and the beautiful parish residence and the hospital is evidence of his high standing here and of his indomitable courage and energy. He wields a potent influence for good in his community, being a learned, hos- pitable. genial and genteel gentleman whom to know is to admire and respect.
WILLIAM G. MAST.
The Mast family is one of the oldest and most widely known in this part of the state and in order to acquaint our readers with its several mem- bers considerable space is given to them on different pages of this work. At present the name of William G. Mast claims attention. He was born in the northwestern part of Hughes township, Nodaway county, September 2, 1852. and is the son of Noah and Catherine ( Rolling) Mast, the father born in Ashe county, North Carolina, February 20, 1812; the locality where he was born is now a part of Wautauga county. The mother was born in eastern Tennes- see, January 27, 1818. They were married on August 14, 1842, in Buchanan county, Missouri, having come here when young, and in 1843 they came to Nodaway county, being among the early settlers in what is now the north- western part of Hughes township, where Mr. Mast purchased another's right to a quarter section of land and got his patent direct from the government and lived there the rest of his days, his wife also dying there. There were six children, an equal number of boys and girls, in their family, one son dying in early childhood. Those living are : John ; Susan A. Bagby, of Clay county,
Mary & Mort
20
Mast
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Missouri ; William G., of this review : Ellen Shull, wife of P. P. Shull; Mrs. Mollie Twaddle, widow of Solon Twaddle. The mother of these children passed to her rest on September 11, 1865. the father surviving until February 7, 1897 ; he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church South, while his wife belonged to the Presbyterian church. They were strictly honest and much liked by their pioneer neighbors.
William G. Mast grew to manhood on the old home place in Hughes township and was educated in the public schools. On January 27, 1876, he married Mary Wheeler, daughter of Isaac Dawson and Lennie ( Watson) Wheeler. She was born in Holt county and was reared in this part of Missouri. Her parents lived in Kentucky and later came to Indiana, locating in Indianapolis, later coming to Holt county, Missouri. Her mother was born August 26, 1823, and died September II. 1862. and her father was born January 12, 1820, and died in 1884. Mrs. Mast's brothers and sisters are : I. N. Wheeler, living in Kansas: Jasper Wheeler, of Liberty, Missouri ; Lou- isa. deceased ; E. J. Wheeler, living in San Luis valley. Colorado.
After William G. Mast's marriage he farmed on the home place one year, then rented land about four years. then bought a farm near the old home place. He started with forty acres and they lived there about eight years, then bought sixty acres where he now lives in the southern edge of Monroe township, two miles east of the Nodaway river. In 1891, owing to the poor health of Mrs. Mast, he sold his stock and they went to Colorado and remained there nearly a year, then returned home, where they have since remained, Mr. Mast now owning here two hundred acres of excellent farming land, which he is constantly improving and one which he farms very successfully, keeping good livestock. He has a very pleasant home, orchard, garden, etc.
Eleven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mast, four of whom are deceased, two dying in infancy; Noah died when ten months old, and Mabel died when sixteen months old. Those living are: Bertha; William ; Archie married Nora Clark, daughter of E. T. Clark, whose sketch appears in this work; Archie and wife have one child. Douglas. J. Clyde Mast mar- ried Cleo Carmean and lives in Holt county, and they have one child, Ruth. Frank L .. Dora E., Fred B. and Solon E. are the other children.
Mr. and Mrs. Mast are members of the Baptist church and prominent in the local congregation and, in fact, with all their neighbors and acquaint- ances. They became converted to the Baptist faith in March. 1894, and were baptised two months later and have since lived according to the prescripts of that faith.
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WILLIAM EARL WILES.
The subject of this sketch was born on September 30, 1881, at Mary- ville. Nodaway county. Missouri. He is a son of J. Walter and Virginia E. Wiles. He has always been a resident of Maryville and Nodaway county and was educated in the high school at this place. His father is a native of Missouri and his mother a native of the state of Iowa. He is a grand- son of Aaron Wiles, who was an early settler in Nodaway county. Aaron Wiles in an early day conducted a blacksmith shop and plow factory at Maryville and was the inventor of a lister plow which became quite well known and extensively used in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska. J. Walter Wiles has for more than thirty years conducted a blacksmith and shoeing shop in Maryville, where the quality of his work and his sterling worth as a man have gained for him a splendid business and the respect of the people all over Nodaway county. He easily stands at the head of his calling in Nodaway county. J. Walter Wiles and Virginia E. Wiles. his wife, by their industry and right living have won the high esteem of all who know them and are highly respected in the community in which they have lived.
William Earl Wiles began the study of law in the office of Judge W. W. Ramsay, of Maryville. Judge Ramsay is regarded as the nestor of the Mary- ville bar, and while in active practice was one of the most successful law- yers in northwestern Missouri, he having taken part in some of the most noted cases in this section of the state. He was at one time a member of the Kansas City court of appeals. ' Judge Ramsay is regarded as the most profound lawyer who ever practiced in Nodaway county. Mr. Wiles studied in the office of Judge Ramsay for two years and was admitted to the prac- tice of law at the June term. 1903. of the Nodaway county circuit court. Mr. Wiles immediately entered into the active practice of law. He kept his office with Judge Ramsay until the year 1908. and during this time was engaged in some of the important litigation coming before the court and met with uniform success.
In 1906 the Republican party nominated Mr. Wiles for the office of prosecuting attorney for Nodaway county. The Democratic party had at the same time nominated John M. Dawson for this office. Mr. Dawson was a son of Lafe Dawson, one of the most noted and ablest lawyers in northwestern Missouri. John Dawson. the Democratic nominee. was an able and experienced lawyer, had served two terms as prosecuting attorney for Nodaway county with great credit. had a great personal acquaintance
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with the people of the county and was backed by a united party, while. on the other hand, Mr. Wiles was a young man without much acquaintance throughout the county, except that which he had gained during his short career as a lawyer from the time of his admission to the bar in 1903. had served in no previous official capacity and was backed by a disorganized party. yet with these disadvantages he was defeated by Mr. Dawson by only two hundred and thirty-one majority. In 1908 Mr. Wiles was nominated by the Republican party and Mr. Dawson was again nominated by the Democratic party for the office of prosecuting attorney. This campaign was especially marked for the energy displayed by the candidates. Mr. Wiles was this time successful and was elected to the office of prosecuting attorney by a majority of two hundred and fourteen over Mr. Dawson, his opponent. In this election there were more than seven thousand two hun- dred votes cast. On January 1, 1909, Mr. Wiles assumed the duties of his office and has since that time conducted the affairs of his office entirely alone. Nearly all former prosecuting attorneys had assistants in this office with them, but Mr. Wiles has performed the duties of his office himself. He has transacted the business of his office expeditiously and has given entire satisfaction with the manner in which he has conducted his office. He gives the duties of his office his closest attention and has demonstrated his fitness as an officer and ability as a lawyer. Mr. Wiles is noted for his close application and study of the law. quickress in understanding and analyzing the facts and details of a case and accuracy of judgment. He is a forceful speaker. He is, perhaps, the youngest man who has ever held the office of prosecuting attorney in Nodaway county. He is a member of the Elks, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and Modern Woodmen of America lodges at Maryville.
JAMES TODD.
It is a recognized fact that the most powerful influence on publie lifc is the press. It reaches the people in greater numbers and thus has been a most potent factor in moulding public opinion and in shaping the destiny of nations. and the man who devotes his life to this exacting calling and successfully carries out his plans in the field of journalism is eminently deserving of the highest credit. James Todd, whose name introduces this
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review and who has been summoned to close his earthly accounts and take up his journey to "that undiscovered bourne," was long prominently con- nected with the newspaper field of northern Missouri, for many years editor and publisher of the Nodaway Democrat at Maryville, this section of the state recognizing him as one of its ablest representatives, and his con- nection with the affairs which affected the general welfare was of such a character that the public long recognized and acknowledged his power and public support.
Mr. Todd was born in Dearborn county. Indiana, October 9, 1847. His parents were Hugh and Margaret ( Beggs) Todd, both of whom were born in county Antrim, Ireland. His father died August 23, 1898, in his seventy-sixth year, after a useful life of faithful toil and uprightness, hav- ing been engaged in agricultural pursuits all his life. The mother is still living in Guilford at the age of eighty-two years.
When nine years of age James Todd removed with his parents from Dearborn county, Indiana, to Wisconsin and remained there one year, then moved to Nodaway county, Missouri, the family locating here in 1857. Young Todd received a fairly good education in the common schools of those days and became equipped for a teacher, which he followed for some time at intervals in this county, working on the home farm in the mean- time and remaining under his parental rooftree until he was twenty-six years of age.
In 1874 James Todd located in Maryville, having decided upon the law as his life work and he began reading Blackstone in the office of Daw- son & Edwards. He was admitted to the bar of Nowaday county in due course of time, but there was no prolonged legal career in store. for him. Instead it was destined that he should become an able editor, and the first step in this direction, then an uncertain plunge for the young man engaging in his first newspaper venture, was taken in February. 1875. when Mr. Todd became a part owner in the Nodaway Democrat.
His partners were Prof. Byron A. Dunn, now of Waukegan, Illinois. and George W. Martin, now part owner of the Courier, Urbana, Illinois. They bought the paper of Morehouse & Sloan. In the latter part of 1875 Mr. Dunn sold his third interest in the paper to Martin and Todd and bought a controlling interest in the Maryville Republican, which paper he conducted until May. 1888. Mr. Todd purchased Martin's interest in the Democrat February 1. 1888. December 1, 1890, Byron E. Condon became a part owner of the Democrat, and a daily was started. This was con- ducted until October 1. 1895, when, on account of the sickness of James
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Todd. of typhoid fever, five physicians giving it as their opinion he could not recover, the daily was discontinued. January 8. 1898, Mr. Condon sold his interest in the paper to Mr. Todd, who was then sole owner until his death, Mr. Condon however, remaining foreman. Mr. Todd was thus connected with the paper for a period of thirty-two years.
In 1872 Mr. Todd was nominated on the Democratic and Liberal Re- publican ticket for treasurer of Nodaway county, but was defeated, the entire Republican ticket having been elected. He ran for mayor of Mary- ville, but was defeated in April, 1896. He was elected twice as school director of the Maryville district, and was appointed as the successor of the late Theodore L. Robinson, at his death, to fill out his unexpired term as school director. He served one term as director of the Maryville Semi- nary board. He was appointed postmaster by President Cleveland in 1893. but resigned the office after twenty-one months of service. For two years he was a member of the Democratic state committee. He was appointed a member of the state board of arbitration. by Governor Dockery, his com- mission dating May 1. 1900. He was made chairman of that board.
In 1904 he was candidate for secretary of state of Missouri, but was defeated in the state convention. He was also defeated for congressman in 1904 from this district in the nominating convention at St. Joseph. He was treasurer of Hospital No. 2, St. Joseph.
Mr. Todd was married June 4, 1877, to Anna Curfman, daughter of Christian Curfman, now deceased, and sister to Judge J. C. Curfman, of Maryville. To them seven children were born, of whom the following are living : Mabel. Lulu. James. Jr .. Walter S. and Helen: Hugh C. and Estelle both died when quite young. Three sisters and one brother sur- vive Mr. Todd. namely : Mrs. Mary Floyd. of Bolckow: Mrs. H. C. Skid- more, Mrs. Elmer E. Carver and Lewis C. Todd, all of Guilford.
The death of James Todd occurred on January 31. 1907, at the age of fifty-nine years. He had been in failing health for about two years.
Mr. Todd was devoted to his family and his home. Although he was prominent in every local movement and was frequently called upon to take an active part in departures of various kinds. he spent a great portion of his time, outside of his office hours, at his own fireside. He devoted his en- tire time to his newspaper, which he loved above everything else and which always commanded his first and best efforts. He always tried to advocate what he conceived to be for the best interests of the masses. believing in the theory and principle of the greatest good to the greatest number. In politics he was ever loyal to the Democratic party. his newspaper having
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always been recognized as one of the powers of Democracy in northwest- ern Missouri, but Mr. Todd was always notably fair in his position and seldom gave offense on account of extreme partisan views.
Mr. Todd was a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church, and fraternally he was a Mason and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Woodmen of the World. He filled most of the offices in Nodaway Lodge. No. 470. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and also held in Maryville Commandery, No. 40, Knights Templar, the offices of prelate and eminent commander.
James Todd, Jr., who has very ably and successfully conducted the Democrat since the death of the elder Todd, was born September 9, 1886, in Maryville, Missouri. He is the oldest son of James and Anna (Curf- man) Todd. He grew to maturity here and attended the local schools, en- tering the State Normal in 1906, taking the academic course. Owing to his father's illness he left the school room and assumed charge of the Democrat office, and on the death of his father in 1907 he assumed the management and editorship of this paper and has very ably and success- fully filled this position, increasing its circulation and rendering it more valuable as an advertising medium.
Politically he is a Democrat, and fraternally he holds membership with Nodaway Lodge, No. 470. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons : White Cloud Lodge. No. 92, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; also the Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks.
WILLIAM MILES WALLIS, M. D.
Dr. William M. Wallis, who by the inherent force of his own industry and determination has achieved more than ordinary success in his chosen profession. and who is now one of the highly honored practicing physi- cians of the thriving city of Maryville, justly demands recognition in the annals of his county and the following sketch will present a brief resume of his career.
Doctor Wallis is a native son of the old Empire state of the Union. having been born in Genesee county, New York, on January 12, 1848. He is a son of Miles and Lavinia (Tuller) Wallis. the former of whom was born March 9. 1810. in Steuben county. New York. He was a farmer and stockraiser and when twenty-one years old he moved to Erie county. that state. Four years later he located on a farm in Genesee county. the same
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state, to which he devoted his efforts until 1876, when he came to Nodaway county, Missouri, locating in Pickering, where he lived, retired, until his death, which occurred in 1904. In politics he was a Republican, while his fraternal relations were with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In 1838 he married Lavina Tuller, of Steuben county, New York, her death occurring in 1854.
Dr. William M. Wallis was reared under the parental roof and re- ceived a good education in the public schools of his native state. He then attended the Genesee and Wyoming Seminary, at Alexander, New York. and then, having determined to make the practice of medicine his life work, he matriculated in the medical department of the University of Buffalo, where he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, at the age of twenty-two years. He at once located at Alabama, New York, but after engaging in the active practice there for a few months, he came to Xenia, Missouri, and later located in Pickering, being the first physician to locate in that place. He met with success from the start of his practice and for thirty-three years he remained in the practice there, his field of effort covering a wide range of territory. In 1903 the Doctor came to Maryville, where he immediately took rank among the leading physicians of this section of the country. Doctor Wallis has acquired a high reputa- tion as a diagnostician and is frequently called into consultation by his professional brethren because of his unusual success in this particular di- rection. In the general practice he has met with pronounced success and he enjoys a large and lucrative practice. He is a careful reader of the best pro- fessional literature and keeps himself in touch with the age in the latest discoveries pertaining to the healing art, having also a natural aptitude for close investigation and critical research, standing second to none of his compeers in medical knowledge and skill.
Doctor Wallis was married on April 28. 1875, to Augusta H. Leach, of near Pickering, the daughter of Calvin and Jane Leach, her birth hav- ing occurred on September 29, 1847. This union has been blessed by three children, Dr. Frank C. and Dr. William M., Jr., of Maryville, and Helen Augusta. Politically. Doctor Wallis gives a stanch support to the Demo- cratic party and he takes an intelligent interest in local public affairs, though his professional duties have precluded his taking a very active part in affairs. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic order, while his re- ligious membership is with the Christian church, to which he gives a liberal support. Genial and optimistic in temperament, the Doctor easily makes acquaintances and he enjoys a large circle of warm personal friends, who esteem him for his high character and genuine worth.
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THEODORE GWIN.
On July 21. 1841, in Chesterville, Ohio, was born Theodore Gwin, son of John Gwin and wife, the former the son of John Gwin, Sr .. who came from Chester county, Pennsylvania. The name Gwin is of Welsh origin, signify- ing "white." Theodore Gwin's mother died when he was one year old and he was reared by his father's sister and her husband. Mr. and Mrs. John Sing- erey, who gave him every advantage they could. In June, 1855. his aunt and uncle moved to Sauk county, Wisconsin, about fifty miles from Madison. and brought Theodore with them. There he grew up on a farm which he helped clear. His uncle being in poor health, a man's work fell to Theodore much of the time. On August 14, 1862, young Theodore enlisted in Company F. Twenty-third Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and fought for the Union, and received an honorable discharge. Before enlisting he married Elizabeth Kyle. daughter of Andrew and Eliza (Henderson) Kyle. Her parents were from Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, where she was born, Mr. and Mrs. Kyle having been born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, from which county also came the paternal grandparents of Theodore Gwin.
In 1854 Mr. Gwin and his wife's parents moved to Sauk county. Wis- consin, and followed farming. After their marriage Mrs. Gwin lived part of the time with her parents and part of the time with his uncle and aunt, while her husband was absent in the army. He was mustered into service on August 30, 1862, and sent to Cincinnati, thence across into Kentucky, down to Fal- mouth, Lexington, Nicholasville and back to Louisville. November 19. 1862. he went to Memphis by boat, leaving Memphis on December 21st. and went down the mouth of the Yazoo river, where Sherman tried to take Vicks- burg by way of Hayne's Bluff, and was under fire there, and was in the swamps part of the time, north of the beseiged city, but the army was flanked and compelled to get out on the night of December 31st. Going back to the Mississippi river, they ascended the same and on January II, 1863. engaged in the battle of Ft. Hindman, or Arkansas Post, which was a hot fight. the first one in which Mr. Gwin's company lost many men. After that battle they retired to the Mississippi river, camped near Vicksburg, took part in that memorable siege: Mr. Gwin was at the capture of the fort at Grand Gulf and in the battle of Black River Bridge and Champion's Hill-the hard- est of the preliminary fights against Vicksburg. Mr. Gwin was there from the investment of the city from the 19th of May, 1863. until after the sur- render, and was not off duty a single day, he being one of the first to enter the city after the white flag went up. His next move was to New Orleans.
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