USA > Missouri > Carroll County > Portrait and biographical record of Clay, Ray, Carroll, Chariton, and Linn Counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 11
USA > Missouri > Chariton County > Portrait and biographical record of Clay, Ray, Carroll, Chariton, and Linn Counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 11
USA > Missouri > Clay County > Portrait and biographical record of Clay, Ray, Carroll, Chariton, and Linn Counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 11
USA > Missouri > Linn County > Portrait and biographical record of Clay, Ray, Carroll, Chariton, and Linn Counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 11
USA > Missouri > Ray County > Portrait and biographical record of Clay, Ray, Carroll, Chariton, and Linn Counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 11
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In 1819 Col. Northcott joined the Illinois Meth- odist Episcopal Conference and began preaching at Mt. Sterling, Brown County, where he remained two years and then took charge of a church in Pike County. At the end of two years be was transferred to the Missouri Conference and ap- pointed Presiding Elder of the Hannibal District. This district at that time comprised half of North- ern Missouri, and our subject made his headquar- ters at Linneus. Transferred back to the Illinois Conference, he preached one year at Mendon. and was then appointed Presiding Elder of the Quines District and afterward was Presiding Elder of the Griggsville District. In 1862 Col. Northcott enlisted as Lieutenant-Colonel in the Seventy-third Illinois Infantry, and remained in the service until his failing health compelled him to resign, in Febru- ary, 1863.
After Col. Northcott left the army he returned to Linn County. Mo .. where he settled upon land and engaged in farming and stock-raising. In 1866 he came to Liuneus and went into a law and land office with his son. B. J. Northcott, and devoted himself to securing railroad communica- tion, and, having effected this, was made first Man- aging Director and afterward President of the road, which was then called the Northern Missouri Central. Later, this line became the Linneus Branch of the B. & S. W. Our subject now met with re- verses in business, having advanced money to help build the road, and so, when the affairs of the line were settled, he engaged in farming. In 1881 Col. Northcott and Ins son Charles started the Linn County News, which became under their ex- collent management a leading Republican organ of the State. Our subject retained his interest in this paper until he retired from active business,
and now icads a very quiet life, preaching occa- sionally and as eloquently as of yore. Five chil- dren of our subject's family lived to mature age. The eldest son, B. J. Northcott, is a clerk in the Pension Department in Washington; Mrs. D. W. Barclay is the effe of a prosperous farmer residing near Enterprise, Linn County, Mo., Mrs. G. G. Alexander is also the wife of a Linn County farmer; Charles W. Northcott is running the Sum- ner Star; and Mrs. D. V. Ormiston is the wife of the editor of the Lian County News and the pres- ent Postmaster of Linneus.
Politically, our subject began his adult life a Whig. and afterward joined the Republican party, sharing in its many honors and triumphs. He is also a strong temperance man, and opposed to the continuanec of the liquor trattie in any form. Fra- ternally, he has long been a valued member of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, and within and without this order has a host of true and sincere friends. The busy life of Col. Northcott has been replete with self-sacrifice and devotion to the bet- terment of mankind. The sunshine of prosperity and the storms of adversity have cach crossed his pathway, but through the many changes incidental to his long career in the Southwest he has ever been sustained and guided by the sterling prin- ciples of unfailing rectitude and honor. Respected by all and regarded with affectionate esteem by old acquaintances and friends of early days. Col. Northcott may review the history of his past with pleasure and feel well assured that of him it will be written. "He hath done what he could."
ARON B. CONROW. Confidence is the basis of business, and they who live up to the mark of integrity serve as lights for the paths of others. The reputation of our subject is that of a just and upright man, doing as he would be done by. He is now en- waged in pork-packing in Richmond, and is one of the publie-spirited citizens of this thriving
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W. W.Smith
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place. The third child of Aaron Il. and Mary (Quesenberry) Conrow, our subject was born in Ray County, Mo., October 28, 1858. He passed his boyhood days in Richmond, where he attended the public schools. and afterward prosecuted his studies in the old Richmond College.
Entering the hardware and grocery store of Capt. JJohn P. Quesenberry as clerk, our subject labored with energy and fidelity in that position for three years, when he took an interest in the business, the firm name being changed to JJohn P. Quesenberry & Co. This partnership continued for four years, when our subject soll out his in- terest and started in the same line of business alone, but one year later disposed of his stock to his brother, W. S. Conrow. The Richmond Trans- fer Company then, in 1887, came into his posses- sion by purchase, and this enterprise he conducted with success. lle also superintended the manage- ment of a fruit farm of forty acres just north of the city, which he has recently sold.
November 17, 1881. our subject married Miss Ellen Menefee, daughter of La Fayette S. and Mary H. (Colgan) Menefee, of Richmond. Mrs. Conrow was born in Camden, Ray County, and removed to Richmond with her parents when an infant. Mr. Conrow served for one term very efficiently and satisfactorily as a member of the City Council. and is a prominent Democrat. Ile is a member of Richmond Lodge No. 57, I. O. O. F. He and his wife are worthy members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church South. They have a hand- some and homelike residence on Main Street.
W. SMITH. the well-known financier and successful banker, is the President of the Lawson Bank, and also of the Exchange Bank of Richmond, both in Ray County. Mr. Smith was born in Guilford County, N. C., May 5, 1827, and belongs to a family whose representa- tives have borne an honorable part in national af- fairs, both as brave soldiers and public-spirited cit- izens. Ihis grandfather. William Smith, was one of
the heroes who participated in the battle of Guil- ford Court House. The father of our subject. led- ediah Smith, also a native of Guilford County, served in the War of 1812, and was at Norfolk. Va., when peace was declared.
In the county above-named. Jedediah Smith en- gaged in the general mercantile business until his departure for Missouri. Prior to his removal he married Jane CRse, a native of the county, He came to Ray County in 1838, and after sojourning for a few months in Richmond, located in town- ship 52, range 29, in the spring of the following year. Here he purchased land and entered a large tract from the Government, becoming in time one of the largest land-owners in the community. Set- tlers were few and at long distances from one an- other, but they were hospitable people, and in their log cabins there was always room for the passing stranger. Mr. Smith turned his attention to farmi- ing, and labored indefatigably, as he had come with the object of increasing his fortune, but he had quite a set-back during the panie of 1837 and the dark days that followed.
Five children constituted the parental family, namely: John C .. a physician, who died in 18 16; Joseph A., whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume; Susan A., who married Dr. Watson, of Buchanan County, Mo .. and died about 1863; our subject, and Margaret Emma, wife of Mr. Cum- mins, of Lawson. The father was a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church and served as Elder. In politics he was a Democrat of the old school, fervent in his admiration of Gen. Jackson, and always a supporter of the straight ticket. He came of good old English stock, his grandsire. John Smith, having emigrated from England and purchased a large tract of land in North Carolina. There is in the family a record of the sale by him to a Mr. Clapp of a tract of land, bearing date of the year 1730.
Our subject was eleven years old when he ac- companied his parents to Ray County. He attended the local schools, and later was a student in a High School in Maury County. Tenn .. where he com- pleted his course of instruction. Returning from school, he remained at home for some time. trad- ing in stock, and during the war with Mexico
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made quite a handsome sum of money. enough to give him a fairly good start in life, by trading in mules. The California gold epidemic reached him in 1850, and with three companions he drove across the plains with a team of miles. and reached the diggings in three months. Epon reaching their destination, one of the party left and the others opened a provision store. One Hays worked in the mines. and Mr. Finch of the original party. worked with him, while our subject took charge of the store. They remained in all about a year, when our subject grew homesick and the party divided, he returning to Missouri, where he re- mained at home for some time, giving many hours to hunting wolves, deer and other wild game.
After his marriage in 1857. Mr. Smith took charge of the farm, and continued in its management un- til 1885. during which time he engaged very suc- cessfully in raising mule- and cattle. In August. 1885, he came to Lawson, where he has since re- mained, occupying an elegant residence. one of the finest in the entire county. In addition to his city property he owns about two thousand acres of land in Ray, Clay, Clinton and Caldwell Counties. His wife was Sallie, daughter of John I'. Miles, a mer- chant of Kentucky, who afterward came to Ray County. Mrs. Smith was born in Lawrenceburgh. Ky., and accompanied her father to this State when she was quite young. She has borne her husband nine children, six daughters and three sous. all of whom are successful and prominent citizens of their var- ious communities. R. A. and Miles W. are conduct- ing the farm, and Clay is assistant in the bank. The eldest daughter. Alice, married Dr. W. G. Es- tell; Jennie became the wife of A. J. Watkin -. The others are Kate, Annie, Sally and Ella. The children have received good educations, and are a credit to their parents.
A Democrat in politics. Mr. Smith is interested in the success of his party. although he does not take an active part in political affairs. He is a member of the Masonic order, and & actively in- terested in the welfare of that ancient institution. having been one of the charter members at Given- ville, and also at Lawson. For nearly twenty years he has been a Deacon in the Presbyterian Church. in which he has always been a zealous worker, and
& liberal supporter both of the church and the Sunday-school. He is also a Trustee of Lawson College, and has manifested the utmost generosity toward this institution. giving it the land on which the building stands, as well as a very liberal cash contribution, He is a member of the firm of Hurt & Smith, who own the largest mercantile establish- ment in Lawson. Ile has fenced more than one thousand acres of land. has greatly improved his farm property in various ways. extended his bank- ing interests and promoted the success of the mer- cantile house with which he is connected. When he and his wife began housekeeping they had a home-made bedstead. and their entire household effects did not cost $15. There was not a carpet upon the floor, and the comforts were very few. yet to-day he is one of the wealthiest men in Hay County. This gratifying success may be attributed to his perseverance, untiring energy and good judgment, qualities which almost invariably bring fortune to their possessor.
NTHONY S. BROWN, a well-known and respected citizen of Liberty, Clay County. was born in Monroe County. Ky .. Bear Tompkinsville. June 2. 1811. being the son of Thomas W. Brown. a native of Kentucky. Ilis paternal grandfather. Thomas Brown. was the son of Thomas Brown, a soldier in the War of the Revolution and of Scotch descent. The mother of our subject, Mary (Smith) Brown, was a native of Tennessee, born in Greene County on the 19th of December. 1820, and removed with her parent- to Monroe County. Ky .. when eight years old. where she grew to womanhood and was married.
The father of our subject died in Is 19. and the latter continued upon the farm until 1866. when. his mother having married a second time, he re- moved to Kearney, then Centreville. Clay County. Mo., with that parent. The latter is the daughter of Anthony Smith, and is still living at Kearney. in the seventy-coond year of her age. being of a long-lived Seutch-Dutch family. Seven children
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were born to her, four by her first and three by her second husband, the latter dying in Kentucky in 1859.
Our subject passed his youth in Kentucky, where he received the benefits of a superior cauca- tion, spending the years of the war at the High School. In 1866, he accompanied his mother to Kearney, and there. in 1868. started in a mercan- tile business, carrying a large stock of hardware and doing a very successful trade for thirteen years, when he sold out and went to Libert: . Mo. Here be opened a grocery, continuing it for fifteen months, and then retired from business. devoting all his time to his property interests.
Our subject was married September 14. 1875, 10 Miss Ruth M. Groom, the daughter of Capt. John S. Groom, of Clay County, Mo., and a prominent farmer. She died in 1882, leaving two little girls. May Kate and Ruth. the latter being deceased. llis second wife was Bertha B. Brining, whom he married November 6, 1883, at Liberty, Mo. She was born in this place, and is a daughter of Will- iam Brining. an early settler and prominent eiti- zen of Liberty. Mrs. Brown is a graduate of Liberty High School, and a lady of superior attain- ments, with a large cirele of admiring friends. The family residence is a handsome structure in West Liberty, on a high hill overlooking the en- tire city.
QUIRE SILVANUS F. PERRY, who makes his home in Bucklin, Linn County. is much interested in all that pertains to the growth and advancement of this locality. He is a leading and influential citizen. having served for twenty years as Justice of the Peace, and as Notary Public for twenty-two years. His father, James Perry, was born in Virginia in 1795. The latter was a son of William, also a native of Virginia. who removed to North Carolina from that State very soon after the Revolutionary War. The fam- ily is one of the aristocratie Virginia one- of Eng- lish ancestry. The mother of our subject. who was born in 1799. in North Carolina, bore the
maiden name of Martha Griffith. She was of Welsh descent. and was married in North Carolina. James Perry had previously married her sister. He resided in North Carolina until 1811. engaged in agriculimal pursuits, and at that time removed Westward, settling in Macon County. Mo. He lo- cated where the city of Callao now stands, and was among the early settlers of the county. He made a permanent home, cleared and improved a farm. and was actively interested and identified with the prosperity of that region. He was a strong Whig. politically, and had served as a Captain in the militia. Hle was called from this life in 1857. while the death of his wife occurred some four years later. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and by her marriage became the mother of ten children. three of whom are now deceased. Those living are as follows: Elizabeth, Mis. George Finnell; Mary. Mrs. John Gillan; George W .: William MI .; Silvanus F., our subject; Thomas G. and James Edward.
The birth of him of whom we write occurred in Chatham County, N. C .. December 14. 1835. When nine years of age, with his parents he came to Mis- sonri, and was reared to manhood on a farm in Macon County. His educational advantages were limited, being those of the early subscription schools. When attaining his majority, he launched out in the world to make his fortune. In 1859. catching the prevalent gold fever. he crossed the plains with an ox-team, taking two months and eleven days in the journey from his home to what is now the beautiful city of Denver. He spent several weeks in the mines of the Rocky Mountains. re- turning home in the fall with but a $5 gold coin as the fruit of his toil and hardships. In that win- ter he worked at anything by which he might earn an honest dollar. In 1860, he concluded that he was much in need of a better education. therefore be entered McGee College, in the southern part of Macon County, where he pursued his studies un- til the school was closed on account of rumors of the approaching war. He then settled on a farm in Macon County, which was raw land and heavily timbered. It was about this time. in 1862. that Mr. Perry was first married. his union being with Miss Mary E. Gieren. of Macon County, who was born
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in 1811. She assisted her husband in his arduous pioneer experience. but on account of extremely poor health, he was soon obliged to sell out. after which he purchased an improved farm, which he cultivated for about a year, and then in 1867 came to Bucklin, Linn County. In February, 1869. he went into the mercantile business in partnership with R. W. Green. as he found that he was physi- cally unable to continue the labor incident to farm life, and for two years previous to this time had been unable to do anything.
In April, 1870. occurred the death of our sub- ject's first wife, who by her marriage became the mother of three children, two of whom died in in- fancy, the other after manhood. On the 7th of March, 1871. Mr. Perry was united in marriage with Miss T. Elizabeth Jones. of Callaway County, Mo .. who was born in 1817. To them was born a son. David Lee, who is now residing with his fa- ther, his mother having died in 1874.
In 1870, Mr. Perry sold out his business, after which he again embarked in general merchandis- ing, continuing in that line until 1871. when it was temporarily closed out. In February, 1889. he onee more entered the mercantile field. and for the last five years has conducted a real-estate and conveyancing office. In 1890. he owned, edited and published the Bucklin Ib rald, selling the same to its present owner. For a quarter of a century he has been a newspaper correspondent. and has always taken a lively interest in literary societies, being a strong and leading debater in the same.
In August, 1976, Mr. Perry wedded Miss Mary Frances Runyon, who was born in 1851, in Chari- ton County. Their family consists of three sons and a daughter, as follows: John F. Maude. Guy and James. Both the parents are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Bucklin. Mr. Perry has been an active member of that denomina- tion for thirty-two years. and for a quarter of a century has been an Elder in the church. For many years he was much interested in the Sunday- school work.
In the cause of education Mr. Perry takes a lead- ing part, making it one of his chief objects in hfe to give his children a thorough education. He has been a member of the local School Board for seven
years. In politics, he has been a lifelong Demo- crat. though he was opposed to secession. For thirty years he has been a member of the Masonic order. having been secretary of Bucklin Lodge No. 332 for some time. The Squire has been fre- quently sent as a delegate to county conventions. and in the fall of 1892 was offered an opportunity to run as a candidate for the Legislature in this district. which. however, he declined to do. Ile has served his fellow-townsmen as a member of the City Council, and is truly one of the representa- tive men of the county.
BRAM L. NORFLEET. M. D .. Cashier of the Kearney Bank, and a man of great influence in this eity, is the subject of our present writing. Dr. Norfleet was born in Miller County, Mo .. on the 13th of January. 1858. lle is the son of Larkin Norfleet, who was a native of Wayne County. Ky .. born in the year 1815, and the grandfather was James Nor- fleet, also a native of Kentucky. The original members of the family of this name came to Amer- ica from Ireland in Colonial times, and settled in the rich lands of Kentucky. and there the family led an agricultural life. the grandfather of our sub- jeet dying at the age of eighty years. When Larkin Norfleet grew to manhood he became a farmer also and remained in Kentucky untilabout 1850 and then moved to Miller County. Mo., where he bought a farm near Mt. Pleasant and there he lived until 1866.
At this time Mr. Norfleet decided to make an- other change and went to Johnson County. where he lived for three years. and then removed into LaFayette County. where he settled, and is now living, enjoying good health. He now owns two hundred and forty acres of tine land near Mayview. for although he began the battle of life single- handed he has exercised good judgment. and is now a wealthy and highly esteemed citizen. In politics Mr. Nottleet is a voter with the Prohibition party. Until recently he was a member of the
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Democratie party, but in late years his views have changed, and now the Prohibition is his choice. Himself, wife and family belong to the Methodist Church. and are people who command the respect of every one in all the relations of life.
The mother of our subject was Frances Gann. who was born in Wayne County, Ky .. in 1817. and is still living in the enjoyment of health at her pleasant home. She reared the following children. Elizabeth, Rosaline, James, Fannie (deceased). Louis and Linnie (twins). Thomas. our subject and Leona. This brief outline brings us to the subject of this sketeli.
Abram L. Norfleet was the ninth child in the family of ten children born to Larkin and Frances Norfleet. Ile grew up on the farm as young lads do, occupied with the homely duties which fall to the share of the boys, "chores," and attended the district school and then the village school at Mayview. Until he was twenty years old he remained at work on the farm, and then be- gan to read medicine. For this purpose our subject entered the office of Dr. JJ. B. Wood, of Waverly, in 1879, and continued there for six months and at the end of that time was prepared to enter the St. Louis Medical College. During his vacation he continued under the instruction of Dr. Wood, and thus he was enabled to graduate from the college in 1882.
Dr. Nortleet settled in this place to practice and continued here for eighteen months. and then spent a winter in the Bellevue Medical College. New York, and Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, and upon his return he continued in practice un- til 1887. when he was elected Cashier of the bank here and has served ever since in that capacity. Although he does not practice he is called into consultation from all parts of the county.
Dr. Norfleet is a stockholder in the bank, which had run for live year- before he took charge of it on a capital of $10,000 but he has worked it up to $30,000 and last year paid $3,300 in dividends. This is a State bank. The domestic life of our subject began June 22. 1887, when he married Miss Marie 1. Park, who was born in Kentucky, and one httle daughter has come into his home. Helen Lu- cille. The faith of his parents is the one to which
the Doctor and his estimable wife subscribe, that of the grand old church of Wesley. The neat and pleasant dwelling of the Doctor's family was erected in 1886 and here he delights in seeing his friends.
For many years the Doctor has been identified. with the Democratic party, but the change in the aspect of public que-tions in late years has made of him a Prohibitionist. For two years he has served as Alderman, and is a highly regarded mem- ber of the Masonic lodge.
Le OUIS G. CLEMENTS, Though by no means old in years, our subject is an old settler in Ray County. In fact, he has passed his entire life within its limits, having been born June 2. 1839, not far from his present farm. in township 50, range 28. Ile is a son of Wilham and Harriet Ann (Gregory) Clements. natives of Amherst County, Va., the father having been born about 1803, and the mother in 1807.
The father of our subject spent the days of his boyhood and youth alternately upon a farm. in the schoolroom, and at the bench of a carpenter. he having learned that trade. Ile married in his native county and his wife bore him eight chil- dren, one of whom died young. In 1829 he jour- neved with his family in wagons from Virginia to Ray County. Mo .. where he bought one hundred and sixty aeres near the farm now owned by our subject. Upon the home there established he re- remained until his death in 1852. The mother of our subjeet survived her husband but a few months, dying in the same year. Thus these -even children, being deprived of both parents. were thrown on their own resources.
Our subject at once began to support himself by working upon a farm, and received $? per month for his services. continuing to work for others for a number of years. In 1857. while yet a boy, he crossed the plains to California, driv- ing a team of cattle the entire distance for others in order to pay his way. After his arrival in the State he located in Sacramento Valley and re-
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mained there two years, when he returned by way of the two oceans and resumed his labors as a hired man upon the farm. In 1888 he had accu- mulated enough money to purchase his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he has improved until he has a good property.
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