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 12
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 12
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 12
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 12
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 12
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A few years after his return from the West Mr. Clements married Mary, daughter of Henry and Emeline Hill, who bore him four children: Lyda A., Minnie, Lutie, and one child who died young. Death deprived Mr. Clements of his wife, and later he married Sarah F. Graves, daughter of Thomas and Lydia Ann ( Adams) Graves. Our subjeet is a Democrat in politics, and his sym- pathies are with that party. All that he has un- dertaken has been done earnestly, and though early thrown upon his own resources, he had a hard fight against adverse circumstances. he worked hard and well without being discouraged, and is now beginning to reap the good results of his faithful labor. His many friends believe in his ability, and point to what he has accomplished as proof of the mnettle of which he is made.
BNER J. PORTER. When the question is asked by the stranger in this beautiful country, "Who is your most liberal sup- porter of the church and charities," the universal reply is that in the whole township of Kearney none can be found to fill the bill as does the prominent man whose name opens this sketch. It is with the greatest pleasure that the biographer places before the public in this brief record the few events in the life of this gentleman which in his modesty he is willing to permit to be used.
The gentleman of whom we write was born in Orange County, Va., September 19, 1827, and his father, Samuel Porter, was born in 1795 in the State of Virginia. The grandfather of our subject was a Briton, who came to this country and assisted his brother colonist- in throwing of the unjust yoke of the Mother Country. He became a large
planter in Virginia, owning at one time seven hundred seres of fine land in the Old Dominion. and he died there at about the age of sixty years. He had been a firm Whig in his political belief. In religion be was a member of the Baptist Church.
The son of the above-mentioned gentleman. samuel, who in the course of time became the fa- ther of our subject, was reared on the plantation and became the owner of slave- and of two hun- ared acres of land. He removed to this State in 1843, coming by way of Guiandot, Ky., by land. thence by steamer to St. Louis, and then by land to Saline County, where the family spent the win- ter: in the spring they came on here. At this place he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, a part of which our subject still owns. Thirty acres of the land had been cultivated ley the former owner and the latter had created : " cabin with a mud and stick chimney and pun- cheon floor.
Finally Mr. Porter owned two hundred and forty acres of land. a part of which he entered. The children entered two sections of land in Car- roll County. Mo., and upon them the boys settled and improved them. Here Mr. Porter died at the age of seventy-seven. lle had lived a good and consistent life, and was one of the pillars of the Baptist Church. to which much of his means went. In politie- he was an old-line Whig, honest in hi- convictions. The mother of our subject wa- Mary Beckham, born in Virginia, in Culpeper County. in 1803. She reared ten of her cleven children. The names of these are well known throughout the country where they were reared, as follows: Eliza. Abner JJ .. Hannah. Luey. Mariah. Thomas. James. William, Benjamin and Mary.
This devoted mother was permitted to live and minister to her family until her sixty-first year. and when she passed away the Baptist Church lost one of its most devoted and consistent mem- bers. She came of French ancestry ; her father. Thomas, however, was born in Virginia, where he became a large farmer, there reared three boys, and died at the age of eighty years. Our subject was the second child of his parents and grew up on the farm and early became accustomed to duties and
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responsibilities. At the age of sixteen years he came here with his father. His education was re- ceived in the subscription schools, and after com- ing to this State he had the advantage of three months of schooling in a log schoolhouse, which had old-fashioned slab benches for seats, and a great open fireplace. Mr. Porter still remember- the delights of the trip which the family took to reach their new home as he was old enough to en- joy the pleasures of the long journey without feeling the privation. At this time game was very abundant, but our subject never developed into a hunter, as his natural kindness of disposi- tion would not permit of his ruthlessly taking the lives of the innocent wild denizens of the forest.
When nearly twenty-one years of age our sub- ject began life for himself. This was in 1848. He left the shelter of his home, followed we know by the prayers of his mother. and made his way to Platte County, and there learned the trade of a briek mason and remained two years. during which time he married. November 14, 1819, Miss Susan Dykes became his wife. She was a na- tive of this county, born February 27, 1835. and at first the happy young couple lived with Mr. Dykes for one year, and then came to the present farm. a part of the homestead, and here built a brick house. Nine children were born into the family of our subject. seven of whom lived to ma- turity. Alice, who has passed away ; George. John, Mary, Benjamin. Abner. Jr .. Emerson and Nettie (deceased), twins, and Sarah were the children.
Our subject now owns three hundred and fifty- five aeres of land. although at one time he had five hundred. lle has been very liberal to his children. His first purchase was of eighty acres. and then he entered one hundred and sixty acres. buying more and more from time to time. l'pon this land Mr. Porter has engaged in mixed farm- ing. and has handled much stock and has raised many mules and hogs. At this time he is a man of wealth and has made a great deal of money out of his stock.
Mr. Porter has been the kind patron of several boys outside his own family and they know what manner of man he is and regard him with esteem and affection. He is a stockholder in the Kearney
Bank and also a Director, and for a time was the President of the Holt Bank, in which he hokls stock. Both he and his first wife were member- of the Christian Church; she died April 24. 1879. and he was married again. March 14, 1880, this time to Miss Sarah .1. Lafoon. born in this county Octo- ber 20, 1835. Our subject joined the Christian Church in 1819 and has contributed most freely to its support. He has been an Elder in Mt. Gilead Church for the past eighteen years. In his political belief Mr. Porter is a Democrat. and be- fore the war he was a Whig. The School Board has had in him an efficient President for many years, as he takes great interest in all educational matters. For the past twenty-five years our sub- jeet has been a member of the Masonic order, and has held many important offices in the same. For several years he has belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellow.
Mr. Porter has seen almost all the growth of the county and has done mnuch to assist in it. Ilis success in life has been very noticeable. and he at- tributes it to his having carried out the Biblical injunetion. "Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you."
RCHIBALD P. FOWLER. The young man who is the subject of this sketch i- very nicely equipped for his life work. and ought to be. as he doubtless is, a happy man. His farm is located on section 12. township 54. range 29. and is one of the most desirable in Ray County. He is the son of M. R. Fowler, of Polo. a well-known farmer of that region and the owner of eight hundred acres of land. owning at one time two thousand acres in this and adjoining counties. Our subject was born at the old home place, near Elmira. in Ray County. Mo. March 20, 1865. He was reared at home and. after a preparatory training in the district schools. attended Rushville Normal School. Sub- sequent to that he taught school for some time in Ray County.
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Our subject was married September 27, 1889, to Miss Pleasant, daughter of Martin Rheard, a farmer of Marble Hill, Caldwell County, Mo. Mrs. Fowler was reared in Caldwell County, and attended school at Kidder and Lathrop, graduating at the latter place. After his marriage Mr. Fowler located upon the farm where he has since resided. One child, Michael Martin, boin August 6, 1890, has blessed the congenial union, and the home is a very pleasant and happy one. The residence is upon a splendid farm of three hundred and ser- enty-two acres of good and tillable land. all finely improved rolling prairie. Mr. Fowler also has two hundred acres in Caldwell County, Me., mak- ing altogether about six hundred acres of good land.
While he follows the occupation of a general farmer and raises the various cereals and other farm products, our subject makes a specialty of stock-raising, and has some very fine cattle on his farm. Hle likewise raises quite a number of hogs, having special facilities for that purpose. A very comfortable and attractive residence has been built by him upon the home place, and the appearance of the homestead indicates the thrift and excellent judgment of the owner. Mr. Fowler is a member of the Christian Church, and is very useful in promoting the welfare of that organiza- tion. He is not as yet very active in politics, but takes a great interest in questions of public mo- ment and votes the Democratie ticket.
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R. CRENSHAW is a prominent citizen of Knoxville, Ray County, whose life has been one of activity and not altogether free from trials and reverses; yet he has been successful, both in securing a competency and in establishing himself in the respect and confidence of his neighbors and friends. His parents were R. A. and Patsy ( Rogers) Crenshaw. the father hay- ing been born in Montgomery County, Ky .. on the 28th of November. 1813. settling in Ray County, Mo., in 1837 or 153s. upon a farm of six him-
died acres, two miles southwest of Knoxville, and following farming for half a century. He and his estimable wife were the parents of eleven children, of whom three boys and one girl are liv- ing, and the remainder deceased. For a period of eighteen years he was a Justice of the Peace.
Our subject was born October 28. 1839, in Jackson County, Mo .; he received a common-school education, and after growing up was for many years a farmer, but in 1891 he removed to Knox- ville, where he became a merchant. December 31, 1862, he married Miss Nancy C. Yoakum, who has borne him two children: R. M., born January 23, 1869; and Elizabeth C., born March 13, 1867, and who died September 8, 1869. Robert M. Cren- shaw, the son of our subjeet, was married October 8. 1890, to Lula Fowler, one of seven children of Micah and Elvira Fowler. her father being a gen- eral farmer and stock-mi-er, who lived with his family near Elmira, Ray County, Mo .. upon a farm of twelve hundred aeres. The father of Mrs. Robert M. Crenshaw, besides being a farmer. was also a merchant at Lawson, Ray County, a dealer in groceries, hardware, etc. Ile and his wife were members of the Christian Church, and acceptable followers of the teachings of that body. Mr. Fowler is a Democrat, and an unfaltering sup- porter of the nominees of his party:
Robert M. Crenshaw and wife had one child born to them September 21. 1891. who died Au- gust 18, 1892. The beloved mother of the child lived but a short time after its birth, she having died November 13, 1891. Robert was educated in Missouri, at Richmond and sedalia, and lacked but a single term of graduating when he left school. Ile worked for several years with his fa- ther upon the farm; also taught school from 1887 to 1891, and then became a partner in his father's store at Knoxville, Mo., receiving a one-half in- terest in the same. His fellow-citizens elected him Mayor of Knoxville, a position he held for a year; and he is now serving a term as Postmaster of that city.
In politics Robert is a Democrat, and a very active and useful worker in that party. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South for six years, and is a Sunday school teacher
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in that body, a position he has filled for several years. Our subject, HI. R. Crenshaw, has been a member of the same church as his son for thirty years, his wife also being a member, and both being most acceptable and worthy helpers. Our subject is a Democrat, and has been loyal to that party ever since he reached manhood.
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G EORGE W. BUCHANAN, M. D. Promi- nent in the medical fraternity of Ray County may be mentioned the name of Dr. Buchanan, an influential citizen and successful physician and surgeon of Richmond. Ilis practice is extensive, and as he possesses a thorough knowl- edge of his profession. he has won his way upward to an honored position in the confidence and es- teem of the general public and of his professional brethren.
Born in Harrodsburgh, Mercer County. Ky .. August 16. 1828, our subject is the only child of William and Plrbe (MeCoun) Buchanan, natives of the Blue Grass State. The maternal grandfa- ther, James T. MeCoun, was of Scotch-Irish descent. as was also the paternal grandfather. Alexander Buchanan. a native of Kentucky. whose family emi- grated from Virginia and located in that Statein the latter part of the eighteenth century. When he was less than two years old, our subject was orphaned by the death of his parents. In 1836, he was brought by his maternal grandparents to Missouri. where he was reared on a farm adjacent to Rich- mond, and attended the schools of Richmond and Lexington, after working on the farm and teach- ing for a time. In 1850 he entered Centre College at Danville, Ky., and was graduated with honor from that institution in 1852.
Returning to his Missouri home, our subject studied medicine under Drs. Chew & Garner, of Richmond, and took a course of lectures in the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati. Hi- medical studies were completed in Jefferson Medical Col- lege at Philadelphia, from which he wa- graduated in 1855. He commenced the practice of his chosen
profession in Richmond, and subsequently. for the benefit of the health of his family, he went to Col- orado and spent six years at Central City and Georgetown. Dr. Buchanan's personal experience as surgeon in the late war was limited to the fall of 1861, including the several days' engagement between Price and Mulligan at Lexington. Mo .. and the winter of 1861-62, when he was surgeon in charge of the hospital established by Gen. Price at Lexington.
Since his return from Colorado in 1871, Dr. Buchanan has devoted himself to professional du- ties in and around Richmond. and has gained per- haps as large a practice as any physician in this part of Missouri. Ile is a member of the Ray County Medieal Society, the Kansas City District Medical Society, and is a frequent attendant at the conventions of the State Medical A -- ociation and the National Association of Railway Sargons. In his political affiliations, he is a Democrat. and takes an active interest in national and local is- sues. He has been an important factor in the edu- eational advancement of his locality, and served for twelve years as a member of the Board of Edu- cation, and in other ways materially aided in the attainment of a higher grade of scholarship and instruction. He is a member of the Old-school Presbyterian Church, and has served as one of its Ruling Elders since 1856.
In 1856 occurred the marriage of Dr. Buchanan to Miss Emily Terry, a refined and cultured Chris- tian lady, who was born in Virginia, and was the daughter of Joseph B. and Mary W. Terry. also na- tives of the Old Dominion. She died in Colorado. in 1868, after having become the mother of four children, of whom only one survives, William T .. now a druggist. In 1872. Dr. Buchanan married Miss Henrietta Rives Watkins. of Ray County. the second daughter of Charles Allen and Henrietta Watkins, both of Virgima. and early pioneer- of Missouri. Of this union four children have been born, namely: George W., Charles A .. James Me Afce and Henry Rives. In her girlhood Mr -. Buchanan received a careful and finished educa- tion, and is recognized as one of the most accom- plished ladies in Richmond. She has devoted her- self with loving care to the welfare of her husband
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and children, in addition to which she is promi- nently identified with the various societies of her church, and other organizations for worthy pur- poses. She presides with a gracious dignity and a courteous hospitalty. extended to many warm per- sonal friend-, at her modest home on the corner of South and Shaw Streets. Upright in character. courteous and efficient in the discharge of profes- sional duty, and at all times mindful of the happi- ness and well-being of others, Dr. Buchanan is widely known as an earnest Christian physician and public-spirited citizen.
B. ORMISTON. the genial and popular Postmaster of Linens, Linn County. Mo .. is widely known as an upright, energetic and enterprising citizen, and has admin- istered the affairs of the official position he now occupies with faithful fidelity and to the entire satisfaction of the general public of Linneus and the surrounding locality. Our subject is in every sense of the word a thoroughly representative American. self-reliant. industrious and self-respect- ing. Receiving an excellent practical education. which well fitted him to win his upward way in hfe, he has lost no opportunities to improve him- self, and in his career, guided by the stern princi- ples of truth and honor. has gained many stead- fast friends, earnest and true.
The subject of this sketch was born in Washing- ton County, Ohio, near Marietta, March 6. 1859. In February, 1865, he came with his parents to Grant- ville Township. this county, where he grew to manhood. acquiring physical development, and there laying the broad foundation on which he afterward built a well-finished education. Ilis higher education was acquired at the North Mis- souri State Normal, at Kirksville, and at the Gem City Business College, Quiney, Il. He is the archi- teet of his own fortune. having borrowed the first 850 on which he attended school. After teaching twelve terms in the public schools of Linn County he entered the journalistic profesion. In Issl
he purchased of C. W. Northeott one-half interest in the Lion County Nous, and in partnership with Col. B. F. Northcott conducted the business until August, 1885. when Nelson Fenstemaker became owner of the other half of the paper. This part- nership continued until July. 1887. when Mr. Ormiston became sole owner of the paper. I'nder his able business and editorial management the News has grown to be the foremost Republican paper of the county. December 25, 1885, Mr. Ormiston was united in marriage with Miss Nellie. the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Northcott, of Linneus, Mo. They have three chil- dren: Waneta, Genevieve and Todd. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ormiston are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a prominent member of the Knights of Pythias and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Since arriving at hi- majority he has been a member of the Republican county or- ganization. and has served as Secretary and Chair- man of the County Central Committee at different times. He is at present a member of the State Central Committee from the second Congressional District. There has not been a campaign waged by the party in his county, district or State in the past twelve years in which he has not taken an active part.
Mr. Ormiston devotes the most of his time to the publishing and editing of the Linn County News. a prominent and well-known Republican organ, ably conducted and eloquently voicing the sentiments of its large constituency. A lifetime Republican and ardent supporter of the party of progress and reform, our subject champions the cause which has given to our Congress and Senate men whose intellectual superiority and mental calibre are unsurpassed the world over. Rejoie- ing in the hour of victory, and in the day of de- feat preparing for future successes. Mr. Ormiston is a prophet, hopefully looking forward to still firmer establishment of the principles which safely piloted the ship of State through the rapids of perils and disasters into the safe haven of national prosperity and a high place among the nations of the earth.
The Lion County Nous is a live paper, at- tractive in appearance and matter. Besides its
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bright editoriais, strong in argument. convincing in logie, the News contains the local items and an interesting record of the doings of the outside world. The paper enjoys an extended circulation, and aside from the appreciation of its columns by the general public, receives the hearty support of the party sympathizers of Linn County. Mr. Ormiston has as an assistant in the handling of the mail and the responsible work of the post-office his estimable wife. a lady of fine business qualifi- cations and superior ability. Her valuable service allows our subject more time to devote to the paper and the vital interests which it represents. Mr. Ormiston is deeply interested in local enter- prise and improvements, and. an earnest advocate of educational advancement. has materially as- sisted in clevating the standard of scholarship and instruction throughout Linn County. During his residence in Linnen. Mr. Ormiston has been an important factor in the successes of the best inter- ests of the locality, and irrespective of party, re- ligion or nationality, as a vindicator of truth. honor and justice. commands the respect of all who know him, and fully possesses the hearty wishes of a host of sincere friends.
AMES AND FANNY DEAR, who reside on section 6. township 31. range 27. Ray County. are both natives of England. the former having been born in Wiltshire, in 1827, and the latter in Chitterne. James Dear 1s a son of Stephen and Catharine ( Baugh) Dear. 1 both born in Wiltshire, the former in 1798. the lat- ter in 1811. The father came of poor parentage, and his education was limited to the common schools. When but a child. he was bound out to learn the sheep-crib maker's trade, which he fol- lowed, after serving out his time, to the end of his life. At about the age of twenty-five he married Catherine Baugh, and they reared a family of nine children, two of whom are deceased. The remain- der, with the exception of our subject, are living ! in England. The father was a member of the [ share to the making of their snug little fortune.
Church of England, and died in this faith in lass. his wife having preceded him in 1878. He was a son of John and Sophia Dear, also natives of Eng- land.
Our subject, James, began at about the age of seven to earn his own living at the same trade as his father, continuing at it until he was a man. Ile married Martha Hinnwood, and she bore him one son. Christopher, a resident of Camden, Ray County. Mo. She died, and in 1866 he married his present wife, Fanny, daughter of George and Anna (Paine) Brown, all natives of England. Two years later our subjects immigrated to the United States, and first settled at Lexington. Mo .. where they remained six years. the husband supporting his family by working by the day and year. At the end of the period mentioned. they removed to Richmond. where JJames was a coal-digger for ten years. During this time our subjects bought olle and one-half acres of land adjoining Richmond. for 8160. and this they improved and sold for 8100. With this money they made their first pay- ment upon their present farm and home of sixty- seven aeres, after paying for which they purchased one hundred and sixty acres more in the bottoms near the Missouri River. This last they are im- proving as fast as their means will allow.
Our subjeets have had seven children, as follows: James, who married Clara Johnson; George. Ste- phen, Frank, William, Harokt and Emma. the latter having died when young. In 1890, Mrs. Dear made a trip to England and brought back her niece. Sarah Edwards, who yet makes her home with the family. Our subjeets were both reared in the faith of Church of England, in which they were contirmed. Although Mr. Dear is a naturalized citizen of the United States, he takes no interest in politics, not even voting at any of the elections. Great credit is due Mr. and Mrs. Dear for their industry, econ- ony and perseverance, and their success prove- the possibility of Old World emigrants reuring homes and comfort- in the New World. Mr. Dear is a man of industrious habits, who owes much to the thrift and energy of his wife, who has been in- deed a helpmate unto him. Beside caring for the children and the home, she has contributed her
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Both are worthy, honest people, who command the respect of all their neighbors.
Mr. Dear's elde-t son. Christopher, came to America in March, 1873. and was employed on a railroad one year; he then went into the mines and worked until 1890, when he commenced farming on land which he bought with wages saved while working in the coal mine.
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