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 17
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 17
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 17
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 17
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 17
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C HARLES E. PIERCE is the gentlemanly and capable Marshal of Orrick, Mo., and a- a publie-spirited citizen and an intelli- gent man of affairs he is recognized by all with whom he comes in contact. He was born in Cat- taraugus County. N. Y., July 13. 1853, his father. Joseph F. Pierce, having been born in Montreal, Canada, in 1802; the latter was a well-known sur- veyor connected with the Hudson Bay Fur Com- pany, and also held the position of custom house officer for some time, making a very capable and trustworthy official. His wife, whose maiden name was Martha B. Brown, was born at Saratoga Springs, N. Y., m 1821. She was one of three sons and three daughters, and the father was one of two children, the other member of the family being a brother.
Charles E. Pierce left the parental roof at the early age of twelve years and began supporting himself by working on a farm during the summer
months, his winters being spent in the common schools of the neighborhood, he receiving merely his board as compensation for his services. When sixteen years of age, he apprenticed himself to William Morrison. of Versailles, N. Y., and during the two years that he remained with him he ob- tamed a practical knowledge of Vulean's art, completing his knowledge of the blacksmith's trade in the city of Buffalo with Mr. Higgins, Following this for one year he was a sailor on the Great Lakes, his commander being Capt. Drake. After leaving his employ. he went to the oil fields of Bradford, Pa., where he became an expert in tool dressing. Nine months later he returned to his old employer, Mr. Morrison. of Versailles, N. Y., and worked for him and on a farm until 1876. when he wisely decided to follow the advice of Horace Greeley, and. accordingly. came West. fol- lowing various occupations in different localities of the West and Northwest, until the 26th of Au- gust, 1880, when he was married.
For nine months after his marriage Mr. Pierce was a master mechanic in Banks Mills, of Clay County, Mo., after which he removed to Garrison, Pottawatomie County. Kan .. three years later tak- ing up his residence in Kansas City, Mo .. where he successfully carried on his trade for some six years. At the end of that time he took up his resi- dence in Orrick, where he has since made his home. and where he is highly regarded in business circles. He was elected to the position of City Marchal in the spring of 1892, and has tilled the same in a manner reflecting the highest credit upon himself and to the general satisfaction of the citizens of the city. While in Kansas he held the position of lus- tice of the Peace, and also that of Deputy Sheriff. and. being an ardent Demorrat, has on various occasions been a delegate to county and State con- ventions, in which he enthusiastically espou-ed his party's principles. To himself and wife one child has been given. Mand, who was born July 7, 1882, and is a bright and intelligent little girl.
The wife of our subject was formerly Miss Eva Surdam, who was born in Russell. Geanga County. Ohio, a daughter of Lawrence and Sarah ( Will- iam-) Surdam, the former being a native of the State of New York and descended from Dutch an-
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cestors. The mother, Sarah Williams, is a cousin of Lord Thomas Stowe. of England, and is re- lated to the Harriet Beecher Stowe family. She has five sisters living. Mrs. Pierce hastwo brothers and one sister, who reside in Kansas. She was educated in Chester Seminary, Geauga County, Ohio, and is an accomplished and intelligent lady. Mr. Pierce is the eldest of four children. three boys' and one girl, and has two h!i-s.s. ters, one of whom resides in Kansas, one in illi- nois and the others in the State of New York.
OHN J. MOORE. Since the carly part of the century the family of which the gentle- man whose name heads this sketch isa ment- ber has taken a leading part in the his- tory of Chariton County. His grandfather, John Moore, emigrated to Missouri from Kentucky about the year 1816, making the entire distance on horseback. After looking around for two years he coneluded to make this county his future home. and accordingly brought out his family. He served as the first Sheriff of Chariton County. which then extended as far north as the Iowa line. Hle was one of the very early pioneers of Old Chari- ton, a place which at that time was thought des- dined to be the greatest city west of the Missis- sippi River. Mr. Moore carried on a hotel for some years at that point, and was killed by a stranger in his own home.
Our subject is a son of John G. Moore, who was born in Chariton County, and who married Miss Martha Jane Holland, a native of Rockingham County. Va., who came West with her parents when quite young. After his marriage, Mr. Moore entered land of the Government within one and a-half miles of Keytesville, where he lived during the remainder of his life. and was a well-known farmer and stock-raiser of the county and a lead- ing citizen. He was an extensive slave-owner. and was killed in 1863 on his farm by one of his slaves. He had a family of nine children, of whom right
grew to manhood and womanhood. and six af whom are yet living.
Mr. Moore of this sketch was born in Chariton County. on the 3d of November, 111. and passed his boyhood on the old homestead. Ili- education was that of the district schools, which he supplemented by a course at the college in Glas- gos, Mo. He was only seventeen when he en- listed in Clark's division. State Guard-, from which he was transferred to Company D, Sixth Missouri Regulars, C. S. A. Ile was in service for four years and lifteen days, in which time he took part in many of the most severe battles of the war. We mention among these the battles of Pea Ridge, the first engagement at Corinth. Mis -.. next the battle of luka, and afterward the second battle of Corinthi, whence he was sent to Dalton. Ga .. taking part in the battle at that point. then in the engagement at Rome (Ga.). New Hope Ch). Kenesaw Mountain, Marietta, Atlanta. West Pont (Miss.), Columbia (Tenn.). Franklin, Nashville. Vicksburg. Big Black River, Port Gibson. Blakely and Altoona. besides many other minor engage- ments. In 1861 he was in the border campaign through Missouri, and was four times more or less seriously wounded. At Vicksburg he was taken prisoner, being afterward exchanged.
After his return from the war. Mr. Moore lo- cated on the old homestead. where after living for about eight months he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Reynolds. To them were born two children, one of whom died in infancy. and the other. Ephraim P., is a farmer three and a-haif miles southeast of Keytesville. Mrs. Moore de- parted this life October 22, 1871. In INGET our subject removed to a farm he had purchased one and a-fourth mile- south of his birthplace. To its cultivation and improvement he devoted hinself until 1881. engaged in general farming and stock- raising.
On the 3d of November. 1872, occurred the mint - riage of Mr. Moore and Miss Eliza F. Wood. Mrs. Moore is a daughter of B. F. Wood. a prominent farmer of Chariton County. His death occurred in 1889, at the age of sixty-ix. He was born December 16, 1823. in this county. The widow . still living on the old farm in Keyto-ville Town-
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ship. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Moore. The family circle is still unbroken, and in order of birth they are as follows: Eggles- ton, Grace, Ella H., Virgie, John G. and Re- becca.
In 1881 Mr. Moore was elected Sheriff on the Democratic ticket, filling that position for two terms, four successive years, with great credit to himself and to the full satisfaction of his con- stituents. After his term of office bad expired he became the proprietor of the Keytesville House. which he carried on for two years, since which time he has been engaged in operating the street rail- road in this place. The line runs between Keytes- ville and Keytesville Station, a distance of about two miles, which is much traveled. He still owns two hundred and forty acres of good farm land in Bowling Green Township, this county, and also some property in the town.
Mr. and Mr -. Moore are members of the Presby- terian Church, and the former holds membership with the Select Knights of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He has always been a strong supporter of the Democracy and one of the active workers in the ranks. He is Secretary of the Dem- ocratie Central Committee, and in 1888 wa- made Delegate to the State Convention.
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R ALPH SMITH. a representative general agri- culturist and succesful stock-raiser of La- clede, Linn County, Mo .. is a classical scholar of fine literary attainments. and owns one of the most extensive and valuable libraries in this part of the State. A citizen of su- perior ability and upright character. he has been honored by positions of trust, and as a School Di- rector for four years, and a Justice of the Peace for three years, has discharged the duties devolving upon Jum faithfully and efficiently. Our subject - was born in St. Lawrence County. N. Y., June 2. 1833, and was the son of Ralph Smith. a native of England, who was born in 1799, came to America at twenty years of age, and located for a brief time
in Canada. working by the mouth upon a farm. Father Smith had been trained from early child- hood in agricultural duties, and remained upon his homestead in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., until about 1840. when he removed to the Canadian side. where he remained until his death in 1>81. Ile was married in the Empire State to Mary Jordan. who had been reared in New York State. but was a native of Northumberland County, England.
Father and Mother Smith lived to a good old age, dying respectively at eighty-five and eighty- four years. The paternal grandfather had given his children the advantages of a common-school education which they well improved. Another son. Robert Smith, unele of our subject, served in the War of 1812. Father Smith prospered in his new home, and. a man of deep religious conviction and high principle, served as Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church for a full Half-century. Ile and his good wife were the parents of eight chil- dren, of whom six are yet living. Our subject was the eldest of the family, and was educated in Can- ada. at Knox College, Toronto, and was grad- uated from this well-known institution of learning in 1848. Soon after completing his studies. he lo- cated in Shelby County, Ky .. and taught in the Whitehall Seminary for two years, then removing to the State of Indiana, where he owned and taught an academy in Rockport. on the Ohio River. Here he also studied law with Judge De Brueler, an eminent legal practitioner, and was admitted to the Bar in 1851.
Our subject entered into partnership with Judge De Brueler for two years, and then went to Dubois County. Ind., where he practiced his profession until the breaking out of the Civil War, when he actively engaged in the service of the Govern- ment, and for three years was occupied as recruit- ing officer. Hle raised two companies and held two commissions as Captain, and loyally and faithfully gave his earnest effort in behalf of national exist- ence. About this time the health of Mr. Smith be- gan to decline, and he came to Linn County, Mo. and purchased one hundred and forty acres of ex- cellent land, to which he has since added. now own- ing three hundred and ten acres. He had mtended to entirely resign the active practice of the profes-
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sion on arriving in his new home, but was against his inelination almost forced into accepting the business, which constantly demanded his service. and it was not until three years ago that our sub- ject was enabled to devote his time more to leisure and the pursuits of agriculture.
In 1865, Mr. Smith began the cultivation of twenty acres of fruit. which so well rewarded his efforts he has been constantly extending the limits of his orchard, twenty acres now returning an- nually an abundant harvest of the finest varie- ties of fruits and berries found in this region of country. At the same time our subject has en- gaged extensively in sheep-raising, and at first handled the Cotswolds. breeding only high-grade sheep, but he now raises the Merino half-breeds for their wool. In 1888, Mi. Smith was united in marriage with Miss C. E. Murphy. a daughter of Cyrenius Murphy, a prominent farmer and stock- raiser of Sullivan County, Mo. The beautiful home of our subject and his attractive wife has been blessed with the presence of a bright little son. Cecil R. Mr. Smith is a valued member of the Congregational Church. and has always been a strong advocate of temperance. Politically, he is a stanch Republican, and held the official position of Prosecuting Attorney in Dubois County. Ind., and has here as School Director materially aided in promoting a superior grade of scholarship and in- struction. Well fitted by an accurate and extended knowledge of the law to occupy with honor and fidelity the office of Justice of the Peace. his de- cisions have ever been sustained by the upper courts, and have almost invariably given satisfac- tion to the parties concerned, many of whom have in other instances yielded to his eoun-el and amicably adjusted their differences.
Aside from his other occupations, our subject has profitably handled large amounts of real estate. His own property is finely improved. and one of the most valuable belongings of the home is the magnificent library, in which the classical authors in the original Greek. Hebrew and Latin may be found. These volumes are specially prized by their owner, who received so many years ago from his Alma Mater the degree of A. M. Mr. Smith employs a number of hired men upon his farm and
in his orchard and spends much of his time out of doors in superintending their work. His health is more vigorous than formerly. and his life is as ever a busy one. A man of intelligent culture and broad sympathies, he is progressive in hi- ideas, and earnest in his efforts for the betterment of mankind, and is widely known as a substantial. public-spirited citizen. and an important factor in local improvement and enterprise.
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W ILLIAM BOWYER, the energetic propri- etor of the leading livery. feed and ale stables of Linneus, Linn County, M ... was born on a farm, about two miles from Linnens. February 22. 1558. Ili- father. Thomas B. How- Jer, now residing upon section 31. township ... range 21. Linn County, was the first white child born in the county. and is one of the most pro -- perous general agriculturists and successful stock- raisers in this part of the State. Thomas B. Bow- yer is the son of William Bowyer, who was born in Rutherford County. Tenn., and came to Howard County, Mo., when he was but a lad of sixteen. accompanying his father and mother to the new Territory, of which they were very early pioneer settlers. Henry Bowyer, the paternal great-grand- father, was in the Creek Nation War under tien. Jackson. Grandfather William Bowyer was mar- ried in Howard County to Miss Martha Tyre. a native of North Carolina. whence she came in Missouri in an early day in the history of the State.
After his marriage, Grandfather William Bowyer spent several years in Howard County, but in 1831 removed to what is now Linn County. aud in January. 1832, in company with Jesse Bowyer. located permanently upon section 2. Locust Creek Township, about one-half mile west of Linnen -. where they found a good spring. They had at first intended to explore the country before Iget- ing, but the presence of the spring and offer al- vantages offered by the locality induced them ". at oner make their choice of this land as they
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home. A suitable shelter having been provided. * the wife and two children of William Bowyer soon joined the party. and with a brother of Mrs. Row- ver, Lewi- Tyre, formed the first white family which made their home within the limit of Linh County. The two brothers. William and de-se Bowyer, soon after started on their return to How- ard County to get the family of Jesse Bowyei : but in the meantime the creeks became so ssallen that they could neither go forward ner go back to the family they had just left for nearly two months. The Indians became somewhat demon- strative during that time and greatly terrified the young slave girl. Anna, who had accompanied her mistress to the new home in the wilderness of Linn County.
As soon as the brothers returned with the other family they set about erecting cabins and clearing the land, beginning their improvements in March. and with resolution and indonatable perseverance rapidly effected a great change in this spot in: the wilderness of the Territory. Here William Bowyer continued to make his home until his death. in 1852. In 1816, he served with faithful fidelity to his country in the Mexican War. and in 1850 went to California, and. returning overland, died in Brunswick, Mo. He had taken the smallpox on his way home and died at the above-named place. William Bowyer was the father of four children: Mary Elizabeth is the wife of Milton Cross. of Arkansas; Thomas B., the father of our subject. was the second in order of birth; Marjory J. married John L. Thomas, who lives four miles southwest of Linnens: Louis I. resides upon the old home- stead which his father entered from the Govern- nient. In 1866. the loving mother of these two sons and two daughters passed away. Grandfather Willliam Bowyer was a man of uncommon ability and enterprise and was a born leader. occupying the Judicial Bench for many years as County Judge, and was also a commissary in the Mexican War. During his mature lifetime and residence in Linn County. he was prominently associated with the growth of progress and enterprise. Emphati- cally a man of the people. he was a strong Dem- ocrat and took an active part in the affairs of the day. attending the coventions and gatherings of
hie party. where his advice, always firm and judi- cious, was thoroughly valued.
Thomas B. Boyer, the father of our subject, was born on the 25th of December, 1831. and the ad- vent of the first white child of the county upon the Holy Christmas Day was a great event in the new settlement. Growing up a sturdy lad upon the old homestead, he enjoyed unlimited opportu- nities for hunting and fishing and. for those days. leecived a good education in the little district school of Liuneos. Father Bowyer was married in October, 1853. to Mi-s Mary Alexander, a daugh- ter of Edmund Alexander, an early -ettler of the county. The young husband and wife located abont one and a-half miles west of the old Bowyer homestead, and there Father Bowyer improved the land which he had purchased, but later sold out and removed to Lianeus. where he remained two years. Thomas Bowyer was a memberof fr E !.- rolled Militia during the late war. and wa- Adju- tant of the Provisional Regiment. When he left Linneus he returned to the old homestead and in .- proved the land, remaining there for fourteen years and then making his home upon a farm one and a-half miles south, where he also located for another fourteen years. Selling this latter farm. he again settled upon the old homestead for a year. when he finally removed to the place where he now resides, although at present expecting to make his future permanent home in Linneus,
Seven children of Father Bowyer have attained to maturity: William, our subject. is the eldl- est; Richard E. is also in the livery bu-ine --: John L. is elerking in Linneus; Emma F., Min- nie F .. Benjamin F. and Nellie K. are ail at home. Father Bowyer and his estimable wife ale both members of the Missionary Baptist Church. and belonged to the first church in Linneus. Po- litically. Thomas Bowyer is a strong Democrat and having held with efficiency various offices, has for the past four years ably discharged the duties of Justice of the Peace, and by his wise decisions given great satisfaction to the general public. Our subject. William Bowyer. named in honor of his distinguished grandfather, was reared and olucated in Locust Creek Township, and having attained to mature years, entered into business with his fa-
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William Collin
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ther when he was about twenty-five years of age. Upon October 16, 1889. Mr. Bowyer and Miss Ella Jones were united in marriage. Mrs. Bowyer is the daughter of Thomas Jones, a prominent gen- eral farmer and stock-raiser of Linn County. but who was a former resident of Oregon. in which State Mrs. Bowyer was born. She was. however, reared and educated in Meadville, Linn County; and is a lady of intelligence and culture, possess- ing a large eirele of sincere friends.
Fraternally, Mr. Bowyer is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and politically affiliates with the Democrats. In 1887. he bought out the firm of George W. Kelley and has since profitably con- ducted the livery business, carrying a full line of carriages and buggies and a variety of teams for the accommodation of the local and traveling pub- lie. A practical business man. genial in manner and courteous in address, our subject has largely extended his trade and now enjoys a patronage second to none in the county. He is widely and favorably known and as the son and grandson of pioneer settlers commands the esteem and confi- dence of a host of old acquaintances.
ILLIAM COLLINS. Rarely does it fall to the lot of a biographer to speak of so ex- traordinary a man as the subject of this sketch, who though in his ninety-sixth year is in full possession of all his faculties. attends to all his business affairs, and never chewed or smoked. or drank a glass of whisky in his life. He has a snug little property acquired by his own industry, which he cares for with good judgment. For up- ward of sixty-three years he has been a consistent and devoted member of the Baptist Church. The oldest living man in Clay County, he yet can walk about erect, mingle among his neighbors freely, and is quite active.
This prominent citizen of Clay County is a res- ident of Liberty, and was born in Fayette County, Ky., nine miles east of Lexington, April 25, 1797,
being the eldest son of Robert and Susannah (Coons) Collins. The father of our subject. and his mother also, was a native of Virginia. going to Kentucky with their respective parents when very young. Robert and his parents lived for a time in Ft. Bryant Station on account of the hostility of the Indians. Arrived at maturity, Robert set- tled in Kentucky after his marriage. as stated above. and there remained until 1829. when he re- moved with his family to Clay County, Mo. Lo- cating on a farm of two hundred and forty acres. near Liberty, he improved and lived upon this place until his death, in July, 1855. Ilis wife passed away in the next September. She was the daughter of JJacob Coons and the mother of nine children, five sons and four daughters. only two of whom survive, our subject and Simeon Collins. The latter is now in his eighty-second year. hay- ing been born in 1811. and resides upon a farm in Clay County.
William Collins, our subject, passed his youth in his native county, where he attended school and worked upon the farm until he attained his major- ity. He was married in January, 1820, to Miss Sally White, of Fayette County, Ky., a daughter of Jolin White, of English descent. After his marriage, our subject settled upon a farm and then learned the trade of a cabinet-maker. The patient industry that has always marked his character doubtless comes down. in part at least, from his Welsh ancestors, but with all his industry the country about him did not offer enough for his wants, and, seeking a better home, he removed his family with horses and wagons to Clay County, Mo., in 1828, locating in the green woods and building a cabin for those he loved. Here he lived upwards of thirty years, in the meantime felling trees, removing stumps, and otherwise improving the place.
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Collins broke up housekeeping, the wife of many years having been taken away by death in June. 1859. so he made his home with his children. Hle and his wife were the parent- of nine children. seven of whom lived to maturity, as follows: John W .. a merchant of Liberty: Mary E .. Mrs. Joseph Big- gerstaff, who died in March, Isso, Eliza ... the
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widow of George L. Kirk, of this county; William E., who died in Texas while serving in the army as a Corporal near the close of the war; Susan F., who married John Parr. a farmer living in Clinton County, Mo .; Austin P., who died during the war 1
in the Confederate army; and Permelia, wife of ! Ellis Downing, who lives in Liberty.
In politics, our subject was an old Hanry Clay Whig, but cast his first vote for James Monroe. be- fore the Whig party was organized. He voted for William Henry Harrison and Ins last Presidential vote was cast for Grover Cleveland. Our subject is strictly temperate, never played cards in his life. never bet on horse races, nor. as above stated. smoked nor chewed nor drank in his life. He shaves himself every Wednesday and Saturday and hoes his own garden. For upwards of sixty years, or since 1829, he has been an influential member of the Baptist Church. in which his wife was also a faithful worshipper.
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