Portrait and biographical record of Clay, Ray, Carroll, Chariton, and Linn Counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 22

Author: Chapman Brothers (Chicago), pub
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago, Chapman bros.
Number of Pages: 1316


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 22
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 22
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 22
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 22
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 22


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95


S AMUEL G. T. GREENFIELD. a prosperous and leading general agriculturist and suc- eessful stock-raiser, is a man of excellent business ability, and. wisely managing his financial affairs, has achieved a competenee and won a high place among the prominent and sub- stantial citizens of Clay County. Mo. Our subject was born in Todd County, Ky., October 4. 1822, and is a son of Samuel and Mary ( Thompson) Greenfield. The paternal grandparents were Thomas and Alice (Bowman) Greenfield. Thomas- Greenfield was born in England, and came to the United States alone when a single man. Ile settled in Virginia and married in the Old Dominion, and afterward removed with his family to Todd County, Ky .. in a very carly day, and there reared a family of twelve children.


Grandfather Greenfield was a blacksmith by trade, and had spent many a year beside the anvil, but in later life devoted his time to agricultural duties. Ile and his worthy helpmate and faithful wife were both members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church. The father of our subject was born in the Kentucky homestead. and received a pri- mary education in the public schools, and having learned the trade of blacksmith under his father's


training, followed the occupation until his death. October 4. 1823. He was located at Elkton. Todd County, and left a widow and three children : Mary J., deceased, was the wife of John Millen; James, deceased, died in 1851; Samuel G. T .. our subject. The mother of our subject was a daughter of Gid- con and Jane ( Vance) Thompson. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson and Mr-, Greenfield were all natives of North Carolina, but the immediate ancestors were born in Ireland.'


Mr. Thompson served bravely in the War of 1812, under Gen. Jackson, and was a man of courage, resolution and strong will. After the death of our subject's father, Mrs. Greenfield mar- ried Ralph N. Bell, who was a native of Virginia. By this marriage she became the mother of two son -. Caleb and William. Samuel G. T. Greenfield went to reside with his brother-in-law when about fif- teen years old. and was then sent to school for twelve months, during this time receiving excel- lent educational advantages, and industriously im- proving each moment. At twenty years of age he was given by the same brother-in-law a horse. sad- dle and bridle. He then came to Clay County, found employment by the month, which he contin- ued two years. and afterward bought and rented land where he now lives. He has since added to the original purchase until he now owns four hun- dred acres of fine farming property. Farming and stock-raising have since been the main business of life, but he has realised considerable profit in loan- ing money and in some excellent financial ventures. and is numbered among the moneyed men of the county.


Mr. Greenfield married at the age of twenty- three Miss Mary Brooks, a daughter of Abijab and Harriet ( Brooks) Brooks. This e-timable lady died without issue. and our subject again married. his second wife being Miss Nancy Mothershead. daughter of Nathaniel and Lucy (Bogges- ) Mother- head. Mrs. Greenfield was a native of Clay County. Mo., in which State her parents were early pioneers. emigrating from Kentucky, in which State they were both born, the father in 1802, and the mother in 1811. Mr. Greenfeld is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and politically attil- iates with the Democrats, and is actively interested


213


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


in the local and national management of affairs. He has occupied the responsible position of Judge of Elections longer than any other man in this part of the county, and is highly esteemed by the general public as a man of more than ordinary ability and undoubted integrity of character.


ILLIAM C. JAMES, M. D. In the very prime of life, and with a wide range of experience and knowledge pertaining to the healing art, our subjeet was never so well qualified as now for the practice of his profession. Hle was born at Jonesborough, Union County, Ill .. October 7, 1811, and was reared in his native place. where he received an English education in the schools. Before finally quitting school, however, he followed the profession of a teacher for a while and worked in a printing office. Having resolved to become a physician, he read medicine with Dr. Goodman, of Jonesborough, after which he took a course of lectures in the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. Later he entered the lowa Medi- cal University, at Keokuk. Iowa, where he was graduated May 28. 1861. Ilis medical education completed, he came to Missouri and has resided in this vicinity ever since.


May 28, 1874. our subject married Miss Alice Estell, who died about one year after their union. November 30, 1881, he was united in marriage with Miss Fannie Tillery, of Plattsburgh, Mo .. daugh- ter of Capt. Jerry Tillery. of the same place. Two children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. James, viz: William Tillery, who was eight years old Sep- tember 17, 1892; and Donovan Erskine, who was four years old November 11, 1892.


Dr. James is the son of William flames. a promi- ment farmer and stock-grower of Union County. Ill., who lost his life in the great overflow of the river in 1844. seven hundred head of cattle being swept from the farm and drowned at the same time. Our subject is junior member of the firm of James Bros., physicians and surgeons at Law- son, Dr. G. W. James being the senior member.


The brothers own a cattle and stock farm in Park County, Colo., upon which they also raise a very large amount of hay.


Socially, Dr. James is a member of the Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masonic fra- ternity, in both of which orders he is prominent and popular. Ile is identified with the Ray County Medical Society, and the Missouri State Medical Society. His political opinions are po-i- tive and are in full accord with those of the Demo- eratie party. Ile is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and President of the Board of Trustees in the church at Lawson. His interest in Sunday-school work is strong: twice he has been elected Superintendent. and at all times finds some good work to engage his attention in the Sunday-school. He likewise is a prized worker in the church. A man of large sympathies, of gentle character, thoughtful and cons deinte for others, he is a most useful man in his cominu- nity. The Doctor's practice is in the village of Lawson, where he has a cozy residence, and he also has an extensive practice in the surrounding coun- try.


-


M ANLY NICKELSON, an influential busi- ness man of Lawson. was born in Yadkin County, N. C., September 29. 1854. Ilis father, W. S. Nickelson, was a farmer and stoek-raiser of Yadkin County, and was a man of upright principles and honorable character. Un- der the training of his father, our subject early became familiar with agricultural pursuits. and as soon as old enough, aided in the farin work.


When about sixteen years old. Mr. Nickel-on came to Missouri and first located in Gentry County, where he followed farming for a short time. From there he removed to Ray County and engaged in various occupations until he embarked in the livery business, first in the employ of others and later for himself. Prior to entering the bu-i- ness on his own account. January 1. 1892. he wa- engaged in the same occupation at Lawson in part- nership with Mr. Clark and other partie -. In ad-


214


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


dition to this enterprise he has for a number of years been connected with the Excelsior Springs Company.


As a business man. too much cannot be said in commendation of the uprightness. tact and honor- able methods followed by Mr. Nickelson. Ever honest in his dealings with all. careful in his in- vestments, sanguine in temperament and firm in his decisions. he commands and receives the re- spect of his fellow-citizens. In his personal ap- pearance. he is prepossessing and wins friends at sight. Hence it is not strange that his circle of friends is limited only by the number of his ac- quaintances. Politically, he has ever been loyal to the Democratic party, and an earnest advocate of its principles.


The marriage of Mr. Nickelson took place in December, 1877. at which time Miss Mary B. Ray became his wife. Mrs. Nickelson is a native of Missouri, and is a lady of intelligence and kindly disposition. Six children have been born of the union, namely: Robert P .. John L., Mary E .. Katie P. and Florence Ra who are all living. and Myrtle A., who died at the age of four years. The fam- ily finds a religious home in the Baptist Church, to the progress of which they contribute of their labor and means. Mr. Nickelson is a member of the Masonic fraternity. being a Knight Templar, and is also identified with the Knights of Pythias.


AMES MCAFEE. An influential position among the agriculturists of Ray County is held by the subject of this sketch, who is successfully conducting farming operations on township 52, range 29. He was born within two miles of his present place of residence. Decem- ber 18, 1851, and is the son of Elijah and Nica .I. (Whitton) MeAfee, the former born in Bourbon County, Ky .. February 21, 1816. and the latter a native of Tennessee, born January s, 1-30.


Left an orphan when quite young, Elijah Me- Afee was carly obliged to become self-supporting and had few educational advantages. At the age


of about fifteen, he came to Missouri and located in Ray County, where for several years he worked by the month for others. He made several trip- across the plains in an early day, the last expedi- tion of this kind being made in 1857. During the war with Mexico, he enlisted in the service of our country and with his regiment marched to the front. where he did valiant service. Upon return- ing from the battlefield, he took charge of freight- ing expeditions across the mountains to various points in Oregon, California, Utah and Mexico.


March 22, 1819, occurred the marriage of Elijah MeAfee to Miss Nica J., daughter of Calvin and Mary (Kesar) Whitton. natives of Tennessee, who removed to Ray County, Mo .. when their daugh- ter was quite young. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McAfce were born five children, namely: John C .. James, Andrew, George, and Ellen, who died at the age of six years. The father of this family entered one hundred and forty acres of unimproved land in Ray County, but did not live to accomplish its improvement. for in 1859 he passed from earth. leaving his wife with their little children to care for and rear to maturity. She afterward married again, becoming the wife of George B. Clevenger.


After acquiring a common-school education in Ray County, James Mc Afee became self-support- ing. and as he had been reared on a farm and was familiar with agricultural pursuits, he naturally chose farming as his life occupation. At the age of twenty-two. he married Miss Sarah F. Odell. who was born in Ray County, the daughter of William and Mary (Odell) Odell. The young couple settled on a portion of their present farm, which then consisted of forty acres of unimproved land. Through diligence and excellent manage- ment, Mr. Me Afee has become the owner of one hundred and sixty-tive acres, most of which is im- proved and in a high state of cultivation. It is conceded to be one of the best farms in the county and contains modern machinery. substantial barns and outbuikling- and a comfortable residence of a modern style of architecture.


Eight children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. MeAfee, as follows: JJohn A .. Mary E. Nica, Elijah. Mand. James B. Gertie M. and Be -- je A. They are bright and intelligent chil-


215


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


dren, and are being fitted under the excellent training of the parents, and the educational ad- vantages afforded in the public schools, for po-i- tions of honor in the business and social world. Firm in his support of the principles of the Demo- cratie party, Mr. MeAfee does all in his power to advance the interests of his community. and al- though he has never been an office-seeker, main- tains a deep interest in public affair -.


.


S AMUEL W. COX, an enterprising and sue- cessful agriculturist, located in township 53. range 33. Clay County, Mo., enjoys the confidence and esteem of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, and is known to be an upright man of sterling integrity of character. Our subject was born in Fleming County, Ky., in 1828, and is the son of James and Elizabeth (Williams) Cox. His parents were both natives of Virginia, the father having been born in the Old Dominion in 1799, while his wife was a few years his junior. The paternal grandfather was a farmer by occupation and a native of Maryland. and when a young man fought bravely in the Revolutionary War. After his marriage he re- moved to Virginia, and in about 1819 settled with his family in Kentucky. Nine children were born unto this veteran of the war, and of the family the father of our subject was the eldest.


James Cox received his education in the primi- tive schools of the pioneer days, and began early in life to make his way in the world. He married at about nineteen years of age the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Williams, who were natives of Maryland. Soon after his marriage he located with his wife upon a farm in Kentucky, and there lived until he came to Missouri. in 1815, and located in Platte County, where he bought eighty acres of land. The last years of his life were spent with his children in Clay County. where he died in August. 1880. Ile had reared a family of thirteen children. two of whom died young. The sons and daughters were: Sarah A. (deceased), William W., Elizabeth


J., Nancy (deceased), James; Samuel W .. our sub- jeet; Edgar; I-aac; Sila-, who died in the service of the Union army, and was a brave and faith- ful man and true American citizen; Morgan, and George. the youngest of the family. The parents of these brothers and sisters were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and were sincere Christians. The wife and mother passed away many years before her husband. Politically, Mr. James Cox was an ardent Whig before the war. and afterward was a strong Republican.


Samuel Cox received his education in the dis- triet schools of Kentucky and Missouri, and self- reliantly early engaged in hard daily labor, at twenty years of age working by the month upon a farm. He crossed the plains in the year 1850. in company with a train of twenty-one wagons. and was about seven months making the trip. as many of the team- gave out, the grass being poor in the early spring. Our subjeet was away from home for about twenty-two months, and mined at Placerville, Georgetown and White Rock while in California. lle made good wages but. as the miners express it, did not "strike it rich." He returned by water to New York. and then home.


In 1853 Mr. Cox was united in marriage with Miss Isabelle McGee, daughter of Charles and Ma- hala (Poteet) McGee. Seven bright children glad- ened their cheerful home. and of the little ones six survived to matme age. Georgiana was the eldest and became the wife of William Town; Martha is Mrs. Joseph Wade: Elvina J. married Thomas Gordon and afterward Bert Town: Thomas Jefferson: samuel M .; and Eva. the wife of Ed Young. These brothers and sisters. going out into homes of their own, are in their several localities numbered among the prominent and useful citi- zens of to-day, and. together with their parents. are important factors in the progress and advance- ment of the best interests of the American nation.


In religious affiliation Mr. and Mrs. Cox are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. and largely identified with the good work of that re- ligious denomination. Politically, our subject is no office-seeker, but is a strong Democrat, and ever interested in the success of the party. whose principles and platform be firmly maintains. A


.


216


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


kind friend and excellent neighbor, Mr. Cox has shared the sorrows of the many in the community where he has spent a useful and honored career. and enjoys the respect and confidence of all good citizens.


ALTUS L. WATKINS, an honored pio- neer citizen and a constant resident of Missouri for more than a half-century. was born in Woodford County. Ky., October 30. 1806, and located in this State in 1830, when Clay County was almost a wilderness. After a long life of usefulness and honor he died January 24, 1884, his death lamented as a public loss. He was a man of undoubted integrity of character, and withal energetie. able and enterprising, and the many interests in whose advancement and promo- tion he assisted will long keep his memory green in the hearts of friends and neighbors. His es- timable wife, Mary A. Holloway. of Jessamine County, Ky., was born January 5, 1817.


Mr. and Mrs. Watkins were the parents of eleven children, namely: John (deceased), George S., Alfred (deceased), John II., Catherine .I. (de- ceased), Martha A., Mary E., Waltus J., Carrie E., A. Judson and Joe B. John II. Watkins is one of the most influential and enterprising citizens of Clay County, and is successfully managing a woolen factory and flourmill, and also conducts the largest stock farm in this portion of the State. Ile is a prosperous breeder of Shorthorn cattle and blooded horses, and his extensive stock farm is the centre of attraction for many visitors, es- pecially buyers of fine stock. At twenty-five years of age he became associated with his father in the milling, manufacturing, farming and stock- raising business, the firm name being W. L. Watkins & Son. In 1882 John IL .. A. Judson and Joe B. succeeded W. I. Watkins & Son. under the firm name of John Watkins & Bros. John II. is an extensive land-holder, and owns seventeen hundred acres of valuable real estate.


A. Judson married Margaret J. Smith Decem-


ber 10, 1881, and they have two children. llis business is the pursuit of general agriculture and stock-raising. and he is also a buyer and shipper. Ile owns eight hundred and forty acres of valu- able land, and is a successful and prosperous man. Politically. he is a Democrat, and in religious be- fief a Baptist. Fraternally, he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, and has attained a high degree in the Masonic order; he is also a Knight Templar and belongs to the Ancient Arabic Order of No- bles of the Mystic Shrine. Joe B., who was born in 1859, owns seven hundred acres of excellent land. and is engaged extensively in general busi- ness and in cultivating the soil. In political af- filiation he is a Democrat, and in religious per- suasion adheres to the doctrines of the Baptist Church.


Waltus L. Watkins, the father of these repre- sentative business men of Clay County, was never in favor of slavery, and set all his negroes free before the edliet of the Government did so. Mr. Watkins was a capable man in every department of life. When expert brick-makers failed to make the brick he needed for his factory and the church and schoolhouse near by, he took the dirt which the workmen said could not be used and manu- factured the brick himself. The brick was burned in 1859, and in the following years. 1860 and 18GI. the factory was erected out of the excellent material furnished by intelligent ability. A few years later the church and schoolhouse were erected out of the same material. In 1861 the profitable mill was in full operation.


During the Civil War Mr. Watkins was raided alternately by the boys in blue and the boys in gray. This enterprising pioneer entered six thou- sand acres of land from the Government, and in- duced good men to come out and locate in the new country. He sold them land at very low figures. his object being to secure a good class of settlers in the community. A public-spirited and progress- ive citizen, he gave great impetus to the organ- ization and promotion of the leading business interests, and personally established the first cot- ton, woolen, saw, brick and flouring mills. In 1828 he assisted in building the first locomotive and steam car ever used in the United States.


217


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.


Mr. Watkins also aided in the founding and promotion of the home school, the best in the county, and was for sixteen years one of the Trus- tres of William Jewell College, in Liberty. giv- ing liberally to various well-known institutions of learning. Dying, this intelligent and enter- prising American citizen bequeathed to his descend- ants the memory of a most worthy and honored life, fragrant with good deeds and rich in the masly virtues of integrity, ability and self-reliance, which accomplish tasks almost Herculean. and overcome all obstacles to success. Also honored and re- spected, his sons and daughters worthily fill posi- tions of influence and are numbered among the leading and prosperous citizens of their several communities.


R EV. P. F. HARMON, a devoted minister of the Gospel, and the well-known energetic and enterprising pastor of the Baptist Church at Platt Island, Clay County, Mo .. resides in township 51. range 32. Born in the year 1865, our subject is yet in early manhood, but has already accomplished much of good for the Master, and in behalf of his fellow-men. His par- ents, Peter and Mary E. (Greekmore) Harmon. were the parents of thirteen children. of whom eleven sons and daughters yet survive. The father was born in Whitley County, Ky., and came to Missouri in 1876. He owned three hundred and twenty acres of land, and was a successful general farmer and stock-raiser in Missouri, but in Ken- tucky ran a distillery.


Born in the year 1825. Peter Harmon did not survive to advanced age. but passed peacefully away in 1879. His wife. the mother of our subject, was born in 1827, and is yet living. and a resident of Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Harmon were both members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and for many years active in all good work- of that or- gamzation. Mr. Harmon was in political belief a stanch Democrat. and was always interested in Io-


cal and national Government. The cleven children who survive to mourn his loss are, Bersheba, Kin- drie, Mathew, Ezra, Ewell W .. Curence ( .. Horatio. Leu, Mary. P. F. (our subject ) and Jaley. The pa- ternai and maternal grandparents of these brothers and sisters were all native- of East Tennessee. in which State the paternal grandfather was a stock- dealer. He was in early times the owner of a grist- mill on Gillieo River, Whatley County, Ky., and one day when going to the mill was arrested by soldiers, hut was rescued by a nephew of his wife.


The Rev. P. F. Harmon received his primary ed- ucation in the common schools of his home neigh- borhood, residing in Kansas, and at the age of -ix- teen years removed to Mayfield, afterward attend- ing the William Jewell College of Liberty, from which well-known institution of learning he grad- uated with honor in 1889. having fully completed the course of study fitting him for the sacred pro- fession of the unistry. soon after he had left college, he was, in 1880, united in marriage with Miss Nelle Loback. of Gallatin Township, and a daughter of Jacob and Bettie Loback, well-known residents of this portion of the State. Since his marriage, our subject has lived in Birmingham, where he organized the membership, and built the house of worship in which he presided as the first pastor.


The existence of the church is almost entirely due to the energetic and unflagging energy and de- termined work of the young pastor, who begged the money for the purpose from the citizens of Kansas and Missouri. The firm of Coburn & Ew- ing. Kansas City. donated the land upon which the church stands, and also gave $350 toward the erection of the sacred edilice. whose foundations were laid by our industrious and zealous subject. Ilis efforts have been rewarded by both financial suc- cess and religious awakening, in which many were led to seek the better life. The heatth and home of Mr. and Mrs. Harmon have been blessed by the birth of two bright and promising little ones. Bettie was born in 1889. and Zenith C. came into the happy household in 1591. Young in year -. full of laudable ambition, and desirous to do much of good and faithfulservice, om subject ha- worth- ily begun the race of life, and by his ability and


218


PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPICAL RECORD.


integrity of character has already won the estecin and confidence of the community among whom he labors unselfishly. He and his excellent wife, who shares his joy- and sorrows, are both widely known and have a large circle of warm friends.


ENRY C. PERDUE. the popular and efii- cient Sheriff of Ray County, is now serving his second official term, and in the discharge of duties connected with his position, has evinced marked ability and excellent judgment. Sheriff Perdue was born in Buckingham County. Va., October 12, 1836. His parents were Josiah and Virginia ( Branch) Perdue. both of whom were natives of the Old Dominion, ait were there ed- ucated and married. Josiah Perdue removed with his family to Missouri in 1815, and the following year located in La Fayette County. and finally set- tled in 1847 in Ray County, where he cultivated a farm in Richmond Township until the day of his death in 1859. He was an energetic and pro- gre sive citizen. and was active even to the last of his life, and passed away at the age of seventy- four years, having been born in 1785.




Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.