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 25
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 25
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 25
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 25
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 25
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son tarried upon the Pacific Coast until January. 1851, when he returned to his former vocation in King-ton, and continued there until 1865. He then came to Richmond. Ray County, where he conducted a store until the fall of 187%, at which time he sold out his interest to Messrs. Holt and Hughes. In 1868 he had assisted in the organiza- tion of the Ray County Savings Bank, and was chosen its Vice-president. He held this position until he had disposed of his other business, when he was elected President of the flourishing insti- tution. Mr. Woodson owns valuable farming prop- ertie- in different parts of the State, and has an attractive home in Richmond.
Our subject was united in marriage with Mis- Sabina L. Hughes, a native of Clark County, Ky .. December 5, 1851. Mr. and Mrs. Woodson were blessed with children, of whom three are living: Lydia Annie. horn September 27. 1855: Harry Phillip, March 23. 1859; and Virginia Elizabeth. September 11, 1870. The estimable and refined wife and mother passed away April 11. 1871. deeply mourned by all who knew her. Our subject is a valued and consistent member of the Southern Methodist Episcopal Church, and ever an impor- tant factor in all worthy enterprises, whether so- cial. benevolent. religious or purely of a busines- nature, is highly regarded and command- the con- fidence of his fellow-citizens.
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ILLIAM JACKSON HU'RT. our subject. i a practical farmer of Ray County, and thoroughly understands his chosen occu- pation, in which he has met with success as the re- sult of having applied himself industriou-ly to what- ever duties he had in hand. His home is pleas- antly located on section 19. township 53, range 29. Mr. Hurt was born in Surry County. N. C .. June 22, 1821, and is the son of William Hurt. a pioneer of Sury Counts. Our subject wa- reared there. and gained his education in the com- mon schools of the home district. About Is11 he came to Missouri, and with a brother located in
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Buchanan County, where he remained about two years, and then went back to North Carolina. However, he soon returned to Missouri, and set- tled in Ray County, where he married Miss Mary, daughter of Jackson Crowley, a pioneer farmer of Clay County, and an early settler there.
After his marriage, our subject lived for two years in Buchanan County, then came to Ray County and bought from A. M. Fry, of st. Louis, the land where he now lives. At one time he owned three hundred and fifty acres, and is now owner of two hundred and fifty acres. When he purchased the land it was in a wild state, and he has made all the improvements himself-the fenc- ing, house, barn, etc. Our subject has been the father of eleven children, eight of whom are liv- ing: John William, a farmer of Clay County; Tom a merchant of Lawson: Riley, who follows farming pursuits in Clay County: Sarah, wife of William Jackson. of Clay County: Janie, the wife of James Clark. of Ray County; Levora, who married John Lacy, and resides at home; Ella, the wife C. C. Crowley; and Daniel, a resident of Caldwell County. Elizabeth died when young; Mary and Kate died in infancy.
In his religious preferences, Mr. Hurt some time since became identified with the Christian Church. and is a liberal supporter of that body. He is a member of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Associa- tion, and has strong faith in the future of that or- ganization. In politics he is a Democrat, and gives a ready support to the candidates of that party. Mr. Hurt isone of the oldest settlers of Ray County. and has always led a quiet, but very useful life. Always the friend of young people, he has not only set them an example in honesty and upright- ness of life, but has counseled them, urging the duty and the happiness of virtuous living. His be- loved wife is living to comfort and cheer his de- clining years.
Formerly Mr. Hurt was a very extensive farmer. and now raise- from four to six hundred barrels of corn a year. He was the first man who "ever struck a liek" at the place where Lawson now stands. Mr. Hurt and a Mr. Clark were in the general merchandise business there for ten years. commencing when the Wabash Road reached that
place. When he came to Missouri from North Carolina, he proceeded overland in wagons. starting May 1. and reaching here the list of August. When he went back to his native State. he induced some of his brothers and a brother-in-law to return with him, and they made the journey overland. The capital with which he started in life was a horse and a cow. so that all he has was made by his own exertions. Some bad luck has befallen him at var- ious times, but he has overcome all difficulties and now possesses ample means to carry himself and family through life.
ESLEY M. ALLISON, a prominent citizen and leading dry-goods merchant of Rich- mond. is a native of Missouri and has long been identified with the local enterprise- and rapid growth of his home locality. He was born in Greenfield. Dade County. September 19. 1816. and is the youngest son of Mathias II. and Mary 1. (Howland) Allison. The mother was a native of Massachusetts, and married in Tennessee. where the father of our subject was born. In 1834. the family were among the early settlers of Ray County, but in 1835 they located in Dade County. where the father engaged successfully in general agriculture and stock-raising.
Mathias Allison occupied high official positions of trust, and in the performance of their various duties over exhibited a faithful efficiency. which gained him the unlimited esteem and confidence of the general public. For twelve years he was County Treasurer. and served as Judge of the County Court for a number of years. He passed away. his death regretted as a public los. in 1880, when in his sixty-ninth year. His devoted wife still sur- vives him, and resides in Dallas. Tex. She is in her eighty-fourth year and wonderfully well pre- served. Mr. and Mrs. Mathias Allison were the parents of three sous and live daughters, of whom our subject is the youngest. The boyhood of Wesley M. was passed mainly upon his father's
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farm in Dade County. lle attended school in Greenfield, and at fifteen years of age began his mercantile experience in the leading store of T. J. Casey, and was also with Woodson Bros. for two years.
llaving arrived at man's estate, Mr. Allison married in 1868 Miss Mary L. Brown, a daughter of Col. Benjamin JJ. Brown, who was killed at Wil- son's Creek. in 1861. Soon after his marriage Mr. Allison removed to Millville, Ray County, and sold goods for eighteen months; then returning to Richmond located on a farm contiguous to the city and followed mercantile pursuits for two years, engaging in business as one of the firm of Mann & Allison. Later he removed to Lawson, Ray County. and there handled dry goods until January, 1886. Returning again to Richmond. he became Cashier of the Ray County Savings Bank, and continued in that responsible position for five years. Hle next engaged in the lumber business for two years, and in 1892 bought the stock of J. P. Kiger, and prosperously continues the business in the same store, which is a commodious building, 22×100 feet in dimensions, and conveniently lo- cated for business purposes. May 28, 1892, Mr. Allison was nominated upon the Democratie ticket for the official position of County Treasurer of Ray County and was elected in November follow- ing. He has long been prominent in educational matters and officiated as Trustee of his school dis- triet.
The pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. Allison has been blessed by the birth of eleven children, tive daughters and six sons. as follows: Charles 11., now in the store; Arden D .: Carl S., also engaged in the store as assistant to his father: Wesley MI., Jr .; Elmore D .: John 11 .; Flora B., Lillian, Carrie, Pink and Nellie. Our subject and his wife are valued members of the Methodist Episcopal Church 1 and are foremost in promoting its good work. Their children are receiving the advantages of in- struction in the best schools of the State, and are fitting themselves for the self-reliant, active work of life. Mr. Allison is fraternally connected with the Masonic order. and is a member of Richmond Lodge No. 57. lle is abo a member of Lodge No. 208, 1. O. O. F., and both within and without
these time-honored societies has a host of true friends. A useful, honored and intelligent citi- zen, he has been intimately associated with the progress and development of the best interests of Ray County, and is widely known and highly re- spected for his efforts in behalf of public good. and is well worthy of any position of important trust which in the future may be given to his faithful care.
RANCIS M. LANGFORD. The merchant distributes throughout the world its various products, making each country familiar with the products of the other. Our subject is one of this great army of most necessary men, and in his establishment at Elmira carries a general stock of goods, including drugs. He isa son of Stephen M. Langford, who was born in East Tennessee, in 1829, and was there reared, educated and married. his wife being Miss Elizabeth Slover. The father was a farmer in East Tennessee, and. coming to Missouri in 1851, located in Buchanan County, where he resumed that occupation. After two years he removed to Caldwell County, and there remained until 1862.
At the opening of the Civil War, Stephen MI. Langford enlisted in the Missouri Enrolled Mili- tia, raising a company, of which he was made Cap- tain. Ile was killed near Polo, on Crab Apple Creek, by bushwhackers who were concealed in the bushes. Ile was the father of seven children. four boys and three girls, five of whom are living, as follows: James A., a farmer residing in Henry County, Mo .; William P., living in Hickory County. Mo .; our subject; Sarah I .. wife of Dr. James, of West Plains, Mo .; and Minerva, wife of John R. Allen, a resident of Clinton County, Mo. The fa- ther was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. and a most useful worker in that body. The mother is living, in the enjoyment of good health, in Henry County, Mo,
Our subject was born January 7. 1853. in Buchanan County, from which, at the age of one
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year, he was taken by his parents to Callwell County, where he lived until sixteen. He then re- turned to Buchanan County. where he attended school and afterward engaged in teaching. In 1876, he came to Ray County and located at Lis- bonville, at which place he was a clerk in the store of Mr. Gordon. and later for Hurt & Allerton. Leaving their employ. he conducted a store for his brother and also served as Postmaster for eight ycars. In the fall of 1887, the store was removed to Elmira, where Mr. Langford resumed its man- agement, also being made Postmaster at Elmira. When his brother retired from business. he assumed entire control of the establishment, which he is still conducting with great efficiency and success.
In 1877 Mr. Langford married Miss Martha J .. daughter of Robert Ritchey, of St. Joseph. Mo. Of the children who have blessed their union. live survive, as follows: William. Rescue. I'm. Andy .1. and Cora. Stephen Marion died at the age of two years. Mr. Langford is a Democrat, being in full accord with the platform of principles adopted by that party. As a public-spirited and enterprising citizen, he is held in high esteem by the people of Elmira, and enjoys their entire confidence.
C HARLES B. SHOTWELL, M. D. This able and successful physician and surgeon en- joys an extended practice in Richmond and the vicinity, and deservedly command- the es- teem and confidence of the community in which he was born and reared from childhood to the usefulness and honor of his mature manhood. Our subject was born January 5, 1857, upon a farm in Ray County, one mile west of Richmond. He is the eldest son of William and Amanda M. (McGee) Shotwell, old settlers of Missouri. the father having emigrated to this latter State from Kentucky in 1837.
Charles B. was one in a family of four children. two sons and two daughters. His boyhood was spent upon his father's farm, and his opportunities for study were primarily in the district school.
Later he enjoyed the advantages of a High school course in Richmond, and on completing his studies was elected to the Chair of Mathematies in the Richmond High School. which position he tilled most acceptably for two years. At the expiration of that length of time he began the study of med- icine, reading in the office of Dr. Buchanan. After a short time he entered Rush Medical College at Chicago, and having taken a three-years course. was graduated from that celebrated institution with the degree of M. D.
Immediately succeeding his graduation. Dr. Shotwell was appointed House Surgeon of the Illinois Charitable Eye and Ear Infirmary, in Chi- eago, and remained in the institution one year. Ile then entered into an excellent practice in Rich- mond, where his medical ability and surgical skill have gained him the confidence of his patients. January 1. 1885. Dr. Shotwell wa- united in mar- ringe with Miss Carrie H. daughter of Charles Krieger, of Chicago. The Kriegers are of German descent and inherit the thrift and industry of their worthy ancestors and have long been numbered among the upright residents of that city. Mrs. Shotwell was born and lived in St. Joseph, Mich., until thirteen years of age. at which time her fa- ther moved with his family to Chicago. She is a lady highly esteemed and is an important social factor in their locality. Dr. and Mrs. Shotwell re- ceive a host of friends in their attractive home on Main Street. They have one daughter. Carol M.
Although devoting himself assiduously to the relief of sick and suffering humanity. Dr. Shot- well is not unmindful of his duty as a true Amer- ican citizen, but gives thoughtful attention to the political issues of the day and affiliates with the good old party of which Thomas Jefferson was the great and honored founder. Dr. Shotwell at- tends the gatherings of the medical fraternity and is a valued member of the Ray County Medical society and is abo actively connected with the State Medical Association. Comparatively young . in years, he has had an extended experience in the handling of various important speciahies, and. aside from his general practice as a family physi- cian. he is an excellent oculist and aurist and is thoroughly skilled in threat diverses. being re-
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garded as an expert in the treatment of the eye. ear and throat. He is United States Special Ex- amining Surgeon of diseases of the eye and ear for a large scope of country in Northwestern Mis- souri.
E LIAS HIGHTOWER. The pursuit of hus- bandry affords pleasure to the subject of this sketch, who finds ample field for ob- servation in the annual unfolding of Nature's works and in the study of various facts connected with the improvement of domestic ammals. Ile lives on seetion 10, township 53, range 29, in Ray County, and was born in this county. November 5. 1832. His father, Joseph Hightower. was born in South Carolina in 1808, and was the son of Thomas Highto ,er, a hero of the War of 1812, who took part in the battle of New Orleans under Gen. Jackson.
Joseph Hightower removed from his native State to Virginia and when twelve years of age to East Tennessee, where he grew to manhood, re- eeiving instruction in the common schools of the country. In Tennessee he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Elias Clevenger, also one of the soldiers of the War of 1812. After a year had passed, he brought his wife to Ray County, Mo., with their child. Nancy, and settled near Missouri City, in the river bottoms. After remaining there a short time. he went to Caldwell County, where The Mormons drove him out. He returned to Ray County, where he located on a farm about two miles south of Vibhard, soon buying the farm upon which he afterward lived and finally died, it be- ing about six miles south of Vibbard. He was the father of twelve children, three of whom are living, namely: our subject: Samuel. living on the old home place; and Henrietta, widow of Jesse Odell. The father was a farmer throughout his entire life and was very successful in his work. He was a nember of the Baptist Church, being a Deacon; his wife was also a member, and co-operated with him in religious work.
Our subjeet was reared in this county and re- ceived a common-school education. In the year 1×53, he drove an ox-team across the plains to California, requiring three months and twenty days for the journey. Many hardships were en- countered, but were successfully resisted, and when he reached his destination he engaged in mining with very fair success. Returning to Missouri, he married Miss Naney Ann Wyman, who died within a year. Immediately after he was married. he set- tled upon the place where he now lives, and which has been his continuous residence to date.
Mr. Hightower was married in 1857 to Miss Mary F. Wyman, the sister of his first wife, and a native of Ray County, Mo. Her father. Christian Wyman, was born in Kentucky, January 12, 1800, and eame to Ray County, Mo., about 1842. Ilis father, Hezekiah Wyman. was one of the brave colliers of the War of Is12. He died in Ray County. Mo .. at the advanced age of almost eigh- ty-four years. His beloved wife departed this life when about the same age as her husband. Her maiden name was Maria Rouner, and she was a daughter of JJacob and Nancy (Harden) Rouner. the latter a cousin of old Gov. Harden, of Missouri.
Our subject has been the father of twelve chil- dren. one by his first wife and eleven by his second: Nancy Ann. who married Thomas P. Munford. a prominent author; Cornelia J., wife of Oliver Wood; Fanny E., who died when twelve years of: William A., who died when eight months old; Colonia, who died at the age of six months: Robert E., married and living near Vibbard, Ray County: Lizzie, wife of Joseph C. Hill, residing in Ray County; Harriet, wife of JJohn II. Cox. living one mile from our subject; Maggie, wife of O. A. Har- ris, living in Ray County; Lee. married and a resi- dent of Ray County: and Ethel.
The farm belonging to Mr. Hightower consists of two hundred and five acres, and is in a good state of cultivation; upon it the owner is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He is a mem- ber of Harmony Lodge No. 381. F. & A. M., being its Senior Warden. Our subject is a devoted member of the Baptist Church. being faithful to its teachings and an active worker in its behalf. In politics, he is a Democrat, and firmly adheres
·武神
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to the teachings of the party as proclaimed in its several platforms. He is a member of the Grange and Treasurer of the Farmer-' Mutual Benefit As- sociation, being especially interested in the latter. in the future of which he has great faith. To him belongs the distinction of being one of the oldest settlers of Ray County now residing within its limits.
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C OL. LEWIS J. WOOD, one of the earliest pioneers of Clay County now living, and an honored citizen, has been for more than half a century a leading agriculturist of the county. and is widely known as an energetic and upright man. Col. Wood is a native Kentuckian, and was born in Merce. County, July 12. 1812. His par- ents were William and Sally (Thomas) Wood. the former born in Albemarle County. Va., and the latter a native of Culpeper County.
William Wood remained with his parents upon the Virginia homestead until he had attained his majority. During his boyhood he enjoyed excel- lent educational advantages, and prepared himself for a teacher, following that vocation many years. Ile was a man richly endowed with gifts of mind and person. and was numbered among the able and representative business men of his Ineality. In 1792 he removed to Mercer County, Ky .. and there married the daughter of Richard Thomas and widow of Ambrose Gordon. After his marriage, Mr. Wood devoted himself to the pursuit of agri- culture and remained in Kentucky until 1833. when he journeyed with his family to Missouri. Settling in Clay County. he purchased three hun- dred and twenty acres of school land near Liberty. and here remained until his death in 1835. His wife survived him about three months.
The mother of our subject had four children by her first marriage with Mr. Gordon. The chle-t. Jolm A., deceased, served bravely in the War of 1812. He was an able man, a finely informed his- torian and a successful lawyer, practicing his pro-
fession for many years in Liberty. He never mar- ried. He was a social favorite and his loss was deeply mourned. Robert, a plasterer by trade. also died unmarried. Ambro-e, deceased. was a prosperous physician of Kentucky. Patsy, deceased. was the wife of Cohnan Coghill. The pleasant home of William Wood and his wife was blessed by the birth of nine children. one of whom died in infancy, and four now survive. all over eighty years of age. Jesse T., onee a prominent lawyer of Boone County, Mo., served with distinction in the Black Hawk War as Brigadier-General. and af- ter a life of usefulness and honor he died unmar- ried. Isaac C., deceased, was a prominent farmer of Clay County, and served with efficiency and honor as AJudge of the County Court. He wa- twice married, his first wife being Miss Lucy Curd, and his second wife Miss Louisa Duncan. William T .. now residing in Lexington, Mo., has held many important State and county offices and ever dis- charged the duties of each position of trust with faithful ability. As a leading lawyer of his por- tion of the State. he achieved a more than local reputation and possesses a host of friends. He has tbrice entered the matrimonial state, first with Miss Eliza Hughes; his second wife was Miss Maria Paine. and his third union was with Miss Mary Broadwell. Joseph M. deceased, married Miss Cor- rinne Arthur and was a most successful physician of Kansas City. Our subject was next in order of birth. Richard P. was an extensive agriculturist. and a well-known business man and druggist of Park- ville, Mo. The daughters of the family were women of culture, refinement and ability, and have occupied positions of influence. The father of our subject was a valued member of the Masonic fra- ternity and. politically, was a firm adherent of the Whig party. The paternal grandfather of our sub- ject was of immediate English ancestry and un- doubtedly one of three heirs to a large estate in "Merrie England." Col. Wood received his primary education in the district schools of Kentucky, and as he possessed scholarly instincts, gained a vast fund of knowledge from books of scientific research and travel. He accompanied his parents to Mis- souri, and remained with thein until their death.
September 16, 1:31. our subject was united in
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marriage with Miss Mary Duncan, who was born September 16, 1818, and is a daughter of Capt. James and Nancy ( Music) Duncan, the father hay- ing been born in Virginia, and the mother in Kentucky. They emigrated to Missouri in 1823. and settled upon a large tract of Government land which Capt. Duncan had purchased. Col. Wood received from his father about the time of his mar- riage two luidred and forty acres of land, and entered with energetic ardor into the cuitivation of the soil. During the many years of a successful carcer he has variously engaged in farming. milling, and the handling of general merchandise, and in 1855 was a prosperous merchant of Smithville. At the time of the war he owned fifteen slaves. which were then set free, and he also experienced financial reverses, due to the disturbed state of the country. Some fifteen years ago he retired from the active work of life. and now resides upon a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres.
In the e: ly spring of 1819, Col. Wood joined the vast army of travelers bound for the Golden State. He was the first man in the county to de- cide on the trip and make preparations, but he soon had a large following. He crossed the plains with ox-teams. and was one hundred and thirty-two days on the way. About one year from the time of departure. he returned home, having made a finan- cial success of his venture in California. Arriving within the busy town of Placerville ( then Hang- town) with but 850, he reached home with $12.000 as the result of his year's labor. This money was not gained by mining. but by skillful trading in stock and buying the gold dust of the miners. While in California he was not permanently lo- cated in any one place. but traveled throughont the entire State. During this sojourn in the far West, Col. Wood renewed many pleasant friend- ships of early youth, and found in the Governor of California and other officers and dignitaries of the State old acquaintances whom he had known well as young men in Missouri. Through the in- fluence and introduction of these prominent eiti- zens of California, who thoroughly appreciated the ability of our subject, he was offered the office of Marshal of the State, one of the most important . and difficult positions, and. at that time, one of the
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