Portrait and biographical record of Clay, Ray, Carroll, Chariton, and Linn Counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 43

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 43
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 43
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 43
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 43
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 43


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The year 1836 witnessed the birth of Spencer .1. Willbarger in Meigs County, Ohio, that event tak- ing place on Washington's birthday. He was rear d to farm labor and attended the public schools for a short time in Ohio and after his arrival in Missouri. in 1810, had a few months' schooling in this State. In 1854, he married Mary A. Harmon, a native of Kentucky and a daughter of Lindsey Harmon. an early settler in Chariton County. To them was born one child, which died in infancy. The mo- ther also was soon called to her last resting-place, her death occurring September 11, 1856. Mr. Willbarger, who had rented a farm in Chariton County, then sold his effects. soon after returning to his birthplace on a visit.


For some time in the latter part of the '50-, Mr. Willbarger carried on a sawmill and also engaged in buying and selling furs. In 1862. he -etthed on section 16, where he lived for four years, finally locating on his present farm in 1866. This farm was all timbered and without improvements of any description. He has Cleared it all himself and de- veloped a valuable farm from the wilderness. Ilis property comprises three hundred and twenty- eight acres, which are all under cultivation. In 1866. he erected a house at a cost of $1.000. hay- ing to go for the timber to Quincy. Ill. He made his home there until 1882. when he built his pres- ent fine residence at a cost of $2.000. In 1875. The erected one of the finest barns in the West. which cost $1,600, and is the largest one m the


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county. Twenty years ago he -et out a large or- chard, which is now the best in this portion of the county and cover- thirty acres. He raises immense quantities of grain and a good grade of live stock.


On the 12th of February. 1862, Mr. Willbarger married Mrs. Susan R. Legate, nee Grant. By her former marriage she had three children. only one now living, Miss Eliza Ann Legate. Mrs. Will- barger was born March 1. 1811. and has the honor of being one of the oldest native-born perscas of Linn County now living. Her parents were Daniel and Elizabeth J. Grant, both natives of Kentucky. The former died in 1868, aged fifty years, while his wife. who died in October, 1888, was then in her sixty-first year. Mr. Grant came to Missouri in 1837. being one of the first settlers of Linn County. Ilis father, John D .. was a sur. veyor who came to Missouri in the early '20%, and made the plat of Linnen -. He was a soldier and officer in the War of 1812. was a prominent and wealthy man, and died in this county. The ma- ternal grandfather of Mrs. Willbarger. Daniel Grant, died in Boone County. Mo., in 1862. At the breaking out of the Civil War, Daniel Grant, the father of Mrs. Willbarger, enlisted in the Mis- souri State Militia and was a Sergeant for one year. He took an active interest in politics, was a loyal Republican. and at one time was Justice of the Peace. Of his thirteen children, only two survive: the wife of our subject, and Christopher C., who lives in this township. Both parents were mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church North.


The union of Mr. and Mrs. Willbarger has been blessed with a family of ten children. of whom the following are living: Harvey HI., who married ; Lillie M. Prester; Henry S .. Charles D., Vallie May, Allen .S., Jr., Hiram Fred and Virgil V. They have all been given the best school advantages and are intelligent and respected citizens of the com- munity.


During the Civil War, Mr. Willbarger was a member of a company and was chosen its Lieuten- ant. He was, however. obliged to resign on ac- count of trouble with his eyes. Since the forma- : On leaving the latter he entered his father's tion of the Republican party, he has east his vote in favor of its nominees. He is a stockholder in the Meadville Bank, of which he is also a Director.


He entered Cyprus Lodge No. 225, F. d. A. M.,at Laclede, ani he helped to organize the lodge at Meadville, and since that time has been actively connected with the Masonic order. He has been Director of Schools and has also been Road Over- beer for several terms.


G EORGE W. MASON. Memory of a man remains after he has gone. and it is fortun- ate when. as in the case of our subject. memory brings up so many admirable qualities. Mr. Mason was a merchant and stock-dealer of Richmond, Mo., who was born at Knoxville. Ray County. Mo .. August 20. 1813. and died February 13. 1:41. The circumstances of his death were : - follows: Ile left home the night of February 11 with a load of eattle for St. Louis. The morning of the 12th. when a few miles west of Mexico, some of the cattle got down. and Mr. Mason climbed up on top of the cars and was making an effort to rouse them. Just at that time the axle of the car broke on which he was standing and he was thrown to the ground, receiving such injuries as caused his death the day following, at Mexico. in Audrain County. Mrs. Mason was summoned to his bedside and reached there about twelve hours before his death occurred. He was the son of George A. and Elizabeth ( Chipman) Mason. both natives of Kon- tucky, who removed to Ray County, Mo .. in 199 and settled at Knoxville, where for eight years the father carried on a grocery store. About Es17 he moved to Millville and carried on a general store. His death occurred in February. 1861. In 1865. the family moved to Richmond. Mo., where Mrs. Mason died in January, 1876.


Our subject was the oldest son of four children. and passed his boyhood in Knoxville and Mill- ville. where he attended the public schools. after which he attended the Fayette High School. More and remained there until the death of that parent. when he removed with his mother and the children to Richmond. Here he engaged in a na r-


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cantile business, running a general store, at the sune time handling grain and produce and live stock until his death. He was cut off in the midst of an active and successful career, and his death was deplored by the entire community. As a business man he had no superior and confidence in him was unshaken. All of his undertakings had been successful and he had accumulated a hand- some property, gained by upright dealings.


Mr. Mason was married April 9, 1867, to Miss Alice Davis, of Richmond, a daughter of Dr. Nathaniel Davis, one of the honored citizens and successful physicians of Ray County. Her mother was Maria ( Allen) Davis, a most estimable woman. whose benevolent spirit manifested itself in kind- nesses and charities to those requiring it. Mrs. Mason was born and reared to womanhood in Ray County, where her parents were pioneers. and where she received her education. She bore her husband one child, Charles W .. a dealer in live stock. and also a pork-packer, and a young man of promise with a very good knowledge of business. Mrs. Mason is a lady of excellent business habits, and | at the same time kind and neighborly, having gathered about her a host of warm friends. The homestead which she occupies is a comfortable building surrounded by a grove of native and transplanted trees, where she welcomes her friends and entertains them with a genuine and hearty hospitality.


J. CAYWOOD, the efficient and enterpris- ing editor of the ably conducted Laclede Blade. a prominent Republican organ, published in Laclede. Linn County. Mo .. is widely known as an earnest and energetie citizen, and an ardent advocate of the party of reform. Mr. Caywood is a native of Michigan, and was born in Wayne County, of that State. in the year 1865. August 8th. His father. Henry Caywood. born in England, there reached maturity, but carly realizing the larger possibilities offered in the country beyond the broad Atlantic. emigrated


to America while he was yet a young man, and. having safely landed in New York, made his home in the Empire State for a brief time, and then jour- neyed to Michigan. Settling in Wayne County, he entered into the pursuit of agriculture, and subsequently married Miss Eliza Cook. born and reared in the State, and a daughter of one of the pioneer settlers of Michigan.


The father and mother of our subject were the parents of seven children. of whom A. J. was the fourth in order of birth. Mr. Caywood was about five years of age when with his parents he re- moved to Livingston County, Mo., where the father purchased railroad land and actively en- gaged in farming until 1850, when he retired from daily work. and with his wife enjoys a well-earned rest, residing in the city of Laclede. Our subject received his early education in the public schools of Livingston County, and at seventeen years of age began to learn the trade of a printer. Ile was employed on various papers of the State until his return to Laclede and subsequent investment in the Blade, in May, 1890. A practical printer. of ex- cellent business attainments, and a writer of no mean ability, our subject has achieved excellent sneeess thus far in his new enterprise.


The Laclede Blade, a typographically attractive paper of four pages of seven columns. furnishes to a rapidly extending circulation. now numbering about six hundred subscribers. a most readable publication, containing the local news and latest items from the outside world. One of the main features of the Blade-its pungent, concise and able editorials-has gained the paper wide attention and many friends. Mr. Caywood is a prominent member of the Knights of Pythias, and has been District Deputy Grand Chancellor for this county. For years a worker in this honored order, he is also a member of the Grand Lodge. Politically he has always affiliated with the Republican party. and the paper which he conduets but expresses his long-continued loyalty to the principles and plat- form which he has ever sustained with voice and pen. Our subjeet is a member of the Missouri State Press Association, and is recognized by his coadjutors and follow-citizens as au carnest, up- right and conscientious man, faithful to every


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duty, public and private, intrusted to his care. Young in years. and standing upon the threshold of a career of usefulness and influence, he enjoys the high regard and best wishes of many friends. who predict for him a prosperous and honored future.


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G EORGE SANDERSON. Our subject, after spending a half-century upon the farm, chose the village of Lawson, Mo .. for his place of residence, and there lives a quiet life. dis- charging the duties of his station with earnest purpose, honestly seeking to do what isright. Uis gentlemanly deportment and sociable manners have won him many friends. In the dispensing of justice he has proved himself a man of equity. with apt understanding of law and of common sense. Mr. Sanderson was born in Sumner County, Tenn., February 26, 1829. and was the son of Ed- ward Sanderson, who was born and reared in Vir- ginia, and went thence to Tennessee, where he mar- ried Miss Betsy Ann Holman. The father was a farmer, and when he came to Ray County, Mo., in 1831, he resumed that occupation. One year later he bought land and settled upon it. and finally died there in 1877. Hle was father of tive children by his first marriage, and the same number by his sec- ond union; four of the former are living and two of the latter. The father was a soldier in the War of 1812, being with Gen. Jack-on at the battle of .New Orleans, and he also took part in the Florida War.


Our subject came with his father to Ray County. and was brought up on the farm, receiving only such instruction as was then afforded in the country schools. Upon attaining manhood. he became a clerk, but in 1819 went back to the farm. where he remained until 1882. His first marriage occurred in 1851, to Miss Mary A. MeGaugh, daughter of Dr. John B. MeGaugh, an early settler of Ray County. She died in 1861. and three years later he married Miss Margaret Parrot. daughter of George Parrot. a farmer of Ray County, who had come hither at an early day from Tennessee.


Five children were born of the first marriage of our subject, and two of the latter; the former were as follows: Fannie, wife of Josephus MeAdams, who died in 1867: Rev. Alexander R., a preacher of the Christian I'nion Church. of Colorado; Phe- lix W., Hardy E. and George O., all farmers of Ray County. The children of the second mar- riage were: Ella May, wife of Oscar Moss: and Dora, wife of George T. Walker. of Oklahoma. who carries on farming at that place.


In 1881 our subject gave up farm work and came into Lawson. where he engaged in the gro- cery business until 1884, -ince wluch time he has devoted his entire attention to the duties of his office as a Notary Public and Justice of the Peace. He is a Democrat, and has lately been elected to the office of Assessor. The Masonic order has strong attraction for him, and he was Master of Harmony Lodge at Vibhard for two years. and now holds connection with the lodge at Lawson. Mr. Sanderson is one of the oldest settlers of Lawson now residing in the village. and is universally es- teemed as a just and upright man.


R ICHARD W. BABCOCK. Living in a pic- turesque country and surrounded by pleas- ant neighbors, our subject pursues the call- ing of a farmer with a degree of success that proves his knowledge of the business. Ilis fine farm is located on section 17. township 51 north, range 29 west. Our subject is the son of Prentis Babcock. a native of Stonington. Conn .. horn December 31. 1799, and Thankful Babcock. who was born in New London County, Conn. The grandfathers of our subjeet were military men. the paternal grandfather engaging in the Revolution- ary War, and the maternal in the War of 1> 12. participating in the battle of Stonington. Mrs. Thankful Babcock is still living, and makes her home with our subject.


After the war. Prentis Babcock removed to Che- mango County. N. Y., where for twenty years


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he engaged in farming. In 1811 he came to Mis- souri, locating in this town-hip, where he entered and bought land, and industrion-ly endeavored to make a pleasant home. Before he had accom- plished much more than a partial clearing of the land, death called him away. His children are all deceased excepting our subject. They were Paul, Leonard. Esther and Urania. Before passing to the sketch of our immediate subject. the biographer pauses to more particularly mention the excellent mother, to whose example and traming her son owes much of his success. Her years now number eighty-seven. she having been born JJuly 15. 1805. She is the daughter of Ludwig and Mary (Davis) Babeock. Her grandfathers Davis and Babcock were both in the Revolutionary War. and in her own life, as the faithful wife of a pioneer phy- sician and farmer. both in New York and Mis- souri, she has had many and varied experiences. These are most interesting and reveal to some ex- tent the hardship- of pioneer life on the frontier. After the death of Mr. Babcock she married Sam- uel Prior, and of that union two children were born, William and Beverly. deceased.


Our subject was born December 31, 1837, in Chenango County. N. Y .. about four years before his father removed to this State. Here he grew to manhood, meanwhile obtaining his education in the common schools of Ray County. In 1881, in Missouri, he married Mrs. Mary Stockwell. a daughter of Isaac Tomlinson. who had come to this State from Virginia about the year 1855. Three children have been born of the marriage, one of whom, Harriet. is still living, and now attends school. The two others passed away in infancy. Louisa being but two years of age, and little Leon- ard only ten months. At this place Mr. Babcock has resided during almost all of his life. In March. 1862, he became a soldier. entering Company C, Sixth Missouri State Cavalry, F. S. A., and was in the service three years, being mostly confined to border warfare.


Our subjeet has a fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres, which is well improved and under a fine state of cultivation. Here he engages in general farming and stock-raising. keeping a first-class variety of stock. Mr. Babcock belongs


to Lorenzo Comper Post No. 81, G. A. R., at La- throp, Mo. Politically, he is a Republican, bravely upholding the party's principles on all occasions. In 1859 he made an unsuccessful trip to the gold regions at Pike's Peak, after which he returned. satisfied with his old Missouri home.


OIIN W. HUMPHIFERS is a farmer residing on section 25, township 57. range 22. Linn County, and is extensively engaged in rais- ing grain and live stock. Since his arrival C in Missouri in 1880 he has been prominently con- nected with the improvements and progress of this community. His father. Joseph Humphfer -. was a native of Jackson County. Ohio, and wa- born in 1826. Ilis parent- were numbered among the honored pioneers of that region. Our sub- ject's mother in her girlhood was Miss Sarah Lit- trell. Iler death occurred in 1865. The father was one of the noted -squirrel-hunters" of Ohio. Hle was a Republican, and held a number of town ship offices. Both himself and wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was called to his final rest in October, 1890, having passed his years in usefulness and integrity.


John W., of this sketch, was born September Is, 1818. in Jackson County, Ohio. and was one of nine children. of whom eight are living. Ile was reared on a farm, receiving the advantages of the district schools. During the Civil War, when he was but sixteen years of age. he drove a commis- sary wagon for sixty days, but on account of sick- ness was obliged to return home. On reaching man's estate he started out in the world to make his own way. At that time he had eighty acre- of land, which were partially improved, and this he carried on for some time, also teaming coal and iron ore.


In 1872 Mr. Humphters married Martha 1 .. daughter of L. D. Lively, who is still living in Jackson County. Ohio, where he is a prominent man and an extensive farmer. He is Steward and Class-leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church.


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The wife of our subject was born January 15, 1851, in Jackson County, where she obtained a good education. Of their eight children, seven survive. They are: Norris. Truman, Elmer, Harry, Herbert, Charles and Earl C. The devoted wife and mother was called to the home beyond May 16, 1892. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church North, was a teacher in the Sun- day-school, a member of the Ladies' Missionary Society, and was active in all good works.


In 1880 Mr. Ummphfers removed to Missouri, previous to which time he had continued to carry on his farm in Ohio. He settled on Maj. Forman's farm in Linn County, where he remained for a year, until deciding where to buy property. He then purchased his present farm, which consists of one hundred and seventy-five acres, all improved. In 1881 he erected a nice home, costing $1,500. and in the same year a commodious barn at a cost of $300. He has a good orchard, having himself set out one hundred apple trees.


Our subject is Steward and Trustee in the Trin- ity Methodist Episcopal Church, which he assisted in building, and which is located on his own land. Hle has been actively interested in church work, having been a teacher in the Sunday-school. He is giving his boys the benefit of a good education. and is a Director in the Fountain Grove School. Politically, he is a Republican. and socially, is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, of Meadville.


THOMAS SHIMMIN. Although not a na- tive-born American, our subject is none the less a good citizen of this great and free country, of which he has been a resident for many years, having come to the United States when a young man of twenty-four. Mr. Shimmin is a na- tive of the Isle of Man. having been born in the town of Peel, November 18. 1811. At the carly age of fourteen, he began to learn the trade of blacksmith under his father, also named Thomas Shimmin, with whom he remained for some time;


but as the days passed on, the young man resolved to see something of the great world outside and beyond the little island of his nativity.


In pursuance of this idea, before Mr. Shimmin crossed the ocean, he traveled in many parts of England and Scotland. but finally, in 1836, emi- grated to America, landing at Philadelphia April 13 of the same year. For two years he remained in the City of Brotherly Love, pursuing his calling of blacksmith and carriage-maker, but, on the 5th of February, 1838, he enlisted as blacksmith and went from Philadelphia to New York, thence to New Orleans, and from there to Indian Terri- tory. Ilis next place of location was Leaven- worth, Kan., where he received his honorable dis- charge, February 5, 18-11. At that date he removed to Ray County. Mo., selecting Camden as his first place of residence: but he only remained there a short time. In 1869. he removed to California, where he remained a year, and then returned to Knoxville, Ray County, Mo., at which place he has been pursuing his trade ever since, and a- he is an excellent workman, he controls a large and profitable business.


The marriage of our subject was solemnized with Miss Sara Jane Yoakoum, a daughter of Jacob Yoakeum, and by this marriage two sons were born: John II., and Jacob T., deceased. Mr. Shimmin is a Mason in good standing. con- nected with King Iliram Lodge No. 309. 1. F. & A. M., of which he is the efficient Treas- urer, having held that position for the past fif- teen years. He is also one of the Trustees of the same lodge. The principles of the Demo- cratic party are fully in accordance with his own views, and he is very active in supporting the same. While in England, our -subject was con- fimed in the Church of England, and since com- ing to America has continued a member of the Episcopal Church. while his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. During the entire time of the Civil War the sympathies of our subject were with the Union and he always aided the cause of the North upon all occasions pos- sible. Pursuing the even tenor of his way, our subject has made many friends for himself in the town of, Knoxville and the surrounding dis-


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triet, and all of them unite in speaking well of the genial, pleasant gentleman, who has proven him- -elf a good and reliable person in every position he has been called upon to fill. both of a private and public nature.


K EMP M. WOODS. JIR .. is widely known for his ripe understanding of matters of finance, and comprehensive grasp of business gen- erally. His judgment is clear and his ad- vice is sought very frequently upon a variety of subjects, his opinion being held in high esteem. He was born in Platte Township. Clay County, Mo .. May 20. 1847. and is the youngest of three children born of the first marriage of his father. the others being Phineas S. and Mary C. His par- ents, Kemp M. and Sarah (Skinner) Woods, were na- tives of Kentucky. the father having been born in Woodford County in 1813. The mother was a daughter of Phineas Shinner, of English descent. She was born in Clark County, Ky., and accom- panied her parents to Platte County, Mo .. when a child.


After the marriage of Kemp MI. Woods and Sarah Skinner, which was solemmzed in Platte County. they came to Clay County, where Mr. Woods fol- lowed the occupation of a farmer and stock-raiser. In time he became one of the most prosperous farmers of the county and a very large land-owner, his possessions aggregating two thousand acres. Later he conducted a flourishing store at Smith- ville, and dealt extensively in hemp, which at that time was a very profitable product of the country. Hle also engaged in pork-packing and operated a large horse mill for the grinding of corn for his neighbors. In fact, he was a man well fitted to be a pioneer, being kind and obliging and often aid- ing settlers in locating their land -.


In politics, Kemp M. Wood- took an active part, and as he was liberal in his views he possessed the confidence of the people in general, who depended much upon his good judgment. At the time of the candidacy of Bell and Everett. he cast his vote --


for them, not only admiring them as men. but be- lieving also in the principles they vindicated. During the war. Le was in Kentucky, but after- ward he returned to his farm in Clay County. and remained there some years. when he again em- barked in the mercantile business, having taken his son as partner. The establishment was con- ducted under the firm name of Kemp M. Wood- & Son, but after three years the father retired from business life. Three children were born of his first marriage and four of his second union, his second wife being Mrs. Sarah .1. ( Childs) Hamilton. and her four children were: Mary E., who died when young; John B., Henry A. and Cornelius Il. Phineas S. our subject's eldest brother, was killed in cold blood winle on a furlough visiting his reia- tives, being at that time ( 1861) a member of Price's army. Our subject passed his youth on the farm and attended the common schools, subsequently passing some time at the Platte City Academy. following which he took a course at Spaulding's Commercial College in Kansas City. Upon his re- turn to Smithville, he became interested in farming. in merchandising, and also in the stock busines -. Afterward he removed to Grundy County. Mo .. where he engaged in farming for one year; but not finding that to his taste, became a railroad contractor, and furnished ties for the Rock Island Railroad. In connection with two other parties. the firm name being Shankton. Austin & Wood -. he furnished that road some three hundred thou- sand rails and was successfully engaged in this business for three years.




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