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 59
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 59
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 59
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 59
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 59
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
481
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Workmen, at one time being Receiver in the lat- ter order. He uses his right of franchise in favor of the Republican party, and is actively interested in all public enterprises. He has ever been a friend to education, and has served as a member of the Board.
E MSLEY W. CRAVEN, a leading citizen and prosperous business man and carriage- builder of Missouri City, Mo., has been a resident of Clay County for many years and is widely known as a man of honor and integrity. He was born in Campbell County, Tenn., June 9. 1827, and was the son of Jeremiah Craven. a car- riage-builder and native of North Carolina. in which State his mother was also born. The par- ents early made their home in Tennessee, but re- moved to Ray County, Mo., in 1831. and here the father died ten years later, in 1811, the mother sur- viving until 1860. Father Craven was a strong Democrat and ably discharged the duties of Jus- tice of the Peace in his township and. occupying the ofliee with honor and fidelity, gave great satis- faction to his constituents and the general public. Our subject received a primary education in the little log schoolhouse of his home neighborhood. but was obliged to begin the work of life at a very tender age. Arriving at manhood. he was united in marriage with Miss Frances J. Gant, May 13. 1847. Mrs. Craven was born January 28, 1830, and was the daughter of Benjamin Gant, a success- ful farmer of Ray County. now decea-ed.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Craven were born eleven children, of whom the eldest died at the age of two and a-half years. The youngest died when an in- fant of sixteen months. A daughter, Mrs. Thomas Holt, of Nebraska. died in 1883. only a short time after her marriage. Eight of the sons and daugh- ters who once gathered in the old homestead yet survive: Calvin L., of Excelsior Springs, was born March 17, 1851: Isora, Mrs. James M. Bell. of one- County, lowa, was born May 3, 1853; O. S., a druggist of Missouri City, born January 6,
1856; William C., now a druggist at Liberty, born March 30, 1858; Josephine. Mrs. Harvey Levi, married to a prosperous farmer of Clay County, born October 1. 1862; Mary L., single, living at home, was born in 1864; Winnie 11., Mrs. Franklin Newton, of Missouri City, was born in 1868; Wal- ter, born April 17, 1871, youngest child of Mr. Cra- ven, is now elerking in the store of his brother, C. L ... of Excelsior Springs. Our subjeet is grandfather to a number of little ones. Calvin R. has three children: Mrs. Bell is the mother of six sons and daughters: William B. is the father of two little ones; O. S. has four children; Mrs. Newton has one; and Mrs. Levi rejoices in one child, making a sum total of seventeen direct descendants of Ems- ley W. Craven. who will worthily transmit his name to the coming generations.
When our subject began life for himself he lo- cated in Ray County and pursued the trade of a carriage-builder. continuing in that avocation ever since. lle is an especially skillful workman and has aided in turning out some of the finest vehicles used in this State. Fraternally, he is an honored member of Hainsville Lodge No. 19. A. F. & A. M., and possesses a host of sincere friends within the order. Mr. Craven is, politically, a strong Demo- crat, and a firm supporter of the principles of his party. An earnest. upright and publie-spirited citizen, he is universally respected and highly re- garded by the entire community among whom his busy life is passed. O. S. Craven, the second son of our subject, an energetic and enterprising citi- zen, began at seventeen years of age to learn the blacksmith's trade and, a thorough master of the business, still conducts a shop, employing workmen and individually giving his attention to the de- mands of the drug store. November 26. 1879, at the age of twenty-three years, he married Miss Luella Winfrey, of Clay County, daughter of William II. Winfrey, proprietor of the saw and grist mill, of Missouri City. O. S. and Luella Craven became the parents of one bright and promising son. Woodard W., born September 23. 1883, and a daughter, Mamie F .. born September 5. 1881. The young mother died of consumption, after a lingering illness, and. a devoted member of the Christian Church, passed peacefully away
182
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
May 26, 1885. Woodard, the manly little son, followed his mother to the better land November 23, 1885.
Upon May 21, 1886, Mr. Craven married again, his present wife having been Miss Rebecca B. Wright, daughter of Henry and Sarah C. Wright. of Jackson County. Mo. Mrs. Craven. a gentle. kindly lady, of worth and intelligent culture, was born April 21. 1864. and is a loving wife and mother, tenderly earing for her three little ones: Mamie 1., born April 21, 1887; Clyde L., March 19, 1889; and Jessie Lee, March 13, 1891.
Upon February 22, 1892, Mr. Craven took pos- session of the drug stock of C. W. Eberts and now has the largest and most finely appointed and com- pletely stocked drug store in Missouri City. Pre- scriptions are carefully compounded at this well- known establishment night and day. Dr. Benjamin , Lincoln. a skillful physician and pharmacist, i- connected with Mr. Craven and oversees all com- pounding of drugs. The drug store, carrying a complete line of fine toilet goods and the various sundries of the trade, is a place of popular resort and enjoys a large business, doing not only a large city trade, but receiving as weli a constantly in- creasing patronage from the outside territory ad- jacent to Missouri City. Financially prospered and blessed with domestie happiness, Mr. Craven is never unmindful of those less fortunate than him- self and takes a leading position in both the busi- ness and social world.
ILLIAM L. THOMPSON, deceased. There is little need to portray the virtues or de- fend the memory of this gentleman. for he lives in the affection of his family and friends as a devoted husband, a kind neighbor and a public- spirited citizen, and one of the foremost agricul- turists of the county. He was born in Indiana, May 21. 1833, while his parents were on their way West from Virginia, and in infancy was brought to Clay County by his parents, his father being one of the few progressive pioneer farmer- of the county. He was given excellent educational ad-
vantages in his youth and this knowledge was strengthened and broadened by extensive and varied reading and by contact with the business affairs of life. lle was an excellent surveyor, and as a school teacher, an occupation he followed for many terms both before and after his marriage, was considered a thoroughand practical instructor and a fine disciplinarian. December 9, 1861, he was married to Miss Sarah F. Bell. an estimable and intelligent young lady and a member of one of the leading families of Clay County, who in every respect proved a worthy and safe counselor and helpmate to her husband. Immediately after the celebration of their nuptials they located on an exceptionally fine farm of two hundred and eighty acres on section 17, the site of the present home of Mrs. Thompson, and there Mr. Thompson devoted hi- attention to general farming until the candle of his life flickered and went out. He was thoroughly practical in the conduct of his affairs. and his well-established characteristics of energy. perseverance and thrift brought him safe returns. The farm testifies to a noticeable extent what years of industry and good management and su- perior knowledge will do toward the maintenance of land. By all he was considered a model farmer of the community, neat, progressive and of de- cided views in conducting all his operations, and the success which was accorded him was fully merited. Soon after the close of the great Civil War, Mr. Thompson was elected County Surveyor, which office he successfully filled for many years, and during this time he also discharged the duties of Assessor and Notary Public for a number of years to the universal satisfaction of those interested, a- well as to his own credit. Although he was by no means a rabid politician, he faithfully discharged the duties of the offices conferred upon him by the Democratic party and at all times manifested undoubted ability, faithfulness and indefatigable energy. His death, which occurred April 1, 1821, was universally mourned, and the sad faces of all his neighbors and acquaintances proved that they recognized that a true and faithful friend and an admirable citizen had passed away. He was an honored member of the Masonic order. under whose ritual the last sad rites of his interment
.
4~3
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
were conducted. He ieft beside his wife a family of six children to mourn their loss: John S., who was born September 29, 1862; Com. May 30. 1864; Jessie, November 1. 1865; Claude M .. No- vember 1, 1869; Laura E .. December 22, 1872: and Kate M., March 6. 1881. All of these children are unmarried and re-ide at home with the exception of Jessie, who, on the 20th of December. 1888, married Frank McFarland, of Clinton County, Mo., whose ancestors were of Scotch origin. fe is a young man of marked ability and enterprise and at the present time (1893) is engaged in the United States railway service. Mr. and Mrs. McFarland have a bright little infant son who was born October 3, 1891.
As a man William L. Thompson was above ie- proach: as a friend, faithful. firm and true; and as a politician strong in the advocacy of clean and pure principles. Though now dead. he yet speaks by the memory of the many good deeds he leaves behind, and the world is better for his having lived in it. than which no higher praise ean be given to mortal. After his death his son JJohn S. assumed the management of the large home farm and has given abundant proof of his ability to successfully perform the duties resting upon him. He is a young man of genial manners. as well as of executive ability, and is intelligent and well posted on the general topics of the day. A successful future is predieted for him and without doubt will be his.
R. BEN S. LINCOLN. Among the phy- sicians of acknowledged merit who have successfully battled with disease and death for the past two years. may be mentioned Dr. Ben S. Lincoln. whose professional career from the very first has been one of gratifying success, for not only is he thoroughly titted by nature, but also by experience, for a superior prac- titioner of the healing art. Ile has built up a reputation for professional skill and ability that is not merely loeal but extends over a wide range. He was born in Clay County. Mo., on the 23d of
September. 1865, and like so many of the prosper- ous men in all fields of labor at the present day. bis youthful days were spent on a farm. When about eighteen years of age he entered college for the purpose of obtaining a good business educa- tion. and here be successfully pursued his studies for one year. At the end of that time he again re- turned to the farm, where he pursued his former occupation for some twelve months, when he en- tered the Warrensburgh ( Mo.) State Normal School. and in about fifteen months completed a two-years course. Following this he became a successful tescher in the public schools of Platte Township, and while pursuing this calling, which he did for about seven months, he formed the de- termination of making the practice of medicine his chief occupation throughout life. and to this end, at the close of his term of school. he matricu- lated at the I'niversity Medical College of Kan -:- City. Mo., where he completed his course in two years, graduating March 144. 1891. Following this he returned to his father's farm for a short tune. only to locate in Missouri City. June 22. 1891. of which place he has since been an active prac- titioner.
In the month of February, 1892. in partnership with O. S. Craven, he became the proprietor of a drug store. where a full line of everything that is usually found in a first-class store is kept. Here the Doctor makes his headquarters and i- found ready and willing to oblige the large line of eu -- tomers who, thanks to the accommodating spirit and entire reliability of the members of the firm. flock to their house. Dr. Lincoln compounds Li- own prescriptions. is known to be thoroughis competent and reliable. and as there is no division of the retail drug business so important a- the careful. conscientious and intelligent compound- ing of physicians' preseriptions. it is not to be wondered at that the patronage of the establish- ment is large. Both as a druggi-t and physician. he has acquired a proficiency that places hin in a high position. Enterprising. reliable and amb ;- tious, cautious and exact. he has secured the con- lidence of the publie to a marked degree. a conti- dence of which his education and career have moudle him the just recipient. le is a medical practi-
484
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tioner of the regular school, and is ready to an- swer the calls of the sick and afflicted both by day and night.
Politically, Dr. Lincoln is a stanch Democrat and a strong advocate of the principles and plat- forms of his party, and in addition to his many other worthy qualities he is an earnest worker in the Christian Church, of which he has for a num- ber of years been a member. He is very genial in 'disposition, an entertaining and delightful com- panion, yet possesses that strength of character that enables him to remain true to his convictions and what he considers to be right, regardless of the opinions of others. He has numerous friends, es- pecially among his professional brethren. He be- longs to the Esculapian Society, which was or- ganized in his Alma Mater, while he was a medical student.
G ILES C. RICE owns a well-improved farm on section 3, township 53. range 18, Chari- ton County. His farm comprises one hun- dred and twenty aeres, which is all in a good state of cultivation and much of which is devoted to the raising of tobacco and sugar cane. Ile has made all the improvements on the place himself, erecting a good residence and substantial barns.
Mr. Riee was born in Randolph County, Mo., June 1, 1840. his father being Thomas J., a native of Clay County, Ky., who emigrated to Randolph County about the year 1820. He was twice mar- ried, by his first union having six children. Ilis second wife, the mother of our subject, was also a native of Clay County, Ky .. and to her were born four children. The father's death occurred in Randolph County in 1816. Our subject passed his boyhood days in that county, and when twenty years of age removed with his mother to this county. In 1858 he located on a farm about eight miles north of Keytesville, where he engaged in farming for two years, during which time his mother kept house for him. He then located near* Keytesville, renting a farm, on which he lived for two years. For about one year he engaged in
farming on a place just east of the city, thence re- moving to Dr. Holland's farm, which he operated for six years, and later removing to his present farm, which he has since engaged in cultivating.
In 1861 Mr. Riee enlisted in the Confedera :.. service as a member of Company A. First Missour: Regulars. He was in active service for four year -. taking part in a number of important battles. The time of his first enlistment expiring, he re-enlisted for the second time in Company A. which was a .. signed to Shelby's brigade. He was in the battle- of Pea Ridge. Iuka, Pittsburg Landing. Dry Woods and the siege of Vicksburg, in the latte? being taken prisoner. He was wounded but once in these numerous engagements, a ball just graz- ing the edge of his ear.
In March, 1871, Mr. Rice wedded Miss Rhoda Emeline, daughter of John Meadows, who was a resident of Randolph County, Mo .. but is now de- ceased. Mrs. Rice was born near Huntsville in the year 1854. They have eight living children: Susan Ellen, Daisy Dean, Thomas Allen. Nelie_1 .. Evelee, James, E. Simp and Fronie Bessie. Mr. Rice is a strong Democrat politically, though he has never desired to serve in an official capacity. choosing to devote his attention to his farm and other interests.
OSEPH C. WELTNER. a retired capitalist. who deals more or less in real estate and loans, has since 1875 resided in De Witt. Carroll County, where for nine years he was engaged in general merchandising, from which oc- cupation he retired in 1884.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was named Jacob Weltner, and was born in the Key- stone State. Our subject is the second in order of birth of a family of thirteen children. whose par- ents were John and Elizabeth ( Berry) Weltner. the former a native of Pennsylvania and the lat- ter of Ohio. Joseph C. was born in Hocking County, Ohio. April 15, 1811, and passed his boy- hood days in that portion of the State, attending
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the common schools of the neighborhood. Our sub- ject enlisted in March, 1865, in Company E, Fifty- eighth Ohio Regiment, after which he was for two years a student in Granville College, at Grau- ville, Ohio. For some years thereafter he en- gaged in farming in the Buckeye State. In 1872, deciding to try his fortunes further West. he lo- cated in Saline County, Mo., residing in Malta Bend for three years. during which time he was engaged in the mercantile business. In 1875 he came to Carroll County, opening a store for gen- eral merchandise in De Witt, as mentioned at the beginning of this sketeh.
In 1873 Mr. Weltner was married to Miss Kittie, daughter of James Baker, a respected citizen of Missouri, formerly of Ohio. The union of this worthy couple has been graced by two children: Floyd E. and Herbert R., who are at home and attending school. Both parents are members of the Christian Church. in which they are valued workers. In his political views, Mr. Weltner is a strong Democrat.
OHN FRAKES. Prominent among the hon- ored pioneers and influential citizens of Ray County, ranks the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. For over half a century he has been connected with the welfare and development of this section, and his life his- tory is inseparably interwoven with that of the county. Hle makes his home on section 7, town. ship 51, range 29.
Our subject is a son of Barney Frakes, a native of Montgomery County, Ky., while his mother in her maiden days was known as Sina Davis, and was a member of an old and well-known Kentucky family. Our subject was born in Putnam County, Mo., in the year 1828, whither his parents had emigrated some years previously from Kentucky. When he was a very small boy, he went with his parents to Ray County, riding on horseback behind his father, and laughingly relates how he occasion- ally fell off but pluckily tried it over again. Of a family comprising ten children, he is the youngest.
But five of these are now living, as follows: John and Mason, residing in Ray County, and Lewis. William and Van residing in California.
On reaching his majority, Mr. Frakes was united in marriage with Polly Allen, daughter of Isaac and Rebecca (Clevinger) Allen, of Tennessee. who emigrated to Missouri at an early day. She was born in the year 1832, in Ray County, and her marriage with our subject was celebrated August 9. 1819, soon after which they settled on the site of their now pleasant homestead. To them were born nine children. two sons and seven daughters, all married and settled near their parental home. lu the order of their birth the family is as follows: Elvira, born November 12, 1854; Clarissa Jane. September 11. 1856; George W., February 5, 1859; Mason, August 17, 1861; Pherriba A., August 19, 1863; Psyche, Mrs. Odell, February 11. 1865: Sina >., June 29. 1867; Samantha. Septem- ber 16, 1869; and Fannie L .. on the 11th of April, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Frakes have also pro- vided for and reared two orphan children be- side their own, and to all have given a good com- mon-school education. They have now cleven living grandchildren. and one great-grandchild.
The history of the lives of our subjeet and his wife is that of difficulties overcome and obstacles conquered. They have passed through many hard- ships incident to pioneer life, and as a result of their years of toil and industry have now reached competence and well-earned repose in their advanc- ing years. They are the possessors of a lovely farm and home, from which their children have gone one by one, now leaving them alone. In early times Mr. Frakes was very fond of hunting. and is fond of relating his adventures in that di- rection. lle has long been accounted one of the best citizens and solid financial men of the county .. Politieally, he is an old-line Democrat, and dur- ing the late Civil War was forced to join the guerrillas, though he participated in no battles.
Mrs. Frakes, a very amiable and motherly woman, is justly proud of her family of children, who well remember how she ministered to their daily com- fort with love. taet and talent. Often in the still hours of night, after the family had all retired. she spent many an hour in making garments for them
486
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
from cloth of her own manufacture. having washed. carded and spun the wool, dying it with bark from the trees of the forest, and afterward weaving it into cloth. The worthy couple with all their family excepting two are esteemed members of the Baptist Church. Of late Mr. Frakes, though previously enjoying good health, has been sorely afflicted with his eyes. He is yet active and energetic. man- aging all his business affairs as in former days.
ESSE B. RALPHI. One of the prominent and well-to-do agriculturists and stock-raisers of Camden Township, who is quite as con- spicuous for his modest and retiring nature as for his intelligence and ability in the conduct of his magnificent farm, is he whose name is at the head of this sketch. He devote- himself to gen- eral farming and gives much of his time to the raising of fine stock. making a specialty of fine horses and mules. Of these he now has forty-four head, including some very fine brood mares, ex- ceptionally speedy, and of the best pedigree. Ile recently added to his stud a handsome, well-bred trotting mare and two of her colts, the trio cost- ing him a very large sum, but which he justly con- siders well spent.
Mr. Ralph is Considered an authority on all matters pertaining to the raising of fine stock, and is especially well posted on the good points of that noble animal, the horse. llis farm seems to be exceptionally adapted to the raising of stock. for it is well watered and affords good grazing. Mr. Ralph has demonstrated to the entire satisfac- tion of himself and his neighbors that it pays to raise a good grade of horses. All necessary sup- plies of grain and hay for keeping the stock in winter are raised on his farm, which comprises two . hundred and forty acres of as fine farming land as the county of Ray can boast. This place represents much hard labor and enterprise, and is the visible result of the work of Mr. Ralph and his worthy wife, who has been his able assistant throughout the years of their union. This land is well in- proved by excellent farm buildings of all descrip-
tions. and not the least of its attractions is a hand- some and substantial residence of modern style. conveniently arranged. and furnished in a manner that proves the lady of the house is possessed of good judgment and taste.
.lesse B. Ralph was born July 20. 1854, a son of 7. 1. Ralph, whose sketch appears in this volume. He was born and reared on the farm which he now owns, and is thus familiar with every nook and cranny of the place and knows its possibilities as none other could do. I'mtil eighteen years of age his time was devoted almost solely to the work of farming, but having obtained a good common- school education, he determined to further improve himself in this respect, and for that purpose en- tered William Jewell College, at Liberty, Mo., and later became a student in a commercial college of St. Louis, from which he was graduated in 1874. Immediately suceceding this he formed a partner- ship with F. S. Rhodes and embarked in the dry- goods business in Decatur County, lowa. but their business was not as suecessful as they desired, and at the end of one year Mr. Ralph soll his interest in the stock to Mr. Rhodes and returned to his former home in Ray County. Settling on his present farm, he once more became a "son of the soil," and for some time was associated in this work with his father.
On the 23rd of February. 1875, Mr. Ralph mar- ried Miss Mollie Foster, who was born and reared in Ray County, and who, in March. 1877, died a victim to consumption. In June. 1881. 3Ir. Ralph took for his second wife Miss Minnie. daughter of Henry C. Perdue. the present Sheriff of Ray County (see sketch). Mrs. Ralph was born February 27, 1865, and her union with Mr. Ralph has resulted in the birth of four children. one of whom died in infancy. Maud, who was born March 19. 1882. is now attending school at Rich- mond and makes her home with her grandfather: the others are Mabel. born March 20, 1885; and Mona, born February 10, 1887. Mrs. Ralph is a model wife and mother, and with her husband ex- tends a cordial welcome to friend and stranger alike, their home being well known for it- hospital- ity. They are ever ready to extend a helping hand to those less fortunate than themselves and are gen-
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.