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 62
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 62
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 62
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 62
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 62
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In 1819, with his wife and two children. David Prewitt journeyed upon horseback to Missouri. he and his wife cach carrying before them on the sad- dle a child. Their household goods were trans- ported by water to Old Franklin, where they lo- cated, and Father Prewitt engaged in the butcher's business with Phillip Barnes. David Prewitt was Sheriff of Howard County in a very early day, and having filled this office with ability, afterward be- came one of the leading merchants of Fayette. thence removing to Rocheport, Boone County, where he successfully conducted a hotel. In 1810 he located in Linn County, settling near Linneus, where he bought land and again entered into mer- cantile business, in which he continued prosper- onsly until 1852. when he retired from active em- ployment. This able and energetic citizen was one of the first County Treasurers of Linn County and held this honored position, discharging its duties most faithfully, for several years, He was also the United States Census Enumerator of Linn County for 1850, and for several years served impartially as Justice of the Peace, his decisions being ever rendered strictly according to law and evidence.
David and Nancy (Turner) Prewitt were the parents of nine children, all of whom attained to mature age and four yet survive. The living chil- dren are Catherine, the widow of William Mor- rain; Nancy, wife of Daniel Haskin-, residing in Renton, Wash .; Margaret, wife of Capt. R. G. Waters, who has retired from the army and re- sides in Linneus; and Henry C., our subject. Upon the 20th of December, 1873, David Prew- itt, after many years of public usefulness. passed away, regretted by all who knew him. His wife had preceded him to the better land. having died March 16, 1870. Our subject was five years old when his parents removed to Linn County.
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where he received an education in the public schools, being early trained into business methods and routine in his father's store. April 18. 1852, Mr. Prewitt started upon a long trip across the plains to California and was five months making the wearisome journey. Upon the 29th of June, his birthday, he celebrated the seventeenth return of the anniversary while about midway on the plains. Arrived within the Golden State. our sub- ject engaged in mining with fair success and re- turned home with $2,000.
Once again in Linneus, Mr. Prewitt embarked in the mercantile business for himself, and for a full quarter of a century continued in the same. but during the latter part of that time resided upon a farm and also engaged in agricultural pursuits. Upon the 22d of February. 1857, our subject and Miss Mary Frances Hunt were united in marriage. Mrs. Prewitt is the daughter of Henry M. Hunt, of Ray County, Mo., a promment farmer and stock- raiser, widely known and highly respected. The pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. Prewitt has been blessed with the presence of seven children, five of whom are yet living. Flora L. married W. S. O'Rear and they have resided in Brookfield but are now about to locate in Beloit, Kan .; Mr. O'Rear is a successful merchant. Elizabeth is married to Thomas Atkinson, a merchant of Middlesborough. Ky. Corda C. married Sharon Palmer. Margaret Gertrude married E. A. Carey, a telegraph operator in Linneus. Fannie Clay is a teacher of vocal and instrumental music in the Christian College. at Columbia, Mo. Birdie, a bright little one, died at the age of two years, and Paul passed away in in- faney. Our subject and his estimable wife are foremost in the benevolent and social enterprises of their locality. and their daughters in their sev- oral homes enjoy the respect and confidence of all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance.
Fraternally, Mr. Prewitt is a valued member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and be- longs to the Select Knights of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and has been an honored offi- cer in both of these societies, holding an impor- tant position in the society of Odd Fellows since 1857. Politically, our subject is a pronounced Democrat and an ardent advocate of the party
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founded by the immortal Thomas Jeffer-on. In 1888, Mr. Prewitt was elected to the office of County Treasurer of Linn County and was re- turned again to serve a second term. having justly gained through an unvarying course of reetitude and elliciency the confidence of his fellow-citizens. A half-century of close companionship with his present surroundings has prominently identified our subject with the wonderful changes wrought by the past years in Linn County. where he has long taken an active part in the promotion of enterprise and local improvement and is classed among the most progressive and publie-spirited of its eiti- zens.
G JEORGE D. COPELAND. well known in Chariton County as an enterprising farmer and successful stock-raiser, occupies and owns a highly improved place on township 53, range 17. Through his own unaided exertions he has attained a foremost position among the pros- perous citizens of the county. and his life furnishes an example well worthy the emulation of those just starting out in life. As a farmer, his opera- tions have been characterized by unceasing indus- try, tireless energy and excellent judgment. quali- ties which have contributed largely to his success.
A native of Leeds County. Canada, our subject is the son of Joseph and Eurith (Philips) Copo land, the mother born in County Wexford, Ireland, May 21, 1819, and the father in Leeds County, Canada, April 17, 1815. Grandfather Copeland followed the profession of a teacher in Ireland, and later in Canada, where he died. An uncle, Richard Dereney, was one of the noble Six Hun- dred who won immortal fame in the Crimean War, and also fought bravely in the battle of Waterloo. At an early day the family occupied the Copeland Island- in the Atlantic Ocean, and some of its representatives settled in this country shortly after the close of the Revolutionary War.
The family of which our subject is a member consisted of nine children. all of whom grew to
mature yens, and seven of whom still survive: Silan, who was born in Leeds County, Canada. married J. II. Green, and resides in Salisbury; Emma, Mrs. Ephraim Hill, deceased, made her home in Nebraska: Robert T., who was born Aug- ust 10, 1846, married Kate Melntyre, and died in Manitoba May 13. 1892: Naomi married Thomas Gregory, and resides in Ontario; Elizabeth. Mrs. Thomas Robertson, lives in Winnipeg. Manitoba: Eurith, the wife of L. C. MeIntyre. is a resi- dent of Manitoba; Araminta, Mrs. J. C. Hay -. makes her home in Listowel, Ontario; and Miriam, who was united in marriage with D. B. Kenelley, and resides in Toronto, Ontario.
At the age of thirteen. our subjeet left school and engaged as clerk in a mercantile establishment for three years, after which he learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, and followed that oceu- pation up to the time of his marriage. That im- portant event took place in Chariton County, Mo .. in 1873, the bride being Miss Mina B. Williams, who was born in Chariton County, mn 1855. Her parents, Samuel and Patsey Williams, where among the oldest settlers of this county. where they were well known and universally esteemed. Both were natives of Kentucky, the father having been born in 1806, and the mother in 1811. Four children have been born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Copeland, three of whom are now living: Thoma- J., who was born in Salisbury, May 2, 1875, is at- tending the Northern Missouri Institute; Anna V .. born in Chariton County, January 12. 1882; and Robert T., born March 19. 1888, are bright and in- teresting children; Joseph M .. born April 8. 1878, died January 6, 1881.
In 1876 Mr. Copeland purchased a traet of one hundred and sixty acres, for which he paid $12.50 per acre. The land was in a poor state of cultiva- tion at that time, and contained no buildings. In 1884 he purchased one hundred and twenty-four aeres, at a cost of $3.600. a farm which. like the above-mentioned. contained no improvements of a substantial order. It required constant exer- tion on the part of Mr. Copeland to bring hi- property to its present highly improved condition, and his efforts have been untiring to accomplish the improvement of his land. Lately Mr. Cope-
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land has made an additional purchase of land. In addition to general farming, he has made a spe- cialty of stock-raising, in which he has met with more than ordinary success. He keeps on his place a large number of Shorthorn cattle and Cotswold sheep. which prove remunerative financially. Ile also owns an interest in forty town lots in Salis- bury, an investment which has been quite profit- able.
The Baptist Church at Salisbury numbers among its most active members Mr. and Mrs. Copeland and their elder son. In his political connections our subject has always been firm in his adherence to the principles of the Democratic party, and served his fellow-citizens acceptably as School Di- rector and Clerk for many years. All public mat- ters of general importance find in him an active supporter and stanch advocate, and while he has never aspired to office. preferring to devote his attention exclusively to his business and his fam- ily, he yet maintains a deep interest and takes an active part in local polities, As above stated, his career contains much that is worthy of emulation, and furnishes a lesson to the aspiring poor. When he came to Missouri he had but 82, and his pres- ent prosperity is the result of his intense and un- remitting industry. Few citizens of Chariton County have been as closely identified with the progress of Salisbury as he, and prior to the year 1875 he aided in the erection of every house built in that city.
W ILLIAM R. KENDALL, Justice of the Peace, and a leading farmer and stock- raiser of township 51. Ray County, was born on the present homestead November 9, 1852. His farm, which is one of the finest in this locality, is situated on section 5. range 29, and the very log cabin in which he first saw the light is still stand- ing, a memento of early pioneer life.
Benjamin Kendall. the father of our subject, was born in Covington, Ohio, in 1810, but came to Missouri at an early date and settled in Richmond, Ray County. He was a book-keeper in the bank
of that city for some length of time and later be- came one of the successful teachers in the public schools of the county. He afterward settled upon at farm, the one which is now in the possession of our subject, and which consisted of two hundred aeres. To its cultivation and improvement he de- voted himself until his untimely and unfortunate death in October, 1862. Within one and one- fourth miles of his home he was killed by Mercy County Federalists. as he was well known to be a prominent Confederate and had been in the ser- vice. Ilis wife was formerly Miss Mary McCoy. whose birthplace was in Coeke County, Tenn., but who was reared in Clay County, Mo. She was a daughter of Fielding McCoy, one of the pioneers of Clay County, who died at an advanced age. enjoying the respect and high regard of his many friends.
William R. Kendall is one of two children and an only son. His sister. now Mrs. Wolf, resides within one and a-half miles of the old homestead where her girlhood was passed. At the time of his father's death, our subject was a lad of but eleven years, and like a dutiful son he remained at home assisting his widowed mother in the care of the farm. By his labor and love he brightened up the darkened home bereft of an affectionate husband and father. and at the same time he strove manfully to obtain an education befitting his life's duties. By his earnest endeavor. energy and perseverance he has aecomplished his purpose to a degree beyond which many young men under more favored circumstances and our present edu- cational advantages vet make a signal failure. Hle tenderly eared for his mother until her death. which occurred November 10, 1878, after an illness of only two weeks. She was one of Nature's noblest women, a fond mother, a kind friend and neighbor, beloved by all who knew her and de- voted to the memory of her departed husband.
On March 8, 1872, Mr. Kendall and Mrs. Fran- ces Allen, widow of Silas Allen. and who bore the maiden name of Lemar, were married. By her former marriage she had one son, Willie, who was nine years of age at the time of his father's death. Two children have gladdened the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kendall: Lelar G., born January
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10, 1883; and Mary B., whose birth occurred No- vember 1, 1885.
Foremost among the citizens and farmers of his township is Mr. Kendall, who is a thrifty and sue- ecosful agriculturist and stock-raiser. Ilis farm is of a rich alluvial soil, well adapted for general purposes. The log cabin of former years has been replaced with a fine and convenient farm residence, which was erected by our subject. Both he and his estimable lady are examples of the true Southern- ers, whose courtesy makes a stranger feel so wel- come to their hearthstone. They have a pleasant word for every one and a helping hand for the needy. Mr. Kendall is a strong advocate of the Democratic party and an ardent worker in Lodge No. 193, A. F. & A. M .. of Missouri City. Ile was for six years Junior and Senior Warden of his lodge and is now Master of the same.
G EORGE Y. NALL, a prosperous agriculturist and stock-raiser of Gallatin Township, Clay County, resides on section 30, township 51, range 32, and is widely known as an enterprising and energetic citizen, publie spirited and progress- ive. Our subjeet comes of patriotic ancestry. Ilis paternal grandfather. William Nali, was an officer in the Revolutionary War, and served his country bravely and faithfully in the struggle for liberty, retiring from the field at the close of his military duties with the well-won title of Colonel. Later, in 1812, this courageous and patriotie man a second time took up arms in defense of the Gov- ernment and was killed at the battle of River Raisin.
The parents of our subject. William and Mourn- ing (Harrison) Nall. had a family of seven chil- dren, of whom five are yet living. The father was born in Kentucky in 1802, and came to Clay County, Mo., in November, 1827. Ile was a cooper by trade, but devoted the most of his life to the duties of general agriculture and stock-raising. At one time he owned nine hundred acres of ex- cellent land, much of it under cultivation. A good manager. hard working and industrious, he
was prospered until the breaking out of the war. but during that disastrous period in our national existence lost heavily, and was at least $20,000 poorer when it was ended than he was when the struggle began. In political affiliations he was a Whig, and was ever interested in the outcome of all national issues. Ile and his worthy wife were members of the Baptist Church and were ever fore- most in the promotion of the benevolent work of that denomination. William Nall died in 1883. and the faithful companion of his joys and sor- rows passed away two years later. Mrs. Mourning (Harrison) Nall was a member of the family from which President Harrison is descended.
The brothers and sisters of George Y. Nall are William Il., who resides in Clay County upon a farm; Henrietta, the wife of F. M. Barnes, a farmer and stock-raiser of Clay County; C. IT .. who died near the home of our subject; Anna. the wife of George W. Winn, a general agriculturist and stock- raiser; and Mollie, who married Granville Griffith, and lives upon a farm. The sixth child in the family is our subjeet, whose birth occurred in 1839. Ile received a good common-school educa- tion, and in 1866 entered into the bonds of mat- rimony. His estimable wife was Miss Anna E. Baker, a daughter of Josiah and Sarah (Turner) Baker, and was one in a family of three children. Mary R., born in 1817, is the wife of C. M. Russell; Thomas M. lives in Clay County, Mo.
The pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. Nall has been blessed by the birth of eight children. seven of whom yet survive. E. B., born in 1866. resides at home; Mary T., born in 1868, died in 1870; Lenora, who was born in 1870, married A. S. Kel- sey, a farmer of Clay County; George E., born in 1873; Lena B., in 1876; Cary II., in 1878; Rosa N., in 1883; and Mary Ozilla. in 1889, are at home.
In 1861, our subjeet enlisted in the State troops. Company B. Third Regiment, under Capt. Dough- erty, and took part in the battles of lexington. Wilson's Creek, and Pea Ridge, as well as various skirmishes, being victorious in each engagement. Mr. Nall received his discharge papers at Van Buren, Ark., in 1862, and after brave and untiring service returned to his home. The valuable aere- age used by him for agricultural and stock-raising
OLD BRINING HOMESTEAD, SEC.G. T. 51. R. 31. CLAY CO.MO.
"FAIRVIEW" RESIDENCE OF GEO. Y. NALL, SEC. 30. T. 51. R. 32. CLAY CO. MO.
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is extensive, and the greater portion of the seven hundred acres is under a high state of improve- ment. Mr. and Mrs. Nall have a large circle of friends and are highly esteemed by all who know them. Mrs. Nall is an active member of the Christian Church. Politically, our subject is a Democrat, and a strong advocate of the principles of his party. An upright, earnest and conscien- tious man, he has worthily won his way upward. and, spending almost his entire life in this locality. has ever aided in its material progress and ad- vancement.
W ILLIAM HI. BRINING. Our subject is a retired farmer of Liberty, who is now en- joying the fruits of a life stretching through many years of active toil; and none ac- quainted with him during the time of his active career will begrudge him his present leisure. Ile was born in Buffalo, N. Y., and is the son of Will- 'iam Brining, a native of England, born January 20, 1820. The father emigrated to this country when a young man and located in Buffalo, N. Y. Ile was married in England to Miss Mary Ann Shaw, a native of that country, born on the 22d of December. 1823.
After residing in Buffalo for three years Mr. Brining, Sr., removed his family to Liberty, Mo., in 1850. Ilere for ten years he carried on the trade of a tailor, which he had learned in England. and made goods to order. For fourteen years he was Deputy County Clerk and County Clerk, the former position being held under Thomas MeCarthy. He was admitted to the Bar at Liberty, and practiced law there for several years, obtaining his license before his election as County Clerk and attending to his professional duties at the same time that he conducted the office named.
This worthy man passed from life .Inne 10, 1874, in the fifty-fifth year of his age. His wife, who survived him, and who was a most estimable woman, departed this life April 6. 1891, aged sixty-eight years. She was the mother of seven children, five of whom are living, namely: Susannah; Will-
iam It .. the subject of this sketch; Iulia, wife of John J. Gaw, a manufacturer of carriages; Bertha B., who married A. S. Brown, a prominent farmer and public-spirited citizen; and Edward JJ. Il. The last-named married Miss Courtney Virginia Roberts, by whom he had two children, Virginia C. and Robert E. Mrs. Brining departed this life May 6. 1822, and since that time Edward I. H. has made his home with his brother, our subject. William II. is a bachelor and occupies the old home in Lib- erty, his sister Susannah being his housekeeper. The family residence is located in the northern part of the city, and is one of the attractive homes of Liberty.
As a citizen, Mr. Brining is enterprising and public-spirited, giving his active support to all en- terprises calculated to promote the welfare of the city and the interests of the people. His sterling honesty and manly qualities are recognized by all with whom he has business relations, and wherever he is known, in business and social circles, he is alike esteemed. To such men as he is due the prog- ress of the community along the lines of financial and material development.
ILLIAM P. TAYLOR is Cashier of the People's Bank and ex-Mayor of Brown- ing. Linn County, Mo. His birth occur- red in Benton Township, Linn County, in 1861. his father having emigrated from his native State. Tennessee, in 1836, and settled upon a farm in that locality. His mother was formerly Miss Caro- line Bingham. also of Tennessee. and their family comprised five sons, who are all engaged in agri- cultural pursuits in this county. They are: George. John. Charles. William and Albert. Our subject's paternal grandfather built the first house in Lin- neus, the county seat.
Mr. Taylor assisted his father in carrying on the homestead and attended the district schools. He afterward pursued a course of study in Columbu- University, in Boone County. Mo. After gradu- ating from that institution he taught school for
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seven years, and after graduating from the law de- partment of the same school in 1885. he engaged in ! a general law practice in connection with the bank- ing business. His partner was Morgan Leonard. of Browning, until in October. 1892, when the latter was called from this life. Since the death of Mr. Leonard, Mr. Taylor has been in partner- ship with his son, F. O. Leonard. They carry on a regular banking and exchange business, and the bank ranks among the substantial ones of the county.
In 1886 Mr. Taylor wedded Maud Leonard. of Browning, who was reared in this village and who is a daughter of Morgan Leonard, the former part- ner of our subject. They have three daughters, Ada, Fannie and Bertha.
Mr. Taylor is an adherent of the Democrat party, and in the fall of 1888 was elected a representa- tive of his party to the State Legislature. in wineh position he remained for two years. lle was also the Mayor of Browning for the same length of time, and is altogether considered one of the prominent and influential men of the county. Ile is a member of Bisswell Lodge No. 510, A. F. & A. M .; of Browning Lodge, I. O. O. F., and also has membership with the Knights of Pythias.
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L EWIS BLAKSLEY. The porcine interests of the Central States have grown to such immense proportions as to assume a na- tional finaneial interest, indeed one might add in- ternational interest, for the question whether Ger- many will or will not receive our export in this line has at various times been enough to raise a war cloud. Our subject, Mr. Blaksley, is a promi- nent factor in the local interests of the business at Carrollton. Perhaps he is more widely known, however, as Commander of the Grand Army Post of this city.
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and of Scotch descent. In 1859 he engaged in the oil business in Venango County. and in prospect- ing for the slippery fluid he, like many others, lost all he had. about $15,000. More fortunate than many others, however. he regained Ins lost fortune and is now one-fourth owner of twenty good wells in Butler County and also has several fine farms. He is a straight Republican.
Our subjeet's mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Harris, a daughter of William Harris, a na- tive of Virginia, was born in Butler County. She was the mother of six children, four sons and two daughters. Of these the sons still survive. while one of the daughters is deceased.,
The original of this sketch was reared on his father's farm until about fifteen years of age. Hle attended the common school, acquiring a good rudimentary education, and in 1859 went with his father into the oil business in Venango County. and was also operating for some little time in Franklin, the same county. In August, 1862. he enlisted in Company C. One Hundred and Thirty- fourth Pennsylvania Infantry. He was mustered in at llarrisburgh and sent to Washington with the Army of the Potomac. With these noted vet- erans he took part in the following battles: sec- ond battle of Bull Run, South Mountain, Antie- tam, Fredericksburg. Chancellorsville, and was in numerous skirmishes. Ile was mustered out of serviee in September, 1864, and went back into the oil business, this time operating for himself. Ile finally struck "a gusher," which he operated until 1866. He was a member of the Work Oil Com- pany.
In 1866 Mr. Blaksley sold out his oil interests and went to De Witt. Mo. He for a time engaged in the drug business there in partnership with Dr. Logan, of that place, remaining there for two years. Hle then went to Norborne, where he built a store and stocked it with a good supply of drugs. taking as partner Dr. C. W. Heidel. He continued at that only one year, and then came to Carroll- ton. where he went into the grocery business with Mr. Scott. For two years he carried .on a whole- sale and retail trade and was very successful.
Mr. Blaksley was born in Butler County. Pa., August 17. 1811. His father, Andrew Blak-ley. was born in the same locality, and his grandfather, Lewis, was a native of Washington County of the . In 1881, he went to Kansas and located in Hoxic. same State. He was a farmer in Butter County , Sheridan County. He built a store there, which he
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