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 66
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 66
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 66
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 66
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 66
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At the tender age of ten years Joseph W. Dor- ton began the struggle of life for himself, and from his early childhood up to his present ma- ture age his career has been marked by perse- vering industry and distinguished by pronounced success. After the death of his father, James B. Dorton, he took upon himself the care of the fam- ily, and nobly fulfilled the obligations he then as- sumed. Our subject was married December 17, 1863, to Miss Mary Good, by whom he became the father of six children, two of whom died in infancy; four are yet surviving. Ilis excellent wife died July 1, 1873, leaving him with the eare of a family of small children. the youngest little more than a habe. In 1871, our subject married Miss Beatrice Butcher, who survived her marriage only eleven months and ten days, and her infant. then but a few days old. is now almost eighteen years of age. For the third time Mr. Dorton en- tered into the marriage relation, and unfortunate in his selection of a life partner. was released from these matrimonial bonds by due process of law.
Our subject, believing that outside of domestic happiness the world has but little worth, again married. and now enjoys the comforts conferred by a true home and pleasant surroundings. Mrs. Dorton, a most estimable lady, is a mother to the children of her husband and a faithful companion and helpmate. Aside from his other business Mr.
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Dorton is an extensive shipper of grain, and in his mill and upon the farm is ably assisted by his enterprising sons, who are numbered among the rising and representative young men of Ray County. Commanding the esteem and high ie- gard of all who know him, our subject has a host of earnest friends who. in the fall of 1892. placed his name at the head of the Independent ticket as the Representative of the county. but the ticket suffered defeat. In political affiliations. Mr. Dor- ton is not swayed by party considerations, but. a man of upright principles, clear brain and extel- lent judgment, gives his vote. after intelligent consideration. to the best man for the place, and in so doing most truly fulfills his obligation as a true and patriotic American citizen.
ON. JOHN G. HOUSTON, the subject of this sketch, has figured so prominently and in so many public enterprises and offices. and has contributed individually so greatly to the improvement of Carrollton. that his name well deserves a conspicuous place in the annals of the town. He has charge of the largest insurance agency here. Mr. Houston, who is an ex-Mayor of the city, was born in Lexington, La Fayette County, Mo., July 6, 1846. He is a son of G. C. Houston. who was born in Flemingsburgh. Ky. His grandfather. Abner Houston. was a native of Virginia and of Scotch deseent, who traced his an- eestry without a break as far back as 1160.
Our subject's father was educated in Flemings- burgh and graduated from the medical college of Lexington, Ky. In 1815. he removed to Lexing- ton. Mo., for the practice of his profession, and the next year started for California. taking the over- land route. If he did not make his fortune dur- ing that eventful trip. he at least found plenty of employment for his medical skill among the ad- venturons ofd age and youth that passed in an un- cea-ing stream over the plains. He remained in California eighteen months and then returned to Missouri, when he practiced his profession in sev- eral places. finally locating on a farm on the
bottom lands. six miles southeast of Carrollton. Here be united the practice of his profession and his agricultural occupation. In 1855, he went to Kansas and engaged in the war against John Brown in putting down local disturbances.
Oar subject's mother was Miss Elizabeth Chinn before her marriage. She was born in Mason Conuty, Ky .. and was a daughter of Elijah Chinn. She still lives and is now the wife of Judge 1. M. Berndon, a farmer near this city. John G. Hou -- ton is the sole living child of his father's family. Ile came to Carrollton in the spring of 1855, and has since lived here. Ile resided with his mother on the farm until twenty-two years of age and had but limited school advantages. His first marriage took place in this county, his bride being Miss Cordelia Briscoe. They immediately located on a farm six miles north of the city, to which they come in 1870. Hle opened a cigar store here and conducted a retail business for three years, after which he launched into the insurance business, which he has been enlarging until he is now the most important agent in the county, writing up policies for the following companies: Etna; Ger- man-American; North American; Liverpool & Lon- don and Globe; Royal; Connecticut; Home of New York; Springfield; Phoenix and Norwich Union. Mr. Houston is one of the leading insurance men of the State. He also does considerable business in writing up life policies and those for glass and tornadoes. Since his business has assumed such proportions, he has given it his exclusive atten- tion. He has had an office in the Minck Building for sixteen years.
Mrs. Cordelia Houston died, leaving her hus- band two children: G. Briscoe and Mabel. The former is a graduate of the dental college of St. Louis, and is now located at Willow Springs. Our subjeet married a second time. his wife being a Miss Dollie Vaughn, born in Kentucky and reared in La Fayette County. She also died. in January, 1871. His third wife was also a Ken- tucky Indy, whose name was Jenme Kelsey. Their marriage occurred in November, 1872, and has been blessed by two children, Howard K. and John G .. . Ir.
Mr. Houston was Township Clerk for three terms and City Clerk for five terms, In 1885, he was
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elected Mayor on the Democratic ticket. The fol- lowing year he was re-elected and again in 1890 and 1891. During his tenure of office the water works were put in the city and the principal part of the macadamizing of the streets was accom- plished. Also the Fire Department was enlarged and re organized. It is much to say in his capac- ity as insurance agent that he has never had a suit, nor has pot a claim unsettled. Fraternally, he belongs to the Ancient Order of I'nited Work- men, also to the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows. In church matters, he and his wife believe with the Christian denomination, and in politics he is an ardent Democrat and is Chairman of the City Democratic Convention.
E RNEST KELLERSTRASS. the energetic and enterprising proprietor of a wholesale and retail liquor store in Excelsior Springs, Clay County, is a prominent and generous citizen, ever ready to aid the suffering and needy, and lib- eral in matters of local enterprise and improve- ments. Our subject was born October 6, 1864, in Peoria, Ill., and is the son of Robert and Mar- guerite (Angustine) Kellerstrass, natives of Ger- many. The parents emigrated to America when quite young, settling in Peoria, where they pros- perously kept an hotel for over thirty years. Their healthy, happy family of three daughters and five sons-Christ. Joseph, Charles, Robert. Ernest. Mag- gie, Minnie and Pickie-are married and living in Peoria, except our subject. The father was a man of exceptional ability and a splendid financier. and at his death left a small fortune to his fam- ily. He was the owner of a large real-estate inter- est in the city, of which ten acres lie in the very heart of Peoria, and are now of great value. He was a man of kindly and affectionate disposition, and was devoted to his wife and children.
The good old mother yet survives and receives the care and attention which she well deserves from her sons and daughters. Throughout her many years as a loving wife she has never failed to cheer and comfort in hours of adversity of
sorrow, and to her little ones was a true mother. ministering to their every want. In the last hours of her beloved husband she sustained him with soothing words, and faithfully until death did them part gave him the sunshine of her pre-ence.
Our subjeet received a common-school education. and was early trained in the practical duties which well fitted him to best make his way in the world. Ilis natural ability was an important factor in aiding him in his upward path. and at fourteen years of age he became a bread-winner, and. al- though comparatively young in years, has gained a comfortable competence. Hle has a decided tal- ent as an inventor, his last patented article. a churn, proving remunerative and yielding him excellent returns.
Mr. Kellerstrass had an attractive wife, who in her maidenhood was Miss Emily Gusewelle. and has three charming children, a daughter, Gracie. and two bright little sons, Robert and Carl. The estimable wife and mother passed away of heart failure on the 5th of April, 1892, her husband being absent at the time in Arkansas. He was sent for, but when he reached home the spirit had fled and his beloved wife was no more. The sudden death of this lovely young woman was a great bereavement to a large circle of mourning relatives and friends, and to her devoted husband was an irreparable loss. Her memory will long be fragrant in the hearts of all who knew her. The little boys are living with their Grandmother Kellerstrass in Peoria. and Gracie is with her aunt. Miss Oppenheimer, of St. Joseph, Mo. Little Gracie is a lovely and lovable child, attractive in person and unusually sweet in mind and heart. She is the idol of her father and beloved by all who know the winning little girl. The venerable and motherly aunt with whom she resides reared and educated her mother.
The parents of Mrs. Kellerstrass live in Atch- ison, Kan., where her father is a wholesale liquor dealer and real-estate owner. He is a German by birth and has five children, all of whom are living but Emily. Mrs. Kellerstrass. Our sub- jeet is a valued member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is also connected with the Knights of l'ythias of Excelsior Springs.
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Ile is a practical business man of integrity. and. as a citizen. is ever ready to do his share in the promotion of local advancement. Genial in his manners and cordial in expression, he has a host of sincere friends.
OHN S. LEWIS, the efficient, enterprising and popular General Manager. Secretary and Treasurer of the Lewis Mercantile Company. within whose large establishment. located in Excelsior Springs, may be found the best and most complete stock of dry goods, eloth- ing, boots, shoes, hats, caps, and gents' furnishing goods in Clay County, is fully equal to all the de- mands of his position and is a young man of ex- ceutive business ability and indomitable energy. Our subject was born July 4, 1861, and is the son of Stephen and Margaret E. Lewis. The father was born near Danville. Mo., in 1835, and, a far- mer by occupation. cultivates his fine homestead of two hundred and twenty-five acres adjacent to Richmond, Ray County. and is a heavy stock- feeder. now having on hand $7.000 worth of stock. Stephen Lewis is widely known and has long been numbered among the substantial men, leading citi- zens and representative agrieulturists of Missouri. lle is a strong Democrat and an earnest supporter of the principles of the party.
The mother was a daughter of Thomas Hamilton. a native of Kentucky, who settled in Ray County. Mo., in an early dav. Grandfather Lewis was also a native of Kentucky, as were his immediate an- cestors. Our subject is the only living child of his parents, one daughter, Matilda, having died in childhood. John S. received only the edu- cation attainable in the common schools of his home locality but well improved every opportunity to gain instruction. and with a fund of native ability has with industrious self-reliance won his upward way to a position of large trust and re- sponsibility. Ever since he was sixteen years of age, although remaining at home with his father, he has really engaged in business for himself and to his father's practical advice, encouragement and .
training our subjeet undoubtedly owes a large share of his youthful success in life. October 28. 1885, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage with Miss Minerva E. Dale, daughter of M. G. Dale, County Judge of Ray County, and an extensive general agriculturist and successful stock-raiser. The at- tractive and cultured wife of our subject occupies a leading position in the society of Clay County and enjoys the esteem of a large circle of true friends:
Four children have blessed with their presence the beautiful home, but one little one passed away in infancy. Minnie, born June 16. 1887; Glen, April 25, 1890, and Charlie, October 10, 1892, are all bright and promising children, the sunshine and joy of the household. In 1879, Mr. Lewis in company with his father engaged in mercantile trade, opening a general store at Crab Orchard. Ray County. He continued there until 1888, in the meantime starting a similar establishment at Prathersville, in Clay County. In the year 1888, they consolidated the two stores and located the business at Excelsior Springs, in what is now the Bank of Excelsior Springs Building. Upon Febru- ary 6. 1822, a charter was received from the State incorporating a company styled the Lewis Mer- cantile Company, with Stephen Lewis as President. D. S. Shelton as Vice-president, and John S. Lewis Secretary, Treasurer and General Manager. Our subject has since the infancy of this prosperous es- tablishment done all the buying of the immense variety of stock, which they keep constantly re- plenished with the newest and most desirable styles of goods upon the market.
Under the watchful supervision of our subjeet. the enterprise has from the first proven an assured success, and the trade constantly extending its carly limits now embraces a large outside territory and is assuming most liberal proportions and far exceeding what was at first expected. Our subject. is too busy a man to seek or even desire political promotion, but is a sturdy Democrat and a firm believer in the principles of the party of the peo- ple. Fraternally, he is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and is associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows: he also belongs to the Knight- of Pythias. Mr. Lewis is
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in every sense of the word a thoroughly practical man, neglecting no duty and conducting his affairs with an eye to the future. He carries a life policy . in the Equitable, of New York, and thus provi- dently provides for his family in the event of his sudden demise. A generons man. liberal in the proper use of the money at his disposal, our sub- jeet is ever ready to assist in local enterprise and works of charity. Widely and favorable known throughout Ins native State, he commands the re- spect and high esteem of a host of sincere friends.
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UDGE JOHN R. STORY. In reviewing the contents of this volume no adequate idea of the agricultural affairs of Clay County, or of its substantial citizens. could be formed did it fail to make mention of Judge Story and the excellent estate which he owns. llis residence tract is a valuable piece of land, on which all kinds of grain indigenous to the country are grown, and everything about his property pro- nounces him an agriculturist of enterprise and progress, such as he is acknowledged to be. Stock- raising has also received considerable attention at his hands and he has always taken pride in raising a good grade of animals. Judge Story hails from the Blue Grass State, in Anderson County of which he was born August 2, 1822, his father, John Story, having been born in Woodford County in 1800. In 1829 Clay County. Mo .. became his home, and in the spring of the following year he entered the farm on which the subject of this sketch now lives, and which was then in its primitive state. Later, he bought one hundred and sixty acres ad- joining. and from there he went to join the great majority in 1882. Politically, he was a Democrat, and was inclined to the Baptist belief in his relig- ious views. Possessing principles of the highest order, he was accordingly highly respected and had numerous warm personal friends. His wife. Mary Posey, was born in AAnderson County. Ky., in 1801, a daughter of James Posey, who served with distinction in the War of 1812 under Gen. Jackson, as did also the paternal grandfather. The
mother died September 9. 1860, after having borne a large family of children, two of whom passed from life in infancy, one in Louisville, Ky .. white the family were on their way to Missouri: the sce- ond one after reaching their destination. The other children are John R .; James Thomas; Eliza Jane. Mrs. Horace Lynn; Sarah Ellen, Mrs. William Mc- Kinney; Ann, Mrs. John Ford; Mary. Mrs. Benja- min Wheat; Frances V., Mrs. Moses Chaney; and Wiloam S. After being left a widower, Mr. Story married Mrs. Mary ( Wisehart) Fry in 1863. who bore him one daughter. Bertha, who with her mother efter his death moved to Indiana.
Judge John R. Story remained with his father until he attained his majority and aided in clearing the home farm, his days being spent in splitting rails, cutting wood and grubbing, and it may be truly said that he did more in this respect than any other man now residing in the county. Owing to the fact that he was compelled to go from two to four miles to school, and that his ser- vices were in great demand on the farm. he did not attend at all regularly, but being desirous of ob- taining a good education. he pursued his studies at home. The schoolhouses of his day were very primitive log structures, the floors of which were invariably of mother earth. The Judge's reminis- cenees of his boyhood days are very interesting. his hunting stories being especially amusing. On the 28th of March, 1844. he took a wife in the person of Miss Artelia Crossette, a daughter of William and Mary Crossette, whose .parents were born on the Isle of Erin. and emigrated to the New World, settling in North Carolina, where Mrs. Story was born. This lady was exceptionally well educated, and possessed an amiable and admirable character. She died November 1, 1887. a member of the Old-school Presbyterian Church. She became the mother of eight children, but only two survived her. a son and daughter: Laura Jane. wife of Hugh Scudder; and Clayburn 1., who married Miss Virginia Wysong, and lives in Clay County.
May 8. 1888, Mr. Story married his second wife. Mrs. Naney E. ( Nicholls) Fawcett, daughter of Henry H. and Mary C. Nicholls, of Kentucky. who were born in 1817 and 1821. respectively. In an carly day they settled in Clay County, Mo ..
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and here reared their family, which consisted of twelve children, of whom Mrs. Story was the fifth and is now one of the six surviving members. Mirs. Story was born in Clay County, July 16, 1817, and was first married to Ralph Fawcett March 10, 1861.
Judge Story has been a lifelong Democrat and for many years has been a conspicuous figure in political circles. In 1888 he was elected County Judge and the two years that he wore the judicial ermine he distinguished himself. At the opening of the Civil War he organized a company of state troops for the Confederate service. but afterward resigned command of the same and returned home, and did not again seek to enter service. Hle and his father were both slave-holders. but fortunately he did not hold many at the time of the Emanci- pation Proclamation. The Judge attributes his success in life to hard work and close attention to business, and says that by breaking hemp he se- cured means with which to purchase his first slave, a negro boy. for whom he gave $1.000. He is a member of Clay Lodge No. 207. 1. F. & A. M .. and is a member of the Old-school Presbyte- rian Church, his wife being a member of the Chris- tian Union Church. The Judge has five grand- children of whom he has every reason to be proud.
M ADISON J. BENSON, a leading citizen. prosperous business man, and the present efficient Postmaster at Excelsior Springs, Clay County. handles with executiveabil- ity all matters connected with the office entrusted to his official care, and has won the confidence of the general public. Our subject is a native of New England and was born in Worcester. Vt., March 19. 1841. Hle is the son of Hazel and Philena ( Atwood) Benson, long-time residents of the Green Mountain State, of which the father was a native, having been born in the year 1800. He was a lifetime farmer, and after a career of usefulness passed away in 1865, within the bound- aries of his carly home. His good wife was born
in Waterbary, Mass., in the year 1806 and died in 1867. having survived her husband about two years.
Our subject, was reared upon his father's farm and received a good common-school education. and attained to manhood earnest, energetic and self-reliant. Lessons of true patriotism he had also learned among the rocks and rills of Old Ver- mont, and when the Government issued the order " to arms," there was no hesitation about answer- ing the appeal, and upon August 16, 1861, Madi- son J. Benson, then but seventeen years of age, enlisted in Company Il, Sixth Vermont Infantry. After serving bravely upon the field for two years, he was, because of severe wounds received before Richmond and at Fair Oaks, honorably discharged from military duty and returned home. After re- covering from his painful wounds, the plucky boy re-enlisted March 5. 1864, in Company E, Seven- teenth Vermont Veteran Regiment, as Sergeant. and bore the colors safely through Grant's long campaign. When he was mustered out at the close of the war he was Second Lieutenant, having been promoted for gallant conduct upon the field. In- cidenis of the battles, heroic suffering and priva- tions cheerfully borne are related with touching pashos by Mr. Benson, who witnessed scenes of daily heroism unwritten within the annals of pub- lie history, but never to be forgotten by their par- ticipants.
The war ended, the Lieutenant visited his early home and then came to Missouri, and located in Daviess County, where he engaged in general ag- riculture and stock-raising for seventeen years. In 1882 he removed with his family to Caldwell County, Mo., and prosperously conducted a mill- ing business until 1887. when he decided to open a hardware establishment in Excelsior Springs. lle had been about three years in this business when, in April, 1892, he received his appointment as Postmaster and sold out his store and devoted himself to the demands of his office.
October 4. 1869, Madison J. Benson and Miss Margaret Caster were united in marriage. Mrs. Benson is the daughter of Reason and Margaret Caster, of Ohio, and is the youngest daughter and the third child of five in order of birth. She is a
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woman of genuine worth and real nobility of character. Her parents are yet living, though well advanced in years, and both are devout members of the Christian Church. The father is a veteran of the Civil War and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Our subject and his ex- cellent wife are the parents of eight einldren: Gertrude M., born December 2. 1871; Enima F., December 21, 1873; Bertie N., January 2, 1877; Blanche E., December 12, 1878; George R., Feb)- ruary 14, 1880; Harry M., February 4, 1832; Rus- sie. December 7, 1885; and Nelson II .. April 26, 1889. Gertrude is the wife of Robert L. Mitchell and lives in Kansas City; Emina and Bertie ate both graduates of Thayer College. Kansas City. the former now being Deputy Postmaster and a most charming official.
Mr. Benson wears the button of the Grand Arms; of the Republic and affiliates with the Masonic ira- ternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows. Ile has filled high posts of honor in the latter society and ever endeavors to live up to the teachings of the order. Our subject is a most affable and courteous gentlemen and is a socia! favorite. Worthily holding a high position in the regard of the community, he has ever proved a true friend, brave soldier, faithful official and up- right citizen.
ILL R. VANHOOZER is well known in Orrick and throughout Ray County. Mo., as the efficient and versatile editor of the Orrick Times, a breezy, newsy and well-conducted sheet, that is issued in the interests of Democracy,". which party he has supported since attaining his majority by precept, through the columns of his paper, and by example at the ballot box. He was born in Ray County. July 12, 1861, and has taken pride in the progress and development of his native county, using every means at his com- mand in futhering her interests. It has been his aim, since taking upon himself the duties of his present position. to make the Orrick Times the best family journal posible, a wide-awake and reliable
newspaper, and it has been in sympathy with every liberal tendency, progressive movement and live thought which gives promise of securing the pro -- perity and elevation of the people; its best energie -. however. are for the interests of the town and county, and no effort is spared to make it worthy of generous patronage and hearty support.
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