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 75
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 75
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 75
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 75
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 75
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The Doctor's boyhood days were passed in the Old Dominion, where he acquired a good common- school education. On arriving at his majority. he entered the l'niversity of Virginia, which is lo- cated at Alexandria. where he pursued a two years" course of study. After this, entering the Amer- ican Eclectic Medical College, at Cincinnati, Ohio. he completed his medical education, graduating from that institution" in 1866. Hle first located in Kanawha County, W. Va., where he continued in practice until 1871. In the spring of that year Dr. Waldon emigrated to Missouri. and for twenty- one years devoted himself to the practice of hi- profession in Miami Station. Carroll County. In August. 1892, the Doctor finally located in Tina. where he has built up a large and increasing prac- tice. lle owns a nice little farm of fifty acres, which is well improved and yields a good income.
In 1858 Dr. Waldon and Mis- Martha Ca-dorph were united in marriage. The lady was a daughter of Azariah Casdorph, who was born in Virginia. Dr. and Mrs. Waldon became the parents of six chil-
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
dren, two of whom are deceased. The living mem- bers of the family are Elizabeth, who is the wife of Simon P. Squires, of this county; Maranda, wife of J. G. Craig, also of this county; Henry C., who mar- ried Miss Lithe Hill. a native of West Virginia, and resides in Tina; and Florence E., who resides, at home. Our subject was called upon to mourn the loss of his devoted wife December 15, 1891. She was a lady possessed of many amiable qualities, which endeared her to all. Dr. Waldon uses his right of franchise in favor of the Republican party, and, socially, is a member of De Witt Lodge No. 39, A. F. & A. M.
AMES A. SMITH. M. D., the able publisher of the Marceline Journal, is one of the most progressive citizens of Lim County. A finely educated man. of undoubted integrity of character, he enjoyed an extended professional practice for many years. and was Surgeon for the Santa Fe Railroad. Retiring from medical work, he assumed editorial duties, and was a prominent ! factor in the upbuilding of Marceline, of which town he has been. since 1889, the popular Post- master. Ilis presence is a familiar one in the im- portant gatherings of the State and county, and although an ardent Republican. he numbers scores of friends in the opposing party.
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Our subject was born in Farmland. Ind., May 10, 1816, and is the son of Jesse F. and Mary Il. (Bales) Smith. Josse F. Smith was a native of North Carolina. and of Scoteh-English descent. He came with his family to Missouri in 1857. and settling in Mercer County, became the pastor of a Christian Church. During the war he removed to lowa, and in 1865 returned to Missouri, loca- ting in Grundy County. Later he made Mont- gomery County his home, and thence came to Mar- celine, where he resided until his death. November 30, 1890. lle was a man of more than usual abil- ity. and enjoyed the confidence of a large circle of friends. As a minister of the Gospel. he accom- plished much good, but was obliged to retire from the pulpit on account of ill-health several years
prior to his death. During the last two years of his life he was confined to his bed, but bore his sufferings with patience and resignation.
The mother of our subjeet, Mrs. Mary H. Smith, was born in Ohio, and was of distinguished Quaker paren tage and English ancestry. She now resides in Galt, Grundy County, Mo. Dr. Smith received an excellent primary education in early boyhood. and at fifteen years of age enlisted. August 12. 1861, in Company F. Fifth Kansas Cavalry. and the following March was transferred to the Tenth Kansas Infantry. He re-enlisted in the same regi- ment as a veteran January 1, 1861, and was hou- orably discharged as First Sergeant September 20, 1865. Our subject participated with bravery in the following engagements: Newtonia and Morristown, Mo .; Locust Grove, I. T .; Cane Hill and Prairie Grove, Ark .; Columbia. Spring Hill and Franklin. Tenu. After a two-day- battle at Nashville, he was wounded in the head by a shell, causing paralysis, from which he has never fully recovered. He was also in the thick of the assault on Ft. Blakely, Ala .. and was constantly at the front. daily sharing the privation and danger of the other solchers until the close of the war. When peace once more resumed its prosperous sway in the American nation, our subject turned his at- tention to preparation for the medieal profession. and having completed a thorough course in the Ft. Wayne Medical College. graduating with honor in 1871. he entered upon a successful round of duty in Montgomery, Pike, Monroe and Linn Counties. In 1888. he founded the Marceline Journal, which he still prosperously conducts. In 1889, he was appointed Postmaster, and in April of the same year abandoned the active duties of his profession.
February 18, 1861, Dr. Smith was united in mar- riage with Miss Ruth Quimby, of Alton. Ill. This estimable lady. after becoming the mother of s son and a daughter, Charles E. and Hattie M., pas-ed away November 29, 1871. Our subject again en- tered into marriage relations September 1. 1871. then wedding Mis- Priscilla A. Watkins, of Price's Branch, Montgomery County, Mo. The second union was blessed with the birth of four children: Sanford M .; Flora, deceased; Donie E. and Roy.
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Dr. Smith has been for many years an Elder of the Christian Church, and for thirty-five years has been one of its most valued members and earnest workers in the extension of its influence. Actively associated with the leading benevolent enterprises of his locality, he is also deeply interested in the advancement of his neighborhood, and gives his ready assistance in behalf of progress. Fraternal!y, he is a valued member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and is connected with the Mas onic or- der, and the Knights of Pythia -. Politically, our subject is a Republican, and through the columns of his able paper, by his personal presence at State and county conventions, as a member of the County and Congressional District Committees and the State Central Committee. has efficiently served the party whose principles he has long maintained. A true American citizen. earnest in purpose and upright in character. he commands the high ro- gard of the general public and possesses a host of sincere friends.
ACOB A. LEABO, Excelsior Springs, Mo. The calling of the druggist is without doubt a responsible and important one. and nece -- sitates in its proper conduct men of exper- ience and intelligence. The establishment of which Mr. Leabo is a joint proprietor is under his capa- ble management, and the care which he has ever exercised has been amply repaid by the lucrative support which has been tendered him, and by the good-will of the entire community. He was born in Ray County, Mo .. November 1, 1834, but his father was a Kentuckian, born in 1811. When a lad he was brought to Missouri by his parents, who were among the frontier settlers of the State, long before the days of railroads and public schools. and here amid the rude surroundings of pioneer life he was reared. At the age of nineteen years he married Sarah Wilson. daughter of Eli Wilson, of Tennessee, and very soon after settled on a farm of one hundred and twenty aeres in Knox- ville Township, Ray County, which he cleared and improved, the old log house which is still stand-
ing on the place being the birthplace of the sub- jeet of this sketch. To this worthy couple six chil- dreu were born : Jacob 1 .; Adam J., who died while in the Union army, leaving a wife and a son; Pelina. Mrs. Whitt, a resident of Daviess County. Mo .: Sarah F., Ar -. Paugh. who lives in Polo, Caldwell County, Mo., and Elizabeth. Mrs. Culver. living in Daviess County. The mother of these children died in 1848, after which the father married Mi-s Mary Thompson, of Ray County, and of Indiana stock. to which union three children were given. two dy- ing in infancy. Martha, the surviving member. moved with her husband and family to salt Lake City, Utah, in 1590, in which place her husband. Mr. Olen, is a successful merchant. Our subject's father was called from life May 11, 1880.
Although Jacob A. Leabo had no opportunities for obtaining an education in his youth. he. by elf application. became a well-posted young man. and although brought up to farm work. he began his independent career as a school teacher. On the 12th of April, 1860, he was married to Miss Sarah A. Milstead, the eldest of ten children born to Campbell and Narcissus Milstead. the other mem- bers of the family being James, of Oregon: Jane: Jolin II., of Daviess County; Riley MI., of Caldwell County, Mo .; Amanda, Mrs. Cadman, a resident of Missouri; Eliza, Mrs. Smith, a resident of Mus- catine, Iowa; Cynthia A., Mrs. Shepherd. of Davies- County, and Charles, also of that county. After his marriage Mr. Leabo settled on the farm on which he was born, where he successfully tilled the soil until the fall of 1877. when he went to Lath- rop, Mo., and opened a drug establishment. where 'he conducted a prosperous business until January 1, 1888, at which time he sold out. although he still owns his residence there, and came to Excel- sior Springs, clerking for M. A. Finley in a drug store, Mr. Leabo and Mrs. M. S. Flack purchasing the stock in 1890. This establishment is fitted up and conducted in a first-class manner and is in the enjoyment of a trade that is highly satisfactory and a credit to the proprietors and the town.
Mr. Leabo is the father of three children: Julia- ettie, born January 12. 1861. is the wife of Dr. B. F. Rogers, residing at No. 2005 Jefferson Avenue. Kan-a- City, Mo., and is the mother of three chil-
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPINCAL RECORD.
dren; Amanda J. is the wife of W. K. Marett. a minister of the Missionary Baptist Church, and a dealer in marble at Lathrop, Mo .. and has had seven children, tive living and two deceased; and Adda F., wife of James Bundren, a silver miner of Aspen, Colo., has one child. Mr. Leabo left his farm and moved to town in order that his children might receive good educational advan- tages. and they wisely improved their opportuni- ties. At one time he held the rank of Second Lieutenant in the State Militia. and after the close of the Civil War was elected Superintendent of Schools. which office he filled with exceptional ability, organizing the first Teachers' Institute of Ray County. He belongs to the Knights of Honor, and he and his wife are active workers in the Christian Union Church.
ON. THOMAS D. EVANS for nearly twenty- five years has been engaged in farming on section 25. township 58, range 22. Linn County. He is a leading politician and influential inan in this district, having occupied many important publie positions. In 1872 he was elected Supervisor of Parson Creek Township, the Supervisors of the county forming the County Court. A year later he was made Trustee. and in 1874 Assessor of the township, being re-elected in the following year. In 1882 he was elected a mem- ber of the County Court. to which position he was re-elected two years later. In 1890 he was elected to the Thirty-sixth General Assembly of Missouri. serving on a number of important committees, viz .: Township Organization, Penitentiary and In- ternal Improvement. In the extra session he served on the Committee of Judicial Districts of the State, and was active in the following acts of the Legislature: Text Book Law. Reduction of Interest. Weekly Payment Bill. Reduction of Freight Rates on Railroad-, and Anti-Trust Bill. He was a warm advocate at the extra session of the rebuilding of the State University. When the Thirty-seventh Assembly met his name was prom- inently mentioned for Chief Clerk of the House.
He has served as County Central Congmitteeman of his party for years.
The Evans family is of Welsh and English de- scent, and wa- numbered among the pioneers in Kentucky. The great-grandfather of our subject Was one of a party with Daniel Boone, who first settled in that State. and was a participant in all of Boone's battle, with the Indians. On the mater- nal side the great-grandfather. Conrad Cornelison. was also a member of Daniel Boone's party and a sturdy Indian fighter. The old log block-houses which were erected by tho-e early pioneers are still standing, relies of the first inroads of civi- lization upon the wilderness, which then abounded with savages and wild beasts. John Evans, the grandfather, was a native of Kentucky, and was in service under Gen. William Henry Harrison in the Black Hawk War. He saw Col. Johnston kill the Indian chief. Teemisch, and stood by the body after life was extinct. He was an officer in the army and a man of great bravery and daring.
Our subject is a son of William S. and Paulina J. (Cornelison) Evans, both natives of Madison County, Ky. The father was born in 1818, and the mother six years later. She was a daughter of Thomas and Ehzabeth (Dulana) Cornelison. The father was a stage contractor in Kentucky for twenty-four years, and was an extensive ship- per of horses to the South. He was married in 1842, and resided in London. Ky., until 1856, when, with his family, he removed to Missouri. carrying on a farm in Pettis County for a few years. Thence he removed to Cooper and later to Saline County. At different times he owned as many as a dozen farms. in 1864. coming to Livingston County. he located near Wheeling. where he engaged in shipping stock and merchan- dising, buying most of his stock in the vicinity and selling the same in St. Louis. He was an old- line Whig. and during the war, and after it until 1876. was in sympathy with the Democratic party. He was several times a candidate for official honors. but was always in the minority party. He was an active member of the Christian Church until his death in 1888. His wife was called to her final home in 1860.
Mr. Evans is the oldest living child in his fa-
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAAPDICAL RECORD.
ther's family of four, but two of whom are liv- ing. His birth occurred in Madison County, Ky., September 6, 1814. and his boyhood days were passed in London, Ky., where he received his early education. At the age of twenty years he started out to make his own way, beginning as a salesman at Meadville, Mo. Later he entered a firm at that place, at first as a silent partner, but after- ward became the sole proprietor of the bus .. Dess. In 1861 he was station and express agent at that place, and about the same time was ap- pointed Postmaster, which position he occupied four years. In 1869 he sold out his mercantile business and removed to his present farm, which was partly improved. and to which he has added additional land, now owning three hundred and twenty acres of well-improved land.
In this township, in the year 1868, Mr. Evans and Miss Naney A. Botts were united in marriage The lady is a daughter of seth Botts. Sr., who was a prominent man in this community, and :n the War of 1812 was actively engaged. Ile was a Lieutenant in Capt. Hamilton's company of Ten- nessee Ritles, and was with Gen. Jackson at the battle of New Orleans. He was born in 1786, and became a settler in Howard County, Mo .. about the year 1822. The early name of Mead- ville was Bottsville, so called after his family. His death occurred in 1872. at which time he was the owner of two thousand acres, situated in a body in this county. He had acquired his for- tune through his own efforts entirely, as on land- ing in Missouri he was without capital. He was very prominent in politics and a Deaeon in the Baptist Church. The mother of Mrs. Evans was in her girlhood Miss Elizabeth Littrell, a native of Madison County, Ky. Her parents, JJoseph and Duleie Littrell, emigrated to Missouri over sey- enty-five years ago, locating m Howard County, where they were both called from this life. Mrs. Botts is still living at the advanced age of sev- enty-seven years. Mis. Evans was born in town- ship 58 in the year 1819. By her marriage she has been the mother of nine children. three of whom are deceased. The others are as follows: Edwin E., Seth D., William B., Walter E., Adella and Cornelison. The oldest, Edwin E. has been
a student of the State University for three years. and it is the intention of Mr. Evans to give his chilihen exceptional advantages in the way of an education.
Our subjeet has always been a warm friend of education, has always voted for the longest term of school and the highest possible school tax. The family are members and attendants of the Christian Church at Meadville. Mr. Evan- is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and ot the Knights of Pythias.
ERRY S. RADER, a successful practicing attorney, and editor of the Brunswicker. a bright and able paper published in Brun -- wick and widely known in Chariton County, Mo., is a gentleman of fine literary at- tainments, and, a cultured scholar, well versed in legal knowledge, he enjoys the high regard and confidence of many friends and clients. Our sub- ject is the descendant of honored and distin- guished ancestors. Born in Carthage, Mo .. No- vember 24, 1859, he is the son of the Rev. and Mrs. A. M. Rader. The Rader family traces its anees- try back to earliest American citizenship, George Rader having emigrated to the United States from Germany many years prior to the War of the Revo- lution, in which various of his descendants took a leading part. Subsequently they became residents of Virginia, where they were numbered among the substantial citizens. The paternal grandfather of our subject, William Rader, early settled in Mis- souri. in which State his son Andrew M .. the father of Perry S., grew to manhood, and, imbibing the doctrines of Methodism, became one of the power- ful pioneer preachers of the Southwest.
The mother, I-abella A. (MeFarland) Rader, was the great-granddaughter of Sir Robert MeFarland. of Scotland, whose immediate descendants, making their homes in the State of Tennessee, there became the recipient of distinguished honors. serving as Supreme Judges of the State, and occupying other various responsible positions of trust. About 1833. Alexander McFarland, the maternal grandfather
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of our subject, settled in Missouri, locating in Johnson County, where a few years later hi- daugh- ter Isabella was united in marriage with the young preacher, Andrew Rader. The union was blessed by the birth of thirteen children. of whom eleven are still surviving. Perry s. was the eighth child of the family, which soon after his birth experi- eneed the dangers and vicissitudes of the Civil War. Ere long the Rader> were forced to flee from the scenes of guerrilla warfare which devastated the Southwestern part of the State, and removed from Jasper County to Henry, and thence to Sa- line County, where they found a safe abiding-place. and where our subjeet was reared. Trained to a round of agricultural duties. he enjoyed in boy- hood only the advantage of study at the nearest district school during the winter months, which, however, was liberally supplemented by the educa- tional atmosphere and instruction of his father's large family.
The large family whose wants must be provided for necessitated the work of every available pair of hands, but when our subject had arrived at the proper age, encouraged by his parents, he entered Central College. the leading Methodist educational institute of the State. and in 1879 was numbered among the student -. Ilis limited means would then . only permit one year of study. but with cheerful determination and buoyant hopefulness, he looked forward to later completing a thorough course of in- struction. Twelve months passed swiftly within the college halls, after which Mr. Rader began teach- ing near Marshall, and later followed that profes- sion in other parts of the State. At the expira- tion of two years he was enabled to return to college, and four years later realized the bright an- ticipations of boyhood. finishing a full classical course, and graduating in 1886 with the degree of A. B.
Having decided to engage in the duties of the legal profession. Mi. Rader began to study law in the office of Judge .I. P. Strothes. of Marshall, Mo .. Nominated to the Vice-principalship of the school- of Brunswick, our subject accepted the position. and served in that capacity for one year. He then purchased an interest in the Howard County Ader- tiser, and edited the same for one year, when he
sold out and devoted himself entirely to his legal studies. He was admitted to practice in 1888, and remained in Fayette until 1889. He then located in Brunswick, where he purchased a partnership in the Brunswicker, giving a portion of his time to the editing of the paper, and also engaging in the practice of the law.
In 1891. Mr. Rader published a small volume, "Rader's School History of Missouri," which is ex- tremely valuable as containing reliable statistics and correct data arranged in an attractive style, and adapted to the needs of the public and prepara- tory schools. In December, 1889, our subject and Miss Bennie J. Younger were united in marriage. Mrs. Rader is a lady of accomplishments and high culture, and is the youngest daughter of Mrs. Idress E. Ashby, of Brunswick. The happy union of our subjeet and his estimable wife has been blessed by the birth of two children, one son and a daughter, John Wallace and Asabel Adelaide. In common with all native American citizens, Mr. Rader is a very busy man, but he finds time to in- terest himself in local advancement and ably as- sists with pen and personal influence all meritori- ous enterprise and needed reforms. His pleasant home is the abode of hospitality, and there he and his wife welcome a host of sincere friends and ae- quaintances.
D ONIPHAN S. SHELTON. Vice-President of the Lewis Mercantile Company. was for some time one of the most successful teachers of Missouri. and later cultivated a fine homestead in Clay County, but now resides in Excelsior Springs, and devotes his time to ac- tive business. Mr. Shelton was born February 22. 1861. and is the ninth child in order of birth in a family of eleven sons and daughters, of whom but six now survive. The father, Charles C. Shel- ton. a native of Virginia, and by occupation a farmer, has long been a well-known citizen of Mis- souri. He is a valued member of the Baptist ('Imrch, and liberally aids in it- good work. Po-
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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
litically, he was for many years an ardent advo- eate of Democracy, but now gives his adherence to the People's party.
In 1812, Charles (. Shelton came from Virginia to Ray County, Mo., and in 1850 removed to Clinton County; thence he proceeded in 1853 to Platte County, and in 1871 settled in Clay County, where he now resides upon a fine farm of one hun- dred and sixty acres. Miss Emeline M. Scott. whom Charles C. Shelton married August 22, 1837, was born in Todd County, Ky., January 6, 1822. and departed this life October 8. 1892. She became a member of the Kearney Baptist Church in 1875, being baptized by the Rev. Mr. Graves, and was a devoted Christian woman. She completed three- score years and ten, and. in the sure hope of a blessed resurrection, passed to her rest. beloved by all who knew her, and mourned by her husband, children and friends. The surviving sons and daughters are: Alonzo HL .. Beverly D., Margaret E., Emma V .. Doniphan S, and Stephen D.
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The earliest years of our subject were spent on a farm, and not until he was twenty did he leave the family homestead. Meantime he had been trained in a full knowledge of agricultural work, and also attended the common schools of the neighborhood. Farming not being to his taste, he fitted himself for a teacher, and achieving suc- cess in this vocation. fully intended to make teach- ing the profession of his life; but failing health forced him to abandon his chosen employment and seek to regain his health in tilling the fertile soil of Missouri. Engaging in agriculture. he remained upon a farm until he accepted his present position and made Exselsior Springs his home.
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March 8. 1882. Mr. Shelton was united in mar- riage with Miss Laura F. Ferril. daughter of Rob- ert 1. and Sarah M. ( Means) Ferril. of Clay County. Mr. and Mrs. Ferril are both natives of Tennes- sce, but old residents of Missouri. Mrs. Shelton was born July 11, 1863, and has been the mother of three children. The first-born, little lesse Earl, was aged three years, four months and three days when death claimed Inm and he passed away to the better land: Nina, born January S. 1886; and Robert F., born Angust 10, 1888, bright and merry children, are the idols of their parents. .
Politically, our subject is in perfect accord with his father's sentiments, and heartily approves of the platform and principles of the People's party. Mrs. Shelton is a member of the Cumberland Pres- byterian Church, and is active in the good works and benevolent enterprises of that religious de- nomination. Mr. Shelton and his cultured wife occupy positions of influence and usefulness in the social circles of their locality, and extend the co ;- dial hand of greeting and warm welcome to their fireside to a host of sincere friends.
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