USA > Missouri > Johnson County > Portrait and biographical record of Johnson and Pettis counties, Missouri ; containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 77
USA > Missouri > Pettis County > Portrait and biographical record of Johnson and Pettis counties, Missouri ; containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 77
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William Thomas Deweese, who was born Octo- ber 2, 1845, near Troy, Miami County, Ohio, was brought up to farm work, and early in life trained to habits of industry and economy. He had good opportunities for obtaining an education, having attended the high school at Troy, and was later graduated from the Dayton Commercial College. He remained in his native state until about four years ago, when he came West to Mis- souri and located in Pettis County. Beside be- ing a successful farmer, he is a good business man and has intelligent views on all subjects of gen-
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eral importance. Soon after taking possession of his present farm he erected thereon a substantial dwelling, conveniently arranged and occupying a good location. While in Ohio he owned an ex- cellent estate, which was finely improved and well stocked. He is a good judge of animals, and de- votes much time to breeding good grades of cat- tle and horses. In politics he is a Republican, and in religious affairs is connected by member- ship with the Episcopal Church, in which relig- ious body his father was very prominent and in- fluential.
Willianı Deweese aided in organizing the first grange in Miami County, Ohio, of which he was a charter member and in the work of which he was greatly interested. Since coming to Pettis County he has identified himself with Maplewood Grange. He was instrumental in organizing the Sedalia Horse Collar Manufacturing Company, which was started in September, 1894, and in which he has stock. At the organization of the latter company he was elected its Treasurer. In the establishment of the Central Missouri Hedge Company he was also the prime mover, and is General Manager of the concern1.
Andrew G. Deweese was born in Miami Coun- ty, Ohio, January 9, 1850, and was there brought up to a full knowledge of farm life. His educa- tion, which was commenced in the common school, was completed in the high school of Troy. His advent into Pettis County took place in De- cember, 1878, but one year prior to this time, however, he was engaged in handling stock in Dent County, Mo. His brother Perry L. came here with him and is engaged in farming in Cedar Township. The estate of Andrew Deweese is one of the finest in the county and comprises two litundred and two fertile, well cultivated acres. His place is adorned with a good residence, barns and otlier buildings used by a first-class farmer, one and all of which are neat and well constructed. Mr. Deweese raises cattle, horses and hogs in large numbers, besides devoting a considerable portion of his land to grain raising.
Andrew G. Deweese was married in Ohio, January 28, 1874, to Miss Clara, daughter of Captain and Emily Counts, old pioneers of the
Buckeye State, where her father was one of the most prominent citizens, and where he died in 1871. In politics our subject does not differ from other members of the family, and is a true-blue Republican. He is a prominent Mason, belong- ing to the Blue Lodge and Royal Arch Chapter at Troy, Ohio, and is at present Master of Maple- wood Grange No. 654. With his good wife, he is a member in excellent standing of the Presby- terian Church, with which he has been connected since nineteen years of age, and is greatly inter- ested in Sunday-school work, being Superintend- ent of the school held in Grange Hall.
? OHN VANATTA was for ten years an hon- ored resident of Pettis County, within whose limits he was the owner of a section of land. His homestead, on which he was living at the time of his demise, in January, 1894, is located on section 23, townsliip 44, range 23.
Mr. Vanatta was a native of Pennsylvania and was born in 1840, in Beaver County, being the third member in order of birth in the parental family. James and Katie (Brobeck ) Vanatta, his parents, were also natives of the Keystone State, where they made their home until 1846, when they moved to Iowa. In that state they continued to reside until the decease of the father, whichi oc- curred about 1885. His good wife is still living, being now in the seventy-eighth year of her age.
Our subject's education was very limited, ow- ing to the fact that his parents left Pennsylvania when he was a lad of six years and moved to Iowa, where the schools were very inferior. Of course he attended the little log schoolhouse for a number of years and learned well all the branchı- es taught, but his work would have been much easier and more thorough had the teacher been competent. He was reared on a farm, and when
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ready to choose a vocation in life felt that he could make more of a success in agriculture than in any other department of work, hence spent his entire life in cultivating the soil.
John Vanatta lived in Iowa until 1873, when he removed to Jefferson County, Kan. There he re- mained until 1880, when he went to Montgomery County, Mo., and engaged in farming for a time, later going to Audrain County. The year 1884 witnessed his removal into Pettis County, where he was a very energetic and industrious farmer, at the time of his death owning one of the largest and finest estates in the county. Though only a resident here for ten years, his memory is still cherished by the many friends whom he won by his honorable and upright actions in all the re- lations of his life.
The lady to whom our subject was married in 1866 was Miss Abbie Kiser, daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Wright) Kiser, natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and Ohio. By her union with Mr. Vanatta there were born two sons and one daughter: Charles and George, both married and residing on the home farm; and Minnie, who is also at home with her mother. Mrs. Vanatta and her children are members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, while her husband worshiped with the Presbyterian Church. In politics he used the right of franchise in behalf of the Republi- can party, in whose success he was greatly in- terested. He was not an office-seeker, finding his time fully occupied in attending to his large pos- sessions and in discharging his duties as husband, father and neighbor.
ILLIAM F. POULTER. Classed among the capable and efficient agriculturists of Pettis County stands Mr. Poulter, who follows farming on section 18, township 44, range 23. He is a native of Mercer County, Ky., and was born November 26, 1846, he being the eldest member of the parental household. James and
Hannah (Thompson) Poulter, his parents, were also natives of Kentucky, to which state their re- spective parents emigrated upon leaving Virginia. The father, who is a farmer by occupation, still lives in his native state, and enjoys good health. He is an energetic, industrious man, and with his wife has the respect and confidence of the community in which he lives. There he intends to pass the remaining years of his life, surround- ed by those comforts which early years of toil have made it possible for him to enjoy.
William F., of this sketch, attended the schools of his native county, which, although greatly in- ferior to those that the youth of to-day enjoy, were the best in the locality. He was trained to a full understanding of farm work, and aided his father in carrying on the home place until seven- teen years of age. In March, 1864, he enlisted as a member of Company F, Fourth Kentucky Infantry, being mustered into service at Louis- ville, Ky., and for fifteen months participated in all of the many engagements in which his regi- ment took part. During the siege of Atlanta, however, he was taken prisoner, and confined in prison for seven long months. At the close of the war, in June, 1865, he was honorably dis- charged, but it was some time before he fully re- covered from the exposures and hardships to which he was subjected. He remained under the parental roof and gave his father his services until attaining his majority, when he began life for himself and engaged in farm work.
In February, 1881, Mr. Poulter came to Mis- souri, locating at once in Pettis County, which has been the scene of his labors ever since. Young, energetic and anxious to succeed, he went to work with a determination, and his efforts have brought him success, as to-day he occupies a place among the well-to-do and progressive citizens of the township.
William F. Poulter and Miss Elizabeth Sanders, a native of Kentucky, were united in marriage in 1867. To them has been granted a family of nine children, all of whom are living, namely: Georgean (the wife of Jesse Renfro, of this coun- ty), Andy T., Harriet E., Hannah E., Benjamin B., James T., Walker A., Maggie F. and Elijah
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E. The wife and mother closed her eyes in death in 1885, firm in the faith of the Christian Church, to which denomination her husband also belongs. In politics our subject is a Republican, but as he finds all he can do to look after his farm, has never aspired to office-holding. Socially he is a Mason, and belongs to the Grand Army post at Green Ridge.
UDGE THOMAS P. HOY was elected Pro- bate Judge of Pettis County in 1890, and has been engaged in law practice in Sedalia since 1879. Many important cases have been brought before him as Judge, and only one of his decisions has ever been appealed from. This ex- ceptional case was taken before the Circuit Court, which sustained his verdict, as did also the Su- preme Court. During the war he fought valiant- ly on the Confederate side, with which, as a Southerner and one reared in Mississippi, his sympathies were enlisted.
The Hoy family originally owned the isle bear- ing their name, one of the Orkneys. Early mem- bers of the Hoy clan fought under Argyle for King James IV. of Scotland. At the battle of Flodden Field one William Hoy was taken pris- oner by the English, and he was allotted to a wealthy English earl, who made his capture. In the course of a few years he eloped with the earl's daughter and went to Wales, where the family lived many years. Several years prior to the Revolutionary War the great-grandfather of our subject emigrated to America, and settled in Vir- ginia, on the James River.
The grandfather, Thomas Hoy, participated in the latter war, and was present at the surrender at Yorktown. After the close of the war he went with Daniel Boone on his second trip to Ken- tucky. The grandfather settled in Madison County, Ky., and built a blockhouse, or private fort, at what is now called Foxtown, this being the second fort constructed in Kentucky. In
Boonesboro, that state, occurred the marriage of Thomas Hoy and Susan Bush, the latter a native of Virginia. The grandfather continued to dwell in the fort he had built until the Indians were driven away. Later he moved to Bourbon Coun- ty, and while there his father came to live with him. About 1795 Thomas Hoy removed to Simpson County, Ky., where he died about 1841, leaving a family of seven sons and two daugh- ters.
William Hoy, the father of our subject, was born in September, 1794. January 2, 1822, he married Aurora Proctor, whose birth occurred in Kentucky in 1804. About 1832 they moved to Madison County, Miss., where some three years previously Mr. Hoy had purchased about three sections of land. For several years before moving to Mississippi he shipped products to New Orleans, going with his cargo and returning by the land route; and it was while making one of these trips that he concluded to become a per- manent resident of Mississippi.
The birth of Judge Hoy occurred on the 9th of October, 1824, in Logan County, Ky. When the family went to Mississippi he did not accompany them, but continued his studies for a year in his native state. Subsequently he returned to Rus- selville Academy, in Logan County, Ky., and at the end of a year entered the freshman class of St. Joseph's College, at Bardstown, where he con- tinued for three years. His health became im- paired on account of close confinement to his work, and for a few months he recuperated at his father's Mississippi plantation. He then took up the study of law under Hon. Judge Mayes, and in three years, after an examination before the Supreme Court of Mississippi, was admitted to practice. Until the breaking out of the Mexican War he pursued his profession at Canton, Madi- son County, Miss., and in the territory adjoining.
In 1846 the Judge enlisted as a private soldier, becoming a member of Hayes' regiment of Texas Rangers, and took part in the battle of Monterey. Afterward he was placed in the battalion made up of the remnants of this and other regiments, and for a time was under the command of General Chevallie. He took part in the battle of Buena
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Vista, and in numerous skirmishes, and was pro- moted to the rank of Adjutant. At the end of two years' service he was mustered out, in July, 1848. Returning to Madison County, he spent some time in settling up his father's estate, and in 1853 resumed his law practice, having decided on Louisiana, Pike County, Mo., as his future home.
In 1861 Judge Hoy was employed by the Co11- federate army in gathering supplies and recruits, principally in southeastern Missouri, and in the vicinity of Memphis, Tenn. In the latter part of the summer of 1861 he was placed under com- mand of General Jeff Thompson, and for some time was a member of his staff. After the battle of Belmont he returned to Madison County, Miss., awaiting orders from Richmond. These came in February, 1862, and he reported to Gen- eral Van Dorn, at Jacksonport, Ark., serving as Aid-de-camp. From the latter place he was sent to Memphis, where he was stationed until becon- ing a member of General Green's staff. From the fall of 1862 until the close of the war he was employed in recruiting soldiers for the service, and established stations for that purpose in south- eastern Missouri and northeastern Arkansas. Altogether, he recruited more than two full regi- ments, which he sent to the main army. During this time he had from four hundred to eight hun- dred picked men under his immediate command, he holding the rank of Colonel. After the Union troops took possession of Little Rock, he applied for permission to join the southern division of the Confederate army, but his request was not com- plied with by the Secretary of War, as it was thought he could be of more service where he was, by keeping open communication with Rich- mond, and at the same time keep a much larger body of Federals watching his movements. He was successful in his endeavors, and made fre- quent and regular reports to the capital of the Confederacy. The country had become infested by deserters from both armies, and they terror- ized this portion of the country. Colonel Hoy found plenty to occupy his attention in suppress- ing these brigands, and in answer to his sugges- tion that some one be sent to compel their services
in the Confederate army came General Jeff Thompson, who was soon afterward captured. The army career of the Judge was brought to a close at Wittsburg, Ark., on the St. Francis River, by his surrender, in May, 1865. He received a wound at the evacuation of Corinth, and also an injury to his left instep during a skirmish.
After the war Judge Hoy returned to visit his mother on the old Mississippi plantation. She was in destitute circumstances, and he did what he could to assist her, but her death occurred about a year later. In 1873 our subject moved to St. Louis, where he began the practice of law, and was thus employed there for six years, at the end of which time he became a resident of Se- dalia. He is now the only survivor of his father's family. His sister, who died a few years ago, left several children, and the Judge is educating one of the daughters at Columbus (Miss.) Col- lege. His father was a Mason of high standing, and during the war he also entered the order, taking three degrees.
The Judge, who is recognized as one of the able lawyers of the state, has always been a stanchi supporter of the principles of the Demo- cratic party.
OHN HENRY LAUGING. Noting the suc- cess which Mr. Lauging, though young in years, has already attained, and the honora- ble position which he occupies among the farmers of Pettis County, even a casual and inexperienced student of mankind would at once conclude that he is the possessor of perseverance, energy and wise judgment. It is, in fact, largely to the result of his exercise of these qualities that his present prosperity is due. He is the son of Frank H. Lauging, a well known and respected German- American citizen of this county, of whose life mention is elsewhere made.
During the residence of his parents in Bates
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County, Mo., the subject of this notice was born, May 7, 1859. He is the eldest of three children, and is the only son in the family. His sister Carrie was born in Bates County, July 20, 1861, and is the wife of J. Alva Heck, who cultivates the farm belonging to his father-in-law in Pettis County; they have had four children, but one of the number is deceased. The younger sister, Mary, was born in Pettis County, April 24, 1864, and married William Durrell.
At the age of three years our subject was brought by his parents to Pettis County, where he received such advantages as the country schools afforded. However, very little of his time was devoted to his studies, as he was obliged to assist in the task of clearing and improving the farm, and worked early and late at home. Trained to a thorough knowledge of agricultural pursuits, on arriving at man's estate he chose farming for his life work, and this occupation he has since followed with success.
April 12, 1888, Mr. Lauging married Miss Elizabeth Schenk, of Washington Township, Pettis County. This estimable lady was born in Madison County, Ill., April 10, 1866, and re- ceived a fair education in the common schools. Her parents, J. G. and Annie (Stroeter) Schenk, were born in Germany, emigrated thence to Amer- ica with their respective parents, and were mar- ried in Wisconsin. She came to Missouri with the other members of the family when eighteen years old, and settled upon a farm adjoining that of Mr. Lauging.
Five children have been born to our subject and his wife, named as follows: Frank H., who was born on the home farm March 6, 1889; John An- ton, whose birth occurred June 16, 1890; Martha Anna and Frederick Oshar, who died at the ages of six and five months, respectively; and Free- dom Valentine, who was born February 14, 1895, and was named by the writer of this biography. The surviving children are bright and intelligent, and will be given good educational advantages as soon as old enough.
The first Presidential ballot of Mr. Lauging was cast for James G. Blaine in 1884, and he has since that time advocated the measures of the Re-
publican party, though he does not take an active part in political affairs. As a farmer he cannot be surpassed by anyone in the county. He is keen, shrewd, enterprising and painstaking, and his farm, which is situated on section 24, town- ship 44, range 22, bears evidence of his thrift and oversight. His arrangements for taking care of the milk and making butter are especially no- ticeable, and he has introduced other novel plans into his farm work. His dwellings and outbuild- ings are neat and substantial, and within his home every modern convenience may be found. In re- ligious belief he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. They are a worthy couple, and are worthy of the high esteem in which they are held by their associates.
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D HARLES L. TURNER. A number of the finest farms of Pettis County lie near the county seat, their value being enhanced by the desirability of their situation. One of these is owned by Mr. Turner, and is located on section 1, township 45, range 21, three miles west of Seda- lia. It consists of four hundred and forty-eight acres of land, under an excellent state of cultiva- tion and bearing the very best improvements. It has been the home of the present owner since the spring of 1885, and under his able supervision has been made a first-class farm.
The Turner family was represented among the pioneer settlers both of Kentucky and Missouri. The grandfather of our subject, Charles L., was a native of Kentucky, but removed thence to Mis- souri and settled in Marion County in 1818. By occupation he was a farmer, but much of his time was devoted to the ministry of the Baptist Church. He served in the War of 1812, and after his death his widow was given a pension by the Govern- ment. Politically he advocated Democratic prin- ciples. He was a large land-owner and slave- holder, and was one of the most prosperous men
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of his county. Twice married, he had four chil- dren by his first union and six by his second mar- riage. To his sons and daughters he gave the best advantages the schools of that day afforded, and one of his sons became a physician and an- other a minister.
A short distance from the city of Hannibal, Marion County, Mo., our subject's father, also named Charles L., was born December 22, 1822, being one of the first white children born in that county. After some years devoted to his studies, he taught school for a time, and then transferred his attention to farm work. February 22, 1849, he married Miss Harriet McReynolds, and there were born unto them eight children, of whom three died in infancy. The eldest surviving son is John, who lives in Marion County, is married and has five children. Samuel H., also a resi- dent of Marion County, is married and has two children. Our subject is next in order of birth. Orion, a resident of Marion County, is married and has one child. Josephine, the only daugh- ter, lives with her mother in Marion County. The father of these children died July 16, 1865, and his widow subsequently became the wife of John C. Shimer, by whom she had one child.
Five miles from Hannibal, Mo., and within two iniles of the birthplace of his father, the subject of this notice was born February 7, 1857. At an early age he entered the district schools of the neighborhood, his first teacher being his father. His studies were continued until the age of eight- een in the common schools, and so favorable was his progress that he was urged by his teacher to adopt that profession for his life work. Wishing to extend his fund of knowledge, he entered Ingle- side College at Palmyra, Mo., when twenty years old, and there prosecuted his studies for a year. At the age of twenty-two he began to teach, and for two winter terms had charge of the schools in the house where he had been a pupil in boy hood.
Upon attaining his majority our subject was given a horse by his stepfather, in return for serv- ices rendered him. He then bought another horse, rented a tract of land, and commenced the task of cultivating the soil. Being energetic, economical and persevering, he saved his money,
until at the time of his marriage he had $2,000. February 7, 1883, he married Miss Belle Hag- gard, who was born in Pettis County, Mo., Feb- ruary 3, 1857. Her parents, Andrew and Mary (Lewis) Haggard, were born, reared and married in Kentucky, and moved thence to Missouri in 1835, becoming pioneers of Pettis County. She received an excellent education and taught school for one year prior to her marriage. While on a visit to Ralls County, Mo., she became acquainted with Mr. Turner, and their union has been one of mutual helpfulness and happiness.
After his marriage Mr. Turner erected a house on land bequeathed him by his father, and there he made his home for two years. In the spring of 1885 he moved to his present farm, where he expects to reside permanently. Following in the footsteps of his father, he is a stanch advocate of the Democracy, and of the old Jeffersonian princi- ples of free trade. His first Presidential ballot was cast for General Hancock. For six years he was identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, but otherwise has had no connection with any secret organization. The three chil- dren comprising his family are as follows: Jessie May, who was born in Marion County, Mo., Au- gust 27, 1884, and is now in school; Charles Em- mett, who was born in Pettis County June 30, 1886; and Orion Haggard, whose birth occurred in Pettis County, December 4, 1889.
ON. MONTERVILLE CARNES, of Se- dalia, was elected in the fall of 1890, on the Democratic ticket, as a Representative from the Sixth Congressional District to the State Legislature. He served on a number of very im- portant committees, being Chairman of the one on State Militia, and a member of the Commit- tees on Claims and Roads and Highways. In February, 1892, an extra session was called for the purpose of making an appropriation for the University of Missouri at Columbia, and Mr.
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Carnes introduced a bill having for its object the removal of that institution to Sedalia. It was passed in the House, but was defeated in the Senate. This bill, which would have proved greatly to the advantage of this city had it been passed, was warmly championed by our subject, who always takes great interest in whatever per- tains to the welfare of this section. During the regular sessions he introduced a bill for the re- moval of the capitol to Sedalia, but this measure was lost by three votes. Moreover, he presented the Militia Bill, by which $35,000 was appropri- ated for the State Militia. This was passed, as was also the bill for the discharge of administra- tors on thirty days' notice. He nominated Joe R. Shelby for Door-keeper, he being duly elected, and also voted for United States Senator Vest. At present he is a member of the Democratic County Committee, and has often gone as a dele- gate to county and state conventions.
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