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 78
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 78
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The birth of Mr. Carnes occurred in Cincinnati, Ohio, October 18, 1847. His father, William, and his grandfather, John Carnes, were both na- tives of Pennsylvania. The latter emigrated with his family to Cincinnati in 1804, took part in the Indian Wars, and cultivated a farmi where the city is now situated. He was of German de- scent, and was a Lutheran in religious faith. William Carnes was reared in Cincinnati, and was a very successful merchant tailor. Politically he was a Whig, and served for two terms as City Treasurer of Cincinnati. In 1855, when about sixty years of age, he was murdered for his money while on his way home, his residence be- ing in the suburbs. He was stabbed seven or eight times, and his body placed in a pool of water, but his murderers were never apprehended. His wife, Ellen, was a daughter of Andrew Campbell, a native of Virginia, and an early set- tler where Cincinnati now stands. For a num- ber of years he was proprietor of a stage line which followed the Miami River. Mrs. Carnes was born in Cincinnati, and after her first hus- band's death became the wife of William Ed- wards, since deceased. She came to this state at the same time as did our subject, and is now liv- ing at Brookfield, Mo., being about sixty-eight
years of age. By her first union she had two children, only one of whom survives, but of the seven children born of her last marriage all but two are living. One of her sons, George H., was killed while switching trains in the yards in 1882; and Robert J. and J. B. are engineers on the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad.
The early days of Monterville Carnes were passed in the city of his birth. For a time he at- tended the George Street City School, but was early set to work. From the age of ten years he was employed at intervals in various lines, and when only eighteen years of age purchased a farm in Illinois, near Hume, Edgar County. This homestead, located in Young America Township, comprised eighty acres, and he con- tinued to cultivate it until 1870, when he sold it. Coming to Pettis County, he invested in a farm of eighty acres lying in Heath Creek Township, and operated it for the next five years. He later sold out, and, coming to Sedalia, engaged in the coal and feed business on Main Street. At the end of two years he entered the employ of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, and until 1880 served as a car inspector; then for two years he acted as a policeman, having been appointed by Mayor E. C. Evans. In the fall of 1882 he was elected City Constable and served four years or two terms. In January, 1887, F. B. Drake, Superintendent of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, gave him the position of Depot Master at the Sedalia Union Depot, and in this position he has proved a capable and faithful official.
In this city the marriage of Mr. Carnes and Mattie A. Ledgewood took place April 24, 1879. The lady was born in Pulaski County, Mo., re- ceived a good education, and presides over her pleasant home at No. 219 East Pacific Street with grace and womanly dignity. Mr. and Mrs. Carnes are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and contribute liberally of their means to its support.
A member of the Ancient Order of United Work- men, Mr. Carnes is Past Grand Master Workman for the state of Missouri. He is also Past Man- ager of Camp No. 16, Woodmen of the World, is Chaplain of Central Lodge No. 4, National Re-
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serves, is Master Workman of Amity Lodge No. 69, belongs to Queen City Grove No. I (auxili- ary of the Woodmen of the World), and is iden- tified with Mistletoe Lodge No. 23, Degree of Honor, auxiliary of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
OHN P. RIDENOUR, one of the progressive agriculturists of township 44, range 23, Pet- tis County, is the owner of a rich and arable tract of land. The residence of the proprietor is located on section 13 and is a substantial and well built house. During his entire lifetime our sub- ject has followed agricultural pursuits and has met with good success in his various undertak- ings. His homestead comprises two hundred and eighty acres, almost all of which is under culti- vation.
Our subject was born in Indiana in September, 1848, and is the third in order of birth of the fan- ily of William and Elizabeth (Murphy) Riden- our, both of whom were Pennsylvanians. They accompanied their respective parents to Ohio when children, and were there reared to mature years, educated and married. Very soon after this event they moved to their Indiana home, occupying a good farm in Wabash County. There the father lived for a period of thirty-one years, and in 1869 sold the old home and came to Missouri, choosing Pettis County for his future abiding-place. Both he and his estimable wife are in the enjoyment of fairly good health, although they have passed the seventy-fourth milestone in life.
Our subject made the best of the advantages given him for obtaining an education in the Hoosier State, and, being thoroughly trained in farm pursuits, was in every way qualified to be- gin the battle of life for himself when reaching his majority. From the first his ventures have met with the success which he so well deserves, on account of his industrious and persevering efforts to acquire a handsome competence. He deals quite extensively in livestock, and is per-
haps the leading stockman in Pettis County. In addition to the two hundred and eighty acres mentioned in our opening paragraph, Mr. Riden- our is the owner of considerable timber-land in the county. He is self made in the broadest sense of that term, and is regarded as one of the leading and influential farmers of central Missouri.
Mr. Ridenour and Miss Cordelia, daughter of Thomas and Maria (Parks) Dunfield, were united in marriage in August, 1869. Mrs. Ridenour was born in Indiana, while her parents were Vir- ginians by birth. Her union with our subject has been blessed by the birth of seven children, four of whom are deceased. Those living are Edith, Thomas and Alma, while the deceased are William S., Sarah E., Blanche G. and Mabel C. The eldest daughter is now the wife of Presley Burett, a well-to-do farmer of this county, and the remaining members of the family are at home. Mrs. Ridenour is a most estimable and lovable lady and a valued member of the Christian Church, in the work of which body she takes an active interest. He is a true-blue Republican in politics, but has never aspired to political honors, being content to spend his time and energies in improving his farm and looking after the interests of his family.
C HARLES D. BROWN is numbered among the bright and energetic young business inen who are largely responsible for the prosperity of Sedalia, which, as every one knows, stands high in the ranks of the lively and promising cities of the West. In everything relating to its happy future Mr. Brown takes the deepest in- terest, and as he is engaged in the real-estate business, strives to induce good families to locate here and be identified with her citizens hencefor- ward.
. The paternal grandfather, David Brown, was a farmer and a native of Virginia, but his wife was
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of Scotch birth. Our subject's parents bear the names of Edward and Sarah A. (Smith) Brown. On both sides the family were members of the Society of Friends, and a few generations back were Pennsylvanians. Mrs. Brown is a daughter of George Smith, a farmer and extensive stock- dealer. The parents are natives of Loudoun County, Va., and are adherents of the same re- ligion as were their ancestors. In September, 1868, Mr. Brown, Sr., left his old farm in the state of his birth and came to Missouri, and, buy- ing a place near Sedalia, embarked in market- gardening and was also successful in raising fine fruits. After a time he removed to Sedalia Town- ship, on the outskirts of the city, and still resides there, giving his attention to fruit-culture.
C. D. Brown was born in Loudoun County, Va., February 12, 1858, and is one of five chil- dren, only three of whom are living. He was in his tenth year when his parents removed to this state, and in the public and high schools of Sedalia he received his education. In 1874 he commenced his business career as a clerk in the market and grocery of the Co-operative Company, and re- mained there some four years, afterwards working in a similar capacity in other places. Next we find him clerking in Topeka, Kan., and a year later he accepted the very responsible position of Superintendent of the Topeka (Kan.) Insane Asylum farm.
The year 1881 witnessed Mr. Brown's return to Sedalia, and for the next two years he was en- gaged in farming land in Jasper County, Mo. In 1883 the young man again became a resident of this city and was first employed by the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad as a carpenter, but later held a clerical position in the General Audi- tor's office. At the end of seven years of service in the railroad business he was obliged to abandon his post on account of failing health.
Mr. Brown was later made solicitor for the M. G. Ingram Printing Company, and from March, 1893, to February, 1895, worked for the Porter Real-estate Company. He then started in the real-estate business for himself, opening an office in the Equitable Building. He is the owner of five acres on East Broadway, near the city limits,
and handles property in large and small tracts, besides transacting a general loan and accident business. He is a member of the Sedalia Board of Trade. Socially he belongs to Lodge No. 170, A. O. U. W., and is a charter member of the Royal Tribe of Joseph. His right of franchise is used in favor of the platform and nominees of the Republican party.
May 5, 1881, Mr. Brown and Ida E., daughter of Rev. E. K. Porter, of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, were united in marriage. Four children have come to brighten their home and are named as follows: Edward Porter, Ruth H., Charles D. and Lela M. The family worships with the Southern Methodist Church, in which Mr. Brown holds the office of Steward.
EV. EDWIN K. PORTER came with his parents to Missouri in 1834, and settled on a farm near Fredericktown in 1835. He married Miss Susan Olivia Collier, a Kentucky lady. To them were born five daughters, of whom only two are living, namely: Mrs. J. M. Wherley, near Sedalia; and Mrs. W. J. Pollard, of Car- thage, Mo. Two of the sisters married Lucius Lampkin, of Richhill, Mo. The other daughter died in infancy. The wife of his youth died in August, 1846.
In October, 1847, Rev. Mr. Porter married his now bereaved widow, Miss Nancy A. Bennett, who was born in Cape Girardeau County, March 29, 1829, and was reared in Madison County. In 1852 they moved to Pettis County, and settled on the farm of two hundred and sixty-seven acres where the widow and son now reside. At that time the country was unimproved, railroads had not yet linked the towns with the outside world, and they were among the first settlers. To this marriage were born eleven children, of whom Willie and Rosa died in infancy. The eldest daughter of the second marriage, Amanda, mar- ried J. M. Pollard, of Webb City, Mo. Janie E.,
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Mrs. Robert E. Ferguson, is deceased. Ella married C. E. Ferguson, of Bates County; Hannah is Mrs. A. M. Mitchum, of Sedalia, Mo .; Ida E., Mrs. Charles D. Brown, lives in Sedalia; Ruthie G., Mrs. J. A. Biddle, resides in Jonesboro, Ark .; Eugenia married Louis Lower, who resides near Longwood, Pettis County; Bennie, the youngest daughter, is now Mrs. W. W. Biddle, and lives in Cole Camp, Mo. The only son, Marvin S. Porter, lives with his mother on the old home place.
" Uncle Ed," as everyone addressed the subject of this sketch, possessed a very kind and sunny disposition. The old home was always a rendez- vous for his grandchildren, of whom he had many, and who were always greeted by him with the greatest affection. He seemed to live for the en- joyment of his family, though he had a kind word for everyone he chanced to meet. The sunshine of religion was in his soul. He kept himself ready for the summons of his Master "to come up higher."
The following tribute may appropriately be added to this brief review of his noble life:
" Rev. E. K. Porter, a local Elder in the Meth- odist Episcopal Church South, died November 8, 1893. He was born in Bedford County, Va., January 24, 1814; professed religion in 1827, in his thirteenth year; was licensed to preach in 1866. His holy, earnest, cheerful life gave him great influence for good. In Pettis County, where he lived, he was a faithful local preacher, not build- ing on other men's foundations, but preaching in schoolhouses in his own and adjoining counties, until prosperous societies were organized and churches built. He was not forgetful of the Scriptural injunction, 'Let your light shine.' He lacked a few weeks of being eighty years old, but in full possession of his mental powers he in- creased in usefulness to the end. Through the entire course of a long life he was a friend of truth and righteousness, a thorough Methodist of high conviction. He loved his own church, yet rejoiced in whatever of good he found in other churches. He loved all who loved the Lord Jesus Christ. This was his motto:
' Fellowship with all we hold Who hold it with our Head.'
" He raised a large family, every one of whom was converted in early life and is a consistent and useful member of the church to-day. In the funeral sermon the preacher did not hesitate to speak of the excellencies of his Christian life, knowing that his neighbors would indorse every word he uttered. He was buried in the cemetery at Salem Church, Pettis County, Mo., where re- poses the dust of his kindred.
' "Tis sweet to believe of the absent we love,
Though we miss them below we may meet them above.'
" He has carried with him out of the world as much true worth, I believe, as ever existed in any one heart."
HARLES G. F. WHITNEY. Farming and stock-raising form the chief occupations of this young gentleman, and the manner in which he takes advantage of every method and idea which will enhance the value of his property will insure success in the near future. His estate comprises eighty acres on section 4, township 43, range 23, and is under excellent tillage, netting its owner a handsome income each year.
Our subject is a native of New York State, and was born August 15, 1873, in Onondaga County, to James H. and Rathelia (Fuller) Whitney, also natives of the Empire State. Charles G. F. was their only child, and five years after his birth they left New York and journeyed westward to this state, living in Johnson County for a short time. After remaining here some time, they re- turned to the East, but the following year the father again came to Missouri, where his family joined him three years later. They located in Pettis County, upon the tract of land which is now operated by their son, our subject, and here the father was engaged in cultivating the soil until the time of his decease, January 27, 1893. His wife, however, is still living, making her home with her son.
Charles G. F. Whitney is finely educated, being
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a graduate of the Garfield University at Wichita, Kan. He lived on the home farm until a lad of fourteen years, since which time he has traveled extensively, visiting most of the principal cities in twenty-three states and territories. At the time of his father's decease he was in California, but on hearing the sad news he immediately re- turned home to his widowed mother, and since that time has given his attention to running the farm.
Our subject was married, June 6, 1894, to Miss Lida, daughter of William C. Barneman, of Hen- ry County, this state, in which locality Mrs. Whitney was born September 15, 1876. In poli- tics Mr. Whitney is a stanch supporter of Repub- lican principles, and although not a politician himself, takes an active interest in the success of his party.
12 AVID PITTMAN. The year 1883 wit- nessed the arrival of this gentleman in Pet- tis County and his settlement on section 29, township 45, range 22, where he still resides. It had been his intention in removing westward from Ohio to settle in Kansas, but in his tour through that state he found nothing satisfactory, so came to Missouri and purchased one hundred and sixty-six acres where he now lives. Here he has erected a good house, granary, blacksmith shop and windmill, and he has also placed the land under excellent tillage, thereby enhancing its value.
The parents of our subject, William and De- lilah (Eddy) Pittman, were natives, respectively, of Ohio and Pennsylvania, the former having been born across the river from Wheeling. He was a farmer by occupation, and made his home in Ohio until about 1888, when his death oc- curred. Throughout life he operated as a renter, never owning land. His family numbered six children, of whom the eldest, Nancy, married Levi Malson and died in Bartholomew County,
Ind., leaving four children. Our subject, the sec- ond of the children, was born in Monroe County, Ohio, March 17, 1845. Alexander, who is mar- ried, is a farmer and blacksmith of Brown Coun- ty, Ind. Elsie, wife of Job Litman, lives in Mon- roe County, Ohio. Christina, Mrs. Oliver Dink- ins, has four children, and lives in Omaha, Neb. Fannie, who is married to Marion Gilmore, lives in Monroe County, Ohio, and has six children.
Upon his father's farm our subject passed the years of boyhood, receiving a common-school ed- ucation. At the age of seventeen he began to learn the blacksmith's trade with William Young, receiving $150 for three years' work. At the age of twenty he opened a shop of his own in the country, and there he carried on business for four- teen years. Prior to completing his apprentice- ship he was married, at the age of nineteen, and had two children by that union, namely: Will- iam, a farmer by occupation; and Mollie, who died September 5, 1886, at the age of twenty-one. The wife and mother died when her younger child was an infant.
March 29, 1866, Mr. Pittman married Miss Hannah Jane Fox, who was born and reared in Monroe County, Ohio. Her parents, James W. and Susannah (Myers) Fox, were natives of Greene County, Pa., the former born October 8, 1803, and the latter March 10, 1799. They were married in Greene County, January 3, 1822, and continued to live there until after the birth of four children, when they removed to Ohio. Their eldest child, Joseph, was born January 16, 1823, and is a farmer and shoemaker of Monroe Coun- ty, Ohio. Mary, who was born November 28, 1824, married Henry Eddy, and at her death, in 1848, left two children. Next in order of birth was a child that was born June 24, 1827, and died unnamed in infancy. Elizabeth, born October 11, 1828, died at the age of twenty-two. Jacob, whose birth occurred November 26, 1830, died in 1884, and his wife passed away the same year, leaving six children. John, who was born May 6, 1833, lives near Holden, Mo. Frederick, born May 7, 1835, lives in Wetzel County, W. Va .; he was a soldier during the Civil War. Mathias, born Jan- uary 23, 1839, is a farmer in Wirt County, W.
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Va. Mrs. Pittman, the ninth in order of birth, was born in June, 1841. The youngest was Catli- erine, born July 4, 1844, and who died at the age of nine years.
The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Pittman were born, the grandfather in 1772, and the grand- mother October 3, 1776. The former, who at- tained to the advanced age of eighty-seven years, served in the War of 1812, and in that conflict his wife was taken prisoner by the Indians, re- maining a captive for a year and a-half. She then escaped and returned to her home, where she died at the age of forty-nine. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Pittman there were born five chil- dren, the eldest of whom, Francis Marion, oper- ates a sawmill in Benton County, Mo., where he resides; he also owns a farm in Pettis County. He is married and has four children, one of whom, Lulu, was born June 18, 1886, and makes her home with her grandparents. She is a bright and winsome child, and her grandparents are tenderly devoted to her. Sarah C. is the wife of Charles Butler, of Elk Fork Township, and they have one child. James W., a farmer, is living with his parents. Mattie, an accomplished young lady, and Mason D. are also at home. The children were born in Monroe County, Ohio, and were the recipients of excellent educational advantages.
In 1873 Mr. Pittman retired from the black- smith business and purchased an interest in two sawmills, also purchased some shares in a cheese factory. In the latter enterprise he was closely interested, buying milk, making the cheese, and selling the products of the factory through differ- ent parts of the country, some as far west as Se- dalia. In 1883 he disposed of his interests in Monroe County, Ohio, and came to Pettis County, where he has since resided. Politically a Demo- crat, he has been prominent in local affairs in his community. While in Ohio he was a School Di- rector, and has served in the same capacity in Pettis County, being Clerk for a time and also serving as President. At the age of seventeen he united with the Christian Church, which his wife joined at the age of nineteen, and they have since been consistent members of that church, in which he is a Deacon. Two of his children are also
connected with that religious body. Socially he is a member of the Farmers' Alliance and the Woodmen of the World. He was one of the number who helped to drive Morgan out of the state when that famous general made his cele- brated raid into Ohio. As· a citizen he favors measures calculated to promote the welfare of his fellow-men, and is regarded as one of the pro- gressive and liberal-spirited men of the county.
EV. ALFRED H. ROGERS, pastor of the Congregational Church at Green Ridge, Pettis County, is a faithful shepherd in the Master's vineyard, and endeavors to the best of his ability to satisfy the spiritual wants of his flock. A native of this state, he was born in Springfield, October 14, 1863. He is the fifth in order of birth of the parental family, his parents being Louis S. and Elizabeth (Hester) Rogers.
The father of our subject was born in Pennsyl- vania, and was of Scotch and German parentage. He left his native state at the age of eighteen years, going to Bedford County, Tenn., and on the outbreak of the Civil War enlisted in the Union army, serving creditably for four years. During that long period he participated in all the battles and skirmishes in which his regiment was engaged, and was captured at the battle of Bel- mont. Some time later he succeeded in making his escape, but in so doing injured his eye, so that the sight was impaired for a time and finally he lost the use of it entirely. He was mustered out at the close of the war, and shortly after his re- turn home removed to Illinois, settling in Saline County. There he became the owner of a good farm, in the cultivation of which he was engaged until 1880, when he went south to Bennett, Tex., his death occurring there in March, 1886. His good wife, the mother of our subject, departed this life January 25, 1875.
Alfred H., of this sketch, received his primary education in the common schools of Illinois, and
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at the age of eighteen entered Bellevue College in Missouri, taking a three-years course in that institution. He then became a student in the Theological Training School, and after complet- ing the prescribed course of four years was or- dained as a minister of the Congregational Church, January 1, 1893, although he had preached off and on since 1888. For one year he was pastor of the Russell Avenue Church in St. Louis, and organized and built a church at St. Clair, this state, where he remained for two years and a- half. In August, 1892, he was called to Green Ridge, and has ever since been in charge of the congregation here.
Rev. Alfred H. Rogers was married, October II, 1885, to Miss Mary J., daughter of James and Julia (Tucker) Lakin. The father was a native of Illinois, while the mother was born in Ken- tucky. The birth of Mrs. Rogers occurred in Missouri in 1864, and she was reared and edu- cated in St. Clair, Franklin County, this state. To them has been born a daughter, Effie, a beau- tiful child of nearly six years.
Socially our subject is connected with Orion Lodge No. 59, K. of P., at Poplar Bluffs, this state, and with Green Ridge Lodge No. 300, I. O. O. F. He also belongs to the order of Maccabees, and to the Royal Tribe of Joseph. In politics he uses his ballot in support of the Re- publican party.
LBERT F. DRESEL, M. D. Few, perhaps, of the many physicians belonging to the fraternity in Sedalia have risen to such high prominence in as short a space of time as has the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He is a young man of natural genius, and his ability was clearly recognized when he was made Presi- dent of the Pettis County Medical Society, and Secretary of the Central District Medical Associa- tion of Missouri. Like a true citizen and patriot, he takes great interest in whatever pertains to the
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