USA > Missouri > Lafayette County > Portrait and biographical record of Lafayette and Saline counties, Missouri : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 46
USA > Missouri > Saline County > Portrait and biographical record of Lafayette and Saline counties, Missouri : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 46
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Mr. Starkebaum has invented several mechanical
contrivances that he uses himself, and is never so happy as when at work at the forge. There is no doubt but that he is a genius, and had he devoted his attention to mechames, he would without ques- tion have made his mark in the world of inven- tion, and he may still do that, as his active brain is always busied in contriving new inventions ealculated to benefit the human race. lle is the genius of the firm, and his artistie taste is well shown in the decorating and draping department.
The partner of our subjeet, Mr. Frank R. Bear, was born and reared in Lexington Township, and comes of one of the oldest families in that seetion of country. He is a graduate of the St. Louis School of Embalming, and understands his busi- ness thoroughly. Hle attends to this branch of the business and every order received by the firm is promptly attended to. Mr. Bear is a member of the Uniformed Rank, Knights of Pythias.
6 HOMAS D. IIAMMOND, a prominent citi- zen of the town of Mayview, is the subject of this sketch. At present he is holding the office of Postmaster of the thriving town and is giving excellent satisfaction to all parties. Ile is a native of this State and county, his birth hav- ing occurred March 29, 1853. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Kimbler) Hammond, residents of Odessa. John Hammond grew up in his native State of Kentucky, whence he came with his father in 1811 to Lincoln County, Mo., remaining until 1848. He then removed to Odessa, in La Fayette County, and became one of the early settlers. At that time his life was one of toil, but he did the best he eould for his large family of nine children, educating them in the publie schools, and, where practicable, sending them to higher institutions of learning.
Mr. Hammond was a prominent man in the county many years ago, and for several years, both before and after the late war, served as Constable,
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an office of great importance in those times, and he gave satisfaction during his whole official career. Now. he at the age of eighty years, and his good wife at the age of seventy, are living a peaceful life in the town of Odessa. highly regarded and respected as the oldest pioneers of the county now living. Their places in the Christian Church are seldom vacant, and when the sad time comes when those places shall know them no more, great will be the sorrow among relatives and friends.
The brothers and sisters of our subject bear the following names, familiar ones in the localities in which they have found homes: Robert S .; Mollie, now the wife of Charles Mattingly; Maggie, now the wife of Clay Delaney; and Susan; the rest of the family have passed away. Our subject was reared in this county on the farm and was educated in the public schools. Later, he went to the State Normal School at Warrensburgh, remaining there pursuing a studious life for a term of two years. After closing his text-books Mr. Hammond commenced teaching school, meeting with such flattering suc- cess that he made it a profession for many years, directing youthful minds throughout the various parts of Missouri and Kansas.
In one of the fair daughters of the county our subject found a bride, and on May 13, 1885, was united in marriage with Miss Anna Herr. a native of La Fayette County, and a daughter of John P. and Sarah 11. ( Fitzpatrick) Herr, both natives of this State. Mrs. Hammond was reared in Lexing- ton and educated in the public schools, afterward teaching for several years during the winter terms. In political belief, our subject is a Republican, and always favors all measures which promise good for the county or neighborhood. Socially, Mr. and Mrs. Hammond are important factors in the village, they nearly always having a hand in anything the least entertaining.
In the lodge of Odd Fellows Mr. Hammond is an important member, and takes an active part in the workings of the order. A fine farm consisting of seventy acres of land is in his possession, but his official duties prevent him becoming an agri- culturist at present. In the spring of 1890 our subject was made Postmaster of Mayview, a posi- tion which he fills with great efficiency. Before
closing this article, it is only meet to record a few lines concerning another of the pioneer settlers of the county. John P. Herr. the honored father of Mrs. Hammond. was the founder of the pretty lit- tle town of Mayview. where so many excellent peo- ple now find pleasant homes. He was born in Wash- ington County, Md., April 6, 1818, a grandson of a Revolutionary patriot. In 1836, John Herr jour- neyed to Missonri, and in 1837 located in La Fay- ette County, where he followed the trade of house bilder and carpenter for many years. Some time during the '604, he laid out the village of May- view, making that his home for some time, and while there founded the Christian Church at that place. During his whole life he was noted for his integrity and his interest in improvements of every kind.
G EORGE W. QUACKENBUSHI. Our sub- jeet is one of the most popular men on the Kansas City Division of the Chicago & Alton Railroad. Genial and cordial in his man- ner by nature, many are the favors sought at his hand. Mr. Quackenbush was born in Winchester, IN .. April 28, 1863. lle is a son of G. M. and Alvira ( Wells) Quackenbush, residents of Murray- ville, 111. Their family comprised three children, of whom our subject is the only surviving one. He was reared in his native place, and in addition to his public school advantages received an excel- lent training in the business colleges both at .Jack- sonville and Quincy.
Equipped for active operations in the practical work-a-day world, Mr. Quackenbush first put his ability to the test in the insurance business, in which he was engaged with his father. In 1880 a posi- tion was offered him on the Chicago & Alton Railroad. He accepted it and became the operator and agent at Mason City, Ill. He was afterward employed in the same capacity at different stations until 1886, when he accepted the offer of the posi- tion as general agent with a route between St. Louis
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and Alton. He remained on that line for a year, and then located at Venice, where he was em- ployed as agent for another year. Six months were subsequently passed at Marshall, and in 1889 he came to Slater to fill the position of As- sistant to the Superintendent, since which time he has been a resident and an active citizen of this city.
AMES P. DE PEW, chief clerk in the ma- chinery department of the Chicago & Al- ton Railroad Company. at Slater, and one of the most highly valued employes of that substantial corporation, is one of the energetic and enterprising citizens who are continually aiding in the growth and local improvement of their neighborhood and vicinity. For many years identified with the prominent interests of Missouri, and especially of Saline County, our subject has a wide acquaintance, especially among the Knights of Pythias, in which society he has long been a leader.
The paternal grandfather, James De Pew, was born in Virginia in 1800, and removed from his birthplace in an early day, first to Ohio, and then to Illinois, and settled near Blooming Grove, as it was then called. Ile entered land, improved it, and farmed there for thirty years, and died in 1890. He was a member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, and was a most excellent citizen, kind friend and good neighbor. The father of our sub- ject, William S. De Pew, was born in Ohio, and, came with his parents to Illinois when he was twelve years old. First a cabinet-maker, and then a carpenter and builder, he found a ready business in Bloomington as a carpenter and builder, and there still continues in profitable employment. Ile is a Republican, and always one of the firm sup- porters of the party.
The De Pews are of French descent, and trace their ancestry back to Benjamin Budon. The mo- ther of our subject was Fannie M. Schaum, a na-
tive of Indiana, and a daughter of Jacob Penal- ton, born in Pennsylvania, and a hatter by trade. Ile was an early settler of Indiana, and from there went to Sangamon County, Ill. Ile enlisted in the Mexican War, and remained in the service until peace was declared, when he engaged in business at Springfield, Ill., as a hatter; he then located in Bloomington, still remaining in the same kind of work. In 1862, this patriotic citizen enlisted in the Ninety-fourth Illinois Regiment as a private. He served faithfully three years, and veteranized. lle was severely wounded in the head during a fierce battle, but returned to his regiment, and at the close of the war was breveted Captain, and soon after engaged as a decorator until he retired. Ile died in Bloomington in 1890. His wife now re- sides in Bloomington.
The parents of our subject had four chil- dren, all of whom survive. William was edu- cated in Bloomington, in the public and High Schools. When Mr. De Pew was but seventeen years of age, he entered the service of the Chi- cago & Alton Railroad as a clerk in the store- keeper's department in Bloomington. Then he left that work, and for seven years engaged in Bloomington as a decorator. In 1879, he located in Mexico, Mo., and became the chief clerk in the machinery department of the Chicago & Alton Division there. In 1881, when the division was located in Slater, he came here, and continued in his present business, which has increased two hun- dred per cent. Our subject has been constantly connected with the Chicago & Alton Railroad since 1879, and has been chief clerk of two divi- sions,-between Kansas City and Roodhouse, and from Roodhouse to St. Louis.
Mr. De Pew was married in Bloomington, in 1876, to Miss Emma Hesser, born in Hillsboro, Mo., but reared in Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. De Pew are the happy parents of three promising children, one young daughter and two sons. Mabel E., Earl R. and Joseph W. are the light and joy of the pleas- ant and attractive home of their parents, and will have all the advantages of an excellent education. Long connected with the Knights of Pythias, our subject was Captain of Slater Division, Uniformed Rank, and is Lieutenant-Colonel of the Fourth
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Regiment, I'niformed Rank, Knights of Pythias. of Missouri.
Mr. De Pew represented the Knights of Pythias State Lodge at the last session of the Grand Lodge. and is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees. He is interested in the local and na- tional management of affairs, and votes the Re- publican ticket. In church affiliations, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal denomination. and is a worker in the cause of religion, and has been Secretary of the branch of the Young Men's Christian Association located in Slater, and takes an active interest in the conduct of its affairs. Mr. and Mrs. De Pew are among the important factors in the various benevolent, social and religious en- terprises in Slater, and enjoy the confidence and regard of many true friends.
G EORGE A. BEELER, a prosperous agricul- turist and highly respected citizen now re- siding on section 20, township 52, range 20, Saline County, near the thriving city of Slater, has served with ability as Director of the School Board and is widely known as one of the most en- ergetic, industrious and upright men of this region of the country. Born in Germany in the year 1817. lie received his education in his native land, and there was carly trained in the habits of thrift and taught the wise management which has ever dis- tinguished his exertions in life and materially aided him upward into paths of prosperity and success.
The father and mother of our subject were hard- working and intelligent Germans. Born and reared in the Fatherland, they married there and surrounded themselves with a family of bright, ambitious children, but soon realizing the larger opportunities for their sons and daughters in a new country, emigrated to America in 1833 and located in Marion County, Mo., in 1836, where the father first obtained regular employment in the
brickyards as a day laborer. There were in this industrious and happy family four brothers and one sister. Each member of the household cheer- fully did his or her daily share of the toil, and thus all were prospered. Years have passed and but three of the family who gathered in the home in Marion County now survive.
Our subject was especially self-reliant and took up the burden of his life with ardent hope. Start- ing in America for himself, he was at first a laborer, continuing in this employment eight years with pa- tientand unwearying devotion to the amassing of a small capital with which to engage in an oceu- pation more congenial and remunerative. At last he had acquired enough money to warrant him in the investment of a small traet of land purchased at a low rate from the Government. Ile improved these acres and met with protitable results, but when he had reached his twenty-eighth year, he removed to Schuyler County and there bought a valuable farm and constantly added to its value by improvements, and as he was prospered added to the acreage.
In the meantime, Mr. Beeler had entered into the marriage relation, wedding in 1847 Miss Adel- ine Palmer Gibbs, who has borne him five children, but two of whom now survive. Rebecca C. Beeler was born in Saline County in 1848, and is well married and now a resident of Arkansas; Mary E. was born in Missouri in 1853 and married Mr. Ilolt. Mrs. Beeler added to her husband's prop- erty her one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land, located in Schuyler County, and he increased this acreage by the purchase of forty additional acres. l'pon this land, the family remained until 1850, when Mr. Beeler sold a portion of his well- improved farm and returned to Marion County.
Our subjeet next purchased eighty acres of farming land here and continued his agricultural duties, sowing, planting and reaping year by year, from 1862 until 1870, when he finally settled in Saline County, and purchased an excellent farm of three hundred acres. Here his wife passed away, in 1875. Mr. Beeler sold and traded off a portion of this property, retaining two hundred acres, all finely improved and under a high state of culti- vation. In 1874, Mr. Beeler married Miss Susan-
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS B
JOHN MENEEL
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nah Riker. The family are well known and oe- eupy a position of usefulness and honor in the community where they have resided continuously for nearly a score of years. Our subject is a mem- 1 ber of the Presbyterian Church and is one of the valued Elders and most liberal supporters of that religious organization.
In political affiliations, Mr. Beeler is a Democrat, is public-spirited, and in common with all good citizens desires the appointment of the man best adapted to fill the otlicial position with honor and integrity. Mr. Beeler has never aspired to polit- ical office, but when he was made a Direetor in the School Board he gave his earnest and intelligent 'efforts in behalf of educational advancement and was ever faithful in the discharge of the duties intrusted to his eare. As a useful, law-abiding and worthy citizen, onr subject is interested in all mat- ters pertaining to the publie good, and is ready to and in the establishment of any enterprise of merit, being especially anxious to assist in local improve- ments and progress.
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OIIN MONEEL. The death of this well- known and honored pioneer settler of La Fayette County was deeply mourned as a publie loss, when upon April 3, 1892, at a good old age, he passed peacefully away. Mr. McNeel was born in Pocahontas County, Va., Sep- tember 7, 1810, and was the son of Abram and Elizabeth (Bridgers) McNeel, natives of the Old Dominion. John McNeel, the parental grand- father of our subject, was a pioneer farmer of West Virginia, and his marriage was blessed by the birth of two sons, Isaac and Abram. He was also the father of three daughters, Nancy, Miriam and Martha. Ilis family were all members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Abram McNeel was a native of Pocahontas County, Va., and resided all his life in the home of his childhood. He was a Class-leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was highly re-
spected as a man of ability and integrity. He was thrice married. Ilis first wife was Miss Lamb, who became the mother of one child, Elizabeth Hannah, and died in early womanhood. The second wife of Abram McNeel lived to share the home of her husband several years, and bore him seven ehil- dren: Margaret, Martha, Nancy, Polly, Miriam, John and Abram. The third wife was Magdalene Kelly, who survived her husband, and was the de- voted mother of two sons, llenry W. and Will- iam L.
Our subject was reared in the Virginia home, and in the fall of 1837 journeyed slowly by wagon and team to La Fayette County. After forty-two days of constant travel the tired and wearied fam- ily located upon section 27, township 48, range 27, and soon began the improvement of the land, two hundred and forty acres of which our subject had bought, and at the same time entered from the Government two hundred and seventy additional acres, in all five hundred and ten acres, which he cultivated; he afterward owned another valuable farm of one hundred acres. A man of more than ordinary ability, he made his upward way, and, a kind husband and father, an obliging friend and neighbor, had a host of true and earnest friends. Like his paternal ancestors, he was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In political affiliations he was in early life a Whig, and later became a strong Democrat.
Mr. McNeel was united in marriage October 24, 1833, with Miss Naney Gilliland, who was born in Greenbrier County, W. Va., March 7, 1816, the daughter of George and Martha (Hill) Gilliland, who were long-time residents of the sunny South. The father, George Gilliland, was a native of Greenbrier County, born in 1793, and served with distinction in the War of 1812. He was Presiding Elder of his church for many years, and was by occupation a farmer and prosperously engaged in the duties of agriculture. His sons and daughters were seven in number: Richard, Nancy, Lydia, James, Elizabeth, Samuel and John. Ile had held positions of trust and served with efficiency as Justice of the Peace, and his death in 1853 was widely mourned. His good wife was born Jan- uary 24, 1794, and passed away January 8, 1875.
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They had come to Missouri in 1852 and were well- known residents of Johnson County.
The grandfather of Mrs. MeNeel, James Gilli- land, was born in Greenbrier County, W. Va .. where he died, leaving a family of six sons and six daughters, who lived to adult ages and mar- ried. Their mother in maidenhood was Miss Lydia Armstrong. George Gilliland, the father of Mrs. McNeel, was the youngest of the family. Grand- father Gilliland was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church. an excellent man and an enterprising citi- zen. Mrs. MeNeel is of Irish descent. the Gilli- land- having come originally from the Emerald Isle.
Mr. and Mrs. McNeel were the parents of two children. George W. enlisted in the Confederate service and was killed in the battle of Wilson's Creek. Ile was a brave and gallant young man, and gave his life in behalf of his convictions. Martha E., the daughter, is the wife of George Fox. Mrs. McNeel retains and ably manages the homestead, and in the daily round of her life dis- plays excellent judgment and more than ordinary business ability.
ARVEY J. HIGGINS, the enterprising founder of Higginsville, in La Fayette County, Mo., well known as a progressive and public-spirited citizen, also a promin- ent Director of the Chicago & Alton Railroad, has been a leading and efficient factor in the rapid growth and local improvement of the flourishing city which bears his name. A constant resident here for over half a century, his ability and native energy have been wisely directed to the advance- ment of surrounding interests, and the develop- ment of many social, benevolent and business enter- prises is directly traceable to his untiring efforts
The Higgins family is of English, Irish and German descent. The paternal grandfather of Harvey J. was a farmer in New Jersey and a settler in La Fayette County a hundred years ago,
when the hostile Indians so harassed the early pioneers that they were obliged to seek refnge with their families in the nearest forts. Ile was engaged in the war against the murderous tribes. and after a long residence in Kentucky died there. The father of our subject. Azariah, was a native of New Jersey, and became a prosperous farmer in Kentucky. where he died at sixty-three years of age. lle was a Democrat in politics, and in religi- ous convictions was a Baptist and a missionary of that denomination. Ilis wife, Eliza K., was born in Kentucky, and was the daughter of a Revolu- tionary veteran and hero, who served his country faithfully. He was wounded in the battle of Monmouth, and bravely engaged in other decisive encounters with the British troops. lle was an early settler in Kentucky, and was of Seotch de- scent. The mother of our subject was an ener- getic. capable and most excellent woman. and a loving wife and mother.
llarvey J. Higgins was born on a farm in La Fayette County. near Lexington, Ky., September 19, 1812, and was the fourth in the family of thir- teen children, nine of whom grew up to mature age. Dr. W. W. Higgins, of Deer Lodge City, Mont., retired from active practice, is the only liv- ing representative of the large family other than our subject. Mr. Higgins enjoyed but limited educational advantages, and studied mainly by himself. Having attained his majority, he jour- neved in 1835 to Liberty, Ill., where his brother, the Doctor, was located. Here he became a part- ner in a general merchandise business, and con- tinued there until 1840, when he decided to re- move to Missouri, favorable reports of that country having reached him in the fall of 1839. On March 18, 1840, he arrived at Hillman Landing, Mo., now Berlin, this county, having journeyed hither by the old Leavenworth boat.
Mr. Iliggins bought over four hundred acres of land, and entered eighty aeres from the Govern- ment. lle built a substantial log house, and in partnership with his brother continued to clear the land and otherwise improve it for two years, when they divided the farm, and our subject re- ceived three hundred and twenty acres, to which le afterward added more land. Mr. Higgins
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cultivated hemp, wheat and corn, and devoted much time to raising valuable stock. The pro- duce of the farm was hauled to market in Lexing- ton by oxen, and it took a whole day and part of the night to reach there. Before the war our sub- ject owned seven hundred and twenty acres, which were in the home farm. He was also the owner of twenty-one valuable slaves. During the war he lost $25,000.
In 1859 the Lexington Branch of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, then the Lexington & St. Louis Railroad, was begun, and our subject became a stockholder, but the war ended all improvements for a time, and the old company failed. After the war the company was re-organized, and Mr. Ilig- gins became a Director and stockholder. He se- cured a depot and bought two hundred and five acres here, and the town was by unanimons con- sent named Higginsville. The road finally com- pleted, he built a small hotel, laid ont the main part of the town, fourteen blocks, and later laid ont McMeekin's Addition, and in partnership with his son-in-law continued in the real-estate busi- ness. When the Chicago & Alton Railroad was talked of, or rather the Kansas City, St. Louis & Chicago Railroad, our subject was a corporator and Director, and has continued as such ever since. This road was completed and was a success, and Higginsville grew rapidly. Mr. Higgins has dis- posed of nearly all of his original property here, but has one-third interest in Asbury's Addition. The town, which at first had a hard struggle for existence, is now one of the most flourishing in the county.
Our subject remained on the farm until 1883, when he erected a handsome and commodious res- idence on the corner of Shelby and Talmage Streets. The lot is 200x125 feet, and with its well-kept grounds and large two-story briek house, is one of the most attractive homes in the city. Mr. Higgins has had four wives. He was first united in matrimonial bonds in Kentucky, on May 8, 1839, wedding Miss Susan Tyler, a native of the State. This estimable lady died suddenly, when on her way back to Missouri, after a visit to her childhood's home in Kentucky. Attacked violently with cholera, she expired on July 3,
1854, while traveling between Jefferson City and Boonville. She was the mother of five children: Sarah E., married and resides in La Fayette, Ala .; Jennie ( Mrs. McMeekin) lived in Lexington, Ky., and died there; William W., who served gallantly in Shelby's Brigade during the latter part of the war, now farms upon a portion of the old home- stead, and is a successful stock-raiser; Emma S. (Mrs. Morris) makes her home in Lexington, Ky .; Benjamin is located upon a part of the old home farm, which our subject long since divided among his children.
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