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 47
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 47
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The second marriage occurred in St. Louis, the bride, Miss Elenora Holland, being a native of St. Louis County, Mo., though her parents were from Maryland. This lady left two children, of whom bnt one survives, Julia M., now Mrs. Knoble, of Iligginsville. In 1868 our subject contracted his third marriage, wedding Mrs. Carry F. Young, who was born in Higginsville and died here, leaving no children. The present Mrs. Higgins was Mrs. Sarah (Sutline) Field, widow of Col. Frank Field. This well-known lady is a native of Harrodsburgh, Ky. Our subject served as Justice of the Peace in Davis Township for years, and so wise and in full keeping of the law were his decisions, they were never revoked. For eleven years he was one of the City Fathers of Higginsville, and effected many needed local improvements. Ile has been extremely liberal to all church denominations here represented, giving them lots, and aiding them in the construction of their houses of wor- ship.
Mr. Higgins has been a member of the Old- school Presbyterian Church for forty years, and is one of its Elders, and has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school. In political affiliations our subject is a Democrat, and has represented that party at various State and county conventions, and has also been Chairman of the County Demo- cratie Central Committee, ever discharging the pol- itical duties entrusted to his care with the same resolution, energy and ability which have distin- guished the entire labor of his life. Mr. Higgins has served both upon petit and grand juries with integrity and excellent judgment, and has de- servedly won a high place in the confidence and
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esteem of friends and neighbors. lle was an or- ganizer of the American Bank, in which he is a stockholder and Director, and was at one time a stockholder and Director of the Morrison & Wentworth Bank at Lexington. but withdrew from that business enterprise. Our subject is a stockholder and Director in the Higginsville Milling Company, and has stock in the Grange Store. The oldest settler in this vicinity, and a pioneer of Davis Township, Mr. Higgins has been prospered, and has achieved success by his own ef- forts and self-reliance.
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G EORGE NORTON OREAR, the popular and efficient Deputy Clerk of the Circuit and Criminal Courts of Saline County, Mo .. is one of the best accountants and finest penmen in the city of Marshall. A genial gentleman, and ambitions and energetic citizen, he has won an abi ding-place in the confidence and esteem of all who meet him in either social or business relations. A native of the State of Missouri, our subjeet is at home any where within its borders, and go where he may is sure to find a welcoming hand extended.
Mr. Orear was born in St. Charles, St. Charles County Mo., February 18, 1869. His paternal grandfather, Thomas C. Orear, was a native of Vir- ginia, and an extensive and wealthy planter in the Old Dominion. His son, Nelson C., the father of our subject, was also born in Virginia, but early emigrated to Kentucky, and there practiced law, having prepared himself for the profession by a thorough course of study. Ile succeeded in legal work, but removed in 1811 to St. Charles, where he engaged first in the real-estate business, but af- ter having resided in Missouri for some time, be- came an editor and pubhsher of a newspaper. He finally returned to his original occupation of farm- ing and raising tobacco.
Manufacturing and wholesaling his erop, he re- tained his interest in St. Charles County, but was located most of the time in St. Louis. He met
with reverses in his real estate, and soon afterward the family came to St. Louis, but in 1878 returned to Saline County, this time making their home in Clay Township. Here the father of our subjeet engaged in farming at the place now named Orear- ville, where he still resides. Ile is about sixty-eight years of age, and is now serving as Justice of the Peace, giving his earnest attention to the duties of the office and farming, and enjoying the esteem and friendship of the entire community of the township and county. Ile has always been a Dem- ocrat, upright and honorable. The mother of George Norton is about fifty-seven years old, and was Miss Anna Orear, no relation of her husband's family, although she bore the same name. She was born in Kentucky, and was the daughter of Thomas C. Orear, who was for years a prominent citizen of Lexington, Ky., and a well-known druggist of that eity. Ile died at the advanced age of ninety-four years in May, 1892. llis wife. Anna Norton, a native of Kentucky, passed away in July, 1892, aged eighty-nine years, so the venerable, couple united in life, were not long divided by death.
Our subject was the fourth son and the sixth child in the family of ten sons and daughters. The family was located in St. Louis when Mr. Orear was seven years old, and he then began his education in the public schools there, but soon re- turned with his parents to the farm in Orearville, and there assisted in the duties of agriculture, at- tending the district schools meantime, and later re- ceiving instruction in the Marshall High School. During the session of the State Legislature of 1887, Mr. Orear held a clerkship on one of the House jour- nals, and also served in the same official position in the session of 1889. 1Ie then was appointed by Mr. Matt Hall to his present position as Deputy Clerk of the Circuit and Criminal Courts of Saline County, and entered upon the duties of the position March 13, 1889. Our subject is fraternally associated with the Knights of Pythias, and is a valued member of the order. Mr. Orcar is a sturdy Democrat, and an active worker for his party, whose Jacksonian principles he firmly advocates. Ile is Secretary of the County Democratic Central Committee, and has been a delegate to various important county and State conventions, and has in every instance
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expressed the wishes of his friends and constituents in a most able and convincing manner, using strong argument, and managing well the duties intrusted to his care.
OHN HOLTCAMP, a representative German- American citizen and a leading agricultur- ist of La Fayette County, Mo., is the subject of this sketch. His location is upon section 26, range 25, township 49, where he has lived since 1880, upon a fine, well-cultivated farm of four hundred and fifty-seven acres of land. Our subject is a native of Prussia, born March 2, 1832, and his parents were Casper H. and Catherine Holtcamp, natives of Germany. When he was but eleven years of age his mother was removed by death. This broke up the family, and his bereaved father, with himself and a sister, started to America, there to begin life over again among new scenes. At Bremerhaven the little family went aboard a sailing- vessel bound for New Orleans, and after a passage of six weeks and two days, they reached their desti- nation. From there it was easy to reach St. Louis, where were many honest German citizens, and among these the strangers remained for some months, later moving into La Fayette County, and settling in Freedom Township, near the present site of Concordia.
The farm upon which Casper Holtcamp settled was new land, but upon it was a log cabin which served for a shelter, and before long signs of im- provement began to show that the owner of that place was a man of energy and industry. His death occurred May 13, 1871. near Higginsville, Mo., at the age of seventy-four years. He had endured many pioneer hardships, and had lived a quiet, peaceful life. Upon this farm our subject, John Holteamp, was reared to manhood. His exper- iences were those of the pioneers of the new country, and he remembers well the monotonous life of the farm in those days, when the breaking,
and plowing of the land were all done by oxen and when the wild creatures roamed over the cultivated fields. The meat of the family usually was venison or wild turkey, both delicious and nutritious enough, but apt to become palling to the taste without variety.
The country log school, generally erected in a bit of burned clearing, was our subject's temple of learning and here he was taught the rudiments. This primitive school was in great contrast to the educa- tional institutions which have been erected in the same locality since, but at the time they were con- sidered adequate. During the excitement of 1849- 50, our subject became interested in California, and in the latter year was one of those who started to the Golden State. Leaving Waverly, Mo., with a number of others, the party crossed the plains with mule teams; consuming about one hundred days in the trip, they finally reached langtown, Cal. In this State our subject continued for six years, engaged in gold mining, at which he was moder- ately successful.
In 1856 Mr. Holteamp turned his eyes toward home. How inbred that longing is! The gentle poet struck the right sentiment when he sang, "There is no place like home." The journey was made by the Nicaraguan route, and after a trip of adventure and of new sights, our subject once more reached the pleasant borders of La Fay- ette County. Before taking his long trip, he had managed the running of a flat boat for the accommodation of passengers between Waverly, Mo., and a point in Carroll County, but he con- sidered an agricultural life his occupation. In the spring of 1880 he settled upon his present place, which he has improved and made a fine home. Mr. Holteamp naturally feels a just pride in his well-arranged farm, knowing that he has won it all for himself, for these broad acres did not come to him by inheritance, as witnesses of another's in- dustry.
In connection with his excellent farming, Mr. Holtcamp raises Shorthorn cattle and Poland- China hogs. He is very progressive, and is considered one of the best farmers of this neigh- borhood. The marriage of our subject was cele- brated in February, 1857, with Miss Anna Louisa
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Kuhlman, a native of Germany, and eight living children now call them parents. These are: HI. C .: Lydia, the wife of Frederick Brand; JJohn E .; Joseph; James: Sarah, now the wife of Milton Harris; William and Mary. Sarah and Captain are deceased. making a family of ten. For nine months our subjeet served in the militia during the Civil War in the Union service, and was engaged prin- cipally in hunting bushwhackers.
Our subject is a prominent man in his locality, now serving as School Director, which position he has held for many years. his ideas of progress suit- ing his fellow-citizens. The Missionary Baptist Church of Concordia is the religious denomination to which Mr. Holtcamp belongs, and which he supports with presence and purse, and in which he is now a Deacon. In politics he is a Republican and is active in support of that party, and has great faith in its possibilities. In summing up the character of the above subject, we may say that he is a man of sound principles, and his actions are governed by an intelligent understanding.
OHN II. COULTER is an intelligent and thrifty farmer of seetion 2, Elwood Town- ship, Saline County. Ile is a successful man in his chosen work, being engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and having a good farm and pleasant home. He is one of those who served as a soldier, and he cannot fail to in- terest many because of that. as well as for what he has done in other lines.
Mr. Coulter started a poor boy, and has made his way to independence by his own exertions. He owns a farm that anyone might be proud of. and is prominent in church work, having been Sab- bath-school Superintendent for live years. He was made candidate for County Judge in 1888, against his wishes, and, although not elected, was ahead of his party ticket, being defeated on ae- count of the overwhelming Democratie majority in the county, that majority numbering fifteen
hundred. These statements show the esteem in which he is held. and need no added words to make them stronger.
Mr. Coulter, whose address is Elmwood, was born in Crawford County, Ohio, October 11, 1836. Ilis father was John Coulter, born in Pennsylvania in 1803. llis grandfather emigrated from Ire- land and was of Scotch-Irish extraction. John Il.'s father removed to Crawford County, Ohio, with his wife and one child, at an early date, being one of the old settlers of that county. He bought land and cleared a farm, working against many disadvantages, as may well be imagined. The In- dians and game were plentiful, and were not al- ways agreeable, but he persevered with the strength that characterized so many of the first comers to the different States, and gained a home for him- self. Ile died in 1878, at this home.
The family of John Coulter, as well as himself, were Presbyterians. Ilis wife, formerly Jane Kerr, of Pennsylvania, is of Scotch-Irish descent, and was born in 1809, and is still living. There were nine children. four of whom are deceased; the subject of this sketch is the second and the eldest of the living children. An older brother died in a hospital in New Orleans during the war.
John Il. was born in the house built by his fa- ther, which is still standing. His school days were limited, being confined to a few months each year. Ile remained at home, assisting in clearing the land, etc., until twenty-three years old, after which he worked out by the month for two years, and subsequently engaged in farming.
When the war broke out. Mr. Coulter enlisted in Company K. Eighty-first Ohio Infantry, under Col. Adams. August 21, 1862. Hle joined the regiment just after the battles of Corinth and Shiloh, when it was badly out up. He did duty on the rail- road. guarding and destroying bridges, and was in the Atlanta campaign. Being taken sick July 4, 1864, he was confined to the hospital for three months, then returned to his regiment at Rome, Ga., and joined in the march to the sea, and thence through the Carolinas home. Ile witnessed the burning of Columbia, S. C., and participated in the Grand Review in Washington, D. C. Al- though a non-commissioned officer, he held the
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highest position in that class, that of First Ser- geant. His discharge came in 1865. The record that we have so bravely traced is an honorable one, and between the lines we read of duty con- scientiously done and dangers bravely faced for the sake of a beloved country. We remember that this service was given freely and nobly for the cause in which he believed, and for this we honor him, as we must honor all who have risked their lives for the sake of a cherished belief, whether they wore the blue or the gray.
After the war, Mr. Coulter came home and worked out for a time, engaging in farming. No- vember 20, 1866, he married Miss Eliza E. Car- mean, of Ohio, daughter of John and Susannah (Dehaven) Carmean, both of whom were from Ohio, and whose biography is given elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Coulter came to Missouri for his wife, then returned to Ohio and engaged in farming for two years, at the end of which time he removed to Missouri, and located in Elmwood Township, Saline County, where he purchased two hundred acres of land, all of which was nnim- proved with the exception of having a log cabin, 14x14 feet, and there he proceeded to houskeep- ing, living in this cabin six years. His farm was quite extensively overgrown with hazel brush, but he proceeded to clear it up and improve it, gaining year by year, until in 1882 he built a sub- stantial house.
Mr. and Mrs. Coulter have four children: James F., Llewelyn B., Jolm E. and Olin HI. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, the former since the age of twenty- three, and, as we have stated, Mr. Coulter is Sun- day-school Superintendent and an active worker. The subject of this sketch has never cared for of- fice, although his party, the Republican, as before indicated, has wished to honor him, and has, in truth, insisted upon so doing. Ile is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and a solid, substantial man. He owns, in addition to his home farm, which consists of four hundred and twenty acres, three hundred and twenty acres in Sumner County, Kan. When it is remembered that this has all been gained by his own exertions, starting, as he did, with nothing, our youth of the present 1
day should feel encouraged to go forward bravely against any number of difficulties toward the suc- cess that inust surely come if rightly sought, un- less, through the wisdom of an over-ruling Provi- dence, it should be mysteriously withheld.
W M. SHAW, the eldest son of Fieldin Shaw, was born in Kentucky, and came to Missouri with his parents in 1839. Ile is one of the best farmers in this county of good farmers, making the business a profession, and proving that by so doing the most satisfactory results may be obtained. Mr. Shaw was liberally educated, as might be inferred from the above statements. When the war between the sections broke out, he was one of the first to espouse the cause of the Confederacy, believing, as did so many true and noble men, that in so doing he was best serving the interests of all concerned and maintaining the just rights of the Sonth. Our subject was wounded at the battle of Baker's Creek (Miss.). losing one-half of his right foot.
While in the South, Mr. Shaw met and married Miss Ophelia Hendrick, whose father was Gran- berry Hendrick, of Hinds County, Miss. Their family consists of seven children, viz: Sadonia, wife of L. G. Tucker; Theodosia, Katie, Celia, Bettie, Willie and Ophelia, the last two being twins.
In 1867, Mr. Shaw eame to Saline County, hav- ing been preceded by others of the family. Ilis address is Fairville. He is recognized as one of the leading business men of the county, being a suc- cessful feeder of cattle and a fine farmer, one who proves that in this occupation, as in every other, brains and good judgment tell, and is altogether a more than ordinarily capable man. He is a citizen that any county might well be proud of, and one whom Saline County appreciates, ac- cording him a place in the foremost ranks, as an example of what she most desires in her represent- ative men. His farm makes one wish to "go and
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do likewise," so fully is it an example of what farming should be.
Mr. Shaw was formerly a Democrat, but when the People's party had its birth in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1891, he became a prominent member of that organization, believing that in leaving his former Democratie affiliations he was acting for the good of the greater number. Whatever party feeling may be, all who know the gentleman whose life we are portraying in brief will freely admit that he is ever governed by his convic- tions of right and duty, and that whatever he does is done honestly. More of such men would be a blessing to the community, and would raise the standard of citizenship to a higher plane, while party feeling, however high it might run. would always be governed by judgment and the clearest insight that could be brought to bear upon it. Mr. Shaw's ancestry is more fully given in the sketch of his father. a noble man, and one whom any son might be proud to pattern after. and who has now passed to a fuller life.
G EORGE W. SHUMLATE, residing on section 12. township 51, range 20, in Saline County, was born in the State of Virginia in 1822. the son of James and Jane (Conway) Shumate. The former was born in Virginia in 1799, and the latter was a native of the same State. The paternal grandfather was George Shumate, and his eldest son was a soldier in the War of 1812, in which struggle the maternal grandfather, Peter Conway, also participated.
The parents of our subject came to Missouri in 1837 and settled in Warren County. Early in 18.19 they came to Saline County and remained there until the death of the father in 1881. The family consisted of four sons and two daughters. James was born in Virginia, there married Miss Ella Baskett, and resides in Lewis County, Mo., where he is a farmer. Mary was born in Virginia
and married David Hunter. Thomas Conway married Miss Elizabeth Dunean, and resides in Texas County, Mo. Virginia married Mr. Hunter, and resides in Kansas. John Oscar married Mrs. Evans, and resides in San Francisco, where he is Mayor of the city.
The marriage of our subjeet took place in Lewis County, March 1, 1849, to Miss Hannah Dale, a native of Kentucky. Eight children have been born to them. as follows: John Preston, born in Lewis County in 1849, married Miss Evaline Odell. and resides at Greeley, Colo .; George W., was born in 1852, married Miss Morgan, and resides in Saline County; Hannah, who was born in 1855, married Mr. Gaume, and resides in Sacramento, Cal., where he carries on a eanning factory; Mary E .. who was born in 1857, married Mr. Kelley, a farmer residing in Saline County; Samuel G., who was born in 1859, married Miss Davidson, and resides at Ft. Morgan, Cal .; James Oscar, born in 1862, married Miss Goodman and is a farmer of Saline County; David L., born in 1861, resides in Saline County; Sallie, born in 1867, married Mr. House, and resides at Ft. Morgan, Cal., where he is engaged in the cattle business. The children of this family were educa- ted in the schools of Lewis County, until they removed thence in 1868.
Our subjeet was educated in the common schools of Ohio and Missouri, and the school houses were of the pioneer kind, with puncheon floor and split logs for seats, and a latch-string hung out of the door. At the age of twenty years he came to Saline County and worked for his father. When he was twenty-three years old he left home and engaged as a carpenter for a time. Later he settled on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Clark County, where he secured Government land at $1.25 per aere. After remaining there for some time, he sold the prop- erty to A. Barber, a country merchant, and lost $2,000.
After this our subject purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, which he improved and then sold. In 1868 he moved into Saline County where he purchased one hundred and twenty acres, paying therefor $3,000. This land is now
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS R
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House Incle
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worth $3,500, and is well improved, and upon it our subject raises wheat, grass, corn and fruits. Mr. Shumate is a member of the Baptist Church and has been thus identified since he was nineteen years of age. For many years he has been a Dea- con in the church, to which his wife also belongs. Socially, he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, of which he has been a member for forty years. In politics he is a Democrat, but has never accepted an official position, except that of School Director, in which capacity he has served as President of the Board.
ALTER RAWLINGS is one of the most popular engineers on the Chicago & Alton Railroad, belonging to the Kansas City and St. Louis Division. His genial kindness and courteous manners proclaim him a perfect gentle- man. Mr. Rawlings was born at Hindon, Wilt- shire, England, March 25, 1861. [lis father, Mor- ality Rawlings, was also a native of the same shire, having been born on Pertwood Farm, near Hin- don, which had been in the family for about sixty years. His grandfather, Steplien Rawlings, was the youngest son of ten children, whose names were as follows: William, Richard, Thomas, JJohn, James, Joseph, Doctor, Stephen, Jane and Ann. Thus it may be seen that the family is one of many ramifications. Stephen Rawlings was a farmer in Wiltshire, and there lived and died.
Morality Rawlings was the youngest of a fam- ily of five children, who were as follows: JJustice, Fortitude, Temperance, Ilope, and Morality, the only survivor being Fortitude, who lives in South Missouri. Our subject's father was a farmer in England, and came to Canada with his wife and four children, leaving Liverpool May 26, 1861, by the Allan Line steamer "Damascus," landing in Quebec fourteen days later, and from there proceed- ing to London, Canada. Ile engaged in farming near the latter city until 1870, when he came to Mis- souri and located in Howard County, remaining
there one year, after which he removed to Saline County, near Orearville, where he lived for two years. Ile then bought one hundred and twenty aeres a quarter of a mile west of Slater. He died September 7, 1890. Politically he was a Democrat.
The mother of our subject was known in maiden- hood as Mary Maria Bailey, and was born in England, being one in a family of six children, viz .: Henry S., deceased; Sarah, Mrs. J. Adams, also deceased; Mary Maria; Bessie, Mrs. William Corbin; Annie, the wife of William Chambers; and Maria, who married William Short. The surviv- ing children, with the exception of Mrs. Rawlings, all make their home in England. The father of this family, Henry S. Bailey, was a farmer in Eng- land, and also followed the occupation of maltster and brewer. Mrs. Rawlings still resides at the old home in Saline County. She is the mother of nine children: Austin, who is engaged in the general mercantile business at Napton; Emily, Mrs. L. C. Warner, of Slater; Walter, of this sketch; Albin M., who is in partnership with his elder brother at Napton; Esmeralda, who is at home; Mary M., the wife of .l. J. Lienhard, of Slater; Minerva, Louise and Elian, who are at home.
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