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 57
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 57
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Our subjeet spent his boyhood up to twenty-one years of age in Jessamine County, and until six- teen years of age attended the subseription school. He then entered the White Oak Seminary, where he pursued his studies for three winters, after which he taught school one winter. In 1851 the Neet family removed to Missouri, making their entrance into Lexington April 10th.
After coming to Missouri, our subject learned the earpenter's trade, at which he worked for ten years. In the spring of 1861 he enlisted in the Fourteenth Missouri Infantry, which was com- manded by Col. Robert White, and in the battle of Lexington, Mo., was taken prisoner by Gen. Price, but was allowed to go at large on parole and was finally exchanged. He was then appointed to
recruit a regiment for Col. Graham, whose troops had been badly disabled in the battle of Shiloh. After contributing valuable service he was honor- ably discharged. Mr. Neet is a member of the James A. Mulligan Post No. 11, of Lexington, of the Grand Army of the Republic.
After returning from the war, the original of this sketch learned the printer's trade, at which he was employed for about fifteen years. In 1877 he accepted a position as Weighmaster of the City of Lexington, and continued in that offiee for nine years. In 1888 he was elected City Reeorder for a term of two years. In 1890 he was re-elected and again in 1892. In polities Mr. Neet is an ad- vocate of that party which for thirty years has so ably held the reins of Government.
Our subject was married September 30, 1856, to Miss Anna, a daughter of John Davis, of Mary- land. She died in 1857. Mr. Neet is a member in good standing of the Presbyterian Church, and has been a generous upholder of all its work and charity.
OHIN M. GAMBLE. The original of this sketch is a well-known farmer, residing on section 35, range 26, Dover Township. He is a native of that State which has given so many noted men to the service of its country, and which is now proud to claim as citizens William Mckinley and Secretary Foster, as he was born in lIolmes County, Ohio, September 22, 1815.
John M. is a son of James and Naney (Wood) Gamble, both natives of the Buckeye State. Ilis mother was a daughter of John Wood, who was a native of Maryland. Comparatively little is known of the ancestry of either side of the family, but our subject's paternal grandfather, Maj. Gamble, was a native of Ireland, and he has mixed Scotch and Irish blood in his veins.
When John Gamble was eight years of age, his parents removed to Springfield, Ill., or the imme- diate vicinity. That was our subject's home until
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1876, and during the interval he attended the common school and helped his father to develop the home farm, At the date last mentioned. Mr. Gamble removed to Missouri and settled in La Fayette County on a farm, and has devoted him- self to the improvement of the same until the present time. His tract comprises two hundred and sixteen acres. all of which is under cultivation, and which bears the impress of modern agricult- ural evolution, The best agricultural machinery is here found, and the methods employed in culti- vating and fertilizing are such as are approved by the latest science. His house and barn are well built and answer all requirements.
It is fitting, considering his birth and bringing up, that Mr. Gamble should be a follower of that party which since the war has developed the resources of this country and produced an un- paralleled affluence. In May of 1886, our subject married Miss Ida, a daughter of James T. Camp- bell, of Higginsville, this county. She has since presided over her home with dignity and cap- ability, and has brought into it a happy influ- ence, which only the presence of a woman can dif- fuse.
ILLIAM A. LA BERTEW, a prominent business man of Lexington, Mo., born at Dover, in this county, October 4, 1846, is the subject of this sketch. He is the only son of Peter B. and Cyntha A. (Sutfield) La Bertew, both of whom are still living. The father was born in Kentucky, in 1820, a son of Asher La Ber- tow, of French descent, and grew up in his native State, where he married, and in 1812 came to La Fayette County, Mo. llis trade is that of tailor, which he followed for a number of years, then en- gaged in the mercantile business. The mother of our subject is a native of Kentucky, and a daugh- ter of Jacob Sutfield, of that State.
William A., the subject of this notice, passed his early boyhood days in the schools of Dover, but
later attended the State University at Blooming- ton, Ind., where he remained one year. When he had turned his back upon his school days, our sub- ject decided to enter into business for himself, and selected Jersey City, N. J., as the first scene of his labors. llere he became a clerk in the dry-goods store of T. C. & G. G. Brown. with whom he re- mained for a term of three years, at the end of which time he returned to his old home in Dover, but soon afterward came to Lexington, where he was employed by Hugh T. Wilson as clerk for one year.
Returning to Dover, our subject engaged in the grocery business, associating with him E. S. Van Anglen. under the firm name of Van Anglen & La Bertew, which partnership lasted for about four years, during which time they conducted a livery stable in connection with their other business. They then dissolved by mutual consent, and our subject came to Lexington to enter the employ of MeCanseland & Bedford, and remained with them four years. At this time farm life seemed attrac- tive, and he removed to his place near Lexington, where he continued until 1888. Returning to Lexington lie engaged there in clerking for W. S. Clagett for eighteen months; later, buying out Mr. Clagett, he continued in the same store building, as it is well adapted for the purpose, being 22x75 feet, and to his grocery stock he has added queens- ware and woodenware.
The year 1866 was an eventful one for our sub- ject, as that year he established a home for him- self and wife, his marriage with Miss Mildred C. Bedford taking place that year in Lexington. She is a daughter of E. W. and Elizabeth L. (Burton) Bedford, of this county. Five children have been given to Mr. and Mrs. La Bertew, as follows: Lucy B., the wife of J. H. Lothrop, of Kearney, Neb .; Asher W., deceased. having passed away from life in 1890, when in his twenty-second year: Bed- ford W., now of Pittsburgh. Kan .; Mary B., at home, and Bessie C., also at home. Mi. and Mrs. La Bertew are valued members of the Methodist Church South, in which he is one of the Stewards.
Public life has called our subject to the front in this city, as he is now serving as a member of the City Council from the Third Ward. He has taken
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an active interest in politics, being one of the ac- tive members of the Democratic party in this county, and is also a member of Lodge No. 149, A. F. & A. M., of which he is Junior Deacon. Ilis interest in education has been very expressed. The residence of Mr. La Bertew is located on the corner of Maine and Eighteenth Streets, in the city of Lexington.
E MISON CHANSLOR, a prominent business man of the city of Lexington, Mo., is the subject of the present sketch. Ilis honor- able position is that of Assistant Cashier of the Lexington Savings Bank, which place he has held since 1886. Our subject was born in Wellington, in this county, August 3, 186t, a son of William A. and Malissa J. (Emison) Chanslor. The father of our subject, a native of Kentucky, became one of the early settlers of La Fayette County, Mo., and was a son of Isaac Chanslor, who died in this county in 1883. The maternal grandfather, Benjamin Emison, came to this State from Ken- tucky.
The father of Emison Chanslor was a man of strong personality and sterling integrity, being noted for his uprightness and honesty. Ilis busi- ness in later years was that of a dealer in real estate. ITis death occurred in 1884. The mother of our subject lived until 1888, passing her last days in Lexington. The boyhood and youth of our subject was a happy one, he enjoying the sports of the young and attending both publie and pri- vate schools, where his application prepared him early for a course at the State University at Columbia, following which he took a course at Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College, at St. Louis, graduating from it in 1880.
For the four following years our subject engaged in the mercantile business as a clerk with M. W. Conkling; but in 1883 he became interested in the Lexington Savings Bank, and soon became Col- lector in the same. From this position he was
promoted to be Teller, and in 1886 to be Book- keeper, which position he holds at the present time. Mr. Chanslor has demonstrated his ability as a man of business, and his rapid promotion has proven that his qualifications have been recog- mized by his employers. The position of Cashier in any bank is one of great trust, and is usually carefully considered by the Directors before any appointment is made.
The marriage of our subject was celebrated in 1885, with Miss Nina Limriek, the charming daughter of William Limrick, an old settier, and one of the first bankers of this city. He is widely known through this whole country, and much esteemed. The happy marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Chanslor has been blessed with one little son, named in honor of his grandfather William L. Our subject is a member of the Builders' and Loan Association of Lexington, in which organi- zation he fills the office of Treasurer. In politics, Mr. Chanslor is a believer in the .principles which govern the Democratic party, and is always ready to assist that cause. The elegant residence of our subject is located upon one of the best streets in the city, and in its appointments is second to none in Lexington.
R. S. F. SMITHI, a successful medical prac- titioner and skillful surgeon of Lexing- ton Township, La Fayette County, Mo., while he has enjoyed a large practice and been highly esteemed in his profession, also occu- pies a high position among the prominent and prosperous agriculturists of the State. Gaining the well-deserved degree of M. D. some forty years ago, Dr. Smith has been one of the most useful and highly-honored citizens of La Fayette County, his ability, energy and excellent judgment, com- bined with his extended knowledge of the various duties of his professional position, commending him to the confidence and regard of the entire
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community, among whom his services have been in constant demand for a period of full two-score years.
Our subjeet was born near Nashville, Tenn., September 27, 1823. His parents were William and Margaret E. (Warnick) Smith, whose ancestors were of Scotch. English and Irish origin. Grand- father Cunningham Smith was a native of North Carolina. and was an active and brave participant in the Revolutionary struggle for independence of our great country. His son William was also born in North Carolina, but his wife, the mother of our subject, was a native of Tennessee, and spent the early part of her married life in her native State. Dr. Smith was but two years old when his parents moved to Missouri and located on the present homestead. Our subject received the ben- elit of the subscription schools of the sparsely set- tled neighborhood, and soon began to assist his father in the work on the farm.
Dr. Smith remained upon the farm, engaged in the various duties of agriculture, until he had ar- rived at twenty-eight years of age, when he de- termined to acquire a profession. In 1849 he be- gan reading medicine with Drs. Calhoun & Pear- son, and continued in their office for two years. At the expiration of this time. our subjeet entered the medical department of Washington Univer- sity, at St. Louis, and continued his studies for one year in this well-known institution of learn- ing. Later he attended the Jefferson Medical Col- lege, at Philadelphia, from which he was graduated with honor, receiving, in the spring of 1851. the degree of M. D. Returning to La Fayette County, he at once entered into the practice of medicine and surgery, and from the first received his full share of patronage. At the same time he devoted a portion of his time to the pursuit of agriculture, in which duties he had been so thoroughly trained.
Dr. Smith owns an excellent farm of three hun- dred and ten acres, all under a high state of culti- vation and desirably situated, its location being upon section 8, township 50, range 27. Our sub- ject has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Evaline Chambers, to whom he was united in marriage in 1852. Upon July 3, 1882. Dr. Smith married his present wife, Miss Georgia, daughter
of Judge 11. Young, a native of Tennessee. Dr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of six children, five daughters and one son. Margaret J. is the eldest of the family; William L. is the son; and then follow Helen M., Laura R., Catherine and Lucy C. Dr. Smith is a valued member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and has been an Elder of that religious organization for thirty years. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and both husband and wife are actively interested in the advancement and exten- 'sion of religious work, and are also leading factors in social and benevolent enterprises of their neighborhood and vicinity.
Dr. Smith is a member of the La Fayette County Medical Association, and keeps pace with the march of improvement, which even extends to the learned professions. In political affiliations, our subject is a sturdy Democrat, and after an adler- ence of half a century to its principles and plat- form, sees no reason now for changing his belief. Many years have passed since our subject came, a very little child, into the wilderness of Missouri, and with the changes and progress of the State he also changed from youth to manhood, but throughout his life he has ever preserved intact the integrity of his character and retained the eon- fidence of the general public.
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ARON G. CAMPBELL, a man of long ex- perience, great industry and final success, is a farmer of Bates City, and a son of Henry Campbell, a native of Bedford County, Va., who, when a boy, went to Logan County, Ky. The father was born in 1797, a son of Aaron and Grace Campbell, both of Scotch-Irish ancestry. The mother of our subjeet was Nancy (Ashburn) Campbell, also a native of Bedford County, Va., who, when a girl, removed to Logan County. Ky., and married there; later she came to Missouri with her husband and settled on section 21, Clay Township, La Fayette County. They
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lived outside the range of other settlers and were surrounded by virgin forests, filled with game, where Indians wandered about undisturbed.
The land had just been opened for entry and the claim was a raw one, eighty acres in all, and when paid for but seventy-five cents was left in the family. The father of our subject was one of the earliest settlers of the county and resided on the homestead for forty-five years, giving his ex- clusive care to the farm, although finding time for hunting and fishing, of which he was very fond. lle was a jolly, whole-souled man, popular with everybody, and successful withal. Before his death he was the owner of five hundred acres of land. Ilis wife was the mother of twelve chil- dren, two of whom, John and William, served in the Civil War, while the first-mentioned died in Texas during his term of service. These worthy parents were church members, she of the Methi- odist Episcopal, he of the Cumberland Pres- byterian. The father was much concerned in lo- cal and national matters, being originally an old- line Whig and later a Democrat. He aided in the organization of the school district and the town- ship. Of the children five only are now living.
Our subject was born October 10, 1827, on sec- tion 21, this township, in a log cabin, where he was reared until after his twenty-first birthday, attending through several years the district school. In his youth he learned the carpenter's trade, which has served him in good stead throughout his life. In 1856, November 20, he married Mrs. Mary Swearingen, nee Gleves, a daughter of Harvey and Ellen (Ewing) Gleves, of Virginia, who located here the same year as our subject's father, in 1823. Iler uncle, Finis Ewing, was a founder of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Dixon County, Tenn. She was born November 28, 1833, in Lexington Township, and received a good edu- cation. After her marriage she settled with her husband on section 18, where the latter built a house in 1856. This was their home until 1861, when they made a permanent residence on seetion 7, which has been their continuous home for over thirty-one years. The farm consists of one hun- dred and sixty acres of fine land, well improved and carefully cultivated. Although our subject
remained at home during the war, he passed through all the horrors of border and guerrilla war- fare. A number of his slaves were taken away without compensation, other property was de- stroyed, and the household was kept in constant fear of bodily injury. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell never had any children, but they reared one child, Nellie, now the wife of Benjamin Fishback, who has four children. Our subject is Ruling El- der in the Pleasant Prairie Cumberland Presbyte- rian Church, and was a member of the building committee. Ilis wife is also a worthy member of the same organization. lle takes an active inter- est in school matters and was Director in his school district for a period of ten years. Gen. Taylor received the first vote Mr. Campbell ever east, although now he is a Democrat, and manifests much interest in politieal matters; having the courage to act for himself, he does not accept ad- vice from others when making up his mind for action. His farm is rented out and he expects soon to retire to a residence in Bates City, this township.
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R EV. WILLIAM BUEHLER, the well-known and popular pastor of the Zion German Evangelical Church of Mayview, was born in Gibson County, Ind., April 22, 1861. Ilis parents were Rev. Jacob and Matilda Buehler, natives of Germany, who came to this country about 1848. The father is a retired minister of the denomination to which he belongs, and now makes his home in Marshall, Il1. When William was about seven years of age, his father took charge of a church in Loudonville, Ohio, where the family resided for a short time; subsequently they removed to Marshall, Ill., where he was reared to manhood.
In the publie school of Marshall our subjeet re- ceived an elementary education, and also had the benefit of the scholarly instruction of his father, which prepared him for a course in the German
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Evangelical Seminary at St. Louis. From that in- stitution of learning he was graduated in 1885. after a course of three years. Although but twenty years of age, he was so well qualified for minis- terial duties that the church of Cottleville, St. Charles County, Mo., gladly welcomed him as their pastor. and retained him until in 1887. when he was transferred to his present important charge at Mayview. Gifted in many ways, he has become one of the powers in the church. Not only has he discharged his duties as pastor with great singleness of purpose, but he has also taken . upon himself during three months of the year the management of the German school connected with the church, teaching the ordinary branches and also instructing the pupils in music.
The marriage of Mr. Buehler was celebrated December 10, 1885, with Miss Emma Hoefer, the amiable daughter of the late llerman Hoefer. of this county. Two bright children enliven the happy home, and in their society are forgotten the eares which press upon every conscientious clergy- man. Although not an active politician, our sub- jeet is a member of the Republican party. and is always in favor of any measures which promise benefit to his county or State. In addition to his labors at Zion Church, Mr. Buehler has charge of St. Paul's Evangelical Church at the village of Blackburn, preaching alternately and attending to the pastoral work at both places. llis ministry has been blessed, and he has won the affection and esteem of the citizens of both places, who ad- mire his noble character, genial disposition and unselfishness of purpose.
G EORGE W. FOX, a prominent citizen and successful general agriculturist and stock- raiser residing upon section 30, township 49, range 27, La Fayette County, is widely known as an enterprising man, and of sterling integrity of character. Our subject was born December 5, 1844, in Greenbrier County. W. Va., and is a son
of Matthias and Lydia (Gilliam) Fox. Grandfa- ther Fox was of German descent. and was born in Pennsylvania, removing thence to Greenbrier County, W. Va., in an early day.
Matthias Fox. the father. was born in Virginia, in the memorable year of 1812, and still survives. In 1867 he removed with his family to La Fayette County, and settled in Washington Township. Ile and his good wife, who have outlived the changes of three-fourths of a century, were the parents of twelve children, nine of whom lived to adult age. 'The sons and daughters whose presence blessed the old homestead were Martha E., Ilannah, James A., George W., John II., Joel C .. Charles W., Samuel W., Mary E., Dalton. Maggie V. and Crampton. The mother of these sons and daughters was born in Greenbrier County. W. Va., and was the daugh- ter of George and Martha (Hill) Gillilin. natives of Virginia. Mr. Gillilin served bravely as an Ensign in the War of 1812. This maternal grand- father and grandmother were the parents of four sons and three daughters: Richard, James, Samuel, John, Nancy, Lydia and Elizabeth.
In 1853 the Gillilins came to Missouri, and lo- cated in La Fayette County, but removed in the fall of the same year to Johnson County, where the father and mother, after many years' residence. died. Grandfather George Gillilin received vari- ous official positions of trust, and served efficiently as Sheriff of the county. and Justice of the Peace. lle was a Presbyterian, and his wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Gillilin family are of Scotch origin, but the maternal an- cestors of our subject early settled in Virginia, where great-grandfather James Gillilin was born and twice married, bequeathing his name to num- erous descendants. The father and mother of our subject are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and widely known as intelligent Christian people.
George W. Fox, reared upon a farm and edu- cated in the district schools. was an energetic self- reliant youth when he enlisted in February. 1863. in Company E. Sixtieth Virginia Confederate Regiment. Our subject bravely participated in the battles of Fayette Court House, Cloyd's Mill. Piedmont, Manicosa Junction (Md.), Winchester.
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Fishers Hill, Waynesboro and Floyd's Mountain. lle was wounded in the left arm in the latter en- gagement, and wounded in the right arm at Fish- ers Hill. March 6, our subject was captured, but six days later made his eseape, and returning to his company, resumed service as a Corporal.
In the spring of 1866 Mr. Fox came to Missouri, and began working by the month on the farm where he now resides. December 13, 1876, our subject was united in marriage with Mrs. Martha E. Ilill, daughter of John and Nancy (Gilliam) McNeal. Mr. MeNeal was born in September, 1810, in Pocahontas County, Va., and in 1837 came to Lexington, Mo., and settled upon a farm of six hundred and ten acres, which he improved and later brought to a high state of cultivation. Mr. McNeal passed away deeply mourned, April 3, 1892, but the faithful wife still survives her hus- band.
Mr. and Mrs. McNeal were the parents of two children, George W. and Martha E. The father and mother were both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and contributed liberally to its support and the extension of its good work. The McNeals were of Scotch-Irish descent, and from generation to generation were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Abram McNeal, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. Fox, was a farmer of Pocahontas County, Va., and was there born and reared. Ile was thrice married. His first wife bore him one daughter. Ilis second wife, Eliza- beth Lamb, was the mother of three sons and five daughters. The third wife, Magdaline Kelley, was the mother of two sons by her marriage with Mr. McNeal, her first husband having been a Mr. Hayes.
Our subject and his wife are the parents of two children, Calvin E. and Lillie F. By her marriage with Samuel P. Ilill, Mrs. Fox has two surviving children, Thomas W. and Maggie D. Mr. Hill was born in Virginia, and in early days was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, but in the latter portion of his life a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject and his family have a wide circle of friends and ac- quaintance, and their hospitable home is the scene of many a social gathering. They are active in
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