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 78
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 78
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85
-- -
Of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. James Campbell, five are still living, and the father of our subject was the eldest. Ile was reared near Hunts- ville. Ala., until he was thirteen years of age, when he came to Missouri and grew to manhood on the farm. At that time the country was still full of game, and young Campbell became an expert with his rifle. The meats which are now considered dainties in his neighborhood were then staples. Venison in every form, pigeons, wild turkeys, and even bear meat, were not rare. Until he had reached his majority, Granville Campbell re- mained with his parents. His education was re- ceived in the log schoolhouse, where the slab benches and earthen floors may have been picturesque, but
were not always comfortable. When he started out in life for himself, he became possessed of two hun- dred acres of land, and built a pioneer log house. He began a life of toil on his farm, where he raised hemp until the close of the war, and in connection with his other farming interests he was engaged in raising mules. Later he traded for a large farm of four hundred and fifty acres in the same vicin- ity, and upon this he engaged in raising cattle, stock and wheat. The land has a line location, four miles southeast of Dover. In 1884 he rented the property to one of his sons and moved to ILig- ginsville.
After moving into the city, Granville K. Camp- bell built a home on Fair Ground Avenue, and became a stockholder in the American Bank, also a stockholder and Director in the lligginsville Milling Company. His first marriage occurred in Dover Township in 1849 to Miss Louise Walker, who was born in La Fayette County, and was a daughter of Samuel Walker, an early settler and farmer of the county. Of their children we note the following: Samuel W., a resident of Saline County, where he carries on farming and stock- raising; James H., a coal operator in Higginsville; Robert L., a resident of Henry County, Mo., where he engages in farming and stock-raising; Hiram F., Cashier of the American Bank; and Iron K., who died in infancy. The mother of our subject died in June, 1865, and Granville K. Campbell subse- quently married Mrs. Maria Johnson, of which union one son, named Alexander Proctor, was born.
Hiram F. Campbell was born near Dover, Mo., December 14, 1860, and received the rudiments of his education in the district schools. Then he en- tered the University of Missouri at Columbus, where he prosecuted his studies for two years, leav- ing at the close of the Sophomore year. In 1882 he became connected with the Asbury-Catron Banking Company as Teller, the circumstances of which were that Capt. Asbury, knowing his sterling qualities of character, sent for him, and from the wheat field he was installed in the bank. The splendid business ability which he displays illus- trates the sound judgment of Capt. Asbury and his knowledge of men. In 1886, Mr. Campbell became Assistant Cashier, and in the spring of the
617
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
following year he was elected Cashier of the Amer- can Bank, the name having been changed from the Asbury-Catron Banking Company. It is proba- ble that at the time of his election he was the youngest Cashier in the State of Missouri. Ile has been a stockholder in the bank since the organiza- tion, and is also one of the Directors.
Our subject was one of the original stockholders of the Iligginsville Milling Company, which he serves as Treasurer and also as Director. In 1886, he engaged in an insurance business and carries ten of the leading American and foreign fire insur- ance companies, doing the largest business in that line in the city. In April, 1887, he became one of the organizers of the Higginsville Building and Loan Association, and was later made its Secretary. In this, 860,000 of capital is represented. For sev- eral years he has been City. Treasurer.
The present home of our subject is upon Maine Street. llis marriage took place October 20, 1886, in Higginsville, to Miss Jennie G. Wyatt. who was born in the city of Lynchburgh, Va. Her father is George Wyatt, a contractor and builder of this place. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have two children, whose names are Farris and Lyman L. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity and Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, and is actively identified with the party of his choice. He is a member of the Christian Church.
-
G RANVILLE R. PAGE, an early and hon- ored pioneer and extensive agrieulturist of Dover Township, La Fayette County. Mo., owns a finely cultivated farm of three hun- dred and twenty-one and a-half acres, located upon section 13, township 50, range 26. Upright in character, temperate in habits, and public-spir- ited in action, our subject has always been identi- fied with the march of improvement, and ever taken a leading part in the local enterprises of his neighborhood. Widely known and highly respected, he is thoroughly at home in the his-
tory of the early days, and the progressive ad- vancement of each prominent interest is as fa- miliar to him as the daily recurring events of the past year.
The Page family were among the early inni- grants to America, and are of Scotch and English descent. The first representative of the branch of the Pages to which belongs Granville R. settled in Virginia in the latter part of the sixteenth century. John Page, the American statesman, born in Virginia in 1743, was an intimate friend of Thomas Jefferson and a member of the Colo- nial Council. During the Revolutionary struggle he rendered important service to the Government and freely contributed from his private purse to the public canse. In 1802 he was elected Gov- ernor of Virginia, and during his lifetime occu- pied many positions of trust, and passed away in 1808, his death being mourned as a national loss.
The parents of our subject, Axel II. and Sarah (Ennis) Page, were both native Virginians, as were the paternal and maternal grandparents. The maternal grandfather was John Ennis, well known as a man of influence and position in the Old Do- minion, while Grandfather Joseph Page had also a large circle of friends, whose respect and esteem he fully possessed. Axel Il. Page made his home in Kentucky, and in this latter State Granville R. was born in the month of January, 1817, his birthplace being Warren County, where he re mained until ten years of age, when, with his par ents, he removed to La Fayette County, Mo. The family settled in Dover Township, and here, nearly sixty-six years ago, our subjeet went to school in the little log house where the scholars received their early instruction.
At nineteen years of age Mr. Page, who had been trained to agricultural duties at home, be- gan farming on his own account, and in 1836 lo- cated in Platte County, Mo., where he remained eighteen months. In 1838 our subject returned to La Fayette County, and in the fall of 1841 set- tled upon his present farm, and for the first two years lived in a log cabin, but then built a more modern and commodious abode. During the first years of his agricultural experience in his present location Mr. Page raised hemp extensively, but
618
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
after the war devoted himself more to general farming and stoek-raising. handling chiefly graded Shorthorns. For some time he bought and shipped large numbers of stock, and, year after year, has increased his possessions by industry and capable management. Our subject, while a kind friend and true neighbor, is opposed to secret organiza- tions, and has never affiliated with any order. Once a Whig, later a pronouneed Democrat, he voted for Henry Clay, and is a firm advocate of the time-honored Jeffersonian Democracy.
July 23, 1835, occurred the first marriage of Mr. Page, who was then united with Miss Mary 1. Ridge, a native of Kentucky, and a daughter of William Ridge, who was born in Kentucky, but who removed to Missouri with his family in the fall of 1834. Mrs. Page became the mother of quite a family of children, five of whom are now living: William A., John (deceased), Sara F .. Nancy, Mary E., Eliza J. (deceased), and Alice L ... the youngest daughter, who still survives. January 1, 1856, our subjeet contracted his sec- ond marriage, his present wife having been the sharer of his joys and sorrows for thirty-seven years. Mrs. Lueinda (Johnson) Page is the daugh- ter of William JJohnson, a native of Tennessee, who came to Missouri in 1819, and who experi- eneed the struggles and triumphs of the early set- tlers in the Territory. The ancestors of Mrs. Page were of English descent, but her paternal grand- father was one of the Revolutionary heroes who fought for God and liberty.
Mr. and Mrs. Page have been the parents of nine children, eight of whom are living: Lon Ella, Jennie B .. George A., Ida L., Benjamin L., Heber, Joseph .l. and Temple R. Mr. and Mrs. Page and their family, now variously located, are all num- bered among the useful and energetic citizens who are important factors in the upbuilding and perma- nent advancement of national interests, and are all esteemed for their upright and honorable methods in the daily business of life. Many of the early settlers of Missouri have passed away, and the remaining pioneers now and then gather together to once more recount the experiences of yore, and among the organizations of La Fay- ette County is the Old Men's Club, of which asso-
eiation Mr. Page is an active and honored member. Mr. and Mrs. Page are both valued members of the Christian Church, with which religious denomina- tion our subject has been actively connected for fifty-six years.
G EORGE B. CHAMBERLIN, a successful agrieulturist and influential citizen of La Fayette County, Mo., has for a number of years been identified with the development and growing interests of his township and immediate locality, and is highly esteemed as a public-spirited and useful eitizen. He was born in Hampshire County, W. Va., July 14, 1846, and is a son of George E. and Martha (Brundell) Chamberlin. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Elijah Cham- berlin, married Miss Mary McPherson, and unto them was born a family of sturdy sons and daugh- ters: James, John, Franklin. Jonas, George E., Jane and Mary. The family were members of the Presbyterian Church and lived consistent Christian lives. The grandfather died in Cabletown, Jeffer- son County, W. Va .. in which place his son, George E., the father of our subject, was born. The grand- mother May died near Hedgesville, Berkeley County, W. Va., abont 1861. George E. Chamber- lin was a successful merchant in Cabletown, and devoted his entire life to mercantile pursuits. In after days he removed to Capon Bridge, Hamp- shire County, where he died.
The mother of our subject survived her husband, and died in 1875, in Cooper County, Mo. She was a daughter of Philip Brundell, and was born in London, England. Her father eame to the I'nited States in 1825. and was a maker of mathematical instruments, and located in Norfolk, Va. He was married twice, but only reared one child to matur- ity. Mrs. Martha (Brundell) Chamberlin, whose mo- ther's maiden name was Sarah Tooleys, was a mem- ber of John N. Dunean's Church ( Presbyterian), of the city of Baltimore. She was an earnest. con-
619
PORTRAIT' AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD).
scientious wife, and the mother of eight children, six of whom lived to adult years. These sons and daughters were, Sarah, John A. R., George B., Ida V., William McPherson and Cora S. The twin chil- dren died in infancy. John A. R. served bravely in the Confederate army. Our subject was reared upon a farm, and after his brother went into the army took charge of the homestead, being then but fourteen years of age, consequently he enjoyed but limited educational advantages.
-
In 1873 Mr. Chamberlin came to Missouri, and worked in a mill for two years, locating at first in Cooper County, where his mother and bro- ther settled nearly two years before. In 1880 our subject made his home upon the eighty acres where he now resides, and has for the past thirteen years devoted himself with energetic industry to the duties of general agriculture and stock-raising. The farm is under a high state of cultivation, and annually yields an abundant harvest. Mr. Chamberlin was united in . marriage with Miss Massie A. Gammon, a daughter of William T. and Elizabetli A. (Slaven) Gammon, March 18, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlin are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, with which our subject has been connected since 1865, and his wife for the past seven years, having formerly been a member of the Presbyterian Church. The pleasant home has been blessed with one child, a bright little daughter, Bessie. Mr. and Mrs. Cham- berlin are widely known and highly respected, and are prominent factors in the good work and social and benevolent enterprises of their home neighbor- hood and locality.
ESLIE KEITH, a successful farmer, widely known and highly respected, and a leading resident of La Fayette County, was born December 20, 1853, upon the farm which he now owns, section 20, township 48, range 27. Having spent nearly two-score years in the county, he has been intimately associated with the progress of
1
his neighborhood, and, an industrious and ener- getie citizen, has materially aided in the advance- ment of the State.
Our subject is the son of James M. and I. . zie (Perry) Keith. Grandfather James W. Keith, ho was born in Virginia, located in Kentucky during the early pioneer days and settled near Winches- ter. He engaged in the pursuit of agriculture nearly all his life, and was also a successful mer- chant. The father of our subject, James M. Keith, was born in Winchester, Ky., December 7, 1815. Ile received an excellent education and completed a course of study in Center College, at Danville, Ky., graduating from this celebrated institution when he was but eighteen years of age.
In a comparatively brief time this energetic and talented man began the practice of medicine in Missouri, and in 1845 came to La Fayette County and located upon section 20, township 18, range 27. Beginning with two hundred and eighty aeres, the gift of his father, he rapidly increased his holdings, until he owned eight hundred and forty acres of valuable land, all in one body, which he energetically cleared and improved. At a cost of $8,000 he erected an elegant residence, which was burned to the ground in 1880. Dr. Keith died on the 9th of March, 1879. He was an active member of the Presbyterian Church, and one of the organizers and Elders of Mount Hope. Dr. Keith was a lifelong Democrat, and was quite prominent in political affairs. He entered the Con- federate service, raised a company, and was made Captain. Ile participated in the battle of Lex- ington and various skirmishes, but on account of his health resigned. Later he went to Saline County, where he engaged profitably in trading, and also had a large practice, and remained until the close of the war.
Dr. Keith was an extensive slave-holder, and was thus a heavy loser by the Civil War. Ile also made an unprofitable venture about the close of the war, when he sent a large train of stock and provisions across the plains, much of which outlay was an entire loss. The soul of generosity and a liberal-minded man, he too frequently assisted his friends even at a great personal sacrilice. Ile was sixty-three years of age at the time of his death,
620
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and was beloved by his friends and highly re- spected by all who knew him. lle was twice mar- ried, and by his first wife became the father of nine children. eight of whom lived to reach years of maturity. The sons and daughters who brought joy and sunshine into the beautiful home were: Belle Taylor, Perry, Mollie Perry, James, Felix. Bettie: Woolf. deceased: Pauline. who died in in- faney; Leslie. our subject; and Frank, who is in business in Kansas City. The mother of our sub- ject was born in Pulaski, Giles County, Tenn., and now resides in Mayview, Mo .; she is a daughter of James Perry. an enterprising merchant and a well- known citizen of ability and worth. She is a member of the Old-school Presbyterian Church, and a sineere and devoted Christian. At the age of sixty-eight years she now resides in Kansas City.
Leslie Keith was reared upon a farm, and edu- cated in the district schools of his immediate neighborhood. At twenty-three years of age, in 1876, he located upon one hundred and ninety aeres of the original homestead, and, devoting himself to the duties of general agriculture, has brought the land up to a high state of cultivation. April 27, 1876, he married Miss Ruth Rice, who was born near Columbus. Johnson County, the daughter of Pleasant and Linnie ( Ray) Rice. Mr. Rice was a native Tennesseean and was born in 1803. At fifteen years of age he came with his parents to Saline County, then after a short time went to Greenton Valley, and from there jour- neved to ,Johnson County, where he lived for over sixty years, dying May 10, 1892. He was a wealthy farmer, and the father of thirteen ehil- dren, five sons and six danghters living to mature age. Ilis wife, who was a native of Jefferson County, Ky., passed away two years prior to the death of her husband. They were both members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Grand- father Dangerfield Rice, who came from Tennessee and remained a short time in Missouri, was of di- rect Scotch-Irish deseent.
The pleasant home of our subject and his estim- able wife has been blessed by the birth of six chil- dren, of whom five are yet surviving. The sons and daughters are : Pleasant. Turner, Lizzie.
Courtney and Rodger. Mrs. Keith is a valued member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and actively aids in the support of its good work and benevolent enterprises. Politically our sub- ject is a Demoerat. and an earnest advocate of the party. lle has been an important factor in the promotion of the best interests of the community, and is highly esteemed as an upright and progress- ive American citizen.
C OL. JOHN DONALDSON, a prominent and well-known farmer and stoek-raiser of La Fayette County, Mo .. was born in County Down, Ireland. October 27, 1822. a son of Joseph and Mary (Nicholson) Donaldson, who were en- gaged in farming in their native country. Our subject was the third son in a family of six chil- dren and grew up to man's estate in his native land, where he attended the common schools. In 1816. he came to America. landing in New York City. From that great metropolis he made his way to Eastern Tennessee. where he began merchandising, which he continued for two years.
In 1849, our subject decided to make a change. hence removed to Missouri and located his business in Pleasant Hill, Cass County, where he remained but one year, then settled in Lexington, Mo., where he continned the same line of trade until 1859, when he came to his present place to begin the life of a farmer and stock-raiser. In June, 1861, Mr. Donaldson left the peaceful pursuits to which he had so lately settled and entered the Confederate army. in which he served until the close of the war. The rise of this officer was rapid, he being successively commissioned Captain, Major. and Lieutenant-Colonel.
Our subject was one of the brave soldiers of the siege of Vicksburg, besides making a record at other points. and is well remembered among his comrades for his gallantry. After the war, he re- turned to his agricultural pursuits and has eon- ducted an extensive business in stock, dealing
621
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
principally in mules. llis land comprises seven- teen hundred acres, and the most of it is under good cultivation and ail of it is well fenced. IIe is one of the landed gentry of the State. In pol- ities, Col. Donaldson is a prominent and pro- nouneed Democrat, outspoken in his preferenee for the party of his belief.
In the year 1857, the brave Colonel was united in marriage with Miss Bettie M., the only daught- ter of John B. Webb, a native of Kentucky, who removed from there into La Fayette County at an early day. Mrs. Donaldson was born in this State December 23, 1839. The only living issue of this marriage is Pinkie, now the wife of George S. Ma- grew, of St. Louis. Col. Donaldson was bereaved of his wife March 8, 1879. Ile is a member of Waverly Lodge No. 61, A. F. & A. M., and one of the most prominent men in this part of the county. llis great farm is located on township 51, range 24. Had every resident in the State of Missouri as large a farm as our subject, the number of voters would very considerably decrease.
OHN W. ENDLY, ex-Postmaster and member of the School Board in Higginsville, Saline County, is one of the most sueecssful busi- ness men in the city, and is engaged in carrying on a general grocery trade in his large store building, which is located on the corner of Rustler and Boggs Streets. He was born in Guern- sey County, Ohio, near Senecaville, April 30, 1847, his father being John Endly, a native of Wash- ington County, Pa., who emigrated with his par- ents to Ohio. setling in Guernsey County at an early day. He was engaged in merchandising, and also ran an hotel for some time. Ile was of Eng- lish descent and was quite a snecessful business man at one time, packing and shipping tobacco quite extensively. He was summoned from this life in 1847, having been taken sick in Philadelphia, and dying after but a brief illness. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Isabella
Morrison. Her father was a Colonel in the War of 1812, a native of Virginia and Sheriff of Lou- donn County for two terms.
Mr. Endly of whom we write was reared by is grandfather, Col. Morrison, at Senecaville, receiv- ing a common-school education. At the beginning of May, 1862, he volunteered in the Union service, becoming a member of Company E, Eighty-eighth Ohio Infantry, and was mustered in at Camp Chase, where he remained until May, 1864, when he re-enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventy-sec- ond Ohio, in Company E. With his regiment, he was sent into Virginia, going to Petersburgh and Monocacy, and then to the Shenandoah Valley on Hunter's raid. He received an honorable discharge from the army in September, 1864, being mus- tered out at Galliopolis, Ohio. Returning home, he served an apprenticeship at saddlery and harness- making with an uncle for two years and then, em- barking in business for himself, opened a shop in Norwich, Ohio.
In 1868, Mr. Endly was united in marriage with Miss Franees Whittaker, a native of Norwich, where their marriage was celebrated. Her father, Daniel J. Whittaker, was a leading merchant and fur dealer. She was called to her final rest during her residence in this city. The four children who were born of their union are Benjamin, a graduate of the Ilighi School of this city; Thomas; Mary, who is attending the Aledo Academy; and Nola. In 1886, Mr. Endly was married in Senecaville to Miss Sarah R. P. Urdum, who was born in Fred- erick County, Md., and educated in Ohio. A daughter, Isabel, a charming little girl, has come to bless her parents' home.
In 1869 Mr. Endly came to Missouri, settling in Warrensburgh, where he built a house and worked at his trade for about a year. In 1870, he went to Orrville, there opening a harness and saddlery shop. For several terms he was a member of the City Council and of the School Board of that city. In 1875, he was appointed Postmaster under Gen. Grant, which position he resigned four years later, selling out his general store, where he kept in stock groceries, boots and shoes, dry goods and saddlery. In 1879 he made a location in Iliggins ville, starting a butcher shop on Rustler Street in
622
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
company with B. F. Tudor, and continued in busi- ness one year only, on account of being appointed Postmaster in 1880, by President Hayes, without his solicitation. In order to properly fill the du- ties of this position. he sold out his store, and un- der the administration of Gen. Garfield was re- appointed Postmaster, serving until July of 1885. lle has taken a prominent part in local affairs, and in 1890 was elected Alderman of the First Ward. During the time of his service the First Ward Building was erected at a cost of $7,000 and vari- ous other improvements were made in other por- tions of the city. He served as a member of the Street Committee and saw to it that many of the streets were graded and put in much better eondi- tion. He was one of the first Trustees of the city, serving for one term. In 1886, he became a mem- ber of the School Board, and three years later was made President of the Board, which position he still occupies.
Mr. Endly is a member of the Independent Or- der of Odd Fellows, in which he has passed all the Chairs, and a member of MeChurg Post No. 341, G. A. R., of which he was the second Commander. He owns real estate in this city and has purchased the old homestead where he was reared in Ohio. llis residence is a pleasant one situated on Main Street. In politics, he is independent, and, relig- iously, holds membership with the Methodist Epis- copal Church, at Orrville. In his possession is a parole of honor signed by Gov. Bruff, Secretary- of-War Stanton and President Lincoln.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.