Portrait and biographical record of Marion, Ralls and Pike counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties; together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the Unted States, Part 101

Author:
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Chicago, C. O. Owen & Co.
Number of Pages: 820

USA > Missouri > Marion County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion, Ralls and Pike counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties; together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the Unted States > Part 101
USA > Missouri > Pike County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion, Ralls and Pike counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties; together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the Unted States > Part 101
USA > Missouri > Ralls County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion, Ralls and Pike counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties; together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the Unted States > Part 101

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The father of our subject, Spotswood S. Will- iams, was born in Virginia, March 12, 1805, and was only seven years of age when, with his par- ents, he moved to Kentucky. In the fall of 1831 he went to Monroe County, Mo., and in 1840 came to Marion County, where he passed his de- clining years. By trade he was a millwright, and for a short time he was engaged in a mercan- tile business in California. He was one of the "forty-niners" who drove the first ox team over the new route to California, and on arriving on

the Pacific Slope was successfully engaged in various ventures for a year and a half. Return- ing then, he purchased a farm in Marion County and for several years prior to his death lived a retired live. Socially he was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics was a Demo- crat.

October 2, 1831, Mr. Williams married Eliza- beth R. Sharpe, who was born in Albemarle County, Va., August 9, 1812, their union being celebrated in Oldham County, Ky. They were both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and had the love and high regard of all who knew them. The last few years of their lives they passed at the home of our subject, the father dying January 22, 1886, and the mother in August, 1873.

Our subject is one of eleven children, who in order of birth are as follows: John R., a school teacher and trader; Ann E., wife of H. Mefford, a farmer of Morgan County, Mo .; Mary M., widow of George W. Smith and a resident of Kansas; William W .; James J. W., who died while in the Confederate Army; Albert G., at present Postmaster of Lewistown, Lewis County, Mo .; Ellen E., wife of William I. Taylor, who operates a farm in Lewis County; Amanda E., who became the wife of James H. Shortridge, a farmer of Monroe County; Belle and Adeline, de- ceased, and one who died in infancy.

W. W. Williams is a native of Monroe County, this State, having been born May 29, 1837. He was reared under the loving guidance and in- struction of his parents, and was given superior school advantages for those days, his higher studies being pursued at the Central College, Howard County, Mo., the Baptist Seminary at Palmyra and in other local colleges. In 1862 he left home, and, going to Kentucky and from there to Indiana, embarked in farming operations until 1865, when he returned to the old homestead, which he assisted in managing for a year. Then for the next two years he rented land, and in 1868 bought eighty acres of fine land, a portion of his present farm. This place now numbers one hun- dred and sixty acres and in addition to cultivating the same he frequently rents adjacent tracts of

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land, on which he raises crops. He has never been an aspirant for official honors, but has al- ways voted the straight Democratic ticket.

In 1871 Mr. Williams and Sarah M. Reed were married at Sharp's Chapel, Marion County. She is the daughter of James L. and Elizabeth C. (Shearman) Reed, and was born in Randolph County, Mo., July 9, 1846. She is one of two children, the other, Annie E., being deceased. James L. Reed was born in Montgomery County, Ky., in 1822, and died October 4, 1852. His wife, Elizabeth, was a native of Orange County, Va., born January 18, 1823, and now residing at the home of our subject. She is a daughter of John and Margaret S. (Rucker) Shearman, who were married in Virginia and had five children, namely: Elizabeth C .; Alice A., whose home is in Monroe City; William, deceased; George, who owns a stock ranch in California, and John, who is County Assessor and whose home is in Monroe City.

A son and daughter grace the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Williams, namely: James S. and Annie M., who are both living at home. They are well educated and enterprising young people who move in the best circles of the community, and are well fitted to occupy and adorn any position. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and are always liberal in their donations toward worthy objects.

E LI IRICK, the owner of one hundred and seven and one-half acres of improved land in Ralls County, is one of its well-to-do agriculturists. The estate is located on Section 12, Township 53, Range 7, and has been the home of this gentleman for many years. Mr. Irick was born in Preble County, Ohio, April 29, 1855. His parents were David and Susanna (Gephardt) Irick, also born and reared in the above State and county.

The father of our subject was a farmer all his life, following this vocation until 1857 in the

Buckeye State. That year he moved to Pike County, Ill., and purchasing a tract of land, was occupied in its cultivation and improvement un- til 1880, the date of his advent into Missouri. He at once located in Bates County, where his death took place August 1, 1888. His wife was after- ward married to a Mr. Teadgen, and is still liv- ing, making her home on a farm in Cedar Coun · ty, Mo.

To David and Susanna Irick there were born nine children, of whom we make the following mention: Malinda, the eldest, became the wife of Samuel Barley, and lives in Pike County, Ill .; she was previously married to Henry Leeds and both husbands are deceased; Joseph T. Irick married Lucy McCune, and makes his home in Vandalia, Mo .; Eli, of this sketch, was the third born; Mary Ellen is the widow of William Tan- ner and lives in Bates County ; Emily Jane mar- ried Thomas McNight and makes her home in Cedar County, this State; Clara S. married Wash- ington Walkerman, and is a resident of Bates County, Mo .; George W. married Miss Crockett and is living in Cedar County, Mo .; the eighth born died in infancy; Sarah is now Mrs. John Compton and lives in Bates County.

Our subject was well educated and remained at home until attaining his nineteenth year, when he rented a farm in Pike County; Ill., and be- gan farming. January 1, 1874, he married Lu- cretia Cunningham, who was born in Pike Coun- ty, Mo., June 17, 1846, and was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Morris) Cunningham, na- tives respectively of Missouri and Tennessee. The mother departed this life in Pike County, Mo., while Mr. Cunningham's decease occurred in Illinois. They became the very earliest settlers of Pike County, this State, and to his mother was given the distinction of plowing the first ground within its bounds. The brothers and sis- ters of Mrs. Irick were Martha and James W., deceased; Mary Ellen, and John Thomas.

After his marriage our subject continued to make his home in Pike County, Ill., for the suc- ceeding seven years, when he came with his fam -. ily to Missouri and took charge of his father-in- law's farm, who had died a few months previous.

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

He made this place his home for six years and then rented property for a time. He is now, how- ever, the possessor of one hundred and seven and one-half acres, located on Sections II and 12, where he carries on general farming and stock- raising

To Mr. and Mrs. Irick there have been born three children, namely: Arthur T., born De- cember 7, 1877; Grace D., born April 3, 1881, and Bertha E., who is deceased. In politics he is a stanch Democrat and has always voted for the candidates of that party. With his wife he is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, worshipping with the congregation at Vandalia. Mr. Irick is truly self-made and is justly proud of the fact. At the time of his mar- riage he had but two cents left after paying the. necessary expenses and these he now keeps as relics. He is in favor of and aids in pushing for- ward all measures for the upbuilding of his com- munity and as one of its best residents he is highly esteemed and respected.

J OHN G. FUQUA. Nowhere within the limits of Ralls County can be found a man of more energy, uprightness and integrity than J. G. Fuqua, who was born in Robertson County, Tenn., September 30, 1853. His par- ents were Samuel and Eliza (Kirk) Fuqua; the mother was born in North Carolina and the father a native of Tennessee. They met and were mar- ried in Simpson County, Ky., whither they had removed with their parents when young, and continued to make that portion of the Blue Grass State their home for several years after their mar- riage.

Samuel Fuqua was a millwright by trade and followed this vocation for a number of years, or until his removal to Robertson County, Tenn., when he became the owner of. a valuable tract of land which he cultivated and remained upon un- til his decease, January 24, 1882. His wife sur- vived him until 1893, passing away December 17. They were the parents of a large family,

numbering thirteen children, of whom William T. was the eldest; Mary Ann married Robert Baldry, who is now deceased, while she makes her home in Robertson County; Sarah Jane is the wife of Richmond McIntosh, and is also a resi- dent of the above county; Joseph G. married Miss Gusta A. Moore, and is now deceased, his wife living in the State of Kansas, on a farm; James K. married Nannie Moore, who makes her home in Kentucky; he died July 5, 1883; Itilda became the wife of John D. Shelton and died in 1884; George C. chose for his wife Miss Cornelia Rose and they make their home in Ft. Worth, Texas; Stephen G. married Miss Gusta A. Bell, and was accidentally shot and killed in Robertson County, Tenn .; Samuel Q. married his brother Stephen's widow and makes his home also in Robertson County; our subject was the tenth of this family; Almeta married Calvin Murphy and is a resident of Robertson County; Amos mar- ried Miss Bell Taylor, and their home is likewise in Tennessee; Florence married Frank Moore and makes her home in Sumner County, Kan. This family of children were all well-educated, some of them being graduates of a noted college in Kentucky.

The original of this sketch remained with his parents until reaching his twenty-first year, when he started out for himself, and came to Missouri, settling in Pike County. His first venture was in carrying on a rented farm near Curryville, which comprised one hundred acres. April 30, 1876, he purchased his present estate in Ralls County, it containing at first only one hundred and twen- ty acres. To this he added another eighty acres as he grew more prosperous, the tract lying on Sections 14 and 23, Township 53, Range 6.

The marriage of Mr. Fuqua with Miss Nannie E. Pitt was celebrated June 24, 1876. The lady was born in Pike County, this State, September 7, 1857, and was the daughter of Malici N. and Mary A. (Parker) Pitt, the former a native of Robertson County, Tenn., and the mother, Pike County, Mo. Mr. Pitt took up his abode in Pike County, Mo., in the year 1855, where he has made his home ever since, and is the owner of a val- uable property.

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. Fuqua carries on general farming, rais- ing, besides the various grains, a goodly num- ber of fine animals, including both horses and cattle. To himself and wife there has been granted a family of eight children, namely: Oba M., born May 9, 1877; Ruth B., born July 12, 1879, died July 18, the following year ; Daisy L .. , born November 26, 1880; Orie Kirk, born Janu- ary 25, 1882; Mary, born November 28, 1884; Samuel Gustin, born January 4, 1887; Richard Everette, born October 29, 1889; Mollie E., born December 17, 1890.

In politics Mr. Fuqua has always voted for Democratic candidates, that being the party of his choice. With his wife he is a devoted mem- ber of the Baptist Church, in which they are ac- tive workers. Perseverance and enterprise are among his chief characteristics, and by good management and excellent business ability, he has won success in his life work.

A LEXANDER J. MACKEY, whose biog- raphy we take pleasure in giving to the public, is one of those worthy men who take little part in public life, but pursue the even tenor of their way in their chosen voca- tion, accumulating by thrift, industry and busi- ness ability not only the necessities of life but the wherewithal to indulge in luxuries should they feel so inclined. Mr. Mackey is now living on a fine estate in Calumet Township, Pike County, within one mile of where he was born Febru- ry 5, 1833.

Thomas Mackey, father of subject, was born March 18, 1809, and lived until 1876. He was a native of St. Charles County, this State; he was brought to Pike County by his parents when an infant of nine months. His father was John Mackey, a native of Tennessee, and one of the very early pioneers of this county. He was a farmer in his native State and when coming to Missouri entered land from the Government to the extent of six hundred and forty acres, His

wife was Nancy Lemasters, and to them were born nine children, all of whom are deceased with the exception of Nancy, widow of John Craig. Thomas Mackey was the fifth member of the household in order of birth, and aided his father in clearing the farm in this county. He was educated like the sons of other pioneers in the subscription schools and must have improved all the advantages allotted to him, for he was well informed and intelligent on all subjects. He spent all the years of his life up to the time of reaching his majority on the home place.

Thomas Mackey was married in 1830 to Miss Polly, daughter of John Jones, also one of tlie first settlers of Pike County, and like the father of his son-in-law, a native of Tennessee. This lady was born in 1814 and departed this life in Idaho in 1882. She was the parent of ten chil- dren, as follows: The eldest son died in in- fancy; Alexander J., the next born ; Sarah J., died when an infant; Nancy, wife of William Wiggins, of Idaho; John, deceased; Sophronia, Mrs. John McRoberts, and makes her home in Idaho; El- vira married James Stewart and makes her home in Holt County, this State; Thomas, a resident of Middle Valley, Idaho; William also lives in that place; Isaac, the youngest of the household, died in infancy.

Our subject was educated in the schools of Pike and Holt Counties, to which latter section the family removed in 1850. There Alexander lived for seven years, when, going to Richland County, Neb., he entered land from the Govern- ment to the extent of two hundred and forty acres and was classed among the pioneers of that part of the State. In 1864 he returned to this county and settled on the place where he now lives and which at that time consisted of two hundred and six acres.

Mr. Mackey was married March 1, 1859, to Melinda Butts, a native of Pike County and the daughter of Wilson and Eliza J. (Kingston) Butts, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter born in Tennessee. Mrs. Mackey's birth occurred September 30, 1837. By her union with our subject were born eight children, as follows: Edward N., born August 19, 1860,

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died October 17, 1880; Mary E., born February 15, 1862, married Nathaniel Wamsley March I, 1883, and their six children are Ernest, Nellie, James, Ruby C., Margaret and an infant; Fran- cis L., born December 16, 1863, married Fannie Fortune, January 5, 1893, and their one son is named Errett B .; Willela, born September 27, 1865, married, December 22, 1886, W. W. Car- ver, by whom she has two children-Ruby, born September 29, 1887, and Russia A., born July 18, 1893; Ida M., born September 20, 1867, was married December 22, 1891, to Bertram Scott; Thomas, born September 3, 1869; Viola, born March 19, 1871, and Maggie M., born June 29, 1874, are still at home.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Mackey are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In poli- tics the former is a Democrat and cast his first Presidential vote for George B. McClellan. He has done efficient service as School Director for the last twenty years, and for a period of thir- teen years was Elder in the above church.

H ENRY P. BANKS, an honored veteran of the late war, cast his fortunes with those of the people of Marion County, in 1830, and since that time has steadily prospered. He moved upon the old homestead in this town- ship in 1866, and took care of his aged father until his decease, when the property was left to him. It is located on Section 26, Township 59, Range 7, and comprises one hundred and twenty acres, the greater part of which is finely culti- vated.

A native of Kentucky, our subject was born in Garrard County, July 7, 1818, to Garrard and Elizabeth (Mills) Banks. The father was a na- tive of Virginia, while the mother of our subject was born in Maryland. Grandfather Banks re- moved with his family from Fauquier County, Va., to Garrard County, Ky., when Garrard was four years of age. The latter was there reared and followed farming for many years, and was

also engaged to some extent in teaming through the county. He was married in 1805 and lived there until 1830, when he emigrated to this then Western State, making the journey overland with wagons. His family at that time comprised six children who were accompanied by as many negroes. Mr. Banks entered a quarter section of land in Marion County, and clearing a space erected a rude dwelling in which the family could be made as comfortable as possible until the estate began to yield an income. He worked in- dustriously with his slaves to clear the land, and as he prospered he invested his means in more property until at the time of his decease he was the owner of four hundred broad acres. He made this section his permanent home and here died March 12, 1870. His wife survived him seven years, passing away June 26, 1877.

To Garrard and Elizabeth Banks there were born the following children, of whom Narcissa is deceased; Theresa married William Marksbury, and is also deceased; Emeline died when young; Talitha married A. B. Turpin, and both are de- ceased; William M. departed this life at the age of sixty-nine years; Henry P., of this sketch, was the sixth of the family; Keziah married John Emerson, and on his death became the wife of Thomas S. Sanford; they are both deceased; John, Wyatt and Leon S. are deceased. Our subject and all his brothers and sisters who reached mature years were educated in the log school-house of that period.

Henry P. Banks was united in marriage De- cember 28, 1837, with Miss Nancy Turpin, a na- tive of Kentucky, her birth occurring in Garrard County, Ky., April 10, 1820. She was the daugh- ter of Thomas and Charity C. (Ballinger) Tur- pin, also natives of the Blue Grass region. Her father was a farmer and died in this county No- vember 3, 1852.

After his marriage, and when beginning for himself, our subject rented a farm on Section 22, of this township. On this place he erected a house and lived for two years, when he moved to a tract of eighty acres which he had entered in Lewis County. His estate bordered on the Troublesome River, where he erected a water

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mill, but during the high waters of 1844 it was washed away. Two years later he rebuilt, but was so unfortunate as to again lose his property. He then sold his possessions in that county and came to Emerson where he obtained employ -. ment in a blacksmith and carpenter shop. He made this place his home until 1852, when he thought to try his fortunes in the gold mines of California and went overland to that State with oxen and wagon. He landed in Diamond Springs, then went to Mariposa, where he found work at the carpenter's trade and remained for two months. He then again tried his "luck" in mining and was very successful this time, and in 1853, when returning to Missouri, he was a richer man.

When taking up his residence in this State again, our subject carried on his work as black- smith and carpenter until 1854, when he erected a sawmill on Troublesome Creek, this county. This he operated for one year, when he sold out to good advantage and purchased a farm on Sec- tion 20, this township. It included one hun- dred and twenty acres, on which he made his home until 1857, when he disposed of it and in- vested the proceeds in other property in the town- ship. In the fall of 1861, he enlisted in Com- pany I, Missouri Volunteer Infantry, under Col. Greens, and with his regiment participated in the battle of Lexington. He returned home and was taken sick and remained all winter. When ready to report for duty he was assigned to Col. Porter's regiment and remained under his com- mand until his honorable discharge in August, 1862. Mr. Banks then went to Putnam County, Ind., and remained there nine months, when he was brought to St. Louis as a prisoner and was placed in confinement and retained for nine days. When released he returned home and moved his sawmill to North River, this county. There he lived until 1866, when he sold out and moved to his present farm. This was in September of that year and he was requested to reside upon the old homestead during the lifetime of his father, who was then advanced in years. On the death of the latter he fell heir to the property and has since made it his home.

To Mr. and Mrs. Banks there have been born eleven children: Garrard was born December 8, 1838, and is now deceased; Talitha was born in 1840; she married Wm. Carpenter, and is liv- ing in this township; Thomas was born in 1842 and died when twenty years of age; Elizabeth was born September 1I, 1844, and is now the wife of Samuel Marksbury, of this township; Archilles was born September 21, 1846; he mar- ried Ella Bowles and makes his home near his father; Linn S. was born in 1848, and married Eleanor Hutchison, who is now deceased; Jane P. was born in 1852, and is at home; Napoleon was born in 1855; he married Mary S. McPike, and occupies a farm near our subject; Emily was born May 30, 1857, and is now the wife of Wil- liam Carter, of Union Township; Josephine was born March 25, 1859, and is now Mrs. E. H. Hutchison; Henry Lee was born May 9, 1864; he married Miss Louisa Carl, and is engaged in the practice of medicine in Hannibal.

Our subject is widely and favorably known throughout the county, and is esteemed by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. In his political views he is a stanch Democrat, but has never held any county office, nor indeed has he ever aspired to that honor, although he takes a deep interest in the success of his party.

C OONROD SEE FANNING. The gen- tleman to whom we call the attention of our readers is a well-to-do farmer of Ralls County, and has lived on his present fine farm since 1880. It is under good cultivation and reflects great credit upon its owner, for to his industry and good judgment is due this state of affairs.

Mr. Fanning is a native of Wisconsin and was born in Madison County April 2, 1856. His par- ents were James and Nancy (See) Fanning, na- tives of Kentucky, whence they were brought to Ralls County, this State, by their respective par- ents when young. After their marriage, how-

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ever, they moved to Madison County, Wis., where Mr. Fanning was variously employed, be- ing farmer, miner and miller. He lived in that State for eighteen years, after which he returned to his old home in this county, locating on prop- erty two miles from Centre. He rented this tract for three years, then moved to a place near Dry Fork Creek, this township, and also rented this for the same length of time. At the end of that time we find him living on another farm in the county, operating this for the succeeding five years, when he took up his abode one-half mile east of where he now resides, and later on moved to the place where our subject is now living. On this latter place he died January II, 1884, while his wife survived him until May 21, 1891, when she, too, passed away. James Fanning was one of the earliest settlers in this part of Ralls Coun- ty, and was very prominent in its development and pushing forward many measures for its im- provement and upbuilding. He was well known to all the pioneers and his advice was often sought by them on matters of importance.

The nine children comprising the parental family were Sallie and Conrad, deceased; Han- nah C .; Nancy, deceased; John M .; James Wil- liam; Noah; Coonrod See, and Frank. Our sub- ject received his education in the common schools and Hannah was a graduate of an acad- emy in Wisconsin. Coonrod remained at home until the death of his parents and, when attain- ing his majority, began farming on his own ac- count, he having been thoroughly trained to this occupation. For the first three years he rented what was known as the old Campbell farm in this township, after which he moved three miles south of where he is now living, and for three years also rented property. This tract was eighty acres in extent and on this place Mr. Fanning lived until 1880, the year in which he purchased his present estate. It contains one hundred and twenty acres and is thoroughly tilled and im- proved with good machinery.

October 21, 1880, our subject was married to Miss Eva Biggers, a native of Ralls County, who) was born May 15, 1854. Her parents were Jos- eph and Caroline (Lipp) Biggers, natives of Vir-

ginia, whence they came to this State and coun- ty in 1833, living on a farm near Perry until their decease. To Mr. and Mrs. Fanning there have been born three children: Otis Henson, July 22, 1881; Robert E. Lee, November 18, 1883; James Alva, April 20, 1886.

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Portrait and biographical record of Marion, Ralls and Pike counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties; together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the Unted States, Part 101

Author: Publication date: 1895 Publisher: Chicago, C. O. Owen & Co. Number of Pages: 820

Author:
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Chicago, C. O. Owen & Co.
Number of Pages: 820