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 105

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 105
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 105
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 105

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When he was about twelve years of age Alex- ander Gosney became a resident of this township, and from that time until reaching his majority was of great assistance in the management of the home farm. When he left there to seek his own livelihood his sole possessions consisted of one horse, without saddle or bridle, these necessary articles being borrowed until he could make enough money to buy some for himself. He obtained work as a farm hand at fourteen dol- lars per month, and was thus employed for a year. After his marriage he rented a farm in this township for three years, and succeeded so well that at the end of that time he had saved sufficient funds to purchase a farm of thirty acres. This place he cultivated for fifteen years, then selling out and buying his present homestead of eighty acres. To this as a nucleus he added other land until he owned one hundred and ninety acres, but part of this he has since disposed of. His education was such as was afforded by the district schools, the nearest one of which was three miles distant from his home.

In 1854 Mr. Gosney married Emerine, daugh- ter of William and Sarah (Stevens) Mefford. They were formerly of Scott County, Ky., but became residents of this county in 1838. Settling in Han- nibal, Mr. Mefford worked at his trade as a car- penter for a year, then purchased a farm in this township and lived thereon until 1881, when he went to pass his last years in Hunnewell, Shelby County, this State. His death occurred in 1888 at the ripe old age of eighty-four years, and his

wife, who died in 1887, was then in her seventy- fifth ycar. Their children were as follows: Em- erine; Harrison, a farmer of this State; Mary, wife of J. W. McGlocklin, a retired farmer of Shel- bina, Mo .; Laura, deceased; John T., who is in the butcher business in Dewitt, Carroll County, Mo .; Sarah J., deceased, wife of William James, of Hunnewell; James H., who is extensively en- gaged in the butchering business in Osceola, St. Clair County, Mo .; Margaret A., widow of Ver- non Warner, of Shelby County; Susan A., Mrs. R. L. Martin, of Shelbina; Helen, wife of S. M. Severe, of California; and Perry, who died in in- fancy.

Mrs. Gosney was born near Covington, Ky., January 28, 1828, and was therefore only ten years old when she came to this county, where she received a large share of her education. By her marriage with our subject she has become the mother of three sons and three daughters, two of whom are deceased, William W. and David W. Laura A., the eldest daughter, is the wife of J. C. Stoddard, a well-to-do farmer of this township: Thomas L. is an enterprising farmer of this town- ship, also; the two youngest daughters, Sarah A. and Sanorah M., are at home. Mr. and Mrs. Gos- ney are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are always among the first to re- spond to calls upon them for assistance in re- ligious and charitable undertakings. Politically Mr. Gosney is a stanch follower of the Demo- cratic party.

C HARLES T. WESTFALL, who has been the efficient School Director of Township 53, Ralls County, for the past six years, is one of the well known citizens of this locality, and is justly entitled to representation in the his- tory of her pioneers and leading business men. Since arriving at mature years he has given his entire attention to agricultural pursuits and has been exceedingly prosperous. He arrived in Ralls County in the spring of 1870, and for a quar- ter of a century has been closely associated with

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its development. His valuable farm, which is located on Section 21, was purchased by him in 1871, and has since been in his possession.

The above-named gentleman was born July 22, 1840, in Jackson County, Ohio. His parents were Jacob and Permelia (Phillips) Westfall, natives of Virginia and Maryland, respectively. Their parents moved to Ohio in the early days of its history, settling in Jackson County. Jacob) Westfall was not only interested in farming, but was a stockholder in a smelting works of Jackson County, Ohio, and was a successful business inan.

In 1852 he was elected Circuit Clerk of Jackson County, Ohio, and subsequently was honored with the position of County Treasurer. He was the first Probate Judge of Jackson County, which office he held for two terms. In all these re- sponsible places he fulfilled the duties connected therewith to the satisfaction of his constituents and with credit to himself. Mr. Westfall de- parted this life in 1862, and several years after the death of her husband Mrs. Westfall removed with her children to Ralls County, Mo., where she re- sided for several years, then returning to Ohio and making her home with her daughter until her death in 1887, at the age of eighty-four years.

Charles T. Westfall is one of six children, the others being Julia A., deceased, who married Levi Dungan, a leading attorney at law in Jackson County, Ohio, and since deceased; Delia, Mrs. William L. Faulkner, of Jackson County, Ohio; John, formerly a representative citizen of Jackson County and afterwards of Ralls County, and whose widow was, before their marriage, Louisi- ana A. Wolf, now resides in Perry, Mo .; Mary S., deceased, who married Moses Gilmor, also de- ceased; and Jacob, who died in 1846, aged eight years.

Until he was twenty-one years of age, Charles T. Westfall remained at home, then, starting forth in search of adventure and a new field of endeavor, he went to Sonoma County, Cal., by the water route, taking thirty-five days on the trip. For four years he worked for farmers at a certain salary, and then rented land, which he operated for himself about three years, meeting with grati- fying success. In the spring of 1870 he returned

to his old home in Ohio, and not long afterwards came to Ralls County, renting land of his brother John, who was then living there. After he had looked around for a favorable location he con- cluded to purchase the farm of one hundred and twenty acres which he has since owned and culti- vated. At various times he has bought other tracts, which he has disposed of to good advan- tage, and at present retains only the original farm.

In 1873 Mr. Westfall married Lucy Neville, a native of Pike County, Mo. Her parents, Presley and Delilah (Keathley) Neville, natives of Kentucky, settled in Pike County at an early period. The father is deceased, and his widow is still living at her old home in Pike County. The following children came to bless the heartli- stone of our subject and wife: Lora and Ora. both of whom died in infancy; John Jacob; James Clay; Earl, and Claudie. The last-mentioned died at the early age of six years.

On political questions our subject is always to be found on the side of the Democracy, and so- cially he is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen of Perry. Both he and his estimable wife are members of the Christian Church, and daily strive to live in conformity with their professions.

T HOMAS L. MAY is the proprietor of a liquor store in Louisiana, Pike County, Mo., having been established there since 1877, at the corner of Third and South Carolina Streets. He is of a happy, genial disposition, looking on the bright side of life, and has many pleasant friends and acquaintances in this vicin- ity. He is fond of his home and has an interest- ing family.

Mr. May was born May 23, 1840, in St. Charles County, Mo. His father, Charles D., was born April 12, 1815, and died June 12, 1880, aged sixty-five years and two months. He was a native of Rockingham County, N. C., and with his parents settled in St. Charles County in fron- tier times. He was successful as a farmer and as

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a manufacturer of tobacco, which business he carried on until shortly before his death. His father, Capt. Charles May, was one of the first settlers of St. Charles County, to which he came in 1830. He was a gallant soldier in the War of 1812, and was one of the sturdy pioneers who helped to lay the solid foundation of the pros- perity which has now come to that section of the country. He lived to attain the good old age of seventy-five years. The grandfather and father of the original of this sketch were Democrats in political faith and to the same party Thomas ad- heres.

Our subject's mother was Miss Mildred Reney, a native of Nelson County, Ky. She was born November 18, 1814, and died February 24, 1875, aged sixty-one years five months and six days. She became acquainted with her future husband in St. Charles County, where their mar- riage was celebrated and where her death oc- curred in February, 1875. They were the par- ents of nine children, namely: A baby, which died; James B., a resident of St. Louis; Thomas L .; Charles P., a resident of Arkansas; Redmond G., deceased; Robert F., living on the old farm; Benton C .; George D., of Louisiana; Ann M., who died in childhood.

The education of Thomas L. May was obtained in the common schools of his native county, and until he was twenty years of age he gave his serv- ices to his parents. Then for seven years he ope- rated a farm on his own account, and in the win- ter of 1867-68 and the following year gave much of his time to manufacturing tobacco. In 1869 he removed to Wright City, Warren County, Mo., where for eight years he conducted a hotel and liquor store; finally, in 1877, he settled per- manently in Louisiana. While a resident of Wright City he joined the Masonic Order and is still identified with the organization. He takes pleasure in hunting and fishing, passing many an hour in these pursuits.

April 10, 1860, Mr. May was married in St. Charles County to Mary J., daughter of Freder- ick Johnsten. The latter was born in Virginia and moved to Kentucky, where he met and mar- ried Lucy Miller, by whom he had nine children:

Thomas M., farmer near Roodhouse, Ill .; Re- becca, whose home is near Dallas, Texas; Wil- liam and Johanna, deceased; Mary J .; Octavius,, deceased; Delia, of Greene County, Ill .; Julia, deceased; John J., who resides near Wellsville, Mo. The family moved from Kentucky to Greene County, Ill., then to St. Charles County, Mo. There the father died at the age of sixty- two years and the mother when in her eighty- seventh year.

Mrs. May was born in Lewis County, Mo., August 24, 1832. By her marriage with our subject she has become the mother of four chil- dren: Rosa L., wife of E. B. Smith, of Louisi- ana; Flora G., now Mrs. E. L. McBride, also of this city; Clarence B., who resides with his par- ents; Eugene E., now living at Vandalia, Mo. The latter married Anna, daughter of Joseph and Theresa (Suda) Voita, and has a little daughter, Mildred.

A NDREW H. KINCAID. In the death of this honored resident of Marion County the Township of Warren lost one of its most prominent farmers and stock-raisers. He was called hence on March 26, 1895. His birthi occurred on January 29, 1820, in Madison Coun- ty, Ky., having been born to Joseph and Roddie (Ball) Kincaid, also Kentuckians by birth, who came to Missouri about 1830. They were promi- nent farmers and slave-owners and located in this township near the Town of Warren, where the re- mainder of their lives was spent. Joseph Kincaid served as a soldier in the War of 1812.

Our subject had three brothers and two sisters, as follows: Jane A., who married Hiram Terrill, and both are deceased; Susan, who is deceased; John F., who is a farmer of this township; Wil- liam M., who is still living retired in Moberly, Mo .; Joseph, who is deceased.

Andrew H. was a lad of ten years when he ac- companied his parents to this county and re- mained at home until reaching the age of twenty- five years. In the meantime he had attended tlie

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common schools and had gained a very fair edu- cation. He was married to Miss Rachael Bar- nett, who was born in this county; she departed this life a few years since. She was the daughter of Eric and Polly Barnett, Kentuckians, who came to this county years ago and died here. Six chil- dren were born of our subject's union with Miss Barnett, two sons and four daughters, as follows: James, now engaged in farming in Texas; Susan M., now deceased, married George W. Waupin, who is a merchant of Mammouth Spring, Ark .; Elizabeth, now deceased, was the wife of Samuel Heath, a farmer of Texas; William H., now de- ceased; Becky J., who married William Black- wood, a farmer of this county; Rachael F., who is the wife of Charles Mose, of Moberly, Mo.

The original of this sketch chose for his sec- ond companion Miss Letha R. Newton and their wedding was celebrated in 1855. This lady was born in Virginia on March 24, 1833, and was the daughter of Lewis and Rebecca T. (Cobb) New- ton. Her father was born in the Old Dominion in 1791 and departed this life on June 9, 1851, while en route to the gold mines of California. His remains were buried in the Humboldt River. His wife, whose birth also occurred in Virginia, was born in the year 1802, and died in August, 1845. They came to this State and county after their marriage, making the journey in 1838; Mrs. Newton died in this township. She became the mother of ten children, of whom we make the fol- lowing mention: Sarah S., now deceased, was the wife of Tom Cobbs; Mary E., now deceased; Nancy J., now the widow of Jefferson Couch, of Schuyler County, Mo .; Keneth A., now deceased ; Frances, now married to John Hutchinson, of Monroe County, Mo .; Letha R., the next born ; Sophia A., now deceased, married John Mitchell, a farmer of the above county; Joseph L., Flem- ington T. and Andrew J. are deceased.

The father of our subject was an extensive farmer and became very prominent in local af- fairs, pushing forward to completion all measures tending to benefit his community. While in Vir- ginia he was Sheriff of one of its counties for many years and as an official gave perfect satisfac- tion.

By his union with Miss Newton our subject be- came the father of the following sons and daugh- ters, namely: Roddie A., who married Joe Car- lisle, and is now residing in Monroe City; Lou- elle, who is the wife of George W. Howe, farmer of this county; Isa A., who is Mrs. R. T. W. See, also a farmer of this county; Joseph C., who is engaged in the livery business in Monroe City; Katie T., who married L. C. Newton, a railroad clerk and storekeeper in Moberly, Mo .; Louis M., who is a farmer near the old homestead; Harvey A., who is at home.

Although Mr. Kincaid, our subject, took a deep interest in the party with which he voted, he never sought or preferred political honors. As a citizen and neighbor he was highly esteemed and enjoyed the confidence of the entire community.

J AMES T. MATSON, M. D., a leading member of the Pike County medical pro- fession, is one of the most esteemed cit- izens of Louisiana. Liberal in his ideas and in favor of everything which encourages the intel- lectual and physical advancement of the people, he is recognized as a friend to humanity. He is active and enterprising in business affairs, and helped to promote the organization of the Grange and also the Labor Union.

The Doctor's parents were Enoch and Jane (Shobe) Matson. The father was born in Bour- bon County, Ky., in 1787, being a son of James Matson, a native of Virginia, and a descendant of one of two brothers, who came from Scotland to the United States before the Revolution. James Matson had three sons who participated in the War of 1812. He married a Peyton. His brother John married Miss Harrison, a sister of William Henry Harrison. He was a farmer by occupation, settling in Kentucky at a very early day, and his son, Enoch, is supposed to have been one of the very first white children born in Bourbon County. In the fall of 1816 he came to Missouri, and for a time lived where the village

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of Clarksville now stands. A year later he set- tled in Peno Township. He had in his posses- sion some New Madrid claims, but these were not eventually allowed, and he was obliged to move, paying for his new tract of land in hard- earned cash. Shortly after settling on the Peno River, Mr. Matson, in company with his brother Richard, erected a grist and sawmill, this being the first built in the county. They also engaged in the manufacture of salt at Saverton, and after many years together, the brothers separated, Richard going to Matson Mili Spring. Enoch erected another mill below the mouth of the Peno, on Salt River, which was operated until 1855, when it was abandoned. In those early days the salt manufactured here was sold at $3 a bushel. Mr. Matson lived for forty-one years on his farm, which was located on the northern side of Salt River, and at the time of his death had acquired about eight hundred acres of land. Politically he was a Whig, and was elected Justice of the Peace, but after trying one case resigned, and never afterwards sought official honor. His wife was a native of Hardy County, Va., and was married in Bourbon County, Ky., whither she had moved in order to attend school. Her mother was a sister of Robert and Isaac Cunning- ham, who were noted for being breeders of Short- horn cattle. Mrs. Matson departed this life in 1882, having been a member of the Christian Church for a great many years.

Our subject is one of thirteen children, ten of whom grew to maturity, namely: Valentine P .; Abraham S .; Jemima; Mary T .; Harriet A .; James; Richard H .; Francis; Enoch G .; and Archibald M. He has but three brothers and one sister now living, namely: Abraham, Har- riet, Enoch, and Archibald.

The birth of our subject took place December I, 1821, in Peno Township, Pike County, and his boyhood was such as was common to the youth of his day in this new country. By private study he supplemented his common school education, and in 1846 entered the office of Dr. John C. Welbourne, Frankford, Mo. During the winters of 1847-48-49 he was in the medical department of the State University at St. Louis, graduating

therefrom in March, 1849. Returning to Frank- ford he entered into practice with his former pre- ceptor, and continued with him until 1850, when he removed to Macon County, and for one year was alone. Then going to Saverton, Ralls County, he practiced successfully until 1865.

At that time Dr. Matson went to St. Louis, where for four years he was interested in a stock yards business, and then, selling out, returned to Pike County, purchasing a farm in Butler Town- ship. This place comprising five hundred and sixty acres, he gave his personal attention to it up to 1890, when, feeling the need of a rest and change, he moved to Louisiana. However, he still managed the farm, and formerly, while in Ralls County, was numbered among her leading agriculturists. The Doctor is a worker in the Democratic party, and was elected a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1861, represent- ing Ralls, Marion and Monroe Counties. There were ninety delegates in this convention who de- clared in favor of the Union, and after three stormy sessions succeeded in overturning the State government and electing a new House of Legislature and a new Chief Executive. In 1866 the Doctor was a candidate for the Legislature, but was defeated by William Samuels, the Whig candidate.

On May 22, 1849, occurred the marriage of Dr. Matson and Eliza B., daughter of Peter and Eliza (Dwyer) Donnelly, who were natives of Dublin, Ireland. Mrs. Matson was born in Wheeling, IV. Va., and is a member of the Episcopal Church. The doctor and wife have had five children, name- ly: Lucy, who died when about fourteen months old; Fannie, now the wife of R. J. Hawkins, of Kansas City, Mo .; John W .; Eliza J., who is at home; Leonora A., now Mrs. B. J. Smith, of Louisiana. John W. secured his literary educa- tion at the State University of Missouri, took his legal course at the St. Louis Law School, was ad- mitted to the bar in 1880 and opened his law of- fice at Louisiana the same year, where he has since resided. He rose rapidly in the profession, soon taking a prominent place at the bar. He was elected City Attorney for Louisiana on the Democratic ticket, which position he held for

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three years. Subsequently he was elected Prose- cuting Attorney, serving two terms (from 1889 to 1892), and was a successful prosecutor. At the present time he is the attorney for the St. L., K. & N. W. R. R. He is a member of the Episcopal Church and the Masonic Order. He is a young man of fine ability, of winning address, and of popularity.

J OHN W. LOWRY, who resides in Spen- cer Township, Pike. County, is one of the prosperous farmers of this section. His life record, which we feel sure will prove of in- terest to many of our readers, is as follows: He was born September 10, 1851, where he is now residing, to Wyatt and Jane (Edwards) Lowry.

The father of our subject was a native of War- ren County, Ky., and departed this life August I, 1893, aged seventy-six years. He in turn was the son of Clayborn Lowry, also a native of the Blue Grass State, where he spent his entire life. He was a farmer and a man of prominence in the vicinity of his home. Jane (Edwards) Lowry was born in Virginia in 1817 and is now residing on the old home farm in this township. She was married to her husband in Kentucky and to then were born five children, as follows: Eliza and Jefferson, deceased; Harriet, wife of Joshua Jen- nings, proprietor of a hotel at Clarksville, Mo .; Mary, deceased; John E., of this sketch.

Wyatt Lowry came to Pike County from his native State about 1842 and remained here the rest of his life, engaged in farming and stock- raising. He was successful as an agriculturist and won many friends in this locality by his up- right character and honest methods of dealing with all.

Our subject was married in 1880 to Miss Mol- lie Tipton, born in Lincoln County, Mo., Jan- uary 12, 1854. She is the daughter of Presley A. and Harriet (Parker) Tipton, the former of whom was born April 2, 1826, in Tennessee and was the son of Richmond and Polly (Tipton) Tipton.

The grandparents were likewise natives of that

State, and there Richmond died. His wife later emigrated to Lincoln County, Mo., where she remained during the balance of her life. Mrs. Harriet Tipton was born in Tennessee December 22, 1828, to John and Ellen Parker, also resi- dents of that State, whence they emigrated to this township and thereafter followed farming until their decease. Here the parents of Mrs. Lowry were united in marriage August 26, 1815, and to them were born two daughters: Rosaline, who died September 16, 1854; Mollie T. The par- ents are still living and make their home in Ralls County, whither they removed in 1864. There they own a valuable farm and their success in life enables them to live in ease and quiet. The two daughters comprised in the household of our subject and his wife are Misses Ida S. and Ora M., both at home.

Mr. Lowry remained on the home farm in this township until twenty-eight years of age, when he began to seek his own livelihood. His first purchase of land was in 1876, when he became the owner of a part of his present estate, eighty acres. To this he later added one hundred acres and made of it one of the most productive tracts in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Lowry are es- teemed for their hospitality and the pleasant farm where they reside is a home of peace and plenty. Our subject is a Democrat in politics.

R OBERT H. SIMMONS. The following is a brief sketch of the career of Mr. Sim- mons, whose present substantial position has been reached entirely through his own per- severance and whose life shows what can be ac- complished by a person with courage and enlight- ened views:

Robert H. Simmons began in life for himself at the time of his marriage on a quarter section of land and is now the proud possessor of a tract of three hundred and seventy-five acres, all of which has been accumulated by his own labors. Like many of the best residents of Marion County our

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subject was born in Logan County, Ky., March 25, 1835.

His parents were Robert W. and Mary (Telts) Simmons, natives respectively of Kentucky and North Carolina. The father passed his entire life in farm work, living in the Blue Grass State until 1840, when he came to Missouri and purchased land four miles south of where his son, our sub- ject, is now living. This tract was eighty acres in extent and on it he placed good improvements and continued to reside until 1866, when he sold out and moved to Texas. His object in going to that State was to make permanent location there, but not being satisfied with the outlook he re- turned to this county and lived with his children until his decease, which occurred a number of years ago; his wife died about. 1850. They were the parents of nine children: Ephraim, John, Robert H., George W., Joseph T., Zach., Cooper, Mary and Julia; of these Cooper and Mary are de- ceased.

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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 105

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