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 13

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 13
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 13
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 13

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Mrs. Martha (Bryson) Carroll was born in this county, on the homestead of her parents, on the Frankford Road, April 26, 1828, and here grew to a noble womanhood. She was the daughter of William and Elizabeth A. (Yeater) Bryson, the former of whom was born in York District, S. C., December 13, 1801. Here he passed his boyhood days, and his parents emigrating to the State of Missouri in 1816, he accompanied them hither, locating on land which is now occupied by the City of Louisiana. In 1818 Father Bryson sold his lately-acquired land, and a year later, at a public land sale in St. Louis, purchased the farm on which his family made their home for many years, paying for the same nine dollars and sev- enty-six cents per acre. The sad event of his death occurred in September, 1821; the support and care of the family then devolved upon William. He was a young man of ability, and, though the responsibility was a heavy one, acquitted himself nobly, giving his brothers and sisters good edu- cations. He was a thoroughly practical man, and he soon became one of the substantial farmers and stockraisers of the county.

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After his marriage, May 10, 1827, William set- tled down to farm life on the place where he re- sided for many years. In July, 1844, he joined the Presbyterian Church, and four years later was elected a Ruling Elder of the same, filling the office until his death, which occurred May 5, 1864. He was a man of noble, upright character, ab- horring that which was evil; he possessed an iron will and was brave and fearless in all things which he considered right. He lived to rear to manhood and womanhood nine children, all of whom were given the advantages of a good education and were blessed with the training of loving and in- telligent parents. Eight of this family now sur- vive, namely: Martha W., the wife of our sub- ject ; John Bryson; Mary Jane, the wife of Will- iam H. Nally; Elizabeth (Mrs. Col. J. W. Dough- erty); Sally, the wife of C. W. Dougherty: Will- iam N .; Anna (Mrs. R. F. Ayres); Orlena (Mrs. Hiram Unsell); Duffie (Mrs. Thomas J. Nally). With the exception of the last named they all make their homes in Pike County.

John Bryson, the father of William, was born in York District, S. C., March 15, 1777, and in 1800 liis marriage to Elizabeth Craig occurred. In 1816 they left their native State, and, coming to Missouri, settled in Pike County. He was a wagon-maker and wheelwright by trade, follow- ing this business until the day of his death. He and his wife were members of the Bethel Pres- byterian Church in South Carolina, and on com- ing to Missouri identified themselves with the first church organized in Pike County, known as the Old Buffalo Church, south of Louisiana. John Bryson's father was of Scotch-Irish descent and crossed the Atlantic in the great tidal wave of emigration in 1729, settling in Pennsylvania; in 1749 he took up his abode in South Carolina. The Rev. John H. Bryson, D.D., of Huntsville, Ala., is a descendant of this Pennsylvania branch of the family.

To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Carroll have been born six children, three of whom now survive. John Moore, the eldest, was born February 12. 1846. He was educated at Watson's Seminary. Ashley, Pike County, and until attaining his twenty-fourth year followed teaching during the

winter months and farming in the summer sea- son. In 1871 he was elected Docket Clerk of the Missouri State Senate, filling the position accept- ably for two years; following the expiration of this office he was First Yardmaster of the State Prison. In 1874 he went to Texas, where he spent several years, engaged in stock-raising in Denton County, during which period he was also Sheriff. Leaving the Lone Star State, he made his way to Montana, where he filled the position of Manager of the German Gulch Wood Com- pany, which he was holding at the time of his decease, January 23, 1892. His remains were brought to Missouri and interred in the family burying grounds at Ebenezer Church.

Orlena Carroll was born November 15, 1847, and departed this life January 4, 1848. Helen C. was born March 30, 1849. She was educated at Watson's Seminary, Ashley, Mo., and at Parle College, Louisiana, Mo. December 3, 1873, she was married to Col. P. R. Dolman, of Brunswick, Mo. In 1881 they removed to Butte City, Mont. She was a woman of brilliant attainments, and after locating in Montana interested herself in educational matters, and was one of the most active spirits in founding the public library there in 1885, which has grown to be an institution of great magnitude. She was President of the Woman's Aid Society for the relief of the poor. and through her untiring efforts in assisting suf- fering humanity, became well known throughout the State. At the time of her decease, March 27, 1895. the highest officials of the State, together with the poorest of the community, flocked to pay the last tribute to her memory; her remains were brought home and deposited by the side of her brother. She left a husband and three children to mourn her loss. They are: Carroll G., now at- tending college at Exeter, N. H., from which he will be graduated in the summer of 1895 and will then enter Harvard the coming fall; Martha, at- tending the Butte City High School; Thomas Bryson, a bright lad of some nine years, a stu- dent in the public schools of the above city.

Homer Bryson Carroll. the fourth child, was born May 16, 1851. His education was acquired at Pardee College, Louisiana, Mo. For years he

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was located in Chicago, Ill., engaged in the stock business. Recently, however, he removed to New York State, where he is interested in the same business. He is the father of two children: Madge, a charming and highly accomplished young lady, now attending the Ward Seminary, Nashville, Tenn .; Walker, a promising lad of ten years, a student in the public schools of St. Louis.

William Craig Carroll was born January 8, 1854. He completed his education at the West- minster Seminary, Fulton, Mo., in the spring of 1879. He then went to Bodie, Cal., and became interested in the teaming and livery business, re- maining until 1882. That year we find him lo- cated at Butte City, Mont., where he went into business with his brother, Joseph T. They con- ducted a thriving business under the title of the Montana Produce & Lumber Co., in which they were successful from the start. December, 1894, he returned home on a visit, and on account of the illness of his mother has remained.

Joseph T., the youngest member of the house- hold, was born September 18, 1858. He com- pleted his literary education at Westminster Col- lege, Fulton, Mo., after which he remained on the home farm until attaining his twenty-second year. He then went to Bodie, Cal., but twelve months later located in Butte City, Mont., and is now manager of the J. T. Carroll Company's large business interests there and at Anaconda.

In his political affiliation the Hon. Thomas M. Carroll is a staunch supporter of Republican principles and candidates, though previous to 1876 he was a Democrat. He has always been a warm and loyal friend to the old soldier, and is a staunch advocate of protection.

D AVID P. RAGAR, now deceased, was an industrious and thrifty agriculturist of Marion County, was one of her native sons, and was at all times identified with her up- building and growth. He departed this life Jan- uary 15, 1891, on the farm which he had pur- chased in 1880. He was born May 26, 1842, and

was the son of John F. and Elizabeth (Simmons) Ragar, the former of whom was born in Ken- tucky in 1802 and the latter in North Carolina July II of the same year.

The parents of Mrs. Ragar moved to Kell- tucky when she was small and engaged in farming in Simpson County; there she was reared to womanhood and met and married John F. Ragar. They continued to make their home in the Blue Grass region for several years, when the father came on horseback to look for a location in Mis- souri. He was greatly pleased with the country and after entering a tract of three hundred and thirty-five acres returned for his family, which he established comfortably in the new quarters and then began the arduous task of clearing the land and preparing the soil for cultivation; the tract was largely devoted to raising hemp and tobacco, for which the pioneers received moderate prices. Indians were numerous in those days and often called at the house asking for food and shelter from the cold. John F. Ragar made this place his home until his decease, which occurred May 14, 1879; his wife preceded him to the better land, dying July 27, 1876. They were the parents of eleven children, namely: William, Susan, John, Mary Ann, George, Jane, Elizabeth, David, Louis, Joseph and Jacobina.

The original of this sketch was married March 6, 1864, to Miss Matilda Duncan, who survived her marriage two years and died December 31, 1866, leaving a son, John B., born December 16 of that year. March 18, 1869, Mr. Ragar chose for his second companion Miss Nellie, daughter of Austin J. and Mary (Moffitt) Smith, of Ken- tucky. Mrs. Ragar was born August 20, 1842, in Shelby County, to which part of this State her parents moved from Kentucky in 1823 and en- gaged in farming near Shelbyville; they were classed among the earliest settlers of that region. Two daughters were born to them: Margaret and Mrs. Ragar. Mr. Smith died March 23, 1880, while his good wife departed this life in Decem- ber, 1851. He was four times married, his third wife having been Mary Ann Glascock, who sur- vived her marriage seven years. To them were born three children: George A., Thomas and Lot- tie. After his third wife's decease he was united

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to Mary Thompson, who survived her husband seven years, passing away in this county.

Our subject passed the first five years of liis married life on the old homestead, when he pur- chased what was known as the Metlock Farm, in- cluding one hundred and four acres in this township. He operated it successfully for the same length of time and in February, 1880, took possession of his present estate, where his death occurred January 15, 1891.

To Mr. and Mrs. Ragar was born a daughter. .

Jodie, who was married in December, 1889, to Kiser Allen; they now occupy a farm near that of Mrs. Ragar.

Since the death of her husband Mrs. Nellie . Ragar has carried on the farm work with the as- sistance of her step-son. She is a member of the Baptist Church, with which denomination her husband was also identified. He was a man of prominence in his community, and was held in the highest esteen by his neighbors for his uni- form uprightness and integrity.

G ILBERT L. DUNN is engaged in farm- ing and stock-raising on Section 23. Township 59, Range 7., Marion County. He is a Democrat in politics, and, though he has never been desirous of holding public office, was appointed in 1888 to serve as Justice of the Peace of this township, meeting the responsibilities of the position in a manner creditable alike to him- self and to his constituents. He is well known in this locality, for he has spent his entire life here and has always been noted for his uprightness of character.

Our subject's parents, Williamson T. and Re- becca (Headley) Dunn, were natives of Fayette County, Ky., where they resided until 1829, when they emigrated in wagons to Missouri and set- tled near Philadelphia, Marion County. There the father rented a farm, which he managed for about two years, after which he entered three

hundred and twenty acres, on which his son, Gil- bert L., is now living, and there passed the re- mainder of his life, being called to the home be- yond in 1877; from that time his widow lived at the home of our subject until summoned by the death angel in 1888. Both were faithful mem- bers of the Christian Church of Emerson, in which Mr. Dunn held the office of Elder. They had three children: The eldest, Alexander C. (de- ceased), married Bettie White, who is now living in Lincoln, Neb .; Nathaniel, the second son, died in 1865.

G. L. Dunn was born November 16, 1844, on the above farm and there passed his boyhood. He remained with his parents until his majority was reached, when he chose as his helpmeet along life's journey, Mollie Lawrence, born in this coun- ty. Her parents, LeRoy M. and Jane Lawrence, were Virginians and early settlers of this vicinity, where they passed the rest of their lives. Mrs. Dunn died July 16, 1872, and left a host of friends who still hold her memory dear. In 1875 our subject wedded the lady who now bears his name, and who was then Emma Scott; she was born in Marion County, being a daughter of James and Martha (Johnson) Scott, both natives of Henry County, Ky. They became residents of this coun- ty in 1845 and are still living on a farm in this township. Mr. Dunn had no children by his first marriage, but by his present wife has had four sons and a daughter, namely: Homer, Roscoe, Maggie, Hubert and Howard. Mrs. Dunn is a member of the Baptist Church at Emerson, and is a lady of many amiable and sterling qualities, which have endeared her to all her friends and ac- quaintances.

In 1866 our subject purchased part of the old homestead (some eighty acres) and lived thereon for about eight years; then he came to his pres- ent home of one hundred and twenty acres. He has cleared the land and made substantial im- provements. He is recognized as a practical farmer and, though conservative in his methods, is not averse to accepting modern ideas, provided they are well authenticated. Since he arrived at man's estate he has cast his ballot in favor of Democratic nominees.

JAMES S. HENDERSON.

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JAMES SAMUEL HENDERSON ..

AMES SAMUEL HENDERSON is the representative of an old family in Pike County, and is himself one of its old resi- lents. He is numbered among its prosperous ariers and stockraisers, having a valuable estate ying in Section 10, Township 54, Range 2. Hc was born in this county September 13, 1835, and was the eldest of the family of twelve children born to Rufus and Sarah T. (White) Henderson, of whom seven are now living.

Rufus Henderson was born in Caswell County. N. C., April 8, 1812. There he grew to manhood Ind was married. He followed farming in his ative State until 1834, when he determined to ry his fortunes in the then Western States; on arriving there he located in Pike County, Mo., five miles southeast of Bowling Green, where he made his home for nineteen years. In 1853 he moved to the locality on which his son, our sub- :ct, now lives, and there passed the remainder of his life. He was a man of sterling character, ind during the many years of his residence in Pike County, through his kindly nature and genial disposition, endeared himself to all who new him.

The subject of this sketch was given such an ducation in the pioneer schools as the day and ocality afforded, and on reaching his majority was given a farm of seventy acres by his father. 'his gave him a fine start in life, and he being idustrious and ambitious, added to it as the bars passed by and cultivated it in such an dmirable manner as to make him the owner [ one of the best-tilled traets in the town- hip.

October _ 1857, Mr. Henderson married Miss fancy A. Arthur, who proved to be of great as- stance to him in attaining his present high

standing in the community. Mrs. Henderson was the daughter of Masten H. and Bersheba (Butts) Arthur, mention of whom is made in the sketch of her brother, John James Arthur, on another page in this work. To them five children have been born, namely: Sarah B. (Mrs. Thomas H. Travis); Stephen A. Douglas, residing in Pike County: Masten Carroll, who also makes his home in Pike County; Laura N., wife of Thomas A. Inee; Samuel Rufus, a young man of twenty- five years, still at home.

Mr. Henderson has never sought office, pre- ferring the quiet and happiness of his peaceful fireside to the turmoil of public life. He has always been an unswerving adherent of the Dem- ocratie party, and at all times and at all places he has shown himself to be a loyal citizen, and is well regarded by all who know him. In religions affairs he is a devoted member of the Cumber- land Presbyterian Church, with which he has been connected for many years.

OHN WILLIAM MOUNCE is a well- known citizen of Hannibal, where he has resided for the past twenty-one years, during which time he has been greatly interested and in- fluential in everything pertaining to the upbuild- ing of the place. He is now Secretary and Treas- urer of the Hannibal Sawmill Company, which was incorporated in the fall of 1882 with a capital stock of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, which later on was increased to two hundred thon- sand dollars; A. W. Pettibone is President and W. B. Pettibone is Vice-President and Manager; this arrangement has continued up to the present

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time. Our subject, Mr. Mounce, is also a stock- holder and director in the concern, which is one of the leading industries in this section of the State.

The father of our subject, Samuel Mounce, was born in Lincoln County, Ky., March 13. 1806, and was the son of William Mounce of Welsh descent. By occupation he was a cabinetmaker, which trade he followed for many years. In 1830 he moved to Florida, Monroe County, Mo., where he worked also as a millwright. He was Justice of the Peace in his home neighborhood (Jefferson Township), and was prominent as a Whig, and also as a Union man. He died February 12, 1864, in the faith of the Methodist Church, with which he had been long identified. The only fra- ternity of which he was a member was the I. O. O. F. In 1835 Sammuel Mounce married Elizabeth Bryant, a native of Virginia, born August 27, 1815. Her father, Richard Bryant, moved to Monroe County, Mo., at about the same time as did the Mounce family. Six children, all of whoni are living, came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Mounce: Mary C. became the wife of D. N. Hendricks of Monroe County and is now a wid- ow. her home being in Monroe City: Sarah M. is the wife of Thomas B. Sherman of Paris, Mo .: David Henry is engaged in the lumber business in Moberly, Mo., as is also his brother, Alexander M .: Lucy A., the youngest sister, is the wife of James II. Robey, whose home is near Lakenan. Mo. The mother of these children departed this life March 18, 1849, at her home near Florida, Mo.

John William Mounce was born May 31. 1836. at his father's home in Florida. Mo., and was reared there. receiving a common-school educa- tion. At the age of sixteen years he went to Paris, Mo .. and became a clerk in the drygoods house of Thomas Crutcher. His fidelity to his employer's interests and his general usefulness are manifest from the fact that he remained in that one store for twenty years-first with Thomas Crutcher, later with the firm of Crutcher, Dulany & Company, then with Crutcher, Buckner & Company and finally with Buckner & Mounce, the last firm forming in 1856 with our subject as the junior member. While a resident of Paris

he served as County Treasurer of Monroe Cor ty, from 1860 to 1864. He resigned while servi his third term and in December, 1864, remor to Quincy, Ill. There for one and a half years was bookkeeper for the firm of Dulany, Har & Company, who sold out their business att end of that time, when Mr. Mounce returned Paris and bought out Mr. Boone, who had s' ceeded him there in the old firm with which had been so long connected. A new partnersl was formed, being as formerly Buckner Mounce, and they did business for four yea closing out their interests at the end of t period. For some time thereafter our subj conducted a sewing-machine and insurance bu ness with fair success.

March 1, 1874, Mr. Mounce came to Har bal and was given a position as bookkeeper for C. Hixon & Co., lumber manufacturers and de ers. Their mill was burned down in Octo! 1882, and soon afterward the present Hannig Sawmill Company was organized and incorpo: ed. The daily capacity of this plant is one h dred and fifty thousand feet of lumber, seve thousand shingles and forty thousand laths. timber comes mostly from Wisconsin, being r ed down the Mississippi, and the lumber tur out from the mill finds a ready sale in Kan Missouri and Nebraska. The company owns t ber land in various sections of Wisconsin and ploys about one hundred and seventy- hands in various capacities. Mr. Mounce : owns a lumber yard at Moberly, Mo., and is a rector in the Bank of Hannibal.

February 18. 1858, occurred the marriage J. W. Mounce and Helen T. Glenn, who ( February 12, 1870. Her father, John M. Glo was a prominent citizen of Monroe County, September 21, 1871, our subject married E Glenn. a sister of his first wife, and they have 1 blessed with one child, Helen B .: the mother called to her final rest December 16, 1873. lady who now bears the name of our subject Fannie C. Collier, and their marriage took p. October 2, 1878. She was born in Calla County, Mo., and is a daughter of W. B. Cc (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Mounce have one c a daughter, whose name is Lena. They are n

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bers of the Christian Church in Hannibal, in Which Mr. Mounce is now a Deacon and Treas- urer; he is also a member of the State Sunday- school Board. Although he has traveled through many branches of business, has enjoyed success and has met with reverses, he has always ad- hered strictly to principles of uprightness, justice and integrity in all his dealings. His right of fran- "chise he uses in favor of the Democracy. S

EVI. H. DODD is one of the prominent and influential residents of Ralls County, and is one of her native sons. For years hic has been successfully engaged in the cultiva- tion of his valuable homestead, which is beauti- fully located on Section 4, Saline Township. In everything pertaining to the growth and develop- n ment of the county he has taken the greatest in- terest, and has been no unimportant factor in its advancement to its present high state of civiliza- tion. Like every true patriot and friend to our country's institutions, he is concerned in educa- tional matters and has served efficiently as a School Director for the past twenty years. He has also held local offices, such as Township Clerk, etc., but is not a politician in the ordinary acceptation of the term. He is simply straight- forward and honorable, striving to do his duty by his fellow men, and to fill in a noble and manly way his allotted place in life. 1

Mr. Dodd was born June 18, 1840, in Clay Township, Ralls County, his parents being Jo- seph and Letitia (Hudson) Dodd. The father was born in Virginia, and died in 1893, aged sev- enty-eight years. The mother, a native of Ken- tucky, born in 1812, is now living on the old homestead, near Hannibal. Their marriage was celebrated in this county, at the home of Mrs. Dodd's parents, who had settled in Clay Town- ship in 1836, and there passed the remainder of their lives. Mr. Dodd came to Missouri about the same time and was engaged in farming and stock-raising in this locality until his demise. They were the parents of three sons and a daugh-

ter, namely: Levi H .; John, deceased; Agnes, and James, who owns a farm in this vicinity.

In the parental home L. H. Dodd received ex- cellent training, both by precept and example, and became thoroughly familiar with every de- partment of farm work. . His education was lini- ited to such as was afforded by the country schools, but since attaining man's estate he has increased his knowledge by reading, private study and keen observation of men and events. He left home soon after his majority was reached and commenced working by the month at . sal- ary of $Io. At the end of a year he was married, and rented a farm near New London for the suc- cceding three years. He was industrious, and success attended his efforts from the first, and thus he was soon able to buy a farm for himself. The place which he owned near Hannibal he im- proved and sold four years later, investing the proceeds in his present tract of land, which com- prises one hundred and seventy acres. The homestead is kept up in a thrifty condition and is well equipped with good buildings, fences, etc.

On November 20, 1863, Mr. Dodd married Louisa Silver, who was also born in Clay Town- ship, and who died in 1870 at the carly age of twenty-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Dodd were the parents of three sons and two daughters, namely : Charles, an enterprising young farmer of this county ; Mary, wife of Samuel Mounce, a farmer of Monroe County; Lewis, who resides at home; Frances, who is also at home; and one who died in infancy. In 1871 Mr. Dodd married Harriet Glasscock, who was born in this county, Decem- ber 4, 1840. Her parents, George and Ann Glass- cock, were natives of Virginia and early settlers of Clay Township, Ralls County. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Dodd are: Minor, a Ralls County farmer; Edward, who owns a homestead in Texas; Edith, Mrs. Robert Harrison, of Ala- bama; and Thomas, who lives at Hannibal, Mo. Six children came to bless the union of Mr. Dodd and his pleasant wife: Lillie, now the wife of Lee Melson, a farmer of Marion County; and James, Lucy, Maggie, Sadie and Joseph, who are at home. The parents are members of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church South, and are most

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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 13

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