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 38

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 38
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 38
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 38

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Ralls County, where, some time later, he was again united in marriage, taking as his bride Anna M. Stowers, a native of Fauquier County, Va., born August 11, 1813, and who came to Mis- souri when a young lady, in company with her parents. In his early days the father of our sub- ject was a teacher in the public schools, but later on he settled down to farm life and up to the time of the death of his wife, June 24, 1884, he followed this occupation. Since that sad event he has been living a retired life. He was Judge of the County Court of Ralls County from 1852 to 1861, when he resigned his office. Jacob Stout, the grandfather of our subject, was a son of Abel Stout, who was a participant in the Revolutionary War and was present at the battle of Yorktown at the surrender of Cornwallis. Jacob Stout was a native of Culpeper County, Va., and was born on October 23, 1771, living all of his life on the place where he was born; he died on July 3, 1851. For about thirty years of his life he was a Con- stable. The maternal grandfather, Coleman Stowers, was a native of Westmoreland County, Va., having been born in 1776 and dying in 1854. The maternal grandmother, Nancy (Conway) Stowers, was born in 1776 in Fauquier County, Va., and died in 1857; she was a daughter of a Revolutionary hero.

The subject of our sketch grew to manhood under the parental roof and acquired his educa- tion in the public schools, with one term at Beth- any College, West Virginia. He remained at home until his twenty-fourth year, when he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza B. Jones, the date of the ceremony being November 5, 1867. With his young bride he removed to his present farm, where he had purchased one hundred and thirty acres of land, which was at that time nearly all in timber. As the years rolled by he gradually cleared off his farm and has since added to his possessions until he now owns two hundred and twenty acres. Mrs. Stout is a daughter of one of Ralls County's early settlers. Her father was Mi- chael J. Jones, who was a son of Dabney Jones, who came to Ralls County in 1817. and located on Spencer Creek. The house which he built that year still stands, with some little improvements --

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

possibly one of the oldest houses in Ralls County, Mother Jones was Miss Emily Alford, a native of Bowling Green, Ky., and was born March 28, 1820; she died in 1885.

To Mr. and Mrs. Stout have been born six chil- dren, five of whom are still living: George F., James A., Sarah E., Thomas J. and Martha M. All of the children are single and with the excep- tion of James A., who is now in Texas on a pros- pecting tour, are living at home. Mr. Stout is an affable, courteous man and has many friends in Ralls County. In politics he is a Democrat, and religiously he is a member of the Christian Church.

C HARLES HENRY HARRIS, one of the leading stockraisers of Pike County, was born in the Argentine Confederation, Buenos Ayres, S. A., May 12, 1854. His parents were William A. and Fanny (Murray) Harris. His father was born in Fauquier County, Va., August 8, 1805. He received a classical education and adopted the profession of law, which he followed for ten years. He was then elected to the Vir- ginia Legislature, and in 1841 was Presidential Elector. That year he was elected to Congress from his native State, serving for two years.

For several years the father of our subject was editor of the Spectator, published at Washing- ton, and later edited the Constitution. In 1845 he was appointed by President Polk Minister to Buenos Ayres, to which place he removed in 1851. After the election of Buchanan to the Presidency he was recalled and began the pub- lication :of the Review at Washington, which he conducted until elected Printer of the Senate of the United States, which office he held for two years. In 1854 he removed to Missouri, locating in Cuivre Township, Pike County, where he pur- chased a large tract of land. He died here ten years later, March 28, 1864. During the war he spent the most of his time in Washington, being engaged in the publishing business. In politics he was an influential Democrat and worked for the success of his party on every occasion. Re-

ligiously he belonged to the Baptist Church. Mr. Harris was a gentleman of the old school, pos- sessed of fine attainments and attractive man- ners. He was one of the noted men of his day, and much admired.

The father of our subject, after retiring from office, made many trips to and from South Amer- ica, looking after his claims there. His wife was also born in Fauquier County, Va., where her father was a large planter. She departed this life October 20, 1890, when advanced in years. They were the parents of six children: William A., a civil engineer, is now a member of Congress from Leavenworth County, Kan .; Ella, the wife of A. H. Abrams, Land Commissioner of the Texas & Pacific Railroad Company; Murray, engaged in civil engineering in New Mexico; our subject; Henry, who died in infancy, and Lillie, now the wife of Judge Elijah Robinson, of Kansas City, who is attorney for the Missouri & Pacific Rail- road Company.

Our subject was about eight months old when he left Buenos Ayres. His early life was spent in both Virginia and Pike County, this State, where he attended the common schools. In 1870 he entered the University of Kansas, at Lawrence, from which institution he was graduated four years later. After leaving college lie was en- gaged in civil engineering, chiefly in the employ of the Government. For seven years he was en- gineer in sectionizing, nearly all of the time in the Indian Nation. Later he was with the Kan- sas Pacific Railroad Company, and also in the employ of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, making surveys, mostly in New Mexico.

Charles H. came to the old homestead in Pike County in 1883, and very soon thereafter was elected County Surveyor, holding the position about two years, when he resigned. Since that time he has given his time and attention to farm- ing, making a specialty of stock-raising. His father owned in this section about twelve hun- dred acres of land, and our subject has as his por- tion of the estate, four hundred acres.

The original of this sketch was married March 8, 1887, to Anna F., daughter of A. D. and Ann Eliza (Purse) Riggs, of Ashley. They were na-

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tives of New York City, and both are now de- ceased. The children born to our subject and his wife are three in number, namely: Maria June, Francis and Dudley. In politics Mr. Harris follows in the footsteps of his honored father, and is a Democrat tried and true.

Our subject has one of the finest farms in the county. It is beautifully located and under ad- vanced improvement. He takes great delight in his stock-raising interests, and is perfectly con- tent to leave public life, with its ups and downs, its cares and perplexities, to those who like it. He is a gentleman of refined tastes and fine ad- dress, and is indeed one in which the community can take pride.

J AMES D. STALEY. This gentleman, who is one of the pioneers of Pike County, is engaged in general farming and stock-rais- ing in Indian Township. He is a native of Knox County, Tenn., and was born October 17, 1828, to David and Margaret (Perry) Staley. David was born in Virginia April 20, 1803, and departed this life in Pike County, Mo., June 25, 1843. He in turn was the son of Valentine and Susanna (Buster) Staley, also natives of the Old Dominion, where the grandfather died August 6, 1817. His wife's second marriage was to J. Davis, who died January 29, 1841. She survived until January 21, 1849.

The grandparents of our subject reared the fol- lowing-named children: David, John, Walter, Lettitia, Griselda, Martin, Valentine and Frank- lin, all of whom are now deceased. By her mar- riage with Mr. Buster Susanna Staley became the mother of two sons, George W. and Carring- ton, both deceased. David Staley, during his life- time, was an extensive farmer, and also raised fine grades of stock for the market. In addition to this industry he conducted a tannery, from which enterprise he reaped good returns. As one of the pioneers of Missouri he did much toward fur- thering its best interests and aided in a substan- tial manner many movements set on foot for its benefit.

The mother of our subject was born in Virginia March 18, 1805, and died May 17, 1837. Her parents were William and Mary Perry, also Vir- ginians by birth, and at the time of their emigra- tion to this Western State were among its first settlers. Their household numbered in time five children, of whom James D. was the second born. William V., born September 11, 1826, is deceased; Granville, born March 3, 1831, is also dea !; Susan T., born January 11, 1833, married the Rev. John Rice, and makes her home in California; Mary E., born August 1, 1835, married James M. Steel, a farmer of Montgomery County, and is now deceased.

David Staley, the father of our subject, was married the second time, the lady to whom he was thus joined, March 8, 1838, being Jane M. Maxwell. Their three children were Margaret J., born January 7, 1839, now the widow of John M. Steel, of this township; Nancy M., born May I, 1840, married W. B. Davis, and is living in this township; and John W., born February 22, 1843, is deceased. The mother of this little family was born in Virginia, and is the daughter of John Maxwell. She is still living, making her home with her daughter Nancy.

The lady to whom our subject was married January 17, 1856, was Lavicia Hendricks, whose birth took place in Pike County, October 15, 1837. She is the daughter of Moses and Amanda (Danna) Hendricks, the former of whom was a native of Tennessee, and the latter of Kentucky. They came to Missouri many years ago, and lo- cating on a new tract of land, made of it one of the best homes in Pike County. Their six chil- dren were Mary A., now the widow of John Lati- mer, living in Bowling Green; Hannah H., now Mrs. Martin Crow, resides on a good estate in Cuivre Township; Lavicia, Mrs. Staley; Su- sanna, Mrs. P. P. Parker, lives in Arizona; James N. is deceased; and Clay, who died in Mississippi.

The one son and one daughter included in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Staley are James M., a well-to-do farmer of this section, and Mary Louisa, who married William Gibbs, also en- gaged in agricultural pursuits in this township. Mr. Staley is now living on the old homestead,

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which has been his permanent home with the ex- ception of the three years spent in Wisconsin. He went to that State when a lad of fifteen years, de- termining to make his own way in the world, and after remaining for the length of time already mentioned, returned to the home place and pur- chased two hundred and forty acres. He is a practical farmer, and from time to time has added to his original tract, until his possessions now ag- gregate four hundred and eighty acres of some of the finest land in Pike County. This makes of Mr. Staley one of the largest farmers and heaviest taxpayers in this portion of the State. He de- votes his entire time and energy to the improve- ment of his property, and his efforts have been blessed with marked success. He is wealthy, pos- sessing a goodly amount of this world's goods. To the meagre knowledge gained in the district schools he has constantly added by study and good reading, and is a well-informed man, thor- oughly interested in the important issues of the day. He is not a member of any Church organ- ization, but his influence is always cast on the side of right. In politics he is a strong Democrat and a loyal citizen.

D UNCAN C. SMITH, one of the most en- terprising business men of Cyrene, Pike County, is engaged in the hardware, dry goods, grocery and queensware business at that place. His establishment is large, and is well- stocked with every variety of stoves, heavy and shelf hardware, besides a large assortment of crockery of every quality. This gentleman comes of one of the best families of the State, and was born August 22, 1866.

Mr. Smith was married September 30, 1891, to Miss Laura, daughter of Spot and Cleopatra Ma- jor, of Big Islands, Va. He came to Cyrene first in 1887 and engaged in the dry goods business, conducting a thriving trade for two years, when he sold out his interests and moved onto a farm. His stay there, however, was only one year in length, when we find him again in this place, and

the proprietor of a hardware, dry goods, queens- ware and grocery store. He also carries a large stock of harness supplies and saddles, which proves very convenient for the farmers of the sur- rounding country, when making purchases in that line. In addition to this he keeps a good supply of drugs.

Mr. Smith is a member of the Baptist Church at Cyrene, in which he holds the offices of clerk and treasurer. Socially he is a Mason and secretary of his lodge. He is also connected with the Home Forum Benefit Order. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith has been born one daughter, Helen, whose birth occurred March 30, 1894.

The history of our subject's parents, William Hugh and Isabella (Fullerton) Smith, is what we wish more particularly to give in this connection. They trace their ancestry back for many genera- tions, and in so doing present an interesting study, and many facts and relationships by blood and marriage are disclosed that are worthy of the historian's pen. They came of old and honored families, and were married in January, 1850, spending nearly two score years together ere Mrs. Smith passed away, in September, 1887. The father is still living, residing in Cyrene, and in a full Christian spirit is passing the eventide of his life, honored by all who know him.

William Hugh Smith was born at Danville, Va., January 15, 1821, hence his family history is not intimately connected with Pike County, as is that of his estimable wife, who was "to the manner born" and passed most of her life within the bounds of this county. William was the second of a family of thirteen children born to Byrd and Sarah Hatcher (Woodson) Smith, the father born in 1790 and the mother in 1796. They died in 1872 and 1867, respectively. Of the history of the grandfather of our subject, not many facts are available, save that he had an only brother, named Berry, who reared a large family in Ken- tucky. Of the grandmother's history more is known. She was the daughter of John Wood- son, commonly known in his day as "Poplar Foot," who was twice married. His union with his first wife resulted in the birth of five sons and one daughter, while of his second marriage five

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

FAMILY TREE.

in 1768. They had four sons. I JAMES FULLERTON married his cousin, MARY ROBINSON, and came to this country from Belfast, Ireland, 2

THOMAS (1767-1837) married ISABELLA MCCUNE (1767-1831), in Penn.

daughter of Robt. McCune and Margaret -.

1790-1859 ROBERT 1813 JANE SCOTT 1796-1845

John

1850 Thomas Berry 1877 Emma Newland 1856

Walton

Shirley

Clyle

1817-1890

1852 Robert Byrd 1883

May Bell

Mary

Dupee Lane (Texas) 1853

[ Lizzie Byrd

Abram Fisher

Malcolm

Fullerton

John Nancy Ford Large family

Elder (dead)

Carr W. 1880 Jessie McDaniel 1888 Lora (Major) White 1856 Wm. Josiah 1892

Nellie Casey 1866

Mary David McAlister Doc and J. R., of Bowling Green, are grandsons

1822 -?

Jane

1858 Sarah Jane 1882 Hannibal Carroll

Ramon

Isabella

Robert Mary

1861 Mary Susan 1883 C. M. Gill

Abner Boyd Many descendants in Pike

1824

Sloan Married in Oregon

Robert Wm. J.

All

Mary

Married.

Emma

1825-1887 ISABELLA 1850 WM. H. SMITH 1821-

1864 Kate Isabella 1891 Ben C. Bankhead

Jane Josiah Boyd Rev. H. M. Boyd is a son

1830-1892 Josiah (Oregon)

1866 Duncan Cary 1891 Laura Major

Helen

Alexander-

Margaret John McAlister Many descendants -

1840-1856 Andrew

1863-1894 Bartlett H.

Elizabeth Joseph Scott Many descendants in Pike

-James-Adam-

Rev. B. P. Fullerton, of St. Louis.

1820 -?

Harry

Philip

Lewie Ola Lillian Velma

Wm. Watts (dead)

Willa Percy Emma Hugh

Clarence Isabella

Robert

Beryl

1815-1874

William Mary Watson Large family

Duncan

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

daughters and one son were born. Two of these daughters, Mrs. Judy Ganaway and Mrs. Susan Williams, and their brother John lived and died near Roanoke, in Howard County, Mo. It was to visit them and see the wonderful western coun- try that the father of our subject came to Missouri about 1844, riding all the way from his native state on horseback.

After a time William Hugh Smith came to Pike County on a visit to his oldest brother, John Woodson Smith, who was engaged as a merchant at Prairieville, near Eolia. While here he became acquainted with the lady who afterwards became his wife and companion through so many years. Their first home after their union was at Scott's Springs, about two miles north of Cyrene, where his brother John, in 1850, was keeping a store, and also had charge of the postoffice. There he established a tanyard and prosecuted this busi- ness, which he had learned from his father.

Here Thomas Berry, the first son of William H. Smith and wife, was born. They afterward moved to Louisiana, and made their home there for a period of two years. About 1855 Mr. Smith abandoned the tannery and turned his attention to farming and stock-raising, and from that time until selling his farm, in 1892, followed this in- dustry. His estate was located about one-half mile northeast of Cyrene, on Buffalo Creek, and was known as the old Fullerton farm, and, with the exception of a few years just preceding the war, had been in the family between sixty and seventy years. There is still standing on the premises an old log cabin which was erected in 1832, and near by is a great barn, the body of which was built about 1840. The majestic old wal- nut and other trees grouped about the yard show the place to be an ancestral home. It was there that William H. Smith married Isabella Fuller- ton, and there they spent so many happy years together. She died in the triumphs of the Chris- tian faith in September, 1887, having lived to see her nine children grow to mature years and set- tled in active Christian lives. Her family history is an exceedingly interesting one, and since it runs back through more than a century and con- nects her with many of the best-known families

of Pike, it is well worth the space to occupy a page in this book with what may be called a "family tree."

According to old documents in the possession of Prof. T. Berry Smith, a resident of Fayette, Mo., there sailed from Belfast, Ireland, in 1768, James Fullerton, his wife, Mary Robinson, and their infant son Thomas. They landed at Phila- delphia and settled about where the city of York now stands. He was captured at Fort Washing- ton during the Revolutionary War which fol- lowed, and after three months was given his lib- erty, but died a short time after reaching home. His death was caused by ground glass which was put in the bread given him to eat by the British on the way home.

The son of James, named Thomas, married a Miss Isabella McCune, or Mccown, as it was anciently called, the daughter of Robert and Mar- garet McCune, and soon after this event accom- panied his mother and three brothers to North Carolina. There his eldest son, Robert, was born in 1790, and in the course of time a large family grew up around him while he dwelt successively in Kentucky, Alabama and finally in Missouri, where, in 1818, he located not far from Cyrene. His eldest son, Robert, had married Jane Scott, the daughter of John and Nancy (Rodgers) Scott, who were captives among the Pottawattomie In- dians for three years in those early days when Kentucky was truly the "dark and bloody ground."

Robert, with his wife and two children, joined the tide of emigration which was crossing the Mississippi and came to Pike County in 1818, in company with his father's family, the Scotts, Pharrs, Boyds, McAlisters and other names now so well known in the early history of the county. They came from the region of the Cumberland River, hence brought with them as their form of religious creed Cumberland Presbyterianism. The first Presbytery west of the Mississippi River was organized in the house of Thomas Fullerton and his son, Robert, who were then living together. These same pioneers held their annual camp- meeting at what is now known as Antioch Church, which is an historic place. In its grave-

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

yard sleep many of those brave, hardy and Chris- tian pioneers.

The other two sons and five daughters of Thomas and Isabella (McCune) Fullerton grew to years of maturity, married and reared large families, many of whom made their homes in Pike County, while others migrated to the southwest- ern portion of the State, also to points in Ar- kansas, Tennessee and Wisconsin. By referring to the family tree on another page it will be seen that the mother of our subject was related to the McAlisters, Boyds, Scotts and others whose names are legion.

Robert Fullerton and Jane Scott reared a nu- merous family, some of whom died in childhood, and of those who married only three became heads of families. Jane married William Watts and be- came the father of a son and daughter, both of whom are deceased: Sloan married in Oregon, and his two sons are all that bear the Fullerton name; Isabella married William Hugh Smith, and be- came the mother of six sons and three daugh- ters. Robert Fullerton's first wife died in 1845, and some years afterward he married Mrs. Sarah Gurley, and made his home about two miles from Louisiana, near Buffalo Lock, where he died in 1859.

Of the children born to the parents of our sub- ject all are living with the exception of Bartlett, who died in August, 1894. They are all married, and in their varied homes may be counted twenty- four children. T. Berry, born in 1850, lives in Fayette, Mo., and is Professor of the Chair of Physics and Chemistry in the Central College; he has three children. Robert Byrd, born in 1852, makes his home in Honey Grove, Texas, where his family, a wife and three children, re- side; he is a commercial traveler. Carr W. was born in 1853; he lives in East St. Louis, where he is engaged in the live stock and commission busi- ness at the National Stock Yards; he has a wife and four children. William Josiah was born in 1856, and is at present with his brother Carr in St. Louis. He was at one time a member of the Thirty-Sixth and Thirty-Seventh General As- semblies, representing his native county in the House; he is married and has one son. Sarah

Jane was born in 1858; she married Hannibal D. Carroll, and their home is near Stark, Pike County ; they have six children. Mary Susan's birth occurred in 1861 ; she is the wife of Clarence M. Gill and lives in Cyrene; her family includes six sons and daughters. Bartlett H. was born in 1862 and died in the asylum at Fulton in August, 1894; he was afflicted with epilepsy. Kate Isa- bella was born in 1864 and married Benjamin C. Bankhead, and their home is in Cyrene. Dun- can C., the original of this sketch proper, was born in 1866.

D AVID H. EBY of Hannibal, Mo., is a prominent member of the Marion County bar. He ranks high among his profes- sional brethren, is a man of analytical mind and prepares his cases with evident research and care. In politics he is a Democrat and has engaged in most of the campaigns in this section for years past.

The subject of this article was born December 31, 1852, in a house which was then in the coun- try, but is now included in the city limits of Han- nibal. By the family records and traditions the Ebys are traced backward from Illinois to Penn- sylvania, then to New York State and still more remotely to Canada. Joseph Eby, our subject's grandfather, settled near Rock Island, Ill., where he spent his last years. To himself and wife, who was a Miss Hershey, native of Penn- sylvania, ten children were born, most of whom settled in Northern Illinois. One of the sons, David, born near Westfield, N. Y., received a good general education and for a time attended college at St. Charles, Mo. Before reaching his majority he entered a store in St. Louis, but at some period between 1840 and 1845 came to Han- nibal and clerked for T. R. Selms & Co., early merchants of this city. Later he embarked in business for himself as a drygoods and clothing merchant and afterward opened a queensware es- tablishment. After a time he turned his attention to the real-estate and insurance business, conduct-

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ing an office until about 1870; then he operated a farm in Ralls County, spent a year in Colorado and again for a short period lived in Hannibal, but finally settled in St. Joseph, where he was a real-estate and insurance man. His death oc- curred in that city in 1891. In 1844 he married Mary C. Williams, who died in 1858, and of their seven children only David H. and Mary V. (the wife of Warren E. Payne) survive.

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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 38

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