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 56
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 56
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 56
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W ILLIAM NEWTON BRYSON, the youngest son of William Bryson, for- merly one of the prominent residents of this State, is a native of Pike County. He was born on the old homestead on Grassy Creek, where he now resides, September 24, 1844. He grew to manhood under the parental roof and acquired his primary education in the common schools. He afterward became a student at the Watson Seminary and Shurtliff College, Upper Alton, Ill.
The parents of our subject were William and Eliza A. (Yeater) Bryson, the former of whom was born in York District, S. C., December 13, 1801. Here he passed his boyhood days, and at the time his parents emigrated to Missouri (1816), accompanied them hither, locating first on land which is now the site of the City of Louisiana. In 1818 John Bryson disposed of this tract and a year later purchased, at a public Government land sale, the farm on which his family made their home for many years, paying for the same nine dollars and seventy-six cents per acre. He d'e- parted this life in September, 1818, leaving the care of the family to William, then a young man. The latter was thoroughly practical in all that he did and soon became one of the substantial resi- dents. of the county and regarded as among its most progressive and prominent stockraisers.
After the marriage of the father of our subject, which occurred May 10, 1827, he settled down to farm life on the place, where he remained for years. In July, 1844, he became a member of
the Presbyterian Church and four years later was elected a Ruling Elder of the same, filling the office until his death, May 5, 1864. He was a man of noble, upright character and greatly hon- ored and respected by all who knew him. He possessed an iron will and was brave and fearless in all things he considered right. He reared to manhood and womanhood a family of nine sons and daughters, all of whom were well educated and blessed with the training of loving and in- telligent parents; eight of the household now survive: Martha W., the wife of Thomas M. Carroll of this county; John Bryson; Mary Jane, the wife of William H. Nally; Elizabeth, Mrs. Col. J. W. Dougherty ; Sally, the wife of C. W. Dough- erty ; our subject; Anna, Mrs. Judge R. F. Ayres; Orlena, the deceased wife of Hiram Unsell; Duffie, Mrs. Thomas J. Nally. With the exception of the third named they all live in this county.
John Bryson, the father of William, was born in York District, S. C., March 15, 1777, and in 1800 his marriage with Elizabeth Craig took place. In 1816 they came to Missouri and located in Pike County, where the grandfather followed wagonmaking until his decease. He and his wife were both members of the Bethel Presby- terian Church in South Carolina, and on coming to this section became identified with the first church of that denomination organized in Pike County and known as Old Buffalo Church, lo- cated south of Lousiana. John Bryson's father was born in Scotland and came to America in 1729 with the great tidal wave of emigration. The Rev. John H. Bryson, D. D., of Huntsville, Ala., is a distant relative of our subject.
When completing his education and ready to begin life for himself our subject chose the vo- cation of a farmer, to which he had been thor- oughly trained. His father dying about this time, his mother looked to him for the management of the farm and so well did he succeed that she has since recognized him as a full partner, sharing in the profits. As he became more prosperous year by year he purchased the interests of the other heirs of the estate and is now the owner of the place. He stands in the front rank among the progressive and successful agriculturists of
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this section and very deservedly too, as he has mounted the ladder round by round entirely un- aided.
While a student at Shurtliff College Mr. Bry- son received, under the administration of Gov. Fletcher, an appointment as Clerk in the Pay- master General's office, upon which he discon- tinued his studies and repaired to Jefferson City, where he began to discharge the duties imposed upon him, which claimed his services for the fol- lowing twelve months. He then returned to Louisiana, where his mother was then living, and engaged in mercantile pursuits, but, seeing a safer investment for his means, he shortly withdrew his capital from the business and returned to the old homestead, where he has since resided.
William Newton Bryson and Miss Susan M. Reading were united in marriage November II, 1869. The lady was the daughter of John Reading and Mahala A. (Nalley) Reading, de- scendants of old and honored families of this county. Mrs. Bryson is a lady who has made of her home a model in every particular and de- voted her time to training her two daughters- Orra and Eliza-in a manner fitting their posi- tion in life. The elder is now the wife of Maynard D. Hunter, a progressive young farmer of this county, and Eliza, an accomplished young lady, is still at home.
In connection with his farming interests Mr. Bryson has become well known to the stockmen of this vicinity as a breeder of Shorthorn cattle, in which for years he was engaged with gratify- ing results. Of late, however, he has discon- tinued this branch of the business. He is an affable, courteous gentleman, one whom it is a pleasure to meet. He is liberal in his donations to all worthy causes and has many warm friends throughout this portion of the State. In his po- litical affiliations he supports the Democratic party and religiously is a member of the Presby- terian Church.
John Bryson, a brother of our subject and now a member of this household, was born August 19, 1830. When only five years of age one side of his body became paralyzed and for years was almost entirely helpless. As he grew
to manhood, however, he in a great degree over- came this affliction and in 1849, thinking the climate of California might aid in his recovery, he started across the plains for that State, accom- panied by his uncle and Grandfather Yeater. There John engaged in mining and finding the climate beneficial decided to spend some years in the State. For twenty-six years, therefore, he continued to seek the precious metal, meeting with good results. From time to time he invested his means in other fields, which almost invariably failed to redeem the money invested. In the spring of 1874 he returned to Missouri, but only remained a short time when he again turned his face westward, this time remaining until Septem- ber, 1889, when he again came to Missouri and made his home with our subject.
V AN BUREN ELZEA is a son of one of the oldest and best-known citizens of Ralls County. He is a native of this State and county, born January 1, 1857. He is the third of six children born to James A. and Rebecca A. (La Fever) Elzea, of whom five still survive. (See sketch of James A. Elzea on another page of this work.) Van Buren Elzea, our subject, grew to manhood in his native county, received his edu- cation in the public schools, and when of age de- termined to follow the life of a farmer, to which he had been reared. He was a poor boy, with noth- ing to begin life on, and for four years rented land of his father, having agreed to make certain im- provements on a piece of land of seventy acres for his use. He was energetic and, with a deter- mination to succeed, he toiled early and late, and at the end of four years was in a position to own a home of his own, and purchased one hundred and eighty-six acres of his present valuable farm. Since that time he has been gradually forging ahead, and has added to his original purchase until he has now nearly three hundred and twelve acres of well-improved land.
On December 19, 1880, he was united in mar-
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riage with Miss Ada D. Wasson, a daughter of William A. and Mary A. (Rice) Wasson, who were numbered among the honored pioneer citi- zens of Ralls County. By this union were born three children: Ada Neat, born July 31, 1882; Nina Duncan, born July 30, 1886; Zella Mabel, born October 20, 1888.
The handsome residence of our subject was erected by himself in 1892, and presided over as it is by a pleasing and helpful wife, and with a family of interesting children, his home is cer- tainly a happy one. Mr. Elzea is an affable and courteous man, and his progressiveness and pub- lic spirit have won for him the esteem of all who know him. In politics he is a believer in and sup- porter of the Democratic party. In religion he is a Baptist.
W ILLIAM O. GARDNER is a native of Ralls County, born August 2, 1853. He was reared at home, receiving his education in the district school. In 1874, when twenty-one years of age, being desirous of seeing something of the world outside of Ralls County before settling down to the realities of life, he took a trip to the State of California, where lie re- mained one year seeing siglits and visiting dif- ferent localities. He then returned to his old home and engaged in agricultural pursuits, farm- ing a portion of his father's land and making his home withli his parents. He continued in this way until January 18, 1877, when he was united in marriage to Miss Laura A. Alexander, who was also of Ralls County, and was born March 4, 1855. She is the daughter of Alford and Lucinda (Robinson) Alexander, who were natives of Ken- tucky and Illinois respectively, and now reside in Saline Township, Ralls County, following agri- cultural pursuits. To this union have been born seven children, of which five now survive, as fol-
lows: Thomas C .; Laura A .; Maggie, wife of Dr. J. J. Norton; Emma, wife of Robert B. Warren; Mahale, wife of J. E. Norman; Robert P. and Adelia, deceased.
After marriage the young couple commenced housekeeping on the Lewis Coontz farm, where he remained for a term of four years and then removed to Saline Township, where he rented a farm and remained one year. He then removed to Monroe County, where he purchased a farm and remained until 1882, when he sold out and returned to his native county, and purchased a farm that he now owns and which has since been his home. Here he lias followed general farni- ing and stock-raising, giving his attention largely to wheat-raising, to which his farm is admirably adapted.
Mr. Gardner is a nian of more than ordinary ability and is in every sense a self-made man. Although enjoying very limited educational ad- vantages in his early life, liis native ability and inclination to acquire knowledge, together with his studious and literary taste have resulted in an accumulation of wisdom, knowledge and culture. In politics he is an uncompromising Democrat, and has advocated his principles and those of his constituents in numerous conventions. In 1891 he was a candidate for nomination for the State Legislature, but was narrowly defeated. By his forcible and piquant manner of expression on paper he has gained a reputation in his locality as a writer and correspondent.
Mr. Gardner owns a productive and well-ar- ranged farmi, has a pleasant home and a bright and intelligent family. His children, three in num- ber, are Robert D., born October 20, 1878; Lewis J., born April 28, 1883; Bulah H., born October 30, 1888. Mr. Gardner is a member of Center Lodge No. 209, I. O. O. F. He is the son of L. H. Gardner, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work. All that he lias of this world's goods he has acquired by his own individual ef- forts.
( yours truly John Mayown -
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JUDGE JOHN MEGOWN.
J UDGE JOHN MEGOWN, one of the old and prominent citizens of New London, was born February 18, 1834, at Pittsburgh, Pa., and is the son of Samuel and Julia Ann (Mc- Kready) Megown. His father, Samuel, was born in Butler County, Pa., January 1, 1811, and his mother in Allegheny County, September 5, 1815. Samuel Megown was a son of John Megown, who was a native of Ireland, and who came to this country when one year old. His father, the great-grandfather of our subject, was also named Samuel, was a brickmaker by trade, and made the first brick and erected the first brick building in what is now the City of Pittsburgh. He died in Pittsburgh at one hundred years of age. His son John, the grandfather of our subject, also learned the trade of making brick, which he fol- lowed to within a few years of his death. He had removed to Butler County and was engaged in farming when he died in 1826. His wife was Sarah Edy, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and who lived to the age of ninety. Their chil- dren were Samuel, Elizabeth, Alexander, Mary Jane, Ellen, Hugh and Robert J. Of these, Sanı- uel, Mary Jane and Ellen are living. The last named is the wife of Alexander Gray, of Pitts- burgh; Mary Jane is the wife of John Sheppler, living in Brownsville, Va .; Samuel is living in Clay Township, Ralls County, Mo .; Elizabeth Edy, Sarah Megown's mother, lived to the age of one hundred and eight years, and died in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Samuel Megown learned the trade of brick- maker, and came West in 1836, locating in Clay Township, Ralls Co., Mo., where he is now living, and he carried on the manufacture of brick until, on account of age, he retired from active life. He was a Democrat until the breaking out of the Civil War, when he became a Republican. At
one time he held the office of Justice of the Peace and County Judge. He is a member of the Old School Presbyterian Church. In early life, he was strong and active, of quick, sanguine tem- perament, and unusually enthusiastic in every- thing in which he engaged. Julia Ann Me- gown, his wife, is a native of Pittsburgh, Pa., and is a daughter of Stuart and Margaret (McCoy) McKready, of Scotch ancestry. She is also a member of the Presbyterian Church. They were the parents of fifteen children, ten of whom grew to maturity: John, Margaret J., George A., Samuel, Robert, Sarah, Agnes, James H., Julia, and Thomas S.
The subject of this sketch also learned the trade of a brickmaker during his youth, and fol- lowed the same in connection with farming until nineteen years of age, occasionally attending the public schools. Having a great desire for an education, he studied in private and when ninc- teen years of age, began teaching in Center Town- ship, which occupation he followed for three years, during which time he pursued his law studies. He was admitted to the bar in March, 1857, at New London, and then located in Frank- ford, Mo., and commenced the practice of his pro- fession. After remaining there one year, on ac- count of his wife's health, he abandoned the practice and returned to Ralls County, where he began teaching, which calling he pursued until he was appointed United States Deputy Mar- shal, in 1860, with his office at New London. When the late war broke out, he returned to the farm, and in 1862 and 1863 he was Assessor of the county. About the close of the war he opened his office at New London, and again commenced his practice. In the fall of 1866, he was again elected Assessor and served two years. In the fall of 1870, he was elected Probate Judge,
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and was twice re-elected, serving twelve years to the satisfaction of the people. In 1879 and 1880, he was County Judge. His probate term closed in 1883, since which time he has given his attention to his practice, and in addition has been engaged in farming.
Judge Megown was married in Spencer Town- ship, Ralls County, Mo., April 4, 1856, to Mary E. Conn, daughter of James W. and Lydia C. (Bird) Conn. She was born in Marion County, Mo., while her parents were natives of Virginia. Of this union eleven children have been born: James S., engaged in the mercantile trade in New London; John E., Cashier of the Ralls County Bank; Katie, the wife of Howard Swigart, of Ralls County; Susan, wife of R. H. Wamack, city editor of the "Hannibal Journal"; Elizabeth, at home; Preston, a farmer near New London; Gay, engaged in carpentering at New London; Berrilla, who is teaching school; Jennie, wife of R. E. Mayhall, furniture dealer of New London; Benton B., at home; and Houston A., deceased.
Mrs. Megown is a member of the Christian Church. In politics the Judge is a Democrat. He has a fine home on one of the best sites of the town where he is taking as much comfort out of this life as possible. He has real estate and landed interests near the town, including his farm, which takes much of his attention. On one of his tracts near town is a fine mineral spring, the curative power of which, for some diseases, is unsurpassed. Judge Megown is a man of large physique, of social, genial nature, and with the people where he has spent the greater part of his life, in private as well as in public walks, he is held in high esteem. As a citizen, he is one of which the State and community may well be proud.
J JOHN F. BARNETT (deceased) formerly resided in Township 54, Range 2, Pike County, where he ranked among the most esteemed and public spirited citizens. For several years prior to his demise, which was deeply de- plored by all who knew him, he was engaged in
the culture of fruit trees and general gardening, being a man of much experience in both of these departments of agriculture. In every respect he was a man of great uprightness and integrity of word and deed, preferring to advance others' in- terests rather than his own selfish ends, and thus won the admiration of his fellows.
The subject of this narrative was born Novem- ber 24, 1841, on the old Barnett Homestead and grew to manhood under the wise training of his honored parents, Joseph and Mary (Fry) Bar- nett. He was one of nine children, of whom but four survive at this writing. His elementary education was supplemented by a course of study in the college at Abingdon, Ill. On reaching the age when it became necessary for him to decide on his future vocation he decided to give his at- tention to pomology and in 1867 bought an in- terest in the nursery business of Stark Brothers, which became Stark, Barnett & Co., and as such it remained until our subject withdrew from the firm in 1873, selling his share to another party. In 1875 he purchased the home in which the rest of his life was quietly spent, and where his widow is still living. He continued to be de- voted to the fruit-raising business as long as he lived and was very successful.
Mr. Barnett was a faithful member of the Cum- berland Presbyterian Church, with which he identified himself in early life-about 1863. A man of sterling character, he held in abhorrence anything mean or false and his happy, cheerful disposition never failed to uplift those with whom he was thrown in contact. In childhood the scarlet fever, which, carried away three of his brothers, left his own constitution peculiarly sus- ceptible to disease and he never enjoyed ro- bust health. He was summoned to his reward July 25, 1894.
Mrs. Barnett, whose maiden name was Harriet A. Carroll was united in marriage with our subject November 24, 1869. She is a daughter of William H. Carroll, an honored old citizen of Louisiana (see his sketch elsewhere in this work). Mrs. Barnett received excellent educational ad- vantages, completing her studies at Watson Seminary, Ashley, Mo., then presided over by
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John A. McAfee. The six children who came to gladden the hearthstone of the Barnett home are all living, being as follows: Anwyl Carroll, Nellie M., Lucile, Olive Adele, John William and Gene- vieve. The eldest son is now employed in man- aging the home place, formerly operated by his father, and is a young man of promise and ability. The pleasant home of the family is delightfully situated and is furnished with good taste and re- finement. Nellie and Lucile are accomplished young ladies, and the first mentioned is now further qualifying herself by attending the busi- ness college in St. Louis. Olive is now in her fourteenth year; John is a bright lad of ten and the youngest is a golden haired darling of some four summers. The mother, who has reason to be proud of such a family, is a woman of noble life and greatly beloved in her circle of friends. She is an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, having united with that denomination in I863.
J I OHN G. MINER (deceased), one of the pio- neers of Marion County, died on the old homestead in Miller Township, where he had for years pursued an honest, agricultural life and by industry and economy had purchased land at various times until the farm comprised three hundred and eighty acres. He was respected and loved by his numerous friends and neighbors and was a member of the old-school Baptist Church, dying in that faith June 15, 1887.
John G. Miner was born in Kentucky April 9, 1818, and passed his early years engaged in farnı duties and in attending the district schools. He had nearly reached his majority when he came to Marion County, having learned the stonemason's trade under Moses Robnet of Hannibal. He re- mained home assisting his father and finding em- ployment at his trade until he was thirty years of age, when he was married and rented a farm near the present location of Mount Zion Church. About a year afterward his father died and he re- turned to the old homestead, where he passed the rest of his life, having purchased the interests of
the other heirs. Politically he was a Republican, but never cared to occupy public office.
October 5, 1848, Mr. Miner wedded Mary, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Garner) Conway, the former of Kentucky and the latter of South Carolina. This union was blessed with five sons and a daughter, namely: John Thomas, who mar- ried Isabel Turner, lives near Withers' Mill; Mary E., wife of Sidney Sandridge, resides on the orig- inal Miner Homestead; James S., died in early manhood at home; Joseph William, who married Dora Hutchinson, dwells on a portion of the Min- er estate, owning his place; George W., who mar- ried Minerva Pennewell, occupies and owns part of the old farm; Henry D., the youngest of the family, died when two years of age. The mother of these children, born November 21, 1825, is still in the enjoyment of good health and lives with her daughter, Mrs. Sandridge, at the old home- stead; the former was one of the first white chil- dren born in this county and remembers the In- dians, who were numerous in this locality in her childhood. She was only two months old at the time of her father's death and remained single until her four sisters had reached womanhood; one of these sisters married William Holland, who is supposed to have been the first white child born in the county. For twenty-five years Mrs. Miner has been a consistent member of the Baptist Church and is a lady beloved by all.
John T. Miner, born November 1, 1849, was reared to farm life and has been very successful in his management of his property. He was also fortunate in the choice of a wife in the person of Miss Isabel, daughter of Frank and Maria (Ander- son) Turner, for she has been of great assistance to him in his various enterprises. Their three chil- dren are: John F., Mary R. and Thomas R. Mr. Miner is a member of the Baptist Church and is a Deacon in the congregation and fraternally is a K. of P.
Mary, wife of S. D. Sandridge, was born March 23, 1851, and was married February 18, 1885. Mr. Sandridge was born September 6, 1850, in Han- nibal, was deprived of his father's protection when he was quite young and upon his mother's remar- riage when he was nine years of age left home. From that time until he reached his majority he
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lived at the home of Samuel O. Hendron, who was one of the first settlers of Marion County. By economy and industry he managed to save enough to buy eighty acres of the old Domley Farm and since his marriage has increased the value of the old Miner Homestead by his careful attention to every department of work. To himself and wife have been born two children: Georgie M. N., De- cember 31, 1886; John William C., July 7, 1888.
Joseph W. Miner, born January 28, 1854, resid- ed with his parents until he was thirty-one years of age. February 18, 1885, he married Dora, daughter of Samuel and Ella Hutchinson. Mrs. Miner was born April 18, 1867, in Ohio and when three years of age came with her mother, then a widow, to Marion County. Josepli W. now owns a good farm of one hundred and twenty acres, the result of his well-known habits of application and attention to business. He was but seventeen years old when he embarked in dairying, selling milk in Hannibal for four years and in 1881, in part- nership with his brother George and Mr. Sand- ridge, purchased a steam thresher, which he oper- ated until two years ago. He has served as Judge of Election several times and is a man of influence in his community. To himself and wife were born the following children: Georgie E., February 14, 1886; Josephine L., July 18, 1887; Joseph S., De- cember 25, 1888; Lawrence S., December 20, 1889; Bertha A., January 1, 1891; Henry G., Jan- uary 25, 1892; Zola M., May 15, 1894. Josephine died August 3, 1887, and Zola died June 24, 1894.
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