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 63

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 63
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 63
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 63

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married life began January 9, 1866, his wife being Sarah R. Porter, a refined and well-educated lady, who for many years taught school in Knox County, Mo. Her father, Joseph Porter, was a noted Colonel in the Confederate Army. Three children blessed her marriage. Charles, the eld- est, who was born July 25, 1868, was graduated from La Grange College and from the law de- partment of the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor; he was a young man of brilliant attainments, of whose future his parents cherished the fondest hopes, but these ambitions were destroyed by his death, October 29, 1890. Joseph L., who was born August 12, 1872, assists his father in the cultivation of the home farm; and Lucy, the only daughter, a bright and winning child, was born February 1, 1877, and is now at- tending school.

Upon the old homestead Judge White carries on a very large stock and general farming busi- ness, and his entire estate is under cultivation. During the Civil War, in 1862, he enlisted in the Confederate service under Col. Porter (who afterwards became his father-in-law) and took part in a number of minor engagements. In the Baptist Church, of which he is a member, he holds the position of Deacon and is an active worker. Socially he is identified with Palmyra Lodge, A. O. U. W.

The title by which our subject is usually known is his by virtue of his service in the office of Judge of the county court, to which position he was elected in 1886 upon the Democratic ticket. Two years later he was re-elected and served until 1890, discharging the duties of the place in a manner indicative of his ability and broad knowl- edge. In him the community has a faithful and unswerving friend, ever anxious to promote her

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best interests, and generous in his contributions toward progressive movements. As a farmer he has accumulated a competency, and as an official he has proved himself incorruptible, able and efficient. To his children he has given the most thorough educational advantages money can se- cure, and not only has he striven to advance the interests of his own family, but he has also en- deavored, through his wide acquaintance and influence, to secure for all the children of the district advantages commensurate with the privileges of the present age. He is a gentleman of generous impulses, whole-souled and open- hearted, and combined with these traits of char- acter his integrity as a man has won for him the respect of the good people of his community.

A LFRED W. PICKETT, one of the lead- ing and progressive men of Ralls County, is a native of this county and State, and was born in the house in which he now lives June 8, 1865. He is the son of Alfred and Louisa T. (Wylie) Pickett, and is the second of seven chil- dren, of whom four now survive.

Alfred Pickett, the father of our subject, was a native of Kentucky, born in 1820. His parents moved to Pike County, Mo., when he was but eight years old. It was here that he grew to man- hood and engaged in farming. When the gold fever was at its highest in California in 1849 he went to the gold fields, where he remained two years, returning well repaid for his trip. On his return he engaged in the mercantile business in Frankford, Pike County, and also purchased the farm which our subject now owns with the pro- ceeds derived from his two years' work in the mines. After some two years in Frankford he re- moved to Madisonville, Ralls County, Mo., where he spent two years, going from thence to Wellsville, and after eight years there in the mer- cantile business he removed to his farm, where he spent the remainder of his life.

Alfred Pickett was a progressive man, of an

active temperament, and while here bought and ran for several years the old St. Brain's mill. His death in 1878 was due to an accident, he being killed by a train on the St. L., H. & K. Railroad, near New London. Since that time the crossing has been known as Dead Man's Crossing. He was twice married, his first wife being a Miss Mary Summers, by whom he had three children, all of whom, together with his wife, were carried off by the measles. Subsequently he married Miss Louisa T. Wylie. He was a devoted Christian, being for years a member of the Christian Church and a liberal supporter of all charities. He was a friend to all popular educational movements, and his genial, kindly nature won for him the confi- dence and esteem of all who knew him.

James Gilmore Wiley, the grandfather of our subject, was one of the well-known men of his day. He was a noted character, of a romantic, lovable nature, and was always ahead of all pro- gressive movements. He was one of the first settlers of Hannibal and might justly be called the father of that thriving city, as at that time he owned almost the entire section where the city now stands, and did much toward its improve- ment. He was for years the County Surveyor of Ralls County and surveyed every foot of land in the county. His death occurred in 1883.

The subject of our sketch grew to manhood under the parental roof and acquired his educa- tion in the common schools. His father dying when he was but twelve years of age, his mother moved with her family to Wellsville, Mo., to give her children the advantages of a good schooling. Here she lived until June 16, 1886, when death claimed her and our subject was left with the care of three younger sisters. The responsibility was a heavy one, but he realized the gravity of the sit- uation, and after a week's deliberation he de- cided to return to the farm, which, during his mother's widowhood, had become heavily en- cumbered, and on his return to it he determined to have it put up at public sale, which was done, and he bid it in. From this time on, although he had no experience in farming, he went to work with a will to conquer, and his success has been an unusual one. He has always been a conserva-

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tive trader in stock, in which he has been very suc- cessful.

The marriage of our subject to Harriet E. Owen occurred September 28, 1887. She is the daugh- ter of Lewis C. and Julia M. (Biggs) Owen, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. To this union have been born six children, all of whom still survive. They are: Alfred Glen, born July 12, 1888; Owen R., July 10, 1889; Lorine, December 15, 1890; Gladys, April 2, 1892; Stan- ley, October 8, 1893, and James Edward, January 27, 1895.

Alfred W. Pickett is an affable and courteous man, and his progressive spirit has placed him among the leading farmers of Ralls County, while his sterling character and his support of all move- ments for advancement have won for him the esteem of his many friends and neighbors. In his political affiliation he is a supporter of the Democratic party and its principles.

W ILLIAM G. PHILLIPS, the owner of one of the finest estates in Ralls County, is now living in Clay Town- ship, where he was born January 2, 1844. His parents were John R. and Polly (Guthrie) Phil- lips, both natives of Kentucky. The father was born in Casey County in 1792, and the mother in Marion County in the year 1801. John R. Phillips was ninety-five years old at the time of his decease, and his wife ninety-three.

The parents of our subject were joined in mar- riage in the Blue Grass State, where they con- tinued to reside until 1832, the year in which they came to Ralls County. They at once located in Clay Township, choosing for their future home the tract of land on which our subject is now re- siding. They were successful in their farming ventures and were people highly regarded in their community. They were regular attendants and members of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics the father was a Whig first, afterward he joined the Know-Nothing party and finally

voted the Democratic ticket. He was the owner of many slaves and large landed interests.

To John R. and Polly Phillips there were born two sons and three daughters, as follows: Eliza- beth, deceased; Sarah, the wife of Thomas Galla- her, D. D., pastor of the Big Creek Presbyterian Church of this county; Charles H. is farming in Johnson County, Mo .; Frances Ellen, now de- ceased, was the wife of William T. Carothers, who resides in Clarence, Mo., where he is en- gaged in the grain commission business; and William G., of this sketch.

The father of our subject was twice married, his first wife being Miss Mary D. Greenwood, who was born in Kentucky, July 6, 1804. She became the mother of two daughters and departed this life July 16, 1828. Her children were Catherine D., now the widow of John W. Minor, who lives in Marion County, and Mary A., who married Warren F. Spencer; both are deceased. Mrs. Polly Phillips was likewise married twice. Her first union was with Sterling Colter, who was born in the Blue Grass State in 1794, and died December 26, 1827. By her union with that gen- tleman there were born two children: Sterling, Jr., living at Santa Rosa, Cal., a retired farmer ; and Martha, the widow of John P. Smith, who makes her home in Hannibal, Mo.

Our subject was reared on the old farm and has made that place his home all his life, with the exception of six years. He was thirty-three years of age when he left home and for two years farmed in the vicinity. He then went to Shelby County and remained there two years, after which he spent the same length of time in La- fayette County, Mo. He obtained his education in the public schools of the county and also at Van Rensselaer Academy, where he was a student for two years. He is a thorough farmer, well acquainted with all the details of the business and has met with success from the first. The lady to whom our subject was married in this town- ship, July 30, 1877, was Miss Emma Greer, whose birth occurred in Virginia. She departed this life June 26, 1883, at the age of thirty-eight years. Three years thereafter Mr. Phillips was joined in marriage with Miss Ella Loftiss, who was born

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in Lewis County, Mo., October 14, 1858. She was the daughter of Thomas J. and Elizabeth (Johnson) Loftiss, natives of Kentucky, whence they emigrated to this State and made their home in Lewis County, where Mrs. Loftiss died. The father then went to Willow Springs, How- ell County, Mo., where he still makes his home and is engaged as a carpenter and builder. To them were born two daughters: Mrs. Phillips and Rosa, now deceased. To our subject and his estimable wife there have been born two sons: Hubert R. and Thomas Elmore. The two hun- dred acres of land of which Mr. Phillips is the proprietor forms one of the best estates in the county. It is well-tilled and contains a substan- tial set of all necessary outbuildings, besides a comfortable residence. He has never aspired to office holding, his entire time being taken up with operating his large tract of land. He is, however, an ardent Democrat, and socially is a Mason and belongs to the A. O. U. W. He is an elder in the Presbyterian Church, and is an active worker in its various departments of use- fulness.

I OHN A. ARTHUR, one of the old residents of Pike County, has been actively identified with its practical and prosperous farmers for many years and is the proprietor of a large and valuable farm on Section 6, Township 54, Range 2. He is a native of this county, having been born in Buffalo Township, some five miles south of Louisiana, May 2, 1830. He was the eldest of the family born to Masten H. and Bersheba (Butts) Arthur, three of whom survive: John A., Jane E., now the widow of William Ferguson, and Nancy A., the wife of James Henderson.

Masten H. Arthur was born in Bedford County, Va., and was a small boy at the time of his par- ent's' emigration to Tennessee. In that State he grew to mature years and, being ambitious to get on well in the world, he removed to Missouri, arriving here in 1828. He at once made location in Pike County and began for himself as a renter.

For twelve years he continued in this manner, living economically and frugally, so that in 1840 he was enabled to purchase property of his own. He entered some eighty acres at this time and began farming under brighter auspices, reaping the full benefit of his labor. He lived on that · tract until 1850, when he disposed of it and moved to a point about one-half mile south of where our subject is now residing and where he lived for the succeeding eight years. He then exchanged his place for what is now known as the Kelso Farm, making his home there until advanced in years. His next move found him located on an estate three miles west of Bowling Green, where his death occurred two years later-April 6, 1886. He was a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, by which he was honored in 1848 by having his name placed on the ticket as candidate for the office of County Assessor. After his election by a handsome majority he devoted himself to dis- charging the duties of the office with such zeal and justice that he was twice re-elected, filling the position for three consecutive terms. In 1856 he was elected to fill the office of Sheriff, and on the expiration of his first term was chosen as his own successor. In consideration of his faithful services his friends in 1860 placed him in nomi- nation for public Administrator and for three suc- cessive terms he was the incumbent of this office, retiring from political life in 1872. He was a pro- gressive man and liberal to a degree which event- ually caused him to become bankrupt. No man who he considered worthy ever applied to him for assistance in vain. He was kind by nature and through his generosity and genial disposition en- deared himself to all who knew him, and by his death Pike County lost one of its most enterpris- ing citizens.

Mrs. Bersheba (Butts) Arthur, mother of our subject, was a native of North Carolina and fairly well educated. A number of years after her mar- riage her eyesight began to fail and, though the best oculists in the state were called to treat her, the case proved a hopeless one and she became totally blind.

The original of this sketch grew to manhood under his parents' roof and acquired a very

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limited education in the pioneer schools of that early day. On arriving at the age when it became necessary for him to choose a vocation he de- cided to follow the kind of life to which he had been trained-that of farming. He was married at this time, October 31, 1852, to Miss Rhoda Nally, and with his young bride began to work for himself on a rented tract of land. He went to work with a light heart and strong hands, and after two years, so well did he prosper, he was enabled to purchase sixty-four acres of land. From this time on he rapidly acquired property, adding to his modest farm from time to time until he became the possessor of two hundred and six acres. Although during his later years he has many times become embarrassed on account of going security for friends, he has retained pos- session of his property, and is now even with the world.

Mr. Arthur has been three times married, his marriage with Miss Nally resulting in the birth of eight children, two of whom are now deceased. Those living are: Masten B., William D., Theo- dosia B. M., Dennis, Matilda H. and John C. August 25, 1863, the wife and mother departed this life, leaving a loving family to mourn her loss. In 1864 Mr. Arthur was married to Miss Elizabeth Spencer, the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Spencer, one of the old pioneer families of this State. Her father served through the War of 1812 as one of the famous Texas Rangers. In 1803 a military commander ceded Buffalo Lake to Mr. Spencer, and the Government later ac- knowledged his ownership of the same. The Spencer family for many years did a thriving business in the salt trade, and an order for this commodity, dated 1805, is now in the possession of our subject, it having been found among some of the old papers belonging to the family. The children born of our subject's marriage with Miss Spencer numbered seven, five of whom survive, namely: Mary C., Rhoda E., Sarah, Warren and Reuben Clay. Clay is a progressive young farmer and is still at home attending to the management of the old place. Mrs. Arthur was a devoted mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church and was beloved by all who knew her. Her death occurred

January 25, 1875. Mr. Arthur and Mrs. Eliza A. Spencer, the widow of Thomas Spencer, were united in marriage June 12, 1875. She is a woman of intelligence and pleasing address, and by her marriage with our subject became the mother of a daughter, Ella, who died when eighteen months old.

"Uncle Johnny," as our subject is familiarly called, possesses a remarkable memory and can relate many interesting tales of bygone days. He has never aspired to office-holding, though he has been called upon to serve repeatedly as a member of the School Board. His affiliation is with the Democratic party, for whose candidates he has always voted. He has ever been greatly interested in all measures relating to the good of his community and has been especially active in school work. In religion he is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and during his earlier years took a conspicuous part in church matters.

J OHN S. M'CLINTIC, who lives on Section 6, Township 56, Range 8, Marion County, is one of the wealthy and prosperous agri- culturists of this region. He has dwelt on this homestead for the past fifteen years, and during this period has made a number of important im- provements and changes on the place. He is a man of practical information, entertaining as a conversationalist and is thoroughly public spir- ited. During the late Civil War he did gallant service in the Confederate Army, entering the ranks when a mere youth and taking part in many skirmishes and well-known engagements.

Our subject is one of a large family born to William and Nancy H. (Byrd) McClintic, the others being named as follows: Andrew B., de- ceased; Susan, wife of James Argyle, a carpen- ter of Fort Smith, Ark .; James, who is engaged in farming in Montana; Elizabeth, who resides in Augusta County, Va .; James, a farmer of this township; Hamilton, deceased; Jacob, who ope- rates a plantation in Virginia; Alice, wife of the Rev. Mr. Winfrey, a Presbyterian minister, now

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located in Augusta County, Va .; Sallie, wife of a Mr. Crawford of the same county: Myra, who is unmarried, and resides with her next elder sis- ter; Ella, wife of Ed McClintic, a third cousin), of Washington State; and Hugh, who is studying for the ministry in Bath County, Va. William McClintic was born October 12, 1814, and passed his entire life in Virginia. He was a farmer of good ability, for many years served as County Surveyor, and also held the office of Sheriff to the satisfaction of all for four years. He died March 12, 1889, having the love and high re- gard of a large circle of friends. His wife, Nancy, who was also born in the Old Dominion, the date of her birth being March 15, 1822, was called to her reward March 15, 1894.

A native of the western part of Virginia, J. S. McClintic was born December 10, 1844, and passed his boyhood in an uneventful manner up to the breaking out of the war. He enlisted in the Confederate Army as a private in Ross' Bri- gade, Hampton's Division, and continued to serve for three years. During this period he took part in a number of hot skirmishes, the first be- ing that of Orange Court House, August 2, 1862, after which followed the battle of the Wilderness and others. On one occasion he was shot through the left shoulder with the result that he was not able to rejoin his comrades for six months. He was wounded in Prince Edward County at Sycamore Church, September 16, 1864, being then a member of Company G, Eleventh Virginia Regiment of Cavalry. When the clouds of battle had rolled away he returned home and remained there, engaged in assisting his father in the farm work, for some six years.

October 1, 1867, Mr. McClintic and Susan A. McClintic, a cousin, were united in marriage, and the following year went to housekeeping on a farm which belonged to our subject's father. A year later he and his young wife went to live at her father's home, but October 27, 1871, emi- grated to Marion County and for nine years rented a farm .. In 1880 Mr. McClintic purchased three hundred and eighteen acres, to the im- provement of which he has since devoted his energies.

The parents of our subject's wife were Alex- ander H. and Alice (McClintic) McClintic, who were also cousins. They lived and died in Bath County, Va. The father, who was born in July, 1810, departed this life May 25, 1876, and the mother, whose birth occurred in July, 1812, died in September, 1878. Mrs. McClintic is one of five, the others being James M., who has never married, and who is still living on the old home- stead in Bath County, Va .; Sarah H., wife of John P. McDaniel, of the same county; Mary A., who is unmarried, and still resides in Bath County; and Elizabeth, wife of James H. Ar- buckle, a merchant in Gillmer County, W. Va.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. McClintic has been blessed by two sons and a daughter. Jasper N. and Clarence A. are still living with their parents, but the only daughter, Lelia A., was killed by lightning October 25, 1880, when in her eleventh year. Mrs. McClintic was born in Bath County, Va., November 2, 1843, and there grew to wom- anhood, receiving good school advantages. She is a most estimable lady and deserves a share of the credit which is due her husband for the manly way in which he has met and overcome the obstacles lying in his pathway. He is an adherent of the Democratic party, with which he has been affiliated since casting his first Pres- idential ballot.

J I OHN C. COONTZ, foreman of the lumber yards of Herriman & Curb Company, of Hannibal, is a native of that city, having been born here July 25, 1850. His parents were Rezin E. and Mary E. (Holliday) Coontz, the former of whom was born in Jefferson County, Va., April 10, 1810. He was a miller and mill- wright by trade and emigrated to Missouri in the year 1836, locating at Florida, Monroe County, where he remained four years, and then four years at Barnes' Mills, Ralls County. He made his home there for four years and then removed to Hannibal where he plied his trade for a time and then engaged in the grocery busi-

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ness. In 1850 he was elected a member of the City Council, serving for a period of six years. During 1874-75 he was Deputy County Collec- tor, of which position he was the incumbent at the time of his decease, March 14, of the latter year. In politics he was a strong supporter of Democratic principles.

The Coontz family came to America in 1716, from portions of Germany. Grandfather Jacob Coontz was born in Virginia, in which State he became well and favorably known. The mother of our subject was also a Virginian, having been born in Berkeley County, in August, 1808. Her parents were James A. and Elizabeth Holliday. She lived until 1876, and April 17 of that year departed this life, firm in the faith of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church.

To Rezin E. Coontz and wife there was born a family of ten children, of whom George, Rob- ert, Charles, Mary E., Ellen, Benton, Josephine, Cameron T. are deceased. The only member of the family now living besides our subject is Laura, now Mrs. T. M. Robinson, living in Brookfield, Mo.

The early life of our subject was spent in Han- nibal, where he attended the common schools, supplementing the knowledge gained therein by a two years' course at the Rensselaer Academy. When completing his education he engaged as clerk on one of the packets plying the Mississippi River, and was in the employ of different boats for a period of three years. The following two years were spent in the grocery business in which his father was engaged, and in 1873 he went to Texas, being employed while there as freighter.

After spending two years in the Lone Star State, Mr. Coontz returned to Hannibal and ob- tained a position with Herriman & Curb Com- pany, in whose employ he has been for the past eleven years, as foreman of the yards. Our sub- ject was married July 13, 1876, to Miss Catherine, the daughter of Nicholas and Catherine Dumer, natives of Germany, and who are now residents of Hannibal. The seven children which they reared to manhood and womanhood are named respectively: Peter, Catherine, Anna, Mary, Martin, Benton and Rosy.

To our subject and his estimable wife there have been born five children, namely: John C., May, Claybourne F., Ruth and George. The two last named are deceased. Mrs. Coontz is a member of the Park Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, our subject is a stanch Dem- ocrat, and on that ticket was elected to repre- sent his ward in the City Council in 1892. So well did he fulfill the wishes and desires of his constituents that he was again placed in nomina- tion in 1894, and is now serving his second term on the board. He is a man of strict integrity, faithful to the trust imposed in him and has so conducted himself as a citizen and business man as to win the regard and respect of all who know him.

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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 63

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