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 67
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 67
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 67
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The subject of this sketch lived with his parents until the age of twenty-one, when he commenced work for himself. He was first em- ployed in a sawmill, where he remained two years. Believing that it was not good for man to be alone, he was united in marriage October 13, 1844, with Miss Amanda Sheppard, a native of Monroe County, N. Y., born in 1823. She was the daughter of William and Rachel Shep- pard, who were natives of Massachusetts, where they lived and died. Her father sailed a yacht on the ocean. In their family were the following named children: William, now a farmer of Lin- den, Ill .; Henry, and Nathan, deceased; Har- riet, who married O. Coleman, and is now de- ceased; Elizabeth, widow of John Coles; and Rachel, wife of H. Renslow, of Colorado.
After his marriage, Mr. Coleman purchased a farm in the woods of Allegany County, N. Y., consisting of one hundred and twenty acres, which he improved, and there he remained eleven years. Selling the farm, he removed to White- side County, Ill., purchased a farm and there re- mained ten years. He then, in the fall of 1865, sold out and came to Marion County, Mo., and settled in Township 58, on the old steam mill tract, and there remained until 1884, when he came to his present farm. To Mr. and Mrs. Cole- man have been born eight children: Sally, wife of Isaac Gibbon, a farmer of Union Township; William, a farmer of Shelby County, Mo .; Charles, a farmer residing near Philadelphia, Mo .; Orvilla, widow of Kilbby Tattman, of Mar-
ion County; Almira, wife of Amos Hitt, a farmer near Philadelphia, Mo .; Lafayette, also engaged in farming; Perry, likewise a farmer; and Elsa, now deceased, who married Jasper Winmeir, of Shelby County, Mo.
Mr. Coleman is a self-made man, and in his youth received but a limited education in the town of Alfred, N. Y., but by reading and ob- servation, he has become a well-informed man. He is now the owner of one thousand and forty acres of land, and is engaged in general farm- ing. In politics he is a Democrat.
C APT. WILLIAM C. HILLEARY, an honored veteran of the late war, and an early settler of Marion County, is one of the prominent agriculturists of Warren Town- ship, within whose limits he owns two hundred acres of fertile land. A native of Virginia, he was born in Fauquier County, January 29, 1823, and is the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Keith) Hilleary.
The parents of our subject were also Virgin- ians, the father being born in Fauquier. He died in 1853, when three-score years and ten. Mrs. Hilleary departed this life in 1870, aged sixty- eight years. They were joined in marriage in Fauquier County, Va., in 1819, and to them were born four sons and four daughters, of whom the original of this sketch was the second in order of birth. The eldest of the household, Bush- rod R., is engaged in the practice of medicine in Old Mexico; Mildred married John K. Heath, a farmer of this township; Mary is the widow of Ransdale Payne, and makes her home in this township; Thomas departed this life while in California; Elizabeth married Robert Sharp, who is a liveryman in Marceline, Mo .; Lucy A. is the wife of William Burdett, a merchant of Mon- roe City, this State, and John is deceased.
The original of this sketch came to this county with his parents when a lad of twelve years. His father first rented a farm in this township, but
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later purchased a good property on which he lived the remainder of his life. He was fairly well educated, and although active in public af- fairs, was never an aspirant for office. He left at his death an estate of one hundred and forty acres, which was sold several years later by the heirs.
William C. continued to reside at home until 1849, when he thought to better his financial con- dition in the mines of California. He accord- ingly crossed the plains to Trinity River, that State, and while there worked in the mines and later conducted a provision store at Opher, that State. After two years spent in the Golden State he returned home and worked with his brother- in-law on shares for three successive years. Dur- ing this time he was also engaged in running a sawmill in connection with his brother-in-law. He had been fairly successful in his various en- terprises and at the end of that time invested his capital in the place which he now occupies. It at first only comprised a quarter section, but as the years passed by he increased his acreage to two hundred. The land is splendidly tilled and its owner may very justly be proud of what he has accomplished.
Our subject and Miss Elizabeth Payne were united in marriage in 1854. The lady was born also in Fauquier County, Va., the date thereof being August 31, 1830. Her parents were Dan- iel and Nancy (Hilleary) Payne, of whom a full history will appear in the biography of Madison Payne on another page in this volume.
Mr. and Mrs. Hilleary have become the parents of four sons and three daughters, name- ly: John P., Virginia C., Alice, William P., Thomas D., Leonidas and Mary. In politics Mr. Hilleary is a stanch supporter of Democratic principles. He took a prominent part in many of the battles of the late war, during which con- flict his home and surroundings were burned. He enlisted as a Confederate soldier in 1862, under Col. Porter, becoming a member of a cav- alry company. Capt. Stacey, commanding his company, was killed and Mr. Hilleary was chosen his successor. He served faithfully and well for four years in the State, and although
participating in many hard-fought engagements, was never wounded. At one time a ball came so close as to cut his clothing, but he miraculously escaped. He commanded the respect of his su- perior officers and was highly regarded by his own soldiers.
Since his army experience, Capt. Hilleary has given his entire time and attention to the peace- ful pursuits of farm life, of which he has made a signal success. He has never been an office- seeker as he prefers to give his time to his busi- ness interests. Socially, he is a Mason of good standing and takes great interest in the work of that organization.
E DWARD R. OWEN, one of the directors of the Bank of New London, is a leading farmer and a stock-raiser of Ralls County, his fine estate lying on Section 22, Township 55, Range 5. He is a native of this State and was born in Marion County, near Hannibal, April 20, 1844. To his parents, Addison and Edna (Munson) Owen, there were born six children, of whom he was the youngest but one. Of this family three now survive.
Addison Owen was born in Kentucky, where he was reared to mature years and married. Shortly after this event he, with his young bride, came to Missouri, locating in Marion County, where he was destined to spend the rest of his life. In early manhood he learned the trade of a stone mason, and for several years he followed this occupation, although his last years were passed in farm pursuits. He was the owner of a large number of slaves, and when the émanci- pation of slaves was first spoken of he was ad- vised by his friends to sell his property, but he refused, saying it was against his principles to sell a negro and he would not do it even if he knew they would be freed. He was a man of upright character and his kindly, genial nature endeared him to all who knew him.
Edward, the subject of our sketch, grew to manhood under the parental roof and was edit-
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cated in the district schools. Arriving at that period in life when he must decide what business he should follow, he determined to still stick to the farm, as he considered that the most delight- ful and independent life he could lead. His career began as his father's assistant on the home place and continued until the death of the latter. The mother soon following her husband to the better land, our subject came to this county, and, in company with his brother, purchased his pres- ent valuable property. They continued together for eight years, when Edward R. purchased his brother's interest in the place and has been grad- ually adding to his possessions until he now owns a handsome tract of land in Ralls County. In 1893 he erected a comfortable home on his estate which is a most desirable country residence. He is an affable and courteous gentleman and his progressiveness has placed him in the foremost rank of men following his occupation. He is a supporter of the Democratic party and its prin- ciples, and is generous in his contributions to the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a valued member. He has won for himself the friendship and esteem of all who know him and we are gratified to be able to present his sketch to our readers.
G EORGE A. DECKARD has been close- ly associated with the development and upbuilding of Ralls County for the past twenty-six years, and is justly entitled to a prom- inent place in the history of her progress and among her leading citizens. He has been a wit- ness of vast changes in this section and has con- tributed not a little to its present condition. He has made a business of agriculture in general and has been particularly successful in raising live stock.
The parents of our subject were Francis and Lizzie Deckard, both natives of Germany, where their marriage was celebrated. The young couple began housekeeping on a farm, where they re- mained for several years and then, becoming de-
sirous of better opportunities, and concluding to try their fortunes in America, they disposed of their landed possessions and, crossing the Atlan- tic, reached New York City, whence they pro- ceeded direct to Montgomery County, Pa. There the father purchased a farm which he cultivated successfully until after the death of his wife, which event occurred in 1834. They were the parents of two children, George A., our subject, and Liz- zie, who married Charles Bliss and at last ac- counts was living at Racine, Wis. Three years after the death of his first wife Mr. Deckard mar- ried Margaret Birdell, likewise a native of the Fatherland, where they had been acquainted in earlier years. After their marriage they pur- chased a farm in the vicinity of Buffalo, N. Y., but in a short time sold out. Mr. Deckard worked at various employments in Buffalo, and finally going to Lacalp County, Ind., there passed the remainder of his life, his wife's death occur- ring in that State. Their three children were Jacob, Henry, and Lannie.
George A. Deckard was born in Montgomery County, Pa., May 14, 1827, and went with his father from place to place until he had reached his majority, in the meantime making the best of his advantages in the way of an education. In 1848 he moved to Macomb, Ill., where he opened a shoe store and was fairly successful in business there until 1869. At that time he moved to Ralls County and invested his savings of past years in a quarter section of land on which he has since dwelt, making many good improvements on the place. Politically he was in early life a supporter of the Whig Party and since the organization of its successor has used his ballot in favor of Re- publican nominees. The only secret society with which he is identified is the Masonic Order, his memberships being in Ralls Blue Lodge No. 33, A. F. & A. M., and Chapter No. 55, of Centre, Mo.
It was in 1848 that Mr. Deckard chose as his future companion along life's journey, Miss Han- nah M. Foster, who was born February 22, 1828, in Worcestershire, England. Her parents, John and Mary (Horton) Foster, were likewise natives of England, but came to seek a home in the
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United States about 1842. The family located on a farm near Macomb, Ill., where they re- mained a short time and moved to Macomb City, and at that place the father's death occurred. His wife departed this life in Chillicothe, Ill. These children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Deckard, as follows: William F., who married Ida Ellis, and now lives near the home of our subject; Mary Ellen; Euphrasia, wife of George Irvin of Kan- sas; Alice F .; Lewis, who married Nancy Craw- ford and is a resident of this locality; George Mowry, also residing in this locality; Mary E., and Alice F., who are still at home. They have all been reared to a full understanding of the duties devolving upon them as citizens of this great Republic and have obtained good educa- tions. Mr. and Mrs. Deckard are members of the Universalist Church.
J JOHN J. BROWN, one of the old pioneers of Pike County, resides in a pleasant home on the banks of the Mississippi, the site of his domicile being particularly fine, as it coni- mands a beautiful view of the river. He has lived on the outskirts of Louisiana for the past thirty years and though now well along in years enjoys his favorite pursuits of fruit culture and fishing as well as of yore.
Our subject's father, William Brown, was born in Logan County, in what is now West Virginia, and learned the cabinetmaker's trade at Rich- mond. Soon after his apprenticeship had ter- minated he set out for the West and joined the Rangers in the War of 1812, being made Cap- tain of a company. He assisted to guard the in- habitants of Fort Buffalo and vicinity and later conducted a party of settlers to St. Charles County. He was under the command of the Provisional Governor of Missouri and during his service went as far as Plano, Ill., which country was then in- fested with Indians. For a time he resided in St. Louis County and there married Margaret Eoff, who was born and reared there, being a daughter of George and Nancy Eoff, natives of
Germany. About this time Mr. Brown put up a horse mill for grinding corn, the first mill in St. Louis County. In the spring of 1818 he lo- cated two and a half miles northwest of Louisi- ana, entering a quarter section of land, on which he built a cabin. He devoted himself to cultivat- ing and improving the place, which he sold fifteen years afterward. From that time until his death, which occurred in 1842, he resided in Buffalo Township, being the proprietor of a farm on the north side of the Salt River. After his arrival in that locality he put up a large horse grist mill, which was a great convenience to his neighbors, being patronized by everybody within a radius of twenty miles or more. Mr. Brown was a Henry Clay Whig and was very independent in his views. His wife was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a worthy Chris- tian woman. They had three children, James J. being the only son. The daughters were Rosana, who married Marcus Dryfus, and Jane, who be- came the wife of M. H. Berry, both deceased.
The birth of our subject occurred September 28, 1817, in St. Louis, Mo., and his first recollec- tions are of the new and sparsely settled portions of Missouri in which his parents resided. He at- tended the old-fashioned subscription schools in St. Charles County and as soon as he arrived at a suitable age was set at work to assist his father. From him he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed more or less during his active years. Coming to Louisiana he was industriously em- ployed as a carpenter on many of the leading residences and public buildings during a decade and a half. Having purchased a piece of prop- erty in the northern part of the village he took up his residence thereon in 1865 and has since made it his home. In his political belief he is a Demo- crat of the old school.
December 29, 1841, our subject married Eliza- beth L., daughter of Lorenzo and Catherine (Manning) Scroggins, all natives of South Caro- lina. Eleven children came to bless the marriage of Mr, and Mrs. Brown, but only six of the nuni- ber grew to manhood or womanhood. In order of birth they were named as follows: William M., Alexander, Joseph M., Margaret, Mollie and
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Hugh. Alexander and Hugh have been sum- moned to the silent land; William M., is a busi- ness man of Clarksville, and Joseph M., resides in Louisiana; Margaret married Henry Boyd, and Mollie is the wife of F. A. Colburn of same place. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have long been members of the Baptist Church and enjoy the high esteem and regard of all who know them.
J UDGE THEODORE MARION RHEA is one of the old and best-known citizens of Louisiana, Pike County, Mo. For eight years he served as a member of the City Council and was instrumental in bringing the local gov- ernment and general condition of the city to its present degree of excellence. He is now living a retired life and is enjoying the fruits of his former years of activity, surrounded by scores of sincere friends and well-wishers.
The parents of the Judge were Cylus and Ma- sina (Gilmore) Rhea. The father was born in York County, S. C., and was the son of Patrick Rhea, a native of Ireland, who with two brothers came to the United States in Colonial days, set- tling in South Carolina. He was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, and lived to the extreme old age of one hundred and four years. He was active in both mind and body until the last, and was summoned by the death angel while busily employed in feeding his stock. Cylus Rhea moved to Buffalo Township, Pike County, in January, 1828, and about three years later pur- chased a tract of eighty acres about eight miles west of Louisiana. This place he cultivated and greatly improved, living thereon until his deatlı which occurred in December, 1847. Politically he was a Democrat and in his religious belief was an old school Presbyterian. By nature he was generous and benevolent, kind and sympathetic with those less fortunate than himself and was beloved and respected by all. His wife, a native of South Carolina, was a daughter of Francis and Jemima Gilmore, who were of English an-
cestry. Mrs. Gilmore was a witness of the battle of Kings Mountain, and carried water to the sol- diers during the engagement.
Judge Rhea was born June 22, 1820, in York County, S. C., and is the eldest of nine children. The others were Hamilton L., who died in Pike County; Joshua G., who was stabbed to death by a rival in a love affair in a store in Louisiana, Mo .; Robert M. and Clarinda, deceased; John A., now in Texarkana, Ark .; James A., of Pittsfield, Ill .; Lucinda, Mrs. Sylvester Mayhue, of Louisi- ana, and Frank G., a resident of Pittsfield, Ill., The mother of these children died in the summer of 1856 and the father about 1847.
When a lad of about eight years our subject came to Missouri and continued to reside on his father's farm until he was twenty-four years of age assisting in the management of the place. His education was principally obtained in private schools, and later after leaving home he pursued his higher studies while teaching. Then for two years more he conducted schools in Pike and Ralls County, and was variously employed up to the spring of 1850. Coming at that time to Louisiana he became interested in a sawmill company continuing with them for some two years, and subsequently clerked for the dry goods firm of E. G. McQuie. In 1855 he became a partner of Hugh F. Sommers, whose interest was purchased on the expiration of two years by Mr. McQuie. The new firm did business for a couple of years when our subject withdrew. Soon after- wards he, in company with Charles J. Hunter and his brother Hamilton L., organized the firm known as Hunter, Rhea & Company. This busi- ness was started in 1860. and it was not until fif- teen years afterward that the partnership was dis- solved.
Some time after this Judge Rhea and Joseph Block started a private bank on Georgia Street, of which the former became president. This bank was carried on with fair success for three years. It was then reorganized with additional members under the name of the Exchange Bank. Judge Rhea soon withdrew, however, and afterwards went into the Mercantile Bank which had been organized, and was chosen one of its directors,
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which position he still holds. He has frequently been called upon to settle estates and attend to the property interests of his friends and has always acquitted himself with ability. In 1888 he was elected County Judge on the Republican ticket and acted in that responsible position for two years to the entire satisfaction of his constituents and all concerned.
October 15, 1876, Judge Rhea was married in this city to Mrs. Mary B., widow of Dr. McCuen and daughter of William O. and Laura (Beards- ly) Blackamore. The father was a native of Vir- ginia and followed the tailor's trade in Louisiana where he died in 1861. His wife survived him many years, departing this life in 1890. Mrs. Rhea had two children by her first marriage, namely: Edward, who married Alice, daughter of H. P. Baird, now an employe of the Mercantile Bank, and Ida B., who is still pursuing her edu- cational work. Dr. McCuen, formerly a promi- nent citizen of this place died in 1873. Mrs. Rhea departed this life after a few hours' illness, August 3, 1875. Judge Rhea and his family are mem- bers of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and are highly esteemed by all with whom they come in contact.
M ARY C. (DAVIS) REAGER, now resid- ing in Warren Township, Marion Coun- ty, has one hundred and sixty-seven acres of valuable land under her supervision, in the conduct of which she shows herself a true business woman and thoroughly capable of its successful management. She was born in Simp- son County, Ky., November 6, 1814, and is the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Dick) Davis. Her father, who was born in 1790, died in 1859, while her mother, whose birth occurred a year later, lived until 1874. They were joined in mar- riage in Simpson County, Ky., in 1812, and be- came the parents of twelve children.
The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Reager were Joshua L., now deceased; James W., deceased; Ellen E., the wife of Jonathan Rogers, a farmer
of Shelby County, this State; Sinah A., now de- ceased, married Thomas Davison, who is also deceased; John H. departed this life when twenty-nine years of age; Fannie E., deceased wife of William Leary, also deceased; Morgan L. died in 1889; Eli C. is a practicing physician of Hunnewell; Mo .; Margaret M. married Syl- vester Kopp, of Nebraska; Oliver P. is deceased; and Sarah J., widow of David Riggs, resides in California.
John and Elizabeth Davis came to this county in the fall of 1824, with a family of six children. They at once decided on a location in this town- ship, where the father improved a good estate and lived until his decease. His wife then moved to Shelby County, where she passed her last days. They were prominent in the affairs of their community and were esteemed by all who knew them.
The original of this sketch was married to Absalom Reager in 1843. He was born in Vir- ginia May II, 1808, and departed this life No- vember 7, 1879, at the home where his widow now lives. He was the son of John and Polly (Setcher) Reager, also Virginians, where they lived and died. Their sons and daughters were named respectively Jacob, John, Angus, George, Absalom, Polly, and Scottie.
Absalom Reager came to Marion County in the year 1839, and at once settled on a tract of land on Section II, Township 57, Range 8. He was a blacksmith by trade, which vocation he followed to some extent in connection with farm pursuits. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, which religious body he joined when quite young, and in politics affiliated with the Democratic party.
To Mr. and Mrs. Reager there were born seven children, of whom Johanna, the eldest, and Sarah M. are deceased; Fidelia H. is the third; John N. is a farmer of Ralls County; Sarah C., and Jacob, who is managing the home place, are at home; while Adolphus P. is engaged in cultivating a tract of land in Saline County.
Absalom Reager was twice married, his first union being with Susanna Corder, a native of the Old Dominion, who died in 1839. She was
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the daughter of Vincent and Elizabeth Corder, also natives of Virginia, whence they came to Missouri in the fall of 1839, where their daughter died soon after. Mrs. Corder's decease occurred in this county, after which her husband went to California, and there remained until his death. There were seven children born to Absalom and Susanna Reager, as follows: Martin A., living in California; Martha A., the widow of H. Bar- nett, of this county; George H., farming in the Golden State; Vincent A., deceased; Margaret E., the widow of John B. McGlasson, of this township; Susanna R., the widow of Tom Brown of California; Mary E., Mrs. John Perkins, lives in Lewis County, Mo.
Mrs. Reager occupies a pleasant home, which is furnished with every evidence of cheerfulness and good taste, over which she presides with the tact and kindness of heart which makes every stranger feel at home and welcome.
A RTHUR L. POWELL is an enterprising and thrifty young farmer of Warren Township, Marion County, making his home on Section 20. His father purchased this place, which comprises two hundred acres, in the fall of 1869, and lived thereon until his death, which occurred June II, 1885. Since that time our subject has had the sole management of the homestead, and has proved himself to be fully qualified in this direction.
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