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 78

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 78
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 78
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 78

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The birth of William Shields McClintic, the subject of this sketch, occurred in Rockbridge County, Va., November 29, 1843. His boyhood years were uneventfully passed, and he attended school during winter seasons until seventeen years of age. When the war broke out he enlisted under "Stonewall" Jackson, and took part in all the engagements of that famous General's bri- gade. At one time he was wounded in the hip, which prevented him from being with his regi- ment for several months. He served through the war and surrendered to Gen. U. S. Grant at Ap- pomattox Court House April 9, 1865, and re- turned to the home of his parents, but soon after- ward went to Memphis, Tenn., where he obtained employment as a clerk in a queensware house. In the fall of 1867 he came to Marion County and, as he had but $5, made a contract to work for his board during the winter. The following spring he rented land in this township, and having bought a horse, set industriously to work at cul- tivating fifty acres of land. He was fairly suc- cessful and when a few years had elapsed, he was enabled to purchase eighty acres in 1875. From time to time he has added to his original farnı until now he is the owner of twelve hundred and thirty acres.

October 5, 1869, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. McClintic and Betty Arnold, who was born in Campbell County, Va., in August, 1846. Eight children were born of the union, named as follows: Virginia, wife of E. P. Melson, who is a notary public, real estate agent and secretary of Monroe City Safety Fund Life Investment Com- pany, at Monroe City; Lena, deceased; Harry A., who is with his parents; Robert, a college student; Bessie, Maude and Blanche, who are with their parents, and one that died in infancy. The family attend the Presbyterian Church, to which Mr. McClintic belongs and in which he is a liberal contributor. Fraternally he is a member of the

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following societies: A. O. U. W., the Masonic Order and the K. T.

Throughout this county Mr. McClintic. is known and appreciated as a gentleman of liberal views, generous impulses and social qualities of a high order, and no man ever called into question his high character, sincerity and honesty of pur- pose and his great benevolence. As a citizen, he is upright and consistent, always identifying hint- self with any progressive movement for the furtherance of the community's interests. A Democrat in politics, he receives the unqualified support of his chosen party, and is also favored by many of the prominent members of the oppos- ing party, because of the soundness of his views on civil and national questions, his well known high standing as a man and his championship, in the past, of every progressive measure.

J EHU T. STEWART, now residing on Sec- tion 3, Township 59, Range 8, Marion County, is one of its best agriculturists and occupies a leading position among the farmers and stockgrowers of this region. He was born June 21, 1843, on an estate located five miles south of Hannibal, to William and Margaret (Nunn) Stewart, natives of Kentucky, who were both of Scotch descent.

The great-grandparents on the father's side were natives of Scotland, whence they emigrated to the United States and became early settlers of Kentucky. Later they crossed the line into Missouri, first locating in Montgomery, but later became residents of Pike, County, where they lived until their decease. The great-grandfather served as a soldier in the War of 1812, after which he was given a pension for injuries received in that conflict.

The father of our subject was a lad of six years at the time his parents came to Missouri. He was reared in Pike County, and married Miss Nunn of Marion County and lived near the city of Hannibal until the decease of his wife, which

occurred nine years later. He afterwards married Mrs. Mary Fenner, who lived until 1893. Mr. Stewart is still living, aged eighty-two years and resides five miles south of Hannibal.

By his union with Miss Nunn, the father of our subject became the parent of five children: Jehu T., of this sketch; Alexander, deceased; Silas; Mary J. and John Wesley, both deceased. When attaining the age of twenty-one years, our sub- ject enlisted in the late war as a member of Com- pany H, Thirty-ninth Missouri Infantry, under Capt. Adam Theis of Hannibal. He participated in many hard-fought engagements, among them being Centralia, Mo., where Company H of the Thirty-ninth lost about eighteen men. They next met Gen. Price at Jefferson City, after which they were ordered to Nashville, Tenn., to rein- force Gen. Thomas and from that city were sent to Richmond, Va., in charge of prisoners, being twenty-one days on the way. Company H then returned to St. Louis, where they were mustered out of service August 8, 1865.

After his army experience our subject returned home and for the following three years was en- gaged on the home farm. He was then married to Miss Abbie Haines, who was born in Monroe County, Mo., August 28, 1843, and was the daughter of Burgess and Elizabeth (Searcy) Haines, natives of Kentucky. When leaving the Mo. Mr. Haines died in Davis County, Mo., while his wife departed this life in Monroe County.

For one year after his marriage Mr. Stewart lived in Ralls County on a farm, after which he changed his place of residence to Davis County. Their stay there was also of short duration, for one year later we find them residing on their present farm in this township, which comprised at that time a quarter section. It is located on the line between Marion and Lewis Counties and was entirely covered with timber when he took possession of it. He made it his first duty to clear a space and erect a log cabin in which his family might be as comfortable as possible dur- ing the coming months. As the years passed by and he became more prosperous this rude dwell- ing gave way to a more substantial and commo- dious structure.

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To our subject and his wife there have been born six children, of whom Olive died when young ; Margaret is the wife of James Chipman, and they make their home in Ben Bow, this State; William Burgess, Albert, Victoria and Jehu are at home with their parents. Mr. Stewart has al- ways been interested in the cause of education and has done much, as a member of the School Board, to make the school of his district a popular and exemplary one. He is and always has been a hard-working man, which fact is the secret of his success. He has always voted for Republican candidates. His wife is a consistent member of the Baptist Church. She is a most worthy and highly esteemed lady and has proved a true help- mate to her husband in establishing a footing among the leading agriculturists of the county.

F RANK O. SMITH has met with gratifying results in his vocation as a farmer of Marion County, which have been brought about by his good judgment and his knowledge of the value of soils. He has a pleasant farm of one hundred and sixteen acres located on Sec- tion 2, Warren Township. Throughout the lo- cality he is regarded with the highest respect and confidence, as a man of uprightness and unini- peachable integrity, and the events of his life will therefore possess interest for our readers.

Mr. Smith was born in Shelby County, this State, June 29, 1844, and is the son of George W. and Valinda (Worland) Smith, natives of Ken- tucky. The father was born in 1812 and died in 1881, while his wife, whose birth occurred in 1814, departed this life in 1875. They were united in marriage in their native State, whence they crossed the line into Missouri in 1835. They lived for a few years in Marion County, then took up their abode in Shelby County where the re- maining years of their lives were spent. George W. Smith was a farmer, following this vocation

in connection with his work as a carpenter. He was a member of the Sons of Temperance and in religious affairs was a devoted Catholic. In poli- tics he always voted for Democratic candidates.

Our subject was one in a family of seven chil- dren, as follows: William B., now engaged in farming in Monroe County ; Samuel B., deceased; Mary E., married Samuel Caldwell and on his death became the wife of Mr. Yentences, a farmer of Shelby County, Ill., she is now deceased; John I., is a carpenter and contractor living in Kansas; Isaac is deceased and George C. is cultivating a good farm in Christian County, Ill.

Frank O. Smith was married in 1883 to Miss Harriet K. Feagan, who was born in this county, in 1843, and departed this life in 1893. In April of that year our subject chose for his second com- panion Mrs. Mattie A. (Taylor) McGraw, the widow of William McGraw. She had been pre- viously married to James Brown, who died March 7, 1881. Their union resulted in the birth of two sons-Charles E., a farmer of this county, and Cradus, deceased.

The original of this sketch lived on his father's estate until 1865, in the meantime gaining a good education in the subscription schools. In that year he began to do for himself, engaging in farm work, and dealing in live stock. He con- tinued this until 1874, when he returned to the home place in order to care for his aged parents and remained with them until their decease. He then sold the place and came to this county in 1881, settling near Palmyra, where he remained for two years. His next farm was ten miles dis- tant from that city and on this he made his abode for nine years, when he disposed of it and took possession of his present excellent farm. In poli- tics he is affiliated with the Democratic party, but has never been an office-seeker or desirous of filling public positions, as he finds his time fully occupied in looking after his own interests. He has been a kind husband, a true friend and pa- triotic citizen. He is a devout member of the Catholic Church and is highly respected by all who know him.

ISAAC C. LITER.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

613

ISAAC C. LITER.

I SAAC C. LITER of Center Township, is of German ancestry, but is a native of Ralls County, born January 15, 1834. His grand- father, John Liter, was born in Germany, there married and emigrated to this country at an early day, locating in Bourbon County, Ky., near Lex- ington, where he engaged in farming. Here his children were born, as follows: Christian B., who subsequently moved to Missouri; Catherine, who married Benjamin Bice; Susan, who mar- ried Ichabud Butler; John, the father of our sub- ject; Matilda, who married Dudley Butler; Isaac and Abram.

John Liter remained in Kentucky until 1824,' when he, with his family, moved to Ralls County, Mo., coming by four and six horse teams. A number of the sons and daughters were married and all came with their families and located in Jasper Township, near the county line, where they entered Government land. At this time there were no houses north and west for ten miles, and wild animals of all kind were abun- dant. Here Mr. Liter spent the greater part of his days improving his farm and adding his share to the development of the country. Religiously, he was connected with the Presbyterian Church. He died on the old homestead in 1840, his wife having preceded him a number of years. Both are buried on the old homestead.

John Liter, the father of our subject, was born in Kentucky. His life, until the time of his mar- riage, was spent at his father's home, where he received such an education as was afforded by the common schools of that day. His first busi- ness for himself was freighting between Cincin- nati, Ohio, and Lexington, Ky., which Occup ..- tion he followed until coming with his father to Missouri in 1824. Upon arriving here he en-

tered land adjoining his father, and soon after he married Susan Clark, a native of Bourbon, Ky., a daughter of John and Isabel (Shannon) Clark. Her father was- a native of Ireland, who emi- grated to 'this country and located in Kentucky at about the same time the Liters came from Ger- many.

After his marriage our subject located on the farm which was all heavy timber. This he pro- ceeded to clear and improve, building a log house chinked with mud and with a stick chimney. Later he erected a large two-story hewed-log house, which was looked upon as the best house in the county, and was considered as indicating great prosperity. This was his home until 1854 where he carried on general farming and stock- raising. He also bought a good deal of stock when young which he fed until grown. He added to his original entry at various times until he owned over 1,400 acres of land in Ralls County. In 1854, after purchasing the Ely place, about two miles from his home, he moved on to it, making that his home until the death of his wife, which occurred September 27, 1873, at the age of seventy-one years. He then broke up housekeeping and made his home with our sub- ject the remainder of his life. He died Decem- ber 27, 1874, at the age of seventy-three years. Both he and his wife were members of the Pres- byterian Church, with which he united when but a young man. He was an energetic and enter- prising man and acquired a comfortable property.

Isaac C. Liter, the subject of this sketch, was born in the old log house first erected on his father's farnı, where he remained until he was twenty-five years of age. His education was re- ceived in the log school houses, "sitting on the soft side of the slab." When twenty-one years

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old he commenced farming for himself on a por- tion of his father's farm, still however remaining at home. He was married September 2, 1858, to Nancy Neal, daughter of Palestine and Mary (Dowel) Neal, and, first leasing a part of his father's farm, remained there for six years, then moved to another farm in the neighborhood where he remained one year, and then returned to the original homestead where he was born. There he lived one year, and at the request of his father returned again and took up his residence with him and there remained ten years. He then came into possession of 120 acres, a part of the home place, upon which he built a house and made it his home for twelve years.

In 1878, after the death of his father, he con- cluded to satisfy a lifelong desire to see some- thing of the world, and accordingly rented his farm, leaving his family, consisting of his wife and two children, and went to California, locating in Colusa County where he engaged in work on a ranch for about two years. He then returned home and worked his own farm one year and then again went to California, going alone in the spring, his wife following in the fall. They in- tended remaining there a few years, as they thought the opportunity a good one to make some money, but the climate not agreeing with his wife, she, upon receiving word that her moth- er was not in good health, started home and arrived the day of her mother's burial. Our sub- ject continued to reside in California for another year on a ranch, then came back to Missouri and lived on his own farm for three years. He then took charge of the County Poor Farm and has since had control of it. Since acting as Superin- tendent of the County Farm he has given evi- dence of his ability as a successful manager, and the farm has been more than self-sustaining un- der his supervision. He is well known through- out the county for his upright life and sterling qualities.

Mr. Liter's wife died April 7, 1887, and he is left alone, his only son living in California and his only daughter married and living on her own farm.

Mr. Liter has served his fellow citizens in vari-

ous positions. In 1876 he was elected constable, and held the office until he left the State. Upon his return he was appointed deputy constable, which position he held for two years. In Jan- uary, 1894, he engaged in general merchandising in Madisonville, in company with J. W. Inlow under the firm name of Liter & Inlow. The part- nership continued but a few months when he sold out to Mr. Inlow. He has been a member of the Cumberland Church since 1850, and for a number of years served in the office of deacon. In 1890 he united with Center Lodge No. 209, I. O. O. F., and has since been its Treasurer; he is also an entered apprentice of the Masonic Or- der. Of his two children, Mary A., born Decem- ber 8, 1859, was married in March, 1879, to Wil- liam H. Ely, and now lives on the old home place; John W., born December 17, 1862, is now in Saline County, Cal., having gone to that State when his father was residing there, and, being pleased with the country, took up his residence there.

T HOMAS W. REED is the leading dentist of Macon County, Mo. He is a native of this State and was born in Boone County, July 8, 1832, to John and Prudence (Waller) Reed, natives of Washington County, Ky.

The paternal grandfather of our subject was John Reed, who was born in Pennsylvania, five miles from Philadelphia, and went from there to Virginia, and afterward to Kentucky, where he lived until 1824, when with his son John he re- moved to Missouri and here spent the balance of his days. John Reed, the father of our subject, was twenty-four years of age when he left Ken- tucky and settled with his father in Boone County, where he entered land. One year later he went back to Kentucky and there married Prudence Waller and returned to Missouri. In 1892 he took up his residence in Mexico, Mo., living re- tired from business cares until his death, in 1894, at the age of eighty-nine years. He had extensive · farming interests and was a prominent man in his

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community. He was a Democrat in his political belief and took an active part in the Methodist Church South.

Prudence (Waller) Reed, the mother of our subject, was a daughter of Thomas Waller, who was born and passed his entire life in Kentucky. Mrs. Reed died in March, 1886, aged sixty-six years. To this worthy couple twelve children were born, of whom the following record is given : Thomas W. is the subject of this sketch; Mary J., deceased, was the wife of Robert Bretton, of Cai- laway County, Mo .; Francis died in infancy ; John W. lives in Butte City, Mont .; William F. resides in Randolph County, Mo .; Eliza A., deceased, was the wife of G. M. McMurray, living near Kirks- ville, Mo .; Laura F. is the widow of Dr. Thomas Robinson, of Audrain County, Mo .; Margarette is the wife of R. P. Hopkins, of Mexico, Mo .; Martha E. is the widow of John Cavins, of Boone County, Mo .; James A. lives in Texas; Ella is the wife of R. E. Chappel, of Boone County, Mo .; and Lucy, deceased, was married to Wesley Se- bastian, also deceased.

Thomas W. was reared on the above place and remained with his parents until attaining his nine- teenth year, when he went to Shelbyville, Mo., and studied dentistry under Wilson McMurray. He remained there for some years and then spent some time traveling through various counties in the State, following his profession. He went to Macon in 1865, and two years later was graduated from the Missouri Dental College at St. Louis. He immediately opened an office in Macon City and, being a skilled workman, painstaking in all that he did, he soon became very popular and is now known throughout the county as one of the best dental surgeons in the State.

Dr. Reed was married July 7, 1857, to Miss Sarah A. Luckie, who was born in Christian County, Ky., in 1830, and is the daughter of John and Mary (Landers) Luckie, natives of the above mentioned county. Her parents lived in Ken- tucky until 1852, when they came to Callaway County, Mo., and four years later removed to Mexico, Mo., where they both died at a good old age. Mr. Luckie was an extensive farmer and landowner and a prominent man in his locality.

He and his wife were members in good standing in the Christian and Baptist Churches respect- ively. To our subject and his wife six children have been born: Walter L., a dentist at Mexico, Mo .; Frank F., also a dentist, residing in Provo City, Utah; Addie, wife of J. R. Blackmoore, of Hannibal, Mo .; Fred M., engaged in the mer- cantile business at Moberly, Mo .; Leslie and John, who are the assistants of their father in his dental parlors at Macon City.

Dr. and Mrs. Reed are members in excellent standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in which the doctor has been Steward for the past fifteen years. In politics he is a Demo- crat, but has never aspired to hold office. He holds a high social position and is a valued citizen.

M ICHAEL CRONICAN; who is now liv- ing a retired life, was for two decades actively engaged in farming on Section I, Township 54, Range 3, Pike County. He now superintends the cultivation of a portion of his homestead and rents the remainder. He is a self- made man and deserves much credit for what he has accomplished in life for he started out ham- pered with the support of his parents and several brothers and sisters, and in spite of the poor health which soon fell to his lot from excessive toil and worry he bravely met the responsibilities and was a victor over the difficulties in his way.

Our subject comes from a family who are noted for their longevity. His father, John Cronican, was born about 1795 and died August 5, 1886, aged ninety-one years. The mother, born about 1798, died in November, 1884, at the good old age of eighty-seven years. They were married in 1819 and had a family of ten children, namely: Patrick, John, Michael, Francis, William, Cath- erine, Ellen, Margaret, Mary and Johanna. John and Ellen emigrated to America some years be- fore the rest of the family made the journey. The former enlisted in the Mexican War and, though his parents received one letter from him in which

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he assured them he would soon return on a visit to New York City, they never heard from him again. Ellen married John Morrissey, and Cath- erine became the wife of John O'Neill in the Em- erald Isle, and never left her native home. Our subject's father was a farmer in Ireland and suf- fered from the landlord system for more than half a century. The exorbitant revenues extorted by his landlord, together with the expense of a large family, kept him in poverty, but notwithstanding this he succeeded in bringing up his children in a creditable manner and, in order that they might have better educational advantages, he hired a private tutor to teach them during the long win- ter evenings.

Michael Cronican was born in the Province of Muenster, County Waterford, Ireland, September 29, 1830, and in June, 1850, started to seek a home in America. He was accompanied by his parents, and for six years they resided in New York City. In 1856 our subject visited Pike County, Mo., and liking the prospects, reported favorably and eventually moved the family here. They resided for sixteen years in Louisiana, Pike County, where, in order to make a livelihood, our subject engaged in teaming, grading the streets, digging cellars, manufacturing brick, and other laborious work. In 1859 his health gave way and, acting on his physician's advice, he returned to his native land for a few months' rest. The change proved very beneficial, and coming back he resumed the burdens which had long rested upon him, and after a decade or more opened a grocery store. In 1872 he carried through a deal with James Hickson, by which he came into possession of the farm he now owns. Since that time he has been in his natural element, for tilling the soil has been in accord with his tastes and the outdoor life of value to him in regard to his health.

In November, 1877, Mr. Cronican married Mrs. Mary (O'Shea) Quinn, who was born in Ireland about 1848, and emigrated to the United States with her parents in early childhood. Her sister, Johanna, is the wife of Patrick Kelley, of Calhoun County, Ill., and another sister, Catherine, who married Andrew Costigan, is now making her home under our subject's roof tree. The parents

of Mrs. Cronican located at Millwood, Lincoln County, Mo., on their arrival in this country and continued to dwell there until their death. By her former marriage Mrs. Cronican had one daugh- ter, Honora, who is still living with her.

The valuable homestead which belongs to Mr. Cronican comprises two hundred and sixty-eight acres. He was a dutiful son, is a kind husband, a good neighbor and a worthy citizen of his adopted country. He uses his right of franchise in favor of the Democratic party.

H ENRY ALBERT PRIBE is one of the substantial business men of Louisiana, and has contributed much to the growth and development of this place. He is progressive and liberal in his ideas and is a man of strict in- tegrity and uprightness of word and deed. He is a Director in the Mercantile Bank of the city, and is an extensive manufacturer of light wagons and carriages.

This worthy citizen is a native of Prussia, his birth having occurred in Pustermean, May 21, 1836. His parents were John Daniel and Cath- erina (Bechman) Pribe. The former was an over- seer in the forests of a nobleman by the name of Van Derenthal. He was a soldier in what is known as the Thirty Years' War, and died when our subject was but fourteen years of age. His wife having departed this life some four years previously, young Henry was thus left an orphan and was thrown upon his own resources. His parents were members of the Lutheran Church, and three of their four children are still living. Charles, the eldest son, died in Germany ; Willian is a farmer in Minnesota, and Lotta, the only daughter, is still living in the Fatherland.

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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 78

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