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 83

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 83
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 83
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 83

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In 1874 our subject chose as his future com- panion on life's voyage Miss Martha Yeager, who was born in Monroe County, Mo., in 1853, and departed this life May 26, 1895. A tender wife and loving mother, she shared her husband's joys and sorrows, and in his early struggles as- sisted him in gaining a competence, and has ever been in the true sense of the word a "helpmeet." She was a woman of intelligence, domestic in her tastes and made home the pleasantest spot in the world for her husband and son, who for many a long day will miss her cheering pres- ence and loving care. Gerhart, the only child, was born June 14, 1881. Mrs. Glahn's parents, Nicholas and Matilda (Fowler) Yeager, were na- tives of Kentucky, and at an early day moved westward to Monroe County, Mo., where they were numbered among the pioneers. The mother died in the spring of 1894, aged sixty- five years, and the father is now living a retired

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life at his old home in Monroe County. His fam- ily comprised six children, of whom three: Tom, Charles, and Henry are farmers in Monroe County, while Joe, the third in order of birth, owns a homestead in Kentucky. Birdie, the un- married daughter, keeps house for her father.

J OHN H. NICHOLS, JR., is one of the wealthy and extensive farmers of South River Township, Marion County, his home being situated on Section 15. He is one of the pioneers of this neighborhood, as he was born and has passed his entire life on the farm of which he is now the proprietor, with the sole cxception of three years, from 1866 to 1869, when he oper- ated a farm north of Palmyra.

The parents of our subject were Col. John and Lucinda (Shropshire) Nichols. The former was born in Mason County, Ky., June 4, 1810, and died September 4, 1884. He was a son of James and Nancy (Whaley) Nichols, natives of Vir- ginia and Maryland respectively, and the parents of these children: Alfred, Jerry, John, James, Nicholas, Willis, Polly, Julia and Ellen, who re- mained unmarried. Polly married W. Madkin, a farmer, and Matilda was twice married. Col. Jack Nichols, as he was familiarly called, was a splendid specimen of the frontiersman, being tall, erect and full of vigor, even up to his last days. His home was noted for its hospitality, and no poor person was cver turned from his dooor hun- gry and uncomforted. Col. Nichols came to this county in the fall of 1830, and that winter lived in a log cabin. The next spring he moved to the homestead now owned by our subject, and in 1834 erected the old house, for which the lumber was purchased in Pittsburg, Pa. He was the owner of eight hundred and ninety-six acres at the time of his demise, and six hundred and fifty acres of this was finely cultivated and improved. In ad- dition to this he owned two hundred and four acres of fine elmwood timber land. One fcature of this farm is a beautiful spring of crystal water,

from which proceeds a clear stream which flows across the entire breadth of the homestead. Col. Nichols was not a member of any church, but was baptized at Paris, Ky., by a Christian preach- er, and fraternally was identified with the Masons. On political questions his ballot was used in favor of the Democratic party.

October 2, 1830, Col. Nichols and Lucinda Shropshire were united in marriage by Elder Dudley, of Cynthiana, Ky. The parents of Mrs. Nichols were both natives of the Blue Grass State, and her mother died during the cholera epidemic of 1833. Mrs. Nichols was born in Har- rison County, Ky., in April, 1810, and was called to her final rest in August, 1888. By her mar- riage she became the mother of six children, as follows: Catherine, wife of Moses B. Gash, an extensive farmer in this township; James, who died in infancy during the cholera epidemic of 1833: Huldah M., Mrs. James M. Bates, a resident of this county; John N., our subject; William E., who was killed in the battle of Baker's Creek, Miss., in 1863, and Mary E., who married Moses D. Bates, a farmer of Miller Township.

John N. Nichols, whose name heads this sketch, was born in the identical room which he now uses as a sleeping apartment, and was reared on this homestead. He received a good education, first attending the district schools, and in 1852 entered Bethel College, of Palmyra, where he pursued a three years' course and subsequently spent a like period at St. Paul's College. He is a practical farmer, and is one who attends strictly to his own business affairs, never having been an aspirant for public honors. However, he is interested in whatever pertains to the good of the community and votes the Democratic ticket. He belongs to Palmyra Lodge No. 18, A. F. and A. M., to Royal Arch Chapter, R. A. M., and is a member of the Select Knights of the A. O. U. W. He may well be proud of his beautiful farm, which comprises seven hundred and twenty-four acres, for every- thing about the place shows thrift and eloquently gives evidence of the attention bestowed upon it by the owner.

On June 2, 1870, John Nichols wedded Mary Bates Thompson, who was born in Palmyra, Mo.,

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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

September 27, 1844. Her parents, Joseph W. and Sarah (Bates) Thompson, were natives of Virginia and Marion County, Mo., respectively. Two children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: William Josef, whose birth oc- curred January 12, 1875, and who is now attend- ing the State University at Columbia, and Sallie T., born March 31, 1880, and now a student in Centenary College. Our subject and his wife are both members of the Baptist Church at Palmyra.

J AMES M. NICKELL, Postmaster of Han- nibal, was born October 12, 1841, at Nick- ell's Mills, in Monroe County, W. Va. His parents were James M. and Sarah A. (Burdette) Nickell, the former of whom was born at the above place and died while residing on the old home- stead, in 1887. He was the son of James Nickell, a native of Virginia, and of Scotch-Irish ancestry.

The father of our subject carried on the milling and tanning business, and also followed the manufacture of woolen goods and merchandis- ing, also engaged in farming to some extent. He was a Democrat in politics and a member in good standing of the Presbyterian Church. His wife was born in Greenbrier County, Va., and was the daughter of John C. and Lydia A. (Curry) Burdette. She died at the old homestead in July, 1895, in her eightieth year. Her family composed the following children: Albert and John C. are deceased; Maryette is the wife of C. W. Hutchin- son, of Monroe City, W. Va .; Elizabeth A. mar- ried J. H. D. Johnson, of Greenbrier County ; James M. was the next born; John H. is living on the home farm; Sally R. is the wife of William Lee, of Monroe County, W. Va .; Lydia B. mar- ried Dr. Willliam Campbell, now deceased; Mu- dora Ann is deceased; Harvey A. is principal of the schools at Ozark, Ark .; Luther A. is Circuit Clerk of Monroe County, W. Va .; Charles C. has charge of the old home farm in that county, and Burnie died when young.

Our subject was reared on the home farm and

acquired his education in the private schools and Rocky Point Academy. On the outbreak of the late war he enlisted in the Confederate Army, and when peace was at last established took charge of a farm for a time. Later he opened an hotel at Louisburg, near Greenbrier, W. Va., but sold out this business two years later and came to Mis- souri, his destination being Kansas City. He was there during the greater part of 1867-68, and then purchased a farm in Monroe County, Mo., and began farming, dealing quite extensively in live stock. This property he disposed of in 1870 and located near Monroe City, where he dealt in live stock for about three years. He then removed to Paris, where he remained one year and then set- tled in Hannibal in 1875 and continued in the same business, which he has made his chief occu- pation more or less since that time. He is the owner of a fine body of land in Ralls County, numbering four hundred and thirty broad and well-cultivated acres, which is devoted mainly to stock-breeding. At one time Mr. Nickell was interested in the livery business, operating under the firm name of Laudon & Nickell. This part- nership lasted from 1880 to 1888, when he sold out. He has been the incumbent of various po- sitions of trust and honor. In 1878 he was ap- pointed Assessor, and in 1879 was made City Marshal. In 1880 he was elected County Col- lector and was reëlected, serving two terms. He was appointed Postmaster under Cleveland's first administration in July, 1887, serving two years and nine months. In 1894 he was reappointed Postmaster, and is now serving his second term.

James M. Nickell and Miss Mary W. Ford were united in marriage in Greenbrier County, W. Va., November 18, 1862. The lady was the daughter of David J. Ford, one of the oldest mer- chants of that place. Her mother's maiden name was Mary E. Bird, the daughter of Col. Arthur Bird, of Bath County, Va. To Mr. and Mrs. Nickell there have been born seven children: Emma A., who died aged twenty-one months; Birdie, now the widow of J. N. Peabody, of Han- nibal; Henry A., living in Chicago; James W., deceased, as is also David H .; Edith M. and Mary Burdette at home. The wife and mother is

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a member in excellent standing of the Presby- terian Church, while our subject is connected with the Christian Church. Mr. Nickell has al- ways been true to the principles of Democracy. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, be- longing to Lodge No. 64, of Monroe City, and is also connected with the K. of P., Lodge No. II, of Hannibal. He has made a popular official, giving satisfaction to the Government, and also to the people. He is one of the substantial men of the city, and is held in high esteem.

J OHN JUSTUS KRUMMEL. Numbered among the prominent German-American citizens of Marion County is he of whom we write, and to whom we are pleased to give this well-deserved tributc. At the close of a very busy and energetic life as a farmer and stock-raiser he is now practically retired from active duties, and is living quietly in his pleasant home on Section 22, Township 57, Range 8. He has been the owner of this homestead for the past twenty years and has made substantial improvements on the place, which would command a ready price if placed on the market.

Mr. Krummel was born in Prussia, Germany, November 31, 1819, and is a son of John and Henrietta (Girtling) Krummel. The father died in Germany in 1832, aged fifty-six years, and his good wife, who was born in the same country, died in 1842 when in her sixty-fourth ycar. John J. is one of their ten children, of whom the record is as follows: William died in Palmyra and Chris- tian in Quincy, Ill .; Adam in Germany and Henry in the same country, the latter being drowned; John died in California; Daniel is also deceased: Mary, deceased, was the wife of a Mr. Hine, and the others died in infancy.

John J. Krummel received a good cducation in the excellent schools of his Fatherland and, while still a mere boy, commenced making plans for the acquisition of his fortune in the New World,

In 1847 he bade adieu to his friends and scenes of his youth and sailed for America, in company with his brother William. At the end of a voyage which extended over nine wearisome weeks they at last reached Philadelphia. After remaining there for a short time they continued their west- ward trip and, coming to Palmyra, our subject remained in that locality from 1847 until 1874. During this time he worked for several years for his brother, and, indeed, until the latter's death, then being employed by his sister-in-law. After his marriage he moved to his farm of eighty acres, which he had purchased in 1875, and has since cultivated the same. Politically he is a Repub- lican and a true friend to good government and the cause of education.

The first marriage of Mr. Krummel took place in Palmyra, when he was united in marriage to Louisa Wenzel, who was born in Prussia and died in 1856, aged forty-five years. She was the widow of his brother William, by which marriage she had three children: William, now a resident of Palmyra; Christiana and John, both also living in Palmyra. The daughter first married a Mr. Dresher, and subsequently became the wife of Mr. Tifenbrunn, and is now Mrs. Farbit. In 1857 Mr. Krummel was again married in Palmyra, tlie lady of his choice being Miss Mary Shaffer. She was born in Germany April 28, 1838, and by her marriage became the mother of the following chil- dren: Henry, born in July, 1858, died February 24, 1860; Louisa H., born April 22, 1861, mar- ried Henry Lucy, a farmer of this county; August W., born May 18, 1863, is still living at home; Minnie F., born August 18, 1865, married Thomas Zink, a miner of Canton, Ill .; Frederick, twin of Minnie, died September 15, 1865; Mary B., born February 19, 1870, married Milton Cary, a farmer of this county ; Emily E., born March I, 1873, resides at home, as does also Dora E., born August 3, 1875, and Randolph J., born January 15, 1880. The faithful wife and mother of these children departed this life September 24, 1894. The family are all members of the Lutheran Church, are good and industrious citizens and always endeavor to do their duty by others.

JOHN B. BRISCOE.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

649

JOHN B. BRISCOE.

J OHN B. BRISCOE, one of the honored pioneers of Ralls County, is one of the old- est surviving native born residents of the county. He has witnessed its development and has taken an active part in promoting its prog- ress, and to-day can look back on his busy and useful life with satisfaction in the thought that he has been one of the chief factors in bringing this section of the State to the proud position it now holds. Too much honor cannot be paid by this generation to those brave men and women who dared the dangers and privations of a fron- tier life in the early days, that their posterity might reap the benefits of the well cultivated fields and productive orchards which their busy hands wrested from the virgin soil. Of such stock came the subject of this sketch, and from his youth until the present time he has borne his share in promoting the welfare of the county where he was born, and of which his father and mother were pioneer settlers and highly re- spected citizens.

Mr. Briscoe is one of the largest land-owners and stock dealers in Ralls County, and is well known, not only for his success in business en- terprises, but also for his liberality in all public matters, being always ready and willing to assist in anything which has for its object the general good of the community. He has traveled exten- sively in the South and West, possesses an un- ending fund of information and is a most inter- esting conversationalist. An honorable, straight- forward man, upright in his dealings and cour- teous to all alike, he has hosts of friends, not only in his immediate locality, but throughout the county and State.

Raphael Briscoe, father of John B., was born in Kentucky, and in his youth learned the sad- dler's trade. About 1825 he moved to Ralls County, settling in New London, where he opened the first saddlery shop. A year later his parents located on a farm in the vicinity and there resided until claimed by death, after a happy married life covering sixty years. At the end of four years of commercial pursuits in New London, Raphael Briscoe concluded to turn his attention in another direction and for five or six years carried on a farm a few miles south of that village. Thence he moved to a homestead near Cincinnati, Mo., and died there about 1838. His wife survived him many years, living on the old farm for a long time and died in Hannibal. She was a native of Kentucky and bore the maiden name of Winifred Linch. By her marriage she became the mother of four children, the eldest of whom is John B. Henry P. married Emma Withington, and is now in California. Sarah Jane became the wife of Mikeral Kinealy, now of St. Louis, and Anna S., the youngest, died when in her ninth year.

The birth of our subject occurred in New Lon- don, May 28, 1828. His years passed unevent- fully until shortly before he reached his major- ity, when he began raising poultry on his motli- er's farm near Cincinnati, being thus employed until 1850. Then being seized with the preva- lent gold fever he went to California and there engaged in mining and trading for about four years. At the end of that time he returned to this county and in 1856 went to the vicinity of Austin, Texas, where he bought one hundred head of ponies and sold them on his return at

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

650

a good profit. His love for travel and adventure was not yet satisfied and his next move was to go to Mexico, where he traveled through the country buying stock, and becoming acquainted with the customs and language of the people. It was in 1857 that he purchased his present farm of four hundred acres, afterward investing in other farms until his property is now estimated at about eleven hundred acres. The homestead where he has dwelt for so many years is well known throughout the country as the old Mul- dron, or the old Dry Fork place. With the ex- ception of the house, which Mr. Briscoe has himself built, all the old buildings now stand on the homestead and add greatly to its beauty and desirability.

In August, 1888, Mr. Briscoe chose for his wife Miss Margaret Fenelon, a native of County Carloo, Ireland. Her parents, Thomas and Bridget M. (Cotrell) Fenelon, were born in County Carloo and County Kilkenny, Lreland, respectively. They were married in their native country in 1858 and in 1864 emigrated to Amer- ica, landing in New York after a voyage of eleven days. Mr. Fenelon was an agriculturist and suc- cessfully carried on farming until his death, which occurred March 30, 1883, at St. Louis, Mo., when he was fifty years of age. He was a member of the A. O. U. W. and of Catholic Rights, and with his wife was a devoted wor- shipper according to the Catholic faith. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Fenelon comprised five children: John, Thomas, Margaret, Morris and Mary. Of these but two survive: Margaret, the wife of our subject, and Morris, who lives in Texas. Mrs. Fenelon, who is a woman of un- usual intelligence and amiability, makes her home with her daughter. Mrs. Briscoe is a highly accomplished lady, active in all social and religious enterprises, and is exceedingly popular with all who have the pleasure of her acquaint- ance.

Mr. and Mrs. Briscoe are the parents of two children, Henry and John, both of whom are bright and intelligent boys. The parents are members of the Catholic Church, St. Paul's Chapel. Mr. Briscoe has always voted the

straight Democratic ticket, but is not actively concerned in politics, finding his time fully oc- cupied in giving to his commercial affairs the necessary attention.

R OBERT O'BRIEN. This prominent gen- tleman, whose well-known name appears at the head of this sketch, is a self-made man and one of the oldest residents of Ralls County. His one-hundred-acre farm is located on Section 2, Township 54, Range 7, on which he has labored untiringly, displaying good judg -. ment in its management, and as a reward of his efforts he has gained prosperity.

Mr. O'Brien was born in Scott County, Ky., November 22, 1818, and therefore over seventy- seven years of age. His parents were Augustus and Elizabeth (Cooms) O'Brien, the father born in Ireland and the mother in Maryland. Augus- tus O'Brien came to America with his parents while young and made his home with them in Scott County, Ky. When attaining mature years and embarking in life for himself, he pur- chased a farm there on which he resided for three years. At the end of that time he removed to Anderson County, in the same State, becoming the owner of good property there also. Several years later, however, he came to Ralls County, Mo., buying a quarter section of land near Dry Fork Creek, which he was engaged in cultivating for the remaining years of his life, dying in 1875. His good wife also departed this life on that estate, in 1878.

To Augustus and Elizabeth O'Brien there were born nine children: James, Robert, Sarah Ann, William, Richard, Sylvester, Alfred, Par- thena, and one who died in infancy. They all attended the schools of that period, which were very inferior when compared with the institutions of learning in which it is the privilege of the youth of to-day to carry on his studies.

Our subject began in life for himself at the age of twenty years, by working out on farms,

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etc. He later, however, obtained employment in a chair and paint shop in Boone County, this State, but only continued it about four months when he returned to farm work and was thus en- gaged until his marriage, in 1854 to Miss Ann E. Leake, a native of Kentucky, who came to Ralls'County when young with her parents, Wil- liam Henry and Cynthia Leake, both of whom are now deceased. Soon after the celebration of their marriage Mr. O'Brien purchased the farm on which he is now living, and where he has con- tinued to reside ever since. It was a raw tract when he took possession, and the fine improve- ments which it now bears are the result of his own labors.

To Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien there have been born five children: William C. is now engaged as a blacksmith at Newport, Mo .; Anna S. married Michael Condon and is living in New London, this State; Sarah C. married Matthew Elliott and is a resident of a farm near the home place; Fran- ces became the wife of Anderson Leake, and also makes her home near our subject; Alfred A. is engaged in farming in this county. The mem- bers of this family have all been well educated and carefully trained by their excellent parents.

In politics our subject is, and always has been, a Democrat. With his wife he is a devout men- ber of the Catholic Church, in the faith of which he reared his children.

W ILLIAM PARKER TAPLEY, one of the foremost farmers of Pike County, is the owner of a valuable place in Town- ship 54, Range 3. His methods are in touch with modern ideas and based on many years of prac- tical experience. He is a native of Missouri and has always taken great interest in the develop- ment and upbuilding of this State. Although in his sixty-ninth year, he is still vigorous and continues to operate his farm, as much for pas- time as for revenue.

Green Tapley, father of our subject, was born

in one of the Carolinas in 1799, and in his boy- hood moved to Kentucky. Soon after reaching his majority he settled in Ralls County, Mo., and there married Hannah, daughter of Peter and Mary Parker, who were natives of West Virginia, and who came to this State as early as 1817. They had eight children, namely: Solomon, Hannah, Peter, Maria, Delilah, Susan, Eliza and Julia Ann. The eldest son purchased his father's old homestead near Romley, W. Va., and there con- tinued to dwell for many years, but the remainder of the family came West.

W. P. Tapley was born July 13, 1826, near New London, Ralls County, Mo., and spent his boyhood on his father's farm. He received a lim- ited education in the district and private schools of that early day and obtained a practical knowl- edge of agriculture. January 1, 1851, he pur- chased from James Brashears the farm where he has since resided. He is a member of Frank- ford Lodge No. 192, A. F. and A. M., and belongs to the K. of H. Politically he is affiliated with the Democratic party.

April 1, 1852, Mr. Tapley married Martha Jane, daughter of William and Nancy (Harrison) Pe- nix, who are represented elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Tapley was born on her father's old home- stead, October 3, 1836; by her marriage she has become the mother of six children, who have all received college educations: John Hosea, born on the old farm February 15, 1856, has never married and has always given his attention to farming; William Harvey, born August 6, 1859, married Anna, daughter of John Lewellan, on June 27, 1882, has one child (Mayo, born June 25, 1888), and is now engaged in the manage- ment of a farm near Vandalia, Mo .; Nancy Juliet, born April 5, 1864, became the wife on July II, 1884, of H. I. Parish (now deceased), and resides with her father; Mary Louisa, born September 22, 1866, completed her education at McCune College, and became the wife of James Robinson Douglas, on May 13, 1889, and the young couple are now living on the farm two miles east of Frandford, this county; Hannah D., born Janu- ary 25, 1869, finished her educational career at the Missouri State Normal, Kirksville, Mo., and

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for a time was successfully engaged in teaching at Frankford and elsewhere in this county, but is now living at home; Mattie Lowery, born Sep- tember 20, 1871, studied at the State Normal, later at the State University, and now is also living un- der the parental roof, teaching in the district school two miles east of Frankford. Mrs. Tap- ley is a faithful member of the Cumberland Pres- byterian Church and like her husband enjoys the respect of all.

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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 83

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