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 84

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 84
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 84
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 84

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

H ENRY NABER. This gentleman, who is the leading boot and shoe dealer of Louisiana, Pike County, was born in Old- enburg, Germany, September 5, 1835. His par- ents were John H. and Sophia (Spradau) Naber, the former of whom was also a native of Olden- burg, while the mother was born in a neighbor- ing village.

The father of our subject was a well-to-do farmer in his native land, and there lived engaged in that vocation until his decease, which oc- curred when he was seventy-four years of age. In religious views he was a Lutheran. The father of Mrs. Naber was also an agriculturist and highly regarded in his community. She de- parted this life in 1840, prior to the death of her husband, and like him was a member of the Lutheran Church. They were the parents of six children, who are: Diedrich B., living on the old homestead, Germany; Margaret, living in the old country ; Herman, Johann, Henry and Herman. The two Hermans and Johann are deceased. Of this household our subject was the fourth in or- der of birth.

The subject of this sketch spent the first fif- teen years of his life in his native place, in the meantime attending regularly the common schools. At that early age he accompanied rel- atives to America, who had been here but had returned home on a visit; they landed in New York, August 4, 1851, whence they continued their westward way to Michigan City, Ind., where they stopped for a time, and there young Naber

engaged at work on the railroad. Not being sat- isfied with this employment he abandoned it after a few days and taking a boat for Milwaukee, Wis., remained there until the fall of that year. In that city our subject learned the business of a boot and shoemaker and continued working at it un- til 1854, in which year he left the Cream City and went to Galena, Ill., by way of Madison, Wis., in a stage coach. In that region he engaged as a' journeyman shoemaker, following the business until December, when he boarded a train on the Illinois Central and went to Chicago. From the World's Fair City he went to St. Louis by way of Alton. He remained in the last-named city until 1858, during which time he purchased some of the "bit" lands of Southwest Missouri from the Government. In order to perfect the title he went to live on his lands, staying there fron April of that year until November, building a home and paying his first taxes, which amounted to one dollar and sixty-eight cents on two hun- dred and eighty acres. He is still the owner of this property, which is located in Ripley County, and on which the taxes last year were sixteen dollars. The notorious bushwhacker, Timu Reeves, lived on the farm adjoining.

Mr. Naber became ill while on this land and returned to St. Louis, where he remained until March, 1859, when he came to Louisiana on the steamer bearing that name. He found no diffi- culty in obtaining work at his trade, first enter- ing the employ of J. H. Bickerman, with whom he remained until April 18, 1864. He then formed a partnership with George Wahl and established himself in the boot and shoe business at his pres- ent stand on Georgia Street. Their capital was two hundred and fifty dollars in stock and fix- tures, and one hundred dollars in cash. In 1867, they purchased the ground on which their store was located for eight hundred dollars, and in 1870 Mr. Wahl erected the three-story building which they now occupy. They have prospered in all their undertakings and now supply the best resi- dents of the city with footwear. They carry a general line of boots and shoes which they re- tail at very popular prices.

Mr. Wahl died in 1892 and his sons, Charles

653

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

L. and Edward J., took his place in the business. They are energetic and enterprising young men and together with our subject control a large trade.

Henry Naber and Miss Mary Louise Kake were united in marriage at Louisiana May 28, 1867. She was born in Randolph County, Ill., and be- ing orphaned when young was reared by Dr. Met- tler, of that county. By her union with our sub- ject three children have been born: Margaret, Matilda and Henry. The wife and mother de- parted this life March 24, 1874, firm in the faith of the Lutheran Church. Miss Margaret is keep- ing house for her father, and Henry is working at his trade, that of a printer. Mr. Naber joined the Lutheran Church previous to leaving his native land. His daughter, however, is connected with the Cumberland Presbyterian congregation of Louisiana, and Henry was baptized in the Methodist Church. In politics our subject is a stanch Republican, and, socially, belongs to Evening Star Lodge No. 28, I. O. O. F., of Lou- isiana. In this he has passed through all of the chairs and is at present serving as Past Grand. He has been active in the work of the fraternity ever since joining it in 1864.

By industry and fairness Mr. Naber has secured a handsome competence and established himself in the confidence and esteem of the people of the city.

H ENRY TATE UNSELL, one of the old pioneers of Pike County, owns and ope- rates the old homestead, formerly the property of his father, and comprising three lun- dred acres all in one body, to which he added by purchase two hundred and eighty acres. He has always felt a commendable interest in education and public affairs, and has given his children tlie · advantages of college life in addition to the bene- fits of the common schools.

James Unsell, the father of our subject, was born in Kentucky, May 15, 1784, and was the son of Daniel Unsell, a native of the highlands of

Scotland. At an early day he moved to Muh- lenberg County, Ky., where he brought his three children, James, Scowell and Catharine. The second son settled in Mississippi, where he was a successful planter prior to the War of the Rebellion, since which time his Missouri rela- tives have lost track of him. Catharine married a Mr. Wilson, and both were for years respected citizens of this county, but are now deceased. James Unsell married Elizabeth Jackson, daugh- ter of Leroy and Mollie (Coleman) Jackson, who died in this county, and were buried in the family cemetery on the old homestead of James Unsell, now owned by our subject. The union of James Unsell and wife took place October 20, 1811, in Kentucky, where they passed the first seven years of their wedded life. Three of their ten children were born in the Blue Grass State, namely: To- bitha, September 20, 1812; Lucinda, September 21, 1813; and Alfred J., May 8, 1816. The oth- ers were born in Pike County as follows: Joseph M., November 26, 1818; Lucretia A., February 24, 1821; Ely J., June 20, 1823; William B., Sep- tember 18, 1825; Elias J., December 31, 1827; James M., December 18, 1830; and Henry T., our subject.

In 1818, James Unsell moved to Missouri and in time became very prosperous, owning about fifteen hundred acres of land. He built one of the first horse mills in Pike County, and was an ac- tive worker in founding the present school sys- tem. Coming from a Southern family, he was a slave-holder and at one time owned seventeen negroes. In early life he supported the Whig party, but afterward became a Democrat. At the end of a long and useful life, he was called to his final rest October 12, 1867, and his wife, who survived him many years, died July 27, 1883. She was a faithful member of the Baptist Churchi, and though her husband was not connected with any church organization, he was a man of the highest integrity and morals.

Henry T. Unsell was born July 26, 1834, in this county, and on arriving at man's estate, de- termined to put in practice the knowledge he had acquired up to that time in farming. He has been very successful in his undertakings, and the

654

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

thrifty appearance of his homestead is proof of his ability, and of his careful attention to details. For a companion along life's journey he chose Miss Belle Lighter, their marriage being cele- brated February 22, 1860. She was called to her final home March 15, 1885, and was placed to rest in the family burying ground. Five chil- dren were the result of their union, namely: Tilla P., William Lee, Homer T., Ollie H., and Maggie D. On April 3, 1889, Mr. Unsell mar- ried Ida Vermillion, but she was soon summoned by the death angel, her death occurring October 7, 1891. She was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and was most exemplary in her daily life. Mr. Unsell's third marriage took place February 12, 1895, when he was united to Mrs. E. R. Caverly. Mr. Unsell is identified with the Baptist denomination, as was also his first wife. His eldest son, William L., is engaged in the real estate business, Phoenix, Ariz .; Homer T., the next younger son, is employed as a book- keeper for a wholesale grocery house in Las Vegas, N. M. Both sons have had college edu- cations and are young men of superior business ability.

The property owned by our subject now con- prises five hundred and eighty acres, all lying in one body. He is a very practical man in his methods and has succeeded in a manner which reflects great credit on himself. Though now over sixty years of age, he is still apparently in the prime of life and takes an active interest in everything relating to the public welfare.

C APT. CHARLES J. LEWIS has had charge of the Hannibal Water Company, as Superintendent, and of the Gas, Light and Coke Company since 1888. No better man could be found for this position, for he is quali- fied by years of arduous experience and thought- ful attention to every detail of the work.

The Captain's father, Reuben Tinkham Lewis, was a shoemaker by trade, and made that call-

ing, in connection with the mercantile business of a boot and shoe merchant, his main business in life, though he later engaged in farming. Reuben's father, Ebenezer, was a descendant of a family which removed from Virginia to Ver- mont in Colonial days, and the mother, whose maiden name was Jane Caroline Sanders, came from a well-known New England family. Reu- ben T. Lewis and his wife became the parents of the following children: Edgar R., now of Wor- cester, Vt .; Augusta A., now Mrs. William Alvin, of Randolph, Vt .; Nancy, who is the wife of John Cary, of Stowe, Vt .; Charles J .; and Laura, who was married to John Little, and re- sides in Wolcott, Vt.

C. J. Lewis was born in Bethel Township, Windsor County, Vt., September 21, 1840, and when five years old moved with his parents to Petersburg, Ill., but poor health and reverses in fortune compelled the father to return with his family to the Green Mountain State, in 1851. As the school advantages of that early day in the West were very poor, young Lewis had, up to his twelfth year, received very meager instruction in the English branches. His mother and the elder children had endeavored to instruct him, but he did not realize the necessity of better ad- vantages until he was about sixteen years of age, and after he had worked with his brother at farm labor for several years. In the fall of 1856 he entered the Peoples Academy at Morrisville, Vt., and though largely dependent upon his own ex- ertions, determined to acquire a good business education. At the close of his first term at the academy he successfully passed an examination and received a teacher's certificate. The follow- ing winter he taught a district school in Wolcott Township, Vermont, building the fires and sweeping out the schoolroom. He received $12 a month, and "boarded round" the district. Thus passed a number of years during which he taught in the district schools during the winter and worked for farmers in the summer, thus main- taining himself without much assistance from his family. In 1860 he graduated from the Peoples Academy, and in the fall of that year entered Middlebury College. In his Sophomore year he

655

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

abandoned his studies and enlisted in the Elev- enth Regiment of Vermont Volunteer Infantry (known as the First Regiment of Heavy Artil- lery), which he assisted in organizing. He was appointed Second Lieutenant of Battery D, and served until the close of the war, being present at Lee's surrender. He was mustered out with the rank of Captain, May 15, 1865. Among thie important battles in which he took part were all of those in which the Army of the Potomac was engaged, among these being the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania, Petersburg, Charles- ton, Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Five Forks, etc. At the beginning of the battle of Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864, he was in com- mand of a brigade line of pickets, consisting of about fifteen hundred men, and the disasters which befel the Union Army at the beginning of that engagement fell heavily upon these brave boys, as the communication between Capt. Lew- is's troops and the other Federals was cut off. His men were captured, killed or wounded, until he had scarcely one hundred and fifty left, still he fought bravely, meeting charge with charge, and when at length completely surrounded, suc- ceeded in breaking through the lines, with not more than one hundred of his command with him. The war history of his native State makes a very complimentary reference to the gallantry and heroism displayed by both the Captain and his worthy men in the above engagement. He left the army broken down in health, caused by exposure, fatigue and privation. For about one year he was on special detailed duty in construc- tion work on the fortifications north of Wash- ington, and was Post Adjutant of Ft. Stevens.

During the latter part of his school days Capt. Lewis had devoted what time he could to the study of law and after the war resumed his interrupted work. He was admitted to the La- moille County (Vt.) bar in December of 1866, to practice before the Vermont courts, and at once opened an office at Morrisville. For two terms he was Prosecuting Attorney of Lamoille County, and was also Superintendent of the pub- lic schools for one term. In 1869 he moved westward and for a short time engaged in the

grain trade at Lawrence, Kan. In 1870 he was elected Judge of the Lawrence City court and after his term of office expired became connected with the gas works there. In 1874 he built the gas plant at Sherman, Texas, and in 1875 con- structed similar works at Joplin, Mo. Two years later he erected the gas plant at Carthage, Mo., and in 1881 was appointed business man- ager of the Joplin Waterworks. It was in 1888 that he came to Hannibal and assumed his pres- ent position, which he is amply fitted to occupy.

February 1, 1866, Capt. Lewis married Ma- ria L. Slocum, who was his schoolmate in the old academy. Their only child, a son, died in infancy and was buried in Lawrence, Kan. Mrs. Lewis is a daughter of Nelson and Lucy (Goodell) Slo- cum, natives of Vermont, the former a relative of Gen. Slocum of the United States Army. Mrs. Lewis is one of four children: her brother Sand- ford resides in Worcester, Vt., Mary is the wife of Benjamin Wood, of San Francisco, Cal., and Hattie, Mrs. Guy Hamilton, is a resident of Healdsburg, Cal.

Fraternally, the Captain is a Knight Templar Mason, is Prelate of Excalibar Commandery, of Hannibal, and is also an officer of the Grand Commandery of Missouri. He deposits his bal- lot in favor of Democratic nominees. Though not a member of any religious body he attends the services of the Episcopal Church, and is al- ways to be found on the side of right and prog- ress.

H ENRY HEUDPOHL, an industrial agri- culturist of Township 59, Range 7, Marion County, is a self-made man. His career may well serve as an example of what may be accomplished when a man possesses ambition, energy and good common sense. He started in life without means or influence and has become prosperous and highly respected through his un- tiring efforts. His homestead, which has been greatly improved and under good tillage, includes one hundred and eighteen acres.

656

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Our subject is a native of the Fatherland, hav- ing been born in Osnabrueck, Hanover, Ger- many, June 20, 1838. Our subject crossed the Atlantic with his mother in 1847, coming direct to St. Louis, Mo., where he was variously employed for the succeeding three years. He then made his way to Quincy, Ill., and after spending the same length of time there concluded to settle down to farm life in Marion County, Mo. He at first lo- cated upon land near where he is at present liv- ing, occupying that tract until 1881, the year in which he purchased the one hundred and eighteen acres. He has made many valuable improve- ments since taking possession of the estate and the high state of cultivation which he has placed it under, shows his thorough knowledge of agri- culture in all its details. His mother made her home with her son until her demise, in 1885. His only brother bore the name of Christopher and is now deceased.

Henry Heudpohl was married to Miss Dena Merriman, who was born in Germany. In poli- tics our subject is a sturdy Democrat and although never seeking or desiring office, is in favor of all measures adopted which are for the good of the . community.

C HARLES T. HAYWARD, one of the leading merchants and prominent busi- ness men of Hannibal, was born April 2, 1847, at Bangor, Me. His father, Col. John T. K. Hayward, was born in Plainfield, Mass., Oc- tober 18, 1819, and was the son of Stephen Hay- ward, also a native of the Bay State. The latter was a farmer by occupation and died at the old homestead near Plainfield at the advanced age of ninety-five years.

John T. K. Hayward received a common school and academic education in his native town and for some time taught a common school and pur- sued his studies in civil engineering. The first contract which he received as an engineer was with the Boston & Maine Railroad in connection with John W. Brooks of Boston. With this asso-

ciate he served several years on the Boston & Maine Road, operating on the road between the Hub City and Portland. Later, however, he re- moved to Bangor, Me., and engaged in the lum- ber business, living there until 1857. Two years previous to this time he was elected Mayor of that city in one of the most spirited campaigns ever known there. He was a Whig in politics and a strong temperance man and an advocate of tem- perance principles.

Owing to his former association with the late John W. Brooks, the father of our subject was selected by the Directors of the Hannibal & St. Joe Railroad Company to proceed to Hannibal and push the completion of that road in anticipa- tion of the Pike Peak's boom. He accordingly came hither in 1857, taking charge of the con- struction of the lines of that company and had it ready for travel in the spring of 1859. He was retained as sole manager of the road until the spring of 1866, including the period when the road was constantly threatened by the rebel ele- ment, bushwhackers, etc. In order to aid him in the protection of this line, Governor Gamble commissioned him Colonel, his jurisdiction em- bracing specially, seven counties of Northeastern Missouri.

On the close of the war the policy of making certain improvements in the road suggested by Colonel Hayward was taken under advisement by the directors of the road, but owing to the serious illness of John W. Brooks, President of the Board, failed of being carried out. It was his desire to extend the lines from the eastern portion of the State to Leavenworth, and Kansas City, and to complete the Pike County branch, which would afford an eastern outlet by the Wabash. In consequence of the failure of this policy, Mr. Hayward resigned in the spring of 1866, and after a rest of a year he became associated with the late Amos J. Stillwell in the construction of the Pike County (Illinois) Railroad, from Hannibal to Bluffs, Ill. Following this the same parties built the road from Hannibal to Moberly, which was completed in 1870.

The firm of Hayward & Loomis, which was formed in 1866, consisted of Colonel Hayward,

657

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

W. H. Loomis and Charles T. Hayward. They were organized for the purpose of manufacturing lime and also for trading in salt at wholesale. They continued together until 1875, since which time the firm of Hayward & Co., has been en- gaged in the wholesale grocery business. Colonel Hayward is now living in Aurora, Ill., retired from active business. In politics he is a Republican and a member of the Congregational Church. He was Mayor of Hannibal from 1880 to 1881, and served in the City Council several terms. He was very popular in his community and was never defeated for office in that city. At one time he represented his district in the Legis- lature and while there served as Chairman of the Committee on Internal Improvements (Rail- roads).

The maiden name of our subject's mother was Eliza Crane. She was the daughter of Jonathan and Orpha (Barrows) Crane, and was born in Schenectady, N. Y. Her father was connected with the first railroad which ever ascended the mountains and was well-to-do in this world's goods. To Colonel and Mrs. Hayward there were born eight children: Catherine is now the wife of J. M. Sturtevant, D. D., of Aurora, Ill .; John Kirkland, is living in Herriman, Tenn., Charles T., of this sketch was the next born; James, is living at Chattanooga, Tenn., and Edward Crane is a resident of London, England. The others are deceased.

Charles T. Hayward's education was begun in the schools of Bangor, Me., and completed in Andover, Mass. He subsequently took a coin- mercial course at Eastman's College, Pougli- keepsie, N. Y. He embarked on the sea of com- merce in 1866, at the age of nineteen years, at Hannibal, Mo., being first engaged in the whole- sale commission business, selling salt and lime. In 1875, however, the business was changed to the wholesale grocery trade and in February, 1889, it was incorporated as the "Hayward Gro- cery Company," of which our subject is the Presi- dent. They have a large establishment and their trade covers a radius of one hundred and fifty miles. Our subject is also the Vice-President of the Missouri Guarantee Savings and Building

Association of Hannibal, which is the leading in- stitution of the city.

Charles T. Hayward was married January 25, 1870, to Miss Ella, daughter of Edwin and Har- riet (Rice) Godfrey, a native of Bangor, Me. Her parents departed this life after moving to Han- nibal, where Mr. Godfrey was one of the well- to-do business men. To Mr. and Mrs. Hayward have been born three children: Ada, Fannie and Helen. They are both members of the Presby- terian Church, in which the former is a trustee. In politics he is a conservative Republican. He is a very public-spirited citizen, advocating all measures for the advancement of the city. He is at all times ready with his means to foster indus- trial enterprises that would tend to the develop- ment and betterment of Hannibal, and as such is one of the benefactors of the community whose value can hardly be estimated.

W ALLACE SWIGERT, whose home is on Section 9, Township 54, Range 9, Ralls County, has lived in this locality for nearly eighteen years. His homestead is one of the finest in this locality and has been in his possession since 1881. He makes a specialty of raising stock and has been more than ordinarily successful in this line of business. He takes great interest in whatever measures are inaugurated with the idea of benefiting his fellow men, and can always be relied upon to do his share in works of civilization and progress.

Our subject's father, Peter K. Swigert, was born near Lexington, Ky., and in his youth learned the carpenter's trade, also operating a farm. When the war broke out he shouldered his musket and was assigned to Company D, Twenty-Sixth Indiana Infantry. While taking part in a skirmish near New Orleans he was shot in the hips and for six weeks was in the hospital in that city, his death occurring in August, 1863. His widow afterward became the wife of J. W. Buchanan, of Marion County, Ind., and in Sep-

658

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tember, 1867, they emigrated to Missouri, settling in Ralls County. Mr. Buchanan is now retired from active business, and he and his good wife reside in New London. She bore the maiden name of Lucinda Smith, and, like her first hus- band, was born near Lexington, Ky. By her first union she became the mother of three chil- dren, our subject being the eldest. Howard, the second son, married Katie McGowan, and is now living near New London. William, the youngest, wedded Mollie Coffee and resides in Spencer, Ind.

The birth of Wallace Swigert took place in In- diana, January 26, 1853, and for the first twelve years of his life he lived with his mother. He then went to the home of an uncle, being em- ployed on his farm for a year, and afterward worked for a year and a half in a flouring mill at Greenwood, Ind. When his mother came to Mis- souri he accompanied her and was employed as a farm hand for a year. Then going to Hannibal, Mo., he learned the blankbook-binder's trade in the office of the "Courier," remaining there three years. His next move was to go to Indianapolis, Ind., where he worked for two years in a printing office; later he returned to Missouri as a journey- man book binder and worked in St. Louis two months. For some four months he resided in Urbana, Ill., and then was in Danville, Ill., with the same firm, staying in the latter place about nine months.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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 84

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