USA > Missouri > Clinton County > The History of Clinton County, Missouri : containing a history of the County, its cities, towns, etc., biographical sketches of its citizens, Clinton County in the late war, general and local statistics, portraits of early settlers and prominent men etc > Part 53
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What next ? By a treaty with the Indians, whose wigwams covered the country, perhaps the very spot from which I am thus permitted to address this vast assembly, it was agreed that they would be removed, by their consent, to the other side of the river, and that that should be thereafter the boundary between ourselves and the red men. The state consenting, and Congress consenting, it was not long before the country was organized into counties and with representation in the Legislature, and with David R. Atchison, the president of this reunion, as judge of this new judicial circuit. I wish it were so, sir, said the speaker (turn- ing to General Atchison), that we could more fully let you loose again from the more rigid conventionalities which but properly attach to an occasion of this nature-you and the lawyers who went around with you at your courts for the first year or so-just to hear you tell a few more stories as to the more primitive ways of an old horseback life, in con- trast with the step by step advances which have brought us up not only -
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HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
to our palatial houses in our sojournments, but to our palace cars in carrying us there. But I must pause.
Our politics in those carly times were at least none the worse for having in them a little more heart than' they have since grown to have. But let that pass. Other parties had worked into the new names of National Republicans under such leaders as Clay and Webster, and Democrats under such leaders as Jackson and Van Buren, and later still, when the National Republicans took the name of Whigs, as being more appropriate, to include all the outs against all the ins there was war in the great earnestness of nothing- a presidential election which left the country distrustful and embittered as it has come to be.
The average Whig of that day was a man who, as well as we should put it, drank his grog regularly and voted his ticket without scratching, unless it was felt that he could in some respects do better, and when the Whigs won a big race (which was only about often enough to bring back the Democracy to a recollection that even the most powerful party could not brook the popular credulity or retribution as has since been conc), when a presidential or state contest was their greatest thought, with it was felt that the country was nevertheless just about as safe as if it had gone the other way ; and we all (or nearly all) shook hands and drank each others health accordingly. As to those Pullman or palace cars, to which I return, my friend Governor Hall, who is present, remem- bers how I was thrown down and made to go foot in our party almost a quarter of a century ago for advocating that system of internal improve- ment, out of which they have since grown. I don't think Willard was ever any better Democrat than I was (and yet am) but he was a better party disciplinarian ; and to that, as well as to the patriotic furore which opportunity sent him (and a Doniphan) to Mexico, with musket at his shoulder, instead of longer continuing to oppose the road to India, as } then phrazed the road which carried our children and grandchildren to California a few days ago, I believe he himself ascribes his election to Congress. Of course I would not thus publicly allude, in his absence, to my congressional campaign with the governor, when we were both much younger men than we now are, were it not that I feel free to declare that, as a political antagonist, he was as fair as he was unyielding, and that in the subsequent history of the railroad which he had opposed as a con- gressional candidate, he made it all up and more, too, as our congressman elect. Although I am probably a trespasser beyond the line of a proper and considerate courtesy, I venture to add a few parting sentences in the reliance per chance that they may be worth remembering by the younger portion of this patient aud listening assembly.
I see before me old men and old women of all creeds, and what are called no creeds, of whom I ask no more, nor they of me, than as Jehu asked of Jehonadab, is thine heart right? This much conceded, as under the old dispensation, then forbid him not of Christ, has sufficiently suf- ficed us for this present dispensation, and it is believed, I incur no risk in assuming, that the older we grow and the more we reflect, the more' and more we have of reciprocal charity the less and less of reciprocal bigotry. It but naturally follows such premises as these that " repent- ance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ" is all we require of each other on the score of Christian fellowship.
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HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
In respect to the neighborhood, a social requirement of these old settlers, such men (turning to Colonel Switzler) as the old sachems who were looked up to in the early settlement of our old County of Howard -if a man was brave to always tell the truth and stand well up to it in a fight, his children could marry with the children of neighbor- hood aristocracies and so it is with the present day. But as Keitt said of the cock of South Carolina, who was loud in a crow but bashful in a fight, even the pullets had too much consideration for themselves and their posterity to run with them. Farewell, old settlers, and if forever farewell, we have the consciences to feel in parting (perhaps for the last time), that we have not only been faithful and true to each other, whether as friends or adversaries, but that in the public employment which has fallen to us, we have faithfully served our country; that we have never wronged her, and that in that respect we will be ready to meet the final inquiries of the Judge of all the earth. Farewell, old settlers, farewell.
CHAPTER XXIX.
OFFICIAL RECORD.
CIRCUIT JUDGES.
C. F. Ryland, Austin A. King, David R. Atchison, Henderson Young, George W. Dunn, Austin A. King, George W. Dunn, Walter King, Philander Lucas and George W. Dunn, present incumbent, term expiring 1886.
COUNTY COURT JUDGES.
1833 to 1834-John P. Smith, Stephen Jones and Archibald Elliott.
1834 to 1837-John Biggerstaff, Stephen Jones and Washington Huf- faker.
1837 to 1838-Weston Everett, John Biggerstaff and Stephen Jones. 1838 to 1839-John Biggerstaff, Stephen Jones and Clark Stephens.
1839 to 1846-John Biggerstaff, Lorenzo J. Froman and Clark Ste- phens.
1846 to 1847 -John Biggerstaff, Clark Stephens and Joseph Baxter. 1847 to 1848-Joseph Baxter, Clark Stephens and James Dagley.
1848 to 1850-Joseph Baxter, James Dagley and G. W. Culver. 1850 to 1851-Clark Young, John S. Johnson and Jacob N. Brawner. 1851 to 1852 Jacob N. Brawner, John S. Johnson and Robert Dillard.
1852 to 1854-Jacob N. Brawner, John S. Johnson and James W. Kirkpatrick.
1854 to 1858-Jacob N. Brawner, Joel Burnam and Daniel A. Stout. 1858 to 1859-Jacob N. Brawner, Joel Burnam and Rich. C. Lindsay.
1859 to 1861 J. C. Scott, Benj. F. Willis and James R. Coffman. 1861 to 1862-J. C. Scott, Thomas F. Viglini and Benj. F. Willis.
1862 to 1863-Thomas F. Viglini, James E. Young and David P. McKissick.
, 1863 to 1864- James E. Young, Thomas F. Viglini and David Cooper. 1864 to 1865-James E. Young, David Cooper and Robert Johnson.
1865 to 1866 -- David Cooper, Jackson Estes and Jacob Estep. 1866 to 1868 A. D. Stone, David Cooper and Jackson Estes. 1868 to 1869 -- A. D. Stone, David Cooper and J. G. Fitch. 1869 to 1870-David Cooper, J. G. Fitch and Francis D. Phillips. 1870 to 1871-Francis D. Phillips, E. T. Walker and J. G. Fitch.
502
THESTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
1871 to 1874-Charles Young, J. G. Fitch (resigned 1873) and B. C. Stokes.
1874 to 1878 -- James E. Young, county and probate judge.
1878 to 1880-W. H. Lott holding over. During this latter year the county was divided into two districts. Berryman Shafer was made judge of the first district and A. W. Frederick judge of the second district.
1880 to 18-WV. H. Lott, Berryman Shafer and Hiram Smith, Jr.
PROBATE JUDGES.
The County Court Justices had charge of all Probate matters until 1872, at which time Courts of Probate were established.
1873 to 1875-Thomas J. Porter, Judge. In 1875 the County Court Justices again had jurisdiction of all Probate matters until January 1879. 1875 to 1879-James E. Young, Presiding Justice and Probate Judge. 1879 to 1880-Milton M. McPhetridge.
1880 to 1883-Virgil R. Porter.
CIRCUIT COURT CLERK.
1833 to 1835 Richard R. Rees. Mr. Rees resigned August 31, 1835. Henry F. Mitchell was appointed clerk pro tem. in 1835, and died in December 1836.
1836 to 1839-Solomon Kimsey.
1839 to 1840-Cyrus Hubbard.
1840 to 1857 -- Winslow Turner.
1857 to 1862-Moses Shoemaker.
1862 to 1864-William J. Biggerstaff, appointed.
1864 to 1871-William L. Birney.
1871 to 1875 Thomas G. Barton.
1875 to 1879-Edward W. Turner.
1879 to 1883-David H. Lindsay.
RECORDERS.
The clerks of the county court were recorders till August, 1874, at which time Antoine G. Craig was appointed recorder by Governor Silas Woodson. He is the present incumbent, his term of office expiring the Ist day of January, 1883.
COUNTY COURT CLERKS.
1833 to 1835- Richard R. Rees. Mr. Rees tendered his resignation August 31, 1835.
1835 to 1836 -Henry F. Mitchell was appointed clerk pro tem. at the August term of the court, 1835, and died in December, 1836.
503
HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
1836 to 1839-Solomon Kimsey. 1839 to 1840-Cyrus Hubbard.
1840 to 1857-Winslow Turner. 1857 to 1862~ Moses Shoemaker. 1862 to 1865-W. P. Hooper.
1865 to 1866-Jeremiah V. Bassett.
1866 to 1867-Charles W. Porter.
1867 to 1871- - George Essig.
1871 to 1875-M. S. Peters.
1875 to 1883-George R. Riley.
SHERIFFS.
1833 to 1836-Thompson Smith.
From July 11, 1836, to September 17, 1836-Elijah Jackson.
1836 to 1838-S. B. Taylor.
1838 to 1839-M. B. Ballem.
From March, 1839, to August, 1839-Levi Thatcher ; John Harsell sheriff pro tem 1839 ; D. H. Randolph appointed 1839. 1839 to 1842-Littleton S. Roberts.
1842 to 1846-George Funkhouser.
1846 to 1850- John Steel. 1850 to 1853 - Robert Greer.
1853 to 1854 Jeremiah Tillery.
1854 to 1856 John Steel.
1856 to 1858-George W. Winn.
1858 to 1860 John Steel.
1860 to 1864 William L. Ferguson.
1864 to 1867 -George Funkhouser.
1867 to 1869-Francis D. Phillips.
1869 to 1873-Milton M. McPhetridge.
1873 to 1877 - William F. Davis.
1877 to 1881-John M. Payne.
1881 to 1883-Michael S. Allgaier.
TREASURERS.
1833 to 1834-John Biggerstaff. 1834 to 1835- Elijah P. Howell. (Howell resigned in December, 1835.)
1835 to 1840-James H. Long. (Resigned June, 1840.) 1840 to 1851-Dr. N. F. Essig. 1851 to 1852- Henry Essig. 1852 to .1856- Charles W. Porter.
504
HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
1856 to 1860-George Funkhouser.
1860 to 1864-Oliver H. Jackson. 1864 to 1865 - Nathan M. Vance. 1865 to 1867- O. P. Riley. 1867 to 1869- J. F. Harrington.
1869 to 1873-O. P. Riley. 1873 to 1883-George P. Funkhouser.
COLLECTORS.
1833 to 1834- Washington Huffaker.
1834-Thompson Smith, (resigned in May 1834).
1834 to 1836- Richard Miller.
1836 to 1837-James Hall.
1837 to 1839-S. B. Taylor.
1839 to 1842-Littleton S. Roberts.
1842 to 1846 George Funkhouser.
1846 to 1850-John Steel.
1850 to 1853-Robert Greer.
1853 to 1854-Jeremiah Tillery.
1854 to 1856-John Steel.
1856 to 1858-George W. Winn.
1858 to 1860-John Steel. 1860 to 1864 -- William Ferguson.
1864 to 1867-George Funkhouser.
1867 to 1869-Francis D. Phillips.
1869 to 1873-Milton M. McPhetridge.
1873 to 1875-Washington Iluffaker.
1875 to 1877-James J. Osborn.
1877 to 1881 William F. Davis.
1881 to 1883-John N. Payne.
Prior to 1873 the sheriffs were the collectors.
ASSESSORS.
1833 to 1834-Elijah Fry. 1834 to 1835 -- Benjamin F. Wilkerson. 1835 to 1836-Jonathan Stone.
1836 to 1838-David Shelton.
1838 to 1839 -- Tobias Miller. 1839 to 1841-William Reynolds.
1841 to 1845-James M. Howell.
1845 to 1847-Washington Huffaker.
1847 to 1850-Milton A. Weldon. 1850 to 1852-James P. Halsell,
505
HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
1852 to 1857-Manford Lancaster.
1857 to 1859-The court laid the county off into four assessment districts : Ewen C. Hale, assessor Ist district ; Middleton Vaughn, asses- sor 2d district ; L. J. Froman, assessor 3d district ; Washington Huffa- ker, assessor 4th district.
1859 to 1860-Richard P. Lindsay, assessor Ist district ; George M. Whitson, assessor 2d district ; William P. Gibson, assessor 3d district ; Wesley Munkers, assessor 4th district.
1860 to 1861-Wesley Munkers.
1861 to 1862-James Christman.
1862 to 1863-William P. Gibson.
1863 to 1864-William L. Ferguson.
1864 to 1866-Miranda C. Riley.
1866 to 1868-Lilburn H. Eve. 1868 to 1870-Charles A. Leibrandt.
1870 to 1872-Sherman J. Waful.
1872 to 1874-John Downey.
1874 to 1878-H. Whittington.
1878 to 1882-Richard C. Rigg.
SURVEYORS.
1841 to 1846-Donald M. McDonald.
1846 to 1867-G. W. Osburn. (Continued by appointment till 1867.)
1867 to 1872-A. J. Everly.
1872 to 1875-George W. Osburn.
1875 to 1876-Joseph M. Williamson.
1876 to 1883-A. J. Everly.
COUNTY ATTORNEYS.
1832 to 1874-Joseph M. Lowe. 1874 to 1878-Roland Hughes.
1878 to 1882-Joseph M. Lowe. Prior to the year 1872, there were no County Attorneys except by appointment of the County Court. The office was filled by the Circuit Attorneys, among whom were Amos Rees, George W. Dunn, Mordacai Oliver, D. C. Allen, Aaron Conrow. WVm. M. Esteb, Peter H. Burnett and John G. Woods.
REPRESENTATIVES.
Thompson Smith, Littleton S. Roberts, Thomas C. Birch, - Bax- ter, John T. Hughes, Thomas E. Turney, Winslow Turner, John Steel. John M. Mooreland, Jacob Estep, John M. McMichael, Edward WV. Turner, James E. Hughes, George W. Davis, Alexander Cook, James E. Jones.
SENATORS.
James H. Birch, Jr., W. W. Bland.
PART II.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
CONCORD TOWNSHIP AND THE CITY OF PLATTSBURG
M. S. ALLGAIER,
Sheriff of Clinton County, is a native of Kentucky, having been born in Scott County January 1, 1828. His primary education was obtained in the common schools, after which he clerked in a tin and hardware store. He subsequently attended Georgetown Baptist College and Beardstown College, in Nelson County, but did not complete his entire course. In the spring of 1855, he emigrated to Kansas, locating at Leavenworth, where he remained until 1857, when he removed to Missouri, and took up his abode at Weston, Platte County. There he engaged in the gro- cery business, continuing until September, 1861, when he entered the Confederate army as private, under Captain Spratt, at Platte City, and was afterwards with General Shelby in Arkansas and Texas, and in the latter state was made captain. He started for Mexico with General Shelby, but under President Johnson's proclamation returned home. He participated in many hard-fought battles, and was twice slightly wounded. Upon coming home he engaged in farming on Section 10, of Lafayette Township, and still owns this farm of 293 acres. In 1878, he was a candidate for the State Legislature, but was defeated by three votes, his opponent being Mr. Alexander C. Cook. In 1880, he was elected Sheriff of Clinton County, and in the discharge of his duties gives universal satisfaction. In December, 1849, he was married to Miss Hattie Anderson, a native of Clark County, Kentucky, born in 1838. They have three children living. Their son Charles, was thrown from his horse in 1863, and had his neck broken. Federal troops frightened
4
BIOGRAPHICAL.
the animal, with the above result. Mrs. A. died August 14, 1855. Mr Allgaier's second marriage occurred on the third of May, 1859, to Miss Amanda Williams, of Platte County, Missouri. They have had a family ot ten children, of whom seven survive. He is a member of the Knights of Honor.
C. ANDERSON,
contractor and builder, is a native of Norway, and was born March 14, 1835. He came to America with his parents when young, locating in Chicago, Illinois, there being reared, educated and also learned the car- penter trade. In 1858, he went to Leavenworth, Kansas, pursuing his trade at that point until 1860, when he became a resident of Platte County, Missouri. Remaining there for a time, he returned to Leaven- worth, and was identified with the building interests of the city until after the war, when he again removed to Platte County, locating near New Market, where he made his home until July, 1870, then becoming a resident of Plattsburg. He has superintended the construction of and built many substantial and attractive edifices in Clinton County and Northwestern Missouri, among which are the public schools of Plattsburg and Chillicothe. There are few citizens who have manifested a more live interest in the advancement of, or contributed more freely to the progress of Plattsburg than Mr. A. Soon after coming here he built his residence, and the two-story brick edifice now occupied by Mr. Barnes as a furniture establishment, over which is the I. O. O. F. Hall, and which for a time was occupied by the Masons. In 1878, he was elected Mayor of the city, and in 1879, he was re-elected to the same position. Mr. A. is a fair illustration of what can be accomplished where there is a will to execute. Thrown upon his own resources when fifteen years of age, he has by industry and economy attained to a well-merited success. In 1864, at Leavenworth, he joined the I. O. O. F., and while a member of that body held several important offices in the Lodge and Encampment. At New Market, Platte County, he built the I. O. O. F. Hall, and estab- lished the Order. In 1878, he became a member of the Lodge in Plattsburg, and during his connection therewith has held the offices of Secretary and Treasurer. He has been a Representative to the Grand Lodge from the Thirtieth District, and has recently been appointed by the Grand Master as Lodge Deputy for Plattsburg. In 1868, at New Market, he became a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. A. has been twice married ; first, in 1861, to Miss Mary Polk, by whom he had five children-George, Kittie, Nettie, Willie and Nannie. Mrs. A.'s death occurred in 1875. In 1876, Miss Mollie Ward, of Chillicothe, became his wife. They have four children-Letha, Bertina, Clara H., and an infant.
5
CONCORD TOWNSHIP.
J. H. BENNETT,
hardware dealer, is a native of Virginia, having been born at Harper's Ferry June 14, 1841. His paternal ancestors came from England, and were among the early settlers of the Shenandoah Valley. The subject of this sketch spent his early days in tilling the soil, and in 1856, with the family, came to Missouri, locating northeast of Plattsburg, in Clin- ton County, where he engaged in farming. In 1859, his father died, leaving, besides his widow, nine children. J. H. being the eldest, the responsibility of their care rested upon him, but he accepted the situa- tion willingly and performed his duty faithfully. The carpenter trade, of which he is very proficient, was learned by him in Clinton County. This he followed for many years, erecting a number of the substantial structures in Plattsburg. His hardware and implement trade, which is one of the largest in the county, is steadily on the increase. Mr. Ben- nett has been twice married. In 1862 he was first married to Mollie Brown, now deceased. The result of this union was one son, Charlie. His present wife is L. P. Arnold, of West Virginia ; they have one son, Arnold. He is a Deacon in the Missionary Baptist Church, and is a member of the A. O. U. W.
SIMON BICKEL,
farmer and stock raiser, section 33, post office Lathrop. Among the younger class of successful farmers may be mentioned the subject of this sketch. He is a native of Indiana, and was born in Elkhart County, October 30, 1852. He was raised in the occupation he has since followed, and emigrated to Missouri in 1870, settling in this county. He was married in 1876 to Miss Emma Ellwood, a lady in every particular worthy of him. Their family consists of two children, Rollo E. and Georgie O. They are members of the Methodist Church.
S. G. BIGGERSTAFF,
one of Clinton County's pioneers, as well as one of its most respected citi- zens, is a native of Kentucky, and was born in Monroe County, on the Cumberland River, August 20, 1808. His father, Aaron, was a flat- boatman on that river for many years. The subject of this sketch was raised and educated in his native State, following the pursuits of agricul- ture. In 1830, he married Miss Amanda L. Gee, then in her fifteenth year, and in 1831, with his young wife, started for Missouri in a cart. His live stock consisted of a team of horses and a yoke of oxen, his financial resources amounting to $200. On the 15th of October of that year, he staked his tent where the town of Gower now stands in Clinton County. He entered 160 acres a short distance southeast of that point
6
BIOGRAPHICAL.
near the Buchanan County line, and commenced the career of a pioneer farmer. After a residence of four years, he sold out and bought a farm south of Casteel Creek, remaining a few years, when he returned and purchased his old place, and also some additional land, making a farm of 300 acres. His next move was north of Plattsburg, where he pur- chased the farms of Judge Biggerstaff, Mr. Stow and J. H. Trice, a tract of land amounting to 500 acres, on which he resided three or four years, when he sold out and bought from J. T. Hughes 920 acres close to Plattsburg, which he soon after disposed of and purchased the Culver farm, south of Casteel Creek. During these times he was one of the largest agriculturists in the Northwest, owning a number of slaves, and was reputed to be worth upwards of $40,000. Upon the outbreak of the war he was deprived of half his wealth by the loss of slaves, and other drawbacks. After a residence of four years on the last mentioned place, Mr. B. came to Plattsburg and engaged in the livery business extensively. After a few years he embarked in the grocery trade, and has since been engaged in business, with the exception of one year spent in agricultural pursuits, having traded his livery for a farm. Thus we have traced the changes of one of Clinton County's representative men, and one who has contributed amply to its substantial development. Few men are more widely and popularly known. He is a gentleman in every sense of the word. Has a well stored mind and an excellent memory. Mrs. Biggerstaff died in 1865. His present wife was Mrs. . Sarah J. Halsel. By his first marriage he had ten children, seven of whom are living-Martina, Willie Ann, John S., George W., Henrietta, Zachary T. and Mary Marcella. Lost three-Josephine, James M. and William C.
WV. L. BIGGERSTAFF,
farmer and stock raiser, section 26, post office Plattsburg. This gentle- man ranks among Clinton County's most prominent and progressive citizens. He is a native of Kentucky, and was born in Monroe County, March 28, 1816. His father, William, was a well to do farmer of that county, and W. L. spent his youthful days in agricultural pursuits. After attaining his majority, he embarked in mercantile pursuits in Center Point, where for several years he was postmaster, and also for a time was in trade at Tompkinsville. In 1857, he came to Clinton County, Missouri, and purchased the farm where he now resides, and has contri- buted much towards the development of that locality. The celebrated Plattsburg Springs are situated on his land, and much credit is due Mr. B. for his untiring attention and liberal contribution towards making this a delightful summer resort. His estate consists of 235 acres of choice land. In 1843, Miss Ruth Holman, of Overton County, Tennessee, became his wife. They have had eight children, six of whom are living
7
CONCORD TOWNSHIP.
-- Mary, Permelia, Martha, Sarah, Levina and Ruth. Two are deceased, Nancy and William. Mrs. Biggerstaff's death occurred in February, 1864. The subject of this sketch is a member of the Christian Church.
G. T. BIGGERSTAFF,
farmer and stock raiser. Among the old pioneers of this county the subject of this sketch occupies a prominent position. He is a native of Kentucky, having been born October 30, 1818, and was raised in the occupation he has since followed. His father, William, was an old set- tler of Kentucky, and was closely identified with the agricultural inter- ests of his district. His death occurred September 10, 1831. G. T. emigrated to the State of Missouri in 1843, and settled where he now resides. He has been, for years, one of our successful and practical farmers and stock raisers, and has done much toward making this county what it is. He was married, August 15, 1839, to Miss Sarah T. Bedford, also a native of Kentucky. By this marriage they have eight children : William B., Thomas J., Rebecca T., Joseph L., James H., John B., Peter F. and Stephen H. Mr. B. is a member of the Masonic Order. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. He was one of the orig- inal members of the first church built in this county, which was known as the "Old Log Church."
J. B. BIGGERSTAFF,
dealer in horses and mules, is one of the well known business men of Plattsburg, and one who has been closely identified with its growth. He was born in Monroe County, Kentucky, April 5, 1823. His father, William, was a native of that state, and an agriculturist. J. B. spent his early days in his native state, where he was educated, and resided until 1842, when he came to Clinton County, locating in Plattsburg. He learned the blacksmith trade, and, when he had completed it, engaged in business for himself, and erected for his shop the brick structure on the northeast corner of Main and Broadway Streets. At the breaking out of the war, he had several smiths employed, and was doing a lucra- tive business ; was owner of a number of slaves, and by the rebellion lost $15,000. After the war he engaged in the stock trade, in which he was favorably known over a vast area of territory. Mr. B. is a man who has had a wide and varied experience in business, and is endowed with rare good sense and a well balanced mind. He came to Plattsburg a penniless young man, and, by his habits of industry, economy and good management, placed himself among the substantial men of the county. He was married, in Liberty, Clay County, Missouri, in 1849, to Miss Mary E. Collins. Both Mr. and Mrs. Biggerstaff are connected with the Christian Church.
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