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 58
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80
ALEXANDER MCWILLIAMS,
justice of the peace, was born in Belmont County, Ohio, December 13, 1818. His father, Abraham, was a farmer and an early settler in the Buckeye State. The McWilliams are of Irish ancestry. In 1836, the family removed to Guernsey County, Ohio, where the elder McWilliams engaged in the milling business, and the subject of this skecth was also identified with the same industry for a number of years. He was, also, justice of the peace, and for several terms was deputy sheriff under William Birch. In 1855, he migrated to Washington County, Ohio, and engaged in agricultural pursuits, continuing until the spring of 1866, when he came to Missouri, locating in Clinton County. He followed farming for several years, and in the spring of 1870, engaged in the drug trade in Plattsburg. In the Autumn of 1874, he was elected justice of the peace, the duties of which office he has administered with credit to himself and satisfactorily to the public. Upwards of one thousand cases have been before him, and in every instance of those appealed, his decisions were confirmed by the circuit court. He has a host of friends, where known, throughout the county. He has been twice mar- ried. First, in 1842, to Miss Charlotte Van Sant. They had seven chil- dren, five of whom are living : W. E., Albert A., Samuel S., Mary E., and Suetta E. Lost two : Mary T. and Maggie E. Mrs. McW. died in 1870. His present wife was Eliza E. Freland. By the latter union they have one daughter, Emma. Himself and wife are members of the Pres- byterian Church.
S. H. McWILLIAMS,
section 21, post office, Plattsburg, is a representative farmer and stock raiser of this district, and deserves special mention. He is a native of Kentucky, and was born October 23, 1830. In 1854, he emigrated to this state, settling in Jackson County, and, after a lapse of two years, removed to this county, and settled where he now resides. He has 140
46
BIOGRAPHICAL.
acres of land, which will compare favorably with any in the county, and most of which is under cultivation. He has a good residence. During the late war he was captain of the Missouri State Guard, First Regi- ment, Fourth Division, and served ten months in the Confederate ser- vice. Mr. McWilliams was married August 14, 1860, to Miss Nancy E. McCorkel. They have had seven children : Lillie D., Robert E., Jere- miah N., Mary A., Susan, Bettie now deceased), and Willie. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, also a member of the Protective Association. He also belongs to the Baptist Church, while his wife worships with the Christian denomination.
R. MALONE,
proprietor of the St. Cloud Hotel, is a native of Missouri, and was born in Mercer County, May 20, 1850. His father, A. B., was one of the pioneers of Mercer County, and the subject of this sketch was there reared, edu- cated and made his home until he attained his nineteenth year, when he went to the mountains, and followed mining, for five years. Returning to Mercer County, Missouri, he remained for a time, and then moved to Decatur County, Iowa, and eventually located at Eagleville, Harrison County, Missouri, where he was well known to the traveling public, for two years, as landlord of the Central Hotel. On the 14th of August, 1881, he assumed the proprietorship of the St. Cloud, which has been gain- ing in popularity, and promises to rank among the foremost in the west. Mr. M. knows the wants of the travelers, and is constantly on the alert for their comforts. He was married in 1872, to Miss Maggie McKiney, of Illinois, an estimable lady, and an excellent manager of household affairs. They have two children, Minnie M. and Ninnie N. Mr. M. is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
A. C. MILLER,
now deceased, was long known as a representative farmer of this district. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born September 13, 1833. He was raised to manhood in his native state, and in 1869, emigrated to Missouri, and settled where the family now reside. He was married to Miss Susan Hasler February 19, 1858. They had eight children : Samuel A., Henry E., Isaac B., William I., Franklin A., Edwin D., Susan E. and Cornelius E. Mr. M.'s death occurred October 19, 1876. Mrs. Miller, since her husband's death, with the assistance of her children, has suc- cessfully managed the home farm, which is on section three. She has 160 acres of good land, all of which they cultivate. They are members of the German Baptist Church.
47
CONCORD TOWNSHIP.
JOHN W. MORELAND,
farmer and stock raiser, section 27. John W. Moreland, Sr., was well known among the pioneer citizens of Clinton County. He Came to Missouri, in 1849, and to Plattsburg in 1855. He was a harness maker by trade, and was associated with that branch of business for many years. His death occurred in 1876. Few of the early settlers were more respected, or their loss as sincerely regretted. His son, John W., Jr., was born in St. Charles County, Missouri, April 2, 1840, and came to Clinton County with his parents, in 1855, where he has since made his home, devoting the greater portion of the time to the pursuits of agri- culture. In 1867, he located on his present farm, which consists of ninety-eight acres, in a good state of cultivation, and situated two miles southwest of Plattsburg. He was married in 1860, to Miss Frances A. Baggs, of Clinton County, a native of Kentucky. By this union they have ten children : John W., James H., Mary E., Robert L., Charles. Cordelia, Archie, Mattie, Ollie, and Eugene. Himself and family are members of, and contributors to the Missionary Baptist Church.
O'CONNOR BROTHERS,
dealers in dry goods, groceries and notions, Plattsburg, commenced busi- ness in 1880, and although among the more recent acquisitions to the business interests of this city, have, from the first, taken a prominent place. They are honest, capable, straightforward merchants, and have built up their trade and secured a large patronage by honorable and fair dealing. The firm is composed of John W. and Bartholomew O'Connor, sons of Cornelius O'Connor, one of Clinton County's prominent farmers. They were born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, the former in 1856, and the latter in 1858. At an early day the family removed to Illinois, where they spent their youth and received their education, and in 1876 became residents of Clinton County.
JOHN N. PAYNE,
county collector, is a native of Missouri, having been born in Clay County in October, 1844. He was brought up on a farm, attended the common schools, and in March, 1853, took up his residence in Clinton County. During the late war, the father of Mr. Payne was murdered, June 4, 1863, by a detachment of Union soldiers. John N. removed west, and for two years made his home in Montana. In the spring of 1872, he commenced in the live stock business, at St. Louis, Missouri, continuing for eighteen months. Mr. P. was elected sheriff of this county in 1876, and held that position until 1880, when he was elected collector. In March, 1881, he entered upon the duties of his office. In December,
48
BIOGRAPHICAL.
1873, he was married to Miss Permelia Biggerstaff, a native of Kentucky. Mr. Payne is a Sir Knight in the Masonic Order, and belongs to Platte Lodge No. 13, A. O. U. W. He is a member of the Christian Church.
CHARLES PENNOYER,
proprietor of the Central Meat Market. One of the pioneers of Jackson County, Missouri, was Mr. John Pennoyer. His son, Charles, was born in that county, at what was known as New Santa Fe, October 7, 1849. The same year, the father went to California with the multitude of forty- niners, and died, the same year, in the Golden State. When Charles was fourteen years of age, with his mother, he came to Clinton County, locating a mile from Plattsburg. Here he was educated, and has since resided. For a number of years, he was engaged in the stock trade, and, in this branch, is well and popularly known in Clinton and adjoin- ing counties. In 1879, he embarked in the butchering business. The Central is one of the most popular markets in the county, and, Mr. P., as a knight of the cleaver, caters to the people in a universally satisfactory manner. He married, in 1874, Miss Emma Henderson, of Clinton County. They have three children : Stella, Pearl and Charles Tipton. Himself and family are members of the Christian Church.
F. D. PHILLIPS.
postmaster, was born in Ireland, near Skillen, in February, 1828, there receiving but a moderate education. After following farming until 1853, he emigrated to America, landing at New York, and from there went to Carroll County, Ohio, where he remained four years. For one year, he made his home in Topeka, Kansas, and then removed to Clinton County, Missouri, locating on a farm. In 1866, he moved into Plattsburg, and the same year, was elected sheriff, and also collector, holding the posi- tion for two years. Mr. Phillips served as county judge for over one year, filling the unexpired term of A. D. Stone. In 1873, he was appointed postmaster, which position he has since continued to fill. He is the owner of a farm of 465 acres, well improved, and is quite an extensive dealer in short horn stock. He was married in May, 1858, to Mary E. Atwell, a native of Ireland. They have had eight children, six of whom survive. Mr. P. was in the state militia, for about three years. He is a Mason, a member of the I. O. O. F., and belongs to the M. E. Church.
S. G. POLK,
an extensive carpenter and contractor, was born in Scott County, Ken- tucky, November 21, 1840. His father, Daniel, was a native of Kentucky and his grandfather of Maryland, being of the same family as President
49
CONCORD TOWNSHIP
James K. Polk. The subject of this sketch spent his early days and learned his trade in his native state, and resided for a number of years in Frankfort. The elder Polk was a contractor and carpenter, and for a time was proprietor of a saw mill. S. G. adopted and learned the car- penter trade, residing in Kentucky until 1858, when he came to Missouri, locating in Platte County. After remaining four years, he removed to Fort Scott, Kansas, and for twelve years was a prominent carpenter and contractor in that city. He next went to Chicago, where for a time was proprietor of a tannery, after which St. Louis became his home. In 1877, he left there and became a citizen of Plattsburg. During the rebellion he tendered his severices to the Union cause, enlisting in Kansas, in the Ninth Wisconsin Volunteers, serving one year. He par- ticipated at the battle of Baxter Springs and other notable engagements. In 1865, Miss Nancy Russell became his wife. They have five children -Carrie, Mary, Oscar, Jessie and Frank. Mr. Polk is a thoroughly skilled workman and a man well read. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and Grand Encampment of Kansas.
JUDGE VIRGIL ROE PORTER,
the fifth of a family of nine children, five sons and four daughters, was born in Greenville, the seat of Darke County, Ohio, December 10, 18.45. His father, Jesse J. Porter, a silversmith by trade, was a native of Long Island, New York, who moved to Ohio in 1828. His mother's maiden name was Marion Margaret Fowler. She was born in the city of New York. Virgil R. Porter enjoyed exceedingly limited opportunities of early education ; indeed, may be said to have been self-educated. Such instruction as he received he acquired in Sidney, the seat of Shelby County, Ohio, during the period of less than one year. Shortly after mastering his father's trade of silversmithing, he entered a dry goods and furnishing store, only working at his trade at nights. He has been, during the greater part of his life, engaged in mercantile pursuits. In the fall of 1862, he enlisted in the Ninety-ninth Ohio Regiment, at Camp Lyma, Ohio. At the end of six months, he was discharged in conse- sequence of disability superinduced by fever. He then removed to the State of Indiana, settling in Marion, the seat of Grant County, where he sold goods for Jason Cary. Again taken sick, he went to Chicago, thence to Burlington, Iowa, arriving November 19, 1863. December 24. following, he found himself in Leon, Iowa, where he engaged in selling goods for Seth Richards & Co. December 26, two days after his arrival, he was arrested as a copperhead, and taken to Fort Des Moines, where, however, he was immediately released. Returning to Leon, he con- tinued to sell goods till May, 1868. During this period, while engaged as a clerk, he also carried on, by deputy, the silversmith business, in
D
50
BIOGRAPHICAL.
which he also worked at nights. In consequence of ill-health, he sold out in May, and in August, 1868, started for Colorado. Stopping on his way in Plattsburg, Missouri, where he had a brother, Judge Thomas J. Porter, a prominent Democrat of the county, he was persuaded to remain, and accepted a clerkship in the dry goods house of Moore & Whitting- ton, where he remained from September 15, 1868, to the following spring, when he bought out the interest of Moore, and continued the business under the style of Hooper, Porter & Co., till August, 1871, when they sold out to Lyons, Winn & Co. He then engaged in the fire insurance business till the fall of 1872, when he accepted a clerkship in the house of Lyons & Conner, with whom he remained till February, 1, 1874. He then engaged in traveling for Schuster, Ketcham & Co., of St. Joseph. September 1, 1875, he opened a clothing and furnishing store in Platts- burg, which he conducted till April 1, 1877, when he sold out. In the meantime, in 1870, he was elected treasurer of the city of Plattsburg. In 1872, he was appointed deputy collector, under M. M. McPhetridge. In August, 1876, he accepted the appointment of deputy circuit clerk, under Ed. W. Turner, a position which he held till January 1, 1879. November 15, 1877, he took a trip through the southern states, arriving on his return home April 1, 1878. November 20, 1880, he was appointed by Governor John S. Phelps, Judge of the Probate Court of Clinton County, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of M. M. McPhetridge. Prior to this appointment, he filled the office of clerk of said court. He also engaged in the insurance business. August 31, 1868, he was introduced to Miss Florence May Turner, daughter of Col. Winslow Turner, in Plattsburg. Miss Turner was the first lady whose acquaintance he made after his arrival in the state. They were married July 26, 1876, and have two children, Virgilia May, born in Dallas, Texas, December 19, 1877, and Edward Winslow, born May 27, 1881. In poli- tics, Judge Porter has always been a Democrat. In 1878, he was nomi- nated by the National Greenbackers as a candidate for the office of cir- cuit clerk in Clinton County, but he declined to accept the nomination. Mrs. Porter is a lady of rare literary attainments and a popular writer.
C. W. PORTER,
banker, Plattsburg, was born in Danville, Caledonia County, Vermont, January 14, 1821. His father, Aaron Porter, was engaged in mercantile pursuit, but in later years was a farmer. The youth of C. W. was spent in his native State. In 1849, he drifted westward, and, while stopping in St. Louis, formed the acquaintance of Thomas McMichael, then a mer- chant of Plattsburg, Missouri. Mr. McM. was in need of a clerk, and becoming favorably impressed with the subject of this sketch, prevailed upon him to come to Plattsburg and enter his employ. This was in the
5 [
CONCORD TOWNSHIP.
spring of 1850. After remaining in his employ four years, he became clerk for Thomas E. Birch, Mr. McM.'s successor, and in this capacity continued two years. He next entered the Land Office as clerk, and was soon register of that office, which position he held a few years ; pre- vious to this, however, he was county treasurer for two terms. After leaving the Land Office, Mr. P. was interested, for a time, in the real estate business, and then commenced his banking experience, which he discontinued during the war. In 1866, he resumed the banking business, conducting the same until 1872, when Mr. Funkhouser became interested with him. In a business point his life has been a grand success, and as a bus- iness man, has been upright, reliable and honorable, as an official, attentive and obliging but inflexible and unswerving in the discharge of his duty in all places, and under all circumstances he is loyal to truth, honor and right. He has always shown a worthy public spiritedness, and has heart- ily sympathized with all public improvements. In railroad, educational and other public enterprises, he has been prompt to act and efficient to work. For four years he served as mayor of the city. He was married, in 1859, to Miss Mary E. Funkhouser. Their family consists of four children, Charles L., Katie A., Lena V. and William A.
J. A. PORTER,
merchant, was born in Culpepper County, Virginia, November 27, 1837, and, with his parents, removed to Missouri when seven years of age, his father, Samuel S., locating in Clay County. There he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and there J. A. was raised, and resided, until 1858, when he removed to Hainesville, Clinton County, and engaged in clerk- ing in a mercantile establishment, remaining until 1861. Then he ten- dered his services to the Confederate cause, and, as orderly sergeant in Colonel Hughes' regiment, participated at the battles of Carthage and Springfield. At the latter engagement he met with a serious misfortune, being deprived of his left leg. Not being fitted for further military duty, he returned to Clay County, and, in 1864, engaged in merchandis- ing at Jacksonville, Illinois, remaining there about one year. In 1865, he embarked in trade at Hainesville. His circumstances were limited, but business soon increased, and by attending strictly to his calling, which has been the foundation of his success, he rose steadily, until he attained a position which ranks among the solid men of Northwest Mis- souri. In 1867, he established a branch store at Kearney, Clay County. In 1869, he moved his stock from Hainesville to Lathrop, and then con- tinued in trade until 1875, when he established his present business. In 1879, he bought the grocery store of Doniphan & Son, the store adjoining, and, for some time, has carried the largest general stock of goods in the county. Besides the branch store, at Kearney, he has had, at differ-
52
BIOGRAPHICAL.
ent periods, branch houses at Lawson, Clay Center, Holt and Polo, all of which have, of late, been discontinued, and the present firm of Porter, Swan & Co., are doing business only at Lathrop and Plattsburg. Their stock of dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes and notions, are unsurpassed in Northern Missouri, their annual sales being an indication of honora- ble dealing and a host of satisfied patrons. The subject of this sketch is of a genial disposition, and has attained a wide and well merited rep- utation as a first-class business man. On the 7th of May, 1872, Miss Bettie Gill, of Clay County, became his wife. They have one son, K. G. Himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church.
E. S. RANDOLPH,
manufacturer of saddles and harness, is a native of Virginia, was born on the 2nd of November, 1831. His father, Reuben, was a cabinet maker, by trade. In the spring of 1838, the family removed to Missouri, locat- ing in Plattsburg, where the elder Randolph engaged in the milling business, and in that capacity continued until the time of his demise, which occurred in 1844. His esteemed wife, Martha, the mother of the subject of this sketch, soon followed her husband. Thus passed away, two of Clinton County's early settlers. E. S. Randolph, when fourteen years of age, commenced to learn the harness and saddlery trade at Richmond, Ray County, and after its completion, he operated a shop for some time. In 1861, he went to Illinois, and worked as journeyman until 1866, when he became a resident of Plattsburg, and opened a shop, and has since done the largest business in the place, having a large num- ber of acquaintances, throughout Clinton and adjoining counties. He married in 1852, Miss Susan A. Bullock, of Richmond, Ray County, Mis- souri. They have three children : Lizzie, wife of T. J. Lee, of Colorado, David R. and Curtis. Mr. R. is a member of the I. O. O. F.
J. E. REYNOLDS,
farmer and stock raiser, section 27, post office Plattsburg, is a native of Tennessee, and was born August 9, 1830. At the age of five years he emigrated, with his father's family, to Missouri, settling in Clay County, where he was raised in the occupation he now follows. His father, J. W. Reynolds, was an old pioneer of this district, and a man who has been closely identified with the progressive interests of Clay County. The subject of this sketch has 160 acres of land, sixty-five of which are under cultivation. He has been twice married. First, to Miss Malinda Benton, by who he had two children, Mary F. and Laurinda J. Mrs. Reynold's death occured April 22, 1865, and he was again married, January 28, 1879, to Miss Mary A. T. Parvin. They have two children, Cynthia M. and an infant.
53
CONCORD TOWNSHIP.
RICHARD C. RIGG,
farmer, section 29, post office Plattsburg, was born in Shelby County, Kentucky, June 21, 1829, and received a good common English educa- tion. After leaving his native place he emigrated to Missouri, locating in Buchanan County November 21, 1848. He worked on a farm, and on the 21st of September, 1862, enlisted in the army; was made commissary of the First Missouri regiment commanded by Col. Gates; was captured at Vicksburg and paroled. He remained in service until Gen. Lee sur- rendered and then returned to Buchanan County and resumed the culti- vation of his farm. In 1870, he removed to his present location. He was elected assessor in 1878, served until 1880 and was again elected to the same position. He was also constable and school director for many years. Mr. Rigg owns 315 acres of improved land, with a good orchard, and upon his land is a fine sulphur spring. In 1850, he was married to Miss Nancy Taylor, a native of Anderson County, Kentucky. They were blessed with a family of eight children-Amanda J., Joseph C., Mary J., John C., Robert L., Lydia A., William A. and Lucy E., all of whom are living. Mr. R. is a Mason, a member of the A. O. U. W., a Good Templar and belongs to the Grange. He is also a member of the Missionary Baptist Church.
GEORGE R. RILEY
was born at Plattsburg, Clinton County, Missouri, April 6, 1845. He was the fourth of a family of seven children, five sons and two daugh- ters. His father, Henry O. Riley, a native of Virginia, moved with his parents, when two or three years of age, to Shelby County, Kentucky. He was among the early settlers of Clay County, and moved from Liberty to Clinton County in 1842. Here he continued to reside up to the period of his death, which occurred in 1864. The maiden name of his wife, the mother of the subject of this sketch, was Hannah Snapp. She was a native of Vincennes, Indiana. George R. Riley was educated in his native town. He begin his business career at the age of eighteen, as a clerk in the general store of Colonel Vance, in Plattsburg, in which position he continued three years. He then engaged in the drug business, continuing till '1874, when he was elected to the office of County Clerk, which he now (1881) holds, with the reputation of one of the most capable as well as most accommodating officials who ever filled that office in this or any other county. October, 1871, he married Miss Sallie Shoemaker, youngest daughter of Moses Shoemaker, of Plattsburg. They have three children : Mary, born August, 1873 ; Georgie, born September, 1876; and Horace, born February 1, 1881. Politically Mr. Riley has always been a Democrat.
54
BIOGRAPHICAL.
A. Y. ROBERTSON,
wool carder and owner of the Little Flour Mill, is a native of Pennsyl- vania, and was born December 29, 1842. He was there partially raised, after which he came west, and for a time was a resident of Illinois. In 1862, he enlisted in Company A, of the First Nevada Cavalry, and served in the United States army until July 12, 1866, when he was hon- orably discharged. After traveling through the western country, he soon became a resident of Plattsburg, where he has since been identified with its business interests. He erected a mill in close proximity to his present one, which he subsequently disposed of. The Little Flour Mill is well arranged and complete in all its appointments. As a wool carder, Mr. Robertson has but few equals in the west. He has attained a prominent position, and is known as the "Boss Carder." His busi- ness entends many miles either way from Plattsburg, and he is a public spirited, thorough going citizen. He married, in 1872, Miss Luella Brann, of Davis County, Iowa. Their family consists of two children, John and Virgil. Mr. R. is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
JOHN RYAN,
dealer in dry goods, groceries, notions, tinware, etc., is a native of Ire- land, and was born in County Tipperary, in 1842. He came to America with his parents, when comparatively young, locating in St. Law- rence County, New York, where his father, who was a shoe manufacturer, pursued his vocation, for a number of years. In 1862, the subject of this sketch, tendered his service to the Union caused, and enlisted in the Eighty-third New York Volunteer Infantry. He was taken prisoner at the Coal Harbor engagement, and after being an occupant of Libby for a time, was transferred to Andersonville, and there confined nine months, when he was exchanged. He participated in thirty-two engagements, and was honorably discharged, at the close of the rebellion. He returned to New York, and in 1866, came to Missouri, locating in Plattsburg. His resources were limited, and like many of our great and good men, of the present day, he commenced his business career, at the foot of the lad- der, starting out as a pack peddler. He soon had a wagon on the road, from which he dealt his goods, and was known for a number of years throughout Clinton and adjoining counties, as "Cheap John." In 1877, he opened his present store, which is well stocked with dry goods, gro- ceries, notions, etc. His trade is large, and on the increase. All enter- prises for the advancement of the town and county, are sure to receive Mr Ryan's hearty support. In 1861, he married Miss Julia Sullivan, an estimable lady of New York State. They have one daughter, Fannie. Mr. Ryan and family are members of the Catholic Church.
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.