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 60
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B. F. TRIMBLE,
stock raiser, post office, Plattsburg, has long been associated with the leading stock raisers of this state. He is a native of Kentucky, and was born in Clark County, January 20, 1845. His father, William, was a farmer, and a native of that state, and his grandfather, John, was a sol- dier in the Revolutionary War, under General Washington, and settled in Kentucky, after that memorable conflict, locating a homestead, by the land warrant, granted each soldier in that war. B. F. was raised in his native state receiving the benefits of a select school education. In 1867, he came to Missouri, locating in the northern part of Clay County, where he engaged in farming. His finances were then in a low condition, and his success in life is entirely due to his enterprising industry and good judgment. A portion of the time for two years, he followed school teaching. Upon locating in Clay County, Mr. Trimble was among the leaders, to introduce the animals that were destined to give this portion of Missouri, the enviable reputation it has attained, for fine stock. His first purchase was made in 1868, and kept increasing, as his means would justify, selecting only the best, from the most noted families entered on the Short Horned Record, and the American Stock Book. In 1877, he pur- chased an animal, of the Rose of Sharon tribe, at a cost of $2,400, which
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is considered by short horn fanciers to be one of the finest living. His stock embraces animals from the tribes Rose of Sharon, Marys, Princes, Phyllises and Canbros. In March 1881, Mr. T. removed from Clay County, where he owned a large tract of land, to his present farm, which adjoins Plattsburg, and is well adapted for stock raising. His barns and build- ings, are conveniently arranged, and complete in all their appointments. He was married in 1867, to Miss Fannie Henshaw. They have had three children : Frank, Willie and Lulu. Himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church. He is a Master Mason.
J. H. TRICE.
farmer and stock raiser, section 10, post office Plattsburg, was born in Cumberland County, Kentucky, February 15, 1816. His father, Tandy Trice, was an agriculturist. J. H. was raised, educated and resided in his native state until 1846, when Missouri attracted his attention, and in that year became a resident of Clinton County, locating three miles northeast of Plattsburg, being among the foremost to cultivate the soil of Concord Township. In 1854, he removed to his present homestead, which, at that time, consisted of 80 acres. He has been adding from time to time and his landed estate at present embraces 214 acres, well cultivated. Mr. T.'s success in life is entirely due to his own efforts of industry and good management. During his long sojourn in the county, he has been among the first to promote in all commendable enterprises the advancement of the public good. It was characteristic of Mr. T. at an early day when the memorable log church was in course of con- struction to subscribe $15, and his meagre circumstances obliged him, in order to raise that amount, to haul logs for one dollar per day and board himself. By similar acts, as his circumstances became better, his life down through the long course of years has been the same. He has been twice married, first in 1836, to Miss Permelia Biggerstaff, of Ken- tucky. They had three children, Pelina, Nancy and Samuel. Mrs. Trice's death, which occurred over a quarter of a century ago, deprived Clinton County of one of its estimable lady pioneers. His present wife was Miss Lizzie Baxter. Her father, Mr. James Baxter, was one of the early settlers of Northwestern Missouri, having assisted in building the first house in Clay County. Mr. and Mrs. T. have three children, Lizzie, Carrie and James. He is a member of the Christian Church.
COL. WINSLOW TURNER,
deceased, was a native of Massachusetts, and was born in Plymouth County, December 12, 1802. He was raised to manhood and educated in his native state. His ancestors were of English origin, and among the Puritans that came over at an early day, and located in Massachusetts.
E
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
In 1832, the subject of this sketch was a soldier in the United States Army, came west, and, after a tempory sojourn in different parts of Missouri, came to Plattsburg, which he made his home continually until his demise, which occurred March 5, 1874. Soon after his arrival in Plattsburg, he was appointed circuit clerk, clerk of the court and ex-offi- cio recorder. This important trust he discharged, creditably to him- self and to the entire satisfaction of his fellow citizens, for sixteen years. He was always to be found at his post of duty, genial and accommodat- ing, and his records, which, to-day, are in a well preserved condition, indicate care, precision and neatness. His popularity in this official capacity may be inferred from the fact, that when his name appeared on the ticket his election was assured. In 1857, he was appointed register of the land office, and held the position two years, and voluntarily resigned. In 1854, he was appointed, by President Pierce, on the Exam- ining Board of Cadets, at West Point, where he attended, and, about the same time, was a representative to the Grand Division of the Sons of Temperance, of which order he was a live and persistent worker. In 1858, he was elected to represent Clinton County in the State Legis- lature, and, for two years, he proved to be a diligent and faithful repre- sentative. At the expiration of his term in the Assembly, he virtually retired from political life, and devoted his attention to the practice of law, until his death. Politically, he was a staunch Democrat and life long advocate of the principles of the party. In Colonel Turner was centered all the sterling qualities which consti- tute an American citizen, being highly educated, and a mind well developed by the world's experience. The universal expression of all in whose memory he still lingers, is that as a man among men he had few,equals and no superiors. The following we condense from the Platts- burg Lever of March 13, 1874: "He was a man of the purest honor, and scorned everything that partook of the false and unreal. Of a pointed and emphatic nature, he pronounced his sentiments freely and fearlessly at all times, and under all circumstances. Not even in politics would he dissemble, or prevaricate, but in all things he was equally honest, equally sincere and pronounced. To friend or foe he was frank, manly, bold and unequivocal. When he believed, his belief was genuine, earnest and unwavering. He was guided by principle, and no question of policy could intervene to abate his advocacy of what he deemed right. He was firm in his convictions, and clung to them with the most persistent tenac- ity. He had but little admiration for expediencies, but loved and practiced consistency in all things. When Winslow Turner announced his support of a principle, or person, he was ever found on the right side. He was humane and liberal, and from his door the poor and needy never went without receiving beneficient alms. Many a poor widow, orphan and sufferer have felt the kindness of his liberality. His heart would
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melt at the recital of misery, and his impulse led him to the exercise of that generosity, which was a praiseworthy and commendable trait in his character. We remember him as a friend of Sunday Schools, and that he was one of their strong workers in his younger days. Thirty-four years a resident of the place, he was so intimately connected with every- thing concerning it, that the vacuum can never be filled. His death is not only a matter of great regret, but a severe calamity. Like some stately monarch of the forest, he has fallen, full of years, leaving behind a name and a record embellished by many noble deeds, and darkened by none of which his posterity and friends might be ashamed. We cannot forget your many kind words of admonition and encouragement, as we shall attempt to travel the same honest and honorable highway after you. The virtues which radiated in your life shall lighten up the way for others, and prompt them to imitation. His wife was Miss Emily Pollard, of Vermont; her mother was a Watter- man, her ancestry tracing to the first families of England, Edward, Earl of Clarendon, and also Chancellor Watworth. By this union they had four children, two of whom are living, Edward M. and Florence M., wife of Judge Virgil Porter.
HON. ED. W. TURNER,
attorney, is a son of Colonel Winslow Turner, and was born in Platts- burg, Missouri, where he spent his youthful days, and has since made his home. He was principally educated in Plattsburg, attended the Westminster College, one year, studied law in his father's office, and was admitted to the bar, in Clinton County. In 1870, he was elected by the Democratic party to the State Legislature, being the youngest rep- resentative in that honorable body. He made a diligent and faithful official, and secured a high reputation for his fidelity, to his constituents, and the satisfaction of the people generally. The party found in him an able advocate of their principles, and as a speaker, he is clear and argumentative, clothing his ideas in appropriate words, of which he has a ready command. In 1874, he was elected clerk of the circuit court, acting until 1878. Although Ed. is noted for geniality, kindly disposi- tion, and domestic inclination, he has not assumed the responsibilities of a benedict, but so far has passed his life in single blessedness. He is, in a large degree, possessed of the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens.
COL. NATHAN M. VANCE,
a prominent farmer, section 24, post office Plattsburg, was born in Garrett, Kentucky, May 10, 1810, and received a fair common school education. In the fall of 1833, he emigrated to Liberty, Clay County,
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
Missouri, and for two and a half years was occupied in clerking in the general store of Dr. Morse. July 6, 1836, he removed to Plattsburg and opened a general stock of goods, continuing this business until 1867, when he retired from active business life, in order to devote his atten- tion to his farm and the raising of stock. Previous to this, however, in 1864, he removed to Atchison, bought a store, and remained until the fall of 1865, when he returned to this county. In common with many others, he sustained serious loss during the war. Colonel V. has been twice married. First, April 26, 1840, to Miss Mary Jane Hughes, a native of Nicholsville, Kentucky, born March 12, 1821. Mrs. Vance died May 18, 1862, leaving seven children, three of whom are living. His second marriage occurred January 22, 1863, to Miss Anna Patton, a native of Missouri. During the war, Colonel Vance served as treasurer of this county by appointment. Upon first coming here, he had many hard- ships with which to contend. The Indians were numerous, but not very troublesome, their reservation being about ten miles out on the Platte Purchase. During the Mormon troubles, he was one of a committee to investigate the true state of affairs, and was made lieutenant colonel of battalion of militia. Colonel Vance has always taken an active part in promoting the interests and advancement of his county and city, and has laid off six additions to Plattsburg.
DR. J. H. WEST,
dentist and druggist, is a native of Preble County, Ohio, and was born July 11, 1819. His father, who was one of the first settlers of Cincin- nati, Ohio, was a native of Delaware, and was a lineal descendant of Thomas West (or Lord Delaware.) The ancestry of the Wests is traced back to the first families of Old England. The subject of this narrative spent his early days in tilling the soil, receiving the benefits of a good education, and in early life, followed the profession of school teaching. He then studied medicine, but finally turned his attention to dentistry, and since 1851, has been interested in that calling. In 1843, he became a resident of Indiana, residing there until 1851, after which he lived at different points. He was, for a time, the leading dentist of Keokuk, Iowa. In 1866, he came to Plattsburg, where he has since made his home. The Doctor is possessed of a rare amount of information, is a close reader, and has an excellent memory. In 1854, he married Miss Nancy McHenry, of Tennessee. They have four children, two of whom are living : A. Jasper and Francis Milton. Two are deceased : Marsena L., and an infant.
H. WHITTINGTON,
was born in Woodford County, Kentucky, on the 13th of April, 1814. His father, William, was a native of Maryland, and removed to Ken-
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tucky at an early day. The subject of this sketch was raised in his native county, and learned the saddlery trade in Versailles, the county seat. In the spring of 1835, he came to Missouri, locating at Liberty, Clay County, remaining five years, and the first two years he worked as journeyman saddler, the remaining three years he was proprietor of a shop. In 1840, he came to Plattsburg and opened the first saddlery establishment. This he conducted until 1850, when, with other goid seekers, he went to California, returning in 1851. He again embarked in the saddlery business and was in trade until 1855, when he was appointed receiver of the land office by President Pierce, and discharged the duties of that important trust until 1857, when he was re-appointed by President Buchanan. At the time that Plattsburg was in its infancy Mr. W., for a number of years, was the postmaster. In later years he has held the office of justice of the peace, and from 1874 to 1878, was county assessor. For many years he has been engaged in different branches of mercantile business, and is well known in commercial circles through- out the Northwest. He has seen the development of Clinton County from its primitive state to one which ranks it among the foremost in the state, and has contributed his full share in making this change. In 1836, he was a participant in the memorable Heatherly war, which many of the pioneers of Clinton County recollect. In 1838, he took an active part in suppressing the Mormon outbreak. Mr. W. has an excellent memory, his mind is well disciplined and stored with a large amount of knowledge. In 1838, Miss Ann M. Story became his wife. By this union there were eight children, four of whom are living-William S., Elizabeth H., wife of R. W. Hockaday, Edwin and Ida. Lost four -- Mary M., Mary M., Luella O. and Jennett.
C. J. WILKERSON,
section 29, postoffice Plattsburg, farmer. The subject of this notice is a native of Missouri, and was born February 18, 1836. He received the advantages of a good education, was raised in this county, and has always followed farming, and now owns sixty acres of good land, forty of which is under cultivation. B. F. Wilkerson, the father of the subject of this sketch, was an old settler in this county, and a man who was closely identified with the agricultural interests of this district at an early day ; his death occurred in the fall of 1840. C. J. was in the Con- federate service during the late war, and was orderly-sergeant of Com- pany K, First Missouri Regiment, Fourth Division. He was one of the first to enter and among the last to return. March 20, 1861, he married Miss Annie Pendleton. They had seven children : Carrie P., Fannie E., Emma C., John P., William F., Malinda J., and Ollie. Mrs. W. died November 8, 1877. Mr. W. is an elder in and a liberal contributor of the Christian Church.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
L. E. WOLFE,
Principal of Plattsburg Public Schools, is a native of Virginia, and was born on the 30th of August, 1832, spending his youth and early man- hood on a farm. He received but a limited education, taught school in summer, and, during the winter seasons, attended a college. He com- menced his career as a teacher at the age of nineteen. In October, 1865, he emigrated to Harrison County, Kentucky, and, in the month of June, 1874, came West. Professor Wolfe has had charge of the schools here for three years, and is now serving his fourth term, ample proof of his ability as an instructor. He is a man who, though almost wholly deprived of educational advantages, having attended school but twenty months, has risen through his own exertions to a position which he is ably qualified to fill.
CHARLES YOUNG,
farmer and stock raiser, section II, post office Plattsburg, is a native of Kentucky, and was born in Bath County, September 21, 1812. His father, Sennett, was a native of Virginia, and his mother, Margaret Waller, was a native of Culpeper County, Virginia. The subject of this sketch was raised and educated in his native state, spending his youth- ful days in tilling the soil. In 1832, he came to Jackson County, Mis- souri, residing one year at Westport, and also lived, for about ten years, in Perry County. After this he returned to Kentucky, remaining over a year, when he again returned to Missouri. In 1840, he located in Plattsburg, and engaged in working at the carpenter trade, in which he was proficient. Many of the old land marks of the town are specimens of his handiwork. In 1845. he located where he now resides, purchasing 240 acres. To this he has been adding, from time to time, and his landed estate, at present, comprises 440 acres of as choice land as is to be found in the county. When Judge Young commenced farming here, the land was in a comparatively unbroken condition, and he was the first to cultivate prairie in the vicinity of Plattsburg. His early life was spent on the frontier of northwestern Missouri, and he did much towards its development. The first house at Kansas City was built by his hands. All issues for the advancement of the country, has received his hearty endorsement. He is no political aspirant, and has always declined com- ing before the people, preferring the peace and quiet of home. In 1870, however, he was elected county judge, and again in 1872, serving six months of the latter term, when he resigned. During his occupancy of that important office, his duties he discharged creditably to himself, and the satisfaction of his constituents. He was married, in 1843, to Miss Patsey Young, of Kentucky. By this union they have five children :
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James, Sennett, Annie, Mary and Willis. Himself and family are mem- bers of the Christian Church.
JOHN H. YOUNG,
farmer and stock raiser, section 12, post office Plattsburg, is a native of Bath County, Kentucky, and was born October 10, 1820. His father, Sennett Young, was a native of Kentucky, and came to Clinton County, Missouri, with his family, in 1835, locating a short distance north of Plattsburg. Being one of the pioneers, he took an active part in the opening of the county. His death occurred not many years after his arrival. His wife, the mother of the subject of this sketch, now well advanced in years, still resides on the old homestead. John H. was educated and raised to manhood in Clinton County, and here has con- tinually resided. His landed estate embraces 314 acres of choice land, conveniently located to Plattsburg, and is a very desirable home. He is one of Clinton's most sterling and substantial citizens, and few men are more highly spoken of. In 1848, Miss Eliza Tillery became his wife. They have had seven children : Oscar O., Sarah, Bettie, Fannie and Dora, living, and two are deceased, James S. and Willard. Himself and family are members of the Christian Church.
CHARLES J. NESBITT
was born at Clearspring, Washington County, Maryland, August 6, 1831. His father was Jonathan Nesbitt, and his mother's maiden name was Ann R. Meixsel. Charles J. is the eldest of a family of eight children, four sons and four daughters. His early education he acquired in an academy of his own town. He, subsequently, became a member of Washington College, Pennsylvania, where he completed his literary and scientific course. In 1856, he was elected from Washington County to the Maryland legislature, as a Democrat, by a majority of one vote, but was counted out by a Know-Nothing legislature. He then entered the law school of Poughkeepsie, New York, in which in was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Law, in the class of 1858. He then engaged in the practice of law in Hagerstown, Maryland, and continued in the pursuit of his profession in that locality till the breaking out of the civil war. In 1865, he purchased a half interest in the Hagerstown Mail, a weekly newspaper, which he published for a period of nearly two years, when he sold out, and, moving west, settled in St. Joseph, Mis- souri, in the spring of 1868. In the following fall, he moved to Platts- burg, where he bought from Charles C. Scott, the Register, a weekly newspaper, which he published until 1873, when he sold out to E. C. Thomas. In February 1874, he purchased of Major T. W. Park, a half
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interest in the Platte City Landmark. After remaining connected with this enterprise five years, he sold out to Major James L. McCluer. In January, 1880, he removed to Plattsburg, and established the Purifier, a Democratic paper, which he still continues to edit and publish. He was married in Hagerstown, Maryland, January 6, 1873, to Miss Mary C. Davis, daughter of Gilbert Davis, Esq., of New Philadelphia, Ohio. They have had six children, of whom the following five are living : Mary Velula, Charles Jackson (Stonewall), Jonathan, Ann Rebecca, and Mattie Lee. Politically Mr. Nesbitt has always been a staunch Democrat.
SHOAL TOWNSHIP AND CITY OF CAMERON.
D. B. ADAMS,
physician and surgeon, was born in Perry County, Ohio, January 25, 1836. He was raised on a farm, in his native county, and was educated in the common schools, and McConnel's High School. When nineteen years of age, he began teaching, which profession he followed about three years. At the age of twenty-three, he began the study of medicine under Dr. P. Kennedy, of Deavertown, Ohio, during the session of 1860-1. He attended the Starling Medical College, of Columbus, Ohio, and in the spring of 1862, he was a graduate from the Ohio Medical College, of Cincinnati, and located in Muskingum County, Ohio, where he was engaged in the practice of his profession, till June 1863, then he went to Louisville, Ken- tucky, and was appointed assistant surgeon, in the Twelfth Kentucky Regiment, which position he held till the close of the war. He was in a number of important engagements, among which were the campaigns from Chickamauga to Atlanta, Thomas' campaign through Tennessee, etc. After the close of the war, he returned to Ohio, and in September of the same year came to Cameron, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. He has, for six years, been surgeon for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company. He has landed interests near Cameron, to which he gives his attention, and keeps his farm well supplied with stock. He is a Mason, and a member of Vincil Lodge, No. 62, also of Cameron Royal Arch Chapter, No. 67. He was married May 21, 1861, to Miss Mary C. Roberts. She was born in
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Muskingum County, Ohio, April 29, 1838. They have had eight child- ren, five of whom are living : John W., Charles E., Frank C., Fred R. and Curt R.
JOHN ALTHOUSE,
farmer and stock raiser, section 13, post office Turney, was born Novem- ber 4, 1830, in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, and was reared at his birth place until fourteen years of age, spending his boyhood days on the farm and securing the benefits of a good education, principally from his father, who was a minister in the German Reformed Church. The elder Althouse moved to Niagara County, New York, in 1844, for the purpose of educating his children and following his profession. John attended school here a short time and then turned his attention to farm- ing, remaining there until 1866, when he moved to Kalamazoo, Michi- gan; thence to Clinton County, Missouri, in 1868, and settled where he now resides. He commenced cultivating the land and now his farm, one of the finest in the county, contains 170 acres of well improved land; has two orchards with different varieties of fruit. He has filled the position of school director most of the time since residing here. Mr. A. was married February 12, 1854, to Miss Mary L. Bedell, a native of New York, born August 2, 1834. They have had ten children - Albert J., Charles H., Ella L., (now Mrs. Steward Little), Oscar D., Edgar E., Calvin E., Dora L., Mary E., Lilly I. and William J. Mr. and Mrs A. and six of the children are members of the M. E. Church of Turney, in which he has held the office of steward for ten years.
B. F. BASSETT,
farmer and stock raiser, section 27, post office Cameron, was born March 27. 1830, in Cynthiana, Harrison County, Kentucky. He spent his boy- hood days on a farm, and received the benefits of an excellent educa- tion at the Transylvania University, of Lexington, Kentucky. In 1852, he entered a wholesale establishment as a clerk, and soon became a partner. Selling out, he came west and settled where he now resides, in 1857. The country was then a wild prairie, and the hardships and privations he endured were enough to discourage and intimidate the hearts of the most courageous. He commenced improving his farm, and now has 440 acres of fine land, 220 of which are in pasture. He gives his attention, principally, to the raising of thoroughbred cattle, has some of the best stock in the county. He has a good orchard with about twenty-three varieties of apples, also peaches, pears, etc., in abun- dance. Samples taken from his orchard and exhibited at the Kansas City Exposition, in the fall of 1880, were said to be equal to any there. During the late war he remained a strong union man. He was married
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