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 64
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
J. C. McCRAY,
real estate agent, was born in Pike County, Illinois, April 27, 1847. In 1849, he moved with his parents to Caldwell County, Illinois, where
103
SHOAL TOWNSHIP.
he resided till December, 1880, when he moved to Cameron. He was educated in the common schools and reared on a farm, and was for a number of years engaged in the stock business. In 1873, he embarked in the mercantile trade, which he continued till 1877. After this time he was principally engaged in the hotel business and real estate. In 1863, he enlisted in the State militia, and in 1864, in Company H of the Forty- fourth Missouri Infantry, and remained in service till the close of war. He was married December 25, 1868, to Miss Alice Payne. She was born in Daviess County, Missouri, January 18, 1852, and died March 16, 1872. He was again married September 2, 1873, to Mrs. Jennie E. Ross, whose maiden name was Estep. She was born in Wayne County, Indiana, January 28, 1847. He had by his first marriage one child, Horrie E., and by his second marriage two children, Clyde and Jessie E. He is a Mason and member of Kingston Lodge No. 118, Royal Arch Chapter No. 45, and of Kadosh Commandery No. 21, and of the Hamilton I. O. O. F. Encampment No. 77.
W. W. MCGREGOR,
dealer in hardware, stoves and tinware, is a native of Massachusetts, and was born August 16, 1853, in the town of Millville. When nine years of age, his parents moved to Kentville, Canada, where they remained till he was sixteen years of age and returned to his native home. He received a fair primary education in the common schools, and afterwards attended the Blackstone College of Blackstone, Massa- chusetts, for three years. In 1869, removed to Cameron, Missouri, where they have since resided. He was for three years working at the tinners' trade, since which time he has been engaged in his present business. He was married December 10, 1874, to Miss Alice Provolt, of Ohio. They have two children- Ethel and Bell. His father, John McGregor, is a native of Scotland, and was born in Campsie, November 29, 1813. When about eleven years of age, he learned the spinners' trade in Glas- gow, where he followed his trade till 1841, the year of his emigration to America. After coming to America he located in Massachusetts, and has principally followed his trade in all his various moves mentioned in the history of our sketch. Since he came to Cameron he has been leading a retired life, except in the way of building, in which he has added much to the improvement of the town. He was married December 31, 1835, to Miss Agnes Alexander while in Glasgow, Scotland, where she was born November 15, 1816. They have had five children, two of whom are living-Charles and W. W. Charles, who is now railroading in Texas, was born January 21, 1849.
FRANCIS McGUINNIS,
or Mac, as he is familiarly known, depot and baggage master for the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad, at Cameron Junction, was born July 27,
ยท
104
BIOGRAPHICAL.
1832, in Somerset, Pulaski County, Kentucky, and was reared at his birth place, until seventeen years of age. He then moved to Adams County, Illinois, where he afterwards married, and engaged in farming and stock raising. During the late war, in 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Sixteenth Illinois Infantry. After serving nine months, he was dis- charged on account of disability. He was with the first troops that came over the Hannibal & St. Joseph, and assisted in taking down six- teen Confederate flags. He commenced his railroad experience in 1862, with the Hannibal & St. Joseph, and has filled various positions. He took charge of the yards February 27, 1876, and in March, 1880, accepted his present position. He held the position of sergant-at-arms in Mis- souri Legislature, for the years 1866 and 1867. Also held the position of superintendent of registration at the close of the war for Chariton, Linn, Putman and Sullivan Counties. He was married in March, 1852, to Miss Olive C. Gould, a native of Adams County, Illinois. They have three children : Sarah E. (now Mrs. Charles Leport), Mary B. (now Mrs. John Proud), and William B. Himself and wife have been members of the Christian Church since 1853. He is a member of the Masonic order, Blue Lodge and Commandery.
SAMUEL MATTHIS
was born in Kentucky, September 27, 1804. He was there reared and educated. When seventeen years of age, he apprenticed himself to the gunsmith trade, working as an apprentice for four years. He then worked journeyman work till 1827, when he located in Russellville, Kentucky, and was there engaged in manufacturing and repairing till 1856, and the fall of the same year he moved to Missouri, making the journey by team, starting October 2, and landing in Platte County November 7, where he remained till February 26, 1857, and moved to Caldwell County, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits and raising stock till July 19, 1864, when he moved to Cameron, having sold his farm and invested his means in town property, which he has since improved, and for which he is deserving of much credit. He has been twice married ; first, in the year 1829, to Miss Fannie Curd. She was . born in 1806, and was a native of Kentucky. She died in 1833. They had three children, only one of whom is now living-David W., or Watt, as he is familiarly called, proprietor of the Cameron House. He was married the second time in November, 1835, to Miss Margarette A. Fra- zier. She was born in Russellville, Kentucky, November, 1815. Mr. and Mrs. Matthis have been active members in the Baptist Church for many years, and are now the only two of the original members of the Cameron Church that are living. His ancestors were from Pennsylvania.
105
SHOAL TOWNSHIP.
CAMERON HOTEL,
D. W. Matthis, proprietor. One of the important features to commer- cial travelers, at the present day and age, is as to which are the best hotels on their respective routes. Among those that are pre-eminent, and have attained a wide and well merited reputation, is the above named hotel. The structure was erected by Samuel Matthis, and was opened to the public as a hotel soon after. The urbane proprietor, D. W. Matthis, or Watt, as he is familiarly called, has become noted as a caterer, and knows the wants of "ye" weary and hungry traveler. The hotel is a three story brick, conveniently arranged on the most improved plans, and com- plete in all its appointments. His trade has been steady, and constantly on the increase, and in the season of 1881 attained such a magnitude, that necessitated his adding an additional number of rooms, to meet the increasing patronage. Watt, by his affability and genial demeanor, makes his guests perfectly at home.
G. S. MERWIN,
carpenter and contractor, was born in Northampton County, Pennsyl- vania, July 14, 1828. He was reared in different parts of his native state, and when twenty years of age he learned the carpenter trade, which he has followed during life. In 1868, he moved to Missouri and located in Clinton County. He is a Mason, and member of Vincil Lodge No. 62. He was married December 19, 1850, to Miss Lina Beebe. She was born in Wyoming County, Pennsylvania, February 6, 1831. They have had five children, four of whom are living : Mary A., George T., Berry M., Hugh H.
CHARLES MEYER,
farmer and stock raiser, section 35, post office Cameron, was born Feb- ruary 18, 1834, in Prussia, Germany, where he lived until eighteen years of age. He was reared on a farm and received the benefits of a com- mon school education. He crossed the ocean in the summer of 1854. and landed at New York in June of that year. He emigrated west and settled in La Fayette County, Missouri, where he engaged in farming. He made a trip to this county in 1856, to select a home, and moved his family here in the fall of 1857. He settled on a farm in the country. Cam- eron at that time contained but two stores. During the late war he assisted in defending the lives and property of the citizens, having served in the state militia and took part in the engagement at Camden Point. He moved to the farm on which he now resides in the spring of 1865. He owns 280 acres of well improved land, most of his fencing being hedges. He has a handsome residence. He has filled the position
106
BIOGRAPHICAL.
of school director nine years. He was married October 13, 1857, to Miss Margaret Definbrink, a native of Indiana, born June 14, 1841. She was principally raised in La Fayette County, Missouri. They have ter. chil- dren : John W., Mary A., Charles H., James U., William F., Kate G., Elizabeth, Albert B., Lewis and Franklin A .; lost three. Himself and wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Cameron, in which he has held the office of steward and trustee.
CAPTAIN TIMOTHY MIDDAUGH,
of the firm of Lingle, Middaugh & Co., is a native of Bourbon County, Kentucky, and was born April 6, 1837. When one year of age his parents moved to Missouri and located in Caldwell County, where he was reared. In a few days after the breaking out of the war he enlisted in the Federal service in Company A, Sixth Missouri Cavalry, and remained in the service till the close of the war, at which time he held the commission of captain. After the close of the war he engaged in the stock business till May 1880, where he commenced his present business. He was married November 1, 1866, to Miss Alena Daugherty. She was born in St. Louis, May 5, 1867. They have two children : Alena, born November 21, 1867, and Jessie, born July 22, 1874.
WVM. F. MILLER,
of the firm of Dietrich & Miller, dealers in groceries and provisions, was born in Shelby County, Kentucky, October 7, 1828. He was reared in his native state on a farm. In 1855, he moved to Daviess County. Mis- souri. In 1862, he enlisted in the Federal service, in Company A, First Missouri Infantry, holding the position as hospital steward one year, when he was discharged, at Lexington Missouri, on account of disability. He then went to Indiana, where he remained two years ; then moved near Bloomington, Illinois, where he remained six years ; then moved to Kansas, and, in the spring of 1881, came to Cameron, engaging in his present business. From the time he left the army till he came to Cam- eron, was engaged principally in the stock business. He was married, September 30, 1851, to Miss Nancy Ashby. They have had seven child- ren, three living : Rosa T., Mary E. and Nellie M.
ISAAC MOORE.
farmer and stock raiser, section 24, post office Turney, was born August 9, 1828, in Derbyshire, England, and was reared there as a farmer, and has made agricultural pursuits his occupation through life. He came to the United States June 18, 1859, and landing at Castle Garden on the 19th of July, he settled in Herkimer County, New York, and engaged in farm-
107
SHOAL TOWNSHIP.
ing. He remained there ten years ; then emigrated to Clinton County, Missouri, and settled where he now resides. He has improved a fine farm of 160 acres ; twenty acres of timber. He commenced life under unfavorable circumstances, being thrown upon his own resources when nine years of age. He has made himself a worthy type of independent manhood. He was married October 11, 1851, to Miss Emma Green, a native of England, born February 7, 1829. They have had four children, two of whom are living : William and Emma J.
M. E. MOORE,
of the firm of Fales & Moore, proprietors of Clover Hill Cheese Factory. Among the many industries of this county none are more worthy of mention than the productions of the dairy. The subject of our sketch has done much to raise the standard and awaken an interest in this industry. He is a native of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, and was born Jan- uary 6, 1847, and was reared at his birth place, spending his boyhood days on a dairy farm and receiving his early education at the common schools of the vicinity; then attended college at Hiram, Ohio, and completed his attendance at school with a commercial course at Poughkeepsie, New York. He emigrated to Missouri in 1868, and engaged in the mercantile business at Cameron, Missouri, and afterwards dealt in real estate. In 1874, he formed a partnership in the dairy business with H. B. Fales. He is a live, active business man, and gives his attention to his legiti- mate business, of which he is a thorough master, understanding its details, and the firm at the present time are operating four dairies. He was married December 11, 1878, to Miss M. La Verne, an estimable lady of French descent, born in Ohio in April, 1857. They are active mem- bers of the M. E. Church. Mr. M. is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and belongs to Vincil Lodge No. 62, of Cameron.
JOHN S. NELSON,
of the firm of Nelson & Lile, grocers, is a native of Missouri, and was born in Daviess County, October 29, 1842. He was raised and educated in his native county, and when eighteen years of age, began clerking, first, in a drug store. He continued clerking in different branches of bus- iness throughout Missouri, till 1881, when he began in his present business. During the years 1869-70, he was here engaged in the lumber trade, having come to Cameron in 1868. He is a Mason, and member of Vincil Lodge No. 62. Mr. N. was married, April 10, 1870, to Miss Mary F. Stout, of Missouri. They have three children : Charley O., M. B. and Frank.
108
BIOGRAPHICAL.
JOHN OSSMAN,
farmer and ice merchant, section 15, post office Cameron, is a native of Germany, and was born in August, 1824. He received a good educa- tion, having spent about seven years at college. In 1844, he enlisted in the German army, serving for thirteen months. Upon the death of his father, he was discharged from service, and took charge of his father's estate. Mr. O. was married, in 1848, to Miss Mary Worker, of Germany. He remained upon the old homestead till. 1849, when he came to Amer- ica, landing at New Orleans. He then went to St. Louis, and, for two years, was in poor health. In 1851, he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, and worked for two years in a cabinet shop, going from there to Carroll County, Kentucky, where he farmed for three years. In 1857, he came to Clinton County, Missouri, and farmed for two years. For seven years he was engaged in the same avocation, in DeKalb County. In 1861, he enlisted in the Sixth Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, for three years, and participated in many battles, serving his entire time. He was mustered out at Sedalia, Missouri. Returning to Clinton County, he again commenced tilling the soil, and now owns 120 acres of fine land, also a large ice house. His family consists of Lenda, Fred, Albert, Gertie, and Edward, deceased.
O. C. PACKARD,
farmer and dairyman, section 25, post office Cameron, was born July 27, 1835, in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, and was raised to farming and the dairy business. He received the benefits of a common school education, to which he has added much knowledge by self-application. He learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed during the summer seasons and taught school in the winter. Mr. P. emigrated west in the spring of 1865, and settled at Mendota, Illinois, afterward coming to Cameron, Missouri, where he located in November of the same year. His first farm was on section 24, and his residence was the only one in sight, southeast of town, for about two years. He moved to his present location in the spring of 1868, and his landed estate consists of 138 acres in Clinton County, and fifty acres in DeKalb County. He has a comfortable residence, which he erected himself. He gives his atten- tion principally to the dairy business ; during the summer of 1880, he averaged $100 per month from the milk of twenty cows. He has filled the position of school director for eight years and clerk for six years. Mr. P. was married April 2, 1863, to Miss Sophia Dean, a native of Berkshire County, Massachusetts, born April 10, 1840. They have one child : Herbert M., born July 18, 1867. They are active members of the Congregational Church of Cameron, in which he holds the position of trustee.
109
SHOAL TOWNSHIP.
C. E. PACKARD,
farmer, stock raiser and dairyman, section 24, post office Cameron, was born March 19, 1838, in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, and was reared at his birthplace as a farmer, receiving the benefits of a common school education. He moved to Clinton County, Ohio, in 1858, where he engaged in teaching, and emigrated to Missouri in 1863, accepting the position as agent and operator at Cameron for the Hannibal & St. Joe Railroad Company. He held this position for four years, and also car- ried on the lumber business. In 1867 he turned his attention to agricul- tural pursuit's, and now owns a fine farm of 160 acres near Cameron, and his handsome residence stands within a mile and a half of the city. His attention is devoted chiefly to the dairy business. He is keeping about forty milch cows. He has taken an active part in the up-building of Cameron and is numbered among the best respected citizens of the county. He was one of the first to manifest an interest for educational matters. During the late war he assisted in defending Cincinnati when it was threatened by Kirby Smith in fall of 1862, and after coming to this state joined the Enrolled Missouri Militia in 1864. He was married to Miss Araminda Utter, native of Ohio, born March 13, 1842. They have had five children, four of whom are living : William, Clark, Eva and Martha. Himself and wife are active members of the Christian Church of Cam- eron, in which he holds the position of elder.
WV. G. PARK.
farmer and stock speculator, section 18, post office Turney, is a native of Missouri, and was born on the 19th day of February, 1835. He was raised on a farm, and acquired a good education, which has enabled him to keep thoroughly posted in all branches of business. He is a man of intellectual, moral and physical stamina, industrious and energetic, and early laid a good foundation, upon which he built slowly, yet surely and safely. He has been successful as a cattle feeder, and displays good, firm judgment in the selecting of stock. He is the possessor of a fine stock farm, well watered, and adapted to his business. Mr. P. was mar- ried, in August, 1856, to Miss Jane C. Hall, a native of Missouri. Their family consists of Emma C., James E., Minnie E., Mollie J., Virginia B., William J., and Laura. Both Mr. and Mrs. Park are members of the Christian Church.
J. P. PIERSON,
merchant, was born December 23, 1841, and is a native of Sweden. On the 2nd of May, 1851, his parents started to America, and, after a danger- ous voyage, having been shipwrecked a time or two, they landed at Bos-
IIO
BIOGRAPHICAL.
ton, Nov. 23, 1851. Soon after, they went to South Port, now Kenosha, Wisconsin, J. P. was principally educated in his native land, and after coming to America he worked on a farm, and was engaged at various branches of business in Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois, till 1870, when he came to Missouri and located at Breckinridge, Caldwell County, farm- ing one year. He then embarked in the grocery trade, which he carried on till 1876, when he located in Cameron, where he has since resided, having been engaged in his present business. He was married Septem- ber 29, 1867, to Miss Mary E. Jameson. She was born in Allegany County, New York, December 5, 1847. They have five children : Harry J., born October 1, 1869 ; Anna B., born April 24, 1871 ; Willie C., born September 2, 1872 ; Flora A., born April 27, 1875 ; John G., born Janu- ary 4, 1881.
T. E. POTTER, M. D.,
and a member of the firm of Potter Bros., druggists, is a native of Clin- ton County, Missouri, and first saw the light of day December 18, 1849. He is the son of Thomas and Hessie (Smith), both natives of Missouri. T. E. was educated in the common schools, and McGee Col- lege of Macon County, Missouri. In 1871, he commenced the study of medicine under Dr. Franklin, of DeKalb County, Missouri, and, in 1873, entered the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, from which he was graduated, with honors, in the spring of 1875. The following was copied from the report of the Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, March, 1875: "A prize of $50, by the Professor of Obstetrics, for the best paper on the descriptive and relative anatomy of the gravid uterus, awarded to Thompson E. Potter, of Missouri, with honorable mention of the papers of Joseph F. Robinson, of Missouri, and A. F. Balmer, of Pennsylvania." After graduating, he returned to Missouri, and located in Cameron, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession, having performed some very successful operations in surgery. In the spring of 1881, he was elected to the Chair of Lectures on Physiology and the Nervous System, in the Northwestern Medical Col- lege of St. Joseph, Missouri. He has devoted his entire time to the interest of his profession since choosing that calling, except during the short period of his teaching school, while preparing for the medical work. The drug store, of which he is now a member, is managed by his part- ner. He was married April 17, 1876, to Miss Mary Bassett. She was born in Lexington, Kentucky, February 15, 1855. They have been blessed with four children, three of whom are living : Mary B., born February 25, 1877 ; Ena W., born December 25, 1879, and Thompson E., born December 14, 1880. The doctor is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Cameron Lodge, No. 296.
III
SHOAL TOWNSHIP.
J. P. PRICE,
farmer and cattle feeder, section 24, post office Turney, is a native of Centre County, Pa., and was born on the 5th day of August, 1849. When but a child, he moved with his parents to Hollidaysburg in 1860, having received a good education. In 1861 he went to Halifax, Dauphin County, and remained on a farm until 1864, when he began the boating business, and followed same till 1866. Then he came to Clinton County, Missouri, and farmed for three years. He worked on the railway for one year, and afterward went to Wilson County, Kansas, where he entered a piece of land. In 1871, he returned to Clinton County, and has since followed farming and cattle feeding. Mr. P. was married on the 24th day of December, 1874, to Mrs. Adams (formerly Miss Melissa Miner), who was born December 25, 1844. Mr. Price is a man well known throughout the county. Beginning life without capital other than his own native abilities, and prompted by ambition to become known as an upright, honorable and industrious man, he has by his own efforts gradually risen to his present position ; and his life history furnishes a worthy example to young men who aspire to dignity and nobleness of character. Mr. and Mrs. Price are both members of the Baptist church. Mrs. Price has by her first husband three children : Newton L., John M. and Elizabeth J., and by the latter union there are three children : Melissa M., Florence L. C., and Julia.
J. H. REEVES,
ticket agent and telegraph operator for the Hannibal & St. Joseph Rail- road, at Cameron Junction, was born April 6, 1850, in Burlington County, New Jersey. He was reared and educated in that state. He emigrated west in the spring of 1869, and located in Kansas City. On the 29th of March, he entered the employ of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Company, and remained two years at Kansas City. He then accepted a postion with the St. Joseph & Western as train dispatcher at St. Joseph, where he remained between two and three years. He then came to Cameron and accepted the same position with the Hannibal & St. Joseph Rail- road. He afterwards accepted the position as agent and operator at Kearney, Clay County, Missouri, with the same company, and held this position two years, returning to Cameron in the fall of 1880, and accept- ing his present position, which he fills to the entire satisfaction of all. He is a member of Kearney Lodge No. 311, A. F. & A. M. He was married August 3, 1876, to Miss Jennie McDougal, a native of Quincy, Illinois. She was born March 8, 1856. They have one child, Donald WV., born September 30, 1877.
112
BIOGRAPHICAL
A. O. RISLEY, M. D ..
senior partner of the firm of A. O. Risley & Son, dealers in dry goods, clothing, hats, boots, shoes, notions, etc., is a native of Portage County, Ohio, and was born August 29, 1824. His education was received in the common schools, supplemented with a course at the Grand River Insti- tute, of Ashtabula County, Ohio, and also at Samuel Bissell's Academy, of Twinsburg, Summit County, Ohio. After completing his education, he went to Louisville, Kentucky, where he remained three years, and for two years was employed as a teacher in a select school. Upon returning to his native county, he resumed the study of medicine, having pre- viously chosen its study as his profession. In the fall of 1849, he went to California, where he remained till the fall of 1851, and while there, was engaged as superintendent for a mining company. He then went to Cleveland, Ohio, and in a short time removed to Medina County, again commencing the study of medicine. In the spring of 1853, he grad- uated from the Cleveland Medical College, and began the practice of his profession in Franklin, Portage County, Ohio, under the most favorable circumstances, continuing with excellent success while in that locality. Owing to the death of his brother, he became discontented, and in 1856, went, by the way of Cleveland and Detroit, to Rock Island. After trav- 'eling over Iowa, he went to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he remained three months and visited various parts of the country, finally locating at Shakopee, Scott County, Minnesota, where he was engaged in the prac- tice of his profession, with a considerable degree of success, for three years. In 1863, he was appointed surgeon, which position he continued to fill till the close of the war. After this he returned to Ohio, and sub- sequently took a trip to Kentucky, and over different parts of Missouri. He then returned to Ohio and moved his family to Kansas City, but not being satisfied with that location, he came to Cameron, where he has since resided, and has been engaged in the practice of his profession. In the spring of 1879 he purchased the store which his son is now man- aging, having been engaged in this business for several years. He was married May 10, 1857, to Miss Jennie S. Coulthard. She is a native of Toronto, Canada, and was educated in Rochester, New York. Have four children : George, Charles, Chester, and Frank. Dr. R. is a member of the I. O. O. F. He was Deputy Grand Master of Olakue Lodge No. 9, of Minnesota, and a member of the Grand Lodge of the state. His father, Nathaniel H., was a native of Connecticut, and emigrated to Ohio in the year 1812. His mother, Content Russell was a native of Hart- ford, Connecticut.
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.