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 66
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WILLIAM WARALL,
farmer and fruit grower, section 24, post office Cameron, was born November 5, 1821, in Lincoln County, Canada, near Niagara Falls. He was reared at his birth place, spending his boyhood days on a farm. His gala days were days men generally spent at the falls. After con- trolling his own time, he first engaged in teaching, and followed it three years. He then emigrated west, and took a claim in Winneshiek County, Iowa, remained there a short time, and sold his claim, returned to Can- ada, and engaged in farming. He came from there to this county, in 1866, and settled where he now resides in the spring of 1868. He owns forty acres of well improved land, fifteen acres being set in fruit of all varieties. He is giving his attention principally to the raising of grapes and berries. He commenced life without means, his willing hands and hopeful heart being his stock and capital in trade. He was married, January 15, 1855, to Miss Mary A. Merridith, a native of Smithville,
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Lincoln County, Canada. They have six children : Effie now Mrs. James Jones , Frank, Nellie, Lewis, Ida B. and Ernest. Himself and wife are active members of the Christian Church of Cameron.
P. D. WATSON.
proprietor of the Cameron Junction Eating House, was born December 31, 1843, in Pittsfield, Merrimac County, New Hampshire. His father is of English origin and his mother is of Scottish descent. He was reared and educated at his birthplace. lle displayed his patriotism and love for country during the late war by shouldering a musket and going to the front. He first enlisted in the Fifteenth New Hampshire Volun- teer Infantry, and served with them under General Banks and others. He took part in the battles of Springfield Landing and Port Hudson. He was then taken sick with typhoid fever and chronic diarrhoea, sent home to die, was reluctant to do so, and recovered and reinlisted in the First New Hampshire Heavy Artillery, and served until the close of the war. He organized Company E of the above named regiment, and held the position of first lieutenant. They took part in the grand review at Washington, and, strange to say, brought every man of his company home alive. After the close of the war he emigrated west and assisted in the construction of the Union Pacific, the Missouri, Kansas & Texas, and the I. & G. N. Railroads. He accepted a position as passenger con- ductor on the M., K. & T. road, remaining three years with them, and then accepted a position with the Hannibal & St. Joe Company. In the spring of 1880 he took charge of the eating house at Cameron Junction. He has just given it a thorough renovation, making it first-class in all its particulars. In his manners he is genial and hospitable, and is a landlord well fitted for the position he occupies, and has the respect and esteem of all who are favored with his acquaintance. He was married in February, 1860, to Miss Elizabeth M. Pillsbury, an old schoolmate, and a native of Strafford, New Hampshire, and was born in 1843. They have one child, Nellie B .; lost one. He is a member of St. Oma Com- mandry No. 11, of Sedalia, Missouri. His mother is still living, and resides with him. She is now sixty-five years of age.
R. N. WILLIAMS.
dealer in drugs, books, stationery, wall paper, window curtains, musical instruments, fine cigars, tobacco, etc., was born in Callaway County, Missouri, January 4, 1841. When nine years of age, he, with his parents, moved to Montgomery County, Missouri, where he was raised on a farm and educated in the common schools. At the age of eighteen he accepted a position as clerk in a dry goods store, in which he continued for two years, when he embarked in the drug business at Smithton, and
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has since been engaged at the same, doing business in St. Joseph and other parts of Missouri. In July, 1871, he came to Cameron, where he has since resided, and now has a store that is deserving of more than a passing notice. During the period of his residence at Smithton he filled the offices of circuit clerk, recorder, school commissioner and postmaster, all of which he received by appointment. He was married November 21, 1869, to Miss Alice Buchhols, of Gallatin, Daviess County, Missouri. They have two children- Hattie, born October 21, 1870, and Robert H., born January, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. W. are members of the Christian Church.
JAMES WILLIAMS,
farmer and breeder of shorthorns, section 10, post office Cameron, is one of the most sagacious and successful business men of this county. He is a native of Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri, and, with his parents, came to Clinton County, when houses were few, and far between. He has lived to see emigration pour in rapidly, year after year, and can fully realize what Clinton County has done for herself. Mrs. W., the mother of James, still lives, and resides with him, being now in her eightieth year. She enjoys good health, and can call to memory the past days of her life, with pleasure. She was born in 1802, in Kentucky, near Daniel Boone's old residence, and well recollects the great hunter. She came to Missouri in 1807, and, on account of her mother's death, made her home with Colonel Eastman, and was one of the witnesses of the burning of the effigy of General Hull. She saw General La Fayette when he paid his visit to St. Louis. She remembers the duel of Benton and Lucas ; also, saw Lewis and Clark on their return from exploring the head waters of the Missouri River, and she was on the first steam- boat that navigated that stream. Her husband, Luke Williams, was an elder of the Baptist Church. James is a very energetic business man, and his neighbors, who have dealings with him, find him honest and fair in his transactions, social in his relations, and benevolent in disposition. For the past few years, he has devoted his time, and gone to great expense in securing a herd of fine shorthorn cattle, unsurpassed in the county. Mr. W. was united in marriage, December 27, 1864, with Miss Emily Stephenson. Their family consists of Rose Bell, Wallace E., Charles, Luke, Rowland, Elia H., and Maud.
JAMES W. WRIGHT,
master mechanic for the southwest division of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company, is a native of Adams County, Pennsylvania, and was born March 24, 1839. He was reared and educated in his native county, and when about eighteen years of age he learned the carpen-
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ter's trade. At the age of twenty years, he went to Iowa, having made a previous trip to that state, and in two years commenced work for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad. Since that time he has been in their employ. He moved to Cameron in the year 1872. He is a Mason and a member of Cameron Lodge No. 296. Mr. W. was married April 20, 1860, to Miss Annie E. Michaels. She was born in Orange County, Pennsylvania, March 19, 1849. They had four children : Ida, Minnie, George, and Nicholas.
JOHN W. YEAMAN,
wagon and carriage manufacturer, is a native of DeWitt County, Illinois, and was born August 26, 1845. He was reared and educated in his native county, and was engaged in different occupations till December 4, 1863, when he enlisted in Company F, Second Illinois Artillery, and remained in service till the close of the war, when he returned to Clinton, Illinois ; there he began to learn his present trade, remaining until April, 1866, when he came to Missouri, working in different parts of the state. For some time he was in Wichita, Kansas, and finally located in Cameron, in the year 1875, and is now the leading manufacturer of the kind in the town. He was married December 28, 1865, to Miss Amanda Elliott. She was born in Illinois, July 5, 1848. They have four children : Frank L., Caroline, Nellie, and Emma.
PLATTE TOWNSHIP AND CITY OF OSBORN.
JOHN BAXTER,
farmer and stock raiser, section 26, post office Osborn. Among the worthy representatives of this county may be mentioned the subject of our sketch. He is a native of Manchester, England, and was born March 1, 1815. He was there raised, obtaining a fair education, mostly by self-application, and was brought up in the silk manufacturing busi- ness, at which he worked some thirty years. In the fall of 1867, he came to the United States, and landed in New York October 13 ; soon settled in Connecticut, where he commenced working in the silk manu- factories, there remaining between seven and eight years. Mr. B. then emigrated west, and settled where he now resides in the fall of 1876,
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now owning a fine farm of eighty acres, improved. He takes quite an interest in educational matters, and, at present, holds the position of school director. He was married, August 30, 1846, in the Parish of Eccles, to Miss Mary Gartside, a native of the same place as himself. On the 22d of March, 1879, she died, leaving five children : Fannie, William G., John J., Annie and Robert E. The children are members of the Christian Church.
WILLIAM BOGART,
farmer and stock raiser, section 17, post office Perrin, was born October 25, 1825, in Carter County, Tennessee, and was taken to Vermillion County, Indiana, when between four and five years of age. He was there raised and spent his boyhood days on a farm, receiving the bene- fits of a common school education, and has made agricultural pursuits his occupation through life. He removed west in 1868, and located where he now resides, commencing at once the improvement of a farm, and, by steady and energetic efforts, he has, under cultivation, 160 acres of land; also owns twenty acres of timber. Mr. B. was married Octo- ber 5, 1845, to Miss Civilla Hood, a native of Vermillion County, Indi- ana, born March 23, 1825. They have had nine children, seven of whom are living : Isabella (now Mrs. W. Hale), William A., Marcus L., Talithia M., Fannie and Emma (twins), and Annie. Himself, wife, and eldest daughter, are active members of the M. E. Church South, of Perrin. Mr. B. stands among the old and well respected citizens of Clinton County.
A. D. CAPPS,
farmer and stock raiser, section 26, postoffice Stewartsville, was born June 23, 1831, in Clay County, Missouri, and was reared at his birthplace. spending his boyhood days on a farm, and received the benefits of a good common school education. He has devoted his attention chiefly to farm- ing during life. He moved to Clinton County, in 1852, and settled below Plattsburg, where he engaged in farming and stock raising. During the war, he enlisted in the southern army in 1861, under General Price, and and served for about six months, taking part in the battles of Lexington, Pea Ridge and many minor engagements. He took a trip to Denver, Colorado, in 1863, and spent about one year in the mountains, returned home, and subsequently moved to Nebraska City, in 1864, coming to Clay County in the fall of 1865, where he remained until he moved to Clinton County, in the spring of 1867. The county was then thinly settled. He commenced to improved his farm, which now contains 220 acres of land, well improved, upon which is a large orchard. Mr. C. has filled the township offices, of school director and road overseer several terms.
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He was a candidate before the Democratic Convention, in 1878, for County Judge, and was defeated, only by a small majority. Being an old settler, he is widely and favorably known. He was married, December, 16, 1862, to Miss Julia Pickett, an estimable lady, a native of Clay County, Missouri, born October 9, 1834. They have had four children : . Mary E. (now Mrs. Wm. J. Francis), Henriette, Katie and Daniel H. Himself and wife, and their daughters, are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. C. united with the church in 1854, and was soon afterwards elected a rul- ing elder, which position he still holds.
CHARLES S. CARTER,
minister and farmer, section 19, post office Osborn, was born December 3, 1819, in Boone County, Kentucky. His ancestors were natives of Vir- ginia. Charles was reared at his birthplace, spending his boyhood days on a farm, and receiving a preparatory education in the common schools, which he completed at Georgetown College. He united with the Missionary Baptist Church, in 1842, and, at the urgent request of friends, attended a seminary for the purpose of pre- paring for the ministry. He received a license to preach, in 1843, and in 1846, he entered the Georgetown College where he finished his colle- giate course, and was regularly ordained to the Baptist ministry. Mr. C. then returned to Boone County, and taught the Billetsburg Seminary two years, after which he engaged in teaching at various places in that vicinity, and also supplied the pulpit, quite frequently, at Middlesex Church. About the year 1852, he was called to the pastorate of East Bend Church, and remained in charge there about twenty-five years. During this time, he purchased a farm on the Ohio River, forty miles below Cincinnati, on which he settled. Soon afterwards, he lost his wife, who left two small children, and, consequently, he gave up farming and engaged in teaching until 1861, when he again resumed farming. He came west in the spring of 1876, and settled in Clinton County, where he has since resided. He owns a fine farm of 120 acres, partially improved. Mr. Carter took charge of Garden Prairie Church, in De Kalb County, in 1878, and also preached, once a month, at Smith Fork Church during the year 1880. He and his wife joined Smith Fork Church soon after coming here. He has been twice married. First, May 20, 1851, to Miss Mary A. Birkshire, a native of Boone County, Kentucky. She died November 20, 1854, and left two children: Eugenia (now Mrs. H. C. McGlasson), and Mary E. (now Mrs. George R. White.) He was mar- ried again April 2, 1861, to Miss Rosette Miller, a native of Ohio County, Indiana, born September 19, 1839. They have had five children, three of whom are living : Kate E., Joseph M., and John W.
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WILLIAM H. CARR,
stock raiser, Osborn, was born December, 8, 1838, in Loudoun County, Virginia, and was reared there as a farmer, receiving a common school education. He removed west in the fall of 1855, and settled in Howard County, Missouri, where he remained until 1865, then moving to Osborn. During the late war, he enlisted in Company F, Ninth Missouri State Cav- alry in March, 1862, and served until the close of the war, taking part in many hard fought battles, among which are Moore's Mills, Kirksville, Yellow Creek, and others. He rose from the position of sergeant to second lieutenant. At the close of the war, he engaged in farming, near Osborn, in which he continued for seven years, and then turned his attention to stock raising exclusively. On account of poor health, he has partially retired from active business life. He has filled the position of school director several terms. Mr. Carr was married, October 20, 1866, to Miss Matilda Perkins, a daughter of one of the oldest and best known residents of Clinton County. She was born October 20, 1844, in this county. They have had five children, three of whom are living : Celia C., John C. and Josephus S. Mr. C. has been a member of the M. E. Church since he was twenty-one years of age. Since 1867 he has belonged to the Masonic fraternity.
B. J. CASTEEL,
attorney and counsellor at law, Osborn, was born October 14, 1851, in Sevier County, Arkansas, and was taken to Monroe County, Tennessee, by his parents when about nine months old. He was there raised and spent his boyhood days on a farm, and after receiving a preparatory education in the common schools entered Hiwassee College, from which he was graduated in 1860. He read law in the Lebanon Law School, and was admitted to the bar of Tennessee in 1871, before he was of age. He came west in the fall of 1872, and settled at Osborn, and was immedi- ately admitted to the bar of Missouri, after which he commenced prac- ticing and has since continued it. He was elected county attorney of DeKalb County, Missouri, in 1874, and re-elected in 1876. His practice extends through DeKalb and Clinton counties, and is quite large. He owns one of the finest residences in Osborn. Mr. C. is a member of the Knights of Pythias. In his manners he is much of a gentleman, and merits the esteem in which he is held by a large circle of acquaintances. He was married March 15, 1876, to Miss Belle Gibbany, an estimable lady, and a native of Lexington, Kentucky. She was born on the 17th of December, 1856, and was principally raised in Missouri. They have had two children-Ethel M. and Walter L. Himself and wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, of which denomina-
.
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tion Mr. C. has been a member since he was ten years of age. He has held the position of superintendent of the Sabbath School for four or five years, and is one of the most active workers therein.
CAPTAIN ALEXANDER C. COOK,
was born in Lincoln County, Kentucky, June 17, 1831. He is the first child, and only son of a family of five children. His father, James Cook, a native of Virginia, emigrated to Kentucky in the year 1800, and settled in Lin- coln County, where his children were afterwards born. He died in May, 1841, and his widow afterwards married Colonel Hubbard. Cap- tain Cook was educated in the neighborhood schools, and finally, in Lancaster Academy, in Garrard County, Kentucky. In October, 1849, he moved, with his step-father, Colonel Moses Hubbard, and family, to Clay County, Missouri. In the spring of 1850, Alexander settled in Jackson Township, four miles northwest of Hainesville, on the head waters of Clear Creek. January, 1856, he moved to his present residence in what was then La Fayette Township, but now (1881) Platte Town- ship, where he has since continued to reside. October 21, 1852, he married Miss Mary Anne Bivins, daughter of David M. Bivins, of Clay County, who settled there, from Kentucky, in 1834. They have had eight chil- dren, of whom four survive, three sons, James M., David B., Alex. Riley, and a daughter, Mary Drusilla. Three daughters and a son are dead. A. C. Cook enlisted in the Confederate service, and served during the entire war; first, in Boyd's Battalion of State Guard, and then in Reeves' Regiment, Little's Brigade, Confederate troops. He achieved, successively, the grades of lieutenant and captain, in this service. At the close of the war, he was in Shelby's command, to which he had attached himself in March, 1865, and was among those paroled at Shreveport, Louisiana, June 14, 1865, when he returned to his home in Missouri. Captain Cook was a member, from Clinton County, of the Thirtieth General Assembly of the State of Missouri. He has long been prominently active in the advancement and development of the resources of his county, and prides himself in the fact that he was the presiding officer of the first farmers' club ever organized in the county. (This was at Fairview school house, Concord Township, in August, 1869.) This organization preserved its existence till it merged into the grange movement, of which he has continued an active member, and now 1881 is county deputy and lecturer. Originally a Whig, Captain Cook early affiliated with the Democratic party, of which he has since been an active member. He has been a member of the Christian Church since 1846, when he was immersed, by Elder John R. White. in Garrard County, Kentucky. He has been a member of Bethany Congregation of Disciples since its organization, in 1860, and for the past twelve years, has been an elder in the same.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
CORNISH & PATTEN,
farmers and stock raisers, section 22. This firm, which is composed of D. P. Cornish and Freeman Patten, have under their control 320 acres of fine land, 160 of which is owned by Mr. Patten, the other is leased. The farm joins the town plat of Osborn on the south. It contains a well arranged barn, windmill, good pasture, a comfortable residence, with a large yard, and is fenced in excellent shape ; everything about the place denoting thrift and industry on the part of the owners. Mr. Cornish is a native of Pittston, Kennebec County, Maine, and was born December 27, 1844. He was reared and educated at his birthplace, and when he was about six years of age his father died, and he was then thrown upon his own resources. During the late war he first enlisted in the Twenty- first Maine, but as he was but sixteen years of age his mother objected to his going. He afterward enlisted in what was known as the Inde- pendent or Coast Guards, of Maine, and served for about six months. Mr. C. came west in the spring of 1868, and settled in Platte Township, Clinton County, where he commenced improving a farm, and in 1872 moved on Mr. Patten's farm, and in 1874 the present partnership was formed. He was married December 13, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth M. Davenport, a native of Maine, born November 6, 1847. They have had four children, three of whom are living : John E., Herbert D. and Free- man P.
FREEMAN PATTEN
is a native of Gardner, Kennebec County, Maine, and was born June 4, 1846. He was there reared and received his education at Kent's Hill College. When eighteen years of age he entered a store as clerk, and afterward was admitted as a partner. Selling out he came west in 1868, and settled upon the land on which he now resides. The prairies were then very thinly populated, and he was among the first settlers. For the last eight years he has been giving his attention chiefly to railroading, commencing as a brakeman. After working one year he was pro- moted to conductor, which position he still holds with the Chicago, Bur- lington & Quincy Company. He is one of the charter members of Osborn Lodge No. 378, A. F. & A. M., and holds the position of secre- tary. He is a polished gentleman in his manners and his character is irreproachable.
JAMES DOWNEY, JR.,
farmer and stock raiser, section 6, post office Perrin, was born December 18, 1843, in County Kerry, Ireland, and was brought to the United States by his parents, when about six years of age. They settled in Bourbon
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County, Kentucky, and remained there eight years. James spent his boyhood days on the farm, and received a common school education. He came West, and settled in Buchanan County, Missouri, in 1856, and, during the late war, he enlisted in Company F., Thirty-fifth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and served until its close. He took part in the battle of Helena, Arkansas, and was with the expedition down the Yazoo Pass. About this time he received the appointment, from the Secretary of War, as hospital steward, but did not accept the position, and, at the close of the war, he was mustered out at Little Rock, Arkan- sas. He returned to Buchanan County, and came from there to Clinton County, in 1867. Resided here about three years, then moved to the place he now occupies, in January, 1870. He has a fine farm of ninety-one acres, improved, and also owns some graded stock. He has filled the position of school director. Mr. D. was married. October 24, 1867, to Miss Mary R. Faunteroy, a native of Missouri, born in June, 1844. They have seven children living : Thomas, Julia, John, Jane, James, Dennis and Nancy ; lost three. Himself and family are mem- bers of the Catholic Church.
H. C. DUNCAN,
farmer, breeder of short horns, and stock shipper, section 5, post office Osborn, was born in Clay County, Missouri, June 2, 1841, and was raised as a farmer, receiving a good education. His father, Jacob Duncan, was born October 17, 1797, and was a native of Bourbon County, Kentucky; he emigrated to Missouri in 1838, settling in Saline County; from there he went to Clay County, and thence to Clinton County, in 1855 ; he was the first breeder of short horns in the county, and died April 6, 1877; his wife, the mother of the subject of this sketch, was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, October 15, 1814, and died April 13, 1875. H. C. sold goods at Osborn during the war, having moved to Clinton County April 24, 1855. He is the owner of 640 acres of well improved land, upon which he has a fish pond, one acre in extent. He has a fine herd of cattle, and is an extensive raiser and shipper. He was married May 23, 1865, to Miss Lizzie Talbott, a native of Missouri, born October 11, 1844. They have had three children, all of whom are living: Lena, born August 15, 1867 ; Nannie, born August 6, 1871 ; and Susie K., born April 4, 1880.
JOSEPH DUNCAN,
farmer and fine stock raiser, section 33, post office Osborn, was born February 25, 1823, in Henry County, Kentucky, and was reared at his birth place, spending his boyhood days on the farm and receiving the benefits of a common school education. He came west in 1842, and
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settled in Clay County, Missouri. He made a trip across the plains to California in 1850, and remained nine months working in the mining districts, after which he returned, and in the spring of 1852, settled where he now resides. The country was then in its primitive state, and deer and game of all kinds were abundant. The Indians returned here to hunt in the fall, and Mr. D. spent the first five years of his residence here in hunting and clearing his farm. He now owns 250 acres of fine land, well improved. He has a fine herd of thirty head of short horn cattle, and as fine a drove of cattle as one could wish to see. In his business operations he is upright and honorable, and has the respect and esteem of all those that have been favored with his acquaintance. Mr. D. was married August 5, 1846, to Miss Julia J. Duncan, a native of Clay County, Missouri, born the 14th of April 1832. They have had eleven children, seven of whom are living: Seth, L. E. (now Mrs. Thomas Turner), Joseph, Mary B. (now Mrs. William Metcalf), Hattie E., Charles S. and Daisy. Mr. D. has been, for thirty-five years, an active member of the Christian Church, in which he formerly held the office of deacon. Mrs. D. has been a member of the same church thirty-three years. There is not a person living in this vicinity who was here when Mr. D. settled.
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