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 73
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merchant. This well known and popular citizen is a native of Kentucky, and was born in Henry County, August 2, 1839. He came to Missouri when seventeen years of age, locating in Buchanan County with his
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parents. When the rebellion broke out he entered the Confederate service, and served six months under General Atchison, after which he went to Montana, locating in Virginia City, where he resided several years. He was a policeman in that city for one year, and deputy mar- shal two years. In 1867, returning to Buchanan County, Missouri, he engaged in farming until 1878, when he embarked in merchandising in Gower. Mr. H. is an outspoken, frank citizen, with liberal views, and as a business man stands among the foremost. In 1868, Miss Eliza Weak- ley, of Clinton County, Missouri, became his wife. By this union they have six children : Georgia Belle, Elizabeth, Nellie, Lucy, Willard and Virgil. Lost one-Erasmus. Mr. Hall is a Master Mason and a member of Gower Lodge.
DAVID S. HALL,
dealer in hardware and agricultural implements, and insurance, land, claim and collecting agent, was born in Pleasureville, Kentucky, October 15, 1843, and came to Buchanan County, Missouri, with his parents in 1857. He was there raised to manhood, receiving the benefits of a common school and a commercial education in St. Joseph. He commenced his mercantile career at Union Mills, Platte County, and afterwards engaged in trade in Plattsburg, where he continued four years; thence moved to Gower, and has since been one of the representative men of the town. For two years he was deputy sheriff of Clinton County, and filled the position faithfully. He was married in 1868 to Miss Emma L. Asbury, of Plattsburg. They have three children : Annie A., Birda and George R. A. Mr. Hall is a Master Mason and a member of Gower Lodge.
GEORGE T. HALL,
merchant and postmaster, Gower, as a citizen and energetic business man, is known over a vast area of country. He is the son of Mr. .Thomas Hall, the well known vulcan, and was born in Pleasureville, Kentucky, December 22, 1850. Moving to Missouri with his parents when young, he was principally raised in Buchanan County. In 1870 he embarked in merchandising, and has been postmaster since 1874. He was married in 1881 to Miss Inez Shields, an estimable lady of War- rensburg, Johnson County, Missouri. Mr. Hall is a Master Mason.
WILLIAM HAMMETT,
druggist, stationer and assistant postmaster, Gower, is a native of Penn- sylvania, and was born in Franklin County, April 4, 1843. His father, D. F. Hammett, was well known in the commercial circles of that country, and died when William was quite young. At an early age the latter
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migrated to Maryland, where he was raised and educated, entering the naval academy, at Annapolis, as a cadet, in 1859 ; also, for a time, he was at Newport, the academy having been removed to that point. In 1863, he was called into active service, and, in the capacity of ensign, was in the Mississippi Squadron until the close of the rebellion, when he was honorably discharged. In 1866, the west attracted his atten- tion, and he came to Missouri, locating in St. Joseph, where he entered the employ of Turner, Frazer & Co., and, for a time, was their repre- sentative on the road, being one of the first traveling salesmen out of St. Joseph. He continued in their employ for four years, after which he embarked in merchandising at Frazer, Buchanan County, remaining three years. He next went to Texas, and lived temporarily in different parts, and, afterwards, for four years, was in the employ of C. D. Smith & Co., St. Joseph. In the autumn of 1880, he established himself in trade in Gower. He has been assistant postmaster since that time. He is an efficient druggist, and has built up a trade that will compare favor- ably with any in the county. Socially, Mr. Hammett is one of the most genial and companionable of men. He is a Master Mason, and a mem- ber of Gower Lodge.
J. T. JAMISON,
of the firm of Poe & Jamison, dealers in general merchandise, Gower. This popular young gentleman is a native of Buchanan County, Missouri, and was born August 6, 1853, his father, Allen, being one of the early settlers of the county. J. T. was raised on the farm, receiving the benc- fits of the common schools. After attaining his majority, for two years he was an attendant of the State Normal School at Kirksville, the latter portion of the time being employed as a teacher. For several years he pursued the vocation of teaching in Buchanan and Clinton Counties, and engaged in his present business in the spring of 1881.
J. D. JOHNSON,
farmer and stock raiser, section 31, post office Gower, is a native of Vir- ginia, and was born in Fluvanna County, December 5, 1805. His father, William, was a farmer, and an old resident of that state. The subject of this sketch, when 26 years of age, migrated to Kentucky, where he resided until 1854, when he came to Platte County, Missouri, and after a residence there of eighteen months, came to Clinton County, locating where he now resides. Hle first bought 200 acres of land, and has been adding to it from time to time, until his present estate embraces 300 acres of choice land, on which is situated a comfortable residence. Mr. J. has been a man of untiring industry, and few citizens of Clinton County are more respected for sterling merit. He has been twice mar-
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ried ; first, in 1829, to Miss Mary L. Kent, of Virginia. She died in Kentucky, March 19, 1855. Miss Margaret W. Brumley, of Kentucky, afterwards became his wife. Her father, Daniel, was a native of Vir- ginia, and moved to Kentucky when sixteen years of age.
G. W. JOHNSON,
farmer and stock raiser, section 31, post office Gower, an enterprising young agriculturist, is a son of Mr. J. D. Johnson, and was born in 1848, in Shelby County, Kentucky, between Frankfort and Shelbyville. He came to Platte County with his father in 1854, and to Clinton County in 1856, where he has been raised and educated, and where he has since resided, spending his boyhood days in tilling the soil of his county. Mr. J. in farming and stock raising combines the real with the theoreti- cal. Being thoroughly schooled as an agriculturist, he promises in the near future to be numbered with the substantial farmers of the county. In 1877, Miss Mary Wright, an estimable young lady, became his wife.
WILLIAM KIRK,
farmer and stock raiser, section 5, post office Plattsburg, is one of the largest real estate owners in Northwestern Missouri, and is known as one of the substantial stock men of Clinton County. His home farm embraces 963 acres, a short distance east of which are 200 acres, 50 acres of timber land and 135 acres in DeKalb County-in all, 1,348 acres, which will average with any in Northwestern Missouri. The greater portion of it is under a high state of cultivation. His residence, which is situated on a moderately inclined elevation, is a fine looking one, and is one of the most attractive and desirable homes in the state. A frame barn, which is visible for miles, is a two story and basement structure, 42×60 feet, and well arranged for stock feeding. The ice house, wood house, carpenter shop and other buildings are well arranged, indicating good judgment in their construction and the supervision of a skilled manager. Mr. Kirk is a native of Jefferson County, Ohio, and was born March 26, 1823. His father, John, was a native of Ireland, and came to America when a boy, settling in Pennsylvania and eventually located in Ohio. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. William was raised and educated in Jefferson County, his boyhood days being spent in tilling the soil. After attaining his majority he lived on a rented farm for fifteen years. In 1866 he came to Missouri, locating on his present farm, three-quarters of a mile from his present home site. In 1857 he com- menced the building of his present residence. Mr. K. is the founder and builder of his own competency, which he has secured by untiring industry and husbanding his resources. In 1849 he was married to Miss Eliza A. Taylor, of Ohio, a lady whose graces of mind and heart have
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endeared her to all. By this union they have had five children, three of whom are living : Theophilus, William and Eva ; Sophia and Mary, deceased. Himself and family are members of the Methodist Church.
JOHN LEWIS,
farmer and stock raiser, section 25, post office Plattsburg, stands promi- nent among our progressive and successful farmers. He is a native of Wales, and when seventeen years of age he, with his father, emigrated to America, settling in Ohio, where he remained six years. After this time he removed to Missouri, and settled in this county, where he now resides. He has 390 acres of good land, most of which is under cultiva- tion, and upon it is one of the finest barns in the county, and a nice, comfortable residence. His improvements generally denote him a rep- resentative and successful farmer. He was married February 8, 1846, to Miss Mary A. Bumgarner. They have from this marriage twelve chil- dren : Sarah A., Mahala, William L., Benjamin F., Mary I., John M., Maggie E., Esther, Rebecca E., Thomas A., Robert J. and Jacob B. They are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. L. was justice of the peace for five years, and during that time faithfully discharged the duties of that office.
LOYD LEACH,
farmer and stock raiser, section 4, post office Plattsburg, is a native of Kentucky, having been born in Scott County, January 30, 1818. His father, Burton Leach, was an old citizen of that state. Loyd was raised, educated and resided in Kentucky until 1847, when he came to Missouri, locating in Platte County. Then he removed to Clay County, and in the autumn of 1852 located where he now resides. He purchased 560 acres, there then being about thirty acres under cultivation, on which was situated a small log house, in a dilapidated condition. He soon commenced the erection of his commodious residence, and, being a car- penter by trade, did the greater portion of the work. It is now one of the most attractive and desirable residences in the country. His estate consists of about 600 acres, is divided by fences, and well adapted for stock raising, which business he makes a speciality, and in which he deals largely. Mr. L. has been a man of untiring industry, and his judgment is excellent, his success in life being due to his own exertions. In the home circle he is one of the most genial of men. His wife, for- merly Miss Mary Haynes, a native of Kentucky, he married in 1848. She is a lady of refined tastes. They have six children : William W., Susan, Loyd, Jr., Dora A., Elizabeth and Viola. Mr. and Mrs. L. are members of the Southern Methodist Church.
M
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D. P. McKISSICK,
farmer and stock raiser, section 15, post office Gower. A well known pioneer of Clinton County and a man who figured conspicuously in the early days of Northwest Missouri, was Mr. Daniel McKissick, father of the subject of this sketch ; he was a native of North Carolina, and came to Clinton County with his family in 1833, locating on the farm which his son now occupies ; he was one of the earliest justices of the peace, and, also, a surveyor ; he raised a good deal of corn in those early days, and those who were unfortunate, in having short crops, were generally accomodated by Mr. McK. He was a man of excellent judgment, and his counsel was often sought after by the early citizens. His home was always open to the stranger, and his hospitality is well remembered by the few pioneers who still survive. In 1843, he was with the first caravan to cross the mountains to Oregon, returning in 1846 ; he was a sergeant in the war of 1812, and a personal friend of Colonel Benton. It was he who suggested to the court the name of Clinton for the county and that of Plattsburg for the county seat. He was an admirer of DeWitt Clinton, hence the name, and Plattsburg, as a memorial of the war of 1812, and the battle of Plattsburg, New York. His death, which occurred in Clinton County many years ago, was mourned by a large number of acquaint- ances. D. P. McKissick was born in Bedford County, Tennessee, Feb- ruary 20, 1820, and came to Clinton County with his parents, in 1833, and was here raised and principally educated. He is closely associated with the county's progress and has always manifested a live interest in educational matters. To him much credit is due for having the town- ship laid off, at an early day, into school districts and the inauguration of the public school system. During his sojourn here, he has been a justice of the peace for sixteen years, and has, also, been honored by the people in holding the office of county judge. Before the war Mr. McK. was a Whig, but since then he has been found in the Democratic ranks. He has an excellent memory and is a close observer In public and domestic circles, he is one of the most festive of men. He was mar- ried, in 1858, to Miss Mary Jane Wedin, of Saline County, Missouri. They have had seven children : Martha A., Joseph E., Mary C., Daniel T., Annie, Jacob H., and Minnie.
WILLIAM MCKOWN,
stock raiser, section 33, post office Plattsburg. Mr. John McKown, an early settler of Clinton County, was a native of Kentucky, and came to Clay County when a boy, where he was raised, married and lived until 1832 or '33. Then he became a resident of Clinton, locating where his son William now resides. He entered 240 acres of land, and was the first
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settler in what is now one of the garden spots of Clinton County. From that time to the present he has been closely associated with the growth and progress of the county. William McKown was born in Clay County, December 10, 1828, and came to Clinton County with his parents. Since then he has made this his home. He received the benefits of the early schools of the county, which in his time was in a small log structure, with split poles for seats, and a portion of a log out of the side of the building to admit the light. At the breaking out of the rebellion Mr. McK. was among the first to tender his services to the Confederate cause, enlisting September 12, 1861. He was with General Price, and participated in the battles of Lexington, Pea Ridge, and a number of skirmishes, serving seven months. He was married in 1850, to Miss Martha Sherrer, of Clinton County. They had six children : Thomas E., Will., John, James W., Maggie and Allie. Mrs. McKown's death occurred November 25, 1877. Mr. McK.'s estate embraces 256 acres of the most desirable land in Clinton County. In stock raising and feeding he is one of the most prominent in his section. He is an active member of the Free Will Baptist Church.
JAMES B. MATTHEWS,
section 13, post office Plattsburg. The subject of this sketch is a native of Kentucky, and was born January 11, 1833. There he learned the trade of carpenter, and also engaged in farming. In 1860, he emigrated to Missouri, and settled where he now resides. He has 245 acres of good, average land, equal to any in this section, most of which is under culti- vation. He was married April 13, 1854, to Miss Martha E. Smith, an estimable lady. They have eleven children : Mary A., Arthur T., Wil- liam W., Annie K., James B., Mattie S., Edna, Ernest, Harry C., Katie and an infant. They are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.
J. W. MOORE,
farmer and stock raiser, section 27, post office Gower, is one of the larg- est stock feeders in this township. He is a native of Virginia, and was born near Harper's Ferry, August 5th, 1847. Ilis father, Milton Moore, came to Daviess County, Missouri, with his family, in 1847, and after- wards, to Buchanan County, where the subject of this sketch was a resi- dent for a number of years. Major Milton Moore is among the best known business men and farmers of Northwest Missouri. For many years he has been in the stock business, making his headquarters at Gower. J. W. located where he now resides in the spring of 1881. He is a thoroughly experienced stockman, and in his transactions is pecu- liarly clear and transparent. In 1869, Miss Fanny Mcclellan, of Clinton
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County, became his wife. They have six children : Milton, Willie, Hat- tie, Carrie, Neeley and Edward. Mr. M. belongs to the Central Protec- tive Association.
SAMUEL NASH,
farmer and stock raiser, section 24, post office Gower, is a native of Franklin County, Kentucky, and was born May 25, 1811. His father, Jeremiah, was a native of Virginia, and died when Samuel was in his seventh year. When in his fourteenth year, the subject of this sketch, with his mother and her family, came to Missouri, locating in Clay County, near Liberty, residing there two years, then moved to Fishing River, where they remained some years, eventually locating in Clinton County, on the farm now occupied by them. Mr. Nash has been one of the most industrious and progressive citizens of the county, and has contributed his share towards its development. He came to the county when in meagre circumstances, and has made a handsome compe- tency by his own exertions. On the 12th of January, 1834, Miss Annie Williams became his wife. She is the daughter of John and Catharine Williams, and was born in North Carolina, March 27, 1815. They have had thirteen children, four of whom are living: Wilson, Justina, Mary E. and Samuel Jackson. Lost nine : Beckie, Jerry, George, William J., Melinda, Sarah Catharine, Amanda, E. M., Emma A.
CORNELIUS O'CONNER,
section 22, post office Plattsburg, is a native of Ireland, and was born in 1833. At the age of eighteen years he emigrated to America, and set- tled in Kentucky, where he followed the occupation of farming. In 1863, he moved to Illinois, and settled in Coles County. After a resi- dence there of thirteen years, he came to this state and settled where he now resides, being the possessor of 380 acres of average land, most of which is under cultivation. In 1853, Mr. O'Conner married Miss Ellen Murphy. They have six children : John W., Batty, Dennis, Thomas, Patrick, Cornelius, and have adopted one girl, Maggie. They are members of the Catholic Church.
G. B. POAGE,
farmer and stock raiser, section 7, post office Plattsburg, is as popularly known as any of the early settlers of Clinton County. He is a native of Boone County, Missouri, and was born August 26, 1816. His father, Robert, was a native of Virginia, and came to Missouri in 1807. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and became a resident of Clay County in 1820. He helped to build the first warehouse at Liberty, and took an
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active part in the development of Northwestern Missouri. The grand- father of G. B., Abraham Grooms, was an early settler of Clinton County, having located where the subject of this sketch now resides in 1836, the same time that the Poage family came. The county at that time was in its natural condition, the hand of man having done but little towards its development. To them much credit is due for the present substantial condition of the territory in their immediate vicinity. They passed through the various inconveniences subject to the settlement of a new country, ever persevering and triumphed over all obstacles. The estate of Mr. P. consists of 255 acres. He keeps good grades of cattle, and in stock raising does a business that will compare with any in the commu- nity. He was married in 1839, to Miss Hannah Victor, a native of Lewis County, Kentucky. By this union they have ten children living : Mary Ann, Nancy Elizabeth, Robert, Sarah Ellen. William B., John S. Martha M., David S., Alfred R. and Abraham G. Lost one-James Allen.
B. F. POE,
farmer and stock raiser, section 34, post office Gower, was born Novem- ber 25, 1836, in Clinton County, Missouri. His father, William, was a native of Gerrard County, Kentucky, and was a sollier in the war of 1812, and participated in the famous battle of the Thames in Upper Canada October 5, 1813, where General Tecumseh was killed. He served under General Harrison. Mr. Poe came to Clay County, Missouri, at an carly day, and to Clinton County in 1836, being among the pioneers. He was also for a time a resident of Buchanan County. He was greatly interested in the general development of the country until his death, which occurred December 31, 1876, in Holt County. B. F. gave himself the benefit of a good education by close application to his books during his limited school days and employing his leisure hours for over twenty years, and has been among the foremost teachers and educators in Clin- ton and Buchanan Counties. In religious matters he is among the active workers, as well as of affairs pertaining to the advancement of the public generally. Since 1865 he has been an elder in the Christian Church. He was married in 1862 to Miss Percilla Pyle. By this unon they have four children : Alice, Emma, Curtiss and Nellic.
H. C. POE,
of B. F. & H. C. Poe, agriculturists, and of the firm of Poe & Jamison, merchants, Gower, is a native of Clay County, Missouri, was born Jan- uary 29, 1840, and is the son of the pioneer William Poc. He has been a resident of Clinton and Buchanan Counties the geater portion of his life, and has contributed amply toward the development of the agri-
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cultural interests of this section. The Poe Bros. are among the sub- stantial, practical and successful farmers of Clinton County. In the spring of 1881, Mr. P. embarked in merchandising, and, being well and familiarly known, commands a large patronage.
WILLIS ROCKWELL,
(deceased). Among the pioneers of Clinton County, the subject of this sketch is worthy of more than a passing notice. He was a native of Kentucky, and was born June 14, 1804. He there married, July 15, 1824, Miss E. B. Brockman. She was born January 21, 1809. They came to Clinton County, in 1853, locating in close proximity to where the town of Grower now stands. Mr. R. and his good wife were recognized as the most industrious and progressive of people in the neighborhood, for many years, and took an active part in working for the welfare of their adopted county. Like a score of other early settlers, they have passed away from this earth, but not from the memory of the people. Mrs Rockwell's death occurred August 20, 1874, and on the 14th of Septem- ber, 1878, she was joined, in her heavenly home, by her husband. They had a family of twelve children. A number of the sons are sterling and prominent agriculturists of Clinton County. The names of the children are : Elizabeth F., born February 22, 1826 (wife of Josiah Braly); Clifton T., born in 1828; Francis M., born May 5, 1830, and died in 1869; Louisa C., born May 9, 1832 (married S. Braly November 3, 1853); Wealthy A., born January 13, 1834, and died January 8, 1872 (married Tazwell Parr); Richard H. L., born July 13, 1836 (married Miss L. Saulsbury); Mary A., born May 7, 1839 (wife of Marion Riggs); Stephen W., born December 26, 1841 (married Josephine Davis); Lucy E., born October 30, 1844 ; John M., born May 6, 1847; William C., born January 30, 1850 (married Octavia Young, April 17, 1876); Isaac N., born July 15, 1852. The Rockwell estate is located on section 3.
R. L. SCEARCE,
stock raiser and dealer, section 19, post office Plattsburg, is a leader in the stock business of Missouri, and is well known in the northwest. He is a native of Clay County, Missouri, was born October 14, 1843, and is the son of Robert Scearce, deceased, who was one of the early settlers of Missouri. R. L. became a resident of Clinton County in 1851, and has here been raised to manhood and educated. Bob, as he is usually called, has always been a farmer and stock raiser, and, by his good judg- ment and strict attention to business, has made of it a grand and well deserved success. His landed estate embraces about 600 acres of land, which is well adapted and arranged for stock purposes. An attractive and substantial residence, with out-buildings to conform, adorn his farm
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and make it one of the most desirable in Atchison Township. He was married February 1, 1866, to Miss Mary M. Biggerstaff, a daughter of the well known Clinton County pioneer, Samuel G. Biggerstaff. They have six children living : Emmett, Lewis, William, Maud E., Ann Eliza, and an infant.
S. A. SCEARCE,
farmer and stock raiser, section 17, post office Plattsburg. The subject of this sketch is a native of Clay County, Missouri, and was born Janu- ary 7. 1848. While he was of an early age, the family emigrated to this county, where he has since resided. He has 460 acres of land, making in all one of the finest stock farms in the state, and as a stock raiser, he is well and favorably known throughout this district. His wife was, formerly, Miss Laura T. Thompson, an estimable lady. They have as a result of this union a family of four children, Minnie L., Lizzie A., Nancy A. and an infant. Of such men as Mr. Scearce the citizens of Clinton County may well be proud, and although yet a comparatively young man, he stands in the front rank of our representative farmers.
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