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 75
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
HIRAM ELROD,
farmer, section 36, post office Stewartsville, was born in Ashe County, North Carolina, November 18, 1820, and was reared in his native county, and while there acted as deputy sheriff for four years. He was engaged in farming over many different parts of that state, and afterwards resided in Lee County, Virginia, for four years, there being occupied in teach- ing. In 1858, he moved to Arkansas, where he was engaged in farming and teaching till the breaking out of the war, and in 1862 he enlisted in the Confederate service, remaing till the close of the war. He then came to Clinton County, Missouri, where he has since resided, except during three years, when he lived in DeKalb County. Mr. E. has held the office of justice of the peace since 1876. His farm contains eighty acres of choice land. February 11, 1845, he was married to Miss Caro- line Wells. She was born in Grayson County, Virginia, August 25, 1823. They have three children, . Nancy F., John W., George A., and have lost seven.
FRANKLIN FINCH.
farmer and stock raiser, section 20, post offiee Stewartsville, was born in Monroe County, Ohio, September 6, 1823, and when one year old was taken by his parents to Indiana, where they resided for six years, then
210
BIOGRAPHICAL.
moving to Illinois. In the year 1837, they moved to Buchanan County, Missouri. Franklin was educated in the common schools of his different locations, and, in 1846, he enlisted in the Mexican war, remaining in service for fourteen months, being mustered out as second lieutenant. In 1855, he moved to Jefferson County, Kansas, where he remained till 1861, and then came to Clinton County, Missouri, where he has since resided. He was engaged in the mercantile trade four years, and in the year 1857, while in Jefferson County, Kansas, was elected to the legisla- ture for one term and was a member of the county board for two terms. Mr. Finch's landed estate consists of 580 acres of land. He makes his principal occupation the raising of stock. He is a Mason and a mem- ber of Stewartsville Lodge No. 182. He was married March 25, 1849, to Miss Margaret Moore. She was born in Franklin County, Pennsyl- vania, October 20, 1829. They have had nine children, eight of whom are now living: Emma, Martin L., Edmond L., Florence A., Margaret E., Maud, David R., and Franklin.
GAINES GREENE.
section 23, post office Gower, among the most prominent stock men and farmers in Clinton County, is a native of Mason County, Illinois, and was born March 8, 1853. His father, Hon. W. G. Greene, is a well known citizen of that state, and has figured conspicuously in the commercial and political circles there for the past quarter of a century. He was an inti- mate friend of Abraham Lincoln and War Governor Yates, and partly through his influence the former came before the people for President. For a number of years he has been engaged in the banking business at Tal- lula. He was instrumental in having a number of the now popular rail- roads in Illinois, and has been prominently identified with a number of commendable enterprises for the state's advancement. Gaines was raised and educated in his native state, attending for a time the Commercial College at Poughkeepsie, New York. He early manifested an interest in farming and stock raising, and to the latter he has given his attention for a number of years. In the spring of 1880, he came to Missouri, locat- ing on his present farm, which consists of 641 acres of land, unsurpassed in the state. A commodious residence is upon the farm, which indicates comfort and prosperity. Mr. Greene is well informed upon the current events of the day and is an interesting member of society. On the 2d of October, 1878, he was married to Miss Julia Blankenship, an estimable young lady of Menard County, Illinois. They have one daughter : Dasie.
JOHN N. GRIMES,
farmer and stock raiser, section 5, post office Stewartsville, is a native of Clintonville, Kentucky, and was born in 1856. At the age of three years
211
LA FAYETTE TOWNSHIP.
he, with his parents, moved to Clay County, Missouri, locating near Lib- erty, where he continued to reside until 1830. He then apprenticed him- self to the firm of Smithey & Mccullough, carpenters and house joiners, and remained in their employ till 1854, when he came to Plattsburg, this county. There he was connected with Love & Leeper until 1859, and assisted in building the first Methodist church in that city. During the following spring Mr. G. crossed the plains to Salt Lake City in the employ of Elias Barber, freighter. Associated with eight others he pro- cured an outfit, consisting of a wagon and five yoke of oxen, and with provisions, they started for California, but unfortunately, having lost the most of their oxen, he was obliged to walk the last 150 miles to Honey Lake Valley. After spending some seven years in California and Oregon he returned to this county by the Pony Express in 1866. He was united in marriage on the 24th day of December, 1867, with Mrs. Sarah Best, the widow of Joseph Best. Mrs. Grimes is a native of North Carolina, born on the 11th day of March, 1843. Mr. Grimes' farm con- sists of 260 acres. He is a member of the Masonic order, and both he and his wife are members of the Lebanon Baptist Church. Their family circle consists of two children : Fannie and John E .; lost one son, Charles T. Mrs. Grimes has three children by a former marriage : Laura J., Albert and Joseph H. The mother of Mrs. Grimes, who is eighty-four years of age, finds a pleasant home with her children.
THOMAS B. HOLT,
farmer and stock raiser, section 32, post office Stewartsville, was born in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, February 16, 1834, and was reared on a farm in his native county, where he received his primary education. After attaining to the age of twenty-one years, he entered the Pine Grove Academy of Center County, Pennsylvania, which institution he attended for five years, teaching during the vacations. He then taught in Pennsylvania for about five years, when he became engaged in the lumber business, and in 1865 he went to the oil regions of Pennsylvania, where he embarked in oil speculation. In a short time he found himself in Denver City, Colorado, with but five dollars in his possession. Shortly afterward he came to Clinton County, Missouri, and in connection with farming was engaged in teaching for ten years. He 'now has a farm of 180 acres, all of which is well improved. Mr. Holt was married March 5, 1871, to Miss Nancy J. McCrosky. She was born in Greenup County, Kentucky. They have five children, Wm. B., David W., Hugh, Edward and Charles.
J. I. HUDSON,
section 16, post office Stewartsville, is a native of Wilkes County, North Carolina, and was born on the 18th day of October, 1831. He was
212
BIOGRAPHICAL.
reared in Lee County, Virginia, remaining on the farm with his parents until the age of twenty years, having received a common school edu- cation. In 1841, he moved to Platte City, Platte County, Missouri, and for four years devoted his time to farming. In 1845, he moved to Rich- ardson County, Nebraska, and gave his entire attention to the ferry busi- ness, at St. Stephens, on the Missouri River, in 1857 returning to Platte County, Missouri. For four and one-half years he was in the employ of Stephen Johnson, a merchant at Platte City, and attended to all outside business such as the selling of real estate, stock, etc. After leaving the above named firm, Mr. H. devoted his attention to farming, and in 1862, he came to Clinton County, Missouri. He was united in marriage, on the 9th day of October, 1862, to Miss Sarah Delaney, a native of Lincoln County, Kentucky. She was born on the 30th day of January, 1842. Mr. Hudson is now general agent for the Williams Washer. He and his wife are both members of the Christian Church.
JOHN W. JONES,
farmer and raiser of thoroughbred stock, section 5, post office Stewarts- ville. Among the many substantial agriculturists and successful stock raisers, who have contributed much to the reputation of Clinton County, and one deserving of special notice, is the subject of this sketch. He was born in Fauquier County, Virginia, November 23, 1832, and when . seven years of age, came with his parents to Platte County, Missouri. He was reared on a farm, and received a common school education. After the death of his parents, he lived with his grand parents until 1852, and then took the management of a plantation belonging to an aunt, and in 1856, he rented a large farm, and devoted his entire attention to rais- ing hemp, grain and stock, and in 1858, he removed to Clinton County, and settled on his present farm, which he had purchased the fall previ- ous. His farm is one of the best stock farms in the county, containing 240 acres, divided by a living hedge into seventeen fields, well watered. His buildings are far above the average. Beside a good dwelling and two barns, he has shelter for 1,000 head of sheep. During the late war his sympathies were with the South, but he took no active part in the contest. He was married January 31, 1860, to Miss Mary E. Wylie, a native of Licking County, Kentucky. She was born in the year 1839. They have five children living: Anna E., born October 3, 1861 ; Mary Virginia, born February 13, 1865 ; Leila A., born June 16, 1869; Arthur T., born February 12, 1874; Allen W., born August 6, 1878. Lost three : Scott W., born October 18, 1863, died in November, 1863 ; Lewis L., born March 18, 1867, died June 20, 1871 ; Mattie A. ,born Jan- uary 8, 1872, died March 8, 1877.
213
LA FAVETTE TOWNSHIP.
MRS. MARGARET MCDANIEL,
section 28, post office Stewartsville, was born in Orange County, North Carolina, November 5, 1809, her maiden name being Wilkinson. She was raised to womanhood in her native county, and was there married September 28, 1831, to John R. McDaniel. He was also born in the same county, and there grew up. In 1841, they moved to Missouri and located in Clay County, where they resided for two years, and then set- tled in Clinton County, where Mr. McD. resided till the time of his demise, May 10, 1860. They had a family of ten children, five of whom are now living : Jane (now Mrs. Saunders,) born March 8, 1840; Nancy E. (now Mrs. Laffoon), born December 28, 1841 ; Belle (now Mrs. Pickett), born August 31, 1849; William N., born October 8, 1847; and John J., born March 6, 1852. Since the death of Mr. McDaniel his son, William N., has taken charge of the farm, he being the only child now at home. The estate embraces 115 acres of choice land.
C. C. PERKINS,
farmer and stock raiser, section 21, post office Plattsburg, is a native of Madison County, Kentucky, and was born on the 16th day of March, 1831, on a farm. He received a common school education, and in 1839, with his parents, he moved to Clay County, Missouri, locating near Lib- erty. He subsequently moved to this county and soon commenced giv- ing his whole attention to farming and the raising of stock. In 1855, he crossed the plains to Denver, occupying the position of bull-whacker, and returned the following fall. He was united in marriage in 1865 to Miss Etha Hickman, a native of Kentucky, born May r8, 1844. They have five children, Pearle, Josephine, J. J., Archibald, and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins are both members of the Christian Church.
W. H. PRICE,
farmer and stock raiser, section 22, post office Gower, is a native of North Carolina, having been born in Caswell County on the 4th of Octo- ber, 1830. With his parents, he moved to Woodville, Platte County, Missouri, in May, 1844, and assisted his parents in opening up the farm. In March, 1846, he moved to Clinton County, and settled near the place where he now resides. He was united in marriage, September 2, 1852, with Miss Francis Simes, a native of Clay County, Missouri, born April 14. 1829. She died on the 13th day of July, 1870. Seven children were the result of this Union : Elizabeth, Florence, Minnie, Richard S., Benja- min, Emmet and Ernest. Mr. Price was again married January 3, 1872, to Miss E. Saunders, a native of Clinton County, Missouri, born on the
214
BIOGRAPHICAL.
16th day of September, 1840. By this union their family consisted of L. T., Henrietta, David M. (deceased ), and Ira W. Mr. Price's farm consists of 240 acres of well improved land. Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church.
C. S. RAY,
farmer and stock raiser, section 22, post office Gower. This popular fellow citizen, who, for over a quarter of a century, has labored for the best interests of Clinton County, is a native of Randolph County, North Carolina, and was born January 13, 1830. His father, Mark, was also a native of North Carolina, and emigrated, with his family, to Missouri, in 1842, locating on Rock House Prairie, Buchanan County. The subject of this sketch was here raised and educated. In 1850, he went to Cali- fornia, engaged in mining, and returned in 1834. The same year, he bought a farm in Clinton County, and located on the same, which he has since occupied. His landed estate consists of 346 acres in Clinton County, and about 100 acres in Buchanan County. In stock raising and feeding, which he makes a specialty, his business will compare favorably with any in the township. In 1854, Miss P. J. Deer, of Buchanan County, became his wife. They have six children : Albert, Joshua, Edward, Mollie, Claude and Lulu. Himself and family are members of the M. E. Church South.
JOSHUA RAY,
farmer and stock raiser, post office Gower. This enterprising young gentleman is a son of Mr. C. S. Ray, and was born in Clinton County, in 1858. He was raised and educated in this county. His estate consists of 104 acres, seventy-five in Clinton and the balance in Buchanan County. His residence is in Buchanan County, close to the Clinton County line. In 1879, he married Miss Mary E. Cook, of DeKalb County.
EMSLEY ROSE,
farmer and stock raiser, section 14, post office Gower, the subject of this sketch, one of the oldest settlers of Clinton County, is a native of Har- rison County, Indiana, and was born on the 14th of November, 1815, and with his parents came to Missouri in 1820. He settled in Clay County, some six miles east of what is now Liberty, and received a com- mon school education. He afterward moved to Camden Point, Platte County, in 1837, and remained in that locality till his marriage on the 11th day of January, 1844, to Miss Eliza Price. She was a native of North Carolina, and was born on the 19th of January, 1819, and with her parents came to Missouri in 1843, and settled in Platte County. Mr.
215
LA FAYETTE TOWNSHIP'.
Rose came to Clinton County, and settled at his present residence in 1844. His landed interest now embraces 340 acres of well improved land, which was purchased from the government at $1.25 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. Rose have nine children : Mary E., Sarah A., Victoria, William P., Mary Cameron, J. C. (deceased), Elvira, Vercena C., Emsley L., Edwin Lee.
DR. H. P. SANDERS,
section 33, post office Stewartsville, is one who has been closely asso- ciated with the medical fraternity of Clinton and the adjoining counties. He is a native of Monticello, Wayne County, Kentucky, where he was born September 22, 1810. He was raised and educated in that state, and in 1835, commenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Jesse Sweeny, of Monticello, a prominent practitioner of that section. With him he continued for three years, and afterwards read medicine with Dr3. Fleece and Neisinger, of Danville, Kentucky, commencing to prac- tice at Liberty, Casey County, Kentucky. In 1840, he removed to Crab Orchard, Kentucky, there remaining until 1859, when he emigrated to Missouri, locating in Clinton County, where he has since been a resident. Dr. Sanders has attained more than a local reputation in the medical world. His career in Clinton County has been a successful one, and his judgment is frequently called into requisition in critical cases. He has an excellent library, is a close student, and is a pleasant gentleman and a fluent conversationalist. In 1880, he was the choice of the people of Clinton County for the office of coroner and was elected by a large majority. The Dr. has a fine farm under a high state of cultivation. He was married at Crab Orchard, Kentucky, to Miss Mary E. Burch. She was born September 1, 1821. They have had six children, Sarah E., Julia M., James F., William B., Maggie C., and Charles J. Mrs. Sanders died August 22, 1870. William B. is one of Gower's prominent business men, having been in the drug trade at that place for several years. The doctor is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and belongs to Gower lodge. Himself and family are members of the Baptist Church.
REV. D. G. SAUNDERS,
pastor of the Baptist Church, was born in Clinton County, Missouri, March 4, 1843. He received his education in his native county, and at Stewartsville. Being brought up on a farm, he followed that occupation till 1865, when he embarked in the mercantile trade at Starfield, which bus- iness he pursued for four years. He returned to his farm, and, in 1872, entered the ministry, in which he has since been actively engaged. He united with the church in the year 1862, and was baptized by the late Rev.
216
BIOGRAPHICAL.
James D. Black, of Kentucky. He was married by the same gentleman, July 30, 1861, to Miss Sarah J. McDaniel, of North Carolina. She was born March 4, 1840. They have had ten children, seven of whom are now living : Robert P., Joseph N., Ida, Cora, Berry W., Anna and Dora. Mr. S.'s father, Robert H. Saunders, now deceased, was a native of Vir- ginia, and was born in Bedford County, March 3, 1814. In 1838, he came to Missouri, and soon after located in Clinton County. September 26, 1839, he was married to Miss Sallie E. McGill. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and deacon of the same at the time of his demise, July 22, 1866. He had a family of seven children, six of whom are liv- ing : Elvira, Daniel G., Robert P., Martha J., Sultana and Henry W. Mrs. Saunders, who now resides on the farm, was born in Howard County, Missouri, October 6, 1818. When three years of age, she went to Clay County, Missouri, and subsequently to this county.
JOHN F. SWOPE,
farmer, stock raiser and feeder, section 16, post office Plattsburg. Among the prominent and successful farmers of Clinton County, is the subject of this sketch. He is a native of Boone County, Missouri, and was born on the 8th day of February, 1832. At the age of five years he, with his parents, moved to Platte County, Missouri, remaining there until 1849, when he went to California. In 1853, he returned to his former home in Platte County, and resumed the life of a farmer. On the third day of February, 1853, he was united in marriage to Miss L. A. Mun, a native of Buckingham County, Virginia. She came to Missouri with her parents in 1844. Mr. and Mrs. S. came to this county in 1855, and settled near their present residence, which now consists of 440 acres of improved land, surrounded and subdivided by osage hedge fences. They have a family of seven children : J. L., C. T., William H., Alice G., James A., Annie E., Francis H. They are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.
BARNARD WARD,
farmer, section 19, post office Stewartsville, is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Northampton County, April 21, 1820. He has followed farming from boyhood. In 1839, he moved to Adams County, Illinois, where he remained till 1870, when he came to his present location. He now has a good farm of over 316 acres, well improved, and he is con- sidered to be one of the most successful farmers in the county. His wife, also, has a farm of seventy-seven acres. He was married April 15, 1845, to Miss Ann Limb, a native of England. They have three children : Joseph H., George, and Mary A.
217
LA FAYETTE TOWNSHIP.
JAMES W. WATSON,
farmer, section 30, post office Stewartsville, was born in Bond County, Illinois, January 12, 1848, and when two years of age his parents moved to Missouri and located in Clinton County, where he has since resided, except two seasons, during which time he was engaged in freighting on the plains. He has followed farming from boyhood, and now has a farm of 210 acres of improved land. Mr. W. was married November 13, 1873, to Miss Kansas Hoggatt, who was born in Knox County, Illinois, Sep- tember 9. 1855. They have two children : Charley E., and Jessie L.
W. C. WILKINSON,
farmer and stock dealer, section 28, post office Stewartsville, is a native of North Carolina, and was born in Orange County, December 25, 1829. When ten years of age his parents moved to Clay County, Missouri, and in one year located in Clinton County. He has followed farming from boyhood, and now has a farm containing twenty-two acres, all of which is well improved, he having between five and six miles of hedge fence. He also has 400 acres of land in DeKalb County, which he uses as a stock farm. Mr. W. was married August 27, 1857, to Miss Sophia Clause. She was born in Mason County, Kentucky, in the year 1839. They have four children : Netta, William F., Katie B. and Luella.
JAMES A. WILKINSON,
farmer and stock dealer, section 29, post office Stewartsville. The sub- ject of this sketch was born, reared and has, with the exception of a short time, always lived in Clinton County, Missouri. The date of his birth was April 15, 1842. He has followed farming the principal part of his life. In 1861, he enlisted in the Confederate service, in Company I, of Hughes' regiment, and remained in the service for two years, six months of the time being held as prisoner. In 1865, he went to Mon- tana, where he was engaged in freighting for nearly three years. During 1875-6, Mr. W. was engaged in the mercantile trade at Stewartsville. His landed estate consists of 360 acres. He was married February 9, 1868, to Miss Sue E. Pickett, of DeKalb County, Missouri. She died in the year 1876, leaving three children, one of whom is living-Annie. He was again married March 15, 1877, to Mrs. Mary Eulreken, of Missouri. Her maiden name was Krews. They have one child-Josie.
NELSON WILLIAMS,
farmer, and patentee and manufacturer of the Williams' Eureka Wash- ing Machine, section 17, post office Stewartsville, is a native of Fleming
218
BIOGRAPHICAL ..
County, Kentucky, and was born March 21, 1829, and was reared and educated in his native state. His early life was that of a farmer boy. In 1851, he emigrated to Missouri and settled in Liberty, Clay County, and worked at the trade of carpenter and cabinet maker. He was mar- ried June 19, 1851, to Elizabeth DeMoss. In 1857, he removed to Clinton County and settled in Plattsburg, where he lived three years. Mrs. Williams died January 29, 1859, leaving one son, Thomas. In 1860, he removed to Platte County. He was again married April 3, 1861, to Malinda Bailey, a native of Virginia. The same year he changed his residence to Leavenworth, and, after residing there fourteen months, returned to Platte County, where he lived two years, and then, once more, made his home in Clinton County, and settled where he now lives. His farm contains forty acres of good land, well improved. He has, by his second marriage, four children : Anna F., Andrew J., Sarah J., and Charles J. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are members of the Christian Church. During the present year Mr. Williams has invented a washing machine, which, for simplicity, durability, utility and economy, is unequaled by any machine in use, coming as it does within the means of all.
J. T. WOOD.
The subject of this sketch is a man of high moral standing, of an indus- trious disposition, and one constantly devoting his time to the interest of his business. He is a native of Reynolds County, Missouri, and was born on a farm on the 11th day of May, 1855. He there resided, assist- ing his parents in tilling the soil, his education being completed under the tutorship of Professor N. G. Jacks. At the age of twenty years he went to Grayson County, Texas, and spent about thirteen months traveling through Texas, the Indian Territory and Kansas, returning to his home in 1875. The following fall he moved to Platte County, locating near Platte City, where he remained some three years pursuing the occupa- tion of a farmer. In 1879 he visited his parents in Reynolds County, and spent the winter in fox and deer hunting. The following spring he returned to his place of business in Platte County, there continuing until September 10, 1880, when he closed out and returned to the old home- stead and took charge of his father's farm and stock. He is now doing a thriving business, and bids fair to become one of Reynolds County's most prominent and wealthy citizens.
1
CITY OF STEWARTSVILLE.
GAINES ADAMS,
constable and revenue collector of Washington Township, DeKalb, County is a native of Kentucky, and was born in Pulaski County, January 28, 1836. He was reared in his native county, and came to Missouri in 1856, remaining a citizen of Platte County till 1857, when he came to DeKalb County. In 1852, he enlisted in the Federal service, in the Fourth Missouri Cavalry, with which he remained till the close of the war, serving as sergeant and sergeant major. During the last six months he was dispatch carrier for Governor Fletcher. After the close of the war, Mr. A. returned home, and, in the year 1868, was appointed as dep- uty sheriff of DeKalb County, holding the position two years. He was then elected constable of Washington Township, which office he has since continued to hold. In the spring of 1881, he was elected revenue collector of the same township. He now has a farm of eighty acres, in DeKalb County, and is to some extent engaged in the stock business. He was married, January 1, 1866, to Miss Rachel McWilliams. She was born in Platte County, Missouri, October 24, 1844, and died October 4, 1877. They had a family of seven children, five boys and two girls : Cynthia, John C., William C., George H., James, W. T. and Rachel.
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.