USA > Missouri > Pettis County > Sedalia > The History of Pettis County, Missouri, History of Sedalia > Part 103
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CAP. JOHN M. SNEED.
Farmer and stock raiser; post-office, Sedalia. One of Pettis County's business men. He is a native of Kentucky, and was born in 1826. He was there educated and grew. to manhood. He was married in his native State in 1844 to Miss Mary Stewart, a lady of fine taste and culture. This union has blessed them with ten children, eight of whom are now living, Margaret M., William S., Sallie, Robert C., John B., George V., Frank, Harry, Alexender and Clarence. Mr. Sneed became impressed with the idea that Missouri offered great advantages to men of energy, and accordingly came to Pettis County, in 1854, locating where he now lives, when it then was all wild prairie for a great distance around. He has improved a fine farm and has first class buildings, with a fine orchard. The farm consists of 800 acres. When our country became involved in war, he offered his services and was appointed Captain of Co. D. 40th E. M. M., Oct. 15, 1862, and served until about 1864, when he was honorably. discharged and returned to his quiet home.
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HISTORY OF BOWLING GREEN TOWNSHIP.
BENJ. F. STEELMAN.
Post-office, Beaman. Farmer. One of the pioneers of Pettis County. His father and mother were among the first settlers. He was born, Aug. 22, 1838, in Shelby County, Tenn., and he came to this county in 1855, and has since made this his home. He now owns a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and he is a successful business man of his township. He was married. to Miss L. Embree, and her father is one of the old settlers of the county. This union has blessed them with six children: Tolson C., Noah, Jefferson, Sophia M., William and Embrey O. Mr. Steelman is a member of the Baptist Church.
DR. BENJ. E. VAN BURKLEO.
Post-office, Beaman. The subject of this sketch is a native of St. Charles County, Mo. Born, Feb. 22, 1841. He was there developed to manhood. He is a graduate of St. Louis Medical College, and he stands high in his protession. He came to Pettis County, Mo., in 1873, and first located at Beaman station, and in 1875 he moved to his present location, one and one-half miles north of the Beaman station. He was married to Miss Mary E. Smith, and this union has blessed them with six children: Samuel E., Charles E., George G., Ethel B., Herbert S. and Thurman Smith. The Dr. has a fine farm of one hundred and forty acres, with a fine house on the same.
JUDGE A. M. WRIGHT.
Farmer. One of the oldest settlers now living in Pettis County, and among its most worthy pioneers, deserving of more special mention than the limits of this brief sketch will permit. He was born in Alabama in 1818, and his father, Daniel Wright, was born Aug. 4, 1784. He was about to join the army in the war of 1812, when it closed; thus he got the name "Col." He came to Pettis County in 1831, and died, Feb. 1874, leaving many friends to mourn his loss. The subject of this sketch came with his parents to this county in 1831. He has since made this his home. In 1847-48 he made several trips to Mexico, engaged in the freighting business. He was married in 1841 to Miss Hypasia Isabel, and this union has blessed them with three children, two of whom are now living: Adeline Eliza, (now Mrs. Porter,) and Margaret and William. In 1851 he went to Iowa, where he lived for four years; he then returned to his home in Pettis County. When our country was involved in war Mr. Wright offered his services, and enlisted in what is known as Ben Butler's company. At the close of the war he was appointed Judge of the county court, and after serving out his appointment he was elected to the office for the term of six years, and filled it with credit to himself and satisfaction to the people. The Judge says he is a true specimen of a back-woods-
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HISTORY OF ELK FORK TOWNSHIP.
man, and that he is proud of it. He has given his children land, and has now one hundred and ten acres. He is much honored and esteemed in his neighborhood and county.
CHAPTER XX .- ELK FORK TOWNSHIP.
Introduction - Name-Physical Features - Organization - Early Settlers -- Churches- Agriculture-Roads-Advantages-Political-Biographical.
When we are about to tread upon unknown ground it is prudent that we be careful where we set our feet. ' If the ground is known to be sacred, a hallowed spot of old, then how appropriate that we rest here a while. When the pioneers came to the wild forest, with an old flint-lock rifle for defense, and an ax for a civilizer, they little thought of the results · for which they had commenced to hew the way.
The Bible, to them, was a lamp that guided them through all the dark days of that time. In reference to God they could say: "My faith looks up to thee." In those days existed truth, sociability, and Godly fear. Men trusted God because of his unbounded love for them. They loved their fellows because they had a common interest in them. They that are yet living, with tearful eyes relate the story of their hardships, and continue to call that day a happy time-far more enjoyable than the many luxuries, that have crowded about them in their last years.
In our brief discussion of the township we shall, no doubt, fail to do it justice. From the time the settlers found an asylum in this beautiful township they have prospered; even while the war was at its height this little rural district, although it furnished numerous volunteers on both sides, continued to prosper, and even during the close times of 1873-8 those farmers who had not involved themselves unnecessarily were not embarrassed.
We shall attempt to give the old settlers a prominent part in this chap- ter, a place they deserve. The name of the township will be very briefly discussed in its various relations, that the reader may know something of its origin. The location will be given, appropriately followed by a short treatise on its physical features. It may be that we have failed to get all the facts that are deserving of mention, but if this failure has occurred, it is because they were not accessible at the time of compilation.
NAME .- All our early settlers appear to have been fond ot drawing on nature's laboratory for derivation of the local names of places, and those names which now appear odd to the present generation were appropriate in the day on which they were given. Elk Fork Township derives its name from the creek of that name, which flows through it and into the Muddy. The creek was given its name by the early hunters, from the
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large numbers of elk and deer and other game, which were abundant along its banks and among the prairies adjacent, making a favorite resort for hunters, who frequented this section in large numbers as long as game abounded.
ORGANIZATION .- This has been a municipal township since the county of Pettis was organized. Its population is 1050. On the township being re-organized in 1872, it was given its old name and its present size, viz: thirty-six square miles, an exact congressional township. Its bound- ary on the north is Lamonte Township, on the east Prairie Township, on the south Green Ridge Township, and on the west Johnson County.
The physical features of the township are rolling prairie land, with timber along the streams. It is drained by the creek from which it takes its name. Crooked Creek, Long Branch, Walnut Branch and Muddy Creek are tributaries to the Muddy. The products of the township are such as are common to those of the county and the central part of Mis- souri, and its easy access to shipping points is one of its advantages which cannot be overlooked.
EARLY SETTLERS. - Among the first settlers of the township were Seth Bott, Arthur Patrick, William Embry, Martellus Embry, Mason Pember- ton, Jesse Pemberton, George Pemberton, Capt. George Glass, Reuben Harrel, Fielding Wolf, Samuel Powell. These gentleman came between the years, 1830 and 1835, and this is as near an accurate list of the pioneers as could be obtained. It was very difficult to determine just who was the earliest settler, as there was so much changing among them at that early day. Some came expecting to remain, but when they began to erect their log cabins, help was so scarce that they were compelled to abandon the idea and move to other settlements, where neighbors and assistance were nearer.
CHURCHES. - The first church of which any record is found is the Wal- nut Branch of the Baptist Church, it being one of the old style churches in belief and practice. Of this Association, whose first meeting was held forty-one years ago this church was organized, on the first Saturday in June, 1834, by Rev. Fielding Wolf and Rev. Martellus Embrey, who was invited to assist in the organization of the church. Athel Wolf was elected clerk, and C. Kidd was made deacon at a regular meeting in Decem- ber, 1848; a difference of opinion occurred on a doctrinal point and this difference grew to a division of the society into two parties, each claiming to be the regular church.
WALNUT BRANCH BAPTIST CHURCH .- Was organized in 1834. Rev. Martellus Embree and Rev. Fielding Wolf were invited to organize a church, who, after due examination of members, proceeded to organ- ize, and Martellus Embree was accepted as pastor. Athel Wolf was elected clerk, and O. Kidd was chosen deacon. The church was pros-
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perous and grew in numbers. It was served from time to time by Revs J. Baker, J. D. Mercer, Daniel Raives, J. M. West and James Teague. The doctrines of the church were zealously proclaimed by these spiritual advisors, and in course of time a difference of opinion occurred on a doc- trinal question. This difference of opinion soon caused a division of the the society, and at a meeting of the Lamine River Association the differ- ence was reported to them, and after a patient investigation of the case the association decided that the minority, as regards numbers, was hold- ing the true doctrines of the church, and recognized them as the Walnut Branch Church. The remaining numbers with the pastor, not being recognized as members of that association, reorganized on the first Satur- day in February, 1849, at which were present: Joseph Reed, Letta Reese, Elizabeth Bott, Wm. Embree, Cornelia and Margaret Embree, Mr. Reed, Freman Owen, Angeline Scotton, S. Sloan, Wm. Embree, Sr. Wm. Embree, Sr., was elected clerk of this branch of the church, and held the office for many years. In 1874 Mr. Joel C. Harris was elected clerk and has held the office until the present time. Rev. M. Embree was pastor for several years, and Rev James Teague served the church very faith- fully for twenty-five years, donating his services to the church, it being his personal creed to preach without pay, and the church enjoyed his preaching as well as the practical part of his creed. He died leaving evi- dence of his faith by a long practical life. The first section of the church held the house and books, having the advantage of possession. The sec- ond section of the church has built a house for themselves and is march- ing on to the Kingdom.
Old Hickory Point Church House was built by the Baptist, Methodist and Christian denominations about 1853. There was a cemetery attached, , which was the only one in this part of the township. This church was used for union services until 1870. The house being in need of repairs, it was found desirable to build another. Accordingly the Metho- dist and Christian churches appointed committees to make the necessary arrangements, and build a church house, which, in due time, was accom- plished. The church was built on land formerly owned by Miss Kendricks, on the northeast quarter of northwest quarter of section thirty- one, on the west bank of Crooked Creek. The house was dedicated by Rev. Wm. Brown, of the M. E. Chureh, and Rev. Randall, of the Chris- tian Church. Each church held services by themselves, one occupying the house in the forenoon and the other in the afternoon. A good state of feeling continues, and both churches are prospering.
New Hickory Point Baptist Church congregation built for themselves a church one-half mile distant, and have a new cemetery attached, in which is buried an old citizen of Flat Creek Township, whose monument is marked as one hundred years old: "Jamas Black, died Oct. 18, 1872,
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aged one hundred years." Quite a large number of aged persons are bur- ied in this cemetery. The officers of this church reside in Johnson County.
The first person buried in Old Hickory Church Cemetery was Haw- kins Bard. He was the first post-master in this part of Elk Fork Town- ship, before the post-office was moved to Green Ridge, and then moved to the railroad.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH .- In the spring of 1870 Mrs. Mentzer, A. P. Britt, Dr. Franklin, Mr. and Mrs. Magley, of Elk Fork township; Mr. and Mrs. George Anderson, James Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. G. B. Koyl of Green Ridge, met in an unfinished building in the village of Green Ridge, and organized a society under the discipline of the M. E. Church, assisted by the Rev. George McKee and W. W. Powell. This became a part of the Windsor Circuit of the M. E. Church, holding meetings in halls and school houses until 1878, when, the membership having increased to thirty, they decided to build a church building, and through the efforts of the members and friends of the church it was erected in the village of Green Ridge in 1880, and was dedicated by Rev. J. N. Pierce, assisted by J. H. Gilispie. The church has been prosperous, the present membership being over forty. Green Ridge being adjacent to Elk Fork Township, the membership are quite well suited to have church in the village of Green Ridge, and it is as much a. church of Elk Fork as of Green Ridge, as regards the membership. A very prosperous Sunday School is held, each week, which averages sixty-five members. Officers are elected annually. A large infant class, under the management of Mrs. J. H. Hathaway, is a noted feature of the Sunday School.
The first brick house built, in this township was built by Dr. T. B. Pem- berton about twenty years ago. The next brick residence was built by · by A. E. Mentzer, of brick made by himself on his own farm. The next and last one, by Z. L. Johnson, who purchased the brick of Mr. Mentzer. The last two mentioned, Mr. Mentzer's and Mr. Johnson's, are built in mod- ern style.
ISAAC ARCHER.
Was born in Stark County, Ills., June 22, 1825, and when about four years of age removed with his parents to Portage County, Ohio, where he was reared and educated. In March, 1862, he enlisted in Garfield's Brigade, as Wagon-master, serving in that capacity about nine months; then returned to Ohio and engaged in farming and sheep raising. In 1877 he came to Pettis County, where he has since resided, following farming and sheep raising. His farm, located about one mile north of Green Ridge, contains one hundred and twenty acres of well improved land. His father, William Archer, was born in Lycoming County, Pa.,
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HISTORY OF ELK FORK TOWNSHIP.
where he grew to manhood. He followed farming for an occupation up to the time of his death. The mother of the subject of our sketch, Sarah, was born in the above named State, where she was reared and educated. Mr. Archer is a good business man, in high repute among his neighbors. He was married in Ohio, Mar. 25, 1848, to Miss Mary E. Palmer, who was born March 23, 1832. By this union they had seven children: Charles W., born Oct. 18, 1849; William W., born June 7, 1852; Carrie B., born June 11, 1861; Nellie M., born May 24, 1865; Scott C., born April 12, 1868; Sophia G., born April 12, 1868; Lillie B., born June 28, 1870. Mrs. Archer dying, he married Mrs. Permelia Scott, daughter of Cornelius and Sophia Atwood, and widow of Charles Scott. She was born in Ohio, Feb. 14, 1834, and married in June, 1855, and the names of her children by this marriage were: Annie, May 28, 1856; M. J., Feb. 20, 1858; Lizzie, Sept. 15, 1860, died Sept. 16, 1880; Wm. A., Oct. 23, 1861, died Oct. 27, 1863; Charles Scott, her husband, died Feb. 19, 1873; H., July 26, 1864; Jessie, Sept. 2, 1867; Eliza E., Feb. 8, 1871, died Feb. 22, 1872.
ROBERT M. BARD.
Farmer and stock-raiser. Post-office, Green Ridge, Elk Fork town- ship. · He was born in Pennsylvania, Aug. 10, 1842, and when one year of age his parents removed to Scott County, Ill., where he was reared and educated. In the spring of 1859 he went to Fort Scott, Kansas, and remained about one year, when he came to Pettis County, Mo., where he has since resided on a farm. He has a fine farm of 170 acree of well improved land, with all conveniences readily accessible. The location of his residence commands a fine view of the surrounding country. Mr. Bard is a man of good business qualifications, and stands high as a reliable and worthy citizen. He was married Sept. 24, 1868, to Miss Isabella Rob- ertson, a native of Pettis County. She was born Sept. 9, 1852. They have two children, Maud I., born Aug. 27, 1878, and Mattie O., born July 2, 1881. In the fall of 1861 Mr. Bard enlisted in the Missouri State Mili- tia, and served till the close of the war.
JOSEPH ROBERTSON.
Was born in Washington County, Ky., Feb. 29, 1813. Emigrated with his mother and step-father to Howard County in 1816, where he followed farming until 1839; from there emigrated to Pettis County, where he lived until his death, Jan. 17, 1862. He came to his death by the hands of a band of outlaws for refusing to give up his money. When he first settled in said county he purchased 120 acres of land, but in a few years came in possession of 1,000 acres. His religious faith was that of a Mis- sionary Baptist. He was one of the original members of the Hickory
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Point Church, which was organized at his own house about 1845. In politics was Democratic, but opposed the late rebellion. He was married to Margaret Thomas, his first cousin, in 1836. They had nine children, of whom there are five living: the eldest, Sophronia, was born 1835; B. C. Robertson, 1839; Franklin A. Robertson, 1841, who was murdered on account of politics, on Oct. 28, 1862, while in the South; Elizabeth, born March 28, 1843; Fielding W., born Jan. 23, 1846; George W ., April 5, 1850; Isabell, born Sept. 9, 1852; Harvey, born May 27, 1855; Joseph A., born Aug. 23, 1857.
ARTHUR J. BETTRIDGE.
Farmer and carpenter, Elk Fork township. Post-office, Green Ridge. He was born in New Zealand, May 24, 1843. In the fall of 1860 he emi- grated to America, landing at New Bedford, Mass. In the spring of 1861 he enlisted in Company I, Twelfth Massachusetts Volunteers, serv- ing one year, when he was transferred to the navy, where he remained till his discharge, which was in June, 1864. He then went to New York, and took a position as mate on one of the merchant vessels bound for South America. Following the sea for four years, he went to San Francisco in Jan., 1868, then to the place of his birth, where he obtained a position in the Revenue Service, remaining in said capacity till' June, 1870. He then returned to the United States, landing at New Bedford, Oct., 1870, then went to Brockton, Mass., where he followed the carpen- ter trade till the spring of 1875, when he came to Pettis County, Mo., locating in this township, where he has since resided, following carpen- tering and farming. He owns a well-improved farm of 108 acres, well situated. Mr. Bettridge is a man of broad and varied experience, and his integrity and moral standing in the community is excelled by none. He was married in Sedalia, Mo., April 3, 1876, to Mrs. Rebecca J. Harris, and by this union they have one child, Edith W. By her first husband she had two children, Elizabeth M. and Elbert W. Harris.
JOHN L. BOBBITT.
Farmer, Elk Fork Township. Post-office, Knobnoster. He was born in Virginia, Oct. 12, 1817; there grew to manhood, and learned the cabinet maker's trade. In the fall of 1849 he removed to Hancock County, Ill., and remained there till 1856, when he removed to Clarke County, Mo. Here he followed the carpenter's trade till 1878, when he came to Pettis County and engaged in farming. He owns a fine farm of eighty acres, well improved, with good residence. He was married in Virginia, Feb. 17, 1840, to Miss Mary Starr. By this union they have been blessed with seven children, four of whom are still living, Missouri A., Virginia W., Tabitha C., Mary Etta L. The names of the children deceased are:
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HISTORY OF ELK FORK TOWNSHIP.
Nannie A., George W. and Lewis L. His father, Robert L. Bobbitt, was born in Virginia, Oct. 12, 1790, and followed blacksmithing for an occu- pation up to his death, which occurred in Sept., 1865. His mother Dicy, nee Bullard, was born in North Carolina, Oct. 8, 1794, and is still living in Randolph County, Mo.
JOSEPH E. CARTER.
Joseph E. Carter, son of John Carter, a native of Maryland, was born in Kentucky, Nov. 26, 1840. Lived with his father until the latter died, Jan. 10, 1865; was administrator of the estate. Mr. C. received his liter- ary education at Frankfort, then entered the law office of James P. Met- calf, Reporter of the Supreme Court of Kentucky; was in that office three years, then went to the law school in Louisville, then under the charge of Hon. James Guthrie, a noted Congressman of Kentucky; received his. diploma and was duly admitted to practice law in any of the courts of that Commonwealth, under the certificate of the Presiding Judges of the Tenth and Fifteenth Judicial Districts of Kentucky. He opened an office for the practice of law in Nicholas County, and after one year came to Pettis Co., Mo .; purchased a farm in this township, commenced farming and stock raising and dealing in real estate, and was employed in correcting and per- fecting land-titles in this and adjoining States. Mr. J. E. Carter was elected Treasurer of the township school fund in 1868, held that office five years until the most of school houses were built in that township, was a participant in the township election, was elected Assessor, held the office several years, was also Deputy Clerk for John Gray during his term of office. When Mr. Carter came to this township there were but threeª houses between his home and Sedalia. Mr. C. shipped the first load of wheat at the railroad station at Green Ridge. Mr. J. E. Carter married Mattie, daughter of James S. and Hester L. Zink, Oct. 15, 1868. Mr. Zink is a resident of Johnson County, was a native of Pennsylvania. Her maternal ancestors were of the Dickey family, of Pennsylvania. Mr. Zink's maternal ancestors were of the Hannewunth family, natives of Germany. Mrs. Mattie Z. Carter received her education at the Prince- on High School, Bureau County, Ill., under the management of Owen Lovejoy. Mrs. C. has been a successful school teacher. The maternal ancestor of John Carter, father of Joseph E., was Elizabeth Smith, cousin of Hon. William Smith, Governor of Virginia, under the Confederate Government, when Robert Lee surrendered April 9, 1865. Robt: Lee and John Carter were cousins. The mother of Joseph E. was Elizabeth Entrekin, a native of Ohio. Her father was Col. John Entrekin, Colonel of Cavalry under Gen. Duncan McCarter in the war of 1812. His father, John Entrekin, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war; was killed at the battle of Bloody Run, in Pennsylvania, and was a native of Scotland.
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HISTORY OF ELK FORK TOWNSHIP.
BENJAMIN D. CLARK.
Farmer and stock dealer. Section 29. Post-office, Owsley, Johnson County. He was born in East Tennessee, Oct. 8, 1849, where he was reared and principally educated. At about the age of twenty-one he came to Johnson County, Mo., where he remained till 1870, when he returned to his native State and finished his education. In the fall of 1875 he returned to Missouri, locating in Pettis County, where he has since resided, following farming and stock dealing. His fine farm contains one hundred and eighty acres of well-fenced and well-improved land, containing an orchard of one hundred fruit trees, excellent facilities for water and other advantages in reasonable accord. His father, Benjamin D. Clark, was born in Cocke County, East Tennessee, Dec. 4, 1822, and pursued farming till his death, which occurred Nov. 4, 1849. His mother, Elizabeth Robinson, was born in East Tennessee, Nov. 3, 1826; and Dec. 28, 1852, married a second husband, E. R. Kendrick, of Johnson County. The subject of this sketch was married, Feb. 18, 1880, to Miss Ettie Williamson, daughter of Wm. and Mary Williamson, of Johnson County. They have one child, Wm. L., born Nov. 16, 1880.
ISAAC R. DORRANCE.
Was born in Monroe County, Ill., Dec. 4, 1836: He received his educa- tion in the schools of his native county. In the spring of 1852 he took a trip across the plains to California, taking six months to make the trip. When he arrived in California he commenced herding stock at $40 per month, and continued at it for four years. At the end of which time he purchased a farm and continued farming and stock raising for about six years more. He then commenced gold mining, and after continuing for about six months at this he returned to his native county, and remained there until March, 1866, when he came to Pettis County, Mo., locating in Elk Fork Township, where he has since resided, following farming and stock raising. He has a farm of one hundred and fifty-eight acres of choice land, with a fine residence and appropriate surroundings. He was married in Calhoun County, Ill., to Miss Mary J. Horn, a native of Mis- souri. By this union there were five children, of whom two are living. Mrs. Dorrance died May 12, 1875. Mr. D. was married a second time in Pettis County, Nov. 4, 1875, to Elimeda Bradley, a native of Ohio, by whom he has two children, Randolph and Gordon.
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