The History of Pettis County, Missouri, History of Sedalia, Part 105

Author: Demuth, I. MacDonald
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: [n.p.]
Number of Pages: 1148

USA > Missouri > Pettis County > Sedalia > The History of Pettis County, Missouri, History of Sedalia > Part 105

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).

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HISTORY OF ELK FORK TOWNSHIP.

together until he was twenty-six years of age, when he was married to Miss Rachel, the daughter of Absalom Stevens, of the above named county, where they continued to live until the spring of 1864, when they moved to Johnson County, Mo. They remained one year there, when they moved to their present farm in Pettis County, and have remained here until the present. The farm contains 307 acres of high rolling prairie, well cultivated land. Mr. J. D. Renfrow is the father of seven living children, and three who died in infancy. Those living are named as follows: Mary S., Robert J., Elizabeth, Jesse D., Franklin, Alexander and Rachel. All are healthy and industrious children. Feeling the need of education, they are giving their sons and daughters all the advantages in their power. The soil of the farm is composed of clay mixed with loam, being well adapted to the raising of wheat, corn and oats, and all kinds of grasses also grow well. He has a fine orchard of apples, pears, plums, peaches, cherries and smaller fruits, with a good two-story frame house and out buildings, which make this one of the most desirable farms in this part of Pettis County. Mr. and Mrs. Renfrow and oldest daughter are acceptable members of the Christian Church.

JOHN N. SPICKERT.

Post-office Green Ridge. Farmer and stock dealer, section twenty- eight, Elk Fork Township. He was born near Louisville, Ky., Nov, 5, 1830. At about the age of eight he removed with his parents to Indiana, where he grew to manhood. His father, Nicholas, and his mother, Mary A. Spickert, came from France, and in an early day settled at Portland, Ky. His father pursued farming and stock raising with great success until his death, which occurred in April, 1875. His mother died in July, 1869. The subject of this sketch was engaged in agricultural pursuits and mercantile business until 1852, when he engaged in steamboating and followed it until 1859; then returned to Indiana and farmed until April, 1866. At this latter named date he came to Pettis County, and has since carried on farming and stock raising. His large and well improved farm, containing 906 acres, is situated about nine miles southwest of Sedalia. and is acknowledged to be one of the best in the county. His residence is beautifully located, commanding a fine view of the surrounding country. Although a self-made man, Mr. Spickert is well educated and is master of several different languages. He is also a finished accountant and book- keeper, and has the broadest business experience and unflinching integrity: He was married in Indiana, Nov. 14, 1858, to Miss Mary C. Quinces, daughter of Peter and Mary C. Quinces, and by this union they have ten children: John C., born May 7, 1860; James W., born Feb. 15, 1862; Amelia, born Jan. 28, 1864; Mary C., born Feb. 26, 1866; Louis T., born Aug. 28, 1868: Ella, born Nov. 28, 1870; Ida, born Dec. 31, 1872; Annie,

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HISTORY OF ELK FORK TOWNSHIP.

born June 14, 1875; Edward, born Jan. 10, 1877; Eugene F., born Oct. 6, 1880. Mrs. Spickert's parents were born in France, and while children came to America, and settled in Floyd County, Indiana, where they have since resided, her father following the cooper's trade, and also farming.

JOHN Q. TANNAHILL.

John Q. Tannahill, son of Charles Tannahill, grandson of Melzar, a native of Maryland, was born in Richland County, Ohio. He came to Missouri in August, 1853, and settled in Johnson County, Mo., in the southern part on Big Creek. He built and run a saw mill for six years, continuing it with farming and stock raising until the commencement of the war, then went to Moniteau County in 1863; continued stock raising and farming until 1866, then came to Pettis County and purchased the farm where he now resides. This farm was entered and partly improved by M. M. Pemberton. Mr. Tannahill was elected judge of the county court, April 5, 1876, and was re-elected November 25, 1878. He held that office till the expiration of the term, though not an aspirant to office. He is an earnest advocate of improvements in township or county; encourages educational and religious enterprises, and has been several terms director of the school district in which he resides. John Q. Tanna- hill married Louisa J., daughter of Solomon and Nancy Baker, Feb. 16, 1859. Solomon Baker's father was Thomas Baker, a native of Richmond, Va. Solomon Baker's wife was Nancy Elliott, a native of Kentucky. Her maternal ancestor was Nancy A. Campbell. Charles Tannahill married Mary, daughter of Allen Olliver, an early settler of Maryland. The Olliver family were natives of Germany. Melzar Tannahill's pater- nal ancestors were natives of Scotland. His wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Elizabeth Lile, a native of Ireland. Mrs. Nancy Baker is now a member of the J. Q. Tannahill family, a hale and hearty lady of advanced years. George Elliott, a relative of the Elliott above mentioned, was a member of the Kentucky State Legislature for four years; also sheriff of Adair County, Ky., for several years. The names of the chil- dren of J. Q. Tannahill are: Nannie C., born Feb. 25, 1862; 'Mary E., born Jan. 13, 1865; Lile B., born July 18, 1867; Charles C., born March 18, 1870; Maud E., born Sept. 11, 1872; Sarah Q. C., born Aug. 6, 1876. All of the above named are now living.

PATRICK A. THATCHER.

Patrick A. Thatcher, son of Jonathan Thatcher, a native of Ohio, was born June 9, 1830, in Kentucky. He lived with his father until 1843, when his father died; he then had charge of the family until he married Mary, daughter of John and Mary Leathe, January, 1850. He remained there until 1852, when he started with his family to California. The

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HISTORY OF ELK FORK TOWNSHIP.

cholera being epidemic that year, many of the emigrants were afflicted with it. Mrs. Mary Thatcher took the disease and died on the plains, leaving Mr. Thatcher with a daughter eighteen months old. He contin- ued with his daughter, and arrived in California after a long and tedious journey. During the next year he sent his daughter back to Kentucky, but remained himself in California until 1860, when he returned to Missouri. His mother's family in the meantime had moved to Missouri, settling in the northeastern part of Pettis County. During the war Mr. P. A. Thatcher was lieutenant of a company of militia under the command of Col. Spedden, serving until the close of the war. He then followed farming and stock raising until 1869, when he purchased the farm where he now resides, which was unimproved prairie, the nearest neighbors being two miles away. Mr. Thatcher was born in what was then known as the Pond settlement, near Louisville, Ky., but which is now part of Louis- ville. He was named after Doctor Patrick Joyce, an intimate friend of his father. He lived in this place until his father moved to Laurel County in 1843. Here his father died during that year. Mr. Thatcher received his political bias from an old gentleman acquaintance, during the political campaign, when President Polk was elected. Like many others he was hurrahing for Polk, having in his hand a long poke-stalk, swinging it as the men did flags. His mother being an ardent Whig, made him stop; but the old gentleman encouraged him to stick to his Polk, and gave him a piece of money to get his stick and hurrah for Polk. He did so and has always adhered to the old line Democracy since, in all political issues. In 1846 the family moved to Knox County, to the residence of Wm. Van- noy, the paternal ancestor of his mother. Mr. V. was at that time called the wealthiest man in that county. Mr. Thatcher was again married September 11, 1862, to Bettie, daughter of Mrs. Charlotte B. Stark. The names of their children are: Addie B., born Aug. 17, 1863; M. E., born Jan. 27, 1865; Talitha E., born May 2, 1867; Charlotte A., born July 26, 1869; Luella, born July 5, 1871; Fannie W., born June 16, 1873; Edward L., born Sept. 5, 1875; Lotha E., born June 23, 1879; Jeannette G., born Dec. 4, 1877, died June 8, 1878. Addie was married to Marcus Skillman, Jan. 30, 1880, and now resides in Vernon County, Mo. Mrs. Bettie S. Thatcher's maternal ancestors were the Stark family, natives of Tennes- see. Merica, only daughter of Mary Leathe Thatcher, was born Sept. 23, 1850.

JOHN G. WADDLE.

One of the representative farmers of the township is the subject of our sketch. He was born in the noble State of Kentucky, Nov. 25, 1827, and at the early age of four years, he with his parents moved to Illinois, where. he was reared and educated. His father, James H. Waddle, was born in

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HISTORY OF ELK FORK TOWNSHIP.

Virginia, in the year 1800, and was raised in Mercer County, Kentucky, where he followed the business of manufacturing boots and shoes. In 1846, he enlisted in Capt. Miller's Company, 2d Regiment Illinois Volunteers, as private, and was elected Second Lieutenant of his company over William Morrison by a large majority, and served until the close of the war. He was at the battle of Buena Vista, Mexico, where his com- pany fired eighty-four rounds. He married Elizabeth Mundy, in 1820. She was a native of Mercer County, Kentucky. After Mr. Waddle left school, he crossed the plains to California and engaged in farming, in which he continued until 1865, when he returned to Illinois and remained there until the spring of 1866, when he came to Pettis County, where he has since resided. He was married in 1859, in California, to Miss Amanda Morrison, a native of Louisa County, Iowa. This union has been blessed with nine children, viz: James M., born April 29, 1861; Amie, born Feb. 22, 1863; Perry H., born July 1, 1864. These were born in California. Mary E., born Nov. 23, 1866; Ulysses G., born Jan. 25, 1869; Samuel, born Oct. 5, 1871; William, born June 16, 1874; France, born Aug. 24, 1878; Bertha May, born Oct. 18, 1881. William died June 19, 1874. Mr. Waddle is a man who stands high with his neighbors, and is universally esteemed.

CHRISTOPHER C. WOOD.

Farmer and stock raiser; post-office, Lamonte. Was born in Albemarle County, Va., May 20, 1837, where he was reared and educated. After leav- ing school, he learned the blacksmith trade and continued at it about seven years, when he engaged in farming and continued at this until 1861, when he enlisted in Company H, 57th Virginia Regiment, and served until the close of the war. He was engaged with his command in the battles around Richmond, at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and also several other hard fought battles. He was wounded at Gettysburg and taken prisoner, but paroled after being in prison about two months. He was captured again at the battle of Five Forks and held prisoner until after the close of the war. After being released he returned to Virginia, where he con- tinued farming until the fall of 1876, when he came to Saline County, Mo., remained there one year, and then moved to Pettis County, where he has since resided, following farming. He owns a fine farm of 135 acres, all well improved. He is a man of thorough business qualifications and an established reputation for honor and fair dealing, and in his com- munity has many friends. He was married in Virginia, March 23, 1858, to Miss Virginia Wright. This union has been blessed with only one child, Adlach V., born Aug. 21, 1861. Mrs. Wood died May 23, 1862. Mr. Wood married a second time in Virginia, May 27, 1866, to Miss Lizzie M. Austin. By this union they have three children, Minnie L.,

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HISTORY OF PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP.

born May 5, 1867; Willette F., born Jan. 16, 1869; Oscar L., born Jan. 25, 1871.

CHAPTER XXI-PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP.

Introduction-Name-Organization-Configuration - Early Settlers - Resources - Pros- pecting for Lead-Facilities for Shipping-Churches-Schools-Good Templars- Incidents-A Farm House with Three Occupants Burned-A Noble Dog Killed in a Hunt-" Cap's Head "-Biographical.

Spontaneous joys, where nature has its play,

The soul adopts, and owns their first-born sway .- GOLDSMITH.

Since the day on which this township was christiened, time has been at work. The wheels of progress have been turned westward, and by skill and industry the intelligent sons of toil have developed the natural resources, which the liberal hand of the Omnipotent has so freely distri- buted among them. Situated under a genial sky in a latitude where the healthful climate makes living a luxury, where liberty, honesty of purpose and high regard for the welfare of the community hold full sway, live some of the best families of the county. May not their children with relevancy and due respect, honor the names of their respected sires? A few biographical sketches of to-day may appear meaningless and out of place, but perhaps ere the sands of time have worn through a century hence, these pages will have been venerated and baptized with tears from sympathizing friends, whose hearts almost melted in love and admiration, mixed with sadness, for those who have retired to the city of the dead.

Many of those who were born and reared here can reflectingly call to memory, " the house where I was born," the rural home, where the log cabin, in its primitive grotesqueness, stood by the little woods that skirted the stream. Soon after this followed the little log school house by the road side, and the well remembered schoolmaster who, with rod in hand, ruled the little school.

Progress and enterprise have brought wealth and affluence to many of the early settlers. The circumstances of the war developed many unfor- tunate occurrences in the loss of property, but this has been restored, and in the lapse of nearly twenty years but little remains to tell the sad story that once this beautiful little rural spot witnessed the passage of armed men, and neighbors' hands raised against each other.

NAME .- It is quite common to notice the importance attached to a name. Individuals, objects and places alike become conspicuous. The name of a township, after years of familiarity, becomes a common household word. We care not where the individual may roam, he will still tenderly recall the name of his home township.

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HISTORY OF PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP.

Prairie Township derives its name from its most striking physical feature, that of its broad expanse of elegant prairie land; and could anything be more appropriately or fitly named? Its beautiful rolling prairies covered with well-tilled farms give it in spring time the appearance of a vast sea of emerald green. It occupies the priaire divide between the Muddy and Flat Creek, and is nearly wholly prairie land.

ORGANIZATION .- The township was originally a part of Elk Fork, but as the county was settled up and needs of a muncipal government became greater, the townships were subdivided, and from the original Elk Fork Township was made what is now Elk Fork, Washington, Green Ridge and Prairie. It occupies township forty-five, range twenty-two, and is an exact square, being six miles each way. Its northern boundary touches Dresden Township; its eastern, Sedalia and Flat Creek; its southern, Washington, and its western, Elk Fork.

CONFIGURATION .- The land as we have said is principally rolling prairie, and is nearly all susceptible of cultivation. The streams that cross the township are Camp Branch and Coon Creek. These two streams are bordered by some timber, but the greater part is merely brush, affording shade for stock only.

EARLY SETTLERS .- The early settlers of the township located in the northwestern part of it, and among them were Daniel N. Botts, A. G. Pemberton, J. C. Donnahue, J. H. Lewis, A. Shobe, Jackson Quisenberry, W. P. Hawley, Athel Wolf. These were early parties who opened the county to settlement, and later came Robert Fowler, who has sons yet living in the county. D. C. Whitsett, M. F. P. Woodson, A. G. McClung, T. J. Lester, G. W. Rayburn, D. H. Bagby, Jos. and James W. Cole came at a somewhat later day.

RESOURCES .- As a farming community this has all the advantages that could be sought. It has deep, rich soil, and its products are inferior to none in the county. In its borders are found no minerals of any account. A few years ago in the southeastern part there was some prospecting for lead, but it was not found in quantities sufficient to pay for working. The shipping facilities are good, the township being crossed from northeast to southwest by the M., K. & T. Railroad. It is near enough to Sedalia to put it in easy connection with that excellent shipping point by its wagon roads, and in the fall the roads are lined with loaded wagons, bearing to market the products of its farms.

CHURCHES .- In an early day the members of the Christian Church, by the aid of some of the other denominations, built a church house near the north line of this township, but the members were few and they soon were scattered, and the house fell into decay and was torn down. An old

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cemetery still marks the place. Messrs. J. C. Donnahue, John Gray, A. Shobe, Brice McVoy, Jackson Quisenberry and Ephraim H. Carrington were the principal supporters of that church. The house was built for church and school purposes. Ephraim H. Carrington was the first per- son buried in the cemetery. Charles Lewis donated the land for the church and cemetery.

Camp Branch Baptist Church was organized in February, 1877, by W. H. Rodgers, assisted by Rev. E. H. Burchfield, of Brownsville, D. H. Thompson, J. Letts and S. Keel. The original members were Zalman Haight, Mrs. Haight, Samuel Arnett, Mrs. L. Arnett, Sarah Malcom, and Mrs. N. Rayburn. Members of other Baptist churches assisted in the organization as required by the Baptist Church rules. Their services have been held at school houses and private dwellings. They have held several stated meetings with success and the membership has increased to twenty-five members. Recently the official members of the church have secured ground, and are now collecting funds and material to erect a church building. Plans and specifications are already adopted, and the matter is in the hands of a building committee, to procure necessary means for erecting the house. Messrs. G. W. Rayburn, J. W. Cole and building committee, of which Mr. Rayburn is chairman, and knows no such thing as fail in that sort of an enterprise. The house will be built. This church belongs to the Missionary Baptist Association. Rev. W. H. Rodgers has served this church since its organization, for small compen- sation. He is a zealous minister, and is true to the land-marks of the church of his choice.

McKee Chapel was organized by Rev. Geo. McKee, in 1866, the soci- ety using a school house until 1878, when, by the aid of the members and friends of the church, sufficient funds were secured to erect and enclose a church building. Rev. J. N. Pierce, presiding elder at the time, took charge of the matter, and in due time the building was completed. The names of the original members are: John Q. Ryan, Freelove Ryan, Mr. Marian, Mrs. Marian, Leander Robinson, Margarette Robinson, A. P. Britt, Mrs. A. J. Haverly and Wm. Roley. There is a cemetery, which is under the management of the trustees of the church, connected with the church property. The following have been pastors of this church: Geo. McKee, W. W. Powell, M. Warren, Revs. Kellogg, Smith, Loutz, Oechsli, Gillispie, Hanson and A. P. Sallaway. The present number of members is forty-five.

They have a Sunday School held every Sunday, with an average attend- ance of forty. Henry Hill is Superintendent and R. D. Hancock, Secretary. They do not adjourn the Sunday School over winter, but continue through bad as well as pleasant weather.

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HISTORY OF PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP.

SCHOOLS .- School District No. 1 was organized March 18, 1867. Mr. G. W. Rayburn, D. A. Bagby, A. P. Britt and William Kirkpatrick met, after due notice had been given, and elected officers as required by law, and had a school taught, and as soon as the necessary means could be procured, built a school house and furnished it with apparatus such as was needed for the time.

School District No. 2 was organized in 1870, a joint district, with a part in Dresden Township. The school house was built in Dresden Town- ship, it being more convenient for obtaining a site for school purposes. The first Directors were Samuel B. Hoss, John G. McClung and David C. Whitsel. The first teacher was John D. Brown. School has been taught since, averaging about eight months each year.

School District No. 3 was organized September 14, 1871. At the first meeting of which any record can be found, R. H. Delamater, J. W. Cole and W. C. Quisenberry were elected Directors. The first teacher was Alex. Dow. Professor Westlake taught a select school in this vicinity some time before this; the date is not certain.

School District No. 4. In this district Messrs. J. Ryan, N. W. Par- berry, J. Parberry and Benj. Helvin during the year 1859 took steps to organize a school district. They secured a building and had a school taught. Mr. J. Ryan was clerk of this district for many years.

School District No. 5 was organized in 1868. A school house was built in the spring following, and in September the first school was taught by Charles Franklin. Mr. Wm. H. Vannatta was the first School Direc- tor. They have about eight months school in the year. In early times from four to six months was the rule. The public school interests are improving and a better grade of schools are being established, and longer terms are being taught.

School District No. 6 was organized about 1870, but the date of the first school is thought to be April, 1872. The first officers then elected were Sam. J. Knott, J. Glover and John Howard, with T. J. Close as the first teacher. The first records of the school district were not to be found, the first clerk having moved away. Any earlier dates could not be procured, but the late reports of the school are very good. The terms of school are about eight months in the year.

GOOD TEMPLARS .- The friends of temperance in School District No. 1 called a meeting of the citizens of that and adjoining school districts, and organized a lodge of Good Templars, April 6, 1876, with fifteen charter members. The officers were George W. Rayburn, W. C. T .; James Lord, W. S., and Mrs. Nancy Rayburn, W. T. This lodge has con- tinued until the present time and the membership is now increased to fifty members.

On November 27, 1881, Mr. J. Y. Nesbit organized a lodge of Good

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HISTORY OF PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP.

Templars in School District No. 3, with forty charter members. The officers were Richard Harris, W. C. T., and Timothy Rhodes, W. S. This lodge is increasing in numbers, and is maintaining a good temper- ance sentiment in the community. J. D. Helman has held the office of Lodge Deputy of the I. O. G. T. for several years, and who, together with his wife and daughter, have kept themselves busy in the cause of temperance.

INCIDENTS .- Among the incidents of the early settlers were the destructive fires on the prairies and high water in the creeks. The fire raged with great destruction frequently to the early pioneers who had neglected to plow around their little homesteads and burn the dead grass for a few rods around them. Hunting and fishing were extensively engaged in and the trophies of the chase were numerous. Some grand old times were had by the early hunters that came here from older settled parts of the State. When the raising of log cabins was in order, Mr. Joseph Stewart was elected by a unanimous vote as the boss of the com- munity at cabin raising. He had a peculiar trait of getting more work out of a given number of men, in a certain length of time, than any other man in the neighborhood. In the early days of the chase in this township a party of hunters from Cooper County had a fine dog with them on one occasion whose name was Captain. During the hunt he had an encoun- ter with some wild animals and was pretty badly hurt, so badly indeed that they were compelled to leave him at their camping place and return for a conveyance to take him to the nearest settlement. When they returned the next morning the wolves had killed the noble animal, and left nothing but his head at the place where they had left him. For many years afterward this camping place was called "Cap's Head."

Some sad experiences have been recorded in this section. On Novem- ber 18, 1860, Charles Lewis was killed by a tree falling upon him, and the next day Albert Shobe died at an adjoining farm. Thus were two fami- lies of neighbors stricken with grief at nearly the same time; not a com- mon thing for those comparatively early times. In 1873 Mr. Wm. Keightly's house was destroyed by fire, and himself, sister Addaile, and a little boy, who made his home with them, were consumed in the fire.

Many other interesting incidents could be enumerated.

JAMES W. COLE.

James W. Cole, son of Samuel Cole, of Cooper County, Mo., was born in Cooper County, Oct. 14, 1832. He lived with his father's family, farm- ing and herding stock until 1850. Early in this year he, with two other young men, started for California. Other men with their teams joined them, until the company numbered forty men, having eight teams. Then the company organized, with Thomas Jackson as captain. The company

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The History of Pettis County, Missouri, History of Sedalia, Part 105

Author: Demuth, I. MacDonald Publication date: 1882 Publisher: [n.p.] Number of Pages: 1148

Author: Demuth, I. MacDonald
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: [n.p.]
Number of Pages: 1148