The History of Pettis County, Missouri, including an authentic history of Sedalia, other towns and townships, together with biographical sketches, Part 107

Author: Demuth, I. MacDonald
Publication date: 1882]
Publisher: [n.p.
Number of Pages: 1154

USA > Missouri > Pettis County > The History of Pettis County, Missouri, including an authentic history of Sedalia, other towns and townships, together with biographical sketches > Part 107

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).

998

HISTORY OF PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP.

uted to all churches and church enterprises that were designed to improve the moral sentiment of the county in which he lived. After coming to this county, Mr. Rhoades joined the M. E. Church at McKee Chapel, in this township, giving his hearty support to all its enterprises. He is an earnest advocate and supporter of public schools, and was a director many years. He gave encouragement to the Temperance Reform. The family are members of Good Templars in the neighborhood. Mr. Joshua W. S. Rhoades died Jan. 26, 1882. Abraham Rhoades, father of Joshua, was born, April 25, 1773; his mother. Margaret Rhoades, was born, June 10, 1786. The names of their children are: Rebecca, Sarah A., Susannah, Henry H., Washington, Elizabeth, Rose, Abraham J., Margaret A., Joshua, Jacob, Mary A. and Eliza A. The last named were twins, born Sept. 3, 1830.

LEANDER ROBINSON.

Leander Robinson, son of Tyre Robinson, and grandson of Thomas Robinson, who was a native of Ireland, was born in Washington County, Pa., Aug. 1, 1836; lived with his father until sixteen years of age, during which time he followed farming. In 1842 the family moved to Morgan County, O. He continued farming and raising stock until 1852. Leander then commenced railroading in various ways, sometimes superintending men-jobbing or handling timber for ties, until 1858, when he married Margaret C., daughter of Thomas and Margaret Carlin; he again commenced farming, but occasionally worked at railroading. During the war Mr. Robinson joined a military company, which was organized in his vicinity, the company being called out at the time of Morgan's raid. The captain of his company, T. W. Moore, desired him to take charge'of his business. Mr. Robinson procured a substitute to fill his place in the ranks and remained in charge of the business of the captain. Subsequently the company was transferred to the regular army. Mr. R. remained in that place until 1865, when he came to Pettis County, Mo. The names of his children are: Henrietta C., born March 11, 18 -; Mary E., born July 10, 1867; Edgar H., born Feb. 9, 1869; Charles T., born Sept. 16, 1871; Ellsworth, born July 10, 1867, died in infancy. Henrietta C. was married to Henry Hill, in November, 1874. Tyre Robinson, father of Leander, had seven children, four daughters and three sons; all except one- daughter and Leander are now residents of Ohio. Mrs. Margaret C. Robinson's maternal ancestors were from England. Mr. L. Robinson joined the M. E. Church, at Marietta, Ohio, under . the ministry of I. F. King; has continued his membership until the present time, contributing to the support of the church in all of its branches, holding some official rela- tion continually ; has been leader and exhorter, doing much to build up the society and maintain a good religious sentiment in the community in which he lives.

999

HISTORY OF PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP.

LOUIS STOCKMAN.

Was born in Belgium, Europe, Oct. 11, 1835, where he was reared and educated. After leaving school he learned the baker's trade, and contin- ued in the same till 1856, when he came to America. He landed at New York, then proceeded to Milwaukee, following his trade here and in Chicago until the fall of 1858, when he went to St. Louis, where he remained until 1871. Mr. Stockman came to Pettis County in the spring of 1871, and has since resided here, following stock dealing and farming. He has eighty acres of well improved land, with a brick residence beauti- fully located, commanding a grand view of the surrounding country. Mr. Stockman has the broadest experience and his many qualities as an upright citizen has won him many friends.

ANTON TRACHEL.

Son of George Trachel, was born in Weimar, Saxony, Germany, March 3, 1839. He came to this country in 1850, with his father's family, settling in Washington County, Ohio. He followed farming with his father until March 15, 1868, when he married Ruhamia, daughter of Rebecca and Daniel Kerns. Mr. Trachel remained in Washington County until he came to Pettis County, Mo., in November, 1875, to this. township, where he now resides. The names of Mr. Trachel's children are: William W., born Jan. 15, 1870; Elizabeth Z., born Feb. 22, 1871; Loretta, born April 9, 1872; Elfie, born Sept. 23, 1873; Bertha, born Nov. 30, 1874; Sadie, born Feb. 25, 1876; Elsie, born March 16, 1879. Mr. Trachel has been school director for several years, respondent to every call on a citizen con- tributing to every demand, as the necessity of the case seemed right to him. His father, George Trachel, was a stone-cutter in Germany, hav- ing served an apprenticeship of four years. He was there employed on public buildings as master of the business. He had charge of work in Berlin and Leipsic and other cities of Germany. George Trachel died in Washington County, Ohio, April 1, 1868, being about sixty-seven years old. His wife, Elizabeth, died March, 1873, aged sixty-nine years. Mrs. Ruhamia Trachel, mother of Rebecca Kerns, was a daughter of Reuben Phillips, a native of Virginia.

WILLIAM H. VANNATTA.

The subject of this sketch, William H. Vannatta, son of John Vannatta, and grandson of Aaron Vannatta, who came to this country with Baron Van Stuben, from Holland. Aaron Vannatta settled in New Jersey dur- ing the Revolutionary war. His son, John Vannatta, was born Jan. 29, 1806. He married Mary, daughter of John Hunt, a revolutionary soldier. Mary Hunt was born Sept. 4, 1794. William H. Vannatta was born April 14, 1828, in Butler County, Ohio. He lived with his father until he mar-

. 1000

HISTORY OF PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP.

ried Adelia M., daughter of William and Elizabeth Olden, July 29, 1852. John Vannatta, father of W. H. Vannatta, came to Madison County in 1832, and remained in this county until 1863, when he moved to Macoupin County, Ill., where he remained until 1867, when he came to Pettis County, Mo. Soon after he purchased the farm where he now resides. Mr. Vannatta with some neighbors, in 1869, organized a school district, No. five, and as soon as means could be procured, built a school house and was the first director, and has always advocated thorough education, and has endeavored to maintain a high standard of qualification of teachers for public schools. The names of their children are: Amanda, born April 17, 1853; Sylvester, born Sept. 23, 1854; Ellen, born August, 1856; Allie H., born Aug. 1, 1858; Celia, born Aug. 25, 1860; John W., born March 30, 1862; Mary E., born March 16, 1864; Frank W., Jan. 19, 1866; Cuyler H., born Nov. 16, 1867; Eddie M., born Dec. 1, 1864; Oscar J., born June 24, 1871; Nellie I., born Dec. 30, 1879. Sylvester died Sept. 22, 1861. Celia died Oct. 25, 1863. Frank Webster died Aug. 6, 1875. Celia's death was caused by her clothing taking fire, having been for a short time alone in the house. It was not known how the fire was caused. She made an effort to get to her father in the field near by, but died before help could reach her. Amanda was married to Robert Ewers, Feb. 7, 1877. They are now residents of Pettis County. Adelia Olden Vannatta's paternal ancestors were natives of Canada. Her maternal ancestors were of the Parker family, and natives of Canada, who were in possession of a large estate in the vicinity of Montreal in an early day. Mr. W. H. Vannatta was a mem- ber of the Christian Church. His daughters, Amanda and Allie, were also members. He has always assisted in building churches and other institutions for the maintenance of a high standard of morals in the com- munity in which he lived. He was a stockholder in the Utica College in Illinois. Amanda and Ellen were successful school teachers. Mr. Van- natta had the misfortune to have his residence burned in 1878. It was a serious loss, having no insurance; his policy having expired about three months previous. He has another residence built on the same place, but not so large as the former.

THOMAS WESTLAKE.

Farmer. Section sixteen, post-office, Sedalia. He was born in Ohio, July 3, 1818, where he was reared and educated. In 1848 he moved to Scott County, Iowa, and engaged in farming two years, then in 1850, came to Pettis County, Mo., where he has since carried on farming and stock raising. In the early days of Mr. Westlake's residence here, the people went from thirty to forty miles to mill, and occupied three to four days on the trip. He was married to Miss Nancy Garvin, Nov. 9, 1843.

1001

HISTORY OF SMITHTON TOWNSHIP.

By this union they had three children, Cyrus, William and Darius. The mother of these children died in October, 1846, and July 2, 1857, he mar- ried Mrs. Urcilla Steel, of this county, for his second wife. This union has blessed them with five children, Maggie, Mary A., Melvina, Stella and Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Westlake are highly esteemed by their neighbors and acquaintances, for their many approved qualities.

CHAPTER XXII .- SMITHTON TOWNSHIP.

Introductory-Situation-Name- Organization-Physical Features-Old Settlers-Agri- culture -- Horticulture-Stock Raising-Priceville-Farmers City-Smithton -- Rail- roads -- Churches -- Cemeteries-Early Ministers-Schools-Civic Societies -- Incidents -- Biographical

Man, through all ages of revolving time Unchanging man, intevery varying elime, Deems his own land of every land the pride,

Beloved by heaven o'er all the world beside,

His home the spot of earth supremely blest. A dearer, sweeter spot than all the rest.

Smithton Township, located in the eastern part of Pettis County, and south of the central line that divides the county from east to west, and being traversed its entire length by the splendid line of the Missouri, Pacific Railroad, has all the advantages that could be asked for any town- ship or town. Its situation is all that could be desired. Its climate such as is productive of all that is best in the grand belt of country in which it is situated, and its people, such as are found only in this favored part of Missouri.

Although Smithton Township is apparently a small area in the country, yet it has a history, interesting and worth reading, for all those living within its bounds, which in after years will be held in sacred memory by generations yet to fill the places of their fathers, and to read and think as they have done.

Without entering into controversies concerning the origin, cause and bias of the various factions and difficulties pertaining to the people and this locality, we proceed to give the facts and dates of prominent events as gathered from reliable sources, precluding from our narrative anything tinged with political or religious bias or family preference. History is the narration of past events as they have occurred. It is the grand master that has unlocked the storehouse of past ages, and presents to our view all the glories of those empires which have risen, flourished and fallen in the ages past. Hence, so dear to us is the history of our country and ourselves, that we should claim it as a birthright, to be vigilantly guarded, lest through carelessness we forget our ancestors, our institutions and our- selves.

1002

HISTORY OF SMITHTON TOWNSHIP.

Smithton Township, devoted as it is to agricultural pursuits, has every advantage which should be sought after by the husbandman. Its soil is deep, rich, and productive. Its drainage is excellent. Its timber is plen- tiful. Wealth predominates, and nowhere do we see that sign of care- less indifference that marks other spots, which in a day's ride may come under the observation of the traveler. Well tilled farms, well kept fences, beautifully trained hedges and nicely trimmed orchards are on every hand. All seem to take a pride in making homes that are attractive, and so far their efforts have been crowned with abundant success. What has been done at so comparatively an early day in this township, can be surpassed by those who come into possession, after those who are now so perfectly grading and paving the way before them. If we were permitted the privilege to see the present improvements completed and those of the next fifty succeeding years, would any of the famous, perfectly improved estates of England, France or Germany surpass them? Would any of them equal? Certainly none would surpass them in beauty of scenery that they may possess; undoubtedly none can surpass them now in amount or value of their productions. A more inspiring scene cannot be witnessed than that of a farm at the busy season.

It will be pleasant to those who are the offspring of the pioneer settlers to peruse these pages, for we shall endeavor to make the most striking features pertain principally to the old settlers and their surroundings. We shall attempt to give the reader narratives of pioneer life, descriptions of interesting localities and personal reminiscences. The staple products of the locality, the quality of the soil, the course and size of the principal streams, the educational advantages-all these items of interest, and many others, will be dwelt upon. We will give, also, as full as our information will allow, sketches of the rise and progress, and the present condition of the various religious denominations of the township. Also, short biogra- phies of the leading men, living and dead, who have been prime factors in building up the township. The names will be briefly noticed as is most relevant. The location and physical features of the township will be given more in a general view, excluding technical points of minute and secluded nooks. Roads, fences and creeks will have a more prominent place in the descriptive geography of the township, in connection with the physical features. The population of 1880, with such other statistics as could be gathered before and after that date, will be produced.

The town of Smithton, with name and such incidents as will remind the reader of its present and future prospects. We shall speak of the post- offices, schools, cemeteries and other interests, as we have recourse to historical facts. No historian, however well versed in antiquities, can possibly give all the incidents relative to the many changes of a county or township. Public records and documents are supposed to preserve cor-

1003

HISTORY OF SMITHTON TOWNSHIP.

rectly the dates, but frequently these cannot be found, and if found, may not contain just the desired facts in minute detail of the information wished to be obtained. The memories of the pioneers have materially aided in giv- ing events. If all the dates are not correct, or all the facts are not given as prominently as they should be, it is because the sketcher has failed to procure the desired information. However, it is hoped that the history of the township which we have compiled may be of interest to the popula- tion of the section for which it is written.

The name most common is frequently chosen in commemoration of par- ticular objects or persons. The ancients, and many persons of this age, found in hills, valleys, mountains and forests, ideas for appropriate names. From time immemorial it has been the custom for admirers of great men to call that which was near and dear to them by the name of those whom they admired, who had been their benefactors, or had been largely inter- ested in their welfare. Founders of cities, towns and villages, discoverers of countries, lakes and rivers, were and are wont to designate those par- ticular places by their own name, or those whom they delight to honor and whose memory they wish to perpetuate. Thus we have America, numerous Columbuses, Washingtons and on down to local people and places. This is but just. It is right that tribute should be paid to the memory of one who, above all others, has been a benefactor to his locality and its people.

Smithton Township takes its name from Gen. Geo. R. Smith, whose name is so inseparably connected with Pettis County and all Central Mis- ouri. A biographical sketch of the General is given in full in this volume beginning on page 418.

ORGANIZATION .- The township was organized in 1864. It was origin- ally a part of Bowling Green Township, and its early history will have to be given in connection with that township. It was separated from the former township in 1864, and the order of the court, as seen in connection with records, will show that although separate voting places were established at that time, the township was not organized until May 13, 1873.

CONFIGURATION .- The shape of the township is a square. It is bounded . on the north by Bowling Green Township, on the east by Morgan County, on the South by Lake Creek Township, and on the west by Sedalia Township. It occupies the eastern and southern portion of Pettis County ; embraces in its boundaries thirty-six square miles, and has 23,- 040 acres. The greater portion of the land is tillable, and is gently undu- lating prairie-land, except along the creeks, where it is more broken and plentifully timbered. Farms of eighty to 900 acres, beautifully improved, the larger ones with elegant blue-grass pastures, are on every hand. The railroad follows along the divide or watershed the entire distance through

1004

HISTORY OF SMITHTON TOWNSHIP.

the township, and from this divide the scene is one of inspiring grandeur. Standing on the depot platform at the station, a view of miles each way is spread out before the attention of the lover of the beautiful in nature. To the north can be seen the hills and vales of Elk Horn Valley, covered with its well kept farms, and herds of cattle and sheep. To the east the same scene presents itself to view. On the south the valley, drained by Flat Creek, stretches away in a seemingly endless view of lovely farms, tended by thrifty and contented husbandmen. A more perfect watershed cannot be found anywhere than that on which the railroad runs. The rain falling on the north side runs away in Elk Horn Creek into the Muddy and reaches the Missouri by way of the Lamine River, while that falling on the south reaches the same outlet by way of Flat Creek, which enters the township in section nineteen, flowing thence through sections thirty, twenty-nine, twenty-eight, twenty-seven, twenty-six, twenty-five and twenty-four. In section twenty-five it receives the water of Lake Creek; on the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section twenty-five, township nine. Wells of living water are obtained by going down twenty-five to forty feet. Water for stock is plentiful, the never failing wells and streams affording abundance for the dryest season.

EARLY SETTLERS .- Those who came before and prepared the way for these settlements of which we have been speaking, we call the brave pioneers. Well may the old settlers say with the now lamented poet:

The course of my long life hath reached at last, In fragile bark o'er a tempestuous sea, The common harbor, where must rendered be Account of all the actions of the past.

Very soon those living who have seen the country change from the wild nature to the high state of domestic beauty and enlightenment, will have passed away. The old settlers of this township were of that better class who were neither too fond of romance nor did they settle down to common place ideas. Their nature chose the "golden mean" in respect to culture. Most of their time for the first few years was spent in opening up homes, and hence they could not pay that regard to education due from noble ancestry. They kept sacred the family blood of Old Virginia and Kentucky. Let it be a transgression of laws, or otherwise, these families were too proud of their stock and ancestry to see their posterity become connected with inferior families. In many cases they erred, per- haps, but, nevertheless, no better families ever lived than those of Smith- ton Township.

Among the most prominent of the early settlers in the township (then Bowling Green) are Joseph Scott and wife, who came from Kentucky in 1815. They have since passed away to that better land. James Roberts, from Missouri, came to the township in 1820. He died some years

1005

HISTORY OF SMITHTON TOWNSHIP.

since. N. Steel came from Kentucky in 1820 to this township, and has been dead a number of years. John Porter, also from Kentucky, came in 1825, but is now numbered with the dead. George Smiley, from the "Blue Grass State," came to the township in 1825, and a few years since passed to his final rest. Robt. Ross came to the county and settled in the township in 1827. He also came from the "Blue Grass Region." He is now dead. Daniel Wright came to the State from Alabama in 1831, and settled in Bowling Green Township, Pettis County. He is now dead. William Smiley came to the township from North Carolina in 1832, and still lives, an honored citizen of the township. George Small came in 1825 from Kentucky, and lived a number of years in the township, but is now dead. Andrew M. Wright came to the township from Alabama in 1831. He still lives in the township an honored and respected citizen of his community and of the county. The Judge has been largely connected with the improvement of not only his immediate community, but also of the county at large. At the close of the war he was appointed to the office of Judge of the County, and when his appointment expired he was elected to the office for the term of six years, and filled it with credit to himself and great satisfaction to his constituents. He claims to be a true specimen of the early pioneers of the county, and is proud of it. He still resides on the original farm (110 acres), but during the period intervening between his coming to the township and the present time he has owned and disposed of considerable tracts of land and has given his two married daughters nice farms each. Clinton Young came to the township in 1830, from Tennessee, and his brother, Clayburn Young, from the same State in 1839. Both are now dead.

The first marriage in the township was that of Mr. Robert Ross to Miss Mercy Potter in 1832. At that early day marriages were of some consequence, and the whole country round-about were invited, and they came from all quarters. It was not anything like our latter-day dress- suit and satin affairs, except in vows. All came to enjoy themselves, and they most certainly did. From accurate descriptions we are led to believe far more happiness resulted in the majority of those early unions than at the present day, when may vows are taken for the purpose of increasing worldly wealth.

The pioneer ministers were Revs. Wolf and E. Morey, both Old School Baptists. They looked after the spiritual welfare of the early settlers in 1831. In 1837 Dr. Thomas Evans located in the township. The first school was taught in a log cabin in 1832, by Wm. Miller. Mr. Miller was afterwards elected County Judge. The school house occupied a piece of ground in section twenty-three, township forty-six, range twenty. The

1006

HISTORY OF SMITHTON TOWNSHIP.

first meeting was held at the residence of Joseph Scott. Thus, early were the religious and educational interests of the township looked after.

ENTERPRISES AND INDUSTRIES .- As before mentioned, the principal in- dustries of the township are agriculture, stock raising and fruits. The shipments of all these products are large and remunerative. It is a com- mon average for wheat to produce from twenty-five to thirty bushels per acre and corn from forty to seventy bushels per acre. These cannot be overlooked by the immigrant who seeks a desirable location: First, a fine climate; second, a soil of wonderful productiveness; third, timber in abundance; fourth, water in abundance; fifth, good schools and churches; sixth, good society. What more can be asked? With land constantly increasing in value it is plain to be seen that an investment in this town- ship will yield an interest equal, if not superior, to any other in the country. The township roads are good, the streams spanned by good and substan- tial bridges, and the facilities for shipments over the railroads are unsur- passed. The nearness to market allowing the highest price paid for pro- duce, be it wheat, corn, flax, potatoes, cattle, sheep, hogs, or products of the orchard, dairy or apiary.

CHURCHES .- At an early day the churches of different denominations held meetings in private houses. The first church building that was erected in what is Smithton Township, was erected in 1844 by the Methodist Episcopal denomination. It was, as all the early buildings, built of logs, with rough benches for seats, and destitute of all modern conveniences. Rev. Sebastian Bard was the officiating minister. Mr. Bard was the circuit rider for this district in those early days, and his cir- cuit extended from Jefferson City to St. Joe. Preaching was held at each appointment once each month, and the minister frequently had to ride forty miles in one day to meet his appointments. He preached every day in the week. The next church erected in the township was built at Far- mers City. This church was moved to Smithton shortly after that town was started.

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.

The History of Pettis County, Missouri, including an authentic history of Sedalia, other towns and townships, together with biographical sketches, Part 107

Author: Demuth, I. MacDonald Publication date: 1882] Publisher: [n.p. Number of Pages: 1154

Author: Demuth, I. MacDonald
Publication date: 1882]
Publisher: [n.p.
Number of Pages: 1154