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 109
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W. S. BOHON.
Farmer. Post-office, Smithton. The subject of this sketch is one of Missouri's noble sons, and was born, May 1, 1849, in Pettis County, Mo., and was here reared and educated. His occupation through life has been that of a successful farmer. He is a son of W. R. Bohon, who was one of the pioneers of Pettis County, Mo. Mr. Bohon has had many trials to contend with, such as having his house destroyed by fire several times. He was married, in 1872, to Miss Annie Meyer, a native of Ohio. She is a lady of culture. This union has blessed them with the following children: Minnie, Edwin and Samuel. Mr. Bohon has a fine farm of eighty acres of fine land, with a good house. He is now numbered among the successful business men in the township in which he lives.
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HISTORY OF SMITHTON TOWNSHIP.
C. C. CHANEY.
Farmer and stock raiser; post-office, Smithton. The subject of this sketch is a native of Virginia and was born in 1836. His father came to this country at a very early date and died at a good old age, in Sedalia, Mo. He was a much honored and esteemed gentleman. The subject of this sketch was married Oct. 29, 1859, to Miss Catharine E Dickenson. Her father, J. W. Dickenson, born March 17, 1791, came to this country in 1841, locating where the subject of this sketch now lives; he came from Virginia. By this union they have one child, Mary F. Mr. Chaney was in the war for five years, and was in some of the severest battles, but when peace was declared he laid his gun aside and returned to his home in Pettis County. He now owns a farm of 620 acres of fine land, and he is one of the true business men of his township. He is a consistent mem- ber of the Baptist Church.
JAMES COOK.
Was born Oct. 10, 1821, in Scotland. His lineage composed the best families, ranking high in social and public life, and representing quite an amount of wealth, of which his father, David Cook, possessed a liberal share. His father was an honored member, and an elder in the Presby- terian Church. He died in the year 1825. The subject of this sketch came to America in 1841, living with relatives. Being of an independent spirit, and characterized by a good amount of energy and ambition, he determined to make a start in life for himself. He came with his mother to the State of New Jersey, in 1842, and bought a fine farm and remained there until 1844. He then went to work at his trade, being a weaver and spinner. In February, 1847, he was married to Miss Catharine Leeson, and has a family of seven children living, three dead: A. B. Cook, now a prominent merchant of Smithton; William W., James L. and David L., now among the leading merchants of Rockville, Bates County, Mo .; Joseph M., Charles F. and Mary A., wife of James Ringen, the junior partner of the mercantile firm of Cook & Ringen, Smithton, Mo. In the year 1852, Mr. Cook concluded he would go to the State of California, and went to New York City, for the purpose of joining a company destined for that State, but owing to some difficulties arising, he and his brother secured passports for Australia, at which place he' was engaged in mining for about eighteen months, and then opened up a store and sold goods for fourteen months. He then returned home to his family, by the way of Panama. In a very short time after this he removed to Lafayette County, Wis., and remained there until 1857, when he went to Texas. When the war came on, in 1861, he left his family and property and made his way through the Confederate lines to his old home in Wisconsin, encountering many hardships, staying for days and nights in the swamps,
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HISTORY OF SMITHTON TOWNSHIP.
as well as being taken prisoner four times, but finally, after enduring many hardships, he succeeded in reaching the Union Army, almost completely exhausted. After recruiting his strength, he set about getting his family through the lines, which he found to be a difficult matter, having lost track of them during his stay in the north, but succeeded finally, in April, 1865, in rejoining them, after passing through great hard- ships and privations. He then removed to Smithton, Pettis County, Mo., where he has since made his home, with the exception of a short time which he spent in Bates County, Mo. He was postmaster of this place for nine years, but finally resigned his position. He was among the first to put forth an effort to erect a good substantial school building, and was ever ready to engage in those things pertaining to the interest of the com- munity. He has now retired from active life, enjoying the comforts and happiness of a pleasant home secured by a life of industry. He is a lead- ing, public-spirited gentleman, always willing to lend his influence to public enterprise. A staunch Republican, at whose State Conventions he has been in attendance for quite a number of years. He and his family are devout and consistent members of the M. E. Church. He is a man of liberal culture, sterling sense, unimpeachable integrity, clear comprehen- sion, and an influential worker for his adopted State, and held in high esteem by all who know him.
THOMAS ELLISON.
Post-office, Smithton. Farmer and stock-raiser. Was born May 25, 1824, in Larksher County, England. Here he was raised until 1836, when his parents emigrated to the United States, and located in what was known at that time as Morgan County, afterwards changed to Noble County, Ohio. His father, Edward Ellison, was born March 8, 1791, and died in Noble County, Ohio, May 15, 1876. His mother's maiden name was Mary Board; she was born Dec. 23, 1795, and died in Noble County, . Ohio, June 20, 1862. The subject of this sketch was educated and grew to manhood in Noble County, Ohio. He was married in 1847 to Miss Elizabeth Cork. She was born Feb. 18, 1823, in Ohio. This union has blessed them with seven children, four of whom are now living, viz: Rich- ard B., Ann S., John Edward, Willliam T. The three deceased are: Isabel M., Mary E. and Minerva E., who died Oct. 22, 1878. In 1852, Mr. Ellison located in Washington County, Ohio, where he was engaged in farming until the spring of 1866, when he came to Pettis County, Mo., and located where he now lives. Here he bought a fine farm of 303 acres, paying $20 per acre for it. Mr. Ellison was one of the trustees and one of the building committee of the M. E. Church at Smithton. He was the first one to subscribe, putting his name down for $250, and before the church was completed he gave $250 more, making in all $500, besides
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working all the time to obtain money to help in its erection. He is a man highly esteemed in this community.
C. H. EVANS.
Post-office, Smithton. Merchant. The subject of this sketch is a son of Dr. Thomas Evans, who came to Cooper County, Mo., in 1833, and located near the line of the county. He was the first physician in this part of the county, and during the pioneer days he was forced to make many a hard trip. He was a first class physician, and was highly honored by the community in which he lived. He was one of the members of the M. E. Church, South, of this place. In 1870, he retired from business. He was called to his long home in 1874, leaving many friends to mourn his loss. The subject of this sketch was born in 1835, in Cooper County, Mo., and in about the year 1841, he came to Pettis County, where he grew to manhood. Since that time he has been engaged in selling goods and farming. He was married September, 1871, to Miss Sallie Ferguson. She is a native of Pettis County, Mo., and her parents are among the pioneers of this section. This union has blessed them with one child, Henry E; he died when he was about two years of age. In April, 1881, he quit farming and began in the mercantile business in Smithton, but his stock was destroyed by fire Feb. 8, 1882. Through this fire he lost about $4,700, of which about $4,000 was covered by insurance. Since which time he has not been actively engaged in business, but resumes merchan- dising this fall (1882) and will also engage in buying and shipping grain.
DR. GEO. W. FLETCHER.
The subject of this sketch was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, Jan 3, 1832. His father was one of the early emigrants to Ohio from Virginia, and his mother was from New York. At the age of ten years his parents moved sixty miles east, to the town of Hillsborough, where he received a liberal English education in the public and select schools, and where he fitted him- self for teaching. In 1851 he visited his brother in Iowa, but in the same year returned to his old home and attended Professor Matthews' Select School at Rainsborough. Being a great lover of reading, he turned his attention to medical works, without any idea of ever turning it to account by practicing. But on going into the army and being detailed to hospital duty, found he was as successful as those who had received a college edu- cation, and concluded to go into a general practice. At the close of the war he emigrated to Missouri, and after traveling over southwest. Mis- souri and southern Kansas, settled in Newton County and commenced practice. It proved a success financially. On the 19th of October, 1872, he was married to Miss Lucinda Ulman of Miller County. Her father, Joseph Ulman, moved from Virginia to Missouri in the year 1842; Miss
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HISTORY OF SMITHTON TOWNSHIP.
Ulman being at that time a child of twelve years of age. In the year 1875 he visited his wife's parents in Miller County, also the city of Sedalia in Pettis County. He was so delighted with the place and country that the next year he concluded to leave where he was and move to Pettis County, which he did, and located five miles southwest of Smithton, where he practiced until his failing health warned him to cease looking after the health of others and care for his own, by keeping regular hours and doing light work on his farm, which he is trying to make into a pleasant home.
H. M. FARNER.
Post-office, Smithton. Carpenter, joiner and farmer. Among the many pioneers of Pettis County no one is deserving ot more special notice than the subject of this brief sketch. He was born November 18, 1827, in Greene County, Tenn. He was here educated and developed to man- hood. He learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, which business he has since followed. He was married in his native county Aug. 26, 1847, to Miss Mary A. McKeehan. She was a native of the same place. This union has blessed them with four children: James F., Eliza E., Pat- rick A. and Jacob. In 1854 he emigrated to Pettis County, locating in Elk Fork Township, where he remained until 1858. He then moved a few miles west of Smithton, and in the spring of 1860 he moved to the present town of Smithton. Here he built the first two houses that were built in this place, after the town was laid out. Mr. Farner has been president of the school board of this place for two years, and worked zealously for the advancement of education. He was one of the original members of the M. E. Church, South, and is among its liberal supporters. His father, Jacob, died in 1863, and his mother, Elizabeth, died about the year 1850. His wife was also called to her long home. He was again married April 4, 1858, to Miss M. A. Glass, and they have since lived in this town. Through this last union they have one child, Carlton W.
JESSE FOWLER.
Was born Feb. 9, 1827, in Franklin County, Ind. When quite young he came to Dallas County, Mo., and grew up to manhood. He enlisted as a soldier in the year of 1862, and commanded the highest respect and esteem of all the superior officers, as well as his fellow soldiers. He served his country faithfully, meriting the highest praise of all. He is now a resident of Smithton, Pettis County, Mo., and is continually engaged in buying and shipping stock, from which he receives a liberal income. He is a man of energy and rare business gifts, sterling sense, unimpeacha- ble integrity, and is in the best sense an acquisition to the town and com- munity of which he is a citizen.
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HISTORY OF SMITHTON TOWNSHIP.
JOHN G. FOWLER.
Post-office, Sedalia. Farmer and stock raiser. Among the pioneers of Pettis County, no one is deserving of more special notice than the subject of this sketch. He was born December 6, 1821, in Caldwell County, Ky. He there grew to manhood. His father, Joseph Fowler, was born December, 1791, and came to Pettis County in 1840. His mother's maiden name was Anna Johnson, and she was born in 1800, and was a native of Madison County, Ky. She died July 9, 1879, and Mr. Joseph Fowler died Oct. 18, 1859. The subject of this sketch came to this county with his parents in 1840. He was married February 27, 1861, to Miss Jane L. Burton. She is a native of Ireland. This union has blessed them with fifteen children, ten of whom are now living: Bloomfield U., Joseph Johnson, Benjamin B., John A., Thomas R., Annie Jane, Belle and Richard, and two that are not yet named. The five that are deceased are as follows: Samuel, Harry, Eliza, and two infants. Mr. Fowler is a man who has seen many changes come and go to Pettis County. He is a man of uncommon industry and careful management, and now as his reward, he owns upward of 1,000 acres of fine land, and is one of the leading business men of the township.
F. GALLUP.
Residence, Smithton. Stock dealer. This enterprising citizen is a native of Winnebago County, Wisconsin, and was born Sept. 11, 1848. His grandfather, Mr. Chester Gallup, and his father, S. A. Gallup, were the first white settlers in that part of the country. When the subject of this sketch was about fourteen years of age, his parents moved to Knox County, Ill., in 1862, and in 1864 they moved to another county of the same State. Mr. Gallup had two brothers in the Union army, one of whom joined at the age of fourteen years. In 1867 he moved to Pettis County, Mo., where he farmed until 1869; then he went to the Plains and engaged in the stock business, and traveled from Texas to the Territory of Dakota. He continued in this business until 1877, when he came to Smithton, Mo., and has since been engaged in the stock business. He was married in 1878 to Miss Mary Delany. She is a lady of fine taste, and a native of Ohio. This union has blessed them with three children, two of whom are now living, Lillie and Blanch. One deceased, Persie.
GEORGE L. WHITE.
George L. White was born in Madison County, Kentucky. His father, John R. White, now resides in Boyle County, Kentucky. He is a minis- ter in the Christian Church, of which he has been a leading and influential member for a number of years. The subject of this sketch came to Pet- tis County, Missouri, in 1871, and engaged in farming, at which he
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HISTORY OF SMITHTON TOWNSHIP.
was very successful. He pursued this calling for ten years. On the 23d dav of March, 1881, he was accorded a half interest in the mercantile busi- ness by purchasing Mr. Norton's interest, of the firm of Gehlken & Nor- ton, of Smithton, Pettis County, Missouri, and is now doing a good busi- ness. He is a gentleman of superior judgment, fine business gifts, cau- tious, conservative temper and habits, has strong sense of honor, and ranks with the most popular, liberal spirited and influential men of this region, and entertains a high opinion of the country and people.
RICHARD GEHLKEN.
Mr. Richard Gehlken is the senior member of the firm of Gehlken & White, Smithton, Mo. He was born Aug. 24, 1853, in Morgan County, Mo. His father was born in 1805, and came to Missouri in 1832, and set- tled in Morgan County. His mother was born in 1817, and resides with the subject of this sketch, his father having died in 1868. Mr. Gehlken spent the early part of his life on a farm, during which he obtained a good English, as well as a German education. He attended school until the year 1875, when, for a short time, he took charge of a stationary engine in a flouring mill, after which he took a clerkship in the mercantile estab- lishment of Mr. N. H. Haire, of Smithton, and remained with him until he closed out his business. He was then employed in the same capacity in Mr. William Beck's establishment until Jan. 21, 1878, when he became associated with A. B. Cook and commenced business for himself. He con- tinued in business with Mr. Cook for seven months, when Mr. Cook retired and Mr. Gehlken conducted the business himself until 1879, when Mr. Norton took an interest in the business, and continued to do business until March 23, 1881. Mr. Norton sold his interest to Mr. White, since which time it has been known as the firm of Ghelken & White, and is one of the representative firms of the town, carrying a fine stock of dry goods, groceries, clothing, boots and shoes, hats and caps, queensware, tinware, notions, &c. They have a large trade, and owing to their genial tempera- ment, and fine business capacities, rank among the leading business men of the town. Mr. Gehlken was married Oct. 24, 1880, to Miss Sallie Masters, a lady of refined taste and manners. Mr. Gehlken is every inch a gentleman, brave, generous, charitable and chivalrous to a fault, with a soul as big as the world of human sympathy, and commands the highest respect of all who know him.
E. L. GOVER.
Mr. E. L. Gover was born in Hickory County, Mo., in 1855. His parents are still living in Hickory County. His father is a native of Ala- bama and his mother is a native of Tennessee. Mr. Gover was married 52
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to Mrs. Margaret Carpenter in 1880. She was born in Kentucky, and came to Missouri in 1856. Mr. Gover has two sisters and one brother still living in Hickory and Benton Counties, Missouri. Mr. Gover owns eighty acres of first-class land about two and a half miles southwest of Smithton. A part of his farm is fine bottom land. He is a farmer of the first-class, honorable and upright in all his dealings. He is also a profes- sional man, having been engaged in school teaching about six years. He was educated at Warrensburg, Johnson County, Mo. He stands high in the esteem of all in his community. His wife was the widow of Mr. Carpenter, the son of one of the oldest settlers of Smithton Township, hav- ing emigrated to Missouri from Kentucky at an early date. Her two children, Ollie, aged thirteen years, and Calvin aged eight years, were both born in Pettis County. The family is connected with the Baptist Church.
J. V. HARRIS.
Harness-maker and Justice of the Peace. Born in August, 1831, and is a native of South Wales. Came to the United States in the year 1852. Settled in Pettis County, Mo., in the year 1859. Served in the Union Army from June, 1861, to April, 1865. Was severely wounded in the head by a piece of shell in October, 1864, in a fight near the Kan- sas line, where the Confederate forces were commanded by Price, and the Union forces by Pleasanton. He has a farm of 100 acres a quarter of a mile from Smithton.
N. H. HAIRE.
Residence, Smithton. Stock dealer and farmer. The subject of this sketch is a native of Cedar County, Mo., and was born February 11, 1847. His father, S. H. Haire, is a native of South Carolina. After the Battle of Wilson Creek, 1861, he went to Alton, Ill., and in 1863 he came to Smithton, Mo., and began in mercantile business; and the same year he had $600 worth of goods taken from him, but he continued in the business till 1865, when he went to California, and died the following year. His mother, Eliza Jane, makes her home in Smithton, but is now on a visit in Texas. Their family consists of seven children: Nute H., Ophelia Josephine, Robert D., Charles J. and Lizzie, now married to Dr. Hamil- ton, of Indiana, and two deceased infants. The subject of this sketch went to school and worked on a farm until he was about twenty years of age. He then, in 1867, went to work in the capacity of clerk for Mr. Lyman, a merchant of this place, and worked for him till 1872, when he embarked in the mercantile business for himself, which business he fol- lowed until 1877. Since that time he has farmed and dealt in stock. He was married April 12, 1877, to Miss Ellen G. Combs, whose father was one of the pioneers of this place. She is one of the teachers of Smith-
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ton School. Mr. Haire, when but a mere boy, in 1863, was trying to save his uncle's house from the soldiers, and the horse was shot down under him, but he was not hurt.
JOHN J. LAMM.
Post-office, Smithton. Among the many enterprising business men of Pettis County, Mo., is Mr. Lamm, who was born July 5, 1832, in the State of Pennsylvania, and when he was quite young his parents moved to Wayne County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. He was married in 1857 to Miss Elizabeth O- -, and from that union they have one child, Elizabeth O. Mr. Lamm moved to Linn County, Iowa, in 1857, and when he had been there a short time his wife died. He went to
school at Hanover College in Michigan. After his wife died he went back to Ohio and left his child with his relatives. He then joined the Union Army in 1861, Company K, Sixteenth Ohio Infantry, and served his country. In 1867 he came to Pettis County, Mo., locating where he is now living, where he owns a fine farm of 645 acres, with first-class build- ings and a fine orchard, and he is a thorough business man. He is a lead- ing member of the M. E. Church, and one of its liberal contributors and supporters. He was again married Feb. 12, 1874, to Miss E. N. Elliott, and this union has blessed them with five children: William E., L. M., Charles E., Patsey I. and John J., Jr.
GEORGE B. LAMM.
Mr. George B. Lamm was born near Wooster, Wayne County, Ohio, in the year 1851. He is of pure German parentage, and in both features and manners has the characteristics of the German people. His edu- cation, which was begun in the common schools, was completed in the University of Wooster in the year 1877, at which time he graduated in a classic course. He then chose Missouri for his future home, and located on a farm adjoining Smithton, in Pettis County. In the spring of 1878 he married Mrs. Mary Goudy, widow of Mr. James Goudy, of Wooster, Ohio. His wife and her three children, Theresa, Elmer and Birdie, in the following summer, joined him at their present home. Two children, Alfred Newton Lamm and Katie Lamm, were born to them in the years 1879 and 1882, respectively. The family is of a progressive dispo- sition, and the farm, which was in a wild state in 1877, is now one of the best improved farms in the county. In an educational, social and relig- ious point of view, the family is especially valuable. Miss Theresa Goudy, although only sixteen years of age, has taught instrumental music for two years, and assists her father in his classes of vocal music. Mr. G. B. Lamm has taught school for five consecutive years. He has been teacher of Maplewood, principal of Smithton Graded School and Frank-
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HISTORY OF SMITHTON TOWNSHIP.
lin School, Sedalia, with which he is now connected. The family, although Presbyterians in Ohio, now belong to the M. E. Church in Smithton. They occupy places of honor and trust in the church and in society. They have been the means of organizing five Sunday schools in their township, and are universally loved and respected.
F. LUCKE.
Post-office, Smithton. Farmer. One of the pioneers of Pettis County, and was born in 1818, in Germany, where he lived until he reached his majority. He emigrated to the United States about 1842, and shortly after that time came to Morgan County, Mo., and remained there a few years, then came to Pettis county where he has since lived. He was married to Miss C. Smith, and they have two children now living, William and Alvina. In 1865, he moved to his present location, where he owns a fine farm of 800 acres, with one of the best stone quarries in the State. He is numbered as one of the successful farmers of Smithton Township.
G. MONSEES.
Post-office, Smithton. Farmer. Among the many pioneers of Mis- souri is the subject of this sketch, who was born Feb. 18, 1836, in Germany, and his parents emigrated to America when he was about eight years of age, in 1844, locating in Morgan County, Mo., where the subject of this sketch reached his majority. He was married April 15, 1859, to Miss Mary Kahrs. Her parents were pioneers of Pettis County. This union has blessed them with nine children: Charles, John L., Mar- tain P., Henry R., Mettie, Eddie O., Harry D., Frank S., and Mary Ann. In 1859 he moved to his present location where he owns a fine farm of 150 acres. He has run a steam sawmill for seven years, but has now disposed of it. His buildings are first class and will compare with any in the township.
HERMAN MONSEES.
Post-office, Smithton. Fruit-grower. The subject of this sketch resides about one mile south of Smithton, and is engaged very extensively in the fruit business. He is a native of Germany, and came to this coun- try with his parents in 1844, locating in Morgan County, Mo. Here he ยท reached his majority. He moved to his present location in 1859, it then being a mere wilderness. But through his good management he now owns a farm of 348 acres, and on his different farms he has large orchards. He has 4,000 pear trees, 1,500 peach trees, 8,000 apple trees, 400 plum trees, 100 quince trees, one acre of grapes, six acres of strawberries, seven acres of blackberries, six acres of raspberries, 500 cherry trees and five acres of a general nursery. He will soon be one of the foremost fruit growers
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