The History of Pettis County, Missouri, including an authentic history of Sedalia, other towns and townships, together with biographical sketches, Part 111

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 111

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).

W. A. SMITH.

Residence, Smithton. Merchant, Pacific Express Agent, and dealer in dry goods, groceries, hardware, etc. The subject of this sketch was born Sept. 3, 1842, in Saratoga County, N. Y., where he remained until 1847, when his parents emigrated to Warren County, Ill., where he grew to manhood. When our country was involved in war Mr. Smith offered his services and enlisted Sept. 26, 1861, in Company B, Fifty-ninth Illi- nois Infantry, and he was in the Battle of Pea Ridge. He was discharged on account of disability at Jackson, Tenn., Oct. 3, 1862. He returned home, and when he regained his health he again enlisted, May 14, 1864, in Company D, One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Illinois Infantry, for the term of three months, when he was promoted to Third Sergeant. He was honorably discharged Oct. 28, 1864, and he again enlisted Feb. 11, 1865, in Company F, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Illinois Infantry. In this company he was Orderly Sergeant. He was discharged the third time at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 5, 1865. He then returned to Gales- burg, Ill., and in 1867 he came to Pettis County. His father died in December, 1870, and his mother the following year. He was married in 1868 to Miss Mary Gallup, who is a lady of refined tastes. This union has blessed them with three children: Alforth W., Ida May and Clarence F. In the year 1871 Mr. Smith began in mercantile business, and since that time has built up a large trade, and has won the esteem and confi- dence of the people of this community, and he is a zealous worker for the advancement of education.

DAVID SMITH.

Residence, Smithton. The subject of this sketch was born Sept. 15, 1823, in Warren County, Ky. His father, John Smith, was a native of Kentucky, and also his mother. His parents moved to Warren County,

1035

HISTORY OF SMITHTON TOWNSHIP.

Ill., in 1830. That county at that time was a mere wilderness. His father died from a hurt he received while hauling logs. He nearly recov- ered from the injury, but being a member of the County Court of that county he attended to its business before he was quite well and it proved too severe and resulted in his death in 1836. The subject of this sketch did all the mending, or cobbling, as it was called in those days. He was married April 7, 1843, to Miss Henrietta Ray, who is a native of Ken- tucky, and this union has blessed them with six children, all now deceased but one, John, who is now living in Warren County, Ill., and who was a soldier in the Rebellion and fought for the cause of the Union. The names of the five children who are dead are as follows: Marshal C., Zeldy Ann, Jane Garland, Sarah E. and William. In February, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, First Illinois Cavalry. He entered as a private and was discharged as wagon master, July, 1862. He then returned to Illinois, and in 1865, he came to Smithton, Mo., where he has since made his home. His wife died Dec. 23, 1876. He became a member of the Masonic Order in 1846, at Monmouth, Ill., Lodge 34, A. F. & A. M. He is now master of the lodge at Smithton, Lodge No. 340, A. F. & A. M., organized Oct. 18, 1870. He is a member of the M. E. Church, and a zealous worker for the cause of temperance.

ISRAEL WALKUP.

Post-office, Smithton. Farmer. Among the many pioneers of Pettis County, no one is deserving of more special notice than the subject of this sketch, who is a native of Mercer County, Ky., and was born in July, 1828. When he was about two years of age his parents moved to How- ard County, Mo., where he grew to manhood. In 1850 he went to California. He went through with ox teams. He returned in 1855, and was married in 1856 to Miss Martha Padget. She died July 16, 1857. He was again married in 1858 to Miss Hannah Padget. This union was blessed with three children: Mattie J., Hannah and Annie. Mrs. Hannah Walkup died December 3, 1860. He came to this county in 1855, and has remained here ever since, except a few years during the war when he was in Howard County. He was again married in February, 1862, to Miss Mary E. Godfrey. She is a native of Pettis County, Mo. This union has blessed them with five children, now living: John P., J. E., Ida M., Frank H., Lulu, and lost one, James L. Mr. Walkup now owns a fine farm of 220 acres, with a good house on the same. He is a mem- ber of the M. E. Church and always among its liberal 'contributors and supporters.

WILLIAM WILLIAMS.

Mr. Williams was born in Davidson County, N. C., and when about

1036

HISTORY OF GREEN RIDGE TOWNSHIP.

four years old his parents removed to Pike County, Ill. He was educated in that State and grew to manhood and was married to Miss E. F. Posey, she being a native of Indiana. They have seven children in their fam- ily: Emma M., now the wife of Mr. D. F. Parmer; John C., Samuel C., Prairie Belle, Brady C., Sherman and Nellie L. Mr. W. removed to Pet- tis County in 1860, and now owns a fine 500 acre farm, made up of exceed- ingly fertile rolling prairie, well improved, with hedge, rail and plank fences, a substantial barn and a magnificent residence, situated about four miles east of Sedalia. Corn, wheat and oats are grown quite extensively on his farm. He has fine pasture and meadow land, a large orchard and an abundance of small fruits. Over this fine estate roam large herds of cattle, hogs, horses and mules, from which he realizes quite a liberal income. He is a model farmer, and is adding to this beautiful farm unusually fine improvements. He is always named among the strong, manly, liberal spirited and influential men of the community. His per- sonal influence and popularity with all parties and classes attest the high appreciation of the people for good men.

CHAPTER XXIII .- GREEN RIDGE TOWNSHIP.

Introduction-Name-Its Appropriateness-Organization-Physical Features-Mineral Well-Early Settlers -- Agronomy-Sheep and Cattle-Prices of Land-Churches- Congregational-Cumberland Presbyterian-Methodist -- Church of Christ-Data- Village of Green Ridge -- Its advantages-Shipments-Incorporation-First Board- Independent Order of Good Templars-Biographical.

One of the smallest geographical divisions of this country is that of Township. This word, as may readily be inferred, was originally used to represent that portion of a country just adjacent to and under the influence of a town. But this word, like many others in the English lan- guage, has taken some departure from the original signification, and is now applied to a division of a country next in size to a county, and is thus named whether it contains a town or not. But in regard to the township under consideration, it may be correctly such according to either interpreta- tion of the term. In the brief sketch which we shall present of this township, we will hardly be able to detail every incident that the old set- tlers remember, but suffice it to say we shall present facts, such as we have been able to gather from every available source. The statistical reports are sufficient to lead the reader to a proper idea of what the results have been in the development of this corner of the county. In regard to value and demand for land in this section, we believe that at present no other part of the country is more desirable for farming, stock- raising, fruit-growing and horticultural interests generally. An industrious

July jours of. Frank Somlin.

1037

HISTORY OF GREEN RIDGE TOWNSHIP.

New Englander might here realize ten dollars for his assiduity in farming and fruit-growing, where he gets one in his almost sterile home. Here land ranges all the way from twelve to forty dollars per acre. The old settlers, of whom we shall speak, have a distinction which we shall take pleasure in recording in the pages of history, for their brave endurance of hardship, and long tried hospitality. Their charitable deeds will never be forgotten.

NAME .- The name Green Ridge, as applied to this township, is certainly very appropriate. In it is the water shed between the waters of the tribu- taries of the Missouri and the tributaries of the Osage River. It is a ridge that is covered with beautiful green prairies, interspersed with tim- ber along the few water courses that break the monotony: of the physical features of the township. The situation suggests the name at the first glance, and to those who gave the name is the honor given of having fine perception of the fitness of the appellation by which their portion of the county was hereafter to be known.

ORGANIZATION .- Green Ridge was formerly a part of Elk Fork Town- ship as the county was subdivided, up to 1844. The subdivision of the county then made it a part of Washington Township, and it remained thus until 1873, when in the township organization of that year it became the southwestern township in the county, with the name of Green Ridge. It at present contains over forty-eight square miles, and is situated in town- ships forty-three and forty-four, and range twenty-three. Its northern extremity touches Elk Fork Township, its eastern, Washington, its south- ern, Benton County, and its western, Johnson and Henry Counties. Its present voting precinct is at the village of Green Ridge.

PHYSICAL FEATURES .- The township has almost the same style of configuration of land as that of the balance of Pettis County. The head- waters of Flat Creek and Elk Fork Creek are within its bounds, and along these streams grow enough of timber to give an abundant supply of fuel to the residents, but none for shipping. It may seem absurd when it is stated that from the prairie station of Green Ridge there is annually shipped a number of fine walnut logs, but these are brought in from the more dense timber along Flat Creek, in the neighboring townships. Among the natural curiosities in the township are its mineral wells, some two or three of which have been discovered in the township, but the larg- est and most valuable was recently found right in the village of Green Ridge, by J. S. Ream. From one of the county papers we clip the fol- lowing account of its discovery and what is thought of it:

To-day, (May 4, 1882,) Mr. D. Rice of Green Ridge, was met by a Bazoo reporter to whom he gave some information about a 53

1038

HISTORY OF GREEN RIDGE TOWNSHIP.

famous well recently dug at that town by J. S. Ream. The well is 120 feet deep, and the stream of water vigorous and copious. When it was struck and tried it was found to possess strong mineral flavor and tastes, and an examination of it was determined on. Mr. Ream sent some of the water to the analytical chemist, Dr. Juan H. Wright, of St. Louis, and after a careful analysis by that expert, it was discovered to he strongly impregnated with magnesia, lime and iron salts. The doctor also stated that he believed it would prove a valuable medicinal water, and suggested a complete quantitative analysis. The sam- ple analyzed also contained carbonic acid, silica, organic matter, sulphates of magnesia, iron, potash, carbonates of lime, magnesia and iron. It is believed that this water will prove the equal of that of Eldorado Springs, and it is expected great healing blessings will flow from this well.

EARLY SETTLERS .- The early settlers must have a place in the history of the county To them we owe more than we are willing to give. They have stood the fiery test and passed through the ordeal of hardships and a pioneer life that their offspring might fondly remember. Many of those sturdy old men have lived to see the vast prairie teeming with golden grain, and instead of the elk, deer, and buffalo, domestic animals roam- ing at large upon a thousand hills, and many of these worthy old settlers have realized, with the poet Campbell, in " Pleasures of Hope:"

"'Tis the sunset of life gives us mystical lore, And coming events cast their shadows before."

The early settlers of this and Washington Townships are the same, or nearly so. Both these townships were a part of Elk Fork and before the townships were divided the pioneers had opened up their homes and laid out their claims for future farms. These were in times when township lines were not laid down on the map, and when the surveyor had not yet done his work so thoroughly as at present. In fact the organization of the county had not taken place when the first family moved here, and not until some years afterwards were these townships divided by the County Court.

The earliest settler of the section of country now occupied by Green Ridge Township, was Robert Means who came here in 1832. Mr. Means came from Christian County, Kentucky, to Howard County, Missouri, where a part of his family were born. He removed with his family in November, 1832, to what is now Green Ridge Township, Pettis County. He died in 1844 and is buried in the southwest corner of the township. Squire Robert D. Means came with his father from Howard County, Mo., to Pettis County in 1832, and settled in the township where he now resides. He has lived in the county the entire period, except a few years that he resided in Mexico City, where he moved in order to give his children the benefit of the superior educational facilities afforded by McGee College. John L. Hawkins came

1039

HISTORY OF GREEN RIDGE TOWNSHIP.

between 1835 and 1838, from Howard County, Mo., and after living here a number of years he returned to Howard County, where he died. In 1857, Washington Starke came to the township from Pike County, Mo., and still resides on his original farm. Daniel Ramey came to this town- ship in 1842, from Georgetown, Mo. During the war he was killed by guerrillas near Rose Hill, Johnson County, Mo. John S. Cole came between 1850 and 1855 from Illinois to this township, and is still a resident of the county. W. H. Hammonds came in 1855 from Cooper County, Mo. During the civil war he espoused the cause of the South, and died in defense of what he believed to be right at the battle of Little Rock, Ark., in 1862. William and Benjamin Hawkins came in 1856, from Cooper County, Mo., and settled in this township. The former now resides in Windsor and the latter resides near the same place. Thomas Owens came from Georgia, and died at his home in this township in 1862. Hiram Richardson came about 1844 from Tennessee, and after residing in this township for twenty-two years died at his home in 1866. Thomas Richardson, the former's father, came in the same year from Tennessee and resided in this county twenty years, but is now dead. Absalom and John Elliott came with their father in 1836, and settled in what is now Washington Township, which was then a part of Elk Fork. Absalom died a few years since but John still resides in Washington Township, and is a large land owner and stock dealer. James C. Hatton came at an early day and settled in this township, but died at his home in the spring of 1861. Nathaniel Parberry came from Virginia at an early date and still resides in Sedalia. Thomas N. Ireland came in 1858 from Illinois and lived in this township but a short time. He died at his home in 1860. John D. Majors came from Callaway County, Mo., in 1855, and still resides on his home place. M. M. Lampton came from Christian County, Ky., in 1855, and resides at present in the city of Sedalia. O. W. Withers came in 1854 from the same county of Kentucky as Mr. Lampton. He was killed while serving under Price, in the Confederate Army, at Iron Mountain. Robert Humphrey came to Pettis County in 1854, and for a number of years was a resident of this township, but died a few years ago on Coal Camp Creek, in Benton County. James O. Ellis came to this county in 1856 from Christian County, Ky. He lived here a few years but finally sold out and went back to his old home. He died two or three years ago in Hopkinsville in his native State. Thomas F. Parazetle came in 1854 from Henry County, Mo. He was formerly from Virginia, and he died in this township in 1881. George Bell came in 1854 from Paris, Illinois and now lives near Los Angeles, Cal. Lapsley Bell came in 1854 from Paris, Ill., but died in the fall of 1875. Henry Woodard came in 1854 from Henry County, Mo., and still resides in this county.

AGRONOMY .- The farmers of the township are engaged in cultivating,

1040

HISTORY OF GREEN RIDGE TOWNSHIP'.

* to quite an extent, large fields of flax, broom corn and meadows, besides their staple productions of wheat, corn and oats. Many of them have large flocks of sheep, some finely graded, and this year's clip of wool has been shipped, or at least a portion of it, direct to eastern markets, where the best price is realized for this, the growing industry of Central Mis- souri. The cattle industry also receives a large share of attention as the shipments by rail show. There are few graded herds in the township, but those that are shipped are mostly natives which have been grazed on the ample pastures and fed on the large surplus of corn raised in the township. The splendid line of the M., K. & T. Railroad running through the township affords excellent facilities for shipping all surplus that is pro- duced. Land is low and can be purchased all the way from $20 to $40 per acre. As it is being improved it becomes more valuable, and land that was entered at $1.25 per acre now brings the prices named, and in a few years will be worth from $50 to $60.

CHURCHES .- The churches of the township, although few in number, are well attended and cared for. To some extent religion belongs to mankind by nature. The good of all ages have sought a better life, here and in the world to come. With the poet Rowe, they have felt-

" Then to be good is to be happy; angels

Are happier than mankind, because they're better.

The recollections of the past grow dearer as age ripens upon them. Memory, without the aid of written records, is not always to be relied upon. The Hebrews were taught to keep their records on stone, and to this day, specimens of their art are to be found in many ancient ruins. But few among the early christians pretended to keep records, but those that have come down to us are rich in facts with- out dates. Dates are of great importance in every avenue of life. Strip all our business documents of dates, and they become meaningless and useless. The church, the society of the best on earth, carries with it a nucleus of sacred history which will be read with intense interest if not with tearful eyes. The early religious societies of this township were composed of the best citizens, who, in coming to a wild country, sought the communion of saints as one of the prime factors of their asso- ciations for worthy citizenship. However rude the tenants, they spent their Sabbaths in worship, and sought a "tabernacle not made with hands."

The Green Ridge Congregational Church was organized Jan. 1st, 1871, by J. M. Bowers and J. B. Turner. The present house of worship was erected at a cost of $1,100, in 1878, by the persons interested in church building in the community of Green Ridge. It is a frame building, 28x44 feet, and was dedicated by Robert West on Jan. 1st, 1879. The pastors who have served to the present time have numbered only two. They are J. M. Bowers, first two years; one year unsupplied, and for the last

1041

HISTORY OF GREEN RIDGE TOWNSHIP.

eight years J. G. Baily has officiated in that position. The original mem- bers of the church were Geo. D. Hicks, Abigail Hicks, J. H. Knapp, Lydia S. Knapp, Harry C. Knapp, Thomas Ashton, Mrs. Thomas Ash- ton, Charles Ashton, Nellie Ashton, Mrs. Sarah Fowler, Mr. Labaw, Phil. Williams, Mrs. Phil. Williams, Miss Wilbur, Robert McCormick, Miss Amelia McCormick. Total number of original members, seventeen; number of present membership, forty-nine. The congregation supports a good Sunday school, which has an average attendance of seventy-five. The present superintendent is Charles Kidd, and the secretary is A. B. Fowler. The church is well seated and lighted, has a raised rostrum and pulpit and a good organ.

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of Green Ridge, was organized Jan. 9, 1876, by Rev. R. A. Cole, of Otterville, assisted by Rev. William House. The place of worship of the congregation has always been in the Methodist Church building. The incumbents of the pulpit have been C. W. Weeden, Geo. W. Mathis, Rev. McBride. The pulpit at present is vacant. In the organization on Jan. 9th, 1876, the elders elected and ordained were Dr. G. W. House, W. C. Wells and Benj. Melvin: deacons, Elijah Phillips and Tipton Edwards. The minutes of the proceedings of this meeting were signed by R. A. Cole, moderator, and C. W. Weeden, clerk. The names of the original members are: Dr. G. W. House, Wm. C. Wells, Benj. Melvin, Margaret House, Lizzie House, Ann Melvin, Elijah Phillips, Helen M. Morris, Jasper N. Morris, T. M. Edwards, Sarah Nichols, Terrence Sheble, Mary E. Sweet, Helen Farr, M. Saund- ers, Susan Saunders, Amanda A. Weeden, Ellen Wilkerson, M. E. John- son, Geo. W. Allen, Catherine Kirkpatrick, Mary A. Burnett, C. Weeden, Frank Saunders, Mary Davidson, John M. Morefield, Laura Morefield, Mary N. Kulp, Mary Phillips, Ellen Ream, Geo. W. Clayton, Josephine Harr. The congregation has received since its organization accessions from Flat Creek Neighborhood, W. T. Bennett, Amanda Bennett, Lillie Bennett; and have received accessions from other sources, Mrs. Agnes . Parks, by experience; John T. Edwards and Emily E. Edwards by letter; Kate Smith, Wm. H. Weeden, Warren B. Weeden, Ella Weeden, Lou Ruble, D. I. Beck, J. A. Smith, James Price, Densa Price, Mary Price, Henry Price and Minnie M. Weeden, at a protracted meeting held on Jan. 2d, 1879, and several days consecutively, by Rev. Geo. Mathis, in connec- tion with the Methodists, who were represented by Rev. J. H. Gillispie. The deaths in the congregation have been few. M. Saunders died on January 21st., 1876. His funeral was preached by Rev. C. W. Weeden. Dr. G. W. House has also passed away and his funeral was preached by Rev. Weeden. Dr. House was an excellent member of his church and a min- ister of unblemished reputation. The important revival above men- tioned resulted in a large number of professions of religion. Endeavors

1042

HISTORY OF GREEN RIDGE TOWNSHIP.

are being made to build a house of worship for themselves and secure a preacher to fill their pulpit.

The Church of Christ of Green Ridge Township is situated in the vil- lage of Green Ridge, and was organized by Elder S. K. Hallam, April 25, 1880. In the spring of 1882, a commodious frame house 28x48 was erected at a cost of $1,000, and was dedicated in the same year by Elder S. K. Hallam, and he has been the regular minister until the present time, and Elders Jesse Grisham, Nat. M. Ragland, John Rains and Wm. Dunfee have occasionally occupied the pulpit. The original members are: Thomas Close, Catharine Close, Sarah J. Martin, Nannie Martin, R. D. Rains, Lou J. Rains, Cassie Edwards, Aaron Dunfee and wife, R. H. Nelson, F. A. Logan, D. E. J. Logan, Melinda Rains, Wm. Dunfee and wife, Lecta Dunfee, Mariah Dunfee, G. W. Womach, Phoebe Womach, James Neal, John A. Logan, Mary Womach, Columbus Parks, Eliza Neal, Alice Womach, Mattie Womach, Emily D. Womach. The present membership of the church is forty-two. From the history of the Church of. Christ by R. L. McHatton, Evangelist, in 1881, for Johnson and Pettis Counties, we glean the following: " The Pettis County Co-operation of the Church of Christ sent Robert L. McHatton, their Evangelist, to this place to preach the gospel and try to organize the few members here into a church. The evangelist introduces the following brief history of the congregation: Two years ago the County Board sent Elder Wm. Jarrott to Green Ridge. He labored acceptably for two weeks. Several were baptized and some were gained for the denomina- tion. Elder S. K. Hallam has labored for the church since its organiza- tion at quite a sacrifice. In the fall of 1880, the board sent Elder J. W. Monser to this point to hold a protracted meeting, but without any visa- ble results owing to the inclement weather. The brethern met for a while in the M. E. Church, but soon after accepted the invitation of the Congregational Church to occupy their house. Elder Hallam com- menced preaching Sunday, Sept. 25, 1881, but was so interrupted by rain that very little was accomplished. The County Evangelist arrived on the twenty-ninth. The weather was inclement but several were added by confession, and thirteen by letter. On Monday, the 10th, the church was organized, and the following officers were elected: R. D. Rains and G. W. Womach, Elders; F. A. Logan, James Neal and Thomas Close, Deacons; F. H. Logan, Clerk. It was a pleasant meeting, and a subscription was started for a house of worship." In the Sedalia Eagle-Times of May 31, 1882, we find the following:

The Christian Church was dedicated to-day. Services conducted by Rev. S. K. Hallam. At the morning service it was stated that there was about $100 lacking to pay for the church in full. In a very few minutes there was $125 raised, and about $100 more was subscribed that will

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 111

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