The History of Pettis County, Missouri, including an authentic history of Sedalia, other towns and townships, together with biographical sketches, Part 118

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 118

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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Yankee raised a family of twelve children, nine sons and three daughters, eight of whom are still living, six sons and two daughters. Mary C. was born Dec. 23, 1835; John G., March 7, 1837; Benj. F., Nov. 14, 1838; Wm. H., July 31, 1840; Sarah A., April 5, 1842; Frances A., Nov. 12, 1843; Barbara A., Aug. 27, 1845; Jacob A., Nov. 1, 1847; Arminda C., July 1, 1850; Michael, June 3, 1853; James W., March S, 1855, and Thos. M., April 22, 1859. Mr. Yankee entered 700 acres of land in Flat Creek Township, part at $1.25 and the rest at 123 cents per acre, which he improved. He has now divided this magnificent estate among his chil- dren, giving the old homestead to his son, Jacob A., with whom he makes his home, his wife being dead, having died Nov. 6, 1880, at the age of sixty-six years. Mr. Yankee cast his first vote for Henry Clay, when a candidate for the presidency against.Andrew Jackson, and as long as the Whig party was known he affiliated with it. He also belonged to what was known as the Know-Nothing party, and is, at the present time, one of the staunch Republicans of the county. He served as a Grand Juror on the first Grand Jury that was called in the county, Judge Ryland, the father of our present judge, officiating. They met at what was known as "Pin Hook Mills." Amos Fristoe was the clerk, and carried his documents in a basket. Mr. Yankee served as Justice of the Peace for sixteen years, and was elected Judge of the County Court together with Maj. William Gentry and Hampton P. Gray. These two gentlemen were superseded by J. W. Beaman and Andrew Wright. He was also a member of the State Legislature in 1869, and also of the adjourned session of 1870. He was also appointed Superintendent of the Poor of Pettis County. He is a consistent member of the M. E. Church, a gentleman of generous cul- ture, fine executive gifts, large heart, boundless public spirit, and a social nature that has always and everywhere made him a "prince among men," and from first to last he has been an inspiring worker for the advance- ment of the county. He has now retired to private life, but from his household is wont to disperse a gracious and refined hospitality.

CHAPTER XXVI .- LAKE CREEK TOWNSHIP.

Introductory-Name-Location-Physical Features-Pioneer Settlers-Creeks-Soils- Drainage - Agriculture -- Stock Raising-Roads-Churches -- Cemeteries-Schools -- Incidents-Biographical.

" Adieu, the city's ceaseless hum, The haunts of sensual life, adieu, Green fields and silent glens! We come To spend this bright spring day with you."

INTRODUCTION .- What is said of Lake Creek Township in a prospec- tive view may be said of numerous others in the county. The history as

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a township embraces a very limited series of facts in their proper connec- tion, but each of which, indeed, each individual person of the particular portion written of is interested. The American of the present day wants to know how his ancestors lived, what clothes they wore, how they looked, on what they fed, what were their daily tasks and conversations, and how life dealt with them. This is the most difficult history to reproduce accurately, but after all it is that which gives us the clearest and most vivid insight into the history of the past. This important element should never be overlooked, for in no other manner can the growth of the population, the amelioration of manners, the changes in habits and customs, the increase of prosperity or the want of it, and the every-day life of the people be understood and made to subserve the interests of the present. The events that are recorded, are such as · occurred at our very doors, were compassed by men whom we knew, and which affect our individual interests for weal or for woe. It is only while these events are fresh in the memory that one may form accurate estimates of their relative impor- tance, and be impartial and candid in forming his judgments; he may also from present circumstances, which have an original in remote times, and which are historical in the largest, fullest and truest sense, freed from conjecture and uncertain tradition, read the promise of the future. Space forbids more than a brief mention of the accomplishments of the agricultural interests of this township, from the period of its occupancy by the red man to the present time. The early settlers who came to the town- ship found the Indian, who, though not an agriculturist, because he thought it beneath his dignity to cultivate the soil, did it as a matter of necessity to secure a living, though mainly through the labor of women and children. Agriculture in the early times was but little in advance of that of the aboriginal period before them, though its improvements were rapid, and are now up to the high state which one sees in a day's ride over the inland portion of Missouri. The people who settled Lake Creek Township were of that hardy pioneer class such as are found all over the western portion of the country. They were principally from the old Vir- ginia and Kentucky stocks, than whom none better is to be found.

NAME .- This township derived its name from the creek which flows in a northeasterly direction through the southeastern portion of the town- ship. It is supposed that the creek was named Lake Creek, for the rea- son that it winds a sluggish course through the heavy soil, and forms numerous bayous or small lakes, often densely populated with fish and water fowls. When a flood comes down from its sources it overflows its banks and spreads far out, covering thousands of acres of the bottom lands, and sometimes for days and even weeks at a time presents the appearance of a lake, filled with growing trees and underbrush whose heads rise just above the surface.

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ORGANIZATION of the township into a civil division of the county was effected under the township organization by order of the Pettis County Court, Nov. 5, 1872. It occupies the southeastern corner of Pettis County, and it is bounded on the north by Smithton Township, on the east by Morgan County, on the south by Benton County and on the west by Flat Creek Township. It contains thirty-six square miles or 23,040 acres, just a congressional township. The voting place of the township is at the Catholic School House.

One of the early justices of the peace in this locality was Esq. Jacob Seagraves, who came to this place in 1819. Levi Devoll, for a number of years since the township organization has been justice of the peace for Lake Creek.

PHYSICAL FEATURES .- Land in this township is not much unlike other portions of southern Pettis County. In the northeast a high rolling prairie divide begins, and extends through the township to the southwest corner, in width averaging about four miles. This is acknowledged to be the best agricultural portion of the township, though good farms and flattering inducements are offered the honest tiller of the soil in every locality in southeastern Pettis county.

The principal stream of water is Lake Creek, from which the township derives its name. Its sources are in Benton County, and it enters this county and township in section thirty-three, flowing in a north- easterly direction; it leaves the township and county from section one emptying into Flat Creek and thence uniting with Lamine River, in Mor- gan County. A branch of Lake Creek unites with the main stream from the south in section fourteen. Mosbys Branch rises near the center of the township and flowes north and west, at last finding its way into Flat Creek in Smithton Township.

The prevailing physical feature is prairie, though somewhat broken along the creeks, where also we find abundant timber for home consump- tion, fire-wood, rail timber and fence posts. The system of drainage is good, no swamps or swamp land which may not be utilized for pasturage or cultivation. Near the center of the township in section twenty-seven may be found a rich deposit of lead, intermingled with silver. By a cer- tificate, after a chemical examination, it is stated that these mines are the richest in the State, being eighty-four per cent lead, and eight and three- fourths ounces silver to the ton of lead. The vein is thirty-three inches in thickness and twenty feet from the surface of the earth. These mines belong to Mr. Henry Brauer, who lives in section twenty-eight and owns the farm. Mr. Brauer first discovered these rich mines about five years ago while digging a well.

EARLY SETTLERS .- The first settlers were among the most brave and

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intrepid characters who early came to this county. George Gætze, who formerly lived in this township, died in the State of Kansas, about one year ago, at the advanced age of 103 years. His daughter-in-law and several grandchildren, among whom is George H. Gætze, whose bio- graphical sketch appears in another place in this work, still reside in this township. A few of the pioneers of the township are: Jacob Seagraves, who came in 1819 from Tennessee, but is now dead. Scott Gilmore came in 1832 from Virginia, and is now dead. Thomas Jack settled in this township in 1827, coming from South Carolina; he emigrated to Oregon several years ago, where he now resides. Wm. A. Miller came from Germany in 1819, and now rests in peace in one of the burial grounds of the county. Judge Wm. Bæker also from Germany, came to the town- ship in 1845, when the country was still very wild, and he still resides here an honored and respected citizen of the county. Herman Kahrs came from Germany in 1840, and lived in the township a number of years, and now resides in Sedalia. John Kahrs also came in the same year from the same place and is now dead. John G. Bruhl, who is mentioned further on in this history, was one of the early settlers, and has long since passed to his final rest and the reward which his long and useful life so richly deserved. John A. Clausan came in 1843 from Germany. Henry Brauer came the same year and from the same place, and still resides in the township. Mar- shall Seagraves was born in the township in 1820, and was perhaps the first white child born in the township. He is now dead. Henry Wey- merth came in 1840, from Germany, and still lives in the township. John Hook came here in 1825, from Virginia, but has, with most of the pioneers, passed away. Herman Mahnken was married to Margaret Ficken, on July 16, 1846, in the M. E. Church. Sebastian Bard was the first minister of the M. E, denomination. Dr. Bradford was the first physi- cian in the township. In 1832, John Hubbard taught the first school on John Kahrs' land. The first church erected was the German M. E., on land bought from Cord Miller.

The citizens in this township are principally German, though there are about eight families English-American. The political affiliations are prin- cipally Republican, though both parties have a fair representation.

ENTERPRISES AND INDUSTRIES .- As with the other rural townships the people here are engaged in farming and stock-raising. Some as fine farms as there are in the county are here located, and the number of head of stock annually driven to shipping points compares very favorably with that of its neighbor townships.

Mr. Isaac Anderson is one of the prominent and enterprising farmers of this locality.

Thomas W. and W. H. Rhodes are worthy real estate owners, and make farming a thorough success, raising, buying and selling stock. W.

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H. Rhodes has a fine flock of 600 sheep. More particular mention of these men is given in the biographical department of this history. The farms are of medium size, capable of producing all kinds of crops usually grown in this latitude. They are well fenced, and within the past year nearly all the fencing was done with the barbed wire. Their principal mar- ket is Sedalia, though Smithton receives a limited share of trade.

Orchards are not extensive, though young trees are now being grown quite extensively. The insects at times make such havoc with all kinds of fruit trees that some horticulturists have become discouraged in their endeavors to produce orchards. Small fruits, as in all other parts of Mis- souri, have a fine growth, and if proper attention is given to them they produce in abundance.

CHURCHES .- German Lutheran, German Catholic and German Meth- odists are the religious organizations of this township. The adherents of the Catholic faith are most numerous. Then, in point of numbers of those who usually attend church, we mention the Lutherans and then the Meth- odists.

The cemetery owned and used by the Catholics and Lutherans is located near the two churches.

The St. John's Catholic Church is situated in the southeast corner of the township, on the south half of the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section thirty-five, township forty-four, range twenty. It was organized in 1838, by John Gerlach Bruehl, and the building was erected in 1848, by the original ten members, as below enumerated. John G. Burehl settled in the township in 1834, and was one of the early settlers in Pettis County. He came here with a company of young men from St. Louis in search of minerals, and especially lead, as he came from a min- ing country in Germany. He came under the auspices of an organized company in St. Louis, who made it a business to search for minerals in Missouri. Mr. Bruehl came from Herdorf, Rhine Province, Germany, and made his permanent residence in this township. He was a very popu- lar man, and for years was justice of the peace of the township, where he settled all difficulties of the new settlers. The names of the original mem- bers of the church were: John G. Bruehl, Edward Bruehl, Joseph Schwie- gerath, Karl Dueher, P. N. Reush, I. H. Stein and Henry Imhauser. The present membership is forty two. The pastors' names since 1846 are: Revs. James Murphy, of Boonville; Joseph Meister, Gerge Juerk, Joseph Blaarer, Francis Buesse, Henry Vander Sanden, (who is at present Chan- cellor of the Arch Diocese of St. Louis,) H. V. Kalmer and Hilner attended this place from Tipton from 1869 to 1877, H. A. Schmidt, (who built the present parsonage,) and Andrew Giete, C. P. P. S., the present incumbent. The church is furnished with all necessary vestments of the

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Catholic service; has an organ and gallery. The present house of wor- ship is an old one, but will soon be supplemented by a new and graceful edifice. During the war the organ was thrown down from the gallery and other property was destroyed, but it has all been replaced. It has a Sunday School connected, with thirty pupils attending, and also there is a day school taught, with an average attendance of twenty-four.

St. Paul Church, Evangelical Lutheran, of Lake Creek Township, was organized by Otto Kluechner, in 1869. The original members are, Fred. Deterb, F. Mundhink, Christian Eicholz, Fred. Wilkens, Daniel Gætze, Mrs. Gotze, F. Gœtze, Louis Schlosserman, Henry Brauer, John Yunker, Chas. Zimmerschild. The pastors that have been in charge are Revs. Otto Kluschner and Oscar Lumpe. The building is now being remodeled. It is a frame structure and will cost when completed about $1,200. The church has a Sunday School connected, with Fred Deterb, superintendent, and C. Eichalz, secretary. The membership are sup- porting a German school, with Rev. Oscar Lumpe as teacher, which has an average attendance of fifteen. The congregation was orignally organized in Benton County, and about three years ago they moved to Pettis. The services are conducted in German. The present building when com- pleted will be dedicated by Rev. Otto Kluechner, the organizer of the congregation.

SCHOOLS were taught here in an early day; the first was taught by John Hubbard on what is now John Kahrs' land. This the first school of which any facts can be obtained was begun in 1832. Now there are five district schools and two private schools. The German Catholic School is taught in a house adjoining the church, and furnishes accommodations for twenty-five or thirty pupils. The German Lutheran School is taught by Oscar Lumpe, and has an attendance of about twelve. The school is situated about three hundred yards east of the Lutheran Church. The school in district number one is taught by Miss Walkup. The school is called Lone Star. The school buildings are frame.

A story is related that during the first settlement of this neighborhood, a young German wishing to secure a wife decided to go to the Fatherland and woo among his former associates. The ambitious youth went over to Jacob Seagraves' house to procure necessary papers for the journey, but as he came out of the house with the passes and papers, a maiden washing near the door of the cabin inquired where he was going, and he replied, "that he was about to sail for Germany in search of a wife." She modestly replied, " that he could succeed near at hand," and arrange- ments were soon completed and this couple were married.

ISAAC C. ANDERSON.

Was born in Halifax County, Virginia, about 150 miles west of the city

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of Richmond, on the 17th day of August, 1822. He was married at the age of twenty years, to Mary A. Hodges, she being eighteen. He pur- sued the occupation of farming in the State of Virginia, until the year 1858, when he emigrated to the State of Missouri and settled in Pettis County. Not having the means to purchase, he rented ground for three years, during which time success attended his efforts, and he found him- self able to enter 160 acres of land, forty of which he paid $1.25 per acre, and 120 at 50 cents per acre. About this time the war broke out, and everything in the shape of personal effects was swept away, and the clos- ing of the war found him without money or stock. But, being a man of great energy, knowing no such word as "fail," he commenced life again, and by hard work has succeeded in making a fine farm of 200 acres. admirably improved with wells, ponds, hedges, orchards and buildings, He built the first house on the prairie on which he lives, in Lake Creek Township. He has paid considerable attention to the raising of stock for quite a number of years-mules being a specialty, but is now turning his attention somewhat to cattle, having about sixty-five head on hand. He grows a fair amount of corn, wheat and oats. His farm is well adapted to agriculture and stock raising. He has raised a family of six children, five sons and one daughter. Five still living, one having died at the age of sixteen years. All of his children were born in his native State except one; he was born in Pettis County. His daughter and one son are mar- ried; three boys at home. His son George served two years in the late war, under Gen. Price. Mr. A. is now about sixty years old, and his good wife about fifty-seven, and although somewhat aged, yet are full of life and ambition, and are noted for their hospitality and generosity. He has been one of the leading men in the educational interests of his com- munity, and it was during his administration that a neat and comfortable school building was erected; as a party man he has always been found in the ranks of the Democracy. By their honest and upright walk, the family have procured the esteem and good will of all in the com- munity, and we are proud to present them to our patrons as a family worthy of the respect of all.

L. T. DIX.

The subject of this sketch was born in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, in August, 1823. He came to Missouri with his parents in the year 1838, and located in Cooper County. There were eight children in his father's family, all of whom are dead except Mr. D. He was married in the year 1855, to Mary Scott, whose parents were old settlers of Missouri. Her father is dead; her mother is still living. His wife was born Oct. 23, 1833. He has been in Pettis County seven years. He has a fine farm of 160 acres, prairie, and ten acres of timber. The 160 acres are under fence

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and in a good state of cultivation. He grows about forty bushels corn, forty-five bushels of oats, twelve bushels of wheat and ten bushels of flax per acre. He has handsomely improved his farm with good fences, a good barn and a magnificent cottage dwelling, finished off and furnished in the very best of style. As a farmer he ranks as first class, and is a live, successful business man, highly esteemed by all who know him.

GEORGE H. GOETZE.

A native of Benton county, Mo., and one of the strong, public spirited men of the community in which he lives. He was born June 1, 1842. His parents came to this country in 1842. His father died in 1865, but his mother is still living at the advanced age of seventy-six years. Mr. G. was married in the year 1868, to Jane Story, of Morgan County, Mo., at the age of twenty-six years, his wife being eighteen, and in the year 1869 removed to the place on which he now lives. He has a family of six children, viz: John W., born April 20, 1869; George F., born Jan. 24, 1871; Pinkie and Ollie L., born Aug. 6, 1874; Mary C., born July 9, 1877, and Albert F., born June 9, 1881. Mrs. Goetze's father now resides in the State of California, and is seventy-five years of age. Mr. Goetze's grand - father died in the State of Kansas at the ripe old age of 103 years. He is established on his farm, which is in a good state of cultivation and which he has improved from the wild prairie. He has a fine residence, barns and out houses, the work on which he did himself, being a fine mechanic in both woodwork and iron. He also has a large and commodious build- ing in which he carries on the manufacturing of all kinds of wood and iron implements. He has a wide reputation as a mechanic,"and therefore is continually crowded with work, and is obliged to keep from two to four assistants all the time. He served as a soldier in the late war, enlisting in 1861, in the Thirteenth Reginent of Missouri Cavalry, under Colonel Sigel, but was changed into the Fifth after one year, in which he remained until the close of the war. He is also a leader of the Lake Creek Brass Band, and is held in high esteem by all who are acquainted with him. He has also taken a prominent part in the educational interests of the community, serving as a school officer for a number of years.

JOHN C. KAHRS, JR.

The son of Herman Kahrs, who is one of the oldest settlers of Lake Creek Township, was born in Pettis County, March 3, 1847, on the large and magnificent estate owned by his father, consisting of 500 or 600 acres of fine land. Very little improvement had been made in this part of the county when his father settled there, but now it is nearly all fenced and in a good state of cultivation. He was married in 1870, at the age of twenty- three years, to Miss Louisa Momburg, aged eighteen, whose father is

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still living in Wyandotte, Kan., but whose mother has been dead about five years. He has a family of four children, one boy and three girls: Laura M., born May 23, 1871; Mary M., born Aug. 29, 1872; Minnie M., born March 10, 1875; William Herman Lewis, born April 14, 1880. Mr. Kahrs raises forty bushels of corn, and about fifty bushels of oats to the acre. He has a fine farm of 160 acres, forty of which is timber, the bal- ance being high rolling prairie. He keeps about twenty-five head of cattle, 100 head of sheep, and a good line of horses and hogs. When first started in life, his farm was entirely unimproved, but by constant labor he has succeeded in making it one of the most desirable farms of any in his community. It is well watered, and produces abundantly. He is one of the most noteworthy farmers of this region, being a careful cul- tivator and a very successful business man.

PETER KAHRS, SR.

· Is the eldest son of Mr. Cord Kahrs, who now resides in Sedalia, but was one of the early settlers of Lake Creek Township, having emigrated from the Kingdom of Hanover, Germany, to Pettis County, Mo., in the year 1840, and is now about seventy-five years of age. At the time of his coming he entered a large tract of land and improved a considerable® amount of it. It was upon this farm, in January, 1843, that the subject of this sketch was born and raised. He assisted on the farm until the year 1867, when he married Anna Bohling. She lived only a short time, and in July, 1868, he was married to Margaret Schlosserman, whose parents both lived in Morgan County, Mo. Mr. Kahrs has one brother and two sisters living. Of his own family he has six children, three sons and three daughters: Edward C., born March 30, 1868; Mary M., March, 1869; Willie T., Sept. 8, 1872; Ellen J., January, 1875; Benj. F. and Frances M., born March 18, 1879. He has a fine farm of 160 acres, 100 acres of which are under fence and in a good state of cultivation, with good fences, water and improvements. He keeps a good line of cattle, sheep, hogs and horses. He has been connected with the educational interests of his community in an official way for quite a while, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace six or eight years, which shows him to be a man in whom his friends confide.

HENRY MEYER.

The subject of this sketch was born in Bavaria, Germany, the 28th day of February, 1843. They located in Cooper County about the year 1858. There were ten children in the family, six of whom are still living, five sons and one daughter, all of whom are in Cooper County except Mr. M. Three brothers are not married. His parents are still living, although getting quite aged, being about sixty-six years old. At the age of

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twenty-six Mr. Meyer was married to Matilda Geotze, she being eighteen years of age. To them have been born seven children, five of whom are living, four sons and one daughter: John, born Feb. 12, 1871; Louisa, born Dec. 31, 1873; George and Henry, born Sept. 18, 1876; James and " Willie, born Sept. 25, 1879, and an infant, born March 10, 1882. He owns eighty acres of fine prairie land, all under fence and in cultivation. He served as a Union soldier in the late war, having enlisted in the Twenty- ninth Missouri Infantry in 1862. He was in the battles of Vicksburg, Arkansas Post, Milliken's Bend, Atlanta, with Sherman on his march to the sea, and was mustered out at Washington in 1865. Everything around points to him as a thrifty money-making farmer of the first class.

THOMAS W. RHODES.

The subject of this sketch was born in Hawkins County, Tennessee, Aug. 11, 1817. At the age of two years, his parents moved to Callaway County, Mo. From there to Marion, and thence to Scotland County, Mo. He remained there until 1864, during which time he became one of the representative business men of the county, owning quite a large store, and a large stock of fancy dry goods, clothing, ladies' and gents' furnish- ing goods, etc., etc. He and his brother also owned a 1,000-acre farm, over which roamed five herds of the very best of stock. But the cruel war came on, with destructive force and swept everything away. In 1864 Mr. Rhodes removed to Illinois, where he again commenced dealing in stock, which occupation he followed until the year 1837, when he again removed to Missouri, and settled in Lake Creek Township, Pettis County. He is now residing on a magnificent farm owned by his two sons, W. H. and G. W. Rhodes, consisting of 1,400 acres, all of which is under fence, 560 acres in cultivation, eighty acres of choice timber, and the balance in fine pasture. He was married in the year 1837, to Minerva Jones, whose parents removed to California in 1868. At the time of marriage, Mr. R. was twenty years of age and his wife seventeen years old. Mrs. R. was born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1820. There was born to them eleven children, four sons and seven daughters, three of whom are dead, two sons and one daughter. Of those that are living five are married, two sons and three daughters. He is a man of exceedingly bright intellect, possesses superior business capabilities and has a high standing throughout the community in which he lives, and is one of the strongest Democrats in the township.

WILLIAM H. RHODES.

Son of Thomas W. Rhodes, was born in Scotland County, Mo., in the year 1843. Was raised a farmer, and at the age of twenty years went to

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Illinois, where he remained until the year 1868, when he returned with his father to Pettis County, Mo. At the age of twenty-five was mar- ried to Isabella Aiken, she being eighteen. Mrs. Rhodes was born in the State of New Hampshire in the year of 1850. Her parents died in the state of Wisconsin. Mr. Rhodes has a superb farm of 880 acres, all under fence, 480 acres in cultivation, 320 acres in pasture and eighty acres in timber and is among the more noteworthy and representative farmers of this county. He grows on an average about forty bushels of corn, fifteen bushels of wheat, twelve bushels of flax and fifty bushels of oats to the acre. Grazes 600 head of sheep, sixty head of cattle, and quite a goodly number of horses and mules. Improved this place with good buildings, and it is well fenced with hedge, plank and rails; has a magni- ficent well of water with a pump which operates by means of a windmill, which cost him $150; also four running springs. He is a number one stock man, and has an estate which a prince of husbandry might covet. By hard work and close attention to business he has succeeded in placing around him such of life's conveniences as are necessary to the happiness and com- fort of himself and family.

CARL SCHWENSEN.

A young man of great ability and sterling worth in the community in which he lives. Was born in Germany, Feb. 22, 1855. Landed in America Dec., 1874, at the age of nineteen. Having stopped a short time in Chicago, in the year 1875 he came to Pettis County, Mo. In 1877 he married Metta Cordes, whose parents are still living in Benton County, and are quite aged. They are natives of the Kingdom of Hanover. Mr. S. owns 360 acres of choice land; 120 acres in cultivation, 230 in pasture, and twelve acres of timber. He raises forty bushels of corn, fifteen bushels of wheat and fifty bushels of oats to the acre; has about ninety head of cattle, quite a number of hogs, and quite a good line of horses. His farm is nicely improved, having a nice cottage house of four rooms, and nicely furnished, a good barn, hedges, and rail fences, etc., etc., all in good order. Everything about him goes to prove him to be a farmer of the first class, and is very industrious, and has as good a farm as there is in Lake Creek Township. They have two children: Kantinka, aged four years, and Markis, aged two years.

DANIEL R. VINSON.

Was born in Pickaway County, O., July 17, 1837. Emigrated to Illi- nois in the year 1851, and remained with his parents on the farm until the year 1862, when he enlisted as a soldier in the Seventy-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Colonel D. P. Greer, and was assigned to Company E. They went from Peoria, Ill., to Covington, Ky., and

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immediately entered into active service. On the 23d day of Jan., 1862, he participated in his first battle, at Yazoo City; from thence to Arkansas Post, then Milliken's Bend, Grand Gulf, Magnolia, Ft. Gibson, Walnut Station, Big Black River and Vicksburg. At the last mentioned place he was taken sick, and sent to the hospital at St. Louis, where he remained for three weeks, and in August joined his regiment at New Orleans; was again taken sick, and after his recovery was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps; was then taken to Washington City in 1864, thence to Point Lookout, Md., and Wheeling, Va., at which place he remained until he was mustered out of the service, and then returned to Illinois. In 1867 he was married to Mrs. Cone, whose former husband had been killed dur- ing the war, at the second battle of Bull Run. About this time he moved to Pettis county, and settled on a farm of eighty acres, which he has suc- ceeded in fencing and putting in a state of good cultivation. He is a good farmer and a man of whom every one speaks in terms of highest praise.

WILLIAM VINSON.

Is a native of Pickaway County, Ohio. Born April 11, 1810, his parents having emigrated to that State from Maryland, at an early date. He was married to Sarah Bower, Dec. 17, 1835. He emigrated to Illinois in 1852. In the year 1867 he settled in Lake Creek Township, Pettis County, Mo. He has four children living, three sons and one daughter, three of whom are married, his daughter and two of his sons. He has buried five children, four sons and one daughter. Five of his sons served in the late war as United States soldiers. His son Henry was killed at the battle of Corinth, in 1862. Lewis died at Little Rock, Ark., and Ira L. died at Murfreesboro. Daniel and Amos returned after an absence of three years. Mr. V. owns ninety-one acres of choice land, eighty of which are under fence and in a good state of cultivation, and eleven acres of good tim- ber. He raises on an average about forty bushels of corn, fifteen bushels of wheat, thirty-five bushels of oats and ten bushels of flax. Brought up as a farmer, he takes great pride in keeping up with the times, and his neat little farm shows a careful diligence in the care and improvement of it. Although getting aged, yet they are full of life and activity, and are esteemed by all who know them for their honesty, uprightness, generosity and hospitality.

J.L.

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The History of Pettis County, Missouri, including an authentic history of Sedalia, other towns and townships, together with biographical sketches, Part 118

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