The History of Pettis County, Missouri, including an authentic history of Sedalia, other towns and townships, together with biographical sketches, Part 83

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 83

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JAMES A. J. DOWNS.

Stock raiser and farmer. Post-office, Houstonia. Prominent among the early settlers of this locality appears the name of the subject of this brief sketch, who is a native of Clarke County, Indiana; was born on the fifth day of March, 1826. His father, James Downs, was a native of Maryland, and died when our subject was about four weeks old. In 1831 his mother moved to Louisville, Ky., where he remained until he attained his fifteenth year. His early youth was devoted to attending school dur- ing the winter seasons and assisting his mother in various duties the bal- ance of each year. He has been closely identified with the interests of the county, as well as having aided largely in its development. Politically he has always been a Democrat and a zealous advocate of the principles of that party. During the civil war he remained a non-combatant, and what is remarkable, was never molested or insulted by any of either party. His earnest sympathies were with the Southern cause, although he was a zealous advocate for the Union and a decided opponent of secession. In the campaign of 1880 he allowed his name to go into the convention as a candidate for Representative, and received thirty-six votes, a very compli- mentary expression. He has filled the office of Peace Magistrate for a term of twelve years. During his early youth Mr. Downs was presented with a silver medal by President Jackson, in whose honor he was named, as a token of regard. Mr. Downs and wife have been active members of the Christian Church, and among its most liberal contributors for forty-one years. They have raised a family of seven children, M. Robert, an attor- ney of Kansas City; Jeff II., James, Ann M., wife of C. Haynes; Mary E., now Mrs. R. Van Hook; Sally P., wife of W. S. Robertson, and Matilda, who resides with them. They lost five children. He yet retains a

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valuable, well improved farm of 320 acres. He has given all his children a liberal education, at a great expense. In 1841 he came west with an elder brother, and located on a farm near Marshall, in Saline County, this State On Dec. 8, 1844, he was married in that county to Miss Caroline Sandridge, a lady of culture, who is a native of Albemarle County, Va. In the autumn of 1849, he moved to Pettis County, locating in Blackwater Township, where he purchased and entered a tract of 400 acres of land, most of which he subsequently improved. In January, 1858, he moved to his present location, and has since made extensive and substantial improvements. Mr. Downs has taken an active interest in public affairs.

J. S. DOWNS.

Farmer. Post-office, Houstonia. He is a son of Jas. A. J. Downs. Was born in Pettis County, on the ninth day of March, 1859. He received a liberal education, which was finished at Kirksville Normal Institute in the spring of 1881. On the twelfth of July of that year he was united in marriage to Miss J. Hoye, a native of Adair County, Mo. In the spring of 1881 Mr. Downs started out in business for himself, and is now in pos- session of a good farm of 120 acres, which is well improved. He is an energetic, enterprising young business farmer.

J. N. FERGUSON.

Physician and surgeon, Hughesville. Among the many medical prac- titioners of Pettis County, no man has done more for the alleviation of suffering humanity than has Dr. J. M. Ferguson, who is a native of Kentucky; was born near Bloomfield, on the twenty-eighth of Aug., 1840. When he attained his nineteenth year he commenced the study of medi- cine, under the tuition of Dr. C. D. Case, an eminent physician of Wash- ington, Ky., with whom he continued about six months. He next studied under the direction of Drs. Stone and Bascom, who were his preceptors. He entered the medical department of the State University at Louisville, in the winter of 1860, from which institution he graduated with honor. In 1861 he was united in marriage to Miss A. E. Jones, a lady of liberal culture, who is a native of Kentucky. In the spring of 1874 the doctor came to Pettis County, locating on a farm adjoining Hughes- ville, where he now enjoys the possession of a beautiful and lux- urious home. He has applied himself closely to the pursuits of his pro- fession since he acquired a sufficient knowledge of the " healing art," and has won a reputation for skill and honesty which he justly merits. He has a large and desirable practice, and has unbounded success in his treat- ment of patients. He has done much to alleviate the sufferings of all classes; in fact, is always ready to assist the needy as well as the more for- tunate, and many of the poor of the locality have reason to be grateful for

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kind and generous treatment received at his hands. The doctor and wife are consistent members of the M. E. Church, South, and have been among its most liberal contributors in this settlement. He is now enjoy- ing the comforts of a fine and tastefully appointed home, situated on a beautifully located farm of 160 acers, which forms one of the most desira- ble homesteads in this party of the county.

WILLIAM FOWLER.

Farmer and blacksmith, Hughesville. An energetic business man, comfortably situated on a nice farm of eighty acres of well cultivated land, and is also proprietor of the Hughesville blacksmith shop. He is a native of Scotland, where he was raised, and on the 7th day of April, 1869, he left the home of his childhood, and on the 9th of the same month took steamer from the city of Glasgow, arriving in New York City on the 29th of that month. In the spring of 1880 he came to Hughesville, where he erected the first blacksmith shop of the place. He learned the trade in his early youth, serving a regular apprenticeship under a competent blacksmith. He is now doing a good business in this line, and is also doing a profitable business in farming and stock raising. In the summer of 1879 he built his present residence, which in point of neatness of design, elegance of finish and convenience of arrangement, will compare favora- bly with any in this locality. In September, 1873, he was married to Miss Elsie Price, who is also a native of Scotland. This union has brought them five children: Catherine E., Margaret, Elizabeth, William Price and John. Mr. Fowler and wife are closely associated with the Pres- byterian Church and are warm supporters of the cause of Christianity. In the autumn of 1881, Mr. F. was appointed to the office of Peace Magistrate, and is now discharging the duties of that office.

C. W. GOODRICH.

Physician, Houstonia. He was born in Athens County, Ohio, the 11th day of September, 1841. His childhood and tender years were devoted to attending school and assisting his father with the duties of the farm. At the breaking out of the war he determined to assist in defence of the Union, and on the 31st day of July, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, Ninety-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He participated in many hard fought battles, among which were the battles of Stone River, Hooser Gap, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, and all engagements on the Atlanta Campaign. He was twice wounded during his service, and was promoted to First Lieutenant for gallant service. In 1865 he was mustered out, and soon returned to his home. On Jan. 7, 1866, he was married in his native county to Miss N. J. Clark, who is a native of that county. When

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HISTORY OF HOUSTONIA TOWNSHIP.

about twenty-seven years of age he began the study of medicine under Dr. E. M. Bean, who was his preceptor about two years. He then entered the Physio Medical Institute of Cincinnati, and attended during its sessions of 1869-70 and 1873-4, graduating with honor in the spring of 1874. In the autumn ot 1875 he came to Moniteau County, Mo., where he was engaged in practice until the autumn of 1876, when he came to Hous- tonia. The Doctor is of the Physio Medical System persuasion, and has been very successful in his practice, and now enjoys a liberal patronage from the people. In July, 1875, his first wife died, and in July, 1876, he was again married to Miss Hattie B. Martin, of Athens County, Ohio. He has four children living: Ida C. and Abbie E. from first union, and Bingham G. and Lottie B. from his second wife. The Doctor and wife are active members of the Christian Church. In 1878 he was elected to the office of Peace Magistrate, and still holds the office.

M. McGRUDER.

Proprietor Hughesville boot and shoe shop. One of the most enter- prising and energetic business men of the place. Is a native of Frederick County, Va. Was born on the 29th day of September, 1846. His father was a shoemaker, and the early youth of our subject was spent in acquiring an education and gaining a knowledge of his father's trade. He served a regular apprenticeship under the careful instruction of his father and continued in its pursuits until the breaking out of the civil war. Although but a mere lad of sixteen years he determined to aid in defense of their homes and property, and in 1861, enlisted in Company K, Fifth Volunteer Infantry, Confederate service. During his term as a soldier Mr. McG. experienced an eventful and chequered lite. He was engaged with his company in many of the severest and most bloody battles of the war and received three wounds, and was afterwards taken prisoner. He participated in the battles of Winchester, Manassas, Bull Run, seven days fight of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Middle River, and in all engagements of the campaign of the Valley of Virginia. He was wounded at the battle of Middle River, and also at Spottsylvania, and received a severe bullet wound in the collar bone at Spottsylvania. He was captured by the Federals at Newtown, Va., conveyed to Camp Chase, Ohio, where he was kept as a prisoner of war, until the spring of 1865. He soon afterwards located at Black Lick, Franklin County, O., where he was married to Miss Louisa Schaffar, daughter of Jacob Schaffar, an eminent physician of that locality. She was a native of that State, and died in 1874, leaving one bright child. In the spring of 1877 Mr. M. moved to Texas, locating at Austin, where he was engaged in stock business. In November, 1878, he came to Pettis County, and in the autumn of 1879 erected his present

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shop at Hughesville. Since his coming! to Hughesville, Mr. M. has built up an extensive and satisfactory business in his line. He has established a reputation for honest and reliable work, which insures for him a large and satisfactory trade. He is a man who is master of his trade and can accom- plish anything in his line; his work will compare favorably with any done in our large cities in point of reliability, and beauty of finish. He is enjoying the comforts of a beautiful homestead, which consists of fifteen acres adjoining the town. Has an interesting and intelligent family. His present wife he married in Ohio, in 1875. She is a native of Licking County ; her maiden name was Amy Harris, daughter of John Harris. Thus we have observed the ups and downs of a man who has scarce past the meridian of life, whose entire life has been full of usefulness and thrilling experience, a man who has faced the dangers of many bloody fields and endured the hardship of prison life, and is now pursuing the peaceful pursuits of legitmate trade.

J. J. GUIER.

Farmer and stock raiser. Residence, section twenty; post-office, Houstonia. Prominent among the enterprising business farmers of this township should be mentioned the name of J. J. Guier. He is a son of the late Henry Guier, who was an old settler of this locality, and a native of North Carolina, and moved to Kentucky when about thirteen years of age. Locating in Trigg County, where our subject, Mr. J. J. Guier, was born on the 1st day of Oct., 1830. In 1838 he came with his parents to Missouri; they made a short stay of about two years in Howard County, when they moved to Pettis County, locating on a farm a few miles north- west of Houstonia. They were among the first settlers in this locality, and in consequence endured many privations and inconveniences which are inevitable in the first settlement of a country. On the 2d day of Sept., 1869, Mr. Henry Guier was called to God, and has left a name which is specially dear to many of the early settlers and friends, who had been neighbors during the early years of the county's growth. Mr. J. J. Guier is a man who has done much for the improvement of the county, and has been closely identified with its growth. He has given his attention to farming since his early youth, and has succeeded well in his calling. In 1855 he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza J. Buck, who is a native of Pulaski County, Ky., and came to Missouri in 1838; this union has brought them five children, all of whom are living. Mr. Guier and wife are active members of the Christian Church, and were among the founders of the Houstonia organization of that denomination. They have done much for the upbuilding of the church and christianity in this locality. Their home has been frequently used as a place of divine worship before the county was provided with churches. They have given liberally of their time and

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means to the upbuilding of the cause, and are still laboring zealously to that end. Mr. Guier is now carrying on an extensive business in farming and stock raising, and is in possession of a valuable farm of nearly six hundred acres. His farm is well improved, with a large and handsome dwelling, beautifully situated, and adorned with shade, ornamental and fruit trees, comfortable barns and outbuildings, and in fact everything about his place bespeaks the man of enterprise and industry. He has taken a great interest in giving his family the advantage of a liberal edu- cation, and is now enjoying the comforts of a peaceful and quiet home, surrounded by wife and children.

WILLIAM HAMM, Deceased.

Was one of the early settlers of this county; was a native of Augusta County, Va .; was born on the 14th day of April, 1794. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, having been promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant. In 1823 he was married in his native county to Miss Jane Clifton, of that county. In the autumn of 1844 he came to Pettis County with his family, locating on the farm now occupied. by his son, Geo. T. Hamm. In 1865 he was deprived of his loving consort by the grim messenger of death, and was himself finally called to that home above in 1879. During his days on earth Mr. Hamm accomplished much for the good of his fellow beings, and had seen many changes occur in America. For several years previous to his death he was remunerated by a pension for his services in the war of 1812. He was the father of seven children: John H., Geo. T., Elizabeth J., James E., Clemenza B., William C., and a son, B. Hamm. Geo. T. Hamm was born in Augusta County, Va., Jan. 16, 1835; made his home with his parents until the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion, and on Sept. 4, 1861, he enlisted in the Twenty-seventh Missouri Infantry, and served a term of six months, and in April, 1862, he re-enlisted, was assigned to the Seventh Missouri Cavalry, Company D, State Militia, and was with his com- mand in all its engagements until April, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant and Regimental Adjutant during his service, and participated in many hard fought engage- ments. Soon after his return home he engaged in teaching school, which he followed for several years. He was married Dec. 27, 1867, to Miss Kate Neal, of Pettis County. Six children have been born to them: Thos. F., William C., Ailcy J., John N., Martha A. and Mollie J. Mr. Hamm is now in possession of a good farm of 120 acres.

W. L. HAWKINS.

Merchant. No sketch of Hughesville would be complete without here making mention of this enterprising young business man, who is a native

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of the "Lone Star" State; was born near San Antonio, Texas, Jan. 3, 1857. In January, 1881, he came to Hughesville and embarked in mer- cantile life. He is doing a large and profitable business and commands the confidence and esteem of the people of this locality as an honest and upright business man. He occupies a handsome store building with a frontage of twenty feet and a depth of forty feet, to which is attached an addition of sixteen feet, and the entire building is completely filled with a selected stock of dry goods, groceries, boots, shoes, hardware, medicines, oils, flour, etc. He is also a liberal dealer in country produce, and it can be truthfully said that no merchant in the history of the town has done a more satisfactory business than has the subject of this sketch. Although a young man Mr. Hawkins is well versed in mercantile trade, and fully understands the management of a general merchandise business. He has been continually extending his trade until now it covers a broad expanse of territory, and as the people are attracted to his establishment their patronage is secured. He is a man who is closely identified with the social and business interests of this locality, and has thus far won for him- self a favorable reputation.

CLAUS HEINS.

No history of Hughesville would be complete without here making mention of this enterprising citizen, who has been so closely identified with the business interests of the town. He is a native of Hanover, Ger- many; was born in October, 1848. In 1866 he came to America and made his first settlement near Concordia, Lafayette County, Mo., where he was engaged in farming until 1873, when he came to Pettis County and followed agricultural pursuits about one year, when he embarked in mer- cantile trade at Hughesville. He erected the present store building of the place and continued to do an extensive trade in that line until about two years ago. In 1877 he engaged in dealing and shipping grain and live stock, and has since built up a business in that line of extensive pro- portions. He now commands the trade of a large scope of country, and has built up a reputation for a liberal and honest dealer, and commands the confidence of the people as a business man. In 1874 he was appointed postmaster and has since filled the duties of the office to the satisfaction of the department and public. In February, 1879, he was appointed station and express agent for the railroad company and has given general satis- faction in that position. He is a man who has done much for the business and social interests of the town, and is now numbered among the substan- tial business men of the county. He is in possession of a neat and com- fortable bome and is enjoying many of the comforts of life, surrounded by an interesting family.

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H. CLAY HIGGINS.

Stock raiser and farmer, postoffice, Houstonia; one of the energetic, prosperous farmers of this township. Is a native of Pettis County, and was born in 1853. When about twenty-two years of age, he commenced the study of medicine under Dr. W. R. Parsons, and in the autumn of 1876, he entered the medical department of the State University, where he pursued his studies until the close of that session, and in the autumn of 1877, entered the Missouri Medical College at St. Louis, where he studied one term. In the spring of 1880, he was married to Miss B. E. Wallace, a lady of refinement and liberal culture, and in the spring of that year he moved to his present farm, and embarked in business for himself. He is now in possession of a farm which is among the most productive and valuable in this township. It contains 280 acres, well cultivated and fenced, with good buildings, and many natural advantages as a stock and grain farm. Mr. Higgins is a man who has gained the esteem of all good citizens for his many sterling qualities. They are the happy parents of one bright son, Price.

COL. THOS. F. HOUSTON.

"Man liveth not to himself alone." The truth of which text millions of human beings have testified in all ages of the christian world, and the truth of the assertion is forcibly portrayed in the example and life of Col. Thos. F. Houston. He is a man who has done more for the development of society in this locality, than any citizen in this part of the county. He is a native of Iredell County, N. C., is a son of Placebo Houston, and grandson of Christopher Houston, an eminent soldier and officer of the Revolutionary War, who settled in Rowan County, (now Iredell) before the commencement of that struggle for independence. His grandfather, Christopher Houston, improved a farm, and established a post-office at Houstonville, and was postmaster for many years, as was also Placebo Houston, the father of Thomas F., the subject of our sketch. Col. Thos.

F. Houston was born July 30, 1818. His early youth was spent in acquiring an education, and assisting his father in the duties of the plantation. When about twenty years of age he began the study of law, under the tuition of Gen. James Cook, of Mocksville, and afterwards with Hon. R. M. Pearson, late Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina, and was licensed to practice by the Supreme Court of that State in June, 1840. In 1845, he located at Leighton, Ala., where he was married that year to Miss Mary M. Hampton, a lady of culture and refinement. She is a native of North Carolina, but was raised in Ala- bama. In the autumn of 1846, he came west, locating where now stands the village of Bunceton, Cooper County, Mo. Here he continued

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farming until.the spring of 1851, when he came to Pettis County, locating on his present farm. His original purchase was 920 acres, to which he subsequently added until he was in possession of a body of near 5,000 acres. Since his coming to this county Colonel H. has changed the appearance of this locality to a great extent, and in a few years the fruits of his industry were plainly visible. Broad fields of wheat and corn, to the extent of 3,000 acres, large herds of cattle, sheep and swine, could be seen where but a few years previous was barrenness and waste. His improvements were of a substantial as well as an extensive character. At the breaking out of the war, Col. Houston was a strong Union man, but on account of the policy adopted by the Federals, be became an earnest sympathizer with the Southern cause, and early in 1861, joined the Confederate corps under Capt. Robinson. Early in 1862, he was commissioned Lieut .- Colonel, to organize and drill a regiment, which he succeeded in doing, and was captured by the Federals when about ready to depart for the front. He was kept a prisoner, and was indicted by the United States Court, and kept under parole until 1865. When he returned home he again took up the peaceful pursuits of his business. That he has been identified with the development of the county, as well as the organization of society, are facts too widely known to admit of question. He was one of the founders of the Agricultural Society, and was chosen president and director, which offices he filled efficiently for many years. He, in fact, gave liberally of his time and means to its support. He organized and established the first school in this section, and has been an active worker for educational interests since. He was also one of the found- ers of the Houstonia Christian Church, and has been a liberal contribu- tor since its organization. During the agitation of the railroad project the Colonel was elected a director of the Lexington & St. Louis R. R. Company. He was then elected vice-president, and later, president; which office he held until the road was transferred to the Missouri Pacific Railway Company, and it is to him that credit is due for the present loca- tion of the line, as it was decided by the board of directors to make Lamonte the junction with the other line, but the persistent and untir- ing efforts of the Colonel resulted in obtaining a reconsideration which resulted in favor of the present location of the road. This act alone should secure for him the lasting gratitude of the people of this locality. In the autumn of 1880, he was unanimously chosen by the Democratic Convention as a candidate for Representative to the Legislature, and was elected by a large majority, although he persistently refused the office. He has made an efficient and honorable Representative, and identified himself with measures which resulted to the advantage of his constituents. He has raised a family of five children: Frank, an attorney of Sedalia; Augustus Y., also a business man of Sedalia : Mary, wife of Jas. S. Napton;

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Elizabeth, who died in 1875, the wife of John Napton; and Emma, who resides with her parents.

C. C. HUGHES.

Farmer, and old settler of this county. Is a whole-souled and generous spirited citizen. He was born in Cooper County, Mo., on the 20th day of November, 1830. His father, Richard Hughes, was among the pioneers of that county, locating there in 1826, where he lived until 1850, when he died, leaving a large family of children. Our subject's days were spent in the duties of the farm, until his father's death, when he joined a wagon train enroute for the gold fields of California. He remained but about ten months in that State when he started for his home. In 1853 he located in Pettis County and was for several years engaged in the milling busi- ness. In 1870 he moved to Johnson County, where he was engaged in farming until 1877, when he again located in Pettis County, and has since continued to make it his home. In 1867 he was married to Miss N. J. Howe, who is also a native of Cooper County, her parents having been among its early settlers. She is an estimable lady of liberal education. Their family consists of four children : Maggie L., Robert J., Nannie E. and a son C. C. They lost one son J. M. Mr. Hughes is in possession of a nice farm of 80 acres of fertile land.

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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 83

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