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 84
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THOS. J. HUGHES.
Farmer and stock raiser, post-office, Hughesville. No history of the State of Missouri would be complete without making mention of the Hughes family, who were among the founders of civilization in Cooper County. Samuel Hughes, one of the first settlers of that county, was a native of Tennessee, and located in Cooper County in 1824, an early date in its settlement. He located near Pilot Grove, where he made his home until the breaking out of the war. Here the subject of this sketch was born into the world on the 23d day of January, 1829. His youthful days were spent in agricultural pursuits and obtaining an education. His tender years were spent amid the toilsome ever changing scenes of pioneer life of the west, which has given to the world many men of sterling worth. In 1853 he was married in his native county to Miss Sally C. Taylor, who was also a native of that county. She died in 1866, leaving a family of four children, who are still living, Newton, William, Susan and Lucy. In 1876 Mr. Hughes came to Pettis County, and has since made it his home. He has remained a widower since his wife died, and is now comfortably situated on a farm near Hughesville. He is at present conducting a farm of 160 acres and fully understands the duties of farm life. Mr. Hughes is a man who has seen many changes come to Missouri; he has in fact wit- nessed nearly its entire growth, and has always been deeply interested in
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its welfare. His ancestors were among the founders of a county which has since attained such eminence, and it is but just that the historian should seek to perpetuate the memory of those who braved the perils and endured the hardships of a primitive life to establish the civilization that we now enjoy.
MRS. M. LOTTIE HUTCHISON.
Post-office, Hughesville. A widow lady of liberal means, located on a nice farm of 160 acres near Hughesville. She was reared in St. Louis, receiving a liberal education. Her maiden name was McDonald and is a daughter of the late Isaac McDonald. When a mere child her mother died and she was taken into the family of the Hon. Secretary Edwin M. Stanton, the revered Secretary of War of President Lincoln's administra- tion. During the late civil war Mrs. Hutchison was amid the exciting scenes, and although alone much of the time she always showed a marked courage. She has been closely identified with the social and other inter- ests of the county, and was held in high esteem by officials of high rank for her marked ability and genial fortitude during the civil war. She is of an old and wealthy family.
JONATHAN JANNEY.
Stock-raiser and farmer. Prominent among the many enterprising business men of this township should be mentioned the name of J. Janney, one of the self-made, self-educated business farmers. He is one of the old settlers of the county, and a native of Cecil County, Md .; was born in 1814. He was raised to manhood in his native county; when about eighteen years of age he apprenticed himself to a carpenter and served a regular apprenticeship at that trade. He followed its pursuits in eastern cities until the spring of 1837. Being possessed of an energetic, pushing disposition, he became impressed with the idea that Missouri offered superior inducements to men of industry and honesty; he came to Pettis County in the spring of the last named year, locating at Georgetown, where he pursued his trade for many years. In the spring of 1848 he joined a wagon train en route for Santa Fe, and was engaged in freight- ing until the autumn of 1849, when he returned home to Georgetown. In May, 1850, he started on a trip across the plains to California, arriving in Salt Lake City in August; removed in March, 1852, and pursued his journey to Sacramento Valley, where he was engaged in stock trading until the spring of 1853. He embarked for the States and came by water route, crossing the Isthmus of Panama and arrived in New York City, from whence he visited his old home in Maryland for a few days and again came to Pettis County. In 1855 he purchased a part of his present farm, to which he has since added until now it is one of the most valuable
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and desirable farms in this locality. It consists of 360 acres, well im- proved, watered and drained. It is divided into many fields, pastures and lots by good substantial fences and hedges, adorned with a large and comfortable dwelling, commodious barns and outbuildings, and in fact all its appointments are indicative of the man of enterprise and sound busi- ness judgment. He is largely engaged in the raising of fine sheep, cat- tle, swine, etc. In 1854 he was married in this county to Miss Jane Beaty, who is a native of this county. This union has brought them eight children, seven of whom are now living. Mr. Janney is a man who has done more for the upbuilding of the county than any man in this locality. He has succeeded in building up a comfortable home and valuable busi- ness, and it is to his industry, careful management, and honest and up- right dealings that he owes his prosperity.
J. M. LEWIS.
Stock-raiser and farmer. One of the prosperous, enterprising early settlers of Pettis County. Was born in White County, Tenn., on the 5th of January, 1837. His parents were natives of that State and were engaged in agricultural pursuits, to which duties his youthful days were devoted. In October, 1857, he came West, locating in Butler, Bates County, Mo. In the spring of 1860 he came to Pettis County, locating near Rowletta. At the breaking out of the war he became an earnest sympathizer with the Union cause, and on March 2, 1862, enlisted in Company B, Seventh Missouri Cavalry (State Militia). He participated in nearly all the engage- ments in which his command was engaged. He received a severe flesh wound from a shot at the engagement of Pineville, which rendered him unfit for service about two months, when he again joined his command. He was promoted to Sergeant for brave military conduct, and was honor- ably discharged in the spring of 1865, and again returned to this county. In 1868 he was married in this county to Miss E. Weathers, daughter of Enoch G. Weathers, one of the first settlers of this locality. The family consists of: Annie Stella, Albert G., John Monroe, Sally Ida, Mansfield (died in childhood), and a son, J. A. Mr. Lewis is in possession of 239 acres of valuable land, 203 of which are in cultivation. His home is pleasantly situated and consists of a handsome structure of commodious proportions.
D. E. LONGAN.
Dealer in live stock and grain, Houstonia. One of the prominent ship- pers of the county. He is a native of Missouri; was born in Cooper County on the 23d day of April, 1851. When he was about ten years of age his parents brought him to this county, locating about two miles northwest of Houstonia. Here our subject spent his early youth and
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received his education. In 1876 he started in business for himself and purchased a farm near Hughesville, remaining there about one year. Disposing of his farm he engaged in the drug business in Houstonia, in which line he continued until the autumn of 1881. In 1880 he engaged in the shipping of live stock and grain, and is now giving it his entire attention. He is now doing an extensive business in this line. He is now numbered among the leading shippers of this locality.
J. B. LONGAN.
Post-office, Houstonia. A prominent business farmer of this township, who settled near his present location in 1856. He is a native of Missouri. Was born in Coles County, in 1828, and during his childhood his parents moved to Cooper County, where he was raised in agricultural pursuits. In 1853, he was married in that county to Miss Judith Reavis. Since his settling in the county, Mr. Longan has done much for the improvement of this locality. He is now in possession of a very desirable farm of 320 acres of well improved land, which is adorned with a beautiful and commo- dious dwelling ornamented with pleasant surroundings. His farm is well adapted to stock raising, and as a beautiful and quiet home is indeed invit- ing. He has been a consistent member of the Christian Church for sev- eral years, and among its active supporters. He has given his family the benefits of a liberal education, and in fact has done much for the organiza- tion of society in his neighborhood.
WESLEY MCCLURE.
Stock raiser and farmer. Post-office, Hughesville. A prominent, ener- getic business man, a native of Kentucky. Was born in Knox County, in 1827. In February, 1851, he came to Pettis County, locating at George- town, where he was engaged in merchandising for a few years. In 1858 he was elected Sheriff of Pettis County, and discharged the duties of that office with much credit to himself four years. During his terms of office Mr. McC. performed many hazardous duties with nerve and precise- ness, which won for him the admiration of all peace loving citizens. Soon after the expiration of his second term of office, he moved to Dresden, and erected the second store building of that place, where he was engaged in mercantile pursuits about two years. In the spring of 1868, he moved to his present farm, which he has since continued to improve until now it is among the most desirable in his neighborhood; it consists of 222 acres. He was married in 1861, in Pettis County, to Miss Mollie Banks. She died in 1868, leaving one son, who is now living, Emmett B. Mr. McClure is now giving his entire attention to the pursuits and duties of his farm and stock business, and is considered among the successful busi- ness men of the county.
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HISTORY OF HONSTONIA TOWNSHIP.
MRS. JENNIE McCONNELL.
Proprietress of the McConnell House, Houstonia. Born near Sedalia, this County, July 29, 1845. Daughter of John and Catharine Porter. Both father and mother were natives of Virginia, where they were mar- ried. Her mother's maiden name was Burks. Her father died when she was about three years of age, but her mother still survives and is now liv- ing with a sister of the subject of this sketch, Mrs. Fred. Wilson. Mrs. McConnell was first married April 7, 1869, to Joseph L. Williams, and the names of their children are: Nora Williams and Freddie Williams. Mr. Williams died March 7, 1875, and his widow married Frank McCon- nell, June 9, 1878. The names of their children are: Eva McConnell and Porter McConnell. Mr. McConnell, after a protracted illness, about six months of which he was entirely helpless, died Jan. 8, 1881, since which time Mrs. McConnell has conducted the hotel. She has shown great courage and fidelity in rearing her family: the two eldest of whom are attending the public school in the village. This is the only hotel in Houstonia, and it sustains a good name and popularity, which it deserves.
JOHN MCCURDY.
Stock raiser and farmer. Post-office, Lamonte. One of the prominent old settlers of the township. He is a native of Ireland, was born in 1821. When a mere lad he came to America in company with an aunt and located in Bourbon County, Ky. He was there raised to manhood in farm duties; when he was twenty-three years of age he engaged in deal- ing and trading in stock, and pursued it several years throughout the Southern States. In the spring of 1857 he was married in Bourbon County to Miss Elizabeth Miller, a member of the Miller family who were the founders of Millersburg. She was born in Kentucky. In the autumn of that year he came west, locating on his present home farm. His first purchase in this county was a tract of 240 acres. Since then Mr. M. has accomplished much and progressed continually in all his undertakings. He owns two valuable farms, one of 400 acres in township number three, which is well cultivated and improved, and his home place, which is a model farm in many respects, consisting of 371 acres, with fine dwellings, well watered, divided into six fields by well kept hedges and fences. He is largely engaged in stock raising and in fact is a leading business man. He has raised ten children and has given them all a liberal education. He has taken an active part fon the educational interest of his neighborhood and has done much for the county.
J. D. MITCHELL.
Fruit raiser and farmer. Post-office, Lamonte. He is a native of Cooper County, Mo. Was born in 1835. His father, Fleming H. Mitchell,
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was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was one of the first settlers of Boon- ville, Missouri. The youthful days of our subject were spent in farm duties. In 1858 he was married in his native county to Miss Mary K. Ellis, and in 1865 he located on his present farm, which consists of 290 acres. In 1870 he turned his attention to fruit raising; he has now a pro- ductive orchard of twenty-one acres, which presents a fine appearance. His farm is well adapted to stock raising as well as fruit and grain, and is underlaid with an abundance of coal. Mr. Mitchell has raised a family of seven children and has given them all a liberal education. He is a man of stirring disposition and enterprise.
A. H. NICHOLAS.
Notary public. Knowing the strong desire that pervades the human heart for knowledge concerning the origin of all things, or the many causes that have produced the different results, we are of the opinion that a brief sketch of the life of one of the first settlers of Houstonia will not come amiss or fail to interest future historians, if not the public, in connection with the history of the town. It can be truthfully said that it is to the character and efforts of the first settlers, that the town is indebted for the healthy, moral tone of its society. Mr. Nicholas is a man who has labored zealously for the advancement of christianity and morals, and has accom- plished much for the cause. He is a native of Virginia, was born in the year 1838 in Highland County, where he was educated and raised to manhood. He was married on the 13th day of February, 1857, to Miss S. C. Rexroad. She was also a native of that county. Soon after his marriage, he became impressed with a strong desire to seek for himself a home in the west, and in December, 1858, arrived in Pettis County. He first settled in Blackwater Township, where he was engaged in farming until the spring of 1868. Having been among the early settlers of that township he was closely identified with its development. In the spring of 1868, he moved to his present location, where he was among the first set- tlers of that town. He was engaged in farming about five years, when he embarked in mercantile trade, in which line he continued until Septem- ber, 1881. Aug. 24, 1877, his wife was called to that home above, and in her death a sad loss was sustained by her husband as well as the community. She left one child who is now living, a son, A. F. Nicholas. He was again married on Sept. 18, 1878, to Miss Mary Jackman, a lady of culture and christian principles. She is a native of Missouri. Mr. Nicholas is now devoting his entire attention to the transaction of a general convey- ancing and collection business, is a duly commissioned notary public, and has been engaged in that line since the autumn of 1876. He is a gentle- man of strict entegrity and pays the closest attention to any business intrusted in his care. He has been closely associated with the Methodist
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Episcopal Church, South, and was among the active workers for the organization and erection of the present church in this locality. He has devoted his best efforts to the upbuilding of a christian spirit in his town and neighborhood, as has also his present wife. Their lives have been blest with one child, Maud, who is a bright, lovable child.
T. W. PHILLIPS.
Farmer and stock raiser. One of the prosperous, energetic farmers of this township, comfortably situated, on a fine and well improved farm of ninety acres, which is well cultivated and utilized. He is a son of James H. Phillips, one of the first settlers of Saline County, who died in Feb., 1851, in California. Our subject, Mr. T. W. Phillips, is a native of Ken- tucky; was born in Green County, Aug. 31, 1832. In 1839 his parents moved to Saline County, Mo., where the family remained for many years. Mr. T. W. Phillips being the oldest, after his father's death, was chosen the manager of the farm and affairs of the bereaved family. He applied himself unceasingly to the duties and pursuits of the farm until the break- ing out of the war, when he determined to use his best efforts in defense of the Union. In March, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, Seventh Mis- souri Cavalry (State Militia), and was in active service until 1865. Dur- ing his service in defence of the old flag, Mr. Phillips participated in many spirited contests and hard fought engagements, among which might be mentioned the battles of Boonville, Jonesburg, Marshall, Springfield, Big Blue, and in all other engagements in which his company participated, (see sketch of Seventh Missouri Cavalry), and during this time distin- guished himself as a good soldier and efficient officer. In November, 1864, he was promoted to rank of First Lieutenant, and discharged its duties with credit until he was honorably discharged, in the summer of 1865, having served his country faithfully and well for upwards of three years. He once more took up the peaceful pursuits of his business, and soon purchased a farm in Heath's Creek Township, of Pike County. In 1878 he moved to his present location. He has been twice married. First in Saline County, Jan. 4, 1851, to Miss Susan Howard. She was a native of Kentucky, and died March 27, 1870, leaving four children, who are now living: John S, Mary F., Thomas H. and Elizabeth A., and one deceased, John. Jan., 1872, he was again married in Pettis County to Miss Mary Powell, who is a native of this State, and an estimable lady. Mr. Phillips is a man who has been closely identified with the interests and welfare of Pettis County. He has filled many positions of public trust, and always to the entire satisfaction of the people. He was elected to the office of County Supervisor in 1868, and filled that position until the system was abolished in 1872. He also filled the office of Justice of the Peace for four years, and has been closely associated with the educa-
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tional interests of this locality; in fact has been a zealous worker for edu- cation and Christianity. He has been a consistent member of the M. E. Church, South, since 1871, and has been a liberal contributor and worker for the cause. Mr. Phillips is now giving his entire attention to the farm, and is in possession of a neat and well appointed home, and keenly appre- ciates the joys and comforts of life.
W. C. RILEY, M. D.
Houstonia. Among the many members of the medical profession no man has done more to alleviate the sufferings of the people than has Dr. W. C. Riley. He was born about fifteen miles southeast of Paris, Ky., on the 1Sth of June, 1817. His father, Samuel Riley, was a native of Westmoreland, Penn., and moved to Kentucky in 1800. Our subject's early youth was spent on a farm. When he was about twenty-five years of age he entered the Transylvania Medical College of Lexington, Ky., and afterwards graduated in the Medical University of St. Louis during its session of 1842-43. In 1826 his father moved to Callaway County, Mo. He soon began practice in Cooper County, among the early physi- cians of that county. He was then married in 1845, to Miss Eliza D. McArthur, daughter of the late Captain Chas. McArthur. In 1846 he returned to Callaway County, purchased a farm, and in 1854 he came to Pettis County, and was located on a farm about seven miles south west of Houstonia. Here he practiced his profession. His field was a large one. He served all alike, and many are the early settlers who have cause to remember his generosity. At the breaking out of the war the doctor was in possession of a large farm, and in consequence of the disturbed state of affairs, he removed from the county in Feb., 1862, to avoid the danger consequent to himself and family. He returned to Callaway County and practiced his profession there in connection with farming until 1875, when he moved to Mexico, and remained there until 1879. He was there con- ducting a large drug store and practice. In the spring of 1879 he returned to Houstonia, and once more took up his old business. The Doctor is a man who has done much for the good of his fellowbeings, and has a fam- ily of five children, all of whom are living. He has given them all the benefits of a liberal education and culture; Dr. Chas. A. Riley, a gradu- ate of Missouri University, now practicing in Rockville, and is an eminent physician; Dr. Samuel M. Riley, an eminent dentist of Paris, Monroe, Co., Dr. Benjamin S., of Houstonia, a prominent dentist; Lulu, J. Riley, a graduate of Hardin College, of Mexico; John M., who remains with him. The doctor is a Mason of high standing, and is closely allied with their interests. He has devoted his attention to the pursuit of his profes- sion, and has built up a reputation for skill and honesty, which is a credit to his home.
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HISTORY OF HOUSTONIA TOWNSHIP.
JOSIAH SCOTT.
Farmer and stock raiser; post-office, Houstonia. He is a native of Ohio, born in Jefferson County, Nov. 20, 1835. In the autumn of 1859 he came west and stopped a little time in Jersey County, Ill. In February, 1860, he arrived in Pettis County, locating on his present farm, which he continued to improve till the breaking out of the civil war. He enlisted in the Federal army, Company B, Seventh Missouri Cavalry, March 8, 1862, and served until 1865. During his military service he engaged on many hotly contested fields. Soon after his enlistment he was prostrated with typhoid fever and remained in the hospital about ninety days, then again joined his command. Since his discharge from the army he has given his whole attention to the pursuits of the farm, and is now in pos- session of one of the most desirable stock and grain farms in Pettis County. It consists of 360 acres, beautifully located, unsurpassed for fertility and productiveness, provided with good buildings, and elegant and commodi- ous dwelling, built in 1878 at a cost of about $2,000, a view of which is given in this book. His farm is well watered, drained and under a high state of cultivation. This year (1882) he has a fine crop of one hundred acres of wheat, large crop of corn and fifty acres of oats. His father, Andrew Scott, was born near Belfast, Ireland, dying in Ohio in 1848. His mother, Alice Scott, nee Thompson, was also a native of Ireland, dying in Ohio when Josiah was a child. Mr. Scott was married in January, 1865, to Miss Mary A. Jones, daughter of Lewis Jones, one of the early settlers of this county. She was born in Virginia, Feb. 23, 1840, being next the youngest of a family of four sons and three daughters, five of whom are now living in this county. They have two bright and intelligent sons, Wesley Sherman, born November, 1865, and Thomas Lewis, born June 10, 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Scott are highly respected for their many admir- able qualities.
J. J. SCOTT.
Stock raiser and farmer. A son of Joseph Scott, who was one of the first settlers of this county. Our subject, J. J. Scott, was born in Pettis County, Mo., 1835. His boyhood was spent amid the pioneer scenes of the county's primitive days. Agricultural pursuits and kindred duties formed his occupations until he was about eighteen years of age, when he made a visit to Texas, remaining about five months on the frontier of that State, and then returned to his home. In the winter of 1865 he moved to Iowa, locating in Fremont ,County, and after one season spent there in farming, he returned to this county. In 1867 he purchased land in Bates County, Mo., and was there engaged in farming until 1872, when he once more came to Pettis, and in 1874 settled on his present farm, which con- sists of a well improved tract, 182} acres, with good commodious buildings.
FARM-RESIDENCE OF JOSIAH SCOTT, HUSTONIA , MO.
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HISTORY OF HOUSTONIA TOWNSHIP.
He owns another valuable farm about three miles distant, consisting of 250 acres. He is largely engaged in stock raising and is considered very successful. He was married in Pettis County, Jan. 28, 1858, to Miss Henrietta J. Weathers. She is a native of Kentucky, a daughter of Wm. Weathers, one of the pioneer settlers. This union has brought them nine children, eight of whom are now living: Allie M. J., wife of R. F. Keels; Eveline J., Mrs. T. J. McIlvane, Rush M., Louetta C., Susan I., Harmon Y., Nancy E. and Martha A. and Winfred, deceased. Mr. Scott is a a self- made man in every respect, and has accumulated his possessions by his own industry and perseverance.
M. D. SCOTT.
Farmer; post-office, Hughesville. A prosperous and energetic farmer. He is a son of the late Adam Scott, and a grandson of Joseph Scott, one of the pioneers of the county. Our subject was born in Pettis County, June 12, 1843. He has made farming his vocation since his youth, and has now a valuable farm of eighty acres, nearly all under cultivation. He enjoys the comforts of a neat comfortable dwelling. He was married in Pettis County in 1876 to Miss R. C. Ramey, a native of Pettis, and a daughter of John Ramey, one of the early settlers. This union has brought them two bright children, Adam and John.
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