The History of Pettis County, Missouri, including an authentic history of Sedalia, other towns and townships, together with biographical sketches, Part 87

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 87

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HISTORY OF BLACKWATER TOWNSHIP.

of cultivation. He also owns near Houstonia, in this county, a fine farm of 406 acres. Mr. Chipman is a man of business integrity, and is highly esteemed by his neighbors.

ALEX. DANIEL.

Post-office, Brownsville. Is the son of William Daniel, who was a native of North Carolina. The subject of this sketch, Alex. Daniel, was born Dec. 14, 1823, in Davidson County, N. C., and was the oldest child * in a family of nine children, all of whom are living at the present time in Missouri, having resided here since the year 1849. Mr. D.'s advantages for an early education were very limited, there being but few schools, and they being what was termed subscription schools. Oct. 13, 1849, Mr. Daniel emigrated to Missouri and settled in Pettis County, where he engaged for many years in working at his trade, that of carpentering. In the spring of 1865 Mr. Daniel took a trip to Iowa, but only remained a few months, when he returned to Pettis County and engaged again at his trade, working in Pettis, Johnson and Saline Counties. Since the war Mr. D. has located permanently in the northwestern part of Pettis County, and engaged in farming. He was married Feb. 1, 1859, to Miss Lucinda Welch, daughter of Elijah Welch, a native of North Carolina. From this union there are four children, all of whom are now living, viz: H. Minerva, John A., George L. and Carrie. Mr. Daniel owns one of the prettiest farms in this section, has a fine house, out-buildings, and other improvements. The farm is one especially adapted to the purposes for which it is used.

J. C. DILLON.

Post-office, Brownsville. A farmer; is the son of John Dillon, who was a native of North Carolina. The grandfather, Benjamin Dillon, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. The subject of this sketch was born in Guilford County, North Carolina, April 2, 1822, and was the fifth child in a family of nine children. His advantages for an education were very limited, there being but few schools at that early day. In the fall of 1853 Mr. Dillon emigrated to Missouri, settling in the northwestern part of Pet- tis County, buying a farm of 100 acres for $450; then he entered 900 acres under the graduation act. On this farm he now lives, having improved it with fine buildings and other conveniences. Mr. Dillon was married April 2, 1857, to Miss Mary F. Merritt, a daughter of Richard Merritt, a native of Kentucky. From this union there was but one, child. Mrs. Dil- lon dying, Mr. D. was again married Dec. 10, 1857, to Miss Lucy J. Able, a daughter of Uriah Able. From this union there were six chil- dren, all of whom are now living, viz: Richard, Ida M., John W., William A., Alice J., and Ella A. Since Mr. Dillon's residence in Pettis County

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he has been engaged in farming. He owns a farm of 338 acres, well improved, and under a good state of cultivation. These lands are the product of Mr. D.'s industry and economy. Financially, he is well fixed to pass the remainder of his days in ease and retirement, should he see fit to do so.

SAMUEL FISHER.

Post-office, Rowletta. Of the first settlers of Pettis County, but few remain to tell the story of their early struggles and privations, much less to see the county of their adoption arise to so eminent a position among the sister counties of this great State. But among the few, who like the lone forest tree that has endured and survived the storms of time, is Samuel Fisher, who was one of the first persons to set the tent stakes in the wild . brush along the south fork of Blackwater. He is the son of John Fisher, and was born in Tennessee, Feb. 2, 1800. When he was but nine years old his father moved his family to Green County, Ky., where they remained seven years. His advantages for an education were very limited, there being no country schools at that early day, and what education he has, he has attained since he became a man grown. In the fall of 1816, Mr. Fisher's father moved his family to Illinois, where they remained three years; then in the spring of 1820, while Missouri was yet a Territory, the family located in Cooper County, where they remained until 1829, when they moved to Pettis County, settling on the south fork of Blackwater, where Samuel Fisher has ever since resided. Mr. Fisher's family was the fourth family that settled in Blackwater township, the other families coming about the same time as Mr. F.'s. The country at that time (says Mr. Fisher) was nothing but a wild hunting ground, filled with Indians, buf- falo, elk, bear and other wild animals; this was long before Georgetown or Sedalia was thought of, and, strange as it may seem, the first field that was cultivated by Mr. Fisher is now a thickly grown forest, with large oak, elm and other forest trees. Mr. Fisher was married, March 4, 1829, to Miss Sarah Hampton, a native of Saline County, Mo. From this union there were eight children, seven of whom are yet living, viz .: Francis M. Rodney D., Rodes C., John H., Mary Belle, Hampton G., and Annie E., all of whom are living near their father. When Mr. Fisher settled in Pettis County, he entered between eight and nine hundred acres of land, which lands he has divided up among his children, retaining the home farm, con- sisting of three hundred acres, where Mr. Fisher expects to pass away the remainder of the few days that may be allotted to him. To give one- half of the history of this eventful life, would require a volume in itself, and to do justice to such a subject would overstep the limits of time and space intended in this work. However, we can not refrain from recording the fact that the wife and companion of his early manhood still lives to

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cheer and gladden his declining years, and they seem to be traveling quietly and peacefully down the stream of time to that land from whence no traveler returns. R. D. Fisher is the son of Samuel Fisher and was born in Cooper County, Mo., Sept. 27, 1832, and when he was quite young, as stated above, the father moved to Pettis County. Mr. Fisher was married on Sept. 27, 1862, to Miss Kate C. Higgins, a daughter of Dr. B. Higgins. From this union there are three children, viz .: James D., Copsie H. and Robert E. Since Mr. Fisher has been man grown, he has been engaged in farming. He owns a fine little farm of 154 acres.

JUDGE W. C. GIBSON.

One of the most prominent business men and popular citizens who have ever resided in Pettis County was the late Judge W. C. Gibson. He was a native of Fauquier County, Va., but moved to Missouri in the sum- mer of 1860, locating in the north-western part of the county, engaging in business with Joseph G. Gregg. No name in Pettis County to-day is held in more sacred reverence by all classes of society, than that of the subject of this sketch. We trace his history from the summer of 1860 until the day of his death, and in it we find nothing but what bears the stamp of true manhood. His life was one of untiring industry and activity, and while many who began life with far brighter prospects fell by the way-side, Judge Gibson cherished the hope that he might rise to an honorable posi- tion among his fellow men, and certainly no one ever realized the fulfill- ment of an honorable ambitious hope more fully than he. Of his valor there is no occasion to speak. Let his works be the silent monuments; they speak louder than my words. Some men become famous by continually waging war against others; he, by bearing the olive branch, binding up the wounds and winning the heart. Some men become wealthy by haz- ardous speculations; he, by untiring industry and frugality. Some men seek happiness by going abroad; to him the happy precincts of home was the retreat from the business cares of the world. In the politics of Pettis County Mr. Gibson held a prominent position. He was elected County Judge in the fall of 1876, and was re-elected in the fall of 1879 as presiding Judge, having held the office five years, when he was removed by death. Mr. Gibson was married to Miss Mollie H. Gregg, a daughter of Jos. G. Gregg, Feb. 29, 1864. From this union there are two children, viz .: Eugene C., and Mary Grace. At the time of Mr. Gibson's death he was a full partner with his father-in-law, Jos. G. Gregg, in business. The firm dealt extensively in buying and selling of live stock. Mr. Gibson owned a half interest in the magnificent estate, known as the " Gibson-Glenn Farm." This estate is beautifully located on the rolling prairies of the northwest- ern part of Pettis County, and consists of 2,580 acres, well watered, improved with a fine house and elegant lawns. In the death of Mr. Gib-

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son Pettis County lost one of her most worthy citizens, and his family a true, kind husband, and an affectionate father.

JOSEPH G. GREGG.

Post-office, Houstonia. One of the prominent farmers and stock-men of Blackwater Township is the subject of this sketch, Joseph G. Gregg. He is the son of John Gregg, who was born in Loudoun County Va., April, 1821. He received a liberal education from the schools of his native State. In the fall of 1857, Mr. Gregg emigrated to Missouri, settling in the northwestern part of Pettis County, where he has ever since resided. April 9, 1846, Mr. Gregg married Miss M. A. Shepherd, a daughter of Umphry Shepherd, who also was a native of Virginia, but emigrated to Missouri in the year 1855, settling in Pettis County, where he resided until his death. Mr. and Mrs. G. had born to them seven children, six of whom are now living, viz: Mollie H., John H., George W., Katie, Joseph J. and Oscar G. Since Mr. G.'s residence in Pettis County, he has been engaged in farming and stock raising. He has also engaged extensively in the buying and selling of live stock. Mr. Gregg in partner- ship with his son-in-law, the late Judge William C. Gibson, owned what is known as the " Gibson-Glen Farm," a beautiful estate of 2,580 acres, well watered and improved, with a $6,000 home, elegant lawns, good barns, and fine fences. Mr. Gregg grows 30,000 bushels of corn from 600 acres; 12,500 bushels of wheat from 500 acres; and keeps about 1,200 acres in blue grass and meadows. Mr. Gregg and son-in-law kept from 600 to 1,000 head of cattle, and fed in one season as many as 2,400 head of hogs, and they had upon this farm, other stock in proportion. In the life of Mr. Gregg we have another instance of what industry and honesty will accomplish: when Mr. G. had landed in Pettis County and settled his family in a log cabin, in the winter of 1857, he had but seventy-five cents in money to begin life with in the new State.

B. GWINN.

Post-office, Brownsville. A farmer and stock man; is the son of. Wm. A. Gwinn, who was a native of Virginia. The grandfather, B. Gwinn, was a soldier in the war of 1812. The subject of this sketch was born in Saline County, Mo., Feb. 15, 1832, and is the second child in a family of nine children. Mr. Gwinn's education is as good as the schools of that day afforded. In the fall of 1860, Mr. G. moved his family from Saline County to Johnson, where he resided about four years, then moved to Brownsville, where he resided about fifteen months. Then moved to Pettis County, locating in the northwest part, where he has since resided. Mr. Gwinn was married March 1, 1860, to Miss Margaret Carmach, a daughter of Joseph Carmach, a native of Virginia. From this union there

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are four children, all of whom are yet living, viz: Sarah A., Russell, Bettie and James R. Since Mr. G.'s residence in Pettis County, he has been engaged in farming and stock raising. He owns a fine farm of 381 acres where he resides, and a farm of 165 acres in Saline County. These lands are well improved.

JOSEPH C. HIGGINS.

Was born in Hampshire County, Va., Feb. 27, 1819. His father, James Higgins, was a native of Bath County, Va. In 1820 the family removed to Union County, Ky., where the mother died in 1826. Soon after the

"PLEASANT GROVE," RESIDENCE OF JOSEPH C. HIGGINS.

death of his wife the father returned to Virginia, where he resided till 1842, then emigrated to Missouri and located near Jefferson City, Cole County. In the spring of 1850 J. C. Higgins started on a trip to Califor- nia and was taken sick at Sacramento City, where he remained till March, 1851, then embarked for New Orleans. The vessel was driven off the coast of South America; finally, however, he arrived at the Crescent City via Havana, having experienced a long and eventful voyage. He then returned by Mississippi to St. Louis, thence to Cole County. In 1851 he came to Pettis County and purchased a large tract of land, which is now

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a portion of his farm, and began improvements thereon. His first pur- chase was 200 acres, which has been increased to 3,000, and a portion subsequently given to his children. Most of his home farm lies east of his residence, and comprises as good land as can be found anywhere. The vineyard and garden are just west of the residence, beyond which is the creek and abundance of good timber. Mr. Higgins has been twice married: First, in 1839, to Miss Mary Parker, a native of Virginia. She died in 1845, leaving three children: John P., now a farmer with a family . in Houstonia Township; James M., now a farmer with a family in Hous- tonia Township, and Joseph P., now a farmer with a family in Blackwater Township. In 1847 Mr. Higgins was married to Miss Ellen Dellinger, daughter of Henry Dellinger, a native of Maryland. She died in May, 1863, leaving four children: Samuel D., still at home; H. Clay, a farmer with a family in Houstonia Township; Sallie E., now wife of Chas. Buck- ner, attorney, Brownsville, Saline County; and Wm. Copsey, still at home. Mr. Higgins still retains more than 1,000 acres of land and has one of the finest and most agreeably arranged residences in Pettis County, a view of which appears on the preceding page. His farm residence, "Pleas- ant Grove," is surrounded by a grassy lawn, growing large forest trees, oak, walnut and locust. The mansion was planned by Mr. Higgins him- self and built by Thos. Maddox, of Knobnoster, and cost about $10,000. It contains twelve rooms, with ample hallway, facilitating the entering of each room without passing through another. It is finished and furnished in elegant style. In his herd he has a fine white steer weighing 2,400 pounds. His stock and other farm work is overseen by himself and his sons, though "Joe," a deaf and dumb negro man, who has not slept off the farm since 1852, is considered by Mr. Higgins and family one of the best farm servants in the State. Though he can not read or write, hence does not know his own name, yet he can perform any kind of work at a mere suggestion by gestures. Mr. Higgins is doing an extensive stock business, dealing in all kinds of stock, principally at present in mules. During the month of January, 1882, $18,000 worth of mules; February. $17,000; March, $14,000; April, $7,000, and May about $7,000. Undoubtedly he is the largest mule dealer between St. Louis and Kansas City. Mr. Higgins has been a man of great energy and enterprise since early youth, and to-day is one of the most active, enterprising and leading business men of Pettis County.

D. W. HAINLINE.

Post-office, Lamonte. A farmer, and is the son of Jessie Hainline, who was a native of Kentucky, and a soldier in the war of 1812. The subject of this sketch was born in Montgomery County, Ky., Oct. 2, 1828, and is the ninth child in a family of thirteen children. His advan-

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tages for an education were very poor. In the fall of 1867, Mr. Hainline emigrated to Missouri, settling in the northwestern part of Pettis County, where he has since resided. In the spring of 1867, he married Miss L. B. Orear, a daughter of Wesley Orear, who was also a native of Ken- tucky. From this union there were four children, three of whom are now living, viz: Brown, Lulu and Ross. Since Mr. Hainline's residence in Pettis County, he has been engaged in farming. He owns a fine little farm. of 105 acres, with a fine dwelling and other out-buildings. He also has a small tract of land in Johnson County. Mr. H. in politics is a Democrat, and in religion, Mr. H. and his estimable lady are members of the Methodist Church South.

JOSEPH P. HIGGINS.

Post-office, Houstonia. One of the representative young men of Black- water township is Joseph P. Higgins. He is the son of J. C. Higgins, and was born in Cole County, Mo., Feb. 17th, 1847, and is the third child in a family of seven children. He received a good practical education from the common schools of Pettis County. In the spring of 1854, Mr. Higgins' father moved his family from Cole County to Pettis where young Higgins has resided ever since. Mr. Higgins was married. Sept. 2, 1875, to Miss Alice Mercer, a daughter of John Mercer, a native of Tennessee. From this union there are two children, both of whom are living, viz: John P. and Estella. Since Mr. H. has been a man grown he has been engaged in farming and stock raising. He lives on one of his father's extensive farms in the northeast part of Blackwater township. Mr. H. is a young man of superior business qualifications, and has a host of friends who speak of him in the highest praise.

R. C. KELLY.

Post-office, Brownsville. One of the representative young men of Blackwater township is the subject of this sketch, R. C. Kelly. He is the son of Hugh Kelly, who was born in Lincoln County, Ky., in 1808, and emigrated to Missouri about the year 1840, locating in the northwest- ern part of Pettis County, where he resided until his death, which occurred Jan. 21, 1877. When Mr. Kelly come to Missouri he entered the farm upon which he lived for over thirty-five years. The subject of this sketch, R. C. Kelly, is a native of Pettis County, and was born Nov. 19, 1856, he being the only child. He received a limited education from the common schools of his native county. Mr. Kelly was married April 30, 1874, to Miss Vassie Hieronymus, a daughter of Charles R. Hierony- mus. From this union there were three children, only one of whom is now living, viz: Elizabeth C. Since Mr. Kelly has been doing business for himself, he has been engaged in farming, raising and the feeding of live

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stock. He owns a fine farm of 440 acres, well improved and under a high state of cultivation. On this farm Mr. K. raises from 100 to 150 acres of corn each year, and as much as 100 acres of wheat. He also feeds from two to three car loads of cattle during the winter season.

W. T. MORRIS.

Post-office, Lamonte. A son of Rev. W. H. Morris, who is a native of Howard County, Mo. The subject of this sketch was born in Howard County, Mo., Sept. 15, 1860, and was the fifth child in a family of six children. Mr. Morris was well educated from the common schools of his native county. Attending three terms at Roanoke, and completing his education at the William Jewell College, near Kansas City. He began teaching school when he was in his seventeenth year, and followed this business until he was married, which event took place Nov. 11, 1879, he marrying Miss Ella Whitfield, the youngest daughter of J. E. Whitfield. From this union there is one child, viz: Edna. Since Mr. Morris' mar- riage he has been engaged in farming. He has a fine farm of 180 acres, a present from his father-in-law. Mr. M. is a young man of intelligence and industry, and bids fair to become one of the representative men of western Pettis County.

D. H. NORRIS.

Stock raiser and farmer; post-office, Lamonte. Among the many energetic, enterprising business farmers of this township should be men- tioned the name of D. H. Norris, a whole-souled gentleman of liberal education and sterling character. He is comfortably situated on a farm of 280 acres, surrounded by many of the comforts of life. He is a native of Baltimore County, Maryland; was born in 1843. He moved to Wood- ford County, Ill., during his youth, and was there married Sept. 10, 1868, to Miss Carrie Stevenson, a lady of refined taste and culture. This union has brought two children: Thomas Stanton and Albert Gordon, both bright, promising boys. Mr. and Mrs. Norris are consistent members of the Presbyterian Church and are highly esteemed for their many genial traits of character. Mr. N. has been an active worker for the cause of education, and has been a warm and hearty supporter of all enterprises that would enhance the welfare of the county.

THOMAS B. PRICE.

Is the son of Hon. Thomas L. Price, of Jefferson City, Mo., who was a native of Virginia. His ancestors were English, and settled in Virginia in the sixteenth century; and being possessed of means, engaged in the culture of tobacco and general traffic, and were esteemed among the most influential families of the colonial epoch. In the year 1832, the

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father emigrated to Missouri, settling at St. Louis, but a short time after- wards, located at Jefferson City, where he embarked in mercantile pur- suits, in which business, by his untiring energy and close attention, he became one of the most wealthy and influential citizens of Central Mis- souri. In 1839, Gen. Price was elected the first Mayor of Jefferson City. In 1845, he was defeated for the State Senate. In 1847, he was appointed Brevet Maj .- General of the Sixth Division, Missouri Militia. In 1849, he was elected Lieut .- Governor. In the year 1860, he was elected to repre- sent Cole County in the State Legislature, and in 1861, he was commis- sioned Brig .- General by President Lincoln. In 1862, he was elected to Congress. His life was one of untiring industry and activity, and though endowed by nature with extraordinary health and an iron constitution, his strength at length gave way under the severe tax of mind and body, exacted by his varied pursuits, and at his residence in Jefferson City, on the 16th day of July, 1870, his active and useful life was brought to a close. The subject of this sketch was born in Jefferson City, May 19, 1849. He received a primary education in his native city, completing his literary education at Litiz, Lancaster, Co., Penn., and St. Louis University. He was married to Miss A. C. Bear, of Rockingham, Va., daughter of Col. A. C. Bear. From this union there are two children, viz: Lawson C. and Celestia. Mr. Price resides on his splendid estate in the north- western part of Pettis County, devoting his energies to stock breeding and the management of his extensive patrimony. "Avondale" is the name of this beautiful home with its 800 acres. The residence, which cost $15,000, and is a model of architectural beauty and elegant finish, is with one exception, the finest farm house in the State, (see p. 490). The grounds, barns, carriage and other out-houses are in keeping with the house. So, too, is the farm, with its forty and eighty acre lots, eight miles of hedge, water courses, springs and ponds, admirable timber shelter along the creeks, and the perfect order of the whole estate. Mr. Price grows 120 acres of corn, and from sixty to one hundred acres of wheat; he has 620 acres in blue grass, feeds about 140 steers, and has a herd of thirty-five herd-book Short Horns, of the favorite Rose of Sharon and Monarch families, all solid red and finely bred. Mr. P. grazes and feeds about 300 mules for the market. He has a lot of brood mares, and raises the best harness and saddle stock from his stallion, Avondale. Mr. Price is one of the heaviest stock dealers in the State, owning magnificent landed estates in Kansas and Texas.

B. F. PRIGMORE.

Post-office, Brownsville. Another of Blackwater Township's enter- prising and worthy citizens is the subject of this sketch, B. F. Prigmore. He is the son of Isaiah Prigmore, a native of Kentucky, but who came to

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Missouri when he was quite young, and located in the northwestern part of Pettis County, where he lived until the year 1849, when he went to California, dying on his return home. In the early history of this county Mr. Prigmore held a very prominent position as a citizen. The subject of this sketch was born in Pettis County, Oct. 23, 1838. His advantages for an early education were as good as the county afforded at that day. Mr. Prigmore was married on June 8, 1858, to Miss Angeline Berry, a daughter of Mrs. Jane Berry, and was a native of Saline County, Mo. From this union there was one child, which died when young. Mrs. · Prigmore also dying, Mr. Prigmore was married again, Jan. 9, 1860, to Miss Mattie J. Warren, a daughter of Mr. Thos. Warren, of Johnson County. From this union there are two children, both of whom are now living, viz: William T. and Robert W. Since Mr. Prigmore has been a man grown, he has been engaged in farming and the raising of stock. He owns a beautiful farm of 320 acres, finely improved, with a handsome residence, barns, and other out-buildings. Mr. Prigmore is a man of honor and integrity, and is highly esteemed by his neighbors.

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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 87

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