The History of Pettis County, Missouri, including an authentic history of Sedalia, other towns and townships, together with biographical sketches, Part 92

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 92

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AGRICULTURAL INTERESTS .- The farming land of this township is unsurpassed in fertility by any in the county. It is that belt of rich, black loam which traverses Saline, Lafayette and the northern part of this county, and from the standpoint of a farmer, cannot be surpassed in the world. Every advantage is offered, soil, water, timber, drainage and coal. And to say that they are each taken advantage of would be but a slight tribute of praise to the thrifty class of farmers that inhabit this region. A greater variety of timber grows within the bounds of this

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township than is found in any other of the county. Hickory, white oak, elm, and many other varieties are found in the forests. The orchards of the township are given careful attention and yield an abundance of the finest fruits. Numerous flocks of sheep dot the hills and valleys of the township, and on the beautiful blue grass pastures are to be seen herds of cattle, as fine as can be found in the county. When the writer drove over the township in the spring of 1882, never was a more beautiful scene pre- sented to his eyes. Great fields of waving wheat greeted the eye on every hand, and broad acres of corn peeped through the ground and gave promise of an abundant yield in the fall. The diversified industries of the township are the source of an abundant income to the tillers of the soil. If one crop is short there is enough and to spare of others. J. L. Cartwright has a farm of between 700 and 800 acres of well improved land. He has about 400 head of fine sheep; graded cattle, fine orchard and vine- yard. Aaron Jenkins has 300 acres of well improved land. It is now worked by his son. Peter Hay has 500 acres, mostly finely improved. He has about 400 head of fine sheep. Mrs. George Anderson has 700 acres in a fine farm, nearly all inclosed and well watered and finely improved. It is considered one of the finest of not only the township, but also of Pettis County. It is fully stocked with fine sheep and cattle. Thomas Gregory has 600 acres. He cultivates 200 acres and the rest is principally grass land. He raises a large number of sheep and other stock.

CHURCHES .- The churches of the township are five in number. Proba- bly the oldest organization in the township is that of the Cumberland Pres- byterian Church, and this is said to be one of the first congregations organized in the county. The church now goes by the name of Heath's Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and is situated on section thirty- three, township forty-eight, range twenty. It was organized by the mem- bers of the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination about 1831, and the present church was built by John Ridde. Sometime after its erection, it was dedicated by Rev. Peter Ray. It is a frame structure and was erected at a cost of $900. It is forty by thirty-six feet, with thirteen foot ceiling. The names of the pastors who have preached to the congregation are, James Wear and L. Burns (organizers of the congregation), W. B. Wear, Finis Witherspoon, Jonas Martin, John Jopling. Rev. Arnick, and for the last three years James Martin. The only living one of the original mem- bers is Aaron Jenkins. Among the early members were Baldwin Jenkins, Thomas Marlin and wife, Thomas Marlin, Jr., and wife, Hiram Jenkins, Mrs. Hall, Alfred Brock and wife. The congregation now has sixty mem- bers. It has no Sunday School at present.

Wharton Chapel, M. E. Church, South, is located on the northeast corner of the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter of section thirty- six, township forty-eight, range twenty. The date of its organization is

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HISTORY OF HEATH'S CREEK TOWNSHIP.

uncertain, but it is a very old organization. It was built in 1878, by John Thompson, and was dedicated in the fall of 1878, by C. C. Woods. It is a frame building, and was erected at a cost of $1,200, and is forty by twenty-six feet, with eighteen feet ceiling. The pastors have been J. L. D. Blevens, M. Duran, Josiah Godby, W. B. McFarland, L. M. Phillips, A. M. Rader, G. P. Smith, and the present pastor is E. G. Frazier. It was impossible for the compiler of the facts connected with the early history of this church to obtain the names of the original mem- bers of the congregation owing to the church books not dating back to the time of its commencement. The present membership is thirty-four. It has a good Sunday School with an average attendance of thirty-four under the supervision of D. W. Burford. Before the present house of worship was built, the denomination held services in the school house near at hand, and occasionally in the Presbyterian Church.

The Christian Church (formerly the old Union Church), was organized by four denominations, the M. E. Church, Cumberland Presbyterian, . Reformed and M. P. Churches, about thirty years ago. The building is of brick and was erected under the supervision of Mr. C. R. Hieronymus by these four denominations at a cost of about $1,000. The building is forty by thirty in size, with twelve foot ceiling. Among the first pastors of the church were Rev. Allen Wright and Rev. Wilkes. J. B. Wright, Jiles Phillips, Rev. Chapple, R. W. Gentry, Samuel McDaniels have occupied the pulpit of later years. The present membership is thirty, and the congregation has no Sunday School connected. During the war there was a large revival conducted by Elder Peter Donan, and one after the war conducted by Elder Robinson. The present officers of the church are T. H. Jenkins and T. E. Gregory, Deacons; and Oliver Elmore, Clerk.

HOPEWELL BAPTIST CHURCH .- The organization of the church was effected Aug. 1, 1867, by Elder E. H. Burchfield and E. T. Brown, and the present house of worship is situated twelve miles northeast of Sedalia, and was built in 1868 by Z. J. Thomas. The building was dedicated in 1868 by Elder E. H. Burchfield, and it is a frame structure erected at a cost of $800. The house is 30x50 feet, with twelve foot ceiling, and com- fortably furnished. The names of the pastors so far occupying the pulpit are: E. H. Burchfield, who occupied it for seven years; J. K. Godby, one year; L. Whipple, one year ; W. V. Parsons, one year; J. T. Corwin, two years. The original members of the congregation. were: John Wasson, Cyntha Wasson, Eveline Lawhorn, Mary J. Beaman, Ezekiel Greer, Rhoda Greer, Rachel L. Thomas, S. J. Robison, D. Beaman, Betsy B. Bradley, Moses Greer, Susan Greer and several others.

In the proceedings of the Central Baptist Association we find the fol- lowing:

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HISTORY OF HEATH'S CREEK TOWNSHIP.

Being appointed by your body at your last annual meeting, to write a brief history of the Hopewell Baptist Church, located twelve miles north and east from Sedalia, in Pettis County, Mo., submit the following;

This church was organized August 1, 1867, by Elder E. H. Burchfield, then Missionary of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, assisted by Elder E. T. Brown, of Sedalia, with eighteen members, fourteen of whom were converts of a meeting that was being conducted by said breth- ren, at the time of the organization. Elder E. H. Burchfield was her first pastor, serving the church the remainder of the years 1867, '68, '69 and '70. Elder J. K. Godby was her second pastor, serving the church one year, 1871, after which Elder E. H. Burchfield served the church during the years of 1872, '73 and '74. During his pastorate the Lord greatly blessed his labors, this church having baptized 103 persons into fellowship of the church. During the year 1875 the church had no pastor. Elder L. W. Whipple was their pastor during the years 1876 and '77. Elder W. V. Parsons is her present pastor.

This church has built a good house of worship, and has enjoyed the blessings of God in years that have passed. At present she seems to be cold from some cause or other. Her records show that there has been 108 baptisms; total number enrolled on her church book, 148; present membership, sixty-six. Brethren, pray for Hopewell, that the joys of the salvation of God may be restored to them.

E. H. BURCHFIELD.

The church now numbers sixty members, and have a Sunday School of over forty scholars, of which Robert McCormack is Superintendent, and Jessie Pane is Secretary. During Elder Burchfield's ministrations there were one hundred and three persons baptized by him, and during the pas- torate of J. T. Corwin, there have been twenty. When the church was built, it was aided by the Missionaries of the American Baptist Home Mission Society of New York in connection with the Central Baptist Association, now of Sedalia. This church was not a colony of any other, but was instituted under the labors of Elders Burchfield and Brown, and fourteen of its eighteen members were baptized by Elder Burchfield, and the four others uniting with them by letter.

SCHOOLS .- The schools of the township are all in good condition, and considerable attention is given to the education of the youth by the patrons of the schools. School No. 1 has a winter term of six months, and was taught in 1881-82 by Miss .Minnie Parish. The wages paid was $35 per month. It is a frame school house. School No. 2 has a four months' term of school, and that of last winter was taught by Miss Ruth Set- tles. District No. 3 has a seven months' school, and the teachers for the present school year have been Miss Ruth Settles and Miss Addie Finley; wages, $35. School District No. 1 has a winter term of six months, and the last term was taught by Miss Liva Parish, of Cooper County; wages paid is $40 per month. They do not support a summer school. School District No. 2 has a four months' school at $35 per month, with Miss Lucy

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Noble as teacher. District No. 4 has a six months' term, with Miss Emma Mose as teacher; they pay $42.50 per month. District No. 4 has seven months' school, with Miss Parish as teacher, to whom is paid $30.

DATA .- The first death in the township was that of Robert Ellison, aged by his own account, 109 years. He was grandfather of Aaron Jenkins.

The first marriage in the county occurred in this township. It was Nathanie Newball to Miss Sarah Swope, a daughter of Jesse Swope.

The first birth in the county was in the Bowles or Marlin families, it is not certain which.

The first court held in the county was held at Judge James Ramey's, and the second at Pin Hook, or as it was more flowingly termed, St. Helena.

GEORGE ANDERSON, (Deceased.)

Post-office, Longwood. Was the son of William Anderson, of Louisi- ana. The son, George Anderson, was born in the State of Louisiana, but when quite young he was brought with his father's family to Missouri, settling in Pettis County, where he was reared to manhood, and lived until his death. He received his education from the schools of Pettis County, and after he was grown he engaged in farming, raising and trading in stock, which business he followed until his death. Mr. Ander- son was married to Miss Mary J. Marr, Oct. 30, 1845, she being a native of Saline County, Mo., and a daughter of Thomas Marr, a native of Tennessee, but who also moved to Missouri at an early day, and settled in Saline County, but afterwards moved to Lafayette County, Mo., where he lived until his death. There were born to Mr. Anderson and wife eight children, as follows: Elizabeth, Thomas L., Mary J., Lena B., Lillie, William, Samuel B., and George W. The children are all living at home with the mother, excepting Mary J., who is married to Mr. Nicholas Scott, and lives in the neighborhood. Mr. Anderson's life was one of untiring industry and activity, and although endowed by nature with extraordinary will and strength, his health at length gave way under the severe tax of mind and body, exacted by his varied interests, and at his residence in the northern part of Pettis County, on the sixteenth day of March, 1880, his active and useful life was brought to a close. At his death he was owner of large landed estates in what is known as Heath's Creek neighborhood. The home farm is a magnificent estate of 740 acres, and without a single exception is the finest improved farm in Heath's Creek township. The dwelling is a fine, large frame, surrounded with a beautiful lawn, and neat fields. There are barns and other outbuildings to correspond with the estate.

DR. JOSEPH L. CARTWRIGHT.

Post-office, Longwood. One of the most prosperous and influential

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citizens of northern Pettis County is the subject of this sketch, Joseph L. Cartwright. He is a son of James A. Cartwright, who was a native of Clay County, Ky., and a Major in the war of 1812. He was a lawyer by profession, and for many years practiced at Winchester, Clark County, Ky. He died in Caldwell County, Ky., October, 1851. His grand- father, Jesenion Cartwright, was an officer in the Revolutionary War, and after peace had been declared between the Mother Country and the colonies, he was appointed Surveyor General, which office he filled for a number of years. An amusing incident the grandfather often told in connection with his services as Surveyor, will bear repeating. For his services as Surveyor he received public lands, and on one occasion, when Gen. Jackson was to pay him a visit, the old gentleman made ready to receive his distinguished guest by preparing a sumptuous feast; and, in order to procure the necessaries for the table, the grandfather went to the nearest trading post, and in exchange for one-half barrel of dried apples, one-half barrel of flour and one-half barrel of sugar, he gave 640 acres of his land. This land lies about three miles from Lexington, Ky., and is now known as the Robert Wickliff farm, one of the finest in Ken- tucky. The subject of this sketch was born in Caldwell County, Ky., Oct. 24, 1825, the fifth child, and the oldest son in a family of thirteen children. He received his education in the subscription schools of his native county, completing his literary education at Eddyville, Ky. Dr. Cartwright read medicine four years, and then took a complete course of lectures at Transylvania University, Lexington, Ky., which institution was then under the presidency of the celebrated Dr. Dudley, of Ken- tucky, the eminent American surgeon. After Dr. Cartwright had com- pleted his course of study, he located for the practice of his profession in Clark County, Ky., where he remained about six years. In the winter of 1854 he emigrated to Missouri, stopping first in St. Louis County, where he remained a few months; and then, in the spring of 1855, he took a boat and sailed up the Missouri River, landing at Kansas City. At that time there were but few houses on the present site of the city. The Doctor stopped at the only tavern in the place. The proprietor being a northern anti-slavery man, refused to keep him because he was accompanied by two slaves. A hospitable liveryman, however, gave him quarters in his stable. Upon the dawn of the next day the doctor started on a two mile and a-half journey to the McGee hotel, where he remained for some days. He then went down to Independence, stopping with Sam Ralston, a southern man; here he remained about two months, when he and Mr. Ralston took an exploring expedition to Kansas, remaining in that section some two or three months. While in Kansas they made a location at the mouth of Ten Mile, on Bull Creek. Here they made some little improvement, such as was required by law, to hold the land as their

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claim. They then returned to Independence, and Dr. Cartwright made a visit to his old homestead in Kentucky. On his return to Kansas he was denied his claim for the reason of his being a southern man. He then engaged in the buying and selling of live stock; also shipped extensively. In the spring of 1858 Dr. Cartwright, in partnership with John S. Jones, freighted Government supplies across the plains. Their first train con- sisted of 156 wagons. This freight was delivered at Camp Floyd, forty miles beyond Salt Lake City. After making the proper distribution of freight, they drove their cattle to California, where they disposed of them. In the year 1859, when the gold excitement had swept over the States, Dr. C. and his partner began freighting to Colorado. When they landed

RESIDENCE OF DR. JOSEPH L. CARTWRIGHT.

at Cherry Creek, the present site of Denver City, the offer was made them that if they would unload their goods and start a trading-house, the citzens of the place would donate seventy-five town lots and five acres of land. This proposition was accepted, and the five acres were used for corraling their cattle. Dr. Cartwright and his partner built the first brick business house in Denver. It was used for a freight and storeroom, was 164x64 feet, had an arch segment roof, and was considered fire-proof. During the years of 1859-60, the freight business had increased to such proportions that it required 500 wagons to carry on the business. In the spring of 1859 Dr. Cartwright and his partner went to Washnigton City, and there organized the first overland stage company that operated in the

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HISTORY OF HEATH'S CREEK TOWNSHIP.

Western States. The route of this company extended from Leaven- worth, Kan., to Salt Lake City. Gen. Monroe was sent on the first trip with 1,000 men as an escort; and later, a line was established to Denver. Along this entire line were stations, from ten to fifteen miles apart; each station had a house or inn, and a stable. The coaches of the company were drawn by four mules, and an express messenger and driver went with each coach. The coaches were capable of seating nine persons. Along this whole route of 1,200 miles, the coaches passed either way every twelve hours. This line of coaches was run until the war; the freight continuing the same. The whole business of the company was con- ducted on negotiable paper, of from four to six months, and had become of such mammoth proportions that when the war came on it met with a general collapse. After the business had been suspended, Dr. C. returned to Pettis County, where he remained during the war. In the spring of 1871 the doctor conceived the idea of starting a cattle ranch and dairy in Montana Territory, and for this purpose he bought 800 head of one and two year old heifers of high grade; also thirty head of full blood Ken- tucky heifers, and twenty-one thoroughbred bulls. The fine cattle were shipped to Ogden, forty miles beyond Salt Lake. The 800 head were driven to Eagle Rock Bride, on Smoke River, in Wyoming Territory, a distance of 1,800 miles. This enterprise was afterwards disposed of, and Dr. C. returned to his farm in this county, where he has since engaged in farming and the raising of stock. He was married April, 1861, to Miss Laura Mitchum, a native of Kentucky. From this union there are five children, viz: Joseph L., Endora, Lee, Clarence and June. The doctor owns one of the finest improved farms in Pettis County, located about thirteen miles north of Sedalia. This estate consists of 1,000 acres, finely improved, having a fine brick residence surrounded with beautiful lawns, and shaded with maple, oak, walnut and other forest trees. There are ample barns and other out-buildings. There is on this farm about four miles of board fence, principally made from walnut lumber. The other fencing is in keeping with the estate. There is cultivated on this estate about 300 acres of corn and about 150 acres of wheat; the remaining lands being devoted to meadows and pastures. He has in his pastures about fifty head of brood cows and about 150 head of cattle. He also has about 400 head of full blood South downs. On this estate there is an orchard of forty acres and a vineyard of two acres. Dr. Cartwright is a man of fine business qualifications, and no man in Pettis County occupies a higher position for energy, enterprise, public spirit, integrity and business recti- tude, than Dr. Joseph L. Cartwright. His home is the abode of hospi- tality, a view of which appears herewith.

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ABNER CLOPTON.

Mr. Clopton is a native of New Kent, Va., son of Abner Clopton, Sr. He' . was born July 4, 1808. Abner Clopton, Sr., removed to Kentucky in 1810, settling near Winchester, where he lived four years, and then he removed to Madison, near Richmond, where he lived until the fall of 1834, when he emigrated to Missouri. He remained in Boone County till the next spring, when he removed to Pettis County, settling in the northeastern portion, where he died Aug. 1, 1863, at the advanced age of eighty-five years. Abner Clopton, Jr., is the third child in a fam- ily of six. His advantages for an education were those of pioneer days, in a school house with puncheon floor, log seats and a log cut out for a window. He came to Missouri in 1834, and with his father came to Pet- tis County in the spring of 1835, where he has lived forty-seven years. The father and son entered about 700 acres, which they fenced and improved. The son afterwards purchased about 800 acres, which he mostly improved. He was married Dec. 22, 1836, to Miss Margaret Fristoe, a native of Virginia, and daughter of Amos Fristoe, who removed from Virginia in 1828, settling first in Howard County, Mo., where he remained four years; then removed to Pettis County, where he lived till his death. Mr. and Mrs. Clopton's family consisted of eighteen children, seven of whom are now living: Geo. W., John R., Fannie L., Charles E., Rolla M., Mildred A. and Willie. Since Mr. Clopton has been a res- ident of Pettis County he has been engaged in farming and raising stock. He has divided his extensive farm with his children, retaining his well improved farm of 212 acres. His grandfather, Wm. Clopton, was a native of Virginia, and a soldier of the American Revolution. He died Jan. 1, 1781.

BENJAMIN F. DEWITT.

Is the son of Larkin De Witt, who was a native of New York, but who moved to Missouri in the year 1818, settling first at Boon- ville, where he remained about eight years, when he moved to Pettis County, settling in Bowling Green Township, where he remained about three years; then he removed to Green County, where he remained about two years, when he removed to Cooper County, settling on the west line between Cooper and Pettis. Here he lived for about sixteen years, then moved to McDonald County, remaining there until the spring of 1864, when he removed to Pettis County, settling in Heath's Creek Township, where he remained until his death, which occurred Sept. 1, 1873. The subject of this sketch was born in Pettis County, Oct. 2, 1830, and is the fifth child in a family of eight children. His advantages for an edu- cation were somewhat limited, there being but few schools in Pettis County at that time. He remained at home with his father's family until

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his nineteenth year, when he went to California, and was engaged in the mining business, which business he followed for more than five years, when he returned to his Missouri home, settling in Pettis County, where he has since resided. He was married March 13, 1856, to Miss Permelia A. Potter, a native of Cooper County, Mo., and a daughter of John Pot- ter, of that county. From this marriage there were ten children, only five of whom are now living, viz: Larkin T., Benjamin F., Calvin J., Joseph A. and Ceva A. Since Mr. DeWitt's return to Pettis he has been engaged in farming and the raising of stock. He owns a fine farm of 517 acres, extending to the fertile bottom lands of Muddy Creek.

OLIVER ELMORE.

Post-office, Longwood. Is another prominent citizen who has only been identified with the interests of Pettis County for a few years. He is the son of John Elmore who was a native of Virginia, but when he was yet a youth his father moved his family to Kentucky, where the father remained until his death, which occurred in the year 1862, he being seventy-two years of age. The subject of this sketch was born in Owen County, Kentucky, Dec. 3, 1825, and is the youngest child in a family of five children, all of whom are yet living. He received his education from the schools of his native county. After completing his education he engaged in farming and afterwards in the trading of mules. Then in the winter of 1871, Mr. E. moved to Missouri, settling first in Saline County, where he remained only a short time, when he removed to Pettis County, settling in the northern part of the county, where he has since resided. Mr. Elmore was married Feb. 2, 1858, to Miss Sallie Payne, a native of Gallatin County, Ky., and a daughter of Newton and Susan Payne. From this union there are eight children, all of whom are now living, viz: New- ton P., Bettie, John, Emma, Frank, Oliver, Susan and Sallie. Of the children only one, Bettie, is married, she is married to Mr. A. L. Hag- gard of Sedalia, Mo. Since Mr. Elmore's residence in Pettis County he has been engaged in farming and the raising of stock. He owns one of the finest farms in this section of the county, consisting of 400 acres, well improved, having a fine commodious residence, barns and other out-build- ings. Mr. Elmore has not only the conveniences and comforts of life at his home, but is beautifying the same with many luxuries. Within the last few months he has made himself a large artificial pond, which he has stocked with salmon and other fish.

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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 92

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