USA > Missouri > Buchanan County > The history of Buchanan County, Missouri > Part 100
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ALFRED FENTON,
grain and stock dealer, is a representative citizen of Buchanan County. He was born in Mason County, Kentucky, May 28, 1829. His father, John Fenton, a native of Loudoun County, Virginia, moved to Kentucky in the early settling of that state. In 1808 he moved to Adams County, Ohio, where his son, the subject of this sketch, lived on a farm till he was twenty-one years of age, and where he received a common school education. In 1850 he moved to Missouri, and, three years after, located permanently at Rushville, where, in partnership with his brother, he sold goods till 1869. He also dealt largely in live-stock, hemp, and other commodities doing a general trading business. In the meantime in 1859, Mr. Fenton visited Colorado and embarked in the wholesale grocery trade and stock business in which he continued three years, when he freighted for government till 1867, at which time he returned to Buchanan County, and has continued to make Rushville his home .. During all this period Mr. Fenton, in his mercantile business, was associated with his brother, E. M. Fenton. He is recognized as the leading business man of that section of the county. Mr. A. Fenton's landed estate includes 1,800 acres in Missouri, and about 400 acres in Kansas. In October, 1865, he married Miss Alice Long, of Buchanan
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County, by whom he has had six children, five of whom are living : Beaumie, Wm. R., Frederick, Clarence and Lucy.
H. C. GOLDEN,
agent for the C., R. I. & P. R. R., East Atchison, was born February 7, 1844, in Chatham, New York, and was there reared and educated. He early became engaged as book-keeper with a wholesale hardware house in New York City, and remained in their employ until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted as a private in Company E, One Hundred and Eleventh New York Volunteer Infantry, on the 24th of July, 1862. Served for three years with the army of the Potomac, and was taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry and paroled. Participated in the three day's fight at Gettysburg, and was with the campaign to Atlanta. Mr. Golden was mustered out as captain. Since the war he has given his attention to railroading. Was first engaged with the Boston and Albany, next the Kansas Pacific, and then with the Missouri Pacific. In 1877, he was employed by the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific, taking charge of the station at Winthrop (East Atchison), which position he still fills. Cap- tain G. was married in 1876, to Miss Mary Kelly, a native of Atchison. They have had one child-Harry. Mr. G. is a Knight Templar in the Masonic order and also a member of the Knights of Pythias.
HENRY GORE,
farmer and stock-raiser, section 26, postoffice Sugar Lake, Platte County Missouri, was born in Mercer County, Virginia, July 3, 1826, and was reared in his native county till eighteen years of age, when he came to Missouri. Remained in Andrew County one year, and since that time he has been a citizen of Buchanan County. Spent his boyhood days on a farm, and has followed that occupation during life. Came to Missouri with but a small amount of means, and by his own labor and good man- agement, he accumulated some 800 acres of land. In the spring of 1880 he divided his land among his children, only retaining for himself 160 acres. Was married June 17, 1847, to Miss Elizabeth Stultz, who was born in North Carolina, April 27, 1828. They have had ten children, seven of whom are living-William H., Mary L., Eliza A., Sarilda C., Joseph M., John L. and Thomas I.
T. W. HARL,
attorney, East Atchison, was born February 26, 1844, in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and was raised and educated in his native city. During the late war he enlisted in Company A, Fourth Ohio Infantry, in 1861, and served until the close of the war, having taken part in many hard
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fought battles, among which were Cheek Mountain, the seven days' bat- tle, second Bull Run, Antietam, and Gettysburg. After this he entered the commissary department at Washington, remaining there until the close of the war, with the exception of one month spent with General Grant's command. Emigrated West in the fall of 1865, and setttled at Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he resided until 1868, engaged in the study of law. Then moved to Jackson County, Kansas, engaging in the prac- tice of his profession, until 1877, when he came to this place and opened an office. He has built up a good practice, owns considerable town property and stands among the leading citizens of the county. Was married, in 1867, to Miss Lizzie J. Birt, a daughter of F. A. Birt, of Coun- cil Bluffs. She was born May 15, 1846, in Brownsville, Pennsylvania. They have had a family of two children, Frank F. and Charles. Mrs. H. is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
WM. K. JONES,
farmer and stock dealer, section 24, postoffice Rushville, was born in Fleming County, Kentucky, October 3, 1834, and was there raised on a farm. In 1856 he went to Rush County, Indiana, where he worked on a farm one year and returned to his native home and shortly after went to Jefferson County, Kansas. In December, 1857, he came to Buchanan County, Missouri, where he has since been engaged in farming and deal- ing in stock. His farm contains 280 acres. Was married December 13, 1859, to Miss Marilda Jones. She was born in Rush County, Indiana, August 17, 1841. They have three children : Thomas D., Albert H. Bettie J. Mr. Jones is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
GEORGE McKINNIS,
was born October 16, 1848, in Jackson County, Ohio, and came to Missouri with his parents when about seven years of age. They settled in Cald- well County, and remained there until 1854, when they came to this county, and George has made this his home since, having been engaged in various occupations. Assisted in organizing and is one of the ener- getic men of the place.
JOHN E. MCQUEEN,
East Atchison, was born Jan. 12, 1844, in Boone County, Missouri, and was brought to this place when about three years of age, and has since made his home in this vicinity. He spent his boyhood days on a farm, here received his education, and followed boating on the river up to 1871, when he commenced the grocery and liquor business in East Atchi- son. He owns a residence and four lots in the town. He was married
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in 1875 to Miss Elizabeth Anderson, a native of this township, born November 9, 1856. They have one child living, Medora A .; two are deceased. Mr. McQueen formerly belonged to the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Honor.
JOHN MEYER,
baker and confectioner, East Atchison, was born April 4, 1847, in Bavaria, Germany, and was there raised, learning the baker's business. He received his education in the schools of that country, and came to the United States in 1869, landing at New York. Coming west, he stopped one year in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. His next move was to St. Louis, Missouri, where he remained three years, and then went to Atchi- son, Kansas; working for seven years at his trade. He subsequently came to East Atchison, and started the business in which he is now engaged. He has a neat and tastily arranged establishment, and his long experience in the business gives him an advantage over many. Mr. M. was married August, 1874, to Miss Lizzie Gartfedler, a native of Switzerland. They have had three children, two of whom are living, William and Bertie. Mr. M. is a member of the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Honor.
HARISON MORROW,
deputy postmaster of East Atchison, occupies a position among the leading young men of Buchanan County. Was born September 23, 1853, in Wayne County, Kentucky, and spent his boyhood days on a farm, receiving his education in the schools of that vicinity. Came west in the fall of 1873 and settled at Winthrop (East Atchison), and engaged in farming with his uncle. In the spring of 1877 he entered his uncle's store at this place and now attends to most of the business, besides having the care of the postoffice. Is well thought of by this commun- ity and is a member of the Knights of Honor.
J. S. PATTERSON,
East Atchison, was born August 24, 1851, in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was reared and received his education. Emigrated to Chicago in 1869, and engaged in the liquor business, and came from there to this place in 1879, where he has made his home, and taken an active part in the build- ing up of the place. Assisted in organizing the town, and held the position of Mayor in 1880. Is an active member of the Knights of Honor. Was married May 24, 1873, to Miss Ellen Foot, a native of Chicago, and they have had two children-George and Gracie.
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J. F. PITTS,
farmer and stock raiser, section 27, postoffice Rushville, was born in Fleming County, Kentucky, December 9, 1819, and in the fall of 1850 he moved to Platte County, Missouri. There he remained till February, 1862, when he moved to Buchanan County, Missouri, where he has since resided. He has followed farming from boyhood, and now his landed estate consists of over 500 acres. He is at present living with his fourth wife.
A. G. PROSSER
was born April 15, 1840, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where he was raised and received his education. He came West in the spring of 1865, and located in St. Joseph, where he accepted a position with the Hanni- bal & St. Joseph Railroad Company. In January, 1866, he started with a wagon and team across the plains, to Denver, and arrived at his des- tination in March of the same year, and there turned his attention to mining, and followed it one year, after which he visited Montana and Idaho, returning to St. Joseph in 1868. In 1873, he came to Winthrop (East Atchison), and engaged in the liquor trade, and, since his arrival here, has been among the foremost in advancing the interests of the town. He assisted in its organization, and was its first Mayor. Mr. P. holds the position of justice of the peace. He was married, in 1869, to Miss Maggie E. Knapp, a native of St. Joseph. They have one child, Clara B. He is a member of the Knights of Honor, and holds the posi- tion of Dictator in the lodge.
J. W. RANKIN,
miller, Rushville, was born in Cooper County, Missouri, May 13, 1841, and was there raised and educated. In 1864, he went to California, and after traveling over the different states and territories until 1867, he returned to his native county. In May, 1875, he moved to Rushville, where he now resides. Has followed milling from boyhood, having been brought up to the business. Was married, May 20, 1873, to Miss Ella P. Johnson. She was born in Nelson County, Kentucky, May 27, 1850. Her parents died about 1865, after which she made her home with her uncle in Cooper County. She was educated in the common schools and in Cully's College, in Cooper County, Missouri, graduating from this institution in 1872, after which she attended the normal school at War- rensburg, Johnson County, Missouri. She then engaged in teaching until her marriage. They have two children: William E., born April 14. 1875, and Mary, born April 10, 1881. Mr. Rankin is a member of the Masonic lodge.
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FERDINAND REUTHINGER,
Mayor of East Atchison, was born March 29, 1830, in Switzerland, and was there raised until eighteen years of age and received his education in schools of that land. In 1850 he crossed the ocean and landed at New Orleans, immediately coming up the Mississippi River to St. Louis and thence to St. Joseph. He remained here until 1861, engaged in the hotel business, and kept what is known as the St. Louis House, but met with a misfortune by being burned out. He then moved on a farm, and in 1863 commenced teaming across the plains to Denver and continued therein until the fall of 1864, when he moved to Winthrop (East Atchison.) Since that time he has been engaged in various occupations- He owns 350 acres of fine land in Platte County which is well improved, containing good buildings, &c. Also owns a fine residence and other town property ; and holds the position of Mayor of East Atchison, which he fills with credit to himself and friends. He has been twice married, first, in 1855, to Miss Elizabeth Steineffer, a native of Switzer- land. She died December 4, 1876, leaving five children living : Paulina, Elizabeth, Ferdinand, Rosena and Lillie. Lost four. Was again mar- ried July 7, 1878, to Mrs. Regina Vasse, a native of Germany. They have one child, Charlie. Mrs. R. has five children by her former hus- band : Henry, Carolina, Rosa, George and Elizabeth.
DR. J. W. ROBBINS,
physician and surgeon, East Atchison, was born November 14, 1846, in Adams County, Ohio, and was raised there until fifteen years of age. During the late war he espoused the Union cause and enlisted in the Second Ohio Artillery, Company B, in June, 1863, serving until the close of the war. He was attached to the fourteenth army corps, and took part in the battles of Nashville, Chickamauga, Knoxville, Straw- berry Plains, and many other engagements. He drove an ambulance and served some time in the hospital. At the close of the war Mr. R. settled at Cincinnati and commenced the study of medicine, and in 1867 took his first course of lectures. He emigrated West in 1867 and located at Winthrop (East Atchison), where he continued the practice of medicine until 1872. Then returned to Cincinnati and took a full course of lectures, and received his diploma. Upon moving to Olney, Illinois, he married Miss H. E. Philips, a native of that State. They came to Winthrop and have since made this their home. Dr. R. owns two lots and a residence. He has a widespread reputation, has achieved a thorough knowledge of the practice, and is an active member of the Knights of Honor.
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GREENUP SUTTON,
farmer and breeder of fine stock, section 26, postoffice Rushville, was born in Fleming County, Kentucky, November 6, 1843, and when twelve years of age, his parents moved to Buchanan County, Missouri, where he has been reared on a farm. Was for two years engaged in the mercan- tile trade at Rushville, and was also employed in the harness trade one year in the same place. Outside of the various occupations mentioned, Mr. S. has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He has for a few years been dealing in fine blooded stock of all classes, and was one of the first to begin the handling of thoroughbreds in his locality. His farm contains 140 acres, all of which is well improved, having one of the best barns in the county. Was married in January, 1869, to Miss Phebe Elliott, who was born in Kentucky, in January, 1842, and came to this county in 1845. They have had three children, two of whom are living-Selden and Emma.
ELIJAH WATSON,
postmaster, Rushville, was born in Fleming County, Kentucky, April 25, 1816, and was raised on a farm and educated in the pioneer school houses. In 1845, he came to Buchanan County, and located in sec- tion 12, at that time but a wilderness. Remained in this location about eight years and then moved to Rushville, where he began in the mercantile business. In this he continued till 1855, after which he did business for other parties till about 1877. Since 1876 he has used most of his time in prospecting for the lost boat Pontiac, which sank April 16, 1852, and of which mention is made elsewhere in our history. Mr. W. has been postmaster since June 10, 1854, and was justice of the peace for fourteen years. He was again re-elected but would not accept the position. Was married, September 11, 1838, to Miss Gracie Seever. She was born in Illinois and raised in Kentucky. They have had twelve children, six of whom are living: John H., James B., Elisha M., Hezekiah C., George W., and Nancy C., now Mrs. Abbett.
HON. W. S. WELLS,
of Rushville, was born in Lee County, Virginia, September 13, 1812. His great-grandfather was a native of Wales, and was among the early settlers of Maryland. His grandfather, Zachariah Wells, during the Revolutionary war was a resident of North Carolina, whence he after- wards moved to Lee County, Virginia. His father, Robert Wells, was born in North Carolina. He married Elizabeth Shepherd in Virginia, and moved to Jackson County, Missouri, in 1826, being thus one of the early settlers of that part of the State, where he died in 1853, at the
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advanced age of ninety years. The subject of this sketch received a thorough English education in his native county, where he afterwards taught school, and where on May 8, 1833, he married Miss Lavina Jones, a native of Grayson County, Virginia, born February 20, 1817. They have had ten children, of these James M., Emmett C., Samuel B., Mar- tha J., Minerva, Celia E., Robert B., and G. W., survive ; May and Albert G. died. W. S. Wells moved to Missouri in 1829, settling in Jackson County, and at the end of the year returned to Virginia. In 1837 he moved from Virginia to Platte County, Missouri, where, in the spring of 1838, he taught one of the first schools ever opened in that section of country. About the close of the same year, he returned to Virginia. In 1843 he again visited Missouri, locating at Wright City, in the southwest part of the State. In 1844 he moved to Marshall County, Alabama, and thence in 1850 to Western Tennessee. In 1856 he moved to Douglas County, Kansas Territory, from which he was subsequently elected a member of the celebrated Lecompton Convention which framed a constitution for the State. In this election he received the unanimous vote of both parties. In November, 1860, he moved to Atchison, Kansas, and, in the following January, returning to Missouri, settled in his present (1881) home-Rushville. In the fall of 1861 he joined General Price's army under Jackson's first call for troops. He was in the battle of Pea Ridge, and served till May, 1862, when he returned home. In May 1866 he embarked in the mercantile business in Rushville, in which he has since been principally engaged. In 1874 he was elected by the Democrats a member of the Twenty-eighth Gen- eral Assembly. He was re-elected to the same position in 1876, receiv- ing, besides the full Democratic vote of his district, a large Republican support. In politics he has all his life been a Democrat. He has been a member of the old Baptist Church, thirty-nine years. Of this he is also an ordained minister, and has been preaching since 1853. He served as justice of the peace six years, and has been a notary public since 1873.
S. B. WELLS
was born in Lee County, Virginia, April 7, 1843, and when about one year old, was taken by his parents to Alabama, where he remained about four or five years. Then they moved to Dyer County, Tennessee, and in 1856 to Douglas County, Kansas, there residing till 1860, the time of their emigration to Buchanan County. When twenty-two years of age, our subject learned the carpenter's trade, and has worked at it eight years. In 1866, he embarked in the mercantile trade in Rushville, and has been engaged in the same business more or less since. He has a farm of 112 acres, also good property in Rushville. Was married November 2, 1866, to Miss Martha J. White, who was born in Buchanan
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County, in 1847. They have had five children, three of whom are living- Charles W., Robert B. and Emmett.
EMIL WINKLER,
dealer in groceries and provisions, East Atchison, was born May 16, 1849, in Prussia, Germany, and spent his boyhood days on a farm, receiving his education in the schools of that vicinity. At the age of fourteen years, he commenced to learn the milling business, and followed it for nine years. In the spring of 1872, he emigrated to America, and landed at New York City, coming to Atchison, Kansas, where he engaged as clerk in a grocery store, and he remained three years in that capacity, and then opened at his present location, in East Atchison, in 1876. His store is filled with a complete stock of general groceries and . provisions, and he has a fair patronage. He was married December 5, 1875, to Miss Pauline Reuthinger, daughter of F. Reuthinger, present Mayor of East Atchison. She is a native of this state, and was born February 11, 1856. They have had three children, two of whom are living, Carl T. and Rosa. Himself and wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and he is a member of the Knights of Honor. Mr. W. belongs to the city council.
BLOOMINGTON TOWNSHIP.
JESSE BLEVINS,
section 2, postoffice DeKalb, was born in Green County, Kentucky, August 18, 1816, and was raised on a farm and educated in the old log school house. When seventeen years of age his father moved to Jack- son County, Missouri, where they remained till the spring of 1837, then coming to Buchanan County, where he has since made his home. His farm consists of 192 acres. In 1847 he went to the Mexican war as a teamster and remained on duty for a year, less one month. He has been for four years constable of his township. Was married April 7. 1839, to Miss Rosa Lower. She was born in Granger County, Tennes- see, October 10, 1816, and came to Missouri in 1855, and to Buchanan County in 1837. They have had sixteen children, six of whom are living : Sarah, Francis J., Daniel and Jacob (twins), Lucy E. and Elizabeth.
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For the last twelve years Mr. B. has been unable to attend to his work on account of illness. Is the man who carried the first mail from Buchanan County, the route being from Crawford Township to Platts- burg. This he continued for four years.
GAINES BOHANNON,
farmer, section 2, postoffice DeKalb, was born on the section upon which he now resides, April 22, 1840, and was also raised on the same farm, and educated in the common schools. Taught a short time, since which he has been engaged in farming. His landed estate in this county con- sists of 40 acres ; also, has 160 acres in Butler County, Kansas, where he has a part of the time made his home. John S. Bohannon, his father, was born March 7, 1806, and was a native of Sullivan County, Tennessee. Came to Buchanan County, Missouri, in 1838, and had followed farming from boyhood. He died July 14, 1879. His mother, Tabitha Foust, was born March 16, 1809, and was a native of Sullivan County, Tennessee. They had a family of eleven children, ten of whom grew up, and eight are now living.
F. M. BRETZ,
blacksmith, DeKalb, was born in Marion County, Ohio, October 31, 1840, and when five years of age his parents moved to Buchanan County, Missouri, where he has since resided. He was here educated in the common schools, his educational advantages being rather limited. When thirteen years of age he began to learn his present trade in DeKalb, where he has since followed it. Began in life a poor boy and, was the main support of his parents for a number of years. Miss Cleora Smith became his wife December 26, 1864. She was born in Buchanan County, April 24, 1848, and is a daughter of Joseph Smith, ex-sheriff of Buchanan County. They have had five children, four of whom are liv- ing: Charles L., born September 24, 1866; Artie M., born October 31, 1874; Anna A., born July 2, 1877; Henry, born November 19, 1879.
ALEXANDER BROWN, SR.,
farmer, section 30, postoffice Rushville, was born in Bath County, Ken- tucky, May 22, 1811, and, in 1832, went to Decatur County, Indiana, and there remained till October, 1835. At that time, he was married to Miss Mary A. Connor, after which they moved to Missouri, and located in Daviess County for two years, then moved to this county, where he has since resided. He now owns 160 acres of land. He previously owned more, but has given to his children. Mr. and Mrs. B. have eleven children : James W., born June 29, 1837; Martha A., born April 4, 1839 ;
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Ezra, born September 14, 1841; Wm. S., born January 27, 1844; Frank- lin, born June 16, 1846; Memory, born September 6, 1848 ; Serrilda J., born October 19, 1850 ; Melvin, born April 20, 1853; Mary E., born August 24, 1858 ; David G., born December 20, 1855 ; Leona, April 21, 1861, died December 21, 1880. Mrs. Brown is a native of Indiana, and was born December 19, 1819.
JOHN T. BROWN,
farmer and carpenter, section 25, postoffice DeKalb, was born at Blue Lick, Nicholas County, Kentucky, September 15, 1830. His father, Daniel, being a carpenter, John also had the advantage of learning that trade. In 1851, he came to Missouri and located in Platte County, where he remained about two years and then came to Buchanan County. Here he has since resided, and during life has worked at his trade, more or less. His farm contains 120 acres. Was in the state militia about eighteen months, acting as drill master most of the time. Was mar- ried, September 16, 1852, to Miss Louisa Martin. She was born in Anderson County, Tennessee, September 9, 1832. They have ten child- ren: Martha A., James H., Eliza E., John F., William T., Edward L., Nannie, Florence, Maggie, and Buddie B.
A. M. BROWN,
farmer and fine stock breeder, section II, postoffice DeKalb, was born May 4, 1838, and is a native of Decatur County, Indiana. In the fall of that year he was brought to Buchanan County, when, after receiving a fair education in the common schools, he attended the high school at Weston. He spent his boyhood days on a farm till sixteen years of age, after which he was engaged in the mercantile trade for several years. With this exception he has followed agricultural pursuits. He and his mother-in-law own 433 acres, their home farm containing 163 acres. He was married December 28, 1859, to Miss Julia Kendley. She was born in Kentucky, February 22, 1844. They have one child, Mary S., now Mrs. Steele, born October 8, 1861. Mr. Brown is a Mason, and a mem- ber of Wellington Lodge No. 22.
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