USA > Missouri > Buchanan County > The history of Buchanan County, Missouri > Part 63
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The present force includes eighteen men, paid by the city. These are at present (1881) under the direction of Chief W. B. McNutt, as above stated. Mr. McNutt is superintendent of the book bindery of C. P. Kingsbury, and a popular citizen. Dr. Robert Gunn, who has been superintendent of the bridge across the Missouri River at St. Joseph ever since its completion in May, 1873, has also long been especially active in promoting the interests of the fire department, and much of its present high state of efficiency is due to his untiring efforts. Mr. Edward R. Brandow was a member of the City Council when the hook and ladder house on Francis Street was built ; and to his efforts mainly is due the erection of that structure, which to-day constitutes an archi- tectural ornament of the city.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
ST. JOSEPH, MISSOURI.
JAMES ABERCROMBIE
was born in Kincardinshire, Scotland, August 2, 1830. He was the third of a family of eleven children. He learned the trade of stone and marble cutter in the City of Aberdeen, Scotland. In June, 1851, he left the shores of his native country for the New World, and landed in the City of New York, after a short and prosperous voyage. Here he immedi- ately engaged in the avocation of his calling, soon doing business for himself, and meeting with that success which skill and energy invariably command. June 7, 1853, Mr. Abercrombie married in New York City, Miss Agnes Monroe, a native of Scotland. The fruit of this marriage was two children, both sons. One of these, Roderick M., survived, and is now (1881) a partner of his father in the stone and marble business in · St. Joseph. On the breaking out of the civil war, James Abercrombie was a private in the Seventy-ninth New York National Guard, and immediately entered the army, where he did good service with his regi- ment till August, 1861, when he received his discharge, with the grade of Second Surgeant. In September of the same year, he again enlisted, this time in the Farthingham Rifles, in which he served till December, 1862, when he was taken prisoner. A week before this event, he was promoted to the grade of Lieutenant in his regiment. In November, 1866, he went West, and settled in St. Joseph, where he remained one year, in partnership with Johnson & Co., stone and marble cutters. In 1867, he moved to Caldwell County, engaging there in farming, and car- rying on the stone and marble business in Breckenridge. In January, 1879, he returned to St. Joseph and opened in partnership with Erath, Johnson & Co., another yard. He is now (1881) engaged in business with his son, Roderick M., under the name and style of Abercrombie & Son.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
SMITH ADAMS
is a retired farmer, living in Washington Township, Section 27. Post- office, St. Joseph. He is a native of Kentucky and was born August 3, 1812 ; was raised upon a farm and had a common school education. He was married May 12. 1836, to Miss C. Ramsey, who was born in Ken- tucky , November 4, 1819. By this union they had five children, Jones L. R., born April 17, 1837, died June 12, 1841 ; W. R., born June 15, 1841 ; Mary E., born March 8, 1844 ; Rebecca C., born July 10, 1847 ; Edwin M., born June- 29, 1850. Mrs. Adams died February 4, 1854, and he was again married to Miss Elizabeth Adams, November 20, 1854. She was born in Tennes- see, January 6, 1828. They had five children : James A., born January 2, 1856 ; Anna M., born March 26, 1858 ; Smith, born May 18, 1864 ; infant who died while young, and Ella L., born October 11, 1866. This wife died October 11, 1874, and he married May 5, 1875, to Miss Martha A. Mansfield. She was born September 1I, 1818. He was very successful financially, until the war, when he lost heavily. He endured many pri- vations for his country, and during the late war enlisted in what was. known as the " Whisky Cavalry," in the Union Army, which stood guard around St. Joseph for three years. The government did not pay these men one dollar, and they did not ask for it, but furnished horses, time: and services to Uncle Sam without money and without price, and are proud to know that they had the manhood to defend the right at all hazard. Mr. Adams first came to Missouri with his father in 1815, loca- ting in Lafayette County. They lived in a block house for protection. In 1818, his father returned to Kentucky, Smith accompanying him, but being infatuated with the West, returned to Missouri, locating in Howard County, known, in early days, as St. Charles. He has lived in Missouri ever since ; was engaged in the Mormon war. They surrendered upon. his arrival, and he purchased land and was there when the County of Caldwell was organized. He is a Mason and a member of St. Joseph Lodge, No. 78, also a member of the Christian Church, and was Director on part of the State in the old Branch Bank of the State of Missouri before the war, has been school director and has donated liberally to churches and school houses.
EDWARD ALDEN,
gas-fitter, plumber, dealer in pumps, lightning rods, etc .; one of the leaders in this line, and a man who stands among the popular citizens ; was born in England, December 23, 1827. He came to America in 1851, residing for over five years in New York, where he learned his trade, thence came to Chicago, and, after a four years' sojourn, came to St. Joseph, established his trade in 1860, and at present does one of the
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largest trades in the northwest. He was married in 1856, to Miss Bridget McTigh, a native of Ireland. Mr. Alden is a member of the I. O. O. F.
DAVID ALDERMAN,
liveryman, proprietor of Elk Horn stable, was born in Wilmington, New Hanover County, North Carolina, August 9th, 1824. His boyhood days were spent on a farm, his father, David, Sr., being an agriculturist. In 1849, he came to Buchanan County, locating on a farm near Sparta. The country at that time was sparsely settled and he had many difficulties to contend with. For twenty years this was his home. In 1869, he came to St. Joseph, and has since been counted among its leading liverymen, the Elk Horn stable being one of the most popular in the city. He has been twice married ; first to Mary A. Larkins, of North Carolina, now deceased. His second wife was Lavinia J. Highsmith, of North Carolina. They have five children : Chas. A., A. M., James D., Ann E. and Mary P. Mr. A. is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
C. W. ALLEN,
manager of the Wheeler & Wilson Sewing Machine Agency and dealer in Taylor & Farley organs, was born in London, England, in 1845, and when two years of age came to America with his parents, who located in Pelta County, Illinois, where his father, William, engaged in agricul- tural pursuits. Here C. W. was educated and raised to manhood. At the breaking out of the rebellion, he enlisted in Co. K, Sixteenth Illinois Infantry, and participated in many notable engagements, among which were Chickamaugua, Island No. 10, in the Sherman campaign and others. He was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term (three years.) He came to Missouri and located in Atchison County, and engaged in the sewing machine business. Thence to DeKalb County, and for a time was at Maryville. He came to St. Joseph in the spring of 1880. Mr. A. was married in 1866, to Miss E. A. Burk, of Illinois. By this union they have six children : Lorena, Minnie F., C. W., B., L. E. and James. Mr. Allen is a Master Mason.
R. K. ALLEN.
Among those who contributed a just share in giving this city the reputation which it has attained as the metropolis of the Northwest, is R. K. Allen, who for twenty-two years has been identified with its growth and prosperity. He is a native of Massachusetts, and came to St. Joseph in 1859, and engaged in working at his trade, that of carpen- ter and builder, which from that time has been steadily and largely on the increase. Many of the finest structures of St. Joseph, both in store
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
edifices and residences, are specimens of his handiwork. In 1872, he opened his planing mill on Francis Street, which is the largest in the city. In the manufacture of doors, sash and blinds, etc., his business is the largest in the Northwest, extending into Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa. His long experience and skillful management makes him more proficient than the average in his line. In this respect his standing may be inferred from the fact that the Union Depot of St. Joseph, one of the finest in the United States, is being built by Mr. Allen. The cost of this is $150,000. Few residents of St. Joseph are more widely and pop- ularly known.
WILLIAM M. ALBIN,
attorney at law, insurance and real estate agent, was born in Indiana in 1820. His youth was spent on a farm, with limited school advantages. After he attained his majority, he entered Asbury University, and grad- uated with the degree of A. M. He engaged for some time in teaching, and, in 1851, came to Buchanan County, where he followed the same occupation. He read law with the Hon. Henry Vories, and was admit- ted to the bar in 1861. In 1852, he went to Gentry County and remained a short time. He enlisted in the army during the late war, and was com- missioned Lieutenant Colonel of the Fourth Missouri State Volunteers, commanded by Colonel W. P. Hall. Colonel Albin is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the I. O. O. F.
J. W. AMBROSE,
one of St. Joseph's prominent manufacturers, is a native of England, and was born September 2, 1829. He was there educated and raised until his nineteenth year, when he came to America, locating in Ohio. He learned the machinist trade, and in 1856 removed to Bloomington, Illi- nois, where he resided until 1871. In that year, he came to St. Joseph, and ereeted the foundry and machine shop that he now occupies. The present style of the firm is J. W. Ambrose & Co. They make a specialty of architectural iron work, and in this feature they are having unparal- leled success, their trade not only being in Missouri, but extends into Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa. Many of the finest structures in St. Joseph contains material from this establishment. The firm does a large busi- ness in the manufacture of stoves, and have attained a well merited rep- utation.
JOSEPH ANDRIANO,
City Collector, was born in the city of Heidelburg, Germany, October 15, 1841, and came to this country in 1849. He settled in St. Louis, Missouri, and came to this city in 1851. He married Miss Isa-
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ST. JOSEPH.
bella Young, of Chicago, Illinois, in 1869; they have one daughter, Gracie. Mr. Adriano obtained a good education in the city schools, and then commenced his mercantile experience, which he abandoned to go into the stage and omnibus business with his father-in-law, William H. Young, of Chicago, a short time before the great fire, and had but fairly commenced when, with others, they were burned out, losing $20,000. They at once, with commendable zeal, started again, and very soon worked up a very successful business and continued it for two years. At this time he sold out and returned to his old home in St. Joseph, and accepted a position in the post office. In 1880, he was elected to his present position as City Collector.
D. C. ANDERSON,
baker and confectioner, an early and well known citizen of Bechanan County, is our subject. He was born in Orange County, New York, August 20, 1832 ; his father, John K., was an agriculturist, and D. C. spent his early life on a farm. The family finally migrated to Erie County, Pennsylvania, and thence to Michigan, where he learned the carpenter trade. In 1859, he came to St. Joseph and worked at his trade until 1861, when he enlisted in the Union army, was captured at Lexington, and soon after enlisted in Stuart's cavalry, and was trans- ferred to Co. K, Forty-third Illinois Infantry, as a private. He passed through the usual routine of promotions, and resigned as First Lieuten- ant, after serving three and a half years. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Fort Donelson, Vicksburg and Lttle Rock. At Shiloh he was slightly wounded. Returning to St. Joseph, he was for a number of years engaged in the grocery trade. From 1869 to 1871, he was clerk in the post office ; also for two years was clerk of the school board ; for the past several years has been engaged in the bakery and confectionery business. In 1860, Mrs. Angeline Carr, nee Nelson, became his wife ; she died in the spring of '65. In 1867, he was married to Mrs. Ann Prosser, nee Sprinkle. They have had one daughter, Ada, who died in the autumn of 1880. He is a member of the A. O. of U. W. S. K.
GEO. W. ANDERSON,
check clerk for the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad. This well- known railroad man was born in Brown County, Ohio, June 11th, 1844. At an early age, he removed to Galesburg, Illinois, his father, G. W., Sr., being a stone cutter by trade. The family eventually located in Monmouth, Illinois, where our subject learned the painter's trade, remaining until July, 1862, when he enlisted in Company C, Eighty-third Illinois Infantry. After serving five months, he was honorably dis-
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charged on account of disability. He returned home, recuperated, and on the 20th of November, 1863, enlisted in the Twelfth Illinois Cavalry. Was in the department of the Gulf, and served until the 29th of April, 1866, when he was mustered out. Returning to Illinois, he engaged in working at his trade until 1875, when he became an employe of the Wabash, 'St. Louis & Pacific Railroad, stationed at St. Joseph. He was married in 1880 to Miss Rosa Schreiber. Mr. Anderson is a Mason, being a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council.
JOHN ANGEL.
One who took an active and live interest in making St. Joseph what it is to-day, is our subject. He was born in Virginia, January 24, 1813, and when young removed with his parents to Surry County, North Car- olina, where his father, Nicholas, engaged in farming. Here John was raised, educated and resided until 1833, when he emigrated to Tennes- see, residing there a number of years ; thence to Alabama, remaining one year, and from there he went to Texas, thence to Van Buren County, Iowa, coming to St. Joseph in November, 1843. He commenced working at his trade, that of a carpenter, which he followed for a num- ber of years; many of the old-time landmarks, long since wiped out, were the work of his hammer and saw. From the time he came to the village, up to the present, few men have been more closely identified with a city than John Angel. About thirty years ago he was a member of the council a few terms ; also was city assessor for one year. During the Hannibal & St. Joseph project, in 1849, the first railway in the state, he was on the survey corps. In educational movements, and all commend- able enterprises for the advancement of St. Joseph, he was to be found on the right side. While in Iowa, he was a messenger in the Legisla- ture. He was married July 16, 1846, to Miss Eugena Robidoux, a neice of Joseph Robidoux. They had three children, all deceased, Felix. Edmond, and one unnamed.
JOHN J. ANGSTEN,
cooper, was born in Prussia, Germany, March 16, 1847, and came to America in 1851, his parents locating in Chicago, where he was raised, educated and learned his trade. In 1877, he came to St. Joseph. He was married in 1873 to Miss Annie Boesh. They have, by this union, three children: John, Willie and Mary.
ARMSTRONG BROTHERS,
the live and spicy business men of St. Joseph, justly merit the rank they occupy. In the browning of coffee, manufacture of baking powder
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and spices, their trade has grown from a small beginning until it stands among the prominent industries of the city. J. M. Armstrong was born in Centerville, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, March 31, 1838. His father, Samuel, was a native of New York, and removed to Jerseyville, Illinois, with his family in 1849. The subject of this sketch was raised to man- hood, spending his time when not attending the common schools, in till- ing the soil of Jersey County. In September, 1861, he tendered his services to the Union cause in Illinois, but as the call on that state had been filled, was not accepted, consequently he came to Missouri and enlisted in Company A, Second Missouri Cavalry. He was mustered in as a private, and by regular promotion, in May, 1862, was made First Lieutenant of Company G, serving faithfully his allotted time, and was honorably discharged in 1864. At Little Rock he raised the Union flag to its position on the State House. Came to St. Joseph, and engaged as clerk in the Patee House, and soon became one of the proprietors, the firm being Espy & Armstrong. After continuing in the hotel business for a time, he branched out into other pursuits, eventually becoming a clerk in the grocery of W. H. Floyd. In 1867, he engaged in the gro- cery trade in company with George B., which continued until 1881, when the present business was established. He has been twice married-first to Miss Amelia Espy, in 1864. By this union, they had two children, one of whom, Thomas, is living, and Robert, deceased. Mrs. Armstrong died a few years later. Was again married, in 1871, to Miss Jennie Milton, of New York. They have two children-Beattie and Fannie. Geo. B. Armstrong was born in Centerville, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, October 8, 1846. In 1849, he came to Jerseyville, Illinois, with his parents, where he was educated and was engaged in farming until the autumn of 1866, when he became a resident of St. Joseph. He engaged in the grocery trade in the spring of 1867, and has since been closely associated with the business interests of the city. In 1870, he married Miss Mary E. Mapstone, of Chicago. Mr. Armstrong is a member of the A. O. U. W.
J. P. ARNOLD,
general blacksmith, is a native of Phoenixville, Chester County. Pennsyl- vania, and was born October 4, 1844. When young he removed to Berks County, where he was raised and learned his trade. For a time he had charge of Weymeyers & Co.'s establishment at Lebanon, and for two years was foreman for Garner Bros., at Ashland. During the rebellion, he enlisted in the Union army, but on account of his youth was reclaimed by his parents. In 1873, he came to St. Joseph. He is numbered among the finest workmen in the country, and does a first class trade in horse- shoeing. He married in 1865, Miss Frances Chillens. They have four children : Ida B .; William H .; George B .; John T. He is a member of the K. of P., and the I. O. O. F.
41
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
HERMAN ARNOLD,
farmer and stock raiser, Section 7, postoffice St. Joseph, was born April 19, 1832, in Saxony, Germany, where he was reared and received the benefits of a fair education. He learned the stone mason's trade in his youth. He came to America in November, 1853, landing in New · York City, and has worked in many of the principal cities in the East. For three years he worked on the capitol building at Washington. His family settled at Warsaw, Ind., and remained there nine years; they then came West and settled at Chicago, and from there to the place where he now resides. He owns a fine farm of 260 acres, well improved, with good orchards and comfortable buildings. When he landed at New York he had but three dollars in his pocket, but he went to work, and by giving his attention to his business has succeeded admirably. He was married in May, 1853, to Miss Grenadine Behrens, a native of Germany. They have five children living, Mary, (now Mrs. L. Everhart, of St. Joseph,) Minnie, Charlie, Robert and Fritz. They lost four. They attend the Lutheran Church.
CARL ARNHOLD,
stone-mason, was born in Bavaria, Germany, March 12, 1828, and was there raised to manhood and learned the stone-mason's trade. In 1849, he came to America, located temporarily, in New Orleans, thence to St. Louis, and for two years was foreman in the building of the Marine Hos- pital. He came to St. Joseph in 1852, and has since made it his home, although for three years he was on the government work at Fort Leav- enworth. Many of the old land marks in the city are of his construction, and a large amount of the first class work, more modern, been done by him and under his supervision. He married in 1854, Miss Peternella Groff. They have one son, Charles A., who was born in St. Joseph, November 15, 1855, and here received his education. He adopted and learned the trade of his father, and is thoroughly competent and expe- rienced in stonework. He married in 1870, Miss Mary J. Saddler, of St. Joseph.
JACOB ARNHOLD,
with the Krug Packing Company, was born in Bavaria, Germany, Feb- ruary 17, 1843, and came to America with his parents when ten years of age. His father, Philip, located in St. Joseph, and here Jacob was raised, educated and learned the stone mason's trade. He was married in 1865 to Miss Virginia Pash. He is a Mason and also a Knight Templar.
GEORGE ARNHOLD,
stone mason and contractor, was born in Bavaria, Germany, April 5, 1850, and came to America with his parents, his father, Philip, locating in St.
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Joseph. The senior Arnhold was identified with the city up to the time of his demise a few years ago. George was here raised to manhood and learned his trade, to which he has closely adhered. He was married in 1870 to Miss Mary Carpenter. They have five children, Frederick, Josephine, George, Philip and Caroline. He is a Royal Templar of Temperance. In 1864, he enlisted in the Forty-fourth Missouri, Com- pany C, participating at the battles of Franklin, Nashville, Mobile and others, serving to the close, when he was honorably discharged.
BRO. ARTHEMIAN,
President of the St. Joseph College, is comparatively a young man, yet he has had twenty-two years experience as a teacher. The great suc- cess which has followed his administration has given the college a repu- tation as a first class school. The present number of students is one hundred and eighty. He was appointed President in 1878, and the high reputation the school had gained under the charge of its former excel- lent Presidents, has been fully maintained. With the flattering outlook for the future of St. Joseph College, it is destined to take a front rank among the educational institutions of the state. A history of the school will be found in another connection.
T. J. ASHFORD,
carpenter and builder, is a native of Woodford County, Kentucky, and was born July 14, 1827, and was raised and learned his trade in his native state. In 1853, he came to Savannah, Andrew County, and worked at his trade until 1872, when he came to St. Joseph. For a time, he was in the employ of Bailey, Wood & Co., as shipping clerk, and also in the same capacity with other houses. The remainder of the time has been devoted to building, in which branch he has his share of the taade. He is a man of clear judgment, a fluent conversationalist, and commands the respect of his fellow citizens. In 1849, he married Miss Martha J. Clare. They have a family of twelve children : Thomas K., Geo. W., Lewis, John, Bettie (now Mrs. Duncan), Addie, Allie, Emma, Tillie, Mattie, Vinnie, Gabriel (deceased). Himself and family are members of the Christian Church. Mr. A. is an Odd Fellow, of Eclipse Lodge.
THOMAS ASHTON,
farmer and broker, Washington township, Section 33; Postoffice, St. Joseph. Was born in New York City, October 30, 1826. When but a child, his parents moved to Mason County, Kenucky, where he was raised and educated. From 1848, he was contracting for the planters, being located at Vicksburg and New Orleans. In 1855, he came to Mis-
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souri, and located in Buchanan County. His landed estate consists of about 300 acres, his improvements being among the best in the county. He also has a very large orchard, containing over 1,000 bearing trees. Was married September 12, 1850, to Miss Lucinda B. Small, who was born in Mason County, Kentucky, April 8, 1834. They have had nine children, six now living : Louisa, William S., Effie M., Harry L., Annie K. and Charley.
J. W. ATWILL.
The subject of this sketch was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in February, 1844. He here received the advantages of an excellent edu- cation and entered on the active duties of life, a thoroughly qualified business man. On the breaking out of the civil war, though a very young man, Mr. Atwill determined to enter the service of his country, and enlisted in the Twenty-fourth Massachusetts volunteers. For his sol- dierly bearing and generally meritorious conduct he was promoted to a lieutenancy and transferred to the N. C. Union volunteer regiment. IIe was afterward advanced to the rank of lieutenant-colonel of this regi- ment, with which he remained till it was mustered out of the service in 1865. He then went to St. Louis, where he remained, engaged in mer- cantile pursuits, till the year 1870, when he sold out and went to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he received the appointment of General Freight and Ticket Agent for the St. Joseph and Denver City, now the St. Joseph and Western Railroad, which position he held till the fall of 1878. He is now President of the Oakdale Coal Company, and is an influential member of the City Council of St. Joseph.
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