USA > Missouri > Buchanan County > The history of Buchanan County, Missouri > Part 84
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JOHN S. PICKETT,
farmer, section 22, post office St. Joseph, was born in Kenton County, Kentucky, December 12th, 1805, and in 1837 came to Missouri and loca- ted in Clay County. In 1841, he moved to Platte County, and in 1845. came to Buchanan County ; has principally followed farming during life, but has also worked at the carpenter trade. His landed estate consists of about seven hundred acres of choice land, most of which is well improved. Hewas married in December, 1826, to Miss Juda Benson, who was born in Kenton County, Kentucky. She died in 1848, leaving
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nine children, four of whom are living: William, Elijah, John and Lavina. Mrs. Eliza Lacy, of Kentucky, became his second wife, her maiden name being Tar. By this second union they had five children : Joseph and Jerome, (twins) Charles, Emma and Boston.
JOSEPH A. PINER,
Mayor of the city of St. Joseph, was born in Boone County, Kentucky, August Ist, 1820, and received a fair business education in the common schools of his native state. He was the eldest of four brothers. Presley Piner, his father, carried on a large tobacco factory, near Florence, in Boone County, where he died when young Joseph was but eight years of age. On his mother's second marriage, he determined to leave home in quest of fortune. Accordingly, with a scanty wardrobe, and no means, save willing hands aud a hopeful heart, he began the active journey of life. He subsequently found himself in Kenton County, in his native state, where he engaged in the service of a merchant ; he was, at that period, fifteen years of age. He remained in this store several years, rising from one position of trust to another till he became entrusted with the direction of the business, at a good salary. He afterwards moved to Campbell County, Kentucky, of which he was subsequently elected sheriff. At the expiration of his term of office he was chosen judge of the county court of the same county. In 1862, he moved to Buchanan County, Missouri, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits, meeting with the most satisfactory success, for the period of four years, after which he was burned out, sustaining a loss, in this calamity, of $15,000. Since that period he has been engaged in various enterprises. In 1871, he went into the business of transportation, and is now Presi- dent of the St. Joseph Omnibus Company. April, 1878, Judge Piner was elected, on the Democratic ticket, Mayor of the city of St. Joseph, by a majority 804 votes, the largest ever achieved by any candidate in this place. His competitor in this election was also a popular and esti- mable citizen. In 1880, he was again elected to the position of Mayor, by a large majority. In his public career in St. Joseph he has achieved the character of a painstaking, capable and impartial officer. August 12th, 1853, he married, in Newport, Kentucky, Miss Sophia F. Bennett, daughter of Dr. J. Bennett, Surgeon in the United States army. He has one daughter, she is the wife of Thomas A. Massey, of St. Joseph.
DAVID PINGER,
pork and beef packer, was born in South Germany, March 10, 1831, and is the son of Christian Pinger, who started with his family, consisting of his wife and ten children, to the United States in 1833. After a voyage of six weeks they landed at New Orleans, and from this place went to
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Cincinnati, Ohio, where David was raised. His father was a butcher by trade, and at this business the son assisted ; at the same time he had a large experience in the office. In 1852 he became impressed with the advantages offered by St. Joseph and decided to make it his home. Here he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law in the manufac- ture of soap, candles, and lard oil. After two years, in connection with this business, they engaged in packing, which they continued until 1865. At this time Mr. Hauck retired and Mr. W. Zook and J. C. Waterman became his partners, and continued the packing business until 1875, when the firm dissolved and Mr. Pinger has since been engaged in his present business. From 1865 to 1871 Mr. P. was largely interested in the Colhoun Bank, and in addition to his stock business he does a large wholesale ice trade. Mr. P. is a large tax-payer of the city. He was married to Miss Catharine Hauck June 12, 1854. She was born in Cin- cinnati. They have three children, Benjamin Franklin, born August 13, 1856 ; Viola Emilie, born May 29, 1858, and William Oscar, born Novem- ber 8, 1860.
HENRY PFEIFF,
of the Crystal Palace horse shoeing shop, was born in Hessen Darmstadt, Germany, on the 22d of March, 1835, and when sixteen years of age, he came to the United States, locating in Virginia. After a short stay there, he migrated to Burlington, Iowa, remaining eight years, during two of which he operated a shop. He then paid a visit to the old coun- try, remaining a short time, and on his return, which was in 1860, located in St. Joseph. In 1861, he tendered his services to the Union cause, and after serving six months, was honorably discharged. He returned to St. Joseph, where he has since been engaged in trade. He is a skilled veterinary surgeon, and in this profession does a lucrative busi- ness. He was married in 1857, to Miss Mary Volheiser. Their family consists of Lucinda, Louie, Arthur and Lillie.
PETER PODVANT,
feed and sale stable ; was born in Canada East, September 14, 1838, and spent his early life in farming. In 1849 he located in St. Charles County, where he engaged in farming, and there resided until 1865, when he became a resident of St. Joseph. For a number of years he was engaged in teaming, and in 1876 embarked in his present vocation. He is a thorough horseman, and has made the business a success. He was mar- ried February 1, 1858, to Miss P. Tayon. They have seven children, L. A., Florence, Louise, Julius, Nealy, Isabelle, and Frank.
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FOUNTAIN POINDEXTER,
superintendent of Duffy Bros.' brick yard, was born in Anderson County, Kentucky, May 8, 1819, and was there reared and educated. His father, Robert, was a native of Virginia, and settled in Kentucky in 1784. He had been educated for the ministry, but afterwards chose the profession of school teaching. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, under General Anthony Wayne, and assisted in notching the wagon road from Lexing- ton, Kentucky, to Cincinnati, Ohio. He was twice married, and by the first marriage had six children, and by the second four. Our subject is of the latter family. His uncle, George Poindexter, was a prominent poli- tician in the State of Mississippi, and was at one time governor, and occupied a seat in Congress during the term of service of Davy Crock- ett. In 1857 Fountain came to Missouri, locating in Independence, and in 1859 came to Buchanan County. For some time he was engaged in farming. During the war he was employed in the manufacture of brick, and has devoted his attention to that branch of industry principally since. He has attained a wide reputation as a brick maker, having had forty-eight years' experience, and is one of the leaders in that business. Mr. Poindexter has been married three times. His first wife was Mary Ann Webster, and by her he had five children. His second wife was Mary E. Stephens, and by this union three children, of whom J. Albert and Joseph D. are living. His third wife was Mrs. Matilda Smith (Gran- nis).
GEORGE W. POOLER,
dealer in painters' supplies, glass, and artists' goods, was born in Cort- land County, New York, February 3d, 1826, and was there reared, edu- cated and learned the painter's trade. In 1866, he came West and took up his abode in St. Joseph. For a time he was clerk in the establish- ment of Webb, Fuller & Co., after which he embarked in painting and contracting, and has done a great portion of the first-class work of the city. In 1880, comprehending the wants of the craft, both in the city and throughout the adjoining county, he opened his present wholesale and retail house, where is kept a select line of mixed colors, window glass, brushes, white lead, dry and distemper colors, varnishes and art- ists' sundries. He has had thirty-eight years' experience, and with experience is combined close observation, so that he stands at the head of his profession. He is a Master Mason and a member of the chapter.
B. C. PORTER,
was born in Shelby County, Kentucky, January 23, 1813. His father was killed the day before his birth. He was raised on a farm, and in 1837.
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his mother and twin brother, John W., came to Missouri, and settled eight miles north of the city of St. Joseph, and improved a fine farm. B. C. came in September, 1838, and pre-empted 160 acres of land, near his mother and brother, and went to work with a will to improve it. In 1849, he came to St. Joseph and built the first regular livery barn in the place. The building is now occupied as a pottery, on Main Street. In 1850, he sold out to William Ardery. He then moved on to his farm, where he remained until 1862, when he returned to the city, where he has since lived. He opened a grocery and operated it for one year, and sold out, since which time he has been dealing in real estate, building and improv- ing lots, etc. He married Miss Rosanna Ardery, daughter of John and Elizabeth Ardery, near Paris, Bourbon County, Kentucky, October I, 1836. Mrs. Porter died March 13, 1880. They were among the most active members of the M. E. Church South for forty-three years, being members here of the Francis Street Church. They were among the fore- most members in all the worthy enterprises, improvements and benevo- lences of the church and society.
F. M. POSEGATE
was born in Lafayette, Tippecanoe County, Indiana, October 11th, 1837, and when three years old was taken by his parents to Liberty, Clay County, Missouri, where they remained until 1843, and then removed to Booneville, Missouri, where the family lived until 1848, and then changed their residence to DesMoines, Polk County, Iowa. While living here, the subject of our sketch carried the first newspaper ever delivered that was printed at that place. In 1850, he returned to Missouri, and, after stopping a short time at Weston, in Platte County, he came to St. Joseph, and worked at the printing business in the office of the Adven- turer, published by E. Livermore, and continued the same business with James A. Millan, in the office of the Cycle, and was foreman in this office when the Cycle was published by E. C. Davis. In connection with James A. Millan, he started the first job office in St. Joseph. In May, 1858, he started the St. Joseph West. In August, 1860, he went to Memphis, Tennessee, and was employed in the offices of the Eagle and Enquirer, and, a few days before the presidential election, he was com- pelled, for his own safety, to leave between two days, owing to his strong Union sympathies. He went to Ohio, and, under the first call of Presi- dent Lincoln for three years' troops, he enlisted as a private in the Forty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and, after passing the several grades of promotion, was mustered out as captain, at the close of the war. In 1867, he returned to St. Joseph, and took a position on the cases of the St. Joseph Herald, and soon after he became business man- ager for Wilkinson & Bittinger. In 1869, he bought out the latter's
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interest, and became a partner of Mr. Wilkinson as proprietor of the St. Joseph Herald. This relation existed about one year, when the firm sold out to. Hallowell & Bittinger, and he then organized the St. Joseph Steam Printing Company, with which he has since been so prominently identified. In December, 1877, he was appointed by President Hays Postmaster at St. Joseph, and held the position until June 15, 1881. This office he filled with remarkable ability, and his official record is without a stain. Politically, he is a staunch Republican, and the party find in him an able advocate of their principles. He is a good public speaker, and expresses himself in good language, of which he has ready command. He married Miss Sarah A. Johnson on the 6th day of Sep- tember, 1858. She was born in Highland County, Ohio. Mrs. Posegate died July 23, 1878, leaving two daughters, Kate, now Mrs. Robert Hughart, and Mamie.
W. ANGELO POWELL,
architect, is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and was born January 7, 1828. His early education was received in his native city, after which he attended school in Philadelphia. His parents were desirous that he should fit himself for the Presbyterian ministry, and were about to send him to Princeton, New Jersey, for that purpose. For winters he studied medicine with the celebrated Dr. Smith, of Baltimore, with a view of becoming a practitioner. However, he abandoned this idea, and com- menced the study of architecture in New York City, under Minard Lafever, continuing five years. After this, for a time, he pursued his vocation in that city. Returning to Baltimore, he studied civil engineer- ing under Mr. Lathrop, and assisted in the topography of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, between Pedivant and Grafton. Next he became associated with Robert Mills, an architect on public buildings at Wash- ington, D. C., which partnership existed from 1847 to 1853. During this time he made the designs for the extension of the United States Capitol, the Washington National Monument, Marine Hospital and other public buildings. He again returned to Baltimore and was in the architectural business with his brothers until 1857, when they went to New York City and Mr. Powell came to Cincinnati, Ohio. He had many warm friends in Washington and Baltimore, and as a result carried several introduc- tory letters to prominent citizens of Cincinnati, which proved very ben- eficial. He soon had large offices, employed thirteen draughtsmen, and did a flourishing business until the breaking out of the war, when he lost $6,000. Becoming acquainted with Generals McClellan and Rosecrans, he was prevailed upon to accompany the latter into Virginia, and continued as engineer through the war, receiving a captain's commission, and was mustered out as Colonel. Was with Generals Cook, Schenck, Piatt,
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'Siegel and others. He planned and built the fortifications at Harper's Ferry, Winchester and other points. Was in twenty-four engagements, once was slightly wounded, had his horse shot from under him, and was twice captured. The first time it was a question of life or death, and he shot his captor. On the second occasion, he passed through the lines at Harper's Ferry on a pass from General A. P. Hill as a doctor. After the war, he became civil engineer for a large mining company at Nashville, Tennessee, and was also interested in oil wells. Mr. Powell speculated with disastrous results financially. Then went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and finding the city full of architects, turned towards Missouri. Arriving in the autumn of 1866, he located in St. Joseph. Friends in the East advised him not to go so far West, as the country was not sufficiently advanced to afford him employment. Since locating here, he has designed some of the best buildings in the Western country. Mr. Powell has been prac- ticing his profession upwards of thirty-three years, and if attention and ability deserves its reward, he is certainly worthy. Quite a number of young men have studied under him, three of whom are now practicing architecture in the West, one in South America, three in the middle states and three in the Eastern cities. He has four brothers, three of whom studied architecture and engineering with him. Two of them are practicing in Eastern cities. In his early practice he knew all the arch- itects in the United States, then about a dozen. In his day architecture and civil engineering were studied and practiced jointly as one profes- sion. Mr. Powell is a healthy, robust man ; was never sick but once, and in that instance, on account of privation in the army. Is of a jovial dis- position, a brilliant conversationalist, a close student and keeps up with the times in matters pertaining to his profession. Belongs to a long- lived race of Marylanders. Was married in 1857, to Miss Celia Gillmyer, of Hagerstown, Maryland. They have seven children now living. Lelia E. is the wife of William Noyes, of St. Joseph, and they have one child.
BENJAMIN C. POWELL,
the subject of this sketch, was one of the first merchants of the city, and was born in Virginia, October 15, 1814. When one year old his father moved to Tennessee, near Nashville, where young Powell secured a good education. He came to this county and settled in Sparta in 1842, where he commenced trading and continued it for one year. In the fall of 1843 he moved to St. Joseph and started business again, being one of the pioneer merchants. In 1862 he discontinued business and went to Montana. In 1868 he commenced business in St. Louis, and in 1878 was burned out with a total loss, since which time he has not been in any regular or active business. He married Miss Lucy A. Duffee in 1842, in Tennessee. She died in St. Joseph in April, 1879. He was
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appointed by the legislature one of the first trustees of St. Joseph- seven constituting the house. General Loan was clerk of the first house. Mr. Powell has been a very successful business man ; has accu- mulated a large property here and has large interests in St. Louis, which he now calls his home. He has always taken a great interest in the dif- ferent enterprises of the town, assisting in building schools, churches, and has built several stores and dwellings and has contributed liberally to the benevolent institutions of the city of St. Joseph.
PATRICK POWERS,
dealer in wines, liquors, etc., was born in County Waterford, Ireland, July 25, 1834, and when quite young, his father, John, with the family, emigrated to the United States, locating for a time in Massachusetts. After this they came West, and engaged in farming, near Bloomington, Illinois. In 1856, our subject commenced railroading on the Chicago and Alton, as a brakeman, and in 1861, went on the Chicago, Burlington ann Quincy, as fireman, between Galesburg and Quincy, remaining one year. For six months he was engineer of a stationary engine at Quincy. During the spring of 1863, he came on the Hannibal and St. Joseph, and in 1865, was placed in charge of an engine, and continued in the employ of the old reliable until November, 1869, running for four years passen- ger trains. After leaving this company, he was in the employ of the Kansas City, St. Joseph and Council Bluffs, and remained with them until June, 1881, when he embarked in trade. He served twenty-five years constantly and never received an injury, notwithstanding the fact he passed through the entire catalogue of accidents incidental to railroading. He was married in 1866, to Miss Ann Colbert. By the union the have seven children, Mary, John, Thomas, Annie, Nellie, Nora, and Alice. He is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engi- neers, St. Patrick's Benevolent Society and the Land League.
JAMES H. PRATT,
attorney. The subject of this sketch was born in Linn County, Mis- souri, in 1854. He had good school advantages, graduating in the State Normal School, and, afterwards, in Columbia State University. He is now engaged in the law business. Being an active, energetic young man, his efforts will undoubtedly be crowned with success. Law is his specialty, and all business entrusted to his care receives prompt atten- tion.
PRAWITZ & HAEGELIN,
manufacturers of carriages, omnibuses, truck and spring wagons. Louis Prawitz was born in Prussia, Germany, April 3, 1843. In his sixteenth
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year he came to America with his parents locating at Watertown, Wis- consin, where he learned the trade he now pursues, and resided there until 1864, when he came to St. Joseph. He was in the employ of Stude- baker Bros. until 1875 when, in company with Mr. Haegelin, he estab- lished the present business. He was married in 1868 to Miss Lena Fonx. They have six children, Louis, Felix, Louisa, Rosa, Tilla, and Mollie. He is a member of the German Benevolent Society. Richard Haegelin was born in Baden, Germany, in 1837, and when fourteen years of age came to America with his parents, locating in New York City. He learned the trade of carriage making in Manlius, Onondaga County, of that State, and after a residence of eight years returned to his native country, remaining until 1873. We then find him in Missouri located in St. Joseph. For a few years he was in the employ of Studebaker Bros., engaging in 1875 in present business in company with Mr. Prawitz. He has been twice married ; first, in 1864, to Miss Bertha Hug, whose death occurred July 24, 1874. He was again married in 1876 to Miss L. Hug. By his first wife has two children, Mary and Richard. He is a member of the German Benevolent Society. This firm make a specialty of spring and heavy truck wagons.
W. H. PRINDLE,
grocer, is a native of Ohio and was born in Seneca County, May 2, 1852. He was there reared and educated, and in 1869, went South and was engaged in lumbering in Tennessee until 1875, when he became a resi- dent of Buchanan County. He engaged in gardening on King Hill, where he owns a garden, and for several years assisted in supplying the St. Joseph market with vegetables. In April, 1881, he engaged in his present business. He is a live business man and well known for his uprightness. In 1867, he married Miss Natella Ray, of Ohio. They had one daughter, Eva Belle. Mrs. Prindle died in 1879. He is a Master Mason.
S. PRYOR,
leader and proprietor of Pryor's military band. St. Joseph, in music, as in all other arts, ranks among the first cities of her size in the West. Mr. S. Pryor has given the city a reputation in this respect that is envi- able. Mr. Pryor is a natural musician, and has devoted the greater por- tion of his life to the musical world. He was born in Liberty, Missouri, May 22, 1844, and came to St. Joseph with his parents in 1854. His father, D. Pryor, was favorably known in this city over twenty years ago, as an agriculturist and real estate dealer. The subject of our sketch was here reared, educated and took the initial steps in music, after which he studied under the best teachers and professors of St. Louis and Chicago.
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He is one of the pioneer band leaders of the city, and is known far and near. For three years he was leader in the Lincoln Opera House, Lin- ·coln, Nebraska, and has made several professional tours. His present band was organized in 1865, and reorganized in 1876, under the style of Pryor's Military Band. Every member is an expert, and it has few equals in the country. In 1880, the Military Band was in attendance at the Knights Templar conclave at Chicago, and received the highest ·commendation of the press and people. He was married November 29, 1866, to Miss M. A Coker. They have three children, Walter D., Arthur W. and Samuel.O. Walter and Arthur are conceded by all to be among the finest musicans of the day, regardless of age, and have made remark- able progress in the science. Mr. Pryor is a member of Enterprise Lodge, I. O. O. F., in the City of St. Joseph.
MICHAEL PURCELL, M. D.,
was born in Ireland, in 1820. He came to this country in 1839, and set- tled in Rhode Island, remaining until 1848, when he went to Indiana, and two years afterwards to St. Joseph. He had fine opportunities for obtaining an education, which were eagerly embraced. He studied med- icine with some of the best physicians in France and Belgium, and took a regular course at the University of Luvanne, where he was graduated, receiving the degree of M. D. In his practice he has made very little noise or ado, but those who employ him have always found him skilled and successful. Was married to Mary Jane Mitchell, in St. Joseph, in 1855. They have had twelve children. Of these, John, Seeley, Molly, William, Frank and George are living.
JOHN QUIGLEY,
·civil engineer, etc., was born in the State of Maine in the year 1827. In early boyhood he moved to Pennsylvania, settling in Susquehanna County, where he received his literary and scientific education, acquir- ing a thorough knowledge of practical engineering and surveying under the instruction of the distinguished Professor King. In 1847, he moved to Dubuque, Iowa, and in the following year entered the government ·employ as a surveyor, a business which he pursued for many years with marked success. Many of the important lines in the State of Iowa were run by him. In this experience, in common with his associates, he encountered many difficulties and dangers from the hostilities of the Indians, who harassed and often destroyed the settlers, but seemed .especially inimical to the surveying parties. In his capacity as civil ·engineer he has done a vast amount of work on different railroads in the West. In 1854, he took a contract of subdivisions, and so well and faithfully was the work performed that he was complimented by
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