USA > Missouri > Buchanan County > The history of Buchanan County, Missouri > Part 95
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JOSEPH ROBINSON,
railroad contractor and farmer, Easton, was born August 6, 1836, in Wyoming County, Pennsylvania, where he was raised and educated.
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During the late war he enlisted May 2, 1861, and served for twenty months, taking part in the battles of Cheek Mountain, Kernstown, McDowell, and the seven days' fight around Richmond. Then turned his attention to railroading. He came to Missouri in 1867 and has since been engaged in the railroad business. He owns 240 acres of fine land adjoining the town of Easton. This is one of the finest stock farms in the county, and also has a handsome residence in the village. In prin- ciple, as well as in purse, Mr. B. is one of the solid men of the county. He was married July 3, 1863, to Miss Mary A. Leftwich, a native of Vir- ginia, born in 1844. They have a family of four children, Mary L., Georgia, Dolman, and Jessie ; lost, three. Mrs. R. is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. R. is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has held the position of Master of Easton Lodge, No. 101, for four years.
W. P. SHORTRIDGE, SR.,
farmer, section 32, postoffice Easton, is a native of Kentucky, and was born in 1817. He had but very slender educational advantages. He emigrated to Missouri in 1844, locating in Platte County, whence he removed to Buchanan County in 1851. He was married in 1844 to Miss Elizabeth Minor, a native of Kentucky. They have had six children, two of whom are dead. When Mr. Shortridge came to Missouri, in 1840, there was no one in these parts except Robidoux and a few agents. St. Joseph was a wheat-field at that time, and where the wheat then grew is now the bed of the river. He sustained losses by the war of over four thousand dollars, principally in corn and bacon, of which he was robbed. He was arrested and put in prison at St. Joseph, where he was fed by friends. He got nothing from any other source, and was taken out twice to be hung. Through his own intercession he was ·saved, with about forty others. He was called out at home and threat- ·ened to be shot, made no concealment of his politics, but said he was trying to attend to his own business. He has all through life donated liberally to churches and school houses. He is a Mason and member of the Christian Church. Mr. Shortridge and his son, W. P., Jr., are per- fecting a new grain drill which will be far superior to anything on the market. They challenge the world with the Shortridge drill. It is a complete combination of wheat drill, corn marker, wheat roller and cultivator.
WILLIAM H. SLAYBAUGH,
farmer and stock raiser, section 18, postoffice Easton, was born August 14, 1837, in Buchanan County, Missouri, and has made this his home through life. Received his education in the old log school house, and has made agricultural pursuits his occupation through life. During the
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late war he served for three years with Company H, Fourth Missouri Cavalry. Assisted in driving Price from Missouri on his raid in 1864, and was wounded at the battle on the Blue ; also took part in the battles of Mine Run and Little Miami, which was the last buchwhacker fight in the State. Owns a fine farm of 74 acres, which is well cultivated. He has filled the positions of road overseer and clerk of the district. Was married in 1865, to Miss Lizzie C. Missemer, a native of Pennsylvania. They have five children living-Minnie, Cyrus, Katie, Thomas and Andrew. Lost one. Mrs. S. is a member of the New School Presbyte- rian Church.
ALLEN STROUD,
farmer and stock raiser, section 16, post office Easton, was born October 14, 1810, in Dearborn County, Indiana, and was reared as a farmer until twenty-one years of age, there receiving his education. He moved to Vanderburg County, Indiana, in 1831, and resided there for thirty-four years, engaged in farming and stock raising. From that place he came to Buchanan County, Missouri, in 1865. He owns 140 acres of land well improved and stocked. Mr. S. made what he owns by honesty, industry and fair dealing. He has been twice married, first on the 4th of July, 1833, to Miss Jane Smith, a native of Rochester, New Jersey. She died on the 9th of January, 1880, leaving a family of seven children, three of whom are still living : Helen E., (now Mrs. D. L. Hawkins) Kizia, (now Mrs. Monroe Kerns) and Joshua. He was married again January II, 1881, to Mrs. Ellen McClain, a native of this state. They are members of the Free Baptist Church. His son-in-law, D. L. Hawkins, resides with him.
DR. I. S. TALBOT,
was born in Carroll County, Kentucky, July 15, 1833. His grandfather -who served through the Revolutionary war-located in that state in the time of Boone. The doctor's father was born in Kentucky, as was also his mother. Our subject was the youngest son of eight children, and in 1843 came with his father to Missouri, locating in Marion Town- ship, Buchanan County. He here attended the common schools, and for two years was a student at Chapel Hill College, in Lafayette County. Having resolved to become a physician, in 1853, he began the study of medicine with Dr. B. F. Donaldson. In 1854, he began practicing, and for some time was in partnership with him. In April, 1856, he estab- lished himself in practice at Easton, being the first physician to locate there. During the late war he served a short time under General Price, holding the position of first lieutenant. Dr. Talbot's landed estate consists of 375 acres, adjoining the town of Easton. He has been
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twice married. First, in July, 1854, to Miss Evaline Donaldson; she- died in August, 1869, leaving six children, five of whom are living: George W., Andrew J., Mary J., Laura, and E. M. He was married again on the 18th of May, 1871, to Mary C. Mayham. By this union they have three children: I. W., E. L., and C. A. M. They lost one. Mrs. T. is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and also of the Masonic frater- nity, and holds the position of treasurer of Easton Lodge No. 101.
J. W. TAYLOR,
merchant and postmaster, San Antonio, was born September 15, 1852,. in Muskingum County, Ohio, and was taken to Iowa by his parents. when about two years of age. Came from there to this county in the spring of 1865, and has made this his home ever since. Spent his boy- hood days on a farm, receiving his education in the schools of this vicin- ity, and when fourteen years of age he left home and worked by the month until twenty-two years old. Then married, and commenced farm- ing on his own account. On the 14th of August, 1880, he purchased the store at this place, which is well filled with a general stock of goods, and Mr. Taylor has secured a liberal patronage. Was married October 8, 1874, to Matilda Simmons, a native of this county, born September 23, 1856. They have three children-Ira P., Ida L. and Della P. Mrs. T. is a member of the M. E. Church.
WILLIAM T. TUCK,
dealer in groceries and provisions, Easton, was born August 22, 1844, in Jackson County, Alabama, and was brought to this county by his parents in 1852, and has here made his home since. He spent his boyhood days on a farm. During the late war he enlisted in the Eighteenth Missouri, Company K, in February 1862, and served until July, 1865. He took part in the engagements of Island No. 10, Shiloh, first and second battles of Corinth, Mississippi, and was with Sherman on his " March to the Sea," and many other minor engagements. He returned to this county in the spring of 1866, and engaged in the mercantile business, in which he has since been engaged. Mr. T. married, in 1867, Miss Levana Lawlis, a native of this county, born in 1849. They have five children living: Emma, Maud, Effie, Edna and Jessie ; lost one. Himself and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.
HERMAN H. VONDENBOSCH,
dealer in general merchandise, and postmaster, Hirlingen, was born January 26, 1852, in Holland, and accompanied his parents to the United
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'States when about twelve years of age. They settled in Mercer County, ·Ohio, and here he was principally reared, receiving his education at St. Mary's of Dayton, Ohio. After completing his schooling he engaged in teaching in that vicinity for eight years. He emigrated west in the spring of 1878 and arrived in this county in April of that year. Started his present business in the winter of 1880. He owns one acre of land and has a neat store and also a residence. He has won a large patron- age and has been influential in securing a post office at this place and was appointed postmaster. He has quite a musical talent and gives lessons to a choir in Easton. He was married September 14, 1875, to Miss Catharine Droxler, a native of Ohio, born November 25, 1857. They have two children, Catharine M. and Peter P. Himself and wife are active members of St. Mary's Church of this township.
MAURICE WOGAN,
farmer and stock raiser, section 24, postoffice Easton, was born Decem- ber 12, 1820, in County Kings, Ireland, and was reared there as a farmer, until twenty-two years of age. He came to America in 1842, landed at New York City, and went to Litchfield, Connecticut ; remained there eighteen years, engaged in farming. Then removed to Fremont County, Nebraska, and was among its early pioneers there. After twelve years, he came to Buchanan County, Missouri, and settled on the place he now ·occupies. His landed estate consists of 380 acres of fine farm land, well improved and stocked. Mr. W. has filled his present position of school director and road supervisor several terms. In 1852, he was married to Miss Ann Bloomer. She is also a native of Ireland. They have ten children : John, Joseph, Mary (now Mrs. Diegnan), Ellen, Michael, Sarah, Katie, Esther, Maurice and Tresa. Himself and family are mem- bers of the Catholic Church.
WALLER YOUNG,
formerly Senator from the Second District, was born in Bath County, Kentucky, in 1843, and remained in the State until ten years of age, when he came to Missouri, locating in Buchanan County, where, except- ing at short intervals, he has since resided. He attended college at Platte City, Missouri, until the commencement of the late war, when he went to Virginia, joined General Marshall's army, and remained in the ranks until the last echo of the Southern guns died away. He then returned to Missouri, determined to acquire for himself in the civil walks of life a respectable position, and if energy would accomplish anything, a prominent place among the people of his State. After graduating at the law school of Louisville, Kentucky, he practiced in St.
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Joseph with marked success. Having a natural propensity for politics, and a clear and discriminating judgment, he early foresaw that the only means whereby the people of Missouri could be relieved from the oppressions of the Radical party was by producing dissensions in their ranks by forming a Liberal party, based upon the principle of enfran- chising all citizens of the State without distinction ; hence we find him taking an active part in the campaign that elected Brown governor. He was a delegate to the State convention in 1872, and did more to nominate Governor Woodson than any man in the convention. He was appointed private secretary of Governor Woodson, and after serving a short time resigned. In 1874 he was nominated as a Democratic candi- date for the State Senate, and was elected by 1,900 majority-the largest Democratic majority the district ever gave. He was chairman of the Committee on Claims, and a member of the committees on Inter- nal Improvements, Swamp Lands, and Lunatic Asylum. Mr. Young bids fair to become one of the most prominent men in the State, and possesses all the qualities essential to a great man-intelligence, capa- bility, principle, and honesty. In the past few years he has taken but little active part in politics.
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MARMADUKE D. FINCH,
section 32, postoffice Gower, was born in Franklin County, North Caro- lina, April 28, 1813, and his ancestors were originally from Virginia. Received his education in the schools of his vicinity, and was bred a farmer. On the 4th of May, 1834, he married Elizabeth Jordan, a native of North Carolina, born in 1810. She died in Missouri, in 1870, leaving three children, two of whom now survive-Thomas N. and Evalina, (now Mrs. L. Heffner.) In 1842, he moved to Missouri, and on the 20th of May, reached the Rock House Prairie, in Buchanan County, where he has since continued to reside, and where he owns a fine farm. Originally a member of the old Whig party, his first vote for President was cast for Harrison, in the exciting campaign of 1840. On the dissolution of the Whig party, he joined the Democracy. Mr. Finch has held several important public positions in the county. In 1854, he was elected Justice
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of the Peace in Tremont Township, a position which he filled eight years. In 1858, he was made collector of the county, and served two years in that capacity, under Sheriff Morgan. In 1874, he was county assessor, under John Tutt. In all these several positions he proved himself a worthy and capable officer. June 22, 1874, Mr. Finch again married. His second wife was Mrs. Julia Bretz, widow of Judge John Bretz, of Buchanan County.
A. F. GREENARD,
farmer and merchant, section 10, post office Garrettsburg, was born September 2, 1844, in Buchanan County, Missouri, and has lived here all his life. In his early days he was a farmer. In 1864, he visited Montana on an exploring expedition in the mountains. He married Miss Mary J. Whitson in 1866. She was born November 27, 1848, in Missouri. They have had four children : William S., born July 18, 1870; Mary A., born January 18, 1873; Franklin J., born July 16, 1879; and an infant, born October 17, 1880. In 1867, he ran a blacksmith 'shop and farmed. December 3, 1879, commenced general merchandising, and has done a prosperous business. His stock consists of dry goods, hardware, drugs, hats, caps, notions, boots and shoes, groceries, &c. He is post- master at Garrettsburg, and has filled the office of school director. In the Masonic order he has achieved the rank of Knight Templar. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is also a Granger. He donated half an acre of land for school purposes in his neighborhood. Was a mem- ber, during the war, of Company D, 8Ist regiment Pawpaw Militia, under Colonel Scott. He owns 447 acres of land, 330 acres of which he inherited from his father's estate. This is mostly under fence and in a good state of cultivation with excellent improvements, including orchard, &c., and is stocked with abundance of farming implements. He also owns a store house 20x36 with a cellar 18x20, with 2 feet stone wall, 7 feet deep. Mr. Greenard has always endeavored to do his part as a man, assisting the needy and afflicted whenever called on.
SAMUEL J. JEFFERS,
farmer and stock raiser, section 24, postoffice Frazer, was born Septem- ber 20, 1833, in Clay County, Missouri, and was brought to this county by his parents when about six years of age. He spent his boyhood days on the farm and received his education in the schools of this vicinity. He now owns a fine farm of 140 acres, well watered and stocked. Mr. J. has filled the positions of township clerk and school director. He moved to Andrew County in 1858 and resided there until 1865, engaged in farming ; then returned to this county. He was married November 24, 1853, to Miss Frances Miller, a native of Knox County, Kentucky.
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They have had eleven children, six of whom are living : N. Ellen, Finis E., William J., Maud M., Harvey B. and Laura F. He and his two oldest children are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
JAMES M. JEFFERS,
farmer and stock raiser, section 24, postoffice Frazer, was born April 7, 1831, in Clay County, Missouri, and came to Buchanan County in Feb- ruary, 1839, with his parents, and has since made this his home. He owns 260 acres of fine land, 160 of which are under cultivation, the remainder being pasture and timber land. His farm is well stocked, and he has a handsome residence. In 1861, he moved to Kansas, and remained one year, came back, and again went there, in 1865, and spent six months. During the late war, he served three months in the Enrolled Missouri Militia. He has filled the office of school director, but has never been a political aspirant. In October, 1853, he was mar- ried to Miss Virginia Miller, a native of this city, born August 28, 1838. They are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in which he holds the position of Elder. They raised an orphan boy, named J. H. Norman, now minister in the Presbyterian Church, at Stewartsville.
EVANS JORDAN,
farmer, was born in Wake County, North Carolina, February 14, 1815, and came to Tremont Township, Rock House Prairie, in this county, in 1840. Here, in company with Dugan Pfouts, he bought 714 acres of iland. The original name of the township and the recorded name now 'in the clerk's office, is Jordan. The railroad station of Frazer, fifteen miles southeast of St. Joseph, is located on his farm, it being on the line of what was known, when first built, as St. Louis & St. Joseph Railroad, now the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific. He has a very fine farm, with an ·excellent residence and good improvements generally. The place is well stocked. Mr. J. did much to facilitate the building of the railroad, and has always been foremost in all enterprises of a public character, including the building of churches, school houses, etc., and has ever been prompt in lending a helping hand to every scheme calculated to promote and develop the interests at large of his county and neighbor- .hood. No man in the township enjoys a wider personal popularity.
E. M. JORDAN,
farmer and stock raiser, section 32, postoffice Frazer, was born March 10, 1812, in Wake County, North Carolina, and moved to Randolph County, the same State, with his parents in 1824. He spent his boy- hood days on a farm and received his education at Wake Forest. When
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eighteen years of age he was appointed deputy sheriff of Randolph County, which position he held until he left in February, 1840. He with two companions rode through from North Carolina on horseback and arrived here in May, 1840. From here they went to Lexington, Missouri, when they separated and our subject rode through to Texas, remaining two years. He returned to this county and after one year went back to North Carolina. Soon returned to this county, and set- tled in this township. He has contributed his full share towards building up and improving it, and being an old settler is well known. Mr. J. has filled the positions of Justice of the Peace four years, school director ten years, and road overseer several terms. He was married in the fall of 1845 to Miss Diza Pfouts, a native of Randolph County, North Carolina, born in June, 1822. They have had twelve children, ten of whom are living : Elizabeth, Mary, Merinda, Roxaner, Evaline, Evans, Jacob, Thomas, John and Marmaduke. Mrs. J. is a member of the M. E. Church.
JESSE T. LEFTWICH,
farmer and stock raiser, section I, postoffice Easton, was born August II, 18II, in Bedford County, Virginia, and when about twelve years of age he moved with his parents to Pittsylvania County, where he spent his boyhood days on a farm and received his education. Upon becom- ing of age he commenced the manufacture of tobacco, and after follow- ing the business for ten years he turned his attention to farming, and continued therein some twenty years. He again engaged in the tobacco business and was so occupied until the war broke out, when he lost heavily. He had three sons in the Confederate army under General Lee, two of them taking part in twenty-two general engagements, besides many minor engagements. At the close of the war Mr. L. emi- grated West and settled in this county. He moved to the place where he now resides in 1872, and now owns a fine farm of eighty acres, improved. At one time he fixed up proper facilities for the tobacco business, but the climate was too cold to make it a success. Mr. L. was married in 1837 to Miss Letitia Shelton, a native of Pittsylvania County, Virginia, born October 14, 1820. They have had eleven chil- dren, ten of whom are living, Taswell B., George W., Mary A. (now Mrs. Joseph Robinson, of Easton), James B., Augustin J., William L., Nancy J. (now Mrs. George Marker, of Easton), John B., Victoria L. (now Mrs. John Kerns), and Thomas J. Mrs. L. is a member of the Christian church.
DANIEL MCCRAY
was born on the 30th of February, 1798, in Washington County, East Tennessee, where he was raised on a farm. In 1821, he removed to
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Howard County, Missouri, from there to Ray County, and thence to this county, in the spring of 1838. He bought a claim, and commenced pio- neer life ; here he earnestly worked for the upbuilding of his adopted county, until June 4, 1881, when he died. His marriage occurred Feb- ruary 14, 1818, to Miss Sally Bogart. They had a family of ten children, four of whom are now living : Charles, Polly (now Mrs. Elijah Jenkins, of Andrew County), Nancy (wife of James Christy, of Andrew County), and Salenia (now Mrs. E. Miller, of Kansas).
CHARLES McCRAY,
farmer and stock raiser, section 19, postoffice Frazer, was born January 6, 1819, in Illinois, and is the eldest son of Daniel McCray, one of the earliest pioneers in the county. Charles accompanied his parents to Howard County, Missouri, in 1821, and to Buchanan County in the spring of 1838, and has made this his home since, having been engaged in farming all his life. Assisted in redeeming this county from a wilder- ness, and has had his full share of the hardships of pioneer life. In his manners he is kind and genial, and is widely and favorably known, and has won the respect of a large circle of friends. During the late war he enlisted and served for six months in the noted Pawpaw militia. Owns eighty acres of fine land, partly improved. He has filled the office of road overseer several terms. Was married to Miss Eliza Horton, a native of Kentucky. They have had a family of seven children, six of whom are living-Benjamin, Sarah, (now Mrs. B. Riddle), Henry, Martha J., (now Mrs. B. Tadlock), Samuel D. and Oscar. Mrs. McCray and five of the children are members of the Baptist Church.
K. F. MOORE,
farmer and stock raiser, section 13, postoffice Frazer. His parents were residents of Bath County, Kentucky, and K. F. was born while they were on a visit to Brown County, Ohio, September 22, 1832. He spent his boyhood days on a farm and received his education in the schools of Bath County. Commenced business for himself when about sixteen years of age. Came west in 1861, and settled in Easton, this county, where he engaged in farming. Purchased the place he now occupies in 1865, and moved upon and has since been improving it. Owns 650 acres of fine land, all improved, with a handsome residence. He pur- chased the old John Bretz farm at the beginning of the crisis of 1873. He has filled the positions of road overseer and school director several terms, and is prominent among the leading citizens of the county. Mr. M. was married in January, 1861, to Miss Lucretia Robinson, a native of Gallatin County, Kentucky, born September 22, 1839. They have had
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eight children: Laura, William N., Annie L., Virginia, Charlie, Nellic, John M. and Benjamin F. Himself and wife are members of the Chris- tian Church.
JAMES A. RODMAN,
farmer, section 31, postoffice Frazer, was born March 17, 1826, Washing- ton County, Indiana, and was married March 22, 1863, to Frances E. Kinniard, a native of Kentucky. By this union they have had six children : Frances J., Mary E., Jima D., Samuel H., Sarah E. and Charles K. He endured all the hardships subsequent to pioneer life, but by his own industry has saved 160 acres of land, improved, and with good buildings. He has held the positions of constable and school director.
JAMES SAXTON,
farmer and stock raiser, section II, postoffice Saxton, was born January 2, 1820, in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, but his parents were natives of the Green Mountain State. He was raised in his native county, and spent his boyhood days on a farm, there receiving his education. He has made agricultural pursuits his chief occupation through life, and emi- grated to Racine County, Wisconsin, in 1841 ; remained there twelve years, then moved to Waupaca County, where he resided, until 1864, engaged in farming and the lumber business. From there he came to Buchanan County, Missouri, and settled on the place he now occupies. He owns 214 acres of rich land, improved and well stocked. Mr. S. has taken a great interest in educational matters; he organized the school dis- trict in which he lives, had the first school house built, and has filled the position of school director several terms. June 2, 1851, he was mar- ried to Miss Milissa M. Crego, a native of York State. She was born December 31, 1828. They have had six children, five of whom are now living : Josephine (now Mrs. J. S. Chandler), Louisa (now Mrs. David Louden), Eugenie (now Mrs. Z. Garrett), Cyrus J. and Edwin.
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