The history of Linn county, Missouri. An encyclopedia of useful information, Part 73

Author:
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Kansas City, Mo., Birdsall & Dean
Number of Pages: 906

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I. O. G. T.

This lodge was organized August 6, 1870, under the name of Parson Creek Lodge No. 132, of I. O. G. T. The date of their charter is also August 6, 1870. The order assumed quite a prominence from the start, being the leading social institution of Meadville. The following leading citizens, both male and female, enrolled themselves as charter members of this lodge: W. R. Spofford, Dr. S. Beech, W. W. Sturges, Joel Spencer, William G. Brown, E. D. Harvey, A. D. Goodale, Martin Moore, C. C. Kirby, L. C. Green, Miss Addie McNeil, Miss Unice Spofford, Miss Sarah Cook, Miss M. L. Wilder, Miss Mary Kellogg, Miss Rose Hall, and Mrs. F. J. Brown. When it came to electing the first officers, there was some excitement, and among a few a little anxiety either on their own account or on that of their freinds, but it was all peace and harmony; nothing but. friendly strife. When the contest ended the following named persons were duly announced and installed as the first officers of the association: W. C. T., E. D. Harvey ; W. V. T., M. L. Wilder; W. S., W. W. Sturges; W. C., W. G. Brown; W. A. S., Joel Spencer, and served as W. F. S., also; W. T., Addie McNeil; W. M., A. D. Goodale; W: D. M., Mary Kellogg; W. I. G., Sarah Cook; W. O. G., Stephen Beach; R. H. S., Frances J. Brown; L .. H. S., Unice Spofford; P. W. C. T., W. R. Spofford; L. D., W. G. Brown. With this array of officers the lodge grew and flourished until its member- ship at this time numbers about one hundred. They built themselves a neat frame hall in 1871, costing some $500, and neatly and substantially furnished the same. The meetings are largely attended and great pleasure experienced as these entertainments are of a literary character, with decla- mations, music, etc. They have a fine organ, and the rich musical and lit- erary treat thus given calls forth a full house at each meeting. The result.

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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.

of all this is a very zealous working of both officers and members in the cause, and as Meadville grows and flourishes so will Lodge No. 132 of I. O. G. T. expand, grow, and enlarge its good works. The present officers are: W. C. T., J. L. Brown; W. V. T., Ella Howe; W. S., Guy Hurd; W. F. S., L. R. Cundiff; W. T., Susan Harvey; W. C., Margaret Snyder; W. M., S. E. Lyon; W. I. G., Emma Hurd; W. O. G., Nelson Tenstemaker; W. A. S., Mary Goldman; R. H. S., Mary E. McKay; L. H. S., Fannie Allen; P. W. C. T., J. M. Smith; L. D., G. H. McKay.

A. F. & A. M.

Quite a number of members of the Masonic order having settled in Meadville, and others willing to join, it was decided to organize a lodge. This was accordingly done and the name given was Dockery Lodge No. 325. The date of the dispensation was June 18, 1869. The lodge was in- stituted by A. M. Dockery. The date of the charter is October 12, 1869, and its charter members were H. L. Brown, James Dixon, L. C. Geven, J. A. Howe, E. D. Harvey, James G. Lay, M. A. Minor, W. G. Maynard, J. E. Pardouner, L. W. Reynolds, J. M. Thompson, and A. Ward. At the organization of the lodge the officers were elected and duly installed as fol- lows: J. A. Howe, M .; J. M. Thompson, S. W .; William Tolson, J. W .; James Dixon, treasurer; J. E. Pardouner, secretary; A. Ward, S. D .; H. L. Brown, J. D .; James G. Lay, tyler. The lodge has grown steadily and now numbers thirty-two members. One member only has died since its organization, Brother W. S. McGrimes, who was also a member of the or- der of United Workmen. They own a neat hall, a frame building costing six hundred dollars and have neatly furnished it. The hall was built in the year 1870. There are no members of this lodge who belong to the Grand Lodge, as yet. At this time the lodge is in good condition, financially, and in good standing. Its present officers are S. A. Field, M .; E. D. Harvey, S. W .; S. Winiger, J. W .; M. D. Smith, treasurer; L. N. Goodale, secretary; J. H. Botts, S. D .; R. B. Sidebottom, J. D .; W. G. Maynard, S. S .; P. M. Thompson, J. S., and S. Gilmore, tyler. The future of the order is one of promise.

The record of this lodge closes the list of the different orders, but we will mention that another lodge is talked of, the I. O. O. F. May it be organized and flourish.

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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES-PARSONS CREEK TOWNSHIP.

WHARTON R. BARTON, SR.,

son of Joseph and Elizabeth (nee Rector) Barton, who were natives of Vir- ginia, was born in Randolph county, Illinois, March 9, 1809, and lived there until he was twenty years of age, his father being one of the earliest pioneers of that section of country. In 1829 the subject of this sketch removed to Howard county, Missouri, lived there until 1833 and then went to Johnson county. In 1834 he came to Linn county, being one of the first settlers. In fact, there were only six families living in this county at that time, and he and John Yount are the only two surviving members of that particular settlement. In those early days the people in this part of the country were accustomed to go to Howard county, fifty miles, to mill. Mr. Barton was the third sheriff of the county, filling that office from 1844 to 1847, when the county extended to the Iowa line, and when he was frequently compelled to ride forty miles for a witness, though he received as remuneration for the same only fifty cents. In 1850 Mr. Barton was elected circuit clerk of Linn county, and a year later removed to the place where he now resides. Notwithstanding he lost heavily in the late war, he now owns and manages a splendidly improved farm of 280 rich acres, and this is the result of his honesty of dealing, economy of management, energy of character, intelli- gence and public spirit. Mr. Barton was married in 1832 to Miss Jane Warren, daughter of Edward and Elizabeth (nee Gillespie) Warren, of How- ard county, Missouri. They had by this union seven children, six of them . living: William, Rector, Edward, Amanda, Elizabeth, and Huldah. He was again married in 1850, to Mrs. Elizabeth Lockridge, formerly a Miss Rooker. By this union there were seven children, four living: Wharton R., Jr., Alonzo P., Belle, and Elias.

WM. G. BROWN (DECEASED).

The subject of this sketch was born at Rahway, New Jersey, July 20, 1810. His ancestors were English Quakers and came to this country and set- tled in company with what is known in history as the "Penn Colony." From them he inherited an unblemished reputation and a vigorous constitution. At an early age he removed to Florida and went into a drug store as a clerk, serv- ing his employer faithfully and learning rapidly, so that in 1842, he re- moved to Macon, Georgia, and opened a drug store of his own. Depending entirely upon his own resources, he commenced business under difficulties, but with skill, energy, and agreeable manners, he soon built up an extensive trade. Mr. Brown was also lieutenant of the "Macon Volunteers," a com- pany organized for the protection of the inhabitants against a threatened in-

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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.

surrection of the negroes, they at that time outnumbering the whites. He. afterwards served in the same capacity in the "Bibb County Cavalry." September 6, 1834, Mr. Brown was married to Frances Jennette Jones, an orphan sister of the late John L. Jones, one of the most extensive dry goods. merchants in Macon. Five sons and three daughters blessed this union,. seven of whom are now living, and an honor to their parents. From Macon Mr. Brown removed to New York and settled on the banks of Lake On- tario, where the town of Fair Haven now stands, and which owes much of its prosperity to the early enterprise and public spirit of Mr. Brown. In 1864 he removed to Red Creek and was there commissioned revenue as- sessor of the District of New York, which position he filled with honor and efficiency for two years, when he decided to make Missouri his future home. Locating at Bottsville (now Meadville) he was appointed land agent for the. Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad, where he sold many thousand acres of the then wild land. Mr. Brown was a firm believer in Christianity, and frequently, in the absence of the minister, preached from the pulpit himself. During the. war three of his sons went to the field and fought gallantly for their country,. and returned home in safety. Mr. Brown was a man of uncommon ability,. his intellectual faculties far above the ordinary, and even to the time of his- death, which occurred March 25, 1882, and when he was aged seventy years he was nearly as vigorous physically and as clear mentally as in his man- hood's prime. When he died the light of a useful, generous, noble life went out, but the memory of it all remains.

HIRAM BLACK,

son of Harvey and Polly (nee Tracey ) Black, was born in Erie county, Penn- sylvania, March 20, 1832. His early life was spent on a farm, and the edu- cation he received was at a common school. At the age of fifteen years he started out in life for himself, driving a team for several months on the Erie Canal. He then learned the harness trade and followed it in the State. and city of New York until 1858, when he came west, and located at St. Catharine, Linn county, Missouri, where he worked at his trade three years, and then engaged in merchandizing and in shipping tobacco. In 1867 he removed to Meadville, where he has since been merchandizing and where he does a business averaging $25,000 per year. Mr. Black was appointed postmaster there by President Grant in 1868, and still holds that office, giving entire satisfaction in the discharge of its duties. He was appointed land agent for the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad in 1874, and holds that posi- tion yet. He has also been honored with minor city and township offices. He is a member of the Masonic order and one of the leading citizens of Mead- ville. Mr. Black was married in 1862 to Miss Cynthia White, daughter of James E. and Matilda White, of Linn county, Missouri, formerly of Vir- ginia. By this union there are five children : Frank J., Edward W., George L., Ida V., and Rufus E. Black.

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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.

HENRY C. BARGAR,

son of John and Elizabeth (nee Gatchell) Bargar, was born in Harrison county, Ohio, November 15, 1840. In 1846, his parents moved to Tusca- rawas county, Ohio, where he lived on a farm until the breaking out of the war. He received his education in the common schools of Tuscarawas county. In September, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Fifty-first Ohio Regiment Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. He was in the battle of Stone River, and during the combat was so seriously wounded as to be disabled for duty for a period of six months, after which he returned to his regiment and participated in the battles of Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Franklin, Nashville, Atlanta, Jonesborough, and was then sent to Texas, where he served till October, 1865, when he was mustered out at Victoria, having served over four years. He then returned home to Ohio. In 1869, he moved to Linn county, Missouri, to the place where he now resides. He owns a farm of 135 acres which he has acquired by his own perseverance and industry. Mr. Bargar is a very deserving and valu- able citizen. He was married in 1866, to Miss Mary A. Saffer, daughter of Christain and Susan (nee Caples) Saffer, of Tuscarawas county, Ohio. He has had by this union eight children, all of whom are living: Alice, Luellen, John, Eliza A., Joseph, Agnes, Thomas M., and Anna Bell.

J. G. BARGAR,

son of John and Eliza Barger, was born in Harrison county, Ohio, Decem- ber 11, 1837. His mother's name prior to her marriage was Gatchell. When nine years of age his parents moved to Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood and received his education in the common schools of that county. He was raised on a farm till nineteen years of age, when he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until the war broke out. He en- listed in October, 1861, in the Sixth Ohio Light Artillery Independent Bat- tery and held the rank of sergeant. He participated in the battles of Stone River and Atlanta, and was in numerous other engagements. In 1864 he was promoted to second lieutenant, and assigned to heavy artillery. He was engaged within the fortifications at Nashville, at garrison work, till the close of the war. He was mustered out in October, 1865, having served four years, a brave and gallant officer. He returned home after the war, and in 1866, moved to Linn county, Missouri, where he now resides, engaged in farming and stock-raising and occasionally at his trade. He owns a splen- did improved farm of 160 acres, well stocked, which he has acquired by his own energy and industry. He is a trustworthy citizen and highly esteemed by his neighbors. Mr. Bargar was married in 1864, to Miss Harriet Vas- binder, of Tuscarawas county, Ohio. They have three children: Stella, Adda, and William H.

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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.

HIRAM K. BARGAR,

son of John and Eliza (nee Gatchell) Bargar, was born in Harrison county, Ohio, January 21, 1845. The following year his parents moved to Tuscara- was county, Ohio, where the subject of this sketch was raised upon a farm, receiving his education in the common schools of the county. In 1865 he" came to Linn county, Missouri, where he has ever since resided, engaged in farming and stock-raising. Heis recognized as one of the leading farmers of Linn county. He owns 695 acres of the very best land, which is well improved. His home place of 240 acres is a model farm, highly improved, well stocked, with 600 head of sheep, sixty head of cattle and other stock in proportion, and so well supplied with everything that makes life agreea- able as to render it one of the most attractive of homes. All of this, with exception of a small amount of capital on which he commenced, is due to Mr. Bargar's indomitable pluck and good management. He was married November 10, 1868, to Miss Esther Sproull, daughter of Andrew and Margaret Sproull, of Tuscarawas county, Ohio. Mrs. Sproull's maiden name was Beard.

SOLOMON B. CHILDRESS,

son of Elisha and Sarah (nee Kelley) Childress, was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, January 12, 1830. When he was twelve years old his par- ents moved to Lake county, Indiana. At the early age of thirteen he left home to begin the struggle of life for himself. He went back to his native county and worked by the month. He remained in that county till eighteen years of age. He then went back to Lake county, Indiana, where he mar- ried and resided till 1857, when he moved to Linn county, Missouri, and has since been a resident of this county. In 1858 he raised a crop of corn where Meadville now stands. In 1862 he enlisted in Company A (afterwards Company E), Eighteenth Regiment Missouri Volunteers. He participated in the battles of Resaca, Dallas (Georgia), Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Jonesborough, and was with Sherman in his march to the sea. He was also in the Grand Review at Washington and was discharged at St. Louis, in July, 1865. He returned home and in 1866 bought the farm where he now resides. He has given one of his children forty acres and owns himself one hundred and forty acres. all of which he has acquired through patient toil and perseverance. He and his wife are both members of the Second Adventist Church, and he was ordained as a minister of that church in 1879. He is a worthy and valuable citizen and has the confidence and respect of all his neighbors. He was married June 7, 1849, to Miss Lydia J. Darling, daughter of Peter and Mercy (nee Shepherd) Darling of Lake county, Indi- ana. By this union he has had four children, two of whom are still living: James P., and Annie M.

719

HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.

CAPTAIN MARION CAVE.

Among the leading men of Linn county stands Captain Marion Cave, a native-born Missourian and an old resident of Linn county. He is the son of Benjamin and Jane (nee Turner) Cave and was born in Boone county, July 5, 1832. His father was a native of Kentucky and came to Boone county in 1816. Marion was raised on a farm and educated in the sub- scription schools which prevailed in those days. In 1850 he went to Cali- fornia where he remained over four years engaged in mining. He then re- turned home and in 1855 located in Linneus and engaged in merchandiz- ing, which pursuit he followed until the breaking out of the war. He then closed up his business and in 1862 entered the army in defense of his country. He served as captain of Company I, Twenty-third Missouri Vol- unteer Infantry. He commanded his company at the battle of Atlanta and at different engagements under Sherman, and was with that general during his march to the sea. By those who were in a position to know the Captain has always been considered a brave and gallant officer. He was mustered out at Savannah, Georgia, in 1865. In 1867 he was elected treas- urer, and in 1869 sheriff of Linn county-both of which positions he filled with signal ability and eminently to the satisfaction of his constituents. In 1871 he again engaged in merchandizing in Linneus which he followed un- til 1874. He took a leading and active part in securing the B. & S. W., now known as the C. B. & K. C. R. R. through Linn county. In fact the Captain has always been an able advocate and hearty supporter of public improvements, or any scheme for the advancement of the general welfare of the county. In 1875 he moved to the farm where he now resides, which contains 800 acres highly improved and well stocked. He has be- sides, two other farms, making in all over 1,300 acres, all of which have been obtained through the Captain's constant, untiring, and patient efforts. He is one of Linn county's most prominent farmers and highly respected and honored citizens. He was married in 1856 to Miss Gertrude, a daughter of John Parsons and Emeline (nee Prewitt) Parsons of Linn county, Missouri. Her father came to this county in 1841. He was a highly educated gentle- man, being a graduate of Yale College, a prominent lawyer, teacher, and a man of considerable literary ability. He was a native of the State of Maine.

ROBERT B. CRAFTON.

son of John and Margaret (nee Becket) Crafton, was born in Clark county, Indiana, May 12, 1839. When he was four years of age his parents removed to Adams county, Illinois, where he was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. In 1861 Mr. Crafton worked a while at the carpenter's trade, but in 1862 gave it up to enlist in Company K, One Hundred and Nineteenth Illinois Infantry. He was stationed at Jackson and Meinphis,

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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.

Tennessee, and in 1864 was assigned to A. J. Smith's celebrated corps, serv- ing in that command until the close of the war. He participated in the bat- tles of Pleasant Hill, Franklin, Nashville, Spanish Fort, and numerous minor engagements. At the close of the war Mr. Crafton returned to Adams county, Illinois, and followed his trade until 1867, when he removed to Linn county, Missouri, and farmed one year, when he came to Meadville. In 1882 he purchased a furniture store, has a fine stock on hand and is doing a flourishing business. Mr. Crafton was married in 1862 to Miss Mary Smith, of Schuyler county, Illinois. She died in 1875. There were three. children born by this union; two of them living, William S. and Clara J. Mr. Crafton was again married in December, 1878, to Miss Mary Morris, of Laclede, Linn county, Missouri. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and has been constable two terms. He is a substantial and worthy citizen. .

FREDERICK CAHN, M. D.,

son of Bernhart and Sarah Cahn, was born in Edgeville, Lyon county, Ken- tucky, March 19, 1848. His early boyhood was spent at school and in his father's store. At the age of fourteen years he was left an orphan and soon. after entered Princeton College, in his native county. When nineteen years old he commenced the study of medicine, and graduated at the old Kentucky School of Medicine at Louisville, Kentucky, in 1871. He then practiced medicine at Hopkinsville, Kentucky, with Dr. R. M. Farleigh, a prominent physician of that place. Remaining with him a year, he returned to Louis- ville and graduated at the Louisville Hospital School in 1873, and at the Louisville Medical University in 1874. He practiced his profession in Louisville till 1876, when he located at Meadville, Linn county, Missouri, having married that year, Miss Sarah A. Stewart, of Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Cahn has established a large and lucrative practice in Meadville and the surrounding neighborhood. He is a man of ability and energy and is the architect of his own fortune.

ALBERT J CREAMER

is a son of Davis and Rachel (Christy) Creamer, and was born in Fayette county, Ohio, January 30, 1854, where he continued to live till 1870. His father died when Albert was five years old. He was reared on a farm, re- ceiving a good common school education. In 1870 he and his mother came to Linn county, Missouri, and in 1874 he began clerking for S. Branden- berger of Linneus. He remained in that position two years and then began farming. His health being poor, he rented his farm and moved to Mead- ville in January, 1882. In March, following, he and his brothers bought. out the firm of M. D. Smith & Son, grocers, and are doing a thriving busi- ness. He was married in 1874 to Miss Jessie Buckman, daughter of Jesse and Mary Buckman, of Linn county. They have one child, a daughter- named Abbie L. Mr. Creamer is a young gentleman of steady habits, and. has many warm friends among the people of the county.

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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.

LEWIS A. CHRISMAN

was born in Grundy county, Missouri, November 22, 1853. He is the son of Michael and Lydia (nee Brooks) Clirisman, and continued to live in Grundy county till he was grown. He received a good education in the schools of his native county, sufficient, at least, for all ordinary business purposes. In 1874 he took a trip to Indiana, and was gone about a year. He then came to Linn county, this State, and went to work with his father at his grist mill and woolen factory near Linneus, continuing up to 1877. Dur- ing this period he took a thorough course in ornamental penmanship, India ink-work, and crayon drawing, which he subsequently taught to others. In 1877 he went to Meadville and engaged in the restaurant business on a small scale. This, however, he gradually increased, adding a grocery stock, and subsequently opened more extensively as a hotel. He sold his stock in March, 1882, and rented out his building, and the same month bought out the partner of Mr. Rudder, and himself became the partner of the latter in the grocery business. Mr. Chrisman owns real estate to the value of $1,000 in addition to his interest in the grocery stock, all of which he has accumu- lated since locating at Meadville. He is a square business man, and enjoys the confidence of the people. Mr. Chrisman was married in 1878, to Miss Jennie Purdin, of Linn county. Three children have ben born of this union, named Herald H., Floy, and Ora N. Chrisman.

JAMES DARLING.

This gentleman is the son of Peter and Mary (Bowers) Darling, and was born in Erie county, Ohio, February 28, 1837. His grandfather served as a soldier in the Revolutionary struggle for American independence. In 1844 James' parents moved with him to Lake county, Indiana. His mother died when he'was seven years old, and at the tender age of ten years he began the battle of life for himself, working for wages at $3 per month. He continued working for the same man for eight years, which goes for evi -. dence of the fact that he must have been of great service to his employer. In 1857 he went to Kankakee county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming till the great civil war. On August 3d, 1861, he enlisted for the Union cause in Company D, of the Forty-second Illinois Infantry, and served till December, 1865, making him four years and four months in the army. He participated in the battles of Island No. Ten, Corinth, Stone River, Chick- amauga, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Jonesborough, Spring Hill, Franklin, and Nashville, besides numerous skirmishies and minor engage- ments. He entered the army as a private, but filled by promotion all the non-commissioned ranks of the company. In 1865 he was appointed first lieutenant, and held that rank till they were mustered out in 1865 in the State of Texas. He made a gallant soldier, but managed, however, to es-

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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.

cape with but one slight wound. Returning to his home in Illinois, he re- mained till 1869, when he moved to Linn county, where he has since re- sided engaged chiefly in farming. In 1881 he rented his farm and moved into Meadville. He owns a place of 180 acres, besides his residence in town. Mr. Darling was married September 3, 1866, to Miss Jane Mc- Kane, a native of Ohio, and daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Bowers) Mc- Kane, of Kankakee county, Illinois. Five children have been born of this marriage, two of whom, Nancy B. and Melvina R., still survive.

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The history of Linn county, Missouri. An encyclopedia of useful information, Part 73

Author: Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Kansas City, Mo., Birdsall & Dean Number of Pages: 906

Author:
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Kansas City, Mo., Birdsall & Dean
Number of Pages: 906