The history of Linn county, Missouri. An encyclopedia of useful information, Part 74

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

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GILSON EAKIN,

son of James and Jane (nee Lemon) Eakin, was born in Venango county, Pennsylvania, October 30, 1839. His father was a native of Ireland and his mother a native of Pennsylvania. He was raised on a farm in his native county and received a common school education. At the age of twenty he went to work in the oil regions where he remained five years, at the end of which time he had accumulated the handsome sum of $16,000. Out of this sum he paid in cash $13,000 for a farm, and pursued farming for three years. But not liking the slow and tedious process of making money inci- dent to farming operations, he moved back to the oil regions again. His second experience, however, was quite different from his first and proved disastrous to his finances. In 1874 he moved to Meadville, Linn county, Missouri, and for two years worked at the carpenter's trade. In 1876 he moved to the farm where he now resides. This place he purchased in 1879. The farm consists of 340 acres stocked with ninety head of cattle and other stock in proportion, all of which has been acquired through Mr. Eakin's own unremitting efforts. He was married in 1861 to Miss Isabella McCray of Venango county, Pennsylvania. She died January 6, 1872. He had by this union two children, living: Edith J. and Rachel Ann. He was again married December 6, 1873 to Mrs. Dora Zepp, formerly a Miss Radimaker, a native of New York State. By this union he has two children: George G. and Melvina.

THOMAS D. EVANS,

was born in Madison county, Kentucky, September 6, 1844. His parents were William and Paulina (nee Cornelison) Evans, both natives of Ken- tucky. In 1856 the family moved to Pettis county, Missouri, and lived in that county and in Saline till 1864. During the civil war he was enrolled in the Sixty-second Regiment Missouri State Militia, and was in active service four months. His military experience, however, was confined to this State, and he took part in no very heavy battles. He participated in the Marshall fight in Saline county, and other lighter skirmishes. In 1864, he came to Meadville in this county, and opened the only store that the place then had. He continued merchandizing for five years, and during that time served as

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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.

postmaster and depot and express agent for the railroad. In 1869 he moved to the place on which he still resides in Parson Creek township. His farm contains 240 acres of finely improved land, which Mr. Evans manages very successfully. He has creditably filled several township offices, and was su- pervisor under the township organization, which made him, ex officio, a member of the County Court. Himself and wife are both members of the Christian Church. June 30, 1868, he was married to Miss Nancy Botts, daughter of. Seth Botts, Sr., and Elizabeth Botts. Mrs. Evans's father was one of the pioneer settlers of Linn county, and served as a lieu- tenant in Captain Hamilton's company under General Jackson in the War of 1812, and was in the battle of New Orleans. He died in Linn county at the advanced age of eighty-seven. Mr. and Mrs. Evans are the parents of seven children, six of whom still survive, named respectively: Edwin E., Seth D., William B., Walter E., Adella and Cornelison.

STEPHEN A. FIELD,

son of William and Cleopatra (nee Henley) Field, was born in Randolph county, North Carolina, October 2, 1850, where he lived until he was eight- een years old, being reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. In 1869 he came to Chillicothe, Missouri, attended William F. Miller's Academy, and in 1871 commenced the study of law with Luther T. Collier. A year later he was admitted to the bar by Judge Jonas J. Clark. During the years 1873-74-75, he acted as deputy sheriff of Livingston county. In 1878 located in Cunningham, Chariton county, Missouri, and in July of the same year settled at Meadville, Missouri, where he has since practiced his profession and is the present city attorney and clerk. Mr. Field is a young lawyer of fine ability and promise, and already has established him- self in a lucrative practice.

DANIEL GRANT (DECEASED).

The subject of this sketch was a son of Daniel and Susan (nee Anderson) Grant, and was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, February 15, 1818. When he was about three years old, his parents moved with him to Boone county, Missouri, where Daniel grew up and received his education. Mr. Grant was one of the pioneers of Linn county, as he came as early as 1838, settling on a farm in Parsons Creek township. Here he engaged in stock-raising, and dealing largely in live stock; out of which business he amassed quite a fortune. Being a frank, open hearted and generous man, he was too prone to judge other men by himself; and over confidence in the ability and integrity of his business partner at last wrought his finan- cial ruin. He lost heavily, and never survived the mental shock his re- verses caused him; and so depressed and unsettled was his mind from that cause, that he suicided June 16, 1869. During the civil war, Mr. Grant

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had served on the Union side in the Missouri State Militia, in which he held the rank of sergeant. He had been married August 2, 1838, to Miss Eliza- beth Grant, the only child of John D. and Mary R. Grant of Boone county. Her father was a man of considerable wealth, and had served in the War of 1812. He also came to this county in 1838, and died the succeeding year, while serving as county surveyor. Mrs. Elizabeth Grant still resides on the old homestead. She had thirteen children, two only of whom still survive, Susan R., wife of S. A. Willbarger, and Columbus, who still resides with his mother at the old home.

TWINING GOODALE,

son of Austin and Marinda (nee Twining) Goodale, was born in Jefferson, Ashtabula county, Ohio, September 13, 1837. His grandfather was a sol- dier in the Revolutionary War. Young Twining was reared on a farm and received his education in the common schools, and at Grand River Institute. He then learned the carpenter's trade and worked at it in Michigan and Iowa up to 1865, when he came to Chillicothe, Missouri, and a year later settled at Meadville, Linn county, where has since resided. In 1869 Mr. Goodale and Mr. M. Johnson engaged in the furniture trade together. The firm is now doing a large business, amounting to not less than $6,000. Mr. Goodale was married April 16, 1870, to Miss Harriet S. Lee, of Jefferson, Ashtabula county, Ohio, but formerly of New York. She died June 14, . 1878, leaving two children, one of which survives, Clarence T. Mr. Good- ale was again married September 25, 1880, to Miss Mary A. Gibbs, daugh- ter of Harvey and Abagail (nee Kinney) Gibbs, of Chatauqua county, New York.

LUCIUS N. GOODALE,

son of Austin and Marinda (nee Twining) Goodale, was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, July 8, 1840, where he was reared to manhood, being educated in the common schools and at Grand River Institute, in his native county. After this he followed farming and school teaching, until he entered the vol- unteer service in the late war. to assist in repelling Morgan's celebrated raid into Ohio. In 1864 Mr. Goodale served in an engineer corps in northern Georgia. After the close of hostilities he came to Chillicothe, Missouri, and went to work for the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad Company as bag- gageman and assistant ticket agent. He learned telegraphy while there, and in March, 1866, was assigned to Meadville to take charge of the railroad business there, where he remained as ticket agent and operator until 1879. Soon after locating in Meadville, Mr. Goodale also engaged in the lumber business, which he still continues, averaging a trade of fifty car loads of lumber per year. He has held the office of justice of the peace, and is one of the present township trustees. He is a member of the Congregational

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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.

Church and has held the office of deacon in the same for four years. He is also a member of the Masonic order. Mr. Goodale was married February 20, 1869, to Mary Ballington, of La Porte county, Indiana. . By this union there are two children, Clinton F. and Stella M. Mr. Goodale is regarded as one of the most influential and energetic citizens of Meadville.

HILL W. GRAFTON

is the son of Salem and Hannah (Jones) Grafton, and was born in Hardin county, Ohio, September 16, 1844. There he grew up, receiving a common school education. . When the civil war broke out, young Hill, then but sev- enteen years old, gave his service to the preservation of the Union by en- listing in company C, of the Eighty-second Ohio, and served until the end of the war. He was appointed orderly-sergeant in 1862, and saw most of his service in the valley of Virginia. He was in the battles of Romney, Brock's Gap and in McDowell and Fremont's campaign in the valley, par- ticipating in numerous skirmishes of that march. Was in the battles of Cross Keyes, Cedar Mountain, White Sulphur Springs, second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, and Getteysburg. He was then transferred to General Hook- er's command and took part in the battles of Lookout Mountain and Nash- ville. In June, 1865, he was mustered out and returned to his home. In 1866 he came to Linn county, Missouri, where he has since resided, engaged in farming. Mr. Grafton was married July 22, 1865, to Miss Jemima, daughter of. Parker and Catharine Everett, of Hardin county, Ohio. Two children have been born of this union, named Fannie E. and Don C. Mr. Grafton served as township assessor, and has served two terms as deputy county assessor, and was a member of the township board two years. He is now living on his farm in Parsons Creek township, and is well respected by all who know him.

JAMES HALL,

son of John and Susan Hall, was born in Oneida county, New York, April 13, 1837. In 1838 his parents moved to Cuyahoga county, Ohio, where he lived till fourteen years of age. His father died when James was but twelve years old, and at fourteen he started out to make his own living. He went to Michigan and worked in the lumber district till nineteen years of age and also learned the carpenter's trade. In 1857 he moved to Du- buque county, Iowa, and back again to Michigan the following year, locat- ing in Hillsdale county, where he resided till 1866, when he moved to Linn county, Missouri. In 1877 he moved to the farm where he now resides. When he landed in Missouri he had twenty-five cents, his wife and three children. He now owns a highly improved farm of 200 acres which he has acquired by his own push and indefatigable energy since his arrival in Linn county. He is an industrious, worthy, and respected citizen of Linn county. 45

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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.

He was married in 1857 to Lucy J. Emmons, daughter of Amasa and Laura (nee Smith) Emmons of Hillsdale county, Michigan. He has had by this union four children, three of whom are still living: Ansel, James B., and Rosa May.

HON. ELIJAH D. HARVEY,

whose portrait accompanies this sketch, is the son of John and Elizabeth (nee Walker) Harvey, and was born in Howard county, Missouri, August 22, 1827. There he passed his time till manhood, receiving an ordi- nary but substantial education at the county subscription schools. In 1847 he came to Linn county, Missouri, and engaged in teaching, having taught the first school in Parsons Creek township. In 1849 Mr. Harvey purchased the farm where he now resides, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1859 he taught the first school in the town of Meadville. In 1850 he was. elected justice of the peace and has held that office up to the present writ- ing, 1882, with the exception of only six months. During all those thirty- two years as justice of the peace, he has had but two decisions reversed by a higher court, and has acted as administrator on numerous estates. In 1852 Mr. Harvey was a candidate for sheriff on the Whig ticket and was defeated by only forty-nine votes, the county having over 100 Democratic majority. In 1864 he was a candidate for judge of the County Court, and in 1870 was elected public administrator, on the People's ticket by over 1,000 majority, his competitior being Judge C. Boardman, himself a very popular man. In 1880 Mr. Harvey was elected to represent his county in the legislature, and is its present representative. At the last regular ses- sion he served on the committees on education, internal improvements,. judicial and congressional districts, and fees and salaries. He has repre- sented his county ably and with honor to himself and his constituents. Mr. Harvey has been a member of the Masonic fraternity, and filled various of- fices in his lodge. He is also a member of the A. O. U. W., and when a boy joined the old Washington Temperance Society, and organized the first Good Templars' lodge in Meadville. He and his wife have been members of the Christian Church for over thirty years. During the late war Mr. Harvey acted as a peacemaker between his neighbors and succeeded in ac- complishing much good in that capacity, being an honest citizen, a true Christian, and a zealous Mason. He has always been a most trustworthy, yet aggressive politician, and a warm advocate of the cause of education. Mr. Harvey was married April 22, 1849, to Miss Elvira Thompson, daugh- ter of George and Elvira (nee Smith) Thompson, a native of Howard county, Missouri. By this union there were five children, four of whom are living: Grace L., Florence B., John W., and Eustatia. Mr. Harvey owns a fine farm of 680 acres, adjoining the town of Meadville. There, surrounded by a happy family and all the comforts of life, he lives a highly esteemed citi- zen.

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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.

LEWIS HALLENBERG,

son of John and Margaret Hallenberg, was born in Germany, September 1, 1832, where he lived until twenty years old, and in 1853, emigrated to the United States and located in St. Louis. There he learned the wagon-mak- er's trade, and worked at it until 1857, when he came to Linneus, Linn county, Missouri, where he carried on his trade until 1866, when he en- gaged in farming for three years. In 1869 Mr. Hallenberg located at Mead- ville, where he has since followed the manufacturing of wagons and car- riages. He has been very industrious and enterprising and has accumu- lated a handsome competency, and is a highly respected citizen. Mr. Hal- lenberg was married in 1858 to Miss Maria E. Britman, of Madison county, Kentucky. By this union there were ten children, six of whom are living: John M., Seward, Lizzie, Mary A., Lewis C., and Ida Bell Hallenberg.

WILLIAM H. HINTON,

son of Simeon and Sarah (nee Smith) Hinton, both of whom were natives of England. He was born in Monroe county, New York, September 8, 1841, living there till he was of age, and receiving a common school education. At the age of sixteen he set in to learn the miller's trade, at which he worked till the outbreak of the civil war. Three days after the bombardment of Fort Sumpter, Mr. Hinton enlisted in Company H, of the Twenty-eighth New York Infantry, and was sent to the Army of Virginia. He was in Banks' campaign and retreat up the Shenandoah Valley, and the battle of Slaughter Mountain. He was also with Pope in his campaign, and the bat- tles of Antietam and Chancellorsville, after which he was mustered out, his term of enlistment (two years) having expired. Next he enlisted in the Twenty-fourth New York Independent Light Artillery, which went out in Third Regiment of Light Artillery, and served to the end of the war, lat- lerly acting as first duty sergeant. There were two of his brothers also in the service, the trio having served from the first call till peace was declared. He returned to Monroe county, and then spent one year in the oil regions of Pennsylvania. In 1867, he came to Linn county, this State, where he has since continued to reside. He and J. F. Lash built the Meadville flour- ing mills in 1869, which they sold in 1870. In 1871, Mr. Hinton moved on his farm, and has since been engaged in buying and shipping live stock. He owns a finely improved farm of 357 acres in Parsons Creek town- ship, which he knows well how to manage to good profit. His accumula- tions are the result of his own energy and industry, his success being fully merited.

Mr. Hinton was married in 1846, to Miss Mary A. Ainsworth, daughter of Luther and Sarah Ainsworth, of Monroe county, New York. Both her parents were natives of New York, and her grandfather was a Revolutionary

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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.

soldier. Mr. and Mrs. Hinton are the parents of seven children, five of whom still survive, named: Dayton L., Clifford R., Simeon A., William S., and an infant not yet named. When three and a half years old Simeon had the misfortune to have his foot cut off by a mowing machine.

MATHIAS JOHNSON,

son of Haus C. and Anna F. (nee Peterson) Johnson, was born on the Island of Als, belonging to the Kingdom of Denmark, November 25, 1839, where he was reared on a farm and received a good education in his native tongue. At the age of nineteen years he was apprenticed to the carpenter and cabinet trade in his native country, and served at it until 1865, when he emigrated to the United States and located in Onondago county, New York, working at his trade three years. December 12, 1868, Mr. Johnson came to Mead- ville, Linn county, Missouri, where he has since resided and carried on his business. He built his present shop in 1869, and made the coffin on the occurence of the first death in Meadville. When Mr. Johnson located in Onondago county, New York, he had only $1.10. By industry and econ- omy he has accumulated a moderate fortune, owns a well improved farm of 100 acres, a good residence, store-room and other town property, and is do- ing a flourishing business of about $6,000. At present he is a member of the city council. Mr. Johnson was married in April, 1872, to Miss Catha- rine M. Larensen, who was born on his own native island. They grew up children together, and he left her to seek his fortune in the New World. When he had succeeded she joined him in this country. They have three children : Annie, Hans, and Minnie.

FRANCIS M. JAMES,

son of Levi W. and Eliza (nee Eaton) James, was born in Logan county, Ohio, January 5, 1838. , When a small boy his parents moved to Knox county, Illinois, where he was brought up on a farm and educated at the common schools. At the age of fifteen years he was apprenticed to the car- penter's trade. In 1860 he removed with his parents to Chillicothe, Mis- souri. During the year 1861 Mr. James acted in the capacity of scout and guide for the Federal troops in this part of the State. In 1862 he enlisted in the Fourth Missouri Provincial Regiment and served two years, partici- pating in numerous skirmishes and in scouting expeditions. In 1864 he enlisted in the Forty-fourth Missouri Volunteer Regiment, and served in A. J. Smith's command until the close of the war, having taken part in the battles of Columbia, Spring Hill, Franklin, Nashville and Spanish Fort, Tennessee, besides numerous other skirmishes. He was mustered out of service at St. Louis, August 19, 1865, with the rank of sergeant. Mr. James located at Meadville that year and has been a resident of that place ever since, he being the only one left of those who were living there when he

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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.

settled in the town. Mr. James has worked at his trade and also engaged in the drug business there, his father having started the first drug store in Meadville. He bought out his brother's interest in the drug store in 1880, and is now doing a first rate business, his experience and business- qualifications enabling him to build up a popular trade, and to stand high- in the community as an enterprising citizen.

JAMES B. JOHNSON,

is a son of Scarlet and Amelia (nee Burns) Johnson, and was born in Cler- mont county, Ohio, October 22, 1831. He grew to manhood in his native county, and received his education in the common schools. His mother died when he was eight years old, and his father when he was twelve, thus leaving him orphaned at that early age. Young James found a home with his aunt, a married sister of his mother's, and was well treated by her and family. This kindness he repaid by remaining with them as a faithful friend, looking after their comfort and happiness till both aunt and husband were laid in their graves. In 1864 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty- third Regiment of Ohio "hundred days' men," in which he served his full time doing duty in Virginia. After the war, he tended his uncle's farm, remaining unmarried till his uncle's death. March 15, 1868, he married Miss Martha J. Riggs, daughter of George Riggs, Esquire, of Ohio. Soon afterwards he moved to Meadville, Linn county, Missouri, to the farm on which he now resides, and which he had purchased in 1865. His place adjoins the corporation of Meadville, and he has it well improved with a fine residence and other improvements to correspond. Mr. Johnson is a live, go-ahead man, and is just that kind of a citizen that it takes to. develop and improve a new country.

JOHN MC NICHOLAS,

son of Patrick and Mary (nee Casey) McNicholas, was born in Mayo county,. Ireland, March 16, 1831, where he lived until 1849, when he went to Eng- land, lived there two years, and in 1852 emigrated to the United States, landing at New Orleans in February of that year. He followed railroading. in 1853 in Indiana, and in 1854 worked on the Mississippi Central road; in 1855-56 he was employed on the Memphis & Charleston Railroad in Alabama; came to Missouri in 1857 and worked for the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad, and in 1862 located at Meadville, where he had been section boss on the latter road for seventeen years. In 1879 Mr. McNicholas gave up railroading and has since been engaged in farming. He owns a farm of 640 acres and a fine residence in town, and all this has been accumulated, notwithstanding he began life at the age of seventeen years without a dol- lar, and his father dead. Mr. McNicholas was married September 16, 1855, to Miss Bridget Kennedy, of Cincinnati, and a native of Ireland. She died

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April 13, 1860, leaving three children, John, William, and Michael. Mr. McNicholas was again married November 6, 1861, to Miss Bridget Carter, daughter of Patrick and Catharine (nee Moran) Carter, of Livingston county, Missouri. By this union there were ten children; those living are named Patrick H., Martin J., Katie E., Mary J., James S., Margaret, and Rosa. Mr. McNicholas has held the offices of school trustee and council- man.

GEORGE H. MC KAY,

son of John and Phoebe (nee Gale) McKay, was born in Lucas county, Ohio, October 21, 1847, where he lived until 1857, when, with his mother, his father being dead, heremoved to St. Joseph, Missouri, and in 1861 went to Colorado, where his mother died. Four years later he came back to St. Joseph, served an apprenticeship at the harness and saddle trade, and in 1867 came to Meadville, Linn county, and worked two years for H. Black. He then run a harness shop himself until 1872, when he followed farming three years, at the end of which time he again engaged in the harness and saddle business, and has now a large and flourishing trade, doing a business which amounts to several thousand dollars a year. He filled the office of consta- ble in 1869-70. Mr. Mckay was married March 10, 1872, to Miss Mary E. Geren, daughter of Lewis and Celia Geren, of Meadville, formerly of Tennessee. Mr. McKay is a popular, trustworthy, and valuable citizen.

ABE MARKS,

whose portrait appears in this volume, is the son of Alfred and Catharine (nee Ward) Marks, and was born in Haverstraw, Rockland county, New York, December 25, 1843. His father is a wholesale merchant in New York City, and followed merchandizing in Haverstraw. Abe's early life was passed in his father's store and in attending school. His mother died when he was but six years old, and when he was fourteen years of age he went to New York City, and was employed by the New York & Erie Railroad as bill clerk, for two years. In 1864 Mr. Marks came to Hanni- bal, Missouri, where he was employed as a clerk and agent on the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad. In 1866 he went to Nevada and became superin- tendent of the Philadelphia & Colorado gold mines. He held this position eighteen months and returned to Missouri in the fall of 1867. Locating at Meadville, Linn county, Mr. Marks engaged in the lumber business and followed it until 1850. When he first settled there he took an active inter- est in the prospects of the town and was instrumental in having its name changed from Bottsville to Meadville. For several years he has been the agent for the sale of town lots, and to his sagacity and energy the place is largely indebted for its prosperity and growth. Mr. Marks has been a school director and has been a justice of the peace for eight years, during

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The history of Linn county, Missouri. An encyclopedia of useful information, Part 74

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