USA > Missouri > Nodaway County > The history of Nodaway county, Missouri, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc., biographical sketches of its citizens > Part 63
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104
BENJAMIN SLAUGHTER,
farmer and stock raiser, section 24, post office Hopkins, was born in Parke County, Indiana, November 15, 1834, and was taken to Peoria County, Illinois, by his parents in 1836. There he was principally raised, spending his boyhood days on a farm and receiving the benefits of a common school education. In the spring of 1856 he accompanied the family to Nodaway County, Missouri, and settled where he now resides. The country abounded in game, and Ben. being a good shot and fond of hunting, had his full share of that sport. Maryville was his nearest post office, and Russell's Mills, on the Nodaway River (now Quitman), was his milling point. Mr. S. made a trip to Pike's Peak in 1859, and spent eighteen months in the mountains prospecting, etc., and then returned to this county. During the war he served in the Enrolled Missouri Militia. In 1876 he went to Deadwood, Montana Ter- ritory, and remained there some four months ; he also took a trip to Denver City in the fall of 1880. He has filled the position of school director several terms, and constable of Union Township (before Hop- kins Township was cut off) for two years. Mr. S. owns a fine farm of 240 acres, which is one of the finest for stock purposes in the cuunty, being well watered and sheltered by timber.
HIRAM SLANKER,
. proprietor of meat market, was born July 31, 1833, in Hagerstown, Wash- ington County, Maryland, and in 1836, with his parents moved to Mont- gomery County, Ohio, and there Hiram was brought up on the farm, receiving an education in the schools of the neighborhood. After arriv- ing at maturity he followed farming, making turnpikes and threshing. In 1868, he had the misfortune to lose his left leg, while following the latter named business, and in 1869, he came west, settling in Bates County, Missouri. There he was engaged as a cook for about one year, when he commenced selling fruit trees, Three months later he went to Parkville, Platte County, Missouri, and was employed by a Mr. Bender in an eating house, and afterwards accompanied him to Hopkins when the town was in its infancy. Here he assisted him in the hotel business, and after three years, became a partner in the hotel and also in the liv-
631
HOPKINS TOWNSHIP.
ery business. This they continued for one year, when Mr. S. engaged in the butcher business with Mr. Bush. In February, 1880, he purchased his partner's interest, and now keeps the only shop in town, receiving a liberal patronage. Though having met with many reverses in life, Mr. Slanker has steadily worked his own way, and has built up a good business.
JACOB SPEIDEL,
farmer and stock raiser, section 36, post office Hopkins. Prominent among the oldest settlers and successful men, who have been closely identified with the farming and stock raising interests of this county, from an early date, is the subject of this sketch. He is a native of Germany, and was born in Bolingan, December 10, 1827. He was there raised, and learned the trade of tanning. In 1848, he was banished to Switzerland, owing to having taken a prominent part in the revolution of that date. There he remained till 1852, when he immigrated to America, settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in work- ing at his trade at Shafer & Anderson's tannery, in August, 1853. He then removed to Ohio, following his chosen occupation there, till 1855, when he removed to Iowa, and, after a short residence there of three months, he came to this state and county, locating where he now resides. He has 307 acres of land, 180 of which are under cultivation. Mr. Speidel was married, in 1852, to Miss Annie Lamport, a lady in every way worthy of him. They had from that union four children, two of whom are now living: Annie M. and Sophia O. Mrs. S.'s death occurred October 11, 1872. During the war of the rebellion, Mr. S. enlisted in Company G, Fourth Missouri State Militia, and served three years and two months, participating in the battles of Neosia, Turkey Creek, Jef- ferson City, and others. He and his family are members of the M. E. Church, and are among its staunch supporters.
JOHN A. STEWART,
dealer in harness, saddles, carriage trimmings and saddlery hardware, was born February 13, 1836, in Genessee County, New York, and when six years of age his parents moved to Walworth County, Wisconsin, where he was principally raised. His boyhood days were spent on a farm, and after attending the common schools, he entered Milton College and completed his education. On the first of August, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, Twenty-eighth Wisconsin Infantry, and served until October, 1865, taking part in the battles of Fort Pemberton on the Yazoo River ; Helena and Little Rock, Arkansas ; capture of Mobile, Alabama, and several minor engagements. His brigade was never known to retreat a step, but always swept things before them. They marched to
.
632
BIOGRAPHICAL.
the relief of General Steel on his retreat from Little Rock, and after the capture of Mobile went up the Alabama River a few hundred miles and captured twenty-four transports and gunboats. They were then sent to Matamoras to watch the Maximilian interest. Mr. S. started out as a corporal and was promoted to sergeant. During the latter part of 1863, and the first of 1864, he had charge of the military prison at Pine Bluffs for twelve months. At the close of thewar he returned to Wisconsin and remained there until 1871, when he came to Missouri and settled in Hopkins, in June of the same year. Mr. S. first engaged in the grocery and furniture business, and one year later discontinued this and pur- chased his present harness shop and stock of goods, and has continued the business since with marked success. He now carries a large assort- ment, one of the heaviest in this line in town. His trade extends to other states, and he has shipped several sets of harness to Kansas, Col- orado, Iowa and Wisconsin. He has filled the position of mayor of Hopkins one year, justice of the peace for three years, and notary public four years. He was one of the charter members of the A. O. U. W. of Hopkins, and fills the office of past master workman in the lodge. Mr. Stewart was married November 8, 1866, to Miss Clara F. Jones, a native of Waukesha County, Wisconsin. She was born in October, 1839. They have lost three children. Mr. S. and his wife are active members of the Presbyterian Church of Hopkins.
A. V. STEWART,
wagon and carriage-maker, was born in Scott County, Indiana, May II, 1844. He was taken to Warren County, Illinois, by his parents when quite young, and remained there some five years, when he emigrated to Story County, Iowa, in 1855, and from there to Harrison County, Mis- souri, in the spring of 1857. In 1860 he went to Clarke County, Iowa. His youth was passed on a farm, and he received the benefits of a com- mon school education. In October, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, Thirty-ninth Iowa Infantry, and served three years, taking part in the battles of Parker's Cross Roads and Snake Creek, in North Carolina ; Town Creek, Alabama ; Kingston, North Carolina, and several minor engagements. When peace was declared he returned to Clarke County, Iowa, and worked one year at the carpenter's trade. He then com- menced to learn the wagon and carriage-makers' trade. Coming to Hopkins in April, 1875, he started a wagon-shop, and his is the only one in town. Being an excellent workman, he has all the work that he can execute, and he devotes his attention strictly to his business. Mr. S. is an active Christian worker and a member of the Christian Church. He was married in September, 1872, to Miss Mary J. Hickman, a native of Darke County, Ohio. She was born in September, 1842. On the 11th
633
HOPKINS TOWNSHIP.
of June, 1881, she died, leaving five children, four of whom are living : Alice, Perry, Fred, and Stella. Mr. Stewart's father, P. V. Stewart, resides with him. He was born in Highland County, Ohio, July 30, 1811, and when seventeen years of age accompanied his parents to Henry County, Indiana, where they resided some five years. Thence to Edgar County, Illinois, and thence to Warren County, of the same state. From there he went to Story County, Iowa, and then to Harrison County, Missourri, where he remained until his removal to Clarke County, Iowa. In April, 1875, he came to Hopkins. He has given his attention to agricultural pursuits through life, though at present he has retired from active life. He was married in 1838 to Lucinda Vanmeter, who died in September, 1875. He has three children living, lost one: Luther, Charlotte, (now Mrs. Charles C. Black). and Absalom V. He and all his family are active members of the Christian Church.
JOSIAH STRAIN,
mayor of Hopkins, was born May 5, 1814, in Bedford County, Pennsyl- vania, and when fourteen years of age he immigrated to Parke County, Indiana, where he remained until 1865. He was raised on a farm, receiv- ing a common school edecation, and at the age of eighteen years he commenced to learn the tanners' trade, devoting some three or four years to it, though he has made agricultural pursuits his principal occu- pation through life. He moved to Peoria County, Ill., in 1855, then came to Hopkins, Missouri, in March, 1875. Here he engaged in the grocery business, and continued therein one year, when he disposed of it. He was elected mayor of Hopkins in August, 1880, for a two years term, and has since continued to acceptably fill this position. Mr. S. owns some town property in Hopkins, and also some in Lenox, Iowa. He was married in April, 1846, to Miss Ann Marter, a native of Rockbridge County, Vir- ginia. She was born December 13, 1821, and died July 1, 1876, leaving five children living : Minerva (now Mrs. W. R. Harlan, of Lenox, Iowa), James, Robert, Maggie (now Mrs. R. H. Wilfley, of Hopkins), and Susy. One is deceased. Mr. S. is a member of the Presbyterian Church, of Hopkins, of which he holds the position of elder.
SAMUEL STRINGER,
farmer and stock raiser, section 13, post office Hopkins, was born in Marshall County, Illinois, April 7, 1853. He was reared at his birth- place, spending his boyhood days on a farm and receiving an education in the schools of the neighborhood. In the spring of 1869 he accom- panied his parents to Nodaway County, Missouri, where he has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. During the year 1878 he attended
634
BIOGRAPHICAL.
school at College Springs, Page County, Iowa. He owns a fine farm of 120 acres, which is watered by never-failing springs, making it one of the best stock farms in the county. He has a handsome residence, one of the best in the township, and is rapidly improving his land. Mr. S. was married to Miss Lucinda Jones, a native of Nodaway County, Missouri. She was born August 16, 1862.
GEORGE W. STURGEON, SR.,
farmer and stock raiser, section 18, post office Hopkins, was born in Barren County, Kentucky, within fourteen miles of the famous Mammoth Cave, on the 30th of June, 1818. He was taken to Owen County, Indi- ana, by his parents when five years of age, and was reared in that and Morgan County, spending his boyhood days on a farm and receiv- ing an education in the subscription schools. In September, 1834, when fifteen years of age, he commenced to learn the blacksmith trade at Gosport, Owen County, Indiana, and followed it for twenty-one years, working one year in Indianapolis, during 1835. In 1841, he moved to Hendricks County, Indiana, and remained there one year. Mr. S. emi- grated west in September, 1855, and spent that winter in Iowa, coming to Nodaway County in the spring of 1856. He settled where he now resides, the country then being sparsely settled, and endured many pri- vations. He built a cabin and broke a piece of land, which he commenced to improve. Savannah, Andrew County, was their nearest supply point for some three years. There were no roads, and the settlers drove over the country where they pleased, always carrying an ax along to make a pathway if necessary. Mr. S. entered 640 acres of fine land, which he has since divided with his children, now owning 220 acres. This is well improved, with an excellent orchard and a young vineyard. It is an excellent stock farm. He cast his first vote in the county at Xenia. He has filled the office of justice of the peace some twelve years. During the war he received the first appointment as registering officer for Union Township, and filled the position two years. He also served in the Enrolled Missouri Militia during the war although he was over age ; his eldest son also served three years. Being an old settler, Mr. S. is widely and favorably known. He was married May 17, 1338, to Miss Margaret Evans. She was born in Lawrence County, Indiana, April 26, 1817. They have had eight children, six of whom are living: Mary J. (widow of J. N. Balsby ; she is living with her father) ; Lucina (now Mrs. John Bates, of Harrison County, Missouri); Martha E. (now Mrs. Richard Christal, at Excelsior Springs, Clay County, Missouri); Marion, John M. and George W. Mr. Sturgeon and wife have been active members of the regular Baptist Church for about forty years. He holds the position of deacon of the Hopkins Church.
635
HOPKINS TOWNSHIP.
JEPTHA STURGEON,
farmer and stock raiser, section 14, post office Hopkins, was born in Morgan County, Indiana, July 28, 1835. He spent his boyhood days on a farm, and received the benefits of a common school education. Upon arriving at maturity he commenced farming, and has followed that occu- pation through life. During the late war, he enlisted in Company A, Thirty-third Indiana Infantry, August 10, 1861, and was mustered out of service July 21, 1865. He took part in the battle of Chickamauga, and participated in the Atlanta campaign ; also accompanied General Sherman on his famous march to the sea, and around to Washington, where he took part in the grand review. At the close of the war he returned to his old home, in Indiana, and, in the fall of 1865, took a trip west, and purchased the land on which he now resides. In March, 1869, he settled permanently thereon. He owns 160 acres of land, most of which is under cultivation. Mr. S. is largely interested in stock rais- ing, although his capital, when commencing in life, were his willing hands and brave heart, and, by being honest and industrious, he has succeeded far beyond his most sanguine expectations. He was married in August, 1858, to Miss Jane Summit, a native of Monroe County, Indi- ana. She was born April 10th, 1838, and died on the 2d of January, 1875, leaving five children : Jeremiah D., Jeptha D., Mary F., James O. and Lucy J. Mr. S. is an active member of the Missionary Baptist Church, of Hopkins.
JOHN STURGEON,
farmer and stock raiser, section 13, post office Hopkins, was born in Morgan County, Indiana, August 17, 1851, and in the spring of 1856 accompanied his parents to Nodaway County, Missouri. Here John was raised to the scenes and incidents of pioneer life, assisting his father in the cultivation of the farm. He received his education partly in the neighborhood schools, to which he had to walk four miles and a-half, but mostly by self-application. He has given his attention to agricultural pursuits through life, and now owns 120 acres of fine land, eighty of which are under cultivation, the remainder being timber and pasture lands. His farm is well stocked. Mr. S. is the fortunate possessor of numerous acquaintances and is favorably known by all. He takes a deep interest in educational matters, and at present fills the office of school director. He was married August 26, 1873, to Miss Susan Pool, who was born in Jennings County, Indiana, in 1853. They have had three children : Ervin, born November 7, 1874; Minnie, born July 29, 1877 ; and Eddie, born February 27, 1881. Mr. S. and his wife are among the original members of the First Baptist Church of Hopkins, in which Mr. S. holds the position of church clerk. He has been a member of this denomina-
1
636
BIOGRAPHICAL.
tion since he was thirteen years of age. He is also an active temperance worker, and is not addicted to the use of profane language. Every good cause receives his hearty support.
W. H. SUTHERLAND,
is of the firm of Sutherland & Co., proprietors of the Hopkins House. Hank, as he is familiarly called, was born in Dubuque, Iowa, May 20, 1848. He was reared at hi's birthplace and received his education in the schools of that city. Upon arriving at maturity he immigrated to Cal- ifornia in the spring of 1871, spending three years on the coast, and trav- eling from Los Angeles, California, to Washington Territory, he obtained a thorough knowledge of the country and customs of the people. He then returned to Iowa, and afterwards took a trip through Kansas and Southern Missouri, thence to St. Joseph, and from there to Hopkins, where he located in the fall of 1874. Mr. S. first engaged in the drug business, but subsequently sold out and commenced the hardware busi- ness, which he disposed of for the purpose of engaging in the agricul- tural implement trade. He then resumed the hardware business, and on the 20th of March, 1878, became associated with Mr. Ben- der in the hotel business. He owns two fine farms, one near Albany, Gentry County, Missouri, containing 160 acres of well improved land, and the other situated near Hopkins, Nodaway County. This embraces 120 acres, also well improved. Mr. S. has filled the position of town coun- cilman in Hopkins for one year. He is a member of Lodge No. 333 I. O. O. F., of Hopkins, and has filled the most important offices in the lodge. He was married January 1, 1878, to Miss Allula Bender. She was born in Bloomington, Illinois, July 22, 1852, but was taken to St. Joseph, Missouri, when six years of age. There she was principally raised and educated. They have had two children, one of whom is liv- ing, Cliff.
C. W. TAYLOR,
cashier of the Bank of Hopkins, was born August 14, 1858, in Pike County, Illinois. The family moved to Hartford, Connecticut, when Charles was quite young, and when eight years of age he accompanied his parents west to Wataga, Illinois. Two years later they moved to Taylor County, Iowa, where they resided some nine years. During two years of this time Mr. Taylor made his home in Bedford. Being some- what frail in his younger days he could not attend school, and his edu- cation was derived principally by self application, though he did attend the high school and normal, at Bedford. When nineteen years of age he commenced teaching, and afterwards accepted the position of deputy county clerk of Taylor County, Iowa. This office he held before becom-
637
HOPKINS TOWNSHIP.
ing of age. He continued to occupy it two years satisfactorily to all parties interested. In April, 1879, he made his first visit to Hopkins, and upon returning to Bedford accepted the position of assistant cashier in the Citizens Bank of that place. In January, 1880, he entered upon the duties of his present position as cashier of the Bank of Hopkins, which he fills with credit to himself and to his employers. In the dis- charge of his duties he uses scrupulous care and fidelity, and well merits the esteem in which he is held by a host of friends. Mr. Taylor was married December 24, 1880, to Miss Susy E. Seaman, a native of Evans- ville, Wisconsin. She was born November 8, 1859, but was principally reared in Maryville, Nodaway County, Missouri, receiving her education in the schools of that city. Mr. and Mrs. T. attend the Presbyterian Church.
RICHARD TERRELL,
farmer and stock raiser, section 23, post office Hopkins, was born in Orange County, Virginia, April 15, 1831. When he was two years of age his parents moved to Marshall County, Alabama, where he passed his boyhood days on a farm, receiving the benefits of a common school education. He accompanied his parents to Peoria County, Illinois, in the spring of 1848, arriving there on his birthday, April 15. In the spring of 1852 he emigrated to California and spent some two years on the coast, engaged in mining. He then returned home by way of the Isthmus and New York City, and soon went to Marshall County, Illinois, where he occupied his time in farming. In 1856 he took a trip through Southern Iowa and Northern Missouri, and entered a piece of land in Taylor County, Iowa. Then returned again to Illinois. He purchased his present farm in 1878, and in December, 1880, he moved west and settled in Hopkins. In the fall of 1881 he moved to his farm, which con- tains 240 acres of well improved land, and well watered by never-failing springs. He has one of the best orchards in the state, containing large varieties of all kinds of fruit. Mr. T. is a member of Xenia Lodge, No. 50, A. F. and A. M., and also of Lodge No. 333, of the I. O. O. F., of Hopkins. He was married June 7, 1855, to Miss Phœbe A. Hatfield, a native of Parke County, Indiana. She was born February 20, 1839. They have had eight children six of whom are living : Charles, Melissa (now Mrs. William Grady), Leona (now Mrs. Edward Tory), Nettie, Nora M., and Francis M.
JOHN THOMPSON,
farmer and stock raiser, section 36, post office Hopkins. The subject of this sketch is a native of Indiana, and was born November 7. 1829. He was there raised to manhood, following agricultural pursuits till 1873,
638
BIOGRAPHICAL.
when he emigrated to Missouri and settled in Andrew County. After one year he removed to this county and located where he now resides. He has 95 acres of good average land, 80 of which are under cultivation. He has a nice residence on his place, and his improvements generally are among the best. Mr. Thompson was married November 6, 1852, to Miss Rebecca Hazzlett, a native of Indiana. They have five children : Charles C., George Y. A., James C., Jennie C. and William L. Mr. T. is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He also belongs to the M. E. Church.
WILLIAM H. THOMPSON,
farmer and stock raiser, section 16, post office Hopkins, was born in Fulton County, Illinois, December 13, 1834, and accompanied his parents to Andrew County, Missouri, when twelve years of. age. He remained there two years, then came to Nodaway County, and has here resided since, except during the year 1849, which he spent in Taylor County, Iowa. He received a good business education, mostly by studying even- ings, and at the age of nineteen he commenced to learn the milling busi- ness, becoming thoroughly conversant with grinding, sawing and engi- neering. After working for about three years at the business, he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He purchased his present farm in 1859, on which he settled in the spring of 1861. He owns 240 acres of well improved land, and has excellent facilities for raising stock, in which he is largely interested, part of his stock being graded. During the late war he served in the Enrolled Missouri Militia at different times for about four years, and was frequently called away from home, taking part in many skirmishes and minor battles. During the last enlistment he held the position of lieutenant. Mr. T. has filled the position of school director for some eight years, and was appointed census enumerator in the summer of 1880. In his manners he is genial and hospitable and every good cause receives his support. He was married November 18, 1860, to Miss Sally DeWitt, who was born in Mercer County, Illinois, in 1841. They have a family of five children : John W., George W., Sarah E. A., Mary A. and Charles A. Mr. Thompson is a member of Xenia Lodge, No. 50, A. F. and A. M.
GEORGE M. ULMER,
farmer and stock raiser, section 15, post office Hopkins, was born in Scott County, Indiana, January 7, 1841, and accompanied his parents to Clark County, Illinois, when twelve years of age, where he was raised on a farm, attending the schools of the neighborhood. His father purchased a saw-mill when George was about fifteen years of age, in which the lat- ter worked for about three years, obtaining a fair insight in the milling
639
HOPKINS TOWNSHIP.
business. In 1859 he came to Missouri, settling in Union Township, Nodaway County, and commenced improving a farm, here first experi- encing pioneer life. In 1861 he went to Clarinda, Iowa, and entered school. During the war he served in the Enrolled Missouri Militia, holding the position of , orderly at first and afterwards receiving a lieu- tenant's commission. In 1862 he made a trip to Illinois, was there mar- ried, and then returned to this county in 1863. Here he has since remained. He was first engaged in teaching, and also in the book busi- ness for about two years, after which he turned his attention to farming. He now owns 450 acres of finely improved land, well watered, and is. largely interested in stock raising, though he had but thirty dollars in his pocket when he landed in this county on his return from Illinois. He has filled most of the township offices. Mr. U. has been twice mar- ried : first, on the 12th of March, 1863, to Miss Judith A. Murphey, who died October 25, 1875, leaving six children : Otho, Thomas, Joseph, James, Charlie and Sadie. He was married again, May 25, 1876. to Mrs. L. J. McGinnis, a native of Knox County, Ohio, born March 24, 1846. By this union they have one child, Frank. Mrs. McG. has two children by- her first husband, Mary and Susy.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.