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 85
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
839
POLK TOWNSHIP.
religion should be evidenced by a man's conduct, that it consisted in honesty and charity, and in ameliorating the condition of his fellow man. Surely a just God will deal leniently with such a soul. On April 5, 1877, Edward S. Stephenson, after a protracted illness, passed quietly and peacefully away, directing his brother, Andrew T. Stephenson, shortly before his death, where to find his cooling board in the out house, and , telling him that the board was too long, and where he would find the saw.
"Pure as the mantle which over him who stood By Jordan's stream descended from the sky, Is that remembrance which the wise and good Leave in the hearts that love them when they die. So pure, so precious shall the memory be, Bequeathed in dying to our souls by thee, So shall the love we bore the cherished, warm Within our souls through grief and pain and strife Be like Elisha's cruise, a holy charm Wherewith to ' heal the waters ' of this life "
ANDREW T. STEPHENSON,
produce dealer, is a native of Kentucky, and was born in Madison County, April 23, 1834. He is a son of Jesse and Elsus (Blankburn) Stephenson, who were both natives of Kentucky. They came to Mis- souri in 1844, and located in Buchanan County, and, in the spring of 1845, Andrew located in Nodaway County, where he has since resided. He was reared on a farm, and made tilling of the soil his occupation till 1857, when he came to Maryville, where he embarked in the grocery business. Since that time he has been engaged in various mercantile pursuits, and also for quite a period was occupied in the stock busi- ness. He has had an experience of about five years in the produce bus- iness. Mr. Stephenson has been a member of the town council three terms, and is now trustee of the township. He was married January 2, 1859, to Miss Ellen Israel, a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Wilcox) Israel, and a step-daughter of W. C. Orear. She was born in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois, November 16, 1840. They have six children : William T., Mary D., Carrie B., Edward F., Nellie E. and Harry I. Mr. and Mrs. S. are members of the M. E. Church South.
PETER STORCH,
farmer and stock raiser, section 3, was born in Hanover, Germany, November 24, 1839, and is the son of Henry Storch, a native of the same country. When nine years of age he accompanied his father to Amer- ica in the fall of 1848, and settled in Henry County, Ohio, where he was brought up on a farm, obtaining a common school education. He there
840
BIOGRAPHICAL.
remained until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in Com- pany D, Fourteenth Ohio Infantry. He participated in the battles of Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Jonesboro, and others, and was in the Atlanta Campaign and through with General Sherman to the sea. Thence through Richmond to Washington, where he took part in the grand review. He was mustered out in July, 1865, at Louis- ville, Kentucky, and discharged at Cleveland, Ohio. The war over, he resumed farming again in Putnam County, Ohio, and four years later came to Missouri, settling in Nodaway County in March, 1869. He now owns a valuable stock farm of 320 acres, having upon it all kinds of stock. About four acres are devoted to an orchard. He has held the position of district clerk and many other offices of trust and responsi- bility. Mr. Storch was married January 1, 1866, to Miss Eliza Clark, daughter of James Clark, a native of Pennsylvania. They have eight children : Grace M., born October 11, 1866 ; James F., born October I, 1869 ; Sarah M., born November 14, 1871 ; Joseph A., born August 23, 1873 ; Annie G., born March 31, 1875 ; Arthur M., born January 12, 1877 ; Bertha T., born December 14, 1878, and Thomas P., born Decem- ber 16, 1880. Mr. S. is independent in politics, and belongs to the Free Will Baptist Church.
N. J. STRATTON,
grain dealer, is one of the more recent acquisitions to the business inter- ests of Maryville. He was born in Jersey County, Illinois, March 20, 1837, and is the son of L. P. Stratton, a native of New Hampshire. His mother's maiden name was Sarah B. Johnson. She was born at North Andover, Massachusetts. They settled in Illinois in 1830. The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood days on a farm, and in acquiring an education. In 1857, he commenced his experience in the grain trade, and after a residence in Brighton, Verden, Jacksonville and Waverly, he came to this county in April, 1880. Since that period he has been prominently identified with the grain interest of the county, as proprie- tor of the Wabash Elevator, and besides buying at this point, he is also engaged in purchasing at Wilcox, Elmo and Clearmont. At each of these places he has done a successful business. He is a man of mod- est manners, of cool and determined demeanor, a plain, candid, straight- forward man of business. In few words, he is a man of sterling worth and integrity, having the confidence and esteem of all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. Mr. Stratton was married in 1859, to Miss Clara R. Rice, a native of Illinois. They have one son, Edwin L.
MARGARET SWEARINGEN,
one of the early settlers of Nodaway County, was born in Shelby County, Indiana, January 5, 1827. She is a daughter of John B. Morgan, a native
841
POLK TOWNSHIP.
of Tennessee, and Elizabeth (McDonald) Morgan. Margaret accom- panied her parents to Nodaway County, Missouri, in the fall of 1841, it then being called Andrew County. They settled in Polk Township on section 1, bought a claim and commenced pioneer life. Savannah was their nearest post office, and they frequently went below St. Joseph for milling purposes. Margaret remembers her early pioneer life distinctly, and is familiar with ranges, townships, etc. She married Nicholas Swearingen on the 12th of February, 1854. He was a native of Jefferson County, Ohio, born October 14, 1829. They entered the piece of land where she now resides in 1855, locating on it in 1856. Mr. S. lived to enjoy life until November 22, 1878, when he died. During his life he was an upright and reliable citizen and held the respect of a large cir- cle of friends. Since his death Mrs. S. has carried on the farm with the aid of her son. She has two children living : Mary, born November 18, 1856, (she married Mr. Geo. T. Woodruff April 29, 1880,) and John B., born August 18, 1858. She owns 80 acres of improved land. Mrs. S. states that the first school house in that vicinity was built some four and a half miles southwest of her present residence in 1844. It was an old log building with a stick chimney and slab benches. Dr. D. M. Ervin, a graduate from Lexington, Kentucky, first taught in the building. Karns Laughlin had taught a school in an old abandoned cabin in the vicinity in 1843. The first religious services were held in 1842 by the Methodists in the old Nathaniel Barnes' cabin. The Presbyterians held their first services in the spring of 1844, at her father's (John B. Morgan) cabin. E. A. Carson preached the first sermon. Thomas Groves and Elizabeth Davis were the first couple married during the winter of 1842. The first death occurred June 27, 1842. John McDaniel Morgan, her brother, was drowned in White Cloud Creek. He was buried near her father's residence. The place is still used as a grave yard.
WILSON F. SWINFORD,
farmer and stock raiser, section 12, was born in Harrison County, Ken- tucky, on the 10th of April, 1818. His father, John Swinford, and his mother, whose maiden name was Polly Adams, were both natives of Kentucky. Wilson accompanied his parents to Putnam County, Indi- ana, when eight years of age, and there he was principally raised on a farm, obtaining a common school education mostly by self application In 1846 he moved to Miami County, Indiana, where he resided until the fall of 1857, and then emigrated to Nodaway County, Missouri. He soon purchased his present farm, and since that date he has been an active citizen of Nodaway. During the war he served in the Enrolled Missouri Militia. He was an active worker in the Grange movement, and now takes an interest in educational matters, and has been a mem-
842
BIOGRAPHICAL.
ber of the school board for many years. His landed estate consists of some 1,200 acres of fine land. He has a handsome residence, a good orchard, and his farm is well stocked, and is one of the finest for stock purposes hereabouts. Mr. Swinford was married July 24, 1838, to Miss Sarah J. Lee, a native of Maryland, born October 8, 1820. They have eight children living : John, born April 10, 1841 ; Alice J., born May 8, 1845 (now Mrs. Samuel Thompson) ; James M., born January 15, 1848 ; Lucinda, born December 13, 1849 (now Mrs. John Hood) ; Charles G., born December 24, 1851 ; Oliver W., born March 11, 1854 ; Mary, born April 15, 1857 (now Mrs. Newton Kelly) ; Sarah E., born December 26, 1861 (now Mrs. James Scowden.) Lost two, Nancy A. and William T. Himself and wife are active members of the Christian Church. He ranks among the leading citizens of Nodaway County.
ADAM TERHUNE.
Few men in Nodaway County are more familiarly known than he whose name heads this sketch. He is a son of David and Mary (Cooper) Terhune, and was born in Fleming County, Ky., November 13, 1816. He lived in his native state until seven years of age, and then accom- panied his parents to Wayne County, Indiana, and was raised in this and Henry Counties. His boyhood days were passed on a farm, though he afterwards learned the cooper's trade. In 1841 he came to Missouri, and in 1851 located in Nodaway County, and since that time has been iden- tified with the growth and improvement of the county. He was elected county judge for several terms, and proved himself a man well qualified for the position, discharging his duties efficiently and satisfactorily. He was married in 1834, to Miss Betsy Cory, of Ohio. They have six chil- dren : Louisa, (now Mrs. Wadley ); John C., cashier of the Farmers Bank; Elizabeth, (now Mrs. Lamar); Martha, (now Mrs. Johnson ) ; Saphronia, ( now Mrs. Ramsay) ; Cyrus, now of the firm of Grundy & Terhune, dealers in agricultural implements.
JOHN C. TERHUNE,
cashier of the Farmers' Bank, was born in Indiana, August 9, 1839, and is the son of Adam Terhune, who settled in Nodaway County in 1851. His mother's maiden name was Betsy Cory. The youth of John C. until he was sixteen years of age, was spent on his father's farm and attending school. He then commenced his mercantile experience as clerk in a store. In 1862 he was appointed clerk and ex-officio recorder of Noda- way County, and was elected by the people his own successor and served the county in this capacity nearly nine years. In 1873 he engaged in the banking business under the firm name of Fisher, Jackson & Co. This
843
POLK TOWNSHIP.
firm was succeeded by the Farmers' Bank, of which, in 1877, Mr. T. was appointed cashier. As a man, he is a good illustration of what can be accomplished by industry and sterling integrity. As a public officer he was attentive and obliging, yet unswerving in the discharge of his official duties. As a citizen he has ever been interested in the growth and prosperity of the city. Mr. Terhune was married on April 7, 1864, to Miss Rebecca Corken, of Ross County, Ohio. They have two child- ren, Morna, now attending the Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, and Hubert G. Mr. Terhune is a member of Nodaway Lodge No. 450, A. F. and A. M.
HENRY THILL,
farmer and stock raiser, section 15, was born November 2, 1826, in the village of Tuntengen, Luxemburg, Germany, and was there reared until ten years of age, when he accompanied his parents to Paris, France. His parents were both natives of Germany, moved to Paris in 1836, and remained in that city until 1853. Henry received good educational advantages, and commenced to learn the drug business when fifteen. After serving seven years apprenticeship, he started on the road as a traveling salesman, and traveled five years. In 1853, he went to London, England, remaining there three years, when he returned to Paris. On the first of July, 1858, he married Susanna Deheck. She was born in Ausenburg, Germany, on the 12th of June, 1827, and went to Paris when seventeen years of age. Crossing the ocean in July, 1860, they landed at New York, and after traveling over the west considerably, they located at Chicago, and remained there eight years. They kept the old Fort Dearborn House on the lake, and in June, 1868, Mr. Thill came west and purchased his present farin of 240 acres, and considerable town property in Maryville. He returned to Chicago and moved to Maryville in September, 1868, settling in an old log house, where the Farmers Bank now stands. He has erected five brick business houses, and also two dwelling houses in Maryville. His farm is well improved, and he has an orchard of 300 trees of different varieties, and a vineyard. He and his wife speak four distinct languages : Dutch, German, French and English, and can write three. They are active members of the German Catholic Church of Maryville.
JAMES TODD,
of the firm of Martin & Todd, publishers and proprietors of the Noda- away Democrat, was born in Dearborn County, Indiana, October 9, . 1847. His father, Hugh Todd, was a native of Ireland. His mother, whose maiden name was Margaret Beggs, was also a native of that country. James Todd resided in his native county till the year 1857,
844
BIOGRAPHICAL.
when at the age ten years, he moved with his parents to the state of Missouri, and in the following year to Nodaway County, where he has since continued to reside, spending most of the early part of his life on a farm His literary education he received in the common schools of this county, after acquiring which, he for a time engaged in teaching. Having little tasts, however, for this calling, and desiring a more active and extended field of labor, he determined on the profession of jour- nalism, and associated himself in the publication of the Nodaway Dem- ocrat with George W. Martin, who had assumed editorial control of that paper in 1874. Under the able management of Martin & Todd the Democrat soon achieved a position in the first rank of newspaper excel- lence in this part of the state, a reputation which it has since continued steadily to advance. Personally, James Todd is a gentleman of excel- lent address, unassuming demeanor, and enjoys a professional reputa- tion second only to his personal popularity. He was married in 1878 to Miss Anna Curfman, a native of Pennsylvania. They have one daughter, Anna, born in August, 1881.
HENRY TOEL,
Sheriff of Nodaway County, is a native of Germany, and was born in Oldenberg, February 19, 1828. He was there educated, reared to man- hood and resided until 1861, when he came to the United States, locat- ing in Whiteside County, Illinois, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits. Here he remained until 1867, when he emigrated to Marshall County, Iowa, sojourning there until the autumn of 1868, when he moved to Nodaway County, taking up his abode nine miles southwest of Mary- ville. He followed farming until 1875, when he removed to Maryville, and was interested in various official trusts until 1878, when he was the choice of the Republican party for sheriff. He was elected, and 1880 re-elected by a large majority. Mr. Toel has a keen foresight, and is an excellent judge of human nature. Nodaway County has attained quite a reputation for bringing its evil doers to justice, and much credit is due Sheriff Toel for the active part he has taken. He married in Germany in 1852, Miss Margaret Egts. They have had ten children, eight of whom are living: Sophie, Mary, Lizzie, Nettie, Henry, Jr., J. William, George C. and Minnie E. J. William is the popular deputy sheriff, well known throughout Nodaway County. Mr. T. is a member of the I. O. O. F.
WILLIAM H. TOTTERDALE
is of Conrad & Totterdale, contractors and builders. This firm com- menced business in 1875, and although not among the pioneers as a firm, we venture to say that they have built as many of the fine buildings in
-
8.45
C
POLK TOWNSHIP.
this city as any one firm in their line. They are both genial gentlemen, artistic mechanics, and merit the patronage they are so liberally receiv- ing. William Totterdale is a native of Somersetshire County, England, and was born May 21, 1848. At the age of ten years he, with the family, immigrated to America, settling in Columbia County, Wisconsin, where he resided six years. He then went to Waukesha County, Wisconsin, where he was reared to manhood and received his education. When eighteen years of age he began to learn the trade of carpenter, which he so successfully follows. He there resided three years, after which he removed to this city and continued working at his trade till 1875, when he became a member of the above firm. He was united im marriage May 18, 1870, to Miss Susan B. Blend, a native of Canada. Her death occurred November 21, 1880. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity of this city, belonging to Nodaway Lodge, No. 470, A. F. and A. M., and has held all of the offices within the gift of the lodge, and has also passed the chairs in White Cloud Lodge. No. 92, I. O. O. F.
R. K. TOWNSEND,
one of Nodaway County's substantial citizens, is a native of Jo Daviess County, Illinois, and was born October 27, 1836. His father, Halstead S. Townsend, settled in Jo. Daviess County in 1832, and was one of the leading citizens of the county. He was a gentleman of almost universal popularity, and was honored by being selected to represent his district in the state legislature a number of years. R. K. was reared in his native state, and educated at Mount Carroll Seminary, in Illinois. In 1860, he moved to Waterloo, Iowa, and engaged in the mercantile busi- ness, remaining in Blackhawk County eight years, when he came to Maryville and engaged in trade, pursuing the same avocation for eleven years. In June, 1881, he retired from active business life, and has since devoted his time to his private interest. But few men have a better record. He is known as a man of sterling integrity and decided char- acter, and receives and merits the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens. He was married September 29, 1858, to Miss Arabelle Howar- ter, of Illinois. The have two children, Edward L. and Halstead H.
EDWARD E. TOWNSEND,
farmer and stock dealer, section 13, was born in Rush, Jo Daviess County, Illinois, December 27, 1838, the son of HI. S. and Hannah (Carver) Town- send, the former a native of Steuben County, New York, and the latter of Fayette County, Indiana. Edward remained on the home farm, receiving his education at Mount Morris Seminary and the seminary at Mount Carroll. At the age of twenty-one years he commenced business
1
BIOGRAPHICAL.
846
life for himself. by buying and shipping horses. On the 6th of Septem- ber, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company K, Ninty-sixth Illinois Vol- unteer Infantry, and was soon elected first lieutenant, and about the close of the first year was promoted to captain of his company, holding this position until the close of the war. He took part in the battle of Chick- amaugua, and in all the engagements under General Sherman on the Atlanta campaign, and returned with Schofield, participating in the bat- tles of Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee. He was discharged at Chi- . cago in July, 1865, after which, in the spring of 1866 he started for the mountains in Montana, remaining for two years. He then returned to Jo Daviess County, Illinois, purchased a farm on which he resided until the fall of 1873, when he came to this county. He now owns eighty acres of land and is largely engaged in buying sheep and other animals, making stock dealing his principal business. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, holding his membership in Nodaway Lodge, of Maryville. Mr. Townsend was married February 5, 1866, to Miss C. A. Lewis, daughter of Rev. R. E. Lewis, of this county, formerly of Jo Daviess County, Illinois. They have four children: Charles H., born November 22, 1867; Edna I., June 11, 1868; Earl L., May 8, 1870; Ray, March 28, 1881. Mr. T. is Republican in politics.
S. H. TOWNSEND,
farmer and stock raiser, section 31, was born in Jo Daviess County, Illi- nois, February 10, 1840. His father was a native of Steuben County, New York, and his mother, formerly Miss H. Corner, of Blackhawk County, Indiana. Young Townsend was reared on a farm at his birth- place, and received his education from the common schools. In 1861 he enlisted in Company B, Forty-fifth Illinois Volunteers, and held the position of second lieutenant. He participated in the battles of Fort Donelson and Fort Henry, besides other minor engagements. In 1868 he came to Missouri, and on May 18th of that year he located in this county. Here he now owns 240 acres of well watered land, with some graded stock and a good orchard, etc. This place was not improved when he settled upon it. Mr. Townsend is a great reader of standard works, and a sociable companion. His marriage occurred March 2, 1871, to Miss Kate Hess, daughter of Jacob Hess, of Putnam County, Missouri. One child is the result of this union : Della, born April 6, 1872. Mr. T. is Republican in politics.
W. E. TRUEBLOOD,
is a native of Indiana, and was born in Jackson County, December 2, 1839. He was educated, raised to manhood, and learned the carpenters'
,
8.47
POLK TOWNSHIP.
trade in his native state, and on the IIth of July, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, of the Twenty-second Indiana Infantry. Soon after enlist- ing he was appointed sergeant. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Peach-tree Creek, and passed nine months and three days in Anderson- ville and other prisons. He participated at the battles of Pea Ridge, Pittsburg Landing, and others, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. With the exception of a slight wound, he passed through the rebellion safely, being honorably discharged May 2, 1865. He returned to Indiana, and the same year came to Maryville. Here he engaged in carpenter work and building, and for seven years made a specialty of bridge building. In 1875 Maryville, becoming in need of an official who would see that peace and order would be observed, the council appointed Mr. Trueblood city marshal, and found in him a man equal to the emergency. After serving three consecutive years, he withdrew, and after about eighteen months' absence from the office, was re-elected, and has since held that position. He is a finished gentleman, very reso- lute, and the name he bears (True-blood) characterizes the man as an official. He married in 1866 Miss Louisa Jackson, of Nodaway County. They have by this union two children : Elmer and Emma. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.
JOHN G. TURNER,
real estate dealer, was born in Gallatin County, Kentucky, on the 14th of December, 1828. His father, George Turner, was born in Hartford, Connecticut, and his mother, Miss Rebecca Ramey, was a native of the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. John was brought up at his birthplace on the old farm, which the heirs still own, and after receiving a prepar- atory education in the common schools, he finished his course at Frank- lin College, of Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana. Upon becoming of age, he turned his attention to tilling the soil. In the fall of 1870, he came westward, settling at Maryville on the 14th of November, and there he engaged in the grocery business. After continuing for one year, he sold out, and has since given his attention to dealing in real estate. He owns considerable property in Maryville, and has built sev- eral residences. His dwelling is a neat and cosy one. Mr. Turner was married November 19, 1856, to Miss Lucy E. Lancaster, daughter of Mr. M. Lancaster, of Switzerland County, Indiana. She was born on the 8th of January, 1833. They are both active members of the Christian Church of Maryville.
G. W. TURNER,
dealer in saddlery, harness, boots and shoes, is a native of Southamp- ton, England, and was born September 27, 1831. His father, Rev. George Turner, was an Episcopalian minister of more than local note.
848
BIOGRAPHICAL. .
He was the son of a naval officer on the vessel Lord Nelson, in Her Majesty's service. The youthful days of George Turner, until he attained his fourteenth year, were spent on board of ships. The father dying when he had reached that age, George was sent to Westminster, and 4 afterwards to Oxford, he having studied for and been admitted to the ministry. He married Miss Charlotte Rackley, one of the Huguenots who were obliged to flee from France on account of religious principles. The Rev. George Turner and his wife were in attendance at the coronation of Queen Victoria, and were recognized among the first families of Old England. When G. W. Turner was in his fourth year the family immi- grated to America, locating in Albany, New York, and for a number of years his father was pastor of the Brick Church, on Second street. He received the benefits of a good education at Mount Hope school, his intention in early life being to fit himself for the ministry. When he was twenty years of age the family moved west, locating at Stevens' Point, Wisconsin, where the Rev. George Turner was prominently and favorably known for a number of years. In 1860 the subject of this sketch came to Missouri, locating ten miles south of Maryville, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits, in which branch he continued for sixteen years. He then embarked in his present business. His trade is one of the largest in Northwest Missouri, and is well merited, as Mr. Turner is not only a live business man but a public spirited and cour- teous gentleman. He was married April 2, 1862, to Miss Martha E. Moreman, of Kentucky. They have by this union four children : James S., Nellie E., Charlotte C. and William B. Mr. T. is Senior Warden of the Episcopal Church. His father eventually located near Hiawatha, Kansas, where he now resides, well advanced in years, but still a zealous laborer in the Episcopal Church.
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.