USA > Missouri > Pike County > The history of Pike County, Missouri : an encyclopedia of useful information, and a compendium of actual facts > Part 29
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
...
782
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Buffalo, and continued. there for several years, forming friendships among the Allisons, Byers, Baxters, Carrolls, Griffiths, Henrys, Scotts, Shys, Starks, Templetons, and others, to which he always refers with pleasure. In Aug- ust, 1859, he was elected clerk of the Pike county court and moved to Bowling Green and took charge of the office January 1, 1860. In 1863 he was clerk of probate, resigning at the close of the year. During the civil war he was a firm unionist, but disapproving the proseriptive features of the new constitution, he was retired from the county clerk's office, May 1, 1865, and, having been previously admitted to the bar, he began practice in Bowling Green, In November, 1866, after an exciting canvass, he was elected a member of the House of Representatives, and was re-elected in No- vember, 1868. In the Twenty-fourth General Assembly he favored a con- vention of delegates from all the states for the purpose of revising the United States constitution and reconstructing the government on a just and permanent basis, but the proposition did not meet with support, the assem- bly ratifying the fourteenth amendment. The Twenty-fifth General As- sembly ratified the fifteenth amendment, his vote being recorded in the negative, in deference to the will of his constituents, maintaining that a representative of the people should faithfully express the known will of the majority or resign. He advised the people to accept the amendment in good faith, as a logical result of the war. In June, 1868, he married Eliza, eld- est daughter of Andrew and Martha Ashbrook Garnett, of Harrison county, Kentneky, who is an intelligent, faithful wife. In 1871 he bought the press and material to establish the Pike County Post, a newspaper devoted to the interests of the county seat and general interests of the county. Iu Feb- ruary, 1873, he was elected to fill a vacancy in the office of judge of pro- bate, and was re-elected in 1871 and again in 1878, without opposition He is a member of the Masonic order and of the Christian Church, and has a simple trust,
"Acquired beside a mother's knee; All is of God that is, and is to be; . And God is good."
He has been identified with the public-spirited men of the county for the last twenty-three years, earnestly advocating public education, encouraging the construction of gravel roads and railroads, and aiding other enterprises looking to the material, intellectual, and moral advancement of the people of Pike county.
Champ Clark. attorney at law, was born on the seventh day of March, 1850, near Lawrenceburg, Anderson county, Kentucky. He worked on a
783
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
farm as a hired hand until he was fifteen years old, going to school when he could, and studying his books at all odd hours; he then elerked in a store, taught country school and worked on a farm by turns until the fall of 1867, when he entered Kentucky University at Lexington, remaining until the fall of 1870, teaching school during vacation to obtain means of subsistence. From December, 1870, to Inly, 1872, he taught school. September, 1872. he entered Bethany College, West Virginia, from which institution he gradu- ated June, 1873, taking the highest honors in a large class. He was im- mediately after this elected president of Marshall College, a State Normal School located at Huntington, West Virginia, which position he held one year and then resigned it to attend the Cincinnati Law School, from which he graduted at the head of his class in April, 1875. Having spent a few months in the Western' country, he located at Louisiana, Missouri, in July, 1875, taught the high school one year, and has since practiced law in the county at Louisiana until December, 1880, and in Bowling Green since. Mr. Clark edited a daily newspaper during the Tilden-Hayes campaign, and edited the Riverside Press in 1870-80. He was city attorney of Lou- isiana for over two years and of Bowling Green for nearly a year. He was Hancock Elector for the Thirteenth Congressional District in 1880, and stumped his own district and other portions of Missouri. In 1878 he received the Democratic nomination for the legislature in the eastern dis- trict of the county, but was defeated by a combination of the Greenback and Republican parties. Mr. Clark is a young man with a bright future before him, and with abilities that qualify him for the best positions in the gift of the people, and in due time he will be called to the work for which he is so well fitted.
George W. Davis, (deceased). In the whole history of a good man's life there is always something noble and grand. Success in life belongs to no one occupation or profession. Industry, energy, and careful thought, associated with common sense, are often the necessary qualifications to the accomplish- ment of a successful career. Mr. Davis was born in Wythe county, Vir- ginia, October 13, 1824. His paternal ancestors were among the early con- tinental settlers of Virginia before the Revolutionary War. His father, James Davis, came to Missouri in the year 1832 and settled in Pike county, and was by occupation a farmer. He died on his farm, which laid some five miles west of Bowling Green. His mother was a native of Kentucky, and had previously died in 1844. George W., our subject, was reared and educated on the farm, where he continued to reside many years after the death of his father. In 18- he married Miss Harriett Stanford, daughter of
₡
.
784
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Thomas Stanford, Esq., of Kentucky. She is a lady of culture. and pos- sessed of many womanly virtues. They raised a family of two children, both of whom are still living. James T. Davis, who is the oldest son of George W. Davis, is now engaged in business and is a member of the popular firm of Parnell & Davis, druggists. Mr. Davis although quite young, has built up quite a reputation as a business man, and the pop- ularity of the firm may be inferred from their success. Previous to forming a partnership with Mr. Parnell he served as deputy recorder for a period of eighteen months under R. W. Unsell, recorder elect. In 1860 George W. Davis was elected supervisor of registration, which office he filled with marked ability. In 1867 he moved to the town of Ashley. In 1870 he was elected to the office of treasurer of Pike county, for a term of two years, holding the office consecutively for six years. In politics he was a staunch Democrat, and was for many years a leading member of the Bap- tist Church. He was a kind husband, an indulgent father, and was widely known and universally esteemed.
Hugh Edwards, produce and egg merchant, was born in Bowling Green, Pike county, in 1840; he is the eldest son of Hiram G. Edwards; he was reared and educated in the city of Bowling Green, and received his mercantile training in his father's store where he commenced to assist when a mere boy, continuing to do so until in 1866. He was married in October, 1866, to Miss Mary M. Lowry, daughter of Andrew and Aun Lowry, who is a native of Kentucky. They have five children, four boys and one daugh- ter. In 1867-68, he was appointed deputy circuit clerk and recorder, under Capt. P. P. Parker, but after eighteen months of office life, on account of failing health, he retired from the office and engaged in his present business.
Rev. James W. Duvall is a native of Pike county, born on the 14th of June, 1841. His father, James C. Duvall, was a native of Kentucky, where he was reared and educated. His mother's maiden name was Susan J. Biggs, born in Pike county, a daughter of William Biggs, one of the early settlers, and for many years prominently identified with the interests of Pike county, having been several times elected to the legislature. Our subject, Rev. J. W. Duvall, attended the Watson Seminary two years, and spent two years more at McGee College, completing his education, and then took his theological course at Cumberland University. Lebanon, Tennessee. Previous to completing his theological course he preached several years, dur- ing which time he served several congregations, one of thein for a term of eight years. After completing his course at the Cumberland University, he re- turned to his native town where he has been engaged in the ministry ever
785
.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
since, coming to Bowling Green in 1SS1, where be assumed his present charge of the Presbyterian Church. He is a prominent Mason.
Charles C. Edwards, deputy county clerk, was born in this county. His father, II. G. Edwards, came originally from Virginia; he came to Mis- souri in 1832 and settled in Bowling Green, where he was for many years a prominent merchant. He served as judge of the county court, about 1848, for four years, and was clerk of the circuit court. Charles C., our sub- ject, was appointed deputy circuit clerk in 1868, and in 1970 he was ap- pointed deputy recorder, which position he held for six years. In 1877 he was appointed deputy county clerk, which position he holds at present. He is a prominent member of the Knights of Pythias. His mother, who is a daughter of Thomas Powell, Esq., is a native of Virginia.
Rev. Robert Orange Elmore, pastor of Antioch and Ashley churches, is a native of Missouri, born October 27, 1836. ITis father, Freeman P. El- more, was born in Caswell county, North Carolina, in 1811; he moved with his parents to Pike county in 1830; on December 22, 1831, he was married near Ashley to Miss Martha Orr, his bride seventeen years of age and he twenty. Ile began married life as a tiller of the soil in the vicinity of Ashley, until the spring of 1840, when he moved to Lawrence county, Mis- souri, where he was connected with the Spring River Academy as one of the founders of that institution. He was a zealous member of and worker in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and a ruling elder in the same; and being one of the pioneers of southwestern Missouri he did much for the cause of education and Christianity in that part of the country. He was an intimate friend of Rev. James Logan, and at his solicitation moved, in 1852, to Chener Hill, Lafayette county, to assist is establishing a schoo! there. On February 1, 1853, after a short illness, he died of pneumonia. After his death the family, consisting of the widowed mother and six chil- dren, returned to Ashley, Pike county. Robert, our subject, continuing to reside with his mother. received his principal education in the Watson Sem- inary and at the Pardee College. In 1870 he was ordained as a minister at the C. P. Church, and took charge of the churches at Ashley, Auburn, Rush Creek, and Concord, continuing for some years. He was married June 14, 1871, to Miss Mattie E., daughter of Thomas J. Hammond, of this county. They have two children: Ola D. and Walter B. In 1878 he dropped Rush Creek and took charge of Antioch. In Is77 he took charge of the C. P. Church at Bowling Green. but resigned it in. 1881. At the present he devotes all of his time to the Ashley and Antioch churches.
786
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Guy W. Germond, deputy circuit clerk. This young county official in a native of New York state, born in Duchess county. His father was one of the enterprising farmers of his county. Our subject was reared on the farm and carefully trained to habits of industry. He had the advantages of an academic education, on the completion of which he took Greeley's advice and came west, effecting a temporary location in Pike county in 1878, but soon settling down in Bowling Green as the right place to locate. Soon after coming here, he received the appointment of deputy circuit clerk, and on account of his skill and attention to his duties, he still holds the po- sition. He is also assistant postmaster.
William N. Gibbs, of the firm of Ward & Gibbs, livery. Our subject of whom we write is the son of Henry C. Gibbs, who emigrated from Vir- ginia to Pike county, Missouri, in 1850, and settled on a rented farm two years, at the expiration of which he purchased a farm some nine miles from Bowling Green, where he moved his family, and where he lost his wife in February, 1870. William N. Gibbs was born in the state of Virginia, Jan- nary 23, 1848. Obtaining his primary education at the common school, he afterwards attended the Watson Seminary, and is now a member of its board, having been elected in 1878, and still holds the same office. In 1871 Mr. Gibbs purchased a drug store in the city of Louisiana, which he run for some months. Disposing of this, he was employed by Andrew Me- Dowell & Co., of St. Louis, as traveling salesman. At the end of six months he left the road and engaged again in the drug trade. Following this a short time, he disposed of his effects and engaged in dealing in horses and mules, and in 1880 he associated himself with Mr. Ward, which part- nership still exists. Mr. Gibbs was married to Mrs. Kim, of Ashley, widow of J. W. Kim. Mr. Gibbs is a member of the Legion of Honor and of the Lodge of A. O. U. W., of Bowling Green.
Manoah S. Goodman. Among the prominent educators and energetic business men of the county few, if any, have a better reputation than the subject of this sketch. Nor is it to his discredit that he took a lively inter- est in securing at an early day excellent railroad facilities, and figured, also, somewhat conspicuously as a politician when esponsing the cause of per- sonal friends or advocating the cherished principles of his party. His parents immigrated from Albemarle county, Virginia, in 1836, settling near Clarksville. His father was a farmer, and followed his chosen pursuit until the time of his death, which occurred in 1858. It was in September, 1837, that our subject was born. When four years of age he had the misfortune of losing his mother, and was thus deprived of that part of his training
787
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
which a mother alone can furnish. His education was, however, not neg- lected. He not only improved such opportunities as his native county fur- nished, but attended St. Paul's College, at Palmyra. and also the University of Virginia. Though he did not take his degree at the latter, he practically completed the extensive curriculum of that institution, and then served the county of his birth as one of its ablest teachers. Clarksville, perhaps, more than any other town enjoyed the benefits of his scholastic attainments and executive ability in systematizing its schools. Mr. Goodman at the time of his father's death, in 1858, inherited a large estate and numerons slaves, and hence engaged in farming until about the close of the war. During the civil conflict, like many others, he lost his property in slaves by virtue of the emancipation proclamation, and suffered other reverses of fortune. It was in conjunction with J. Reid, a Baptist minister, that he erected a private school edifice at Clarksville, at a cost of about 87,000, with a seating capacity of 400. In this building an excellent school of high grade was carried on successfully for a period of five years. At this time the public schools of the town and this private school were consolidated and all placed under the management of Prof. M. S. Goodman, who served in this capacity for a number of years with great satisfaction to his patrons. In 1879 he took up his residence in Bowling Green, where he had charge of the public schools for two years, after which he bought a half interest in the Spring Hollow Lime Works, but has recently disposed of his interest. Mr. Good- man was married in 1861 to Miss Mary S., daughter of William P. Mc- Cune, of Clarksville, Missouri, and has a family of three children, one son and two daughters. The son has, during the past year, been rendering effi- cient service in the recorder's office. One of the daughters is being edu- cated at the Pritchett Institute, Glasgow, Missouri. Mr. G. is an honored member of the Knights of Pythias and a valuable member of the commu- uity generally.
Hon. Wm. A. Harris (deceased). Mr. Harris was born in Rappahan- nock county, Virginia, in the year 1805. He was principally raised in Page county and was educated at the school in the city of Alexandria, Vir- ginia, in which town he afterwards studied law under the distinguished Judge Cleggett and at the same time acted as deputy clerk in the clerk's office. Completing his law studies he then went to Shenandoah county, Vir- ginia, and commenced the practice of his profession and was soon after elected to represent his county in the legislature; during the session he was one of the prime movers of the divison of Rappahannock county, cutting off' that which formed Page county. After the adjournment of the general
1
7SS
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
assembly he went home and was elected clerk of the county courts. In 1841 he was elected member of Congress of the tenth legion and served during the years 1841-42-43. At the close of his term of office he became editor of the Washington Constitution, a paper then run under the Polk administration and soon after was appointed Minister Plenipotentiary to Buenos Ayres, holding this responsible position for a term of six years, and at the expiration of his term for which he had been appointed. he returned to Page county Virginia, and in 1852 came to Missouri and purchased a tract of land comprising 800 acres near Bowling Green and settled his fam- ily on it. In 1854 he went to Washington, D. C., and became managing editor of the Washington Union, at that time the leading organ run under the Buchanan Administration. Mr. Harris being a man of strong southern sentiment, his connection with the paper ceased with the close of Mr. Buchanan's term of office. He then returned to his home in Missouri, and soon after was prostrated by'an attack of paralysis, dying in 1864. Mr. Harris was twice married, first to Miss Arthur of Virginia, who died in 1838, leaving four children. In 1840 he was united in marriage to Fanny Murray of London county, Virginia, the daughter of Samnel Murray, and a sister of Judge Murray of Bowling Green; this anion was blessed by six children, three boys and three girls, all living. Mrs. Harris, after the death of her husband, took charge of the farm which under her skillful management has proven her master of the situation; rearing and educating her family shows her to be a woman possessed of more than or- dinary talent, her efforts and example being a crowning success. Leaving the fashionable circles of Washington life and settling down to a life on a farm shows a wonderful power of self-control.
James L. Hendrick, capitalist, is a native of Pike county, Missouri, born August 24, 1850. His father was also a native of Missouri. His grandfather, Elijah Hendrick, was a native of Virginia, born about 1752; he entered the army at the beginning of the Revolutionary War and served until its close, acting in the quartermaster's department. He was married soon after the close of the war, and came to Missouri at a very early day, settling near the present town site of Bowling Green. James L. our sub- jeet, was raised a farmer and educated at Watson Seminary. In 1570 he was appointed deputy sheriff. and served two years as deputy collector.
John Hethit, boot and shoe merchant. This gentleman is a native of Germany, born in 1854. He came to this country with his brother when about thirteen years old. coming direct to the city of Louisiana, where he completed his education, having previously gone to school in his native
---------
.
789
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
country. Soon after his arrival at Lonisiana, he engaged with the firm of Wahl & Naher, shoe manufacturers and dealers, with whom he remained three years, after which he spent some time visiting different cities and towns, finally loeating in Bowling Green in 1875, engaging in the manufac- ture of boots and shoes, which he followed for about four years, when he added a boot and shoe store which he has been carrying on very successfully ever since. He was married in 1878, to Miss Lizzie Lombard. They have one daughter, Lillie. Mr. Hethit is a member of the Masonic order, and of the Knights of Pythias.
James J. Ingram, proprietor of the Mansion Hotel. was born in Dan- ville, Virginia, August 18, 1835, and lived in his native county until he grew to manhood; his father and mother were both natives of Virginia. Ilis father was Thomas Iugram, and his mother, Catherine, was a daughter of Robert A. Posey a prominent merchant and planter of Halifax county. Our subject's father was a well to do fariner and tobacco raiser. He immigrated to Missouri in 1858, and settled near Bowling Green on a farm where he engaged in farming and tobacco raising until his death; his mother is also dead. James J. came to Missouri with his parents. Before coming to this state he engaged as a traveling salesman in the south, for a wholesale tobacco house. He is now engaged in dealing in stock on a large scale, sell- ing mostly in St. Louis. He was married in North Carolina in January, 1858, to Miss Mary A. Lunsford, daughter of C. W. Lunsford, an extensive planter. They have four children, two boys and two girls: Thomas W., Mattie J., Joseph L., and Sallie G. His first hotel experience was in the town of Curryville, which he run successfully for four years, after which he moved to Bowling Green. in 1880, and took charge of the Mansion House.
William C. Kincaid, grocer. This gentleman is a native of Pike county, Missouri, born January 26. 1832. His father. John Kincaid. was born in South Carolina in 1808; his mother was a native of Tennessee, born in 1810; he came to Missouri in 1825, and stopped in Lincoln county for two years; and then came to Pike county; then he went to Middleton in Mont- gomery county ; in 1837 he went to Texas. where he remained until 1540; he was a merchant most of this time. His wife was a sister of Rev. James W. Campbell; she still lives, making her home in Howard county. William C., our subject, received a good common school education: when about twenty-three years of age be embarked in the boot and shoe and clothing business in Bowling Green, which he followed for abont two years, when he sold out and then engaged in the stock business, dealing in mules and horses principally, and selling in the south, until in 1879, when he engaged
790
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
in his present business. He was ntarried in 1858, to Miss Agnes M., daugh- ter of James M. Martin, Esq. Mr. Kincaid is a member of the order of United Workmen.
John Linsey (deceased). Among those who were prominently identified with Pike county some forty years ago, and have since passed away, who are worthy of notice in the history of the county, is the subject of this sketch. He was born in North Carolina, but when quite young his parents removed to Tennessee, where his father was killed by the Indians. When he had ar- rived at the age of manhood he emigrated to Christian county, Kentucky, where he married Margaret Carr. They came to Pike county by team, first settling in Cuivre township, near Watson Station. They reared a family of eleven children: Abigail, William, Benjamin C., Mary, James II., Thomas, Pike, Elizabeth, Virginia, Margaret, and Henry HI. Our subject was elected to the office of sheriff in 1828, and served four years; was re-elected in 1836, and served four years more. In 1842 he was elected to the legislature. He filled his positions in public life in an alle manner, with great credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He was a member of the Baptist Church. His honest dealings won for him many friends. He died in April, 1856. His wife died in October previous.
Patrick Lyon (deceased), was a native of Ireland, born in the county of Lonth, June 15, 1808. On coming to this country, when he was abont twelve years of age, his parents first settled in Baltimore, where he was reared and educated. He came to Missouri about the year 1839, previous to which he was engaged in the mercantile business. Soon after coming to Missouri he learned the marble-cutting business, which he followed for about fifteen years, and in which he was quite successful. In Bowling Green he was looked upon as an enterprising and industrious citizen. At his death he had accumulated considerable property. He was married in 1851, to Miss Sarah C. Jett, daughter of Stephen Jett, who was originally from Linn county, Kentneky. Mr. Lyon was well known and universally respected throughout Pike and adjoining counties. He was a prominent Mason. He died August 13, 1870.
William B. McAlister, banker, of Bowling Green, was born in this county, in April, 1844. His father, Thomas P. McAlister, was a native of Alabama, and immigrated to Missouri in the fall of 1828, and settled on a farm near the town of Bowling Green, and became one of the substantial agrienlturists of Pike county: was a man of great tact and energy, and remained on the farm until his death in 1882. The mother of our sub- ject was the daughter of K. McWilliams, and is still living. William B.
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.