USA > Missouri > Pike County > The history of Pike County, Missouri : an encyclopedia of useful information, and a compendium of actual facts > Part 44
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F. A. Bratcher, post-office Curryville. Prominent among the settlers of Indian township is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Grayson county, Kentucky, September 24, 1825, the son of Asa and Martha ( Sands) Bratcher, the second child of a family of ten children. His early life was spent in attending school and working on the farm. In 1844, in company with
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his brother, he came to Missouri. On his arrival in this county he worked the first season for -SS per month and for Finley Braustetter, for some two and a half years. He came on his farm in 1846; his farm contains170 acres of fine land. In 1854 he went to California by team, remained there one year, engaged in mining and the grocery business, and returned home. In 1964 he again started for California by mule team and camped some three months in the mountains. He remained one year engaged in selling inules, and returned home, where he has since resided. He was married Novem- ber 2, 1846, to Miss Jane Branstetter, daughter of Frederick Branstetter, one of the pioneers of this county. They were the parents of three children: Armentic, Martha, and Asa. He is a member of Pike Lodge No 399. His reputation for fair and honorable dealing has won for him the respect of those who know him.
J. W. Chamberlain, farmer and stock-raiser, post-office Curryville. Among the enterprising and successful farmers and stock-raisers who have long been identified with the growth of Indian township is the subject of our sketch, who is a native of Pike county, born June 12. 1837. the son of James Chamberlain, who came to this county during its early settlement. Our subject was the second child of a family of eight children. He was reared a farmer and received his education in the common schools. He re- sided beneath the paternal roof until he attained his majority. He moved on his present farin in 1566. He was married March 26, 1865, to Miss Si- rah A. McPike, daughter of Aaron McPike, a prominent pioneer of this county. This union has brought to them four children: James A., Susan O., William T., and Fanny D. Mr. Chamberlain is the owner of one of the best tracts of land in the township, consisting of 1,200 acres, 800 in the farm where he lives. He has one of the finest residences in the neighbor- hood, a large two-story building with an L. It is finished in modern style and furnished with taste. It is situated in the center of a fine lawn, which is ornamented with shade and ornamental trees and shrubs. He is a wor- thy member of the Christian Church. He always takes an active part in whatever tends to elevate the morals of the people. He is a man of broad experience and good business capacity. By good management he has ac- quired a good fortune. He is numbered amongst the best citizens of Pike county.
J. M. B. Chamberlain, farmer and stock-raiser, post-office Carryville. Among those who have long been identified with the advancement of Indian township, and deserving of notice in the history of the county, is the sub- ject of this sketch. He is a native of Bourbon county, Kentucky, born No-
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vember 14, 1519, the son of William and Mary A. (Braustetter) Chamberlain. He was the fourth child of a family of five children. When our subject was five years old his father died. In November, 1.828, his mother came to Pike county, first settling in Ashley township. Oar subject resided at home until 1844. Ilis yonth was spent in assisting in the work of the farm. tle broke the first farrow on the old homestead in 1831. He re- ceived a limited education in the old log-cabin school-houses of those pio- neer days. He was married February 1, 1814, to Rachel A. Branstetter, daughter of Peter Branstetter, Sr., who came to Pike county in 1823. This union has brought to them thirteen children: William P., Mary C., Susan E., James H., Matilda J., Arminta P., John F., Thomas W., Flavius J. C., George J., Ulyssus Grant, Ida E., and Charley C. Ile moved on his present farm in 1844, which was then wild land, and which he has since improved in good manner. He first built a log-bouse, about eighty rods from where he now lives, which burned down in 1835, when he built his present resi- dence. Mis farm contains 340 acres of good land, 240 under fence and well improved, a good residence, barn, and out-buildings. In polities he was a Democrat until that party failed to elect Stephen A. Douglas. Since that time he has supported the Republican ticket. He was elected to the office of constable in 1848. and served four years, and has served twelve years as justice of the peace with credit to himself. In 1880 he was a candidate for county judge on the Republican ticket, but that party being in the minor- ity he was not elected. He is a self-made man. Starting without a dollar he has, b. in Instry and economy, acquired a good home. He is ever will- ing to encourage whatever tends to advance education or religion.
Moses A. Farmer, stock-dealer and merchant, post-office Farmersville. Prominent among the enterprising business men of Indian township none are more worthy of notice than the subject of this sketch. He was born in Pittsylvania county, Virginia, June 27, 1829, being the fourth child and eldest son of John and Jane B. Farmer. When he was but a small child his parents came to Pike county, Missouri, settling in Indian township, where our subject grew to manhood. His youth was spent in working on the farm and attending school. At the age of twenty-two he went to live with Moses Henderson, of Cuivre township, where he resided six years in the work and management of the farm, after which he took a trip to the south- west. Returning to this county, he took a trip to Virginia to see his kins- folk. Remaining in Virginia four mouths he returned to Pike county. buying a farm of eighty aeres in Ashley township, where he engaged in farming in company with his brother John, where he lived four years.
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During the beginning of the war he received orders to report at headquar- ters with horse and outfit; he reported and was ordered to march. He was appointel quartermaster, which position he held until he was honorably discharged. In the winter and spring of 1863 he bought sixty head of mules in Missouri and Illinois, and started for California; was on the road ninety days; arrived with all his stock, and sold thein at a good profit. Re- turning home he bought another drove of fine mules and returned to Cali- fornia; he found the country suffering from drouth, and times hard ; wintered his stock and sold the next season at a good price. Ife returned home in 1866, bringing his brother William's family with him, his brother having died while he was in California. He then turned his attention to farming and dealing in stock. He is the owner of 600 acres of as good land as Pike county contains. under a high state of cultivation and improved in a man- ner that shows the thrift of its owner. He has one of the best residences in the township. a two-story frame, forty foot front, thirty foot L, hall, nine rooms and portico, finished in modern style and well furnished. which gives him all the comforts of a good home. He was married October 10, 1872, to Miss S. I. Farthing, daughter of S. B. and Julia A., pioneers of Pike county. This union has brought to them four children: Marline, Elmer, Beulah, and Moses. He is the proprietor of a farmers' store. He built the building in 1882, a frame, 20x40, two stories high, where he carries a fine stock of dry goods, groceries, boots, shoes, etc., that would be a credit to any town. He receives a large trade from the surrounding country. Mr. Farmer has long been identified with the interests of Pike county, and is one of its solid business men.
John Farmer (deceased), farmer, was born in Pittsylvania county, Vir- ginia, in 1500, and was the con of William and Elizabeth (Eckells) Farmer. He was married in February, 1821, to Miss Jane Woodson. daughter of Allen and Jenny Taylor Woodson. They came to Pike county in 1830, first settling in Indian .township, near New Harmony. where Mr. Farmer resided until his death in 1834, leaving six children: Mary Ann, Elizabeth T., Ella Lonisa, Moses A., W. M. (deceased), and John. After the death of her husband Mrs. Farmer married Stephen Burts, who died in 1-52.
R. P. Fox, post-office Curyville. Among the intelligent pioneers of In- dian township who have long been identified with Pike county is the sub- jeet of this sketch, who is a native of Madison county, Kentucky, born June 20, 1819, the son of Charles L. and Nancy ( Embry) Fox, who were natives of Kentucky. Our subject was the second child of a family of six children. His early life was spent in working on the farm, and he received a limited edu-
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cation in the subscription schools of those early days. He resided beneath the parental roof until November, 1841, when he came to Pike county, Mis souri, first settling in Indian township, where he now resides, and settled on wild land, which he improved in a great manner, and where he lived until 1877. when he came on his present farm, where he has since made his homme. His farm consists of 120 acres of good land, well located and well adapted for both grain and stock, in the raising of which he is engaged. His farm is well improved and cultivated in a good maner, and he has a comfortable house, ont-buildings, orchard, etc. He was united in marriage May 5, 1842, to Miss Susan JI. Jones, daughter of Hon. Major Jones, a prominent pioneer of the county. This anion has been blessed with ter children: Amanda L., James, Mary E., Joel E., Richard S., Nancy S .. Edwin L., William H., John Curtis, and one deceased, Charles I., the second child of the family. Mr. Fox has been a worthy member of the Christian Church since August 22, 1837. He was elected to the office of justice of the peace in 1870, and served four years with great credit. Ile has always been ready to give his influence to what tended to advance the cause of edu- cation of religion. They have reared and educated their children so they are well fitted to take positions in life that will be a satisfaction and credit to the parents. Mr. Fox, during his residence in the township, has won many warm and true friends, and he is numbered among the best citizens of the township.
Frederick Goodman (deceased). Among the carly pioneers of Pike county, who was identified with the pioneer settlers, is the subject of this sketch. He was one of the first settlers of Indian township. He was born in Pennsylvania, and when quite young his parents emigrated to Smith county, Virginia. He was married to Miss Christina Callop, and in 1826 came to Pike county, Missouri, first settling in Indian township. Ile bought a claim of a Mormon, who had a log cabin and five acres improved, and which he afterwards improved in a good manner. They were the par- ents of nine children: Elizabeth, Lucretia, Mary, Mana, Margaret, William, Daniel, Joseph B., and P. J. Mr. Goodman died in 1842. Mrs. Goodman died in 1862.
Daniel Goodman, farmer and stock-raiser, post-office New Harmony. Among those who have long been identified with the growth of Indian township is the subject of this sketch, who is a native of Smith county, Vir- ginia, born December 16, 1523, the son of Frederick Goodman. At the age of thirteen his parents came to Indian township, Pike county, Missouri. He resided at home until he arrived at the age of manhood. He married Sarah
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Elizabeth Killby, daughter of James T. Killby. This union brought them six children: Permelia L , James W .. Lucinda Catharine, Daniel Douglas, Jobu A., and Maria Elizabeth. Mr. Goodman is the owner of a fine farm of 200 acres of excellent land, which he has in a fine state of cultivation, di- vided in six fields, and a comfortable house and ont-buildings. He has held the office of justice of the peace for twelve years, and has been school director for thirty years, serving both offices with great credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He united with the Methodist Church in 1843, and has been a steward in the church. He has been very active in all measures that tended to advance the interests of schools or churches, and has done much to improve Indian township.
Harrison W. Gourley, post-office New Harmony. Among the intelli- gent and enterprising pioneers who have long been identified with Indian township, who is well known and worthy of notice in the history of Pike county, is the subject of this sketch. He was born November 18, 1837, the sou of Adam G. and Miranda Norton Gourley. His father was from Mis- sissippi and his mother from Virginia. Our subject was the eldest son of the family. He was born in Buffalo township. When thirteen years of age he came to Indian township, where he was reared and received his edu- cation. He lived at home until he arrived at the age of manhood. He was married November 25, 1565, to Julia Ann Halbert, of Greene county, Illi. nois, daughter of Nancy Halbert, a widow lady. This union has brought to them four children: William Mason, Virgil Lee, Carrie Guthrie, and Harrie Childers. Mr. Gourley is the owner of 180 acres of good land, which is improved and cultivated in a manner that shows the thrift and in- dnstry of its owner. He has a comfortable house, and buildings for stock, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. Ile is a member of the A. O. U. W., and a member of the Christian Church. He moved on his pres- ent farm in 1861, where he has since resided. His fair and honorable deal- ings have made friends of all who know him.
Montgomery Gourley, post-office New Harmony. Among those who have long been identified with Pike county is the subject of this sketch, wbo is a native of Pike county. He was born January 21, 1829, the son of George A. Gourley, who was one of the pioneers of Pike county. His early life was passed on the farm and attending school. He was married Jann- ary 21, 1869, to Miss Sarah C. Branstetter, of this county, daughter of James Branstetter. They are the parents of seven children: Homer. No- villa, Charles Roscoe. Herbert, Montgomery, Elizabeth Adelia. Mary Belle, and one deceased, George Walker. Mr. Gourley is pleasantly located in
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the village, has a good two-story residence, and has all the comforts of a good home. He has some forty-six acres convenient to his home. He was elected to the office of constable in 1864, and held the office for twelve years. For several years he was engaged in the buying and selling of horses aud mules. He is a man of broad views and is numbered among the best inen of Indian township
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John Humphreys, post-office Curryville. Among those who have long been identified with the pioneer life of Pike county, is the subject of this sketch. He was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, May 6, 1SOS, the son of John and Susanna (Whitledge) Humphreys, who were formerly of Virginia. Our subject was the seventh child of a family of fourteen children; his youth was passed in the labors of fari life. At the age of sixteen his father died, When he was seventeen his mother with her children came to Pike county. Missouri, coming by team, arriving in Pike county November 9, 1525. They rented a farm the first year in Peno township, and in 1826 his mother bought some wild land on Noix Creck, in Cuivre township, which the family improved, and where our subject resided until he arrived at the age of thirty- two, when he bought a farm in Buffalo township, where he lived until 1864, when he came on his present farm in Indian township, where he now lives. At the age of thirty-three he was married to Mrs. Ebbie Mills Macklewee. of this county, formerly of South Carolina. This union brought to them four children: Elsie, William I .. , Nancy and J. S. (twins). Mr. Humphreys is the owner of a good farm of 102 acres, under a good state of cultivation and well improved, with comfortable house and out-buildings for stock. Mrs. Humphreys died in 1859. In politics he is independent. He has long been identified with the growth and prosperity of Pike county, coming here at an early day, and has seen the advance of civilization in this county fifty-seven years. J. S. Humphreys, son of John, was born November 6, 1856, in Buffalo township, where he was reared and educated. He was inar- ried April 17, 1870, to Miss Levina E. Smith of this county. They are the parents of three children: Nancy E., H. M. E., aud J. W. A. Mr. Humphreys is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mrs. Humphreys is a mem- ber of the Christian Church.
William Irvine. Among the oldest settlers in Pike county, is the sub- ject of our sketch. He was born in Logan county, Virginia, January 9, 1804, the son of Robert and Rachel (Hill) Irvine. They started for Pike county, in 1318, on horseback leading a pack-horse. His mother died on the way; they camped several times among the Indians. On their arrival in this county
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the father, Robert Irvine, hired an old hunter named Charles Wells to guide him to a good location. He took him near Ashley, two miles northeast where he located, having some three or four slaves which he brought with him. The county was then but sparsely settled, and they went to mill at St. Charles on horseback. There were then some Indians in the county, but they were friendly. Bears were frequently met with. Our subject killed four bears before he was grown to manhood. He was married to Catharine House, daughter of Nimrod House, one of the pioneers of Pike county, who came to Pike county on a keel-boat in 1523, with his slaves. Our subject settled in Indian township in 1823; he was among the first settlers in the western part of the county; they did their trading at Louisiana. When onr subject left home his father gave him a vegro byy, which was all the stort he had. He entered wild land from the government. He was at one time extensively engaged in raising swine, that he fattened on mast; he at one time, in 1820. sold 115 hogs to a Galena, Ilinois, man, that were driven through to that place on foot. Wolves destroyed for him several young pigs. The old hogs would generally fight for the protection of their young. He has been very successful financially, acquiring a large amount of land and money; he has had several thousand dollars stolen from him. He never at- tended school, but learned by study, practice. and observation at home. Mr. and Mrs. Irvine are the parents of a large family of children: Melvina, Sarah, Will, James R., Dora, Jane, Elizabeth, J. W. auml Jessie.
J. W. Irvine, farmer and stock-raiser, post-office Vandalia, son of Wil- liam Irvine, is worthy of special notice in this work. He was born in Indian township, Pike county, February 14, 1st. His early life was spent in working on the farin and attending school. He was married December 25, 1874, to Miss May Braustetter. They are the parents of two children: Ernest, and girl babe not named. He is the owuet of a good farm of 150 acres under a high state of cultivation, a good house, out-buildings, and orchard; he is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Lodge 391, and in politics a Democrat. He is a man of good business qualities, and is upright and honest in his dealings, and is numbered among the best citizens of Indian town-bip.
Jesse Irvine, farmer and stock-raiser, post-office Vandalia. He is the son of William Irvine, whose sketch is seen on another page of this history Our subject was born April 16, isto, near where it now resides. Ilis youth was spent in working on his father's farm hond attending school. . He was married December 26, 1578, to Miss Alice Henderson of Curryville, daughter of Richard B. Henderson. They were formerly fr an Virginia. Mr.
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and Mrs. Irvine are the parents of one son, Norval Walter. He was born July 14, 1880. Mr. Irvine is the owner of a good farm of ninety acres, a !! of which is under a high state of cultivation and well improved, with a nont residence and out-buildings. He is a member of the Masonic order, Lodge 491. In politics he is a Democrat.
J. S. Jones, farmer and stock-raiser, post-office Curryville. Among the intelligent and enterprising citizens of Indian towhship who are worthy of no- tice in this work is the subject of this sketch. He was born in Cuivre town- ship, Pike county, March 11, 1845, and is the son of Major Jones, a friend of every settler of Pike county. Onr subject's early life was spent in duties of farm labor and attending school, receiving part of his education at Bow- ling Green. He resided at the home farm in work and management of the same until he arrived at the age of twenty-seven. He was married January 30, 1873, to Miss Sally E. Miller, daughter of Judge A. P. Miller, a man who has long been prominently identified with the interests of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are the parents of one child: Fanny L., born Angust 8, 1875. Mr. Jones is the owner of as good a farm as the township affords, consisting of 180 acres, which is improved in a good measure. He has a large two-story residence, and furnished with taste, thus showing the refine- ment of the family. He is a genial, pleasant man, and has many friends. Indian township has no better citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are worthy members of the Baptist Church.
James L. Kilby. Among the oldest pioneers of Indian township is the subject of this sketch. He was born January 9, 1804. and is the son of Abra- ham and Elizabeth (Rosh) Kilby, and a native of North Carolina. When nineteen years old he married Frances Vannoy. and removed to the west. He came to Pike county, Missouri, in 1826. and. built one of the first houses on Indian Creek. There were at that time many Indians in the western part of the county. Game was very plentiful, such as deer, turkey, etc., and the settlers did the most of their trading at Louisiana, and the mills were horse-mills. Mr. Kilby has been a member of the Methodist Church for over fifty years. Mr. and Mrs. Kilby were the parents of eight children: John, Elizabeth, Permelia, Ruby L., William N., Abraham, Lucinda, and James N. Mrs. Kilby died in 1862. He married for bis second wife Miss Levina Wright of this county. Mr. Kilby is one of the oldest pioneers in Indian township. The arm that was once so strong in the vigor of youth is now palsied with age.
Elisha Maiden (deceased). Among the pioneers of Pike county who endured the hardships and privations of prairie life, and who have passed
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away, is the subject of this sketch. He was born in Virginia, June 9, 1795. He lived in Virginia until grown, when he went to Kentucky, where he was married to Miss Nellie Hendrick. He came to Pike county, Missouri, in 1818, first settling near Concord Church on wild land. There was no mill within fifteen miles. Flies were so bad that they were obliged to go to mill in the night. Ile improved several farms in Pike county. There were ten children in the family: Samuel, Wesley, Benjamin, Elisha, Patsy, Ma- hala, Nancy, Mandy, Jackson, and Emeline. Mrs. Elisha Maiden died in 1863.
. Jackson Maiden, farmer, post-office Curryville, is the son of Elisha Maiden. He was born March 1, 1836. He was the ninth child of the family. He was reared on a farm and received a limited education in the common schools of those early days. He bought his present farm, where he resides, in 1866. He came on the farm in 1867. He was married Angust 7, 1866, to Miss Sarah F. Pritchett, daughter of John Pritchett of this county. This union has brought to them five sons and one daughter: Lee, Logan, Benjamin, Wallace, Albert, and Lucy C. Mr. Maiden is owner of a good farm of 195 acres, under a good state of enltivation, which is well adapted for grain or stock. He is a man that is upright in his dealings, a kind hus- band and father, and a good neighbor.
J. G. Maxwell, farmer, post-office Vannoy's Mill. Among those who have long been identified with the interests of Indian township, who are well known and worthy of notice, is the subject of this sketch. He was born in Tazewell connty, Virginia, February 8. 1821, and is the son of John and Jane Maxwell, who were born in Virginia, of Irish descent. Our subject was reared on a farm and received a limited education in the common schools. In 1838 his parents came to Pike county, settling in Indian town- ship. He resided at home until he arrived at the age of manhood. He came on his present farm in 1855, which was wild land, securing 220 acres from the government, and he has since improved it in a good manner. He has divided his land among his children, reserving eighty acres for a homestead, where he has all the comforts of a good home, and which shows the thrift and industry of the owner. He was married to Miss Susan A. Williams of this county, the daughter of Elias and Era Williams of Wythe county, Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell are the parents of three children: Edley W., William C., and Elias B. Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell are worthy members of the M. E. Church, as also are the three children. His reputation for fair and honorable dealing has won for him many friends. He has done much for the interests of the neighborhood in which he has
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