USA > Missouri > Pike County > The history of Pike County, Missouri : an encyclopedia of useful information, and a compendium of actual facts > Part 45
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lived, and is numbered among the best citizens of Indian township. It is to such men as he and others of like stamp that Indian township is indebted `for her improvements.
Dr. J. W. Matthews, post-office New Harmony. Among those who are worthy of notice is the subject of this sketch, who is a native of Balti- more. Maryland, born May 29, 1821, the son of John and Henrietta Matthews, of English descent. Our subject was reared and educated in Maryland. He received his medical education at the Baltimore Institute, Maryland. In 1847 he came to Lafayette county, Missouri, where he practiced some eight- een months, then returned and was married to Miss Straughn, who died in 1852. He was married the second time to Miss Emma A. Cause in 1855. They had one child, Henry Earl. Mrs. Emma C. Matthews died in 1558. He was married the third time to Miss E. F. Flanders, of Illinois. They have three children: Frances H., Jessie L., and Mattie. During the war he was assistant surgeon in Colonel Hays's regiment. For several years the Doctor located at several different places, where he built up a good practice, both as a physician and as a draggist. In 1871 he located in New ITar- mony, where he still resides. Ile has in stock an assortment of drugs, and has a good practice. He is a member of the Masonic order, and also of the Odd Fellows, of which at one time there was only one in the state higher in the order than he. He has been a member of the M. E. Church for forty- three years, and has been ordained elder of the church. During the war he was taken prisoner fourteen times, and passed through many hairbreadth escapes. His fair and honorable dealings have won for him many friends. He takes high ground in religion and education, and is a genial, social. man.
Dr. W. MeDongal. V. S., Clarksville. He was born in South Carolina April 3, 1553, and was the son of John W. and Amy (Morris) MeDougal, natives of Edinburgh, Scotland, who came to South Carolina in 1852. Our subject was the second and youngest of the family. His father was a mer- chant at Columbia. South Carolina. At the age of seven our subject was left an orphan. He resided with an aunt for some years, and in 1865 came to Pike county, Missouri. He made his home with Hugh Love, of Salt River township, one of the early pioneers, where he resided until 1570. He re- ceived his literary education at Butler's Institute. and at Wesleyan Univer- sity, of Bloomington, Illinois. He commenced the study of his profession with Drs. John A. and J. S. Thomas, of Pleasant Hill. Illinois. Afterward attending the Veterinary College at Montreal, Canada, receiving his di- ploma in 1577. He first practiced at Pleasant Hill, Illinois. After a suc- cessful practice of some two years at that place he came to Pike county and
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located at Clarksville, where he has since resided. His success in his pro- fession has been such that he has acquired a large practice, not only in the vicinity of Clarksville, but all over Pike, Lincoln, and Andrain counties.
Austin C. Moore, post-office Curryville, Missouri. Among the enter- prising pioneers of Indian township who are worthy of notice in the history of the county is the subject of this sketch. He was born April $, 1838, in Pike county. He was the third child of Marion Moore. His early life was spent in assisting on the farm and attending school. He resided at home until he arrived at the age of twenty-two. He was married October 3, 1858, to Amanda E. Moore, daughter of Matthew B. Moore. They are the parents of one son, Emmet B., who was born September 23, 1562. His parents have given him the advantage of a good schooling, being well fitted to fill his position in the world. Mr. Moore moved to his present farm in 1850, which was then but slightly improved, since which time he has improved it 'in a number one manner. He has a good residence, out-buildings, orchard, etc. His farm consists of 200 acres of five land, which is improved and cul- tivated in a manner that shows the thrift and industry of its owner. He was elected to the office of justice of the pence, which office he held for four years, with credit to himself and the satisfaction of his friends. He has . several times served as representative at the county convention, and once at the state convention. He is numbered among the best citizens of Indian township.
James A. MoPike, post-office Curryville, farmer and stock-raiser. He was born in Henry county, Kentucky, April 23, 1838, the son of B. II. and Rachel J. (Bowen) McPike, the eldest of the sons. When he was quite young his father came to Missouri by team. first settling in Marion county, where he lived seven years; then, on account ofsickness, returned to Kentucky where he lived one year. then returned and sold his farm and went back to Kentucky where he resided some seven years. He then returned to Mis- sonri, settling in Pike county, Spencer township, some two years, then came on the farm where our subject resides. Onr subject's early life was spent in working in a carding mill and in a grocery and attending school. Ile was married October 12, 1843, to Miss Mary J. Davis, daughter of Jaines HI. Davis, one of thegold pioneers of this county. This union brought to them five children.
Thomas A. Russell, farmer and attorney at law, post-office Vandalia. He is among thie intelligent men of Indian township who deserves notice. The subject of this sketch is a native of Ohio. He was born in Trumbull county, September 26. 1833, the son of Jolin and Emeline ( Adams) Rassell,
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who were the parents of seven children: Rachel, John, Thomas, Cylinda, Chy. loe, Mary, and Almeda. When yonng his parents moved to Defiance county, where most of his youth was spent in attending school. He received h :- education at Oxford University, Miami, Ohio, graduating at the law college. receiving his diploma in 1861. In 1849 he went to California overland, and was there some cigbteen months. In 1863 he again went to California au i returned in 1864. He came to Pike county in 1868, where he has since resided. He was married in March, 1564, to Miss M. C. Williams, of Ohio. They are the parents of six children : Frank, Thomas, Phoebe. Lin- coln and Grant (twins), and Leslie. Mr. R. is the owner of a good farin, well - improved, and under a good state of cultivation with a comfortable house. Ile practices law in all the courts of the county and has a fair practice. He is a charter member of Lodge No. 399, at Curryville. In politics is a Republican.
Richard V. Sharp, Indian township, post-office Vannoy's Mill, farmer and stock-raiser: He was born in Monroe county, Missouri, November 17. 1838, where the subject of our sketch was reared and educated. After leaving school he moved with his father to Callaway connty, Missouri, where he be- came engaged in farming, continuing the same until November 5, when he came to Pike county, where he has since resided, following farming and stock-raising, owning a fine farm of 320 acres of well improved land, being well watered and fenced. He has a fine residence, beautifully located, com- manding a fine view of the surrounding country; in fact he has one of the finest natural locations in the county. Mr. Sharp is a man of thorough business qualifications. His well-deserved reputation for fair and honora. ble dealings has won him many warm and true friends. He united with the M. E. Church in March, 1858, and is still a leading member in said church. He was married in Callaway county, Missouri, February 23, 1565. to Miss Emma Dillard, and they have had three children, two of whom are lis- ing, Price L., and Richard M., William E., deceased. His wife died Janu- ary 25, 1873. Mrs. Sharp was an estimable lady-one honored and respected by all who knew her. Being a leading member of the M. E. Church she gained many warm and true friends who, with her sorrowing family, mourned vue of Pike county's noblest women. He was married the second time in Callaway connty, Missouri, to Miss Matilda Dillard, September 3, 1874. By this union they had one child, Mattie M. His wife died September 5, 1:77.
Warren C. Shattuck, farmer and stock-raiser, post-office Vandalia. Prominent among the enterprising and successful men of Indian township is the subject of this sketch, who was born in New York City, October 18. 1834, the son of Artemus L. and Catharine Hickey Shattuck. Our subject
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was the second child of a family of nine children. When he was quite young his parents moved to Philadelphia. His father was a native of Charlestown, Mass. Our subject's early life, until he was fifteen, was spent mostly at school. At the age of fifteen he entered his father's store, where he assisted in the basiness until he was twenty-one. He then went to Chicago, Illinois, where he engaged in the milk business for some two years. In the spring of 1858 he came to Pike county, where he lived one year; then he moved to Andrain county, which he called home until 1567. He was married in January. 1967,to Miss Matilda C. Houston, daughter of Mil- lias W. and Rebecca Ann Houston, pioneers of Ashley. Mr. and Mrs. S. are the parents of five children: Charles H., born November 21, 186S; Anna E., born October 15, 1870; Edith E .. born December S. 1572; War- ren L., born May 6. 1877. Mr. S. is owner of a fine farin of 320 acres of as good land as can be found in Indian township, which is under a high state of cultivation and well improved, with a fine residence, out-buildings and orchard, where he hasall the comforts of a good home. He onlisted August 12. 1661, in the state militia. On March 27, 1862, he enlisted in the Third Missouri Cavalry, and was mustered out July 16, 1865, taking part in several battles: was wounded three times, but was confined to the hospital only ten days: was at the battles of Pilot Knob, Jefferson City, and Little Rock. He was promoted to first lieutenant, and was honorably mastered out. He is a man of good business ability, genial and social in his way, upright and honorable in his dealings, in favor of religion and education, and is one of the solid farmers of Indian township.
A. I .. Shattuck, farmer and stock-raiser, post-office Vandalia. Among the intelligent citizens of Indian township is the subject of this sketch, who is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was born May 22, 1843. and is the son of A. L. and C. M. Shattuck. His youth was spent in attending school. In 1855 he came to Pike county, which he has since called home. During the war he enlisted in the militia, and in April, 1862, took an active part in those battles that the regiment was engaged in. By the fall of a horse that was shot under him, he was injured and confined to the hos- pital for seven days. He was honorably discharged in July, 1865, and re- turned to the peaceful pursuits of life. He came to his present farm in 1866. He married May E. Mitchell, daughter of Harry and Harriet Mitchell, of Pike county. This union brought to them one child, Hattie C., born in Janu- ary, 1867. Mrs. S. died in January, 1867. For three years Mr. S. was en- gaged in running a saw-mill, sawing railroad lumber. In July, 1870, he returned to Philadelphia, where he resided some three years, engaged in - 59
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
railroading. He was married December 30, 1877, to Minta E. Bratchel. daughter of F. A. Bratcher, a prominent pioneer of this township. This union has brought to thein one son, Allen B., born September 27, 357%. Mr. S. is owner of one of the best farms of this township, consisting of 1z acres, well improved. He has a fine two-story residence, finished in mod- ern style, and furnished with taste, where the family have all the comforts of a good hoine. He is a member of the Masonic order, No. 399. Politi- cally he is a Republican. He is numbered among the best citizens of In- dian township.
John M. Steele, farmer and stock-raiser, post-office Curyville, is a native of Pike county. He was born March 9, 1837, and was the son of G. D. Steele, who was a native of Bourbon county, Kentucky, and came to Pike county in 1826, settling in Spencer township. Our subject's early life was spent in working on his father's farin, and he received a lim- ited education in the log cabin school-house of those pioneer days. At the age of twenty he commenced for himself. In 1857 he removed to Mont- gomery county, bought some wild land, and improved a farm of eighty acres, and in 1566 he sold his farm in Montgomery county and bought his present farm, which was then partly improved. Since that time he has im- proved it in a good manner. The farm contains 160 acres of good land, well adapted for grain of stock, and is improved in a manner that shows the thrift and industry of its owner. He has a good residence, ont-build- ings, etc. Ilis farm is divided into several fields so as to be convenient for stock-raising. He was married April 17, 1855, to Miss Margaret J. Staley, of Indian township, daughter of David and Jane Staley, early pio- neers of Indian township. This union has brought to them seven children -four boys and three girls: James D., Charles E., William W., John V., Carrie S., Mary Jane, and Fanny J. Mr. Steele is strictly a self-made man. Starting in the world without a dollar, he has by industry and good man- agement acquired a good home. His fair dealing and accommodating ways have won for him many friends. He is a genial, hospitable man, and a number one citizen.
James D. Steele. Among the intelligent and enterprising young men of Indian township, who deserves notice, is the subject of this sketch. IIe was born in Cuivre township, February 20, 1857, the eldest son of John M. Steele, and grandson of G. D. Steele. His early life was spent in working on his father's farm and attending school at the Woodlawn school-house. He resided at home until he arrived at the age of twenty, when he went to Texas where he resided one year engaged on a ranch, when he returned
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home to this county. He was married October 17, 1579, to Viola 1. Bran- stetter, daughter of John Branstetter, deceased. This union has been blessed with three children: Arthur E., Katie Eva, and a babe not named. Mr. Steel is a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church, and is a young man of good business qualifications; he is located on a good farm of eighty acres, which he tends in good manner. His genial ways and friendly man- ners have won for him many friends.
A. J. Sweet. farmer and stock-raiser, post-office Vandalia. Prominent among the successful farmers of Indian township, who deserves notice, is the subject of this sketch. He was born in Kentucky, December 28, 1534, the son of' Allen D. and Mary Robinson Sweet. His father was a native of Ken- tucky, and his mother of Virginia. Our subject was reared a farmer and re- ceived his education in the common schools. At the age of eighteen he went to Clark county and commenced to work at the carpenter's trade, and worked at that trade antil 1550, working some four years in St. Louis. In 1859 he came to Pike county, settling in Cuivre township, where he lived seven years. In 1866 he came on his present farin, and has one of the best resi- dences in the township, a two-story frame, 16x40, built in modern style and of superior workmanship, doing most of it himself, and his house is fur- nished with taste and comfort. His farin contains 300 acres of as good land as can be found in the county, which he has under a high state of cul- tivation, and well stocked with cattle and swine. He ranks among the best farmers in the township. Ile was married November 11. 1860, to Fanny Shaw, daughter of John R. Shaw, of this county. By this union they have two children: Lizzie and Fanny. Mrs. Sweet died October 22, 1865. Mr. S. was again married to Mrs. Mandy Maxwell, danghter of John F. Nigh, Oc- tober 10, 1806, and this union has brought to them three children : Thomas, Rowence Jona, and Jefferson. Mr. and Mrs. Sweet are worthy members of the Methodist church.
Dr. Nathan Vannoy (deceased). Among those who came to Pike county in an early day, and was prominently identified with the county, is the subject of this sketch. He was born in December, 1798, in South Carolina, where he lived until he arrived at the age of manhood, when he moved to Bedford county. Tennessee, where he lived until 1827, and there married Miss Mary MelIntehell, of Bedford county, who was formerly of Sonth Carolina. He arrived in Pike county, Missouri, in the fall of 1830. settling in Indian township. He was by trade a cabinet-maker, and also a good gna- smith. Having an inclination for the medical profession, after coming to this county he commenced its study, and at the solicitation of his
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
friends and neighbors engaged in its practice with good success. He built the first mill in the locality of Indian township, a horse-mill. in 1834, and in 1845 a water-mill, which was a great help to the peop! of Indian township and locality. He was a major in the militia, and was well-known throughout the county. He was appointed postmaster in 1840, and held the office up to near the time of his death, when he resigned, in 1875, after a term of thirty-five years. He was a Douglas Democrat until the war, when he went over to the Republican party. Mr. and Mrs. Vannoy were the parents of nine children, seven of whom they reared: Robert, Margaret, James, Elizabeth, Martha, Mary, and N. D .; John and William, deceased.
R. M. Vannoy, postmaster, Vannoy's Mill. He was born in Bedford county, Tennessee. May 10, 1828, the son of Dr. Nathan Vannoy. When two years old his parents came to Pike county. He was reared a farmer and as- sisted about the saw and grist-mill of his father. He received his education in the common schools. In 1851 he purchased a farm of 120 acres of govern. ment land, which he improved. He came on his present farm in 1874. where he has since resided. He was married October 18, 1849, to Miss Ellen Farmer, daughter of John Farmer, whose sketch is on another page. Mr. and Mrs. V. are the parents of four children: William A., Mrs. Mary Jane Eustace, Margaret A. Goodman, and Ida P. Willis. Mr. V. is located on a good farm of sixty acres, well improved, where he has a comforta- ble home. During the war he was in the militia some twelve months. He has been postmaster since 1875, filling the office with great credit to him- self. He is a worthy member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He has held the office of school director, and was instructed to build a school- house in his district. He is a man of social and hospitable disposition, and has many friends in the neighborhood where he lives.
Nathan D. Vannoy, post-office Vannoy's Mill. He was born March 13, 1SAS, and his early life was passed in working on his father's farm and attending school. He resided at home until he arrived at the age of man- hood. Mr. V. was married February 16, 1870, to Miss Julia Hinton. daugh- ter of David Hinton, of Indian township. They are the parents of five chil- dren: Oda L., John. David, Henry, and Ettie; Alvey, deceased. Ile is located on a good farm of eighty acres, which is well located and improved. with a comfortable honse. In politics he is a Greenbacker; he is also a mein. ber of the Christain Church. He is a son of Dr. Vannoy, deceased.
Andrew R. Vannoy. Among the old pioneers of Indian township none are more worthy of notice than our subject. Hle was born in North Care-
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lina August 4, 1807, the son of John and Elizabeth Kilby Vannoy. When he was seventeen his parents immigrated to Pike county, Missouri, settling in Cuivre township, where they lived some three years, then came to In- dian township, where our subject resided until he grew to manhood. At the age of twenty-one he commeneed to work at blacksmithing with his brother. He also worked for several years at the carpenter's trade. Ile was married in May, 1838, to Miss Elizabeth Hughes, of Montgomery county. By this union they have had seven children: Jerry C., Nathaniel, William, John, James, Orval, and Parmelia E., who died June 9, 1852. In 1830 he went to Iowa, of the Des Moines River, where he resided some eighteen ' months among the Indians, engaged in gunsmithing. In November. 1876, he went to Colorado, where he resided come four years. He had a good im- proved farm which he has divided among his children. He has done much to improve Indian township from a wilderness until it is what it is to- day. During the many years he has spent in Indian township he has made many friends.
Nathaniel Vannoy, farmer and stock-raiser, post-office Vannoy's Mill. Prominent among the enterprising farmers is the enbjeet of this sketch. He was born and reared in Indiau township. His early life was spent in work- ing on his father's farm and attending school. He was married September 21, 1869, to Miss Emma Williams of this county, daughter of Jacob Wil- liams. They are the parents of five children: Mary E., Lena M .. Edna, Emma, and John Clark. Mr. Vannoy is the owner of a fine farm of 169 acres, well improved, with a fine two-story residence, one of the best houses in the neighborhood. He is numbered among the best farmers of the town- ship. In politics he is a Greenbacker.
J. T. Woodson, post-office Curryville, Missouri. Among the pioneers of Pike county who deserve notice in this history is the subject of this sketch. He was born October 11, 1527, in Virginia. the son of Stephen D. and Selina (Posey). He was the third child of the family. When he was seven years old his parents came to Pike county, Missouri, by team, settling in Indian township ou wild land near the forks of Indian Creek, where our sub- jeet was reared. His early life was spent in assisting on the farm and at- tending school. He was married to Miss Nancy Ann Wells, of this county, formerly of Kentucky, March 9, 1849. They are the parents of nine children : Mary Jane. Wm. R., Narsisulus Ann, James O., Elizabeth Araminta .. Thomas J., Nancy S., Selina C., and Parmelia H. Mr. Woodson is the owaer of a good farm of 160 acres of improved land, with a comfortable house and
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
out. buildings. In politics he is a Democrat, and has long been identified with Indian township in her growth and prosperity.
William H. Whiteledge. farmer and stock-raiser, post office Vandali ... Among those raised in Pike county who are worthy of notice is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Peno township, November 14, 1840, the son of Thomas and Sarah G. Cury Whiteledge, who were formerly of Harrison county, Kentucky. Our subject was the seventh child of a family of eight children. Ilis father settled in Pike county in 1840. His early life was spent in working on the farm and attending school. During the war he lived in Illinois one year, and in 1864 he went to Montana, where he lived eighteen months, engaged in freighting and on a cattle ranch. He moved on his present farm in 197S, where he has since lived. He was: married November 17, 1874, to Keturah Wright, daughter of John L. Wright, a prominent pioneer of Indian township. This nnion has brought to them three children: John F., James, and Thomas. Mr. Whiteledge is the owner of 930 acres of as good land as can be found in the township, which is in a high state of cultivation and well improved, and well stocked with cattle. He has a good residence, furnished with taste, and has all the comforts of a good home. Hle is a good business man, and fair and honorable in his dealings. He is numbered among the best men in Indian township.
John F. Wright (deceased). None are more worthy of notice than the subject of this sketch. He was born March 5, 1808, near Richmond, Vir- ginia. He came to Pike county in 1830, and was married to Miss Eliza- beth Goodman in January, 1836. They were the parents of seven chil- dren : James H., Amanda, Nancy, Keturah, Eliza, Victoria, and Jeffer-
son. Mr. Wright was a man of energy and perseverance. On his arrival in this county, having no means, he commenced work splitting rails at fifty cents a hundred. After working at this business for some time he earned fifty dollars, which he invested in forty acres of government land, when he built a log-house. From this beginning he continued to add to his posses- sions until at the time of his death he was the possessor of seventeen hun- dred acres of land. besides several thousand dollars in mortgages and notes. At the time of his death he was the wealthiest man in the townsnip. He was a man that was ever ready to assist those who were in destitute circum- stances. He was a prominent member of the M. E. Church South. He lived to see his children take a prominent position in society. After living to a ripe old age he departed this life November 2, 187S.
James H. Wright, Esq., stock-raiser and dealer. Among the prominent farmers and stock-raisers of Pike county is the subject of this sketch, the
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