USA > Missouri > Pike County > The history of Pike County, Missouri : an encyclopedia of useful information, and a compendium of actual facts > Part 54
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J. J. Penix. fine stock-dealer. post-office Frankford. was the son of Judge Penix, and was born October 12. 1841. on the old homestead, where he still resides, and where his early life wa- spent, farming and attending school. He was married November 11. 1-69, to Miss Cynthia A. Reading. and the union has brought to them three children: Nancy A .. W. E., and John Il. The farm contains 250 acres of good land. well adapted for stock. in the raising of which our subject i- extensively engaged. He has one of
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the largest heads of thorough bred cattle in the county, where can be found as good cattle as can be seen in the state. His residener is a good two-story brick furnished with a taste that shows the culture of the family. There is on the farm a good orchard. Mr. P. is a member of the Baptist Church.
George Pritchett, farmer and stock-raiser. post-office Frankford. Among the enterprising farmers of Peno township is the subject of this sketch. who was born June 11, 1835, and was the son of Gabriel Pritchett. His early life was passed in working on the farm and attending school. At the age of twenty he secured a part of the old homestead and commenced to im- prove it. Hle was married July 25, 1865, to Miss Lizzie Thornton. dangh- ter of Richard Thornton, a prominent pioneer of Peno township. They have two children: Emily E. and Monroc. Mr. Pritchett has one among the best farms in the township, consisting of 200 acres under a high state of cultivation and well improved. He has a fine residence with beautiful sur- roundings in the shape of shade and ornamental trees. His house is ele- gantly finished and furnished. and everything about his farm shows the good management of its owner, who is a man of enterprise and fine social qualities. Mr. and Mrs. P. are members of the Christian Church.
William Pritchett. stock-dealer and breeder of fine stock. post-office Frankford. Prominent among the enterprising stock men of Pike comity none are better known or more worthy of notice, than the subject of this sketch, who was born March 26. 1838. in Pike county, Missouri. Ile is the son of Gabriel and Elizabeth Pritchett, and was the youngest child of a family of eleven children. His early life was spent in working on the farm and attending the log cabin schools a limited time. When he was fourteen years old his father died, and he had to begin the battle of life. He worked out by day or month, just as he had the opportunity. At the age of vighteen he secured 75 acres of the old homestead and commeneed to im- prove it by clearing off the heavy timber. He was married March 30. 1-56. to Miss Martha O. Johnson, of this county, daughter of Rev. John M. Johnson, a prominent pioneer. They have ten children, eight living: Charles. Orion, Mary, Molly, John W., George. Clande, and Myrtie. Mr. P. is the owner of one of the best stock farms in Peno township, consisting of 460 aeres under a high state of enltivation and well improved. He has a fine residence, beautifully located. surrounded with shade and ornamental trees, and has good barns and out-buildings for stock, and all the conven- iences of a first class farmer. He makes a specialty of fine stock, sheep and cattle. He has spent much time and money in selecting his stock in the different state, and in Canada, and to him are due many thanks for im-
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provement in the stock in Pike county. Mr. Pritchett has probably handleo more stock than any man in the county. He is a self-made man, who ha- by his energy and perseverance, obtained a good home. Having but a lin. ited education he has acquired. by study at home and observation. a good practical, business education. Mr. P. is a member of the Masonic order. .. courteous gentleman, and much given to hospitality.
Gabriel Pritchett (deceased), was born in Northumberland conuty; Vi ginia. At the age of twenty he married May Hulett, and in 1827 he came to Pike county.
J. B. Stark, liveryman, Frankford. The subject of this sketch is a native of Pike county, his father, Thomas Stark, being one of the pioneers of Pike county. His parents were natives of Kentucky ; they came to this county in 1921. Our subject was born February 12, 1843, and was the second child of the family. His early life was spent in assisting on the fart: and attending school. In 1878 he went to California and Nevada where he spent one year on a cattle ranch. In August, 1882, he engaged in the livery business with Mr. Thompson, and is the right man in the right place. He was married in April. 1571, to Miss Sne E, daughter of John N. and Eliza- beth Frye. They have been blessed with three children: John, Charles, and Tilly. Mrs. Stark died in March, 1574.
Ferdinand Smith, M. D .. Frankford, was born at Hannibal Missouri, May 28, 1940, son of Jacob and Pauline (Darr) Smith. His father came to Hannibal in 1528, and built the first saw-mill at that place. Our subject's early life was spent in attending school at Hannibal and at Philadelphia Col- lege; he received his medical education at the Medical College of Keokuk, Iowa, where he received his diploma in 1861, as physician and surgeon. At the commencement of the war he was appointed surgeon of the First Mis- souri Infantry, and was out with the regiment during the war. At the clone of the war he returned to Hannibal, and in February, 1865, came to Frank- ford, where he has since resided, and has built up a large practice. He was married in November, 1845, to Lucy Garrett of Hannibal, daughter of James R. and Eliza Parker Garrett, who were among the first settlers of Hannibal, and originally from Kentucky. They have three boys and two girls. The Doctor is a member of the Masonic order, and i- a genial whole- souled man.
Nathaniel Shotwell. farmer and stock-raiser, post-office Frankford. Prominent among the pioneers of Peno township, none are more worthy of notice in the history of Pike county than the subject of this sketch: he is a native of Mason county, Kentucky, son of John and Sarah (Burris)
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Shotwell. Our subject was the fifth child of the family of seven children: his early life was passed on the farm, and he received a limited education in the subscription schools of those early times. In November, 1531, in com- pany with his brother Albert, he came to Pike county, Missouri; he ro- sided here during the winter, and in the spring of 1832 went to Monroe county and bought a tract of wild land, where he lived some six months; then as there were Indian troubles in the northwest, he returned to this county and remained here two years, and then returned to his land in Mon- rue county, where he lived two years; and then sold and returned to Pike county; and then located on his present farin where he has since resided. He was married May 22. 1831, to Miss Catharine Geery, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Guthrie) Geery of Balls county. This union was blessed with nine chilben: Margaret Aun, Emily J., John W., Andrew M., Hiram. David, Mary. Sarah, and Perry. Mrs. Catharine G. Shotwell died June 20, 1870; and Mr. S. was again married February 2, 1971, to Margaret Geery, sister of his first wife. She died May 28, 1880, and he was again married March 2. 1882. to Mrs. Donnavon, whose maiden name was Fisher, daughter of William Fisher, one of the pioneers of Peno township, who came to this county in 1820. Mr. Shotwell is the owner of one of the best farms in the connty, containing 375 acres of good land under a high state of cultivation, and well improved. He has a good residence which is furnished in good taste; where he has all the comforts of a good home for his declining year .. He has been a member of the Christian Church since 1537, and is a libera! supporter of Christianity. No man in the township has the respect of his neighbors more than he has.
Albert Shotwell. farmer, post-office Frankford. Among the pioneers of Peno township none are perhaps better known than the subject of this sketch. He was born in Mason county, Kentucky, December S, 1>11, son o: John and Sarah ( Burris) Shotwell. His father was a native of New Jer- -cy and his mother of Maryland. Our subject was the fourth child in a family of seven, and spent his youth working on a farin, receiving but a limited education in the subscription schools. At the age of twenty he started for Missouri, coming by team and arriving here in November, 1531. He remained in Pike county during the winter, and in the spring he went to Monroe county, where he remained four months. then returned to Pike county and bought land, where he lived until 1-59, when he came on his present farm. He was married February 15, 1836. to Miss Catharine Gerry of Madison county, Kentucky, daughter of James and Sally ( Rice) Gerry of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Shotwell are the parents of two children: Louisa,
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now Mrs. William A. Hutchinson, and James Luther, who resides in An- drain county, being a prominent stock-raiser and dealer in that county. Mr. Shotwell is the owner of one of the best farms in Peno township. con sisting of 359 acres of land which is under a fine state of cultivation and well improved, with a good residence, well furnished. where he has all the comforts of a true home. . Mr. Shotwell has long been a member of the Christian Church and one of its most liberal supporters, always ready to aid any enterprise that has for its object the interest of education and re- ligion. During the many years that he has lived in Peno township he has made many friends. He is a man given to hospitality, and is a genial. whole-souled gentleman.
Gregor Schwend, farmer and stock-miser, post-office Reading, was born at Baden, Germany. December 11, 1534, son of Joseph and Maria Schwend. His curly life was spent in working on his father's farm and attending school. At the age of eighteen years he immigrated to America, landing at New Orleans. From there he went to St. Louis where he remained some twenty months working at the cooper's trade. In August. 1955, he came to Pike county. and resided in Louisiana some eight months working at his trade. He then moved to Salt River. settling on a faria, where he resided until. 1875, engaged in farming and working at his trade. In 1575 he bought his present farm of Thomas Waddle, where he has since made his home. He is the owner of 435 acres of land. 35> of which is where he lives. His farm is well adaptedl for stock and grain. He has a good two- story residence, built in modern style and well furnished. Everything about his home shows the thritt of its owner. He was married November 29. 1837. to Catharive JJaqnis, who was born in German Loraine. They are the parents of eight children: Joseph IL., G. T., Francis M .. Anthony E .. Irene, Maud. Flora, and Charles E. Mr. Schwend is a member of the Cath- olic Church. He is a self-made man. Arriving in this county without means. he has by hard work and good management acquired a competenes. He has the respect of all who know him.
John J. Steele. postmaster. Frankford, is a native of Pike county, Form April 2. 140, and is the son of D. A. G. and Eveline ( Lewellen) Steele. of Peno township. His father is a native of Georgia and his mother a native of Missouri. His early life was spent in assisting on the farm and attend- ing school. In 1964 he moved to Balls county, where he resided mi! 1800. when he located in Frankford, and was employed in the state of !!. M. Lewellen for some three years. After that he acted as deputy short and coestable for a time. In April. 1-79. he was appointed postmaster of
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Frankford, which position he has filled with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the public. being always courteons and pleasant. He wa. married May 29. 1862. to Miss Stella Hancock, of St. Lotdis. They are the parents of one child, Bertha Eva. Mr. Steele is a member of the Masonic order and of the A. O. F. W .. and also a member of the city council.
J. H. Thompson. liveryman. Frankford, is a native of Rally county. Missouri, born April 26, 1856, and is the son of J. F. and Mary Thompson. Ilis father is a native of Kentucky and his mother of North Carolina. Ilis early youth was spent on a farm, receiving his education at the State L'ni- versity and at Jacksonville Business College. In 1976 he went to Texas. but remained there only a short time and returned home. In 187s he welt to the Pacific slope, visiting different places in California and Oregon, and spending some sixteen months in Virginia City, Nevada. In August. Iss2. he engaged in the livery business with John Stark; they are doing a good business and are worthy of it. Mr. Thompson is a genial bachelor and has made many friends.
Richard A. Thornton, Frankford. is one of the pioneers of Peno town- ship, and the history of Pike county would not be complete without a notice of him. He was born in Mason county, Kentucky, January 24, 1sus, the son of James and Mary Lucas Thornton. His father was a native of Vir- ginia and his mother of England. Our subject was the eleventh child of a family of fourteen children: thirteen lived to maturity. Mr. Thornton's early life was mostly passed in working on a farm and attending school. He was united in marriage, February 3, 1831. with Catharine Cash. In the spring of 1832 they left Kentneky for the state of Missouri, coming by boat, first settling in feno township, three miles south of his present farm. where he lived for some twenty years, improving a timbered farm, which ie sold, buying his present farm, where he has since resided. He has one of the best farms in Peno township, consisting of 240 acres of excellent land; it is under a high state of enltivation, with one of the best residence- in the neighborhood. a large two-story brick. on a beautiful lawn, where can be obtained a fine view of the surrounding country. The house is built in modern style. He has a large barn, a good orchard, and has done much to improve Peno township. Mr. and Mrs. Thornton are the parents of five children: Johs, Elizabeth, Daniel, Richard, and Thomas W. John and Richard still reside at home in care and management of the farm. Mr. Thornton is a member of the Christian Church.
James Unwell (deceased). was one of the old pioneers of Pike county who have passed away, and whose memory will long be cherished by all who had
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
the pleasure of his acquaintance. He was a native of Kentucky, born May 15. 1784, son of Alexander M. and Esther Unsell. Hisearly life was passed on the farm, living in Kentucky until he was thirty years of age. At the age of twenty-three he married Elizabeth Jackson, who was born Sep- tember 27, 1790. daughter of Leroy and Molly Coleman Jackson. In Octo- ber, 1819, they arrived in Pike county, coming by team, bringing with them horses, cattle, and sheep. Buying wild land of the speenlators, they built a log-cabin and commeneed to make a home, in doing which they passed through many hardships incident to a new country; at thes having to pound their corn for meal. Indians and game were plenty. Mr. and Mrs. James Unsell were the parents of seven boys and three girls: Tabitha, Lucinda, Alfred, Joseph M., Lucretia A., Eli J., William B., Elias J., James N., and Henry T. Mr. Unsell died October 12, 1869. He was a man of great energy, and by hard work acquired a large property. Mis. Unsell still resides at the old homestead, hale and hearty, at the ripe old age of ninety-two.
Henry T. Unsell, stock-dealer, youngest son of James and Elizabeth Uneell. He was born on the homestead, where he now resides, July 26. 1534. His early life was spent in assisting on the farin and attending school. He was married February 23, 1566, to Miss Belle Liter, danghter of John and Susan Liter, of Ralls county. By this union they have five children : Tillie P., Willie L., Homer T., OHlie H., and Maggie D. Mr. Unsell has one of the best farms in Peno township, consisting of 550 acres of well improved land; his residence is one of the finest in the township, a large two-story building with an L. finished in modern style, and furnished with taste. His farm is well adapted for grain or stock; he has a baru for- ty-cighit by sixty fect; also a fine orchard. Mr. Unsell is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church.
Joseph M. Unsell (deceased). Among the earliest settlers in Pike county was the subject of this sketch. who lived a life of usefulness. and died regretted by all who knew him. He was born December 11, ISIS, and was the fourth child of James Unsell, deceased, whose sketch will be seen on another page of this work. His early life was spent in elcaring the old homestead of the heavy timber and receiving a limited education in the log- cabin school-house- of those early times. He resided at home until he arrived at the age of twenty-two. He was married December 31. 1840. to Miss Mary Bowles, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth R. Bowles, of Ralis county, who were formerly from Kentucky. This union brought to them eleven children: Elizabeth, Carver, Henry C., Hiram, Thomas M., Lewis,
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Eva C., Ura, Bowles, May E., Courtney M., and Joseph E. M.r. Unsell came on the farm, where the family now reside, at the time of his marriage, and where he resided until his death, April 23, 1572. He was a promi- Dient member of the Christian Church. By his industry and good manage- ment he acquired a good property Mrs. Unsell still resides on the old homestead with three of her children. The homestead contains 200 acres of good land, well improved, with a good residence.
Ura Cusell. farmer and stock-raiser, the son of Joseph M., deceased. post-office Frankford, was born March 11, 1856, on the old homestead where be still lives. His early life was spent in assisting on the farm and attend- ing school. le. still resides at home, and has the care and management of the farm. He is the owner of gun acres of good land which is well im- proved. Though a young may be bas acquired a good standing, socially and financially, among the best citizens of Pike county.
W. W. Waddle (deceased , was among the early pioneers of Pike county. He was born in Fauquier county Virginia, in 17: 6, where he resided until 1817, when he removed to Mason conuty. Kentucky, where he resided until the fall of 1827, when he moved I. Pike county, Missouri. He was first carried to Miss Nancy Peed; they had five children: George R., James P .. Hannah H., W. W .. and Thomb 1. Mrs. Nancy Waddle died in 1533, send Mr. Waddle was married the Freeend time to Mrs. Bowlesburgy, who also died. and he was married the Hard time to Jane Peed. Mr. Waddle served as justice of the peace for sevend yeare. He was a man of industry and enterprise and accumulated a good property.
George R. Waddle, farrier and Harkeraser. post-office Frankford. Among the pioneers of Peno the sbo are noted for their enterprise and success, is the subject of this He was born December 4, 1810. in Mason county, Kentucky, the cho tch Hd w. W. W. Waddle. When he was eight years old his parents et. . e colidy, Missouri, where his early 1
er's tiras, and where he received lite was spent in working on
o'toole taught in the log-cabin a limited education in the -si
was married May 17. 1542, to school-houses of these pioneer 11. Miss Mildred Sisson, Sangio. of this county, formerly of Virginia. This union brongie 'o to chat lon: Elizabeth, Fanny. Mary. Virginia, Williams, S ..... ". Januar, and two deceased. Georgia and Cordelia. Mi- 3 1.4. 1-38. Mr. Waddle was married the second time, De5d .: We Bern, daughter of John Horn. They have two children: . . Mr. Waddle is one of the largest land owners in th. 1 bod meres of land, most
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
of which is under a high state of improvement. He has a fine residence. built and furnished in modern style. He is a member of the Baptist Church. and his good qualities have won him many friends.
J. S. Wagle, proprietor of the Frankford Marble Works, is a native of MeDonough county, Illinois, born November 27. 1849. the son of Lewis and Julia A. Wagle. His parents were natives of Illinois. Our subject', early life was spent in assisting on a farm and attending school in the prim- itive log school-house. At the age of fourteen he enlisted in the Eighteenth Illinois Infantry, and was in the service aboat two years. After his return home he went to work for the C., R. I. & P. R. R. Co,, and was in its em- ploy for some two years. In 1871 he began to work at the marble business, at Areuzville, Illinois, where he was at the business for two years. In 1878 he came to Frankford and commenced the same business. He does the best work for the money there can be done in the state. He was married in August. 1871. to Miss Mary M. Gillmore, daughter of John and Martha Gillmore, of St. Charles county. They are the parents of one child, Della. He is doing a good business, and his work gives satisfaction. He is a social, well-read man.
Professor R. H. Waggenor. Among the business men of Frankford who are worthy of notice in this history is the subject of this sketch, wi:o is a native of Mason county, West Virginia, and son of Edward and Mary Ann Waggenor. Mr. W. is of German and English descent. When si .- teen years of age he removed Meiggs county, Ohio, where he resided until 1866. He graduated at the Kirksville State Normal School in 1878. Since then he has taught school for some thirteen years, twelve years of which time he has been in graded schools. In 1875 he organized the high school at Paynesville, and in 1978 he came to Frankford and organized the school of this town as a graded school. As principal of a graded school he has proved to be a very able man, both as a teacher and manager. In August, 15>1. he engaged in the hardware trade. and afterwards he entered into partner- ship with Mr. Lowry in the dry goods and grocery business, in the new stone block, where they are doing a good business, and are well worthy of it. Mr. Waggenor was married June 26, 1877, to Miss Maggie E. Erritt. daughter of Rev. Joseph Erritt. Mrs. Waggenor is a lady of edneation and culture, having taught school some nine years successfully. Mr. and Mrs. Waggenor are the parents of two children, Harry Griffith and Josie Erritt. Mr. Waggenor is a member of the Knights of Honor, and is superintendent of the Christian Sunday-school.
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SALT RIVER TOWNSHIP.
CHAPTER NAV. SALT RIVER TOWNSHIP.
Topography-O' Settlers -Schools and Teachers-Charche: - M. E. Church South-Fire Stores, Mills, de - Characteristics of Settlers-Incident - Biographical Sketches.
This is the most northerly township of Pike county. Previous to the time when Balls and Mation counties were carved out of that vast territory known as Pike county, all of the land lying north of the stream called Salt River was known as Mason township. Salt River township was included in this area. and not until the lines separating these several counties from 'each other had been surveyed and determined. was there any change in either name or jurisdiction. When, however, Ralle was set apart as a separate and distinct county. Mason township, as a part of Pike county. ceased to exist, and that part of it which was left to Pike county was called Salt River, doubtless after the streamin whose irregular and crooked channel forms its southern boundary.
Salt River is the smallest township in the county, is very irregular in shape. and is situated between the Salt and Mississippi rivers. The sur- face of the township is considerabh diversified. Near the margin of either river the land is generally flat and subject to overflow. At a considerable remove from each are the second bottoms which are usually above high water mark and remarkably productive. Through the township, and run- ning from northwest to southeast, is a range of hills, in some places but lit- the above the surrounding country and in other parts precipitous, with an elevation of perhaps not less than a thousand feet. la portions of the town- ship each river appears to send out its own range of hills. These all tend in the same direction, and are usually far enough from either stream to leave the fertile valleys along their margins, or on the second bottoms, free to the thrifty husbandman. If at ves time the that should approach the river they soon fall away again to the interior of the township. Many of the farins of the township are located upon beautiful table-lands lying near the base of the hills already described: others are situated in the bottoms where the rich alluvial soll is admirably adapted to the growth of every va- riety of product known to the cats. The hill, where not too rough, are brought into cultivation, but ordimerits are need for purposes of pasture. There are a great many ponds or lag bal scattered over the lowlands of the. township. for which reasons portions of Salt River have long been regarde! as extremely nakedthy. In this case, however. ~ in many others, theery
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