Randolph County, MO
Biographies
Andrew J. Amick
Birth Date: 15 Dec 1829
Mr. Amick comes of two intelligent and highly respected families, the Amicks, of North Carolina, and the Kingsburys, of New York. His father, Capt. George Amick, was a native of the old North State. He married Miss Amy Kingsbury, of the family which occupies a position in the "History of Howard County." In 1837 he came to Randolph county, settling near Moberly, where he lived until his death, which occurred in October, 1847. His wife survived him up to August, 1873, dying at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. David Burberry. Both parents were members of the Baptist Church. Of their family of five sons and five daughters, but half are now living.
Andrew J. Amick was born in Howard county, near Boonsboro, December 15, 1829, and was reared in Randolph county. On the 20th of October, 1852, he was married to Miss Anna Jeter. There are six children: Fannie J., now Mrs. James M. Vince; George L., now of Cairo, Mo.; Jessie J., now of Kansas; Edwin A. J., now also of Kansas; John W., now of New Mexico; and Arthur R., now a student of Fayette. The mother of these died April 3, 1867. Mr. Amick was a second time married on the 4th of September, 1867, when Miss Elizabeth Nichols became his wife. She survived her marriage only a few years, dying December 19, 1870. To his present wife Mr. Amick was married August 10, 1873. Previous to her marriage to him she was a Mrs. Catharine Thomis, a widow of Hiram Thomis, late of Cass county. They have four children: Nina G., James Forrest, Alice Z. and Olive.
[Source: "Cemetery Records of Randolph County, Missouri Volume III", Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
James M. Butts
Mr. Butts is a worthy scion of good old Virginia stock, and was himself born in that State, April 16, 1811. His father was Thomas Nugent Butts; his mother, Sarah C., daughter of Major James Broddus, who served five years in the Revolutionary War. James M., grew up and was married in Virginia, in August, 1833 to Miss Elizabeth M., daughter of Alfred M. Yager. In 1851, he moved to Randolph county. It was in the spring of the same year that Mr. Butts lost his wife. Mrs. Butts left eight children. Those living are: Martha A., wife of George Cross; Elizabeth C., wife of Thomas Brunnel; James W., Thomas Alfred, Margaret T., wife of George P. Hulett; Virginia C., wife of Robert Terrell; Mary E., wife of J. E. Hubbard, and Sarah F., wife of Thomas Hulett; the last two being twins. Mr. Butts joined the Bethel Primitive Baptist Church of Culpeper county, Va., in 1832. In December, 1851, Mr. Butts took to wife Mrs. Mary Ann, widow of Abel Burton and daughter of Bart Dameron, of North Carolina. Mrs. Butts has three children by her first marriage: Rebecca J., wife of Green Dameron; Laura Belle, wife of Scott Malone and Thomas F. Burton married Miss Sarah Barry, a sister of William P. Barry, whose sketch is one of the number in this history. To her second husband, Mrs. Butts has borne five children, two of whom died in infancy. Now living are George W., John S. and Lenora Ann, wife of Thomas Carr, of Boone county. Mr. and Mrs. B. have 38 grandchildren.
[Source: "Cemetery Records of Randolph County, Missouri Volume III", Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
John C. Myers
Birth Date: 14 Oct 1880
William C. Myers, the grandfather of John C., first came to Kentucky in the days of Daniel Boone, from North Carolina. He there married Miss Chrstina Goff, and in 1819 they settled at Old Franklin in Howard county. His first wife died in 1849 and he afterwards married Miss Pauline Hunt, who is also now deceased. Of his family of children David Myers was born in Barren county, Ky., and he had four brothers and one sister. After he grew up he married Miss Eliza Shredar, of Randolph county, on the 9th of March, 1841. Of their family of six daughters and five sons, nine are still living: George T., James W., Porter D., Christina, John C., Hannah J., Henry C., Mary E., Susan A., the wife of Fred J. Nichols, and Lydia C.
John C. Myers was born in Randolph county. On the 14th of October, 1880, he was married to Miss Anna D. Clark, a daughter of Joseph G. and Elizabeth Clark, the formers of Sangamon county, Ill., where Mrs. Myers was born April 15, 1856.
[Source: "Cemetery Records of Randolph County, Missouri Volume III", Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
Mrs. Elisabeth (DeGarmo) Westfall
Birth Date: 03 Dec 1841
Mrs. Westfall was born in Randolph county, Mo., December 3, 1841. Her parents were Paul DeGarmo and Sarah, nee Bowman, he of Pennsylvania, born June 9, 1812, and she of Virginia, born June 2, 1807. They were married March 1, 1832. His first wife died October 16, 1845. By her he reared four children including Mrs. Westfall, namely; Ezra, who is supposed to have been murdered by the Indians in California in 1881; Angeline, now the wife of Joseph Vince; Alfred and Mrs. Westfall. On the 28th of June 1847, the father was married to Miss Elizabeth Westfall, also originally of Virginia. She died February 3, 1872, leaving two children: Henry B. and John W. To his last wife, Mrs. Hulda Meals, of Randolph county, Mr. DeGarmo was married May 30, 1872. There was no issue. Mrs. Westfall, the subject of this sketch, or rather Miss Elizabeth DeGarmo, was married to Jacob C. Westfall, a nephew of her father's second wife, on the 25th of August, 1864. He was a native of Virginia, born January 30, 1828. Mr. and Mrs. Westfall were blessed with five children, one of whom is deceased. Her children are, namely: Allen C., Christina M., Henry P., who died at the age of eight years; Anna E., and Joseph L.
[Source: "Cemetery Records of Randolph County, Missouri Volume III", Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
William H. Westfall
Birth Date: 08 Jul 1822
Mr. W. was born in Virginia July 8, 1822, and when 16 years of age, came out with his parents, Cornelius and Edith (Wilson) Westfall, to Missouri. They removed to Missouri in 1838 and settled in Randolph county, where the father died in 1874 and the mother in 1850. William H. was married here January 17, 1867, to Miss Mary Gee. Mr. and Mrs. Westfall have two children: William H., Jr., and Lela. Mr. Westfall's father was born in Virginia February 8, 1790. The mother was born in the Old Dominion June 4, 1797.
[Source: "Cemetery Records of Randolph County, Missouri Volume III", Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
J. R. Adams
Mr. A. is a son of J. Q. Adams and Elizabeth Foster, of Kentucky, and was born in the neighborhood of his present home December 30, 1852. He had one brother and one sister, both of whom are dead. His father died when he was only a child, four years or age, and left him to the care of a very delicate mother. She lived until he had turned his fifteenth year, when she, too, was taken when she was most needed, just as he was budding into manhood. But her counsel had made such impressions upon his character that they have never been erased. He grew up in the country and was given a good education, and when his studies were completed he settled on a farm and was married, October 22, 1874, to Miss Emma Halloway, daughter of Edwin Halloway, who removed with his parents from Kentucky to this State when a boy. They have had three children, one of whom now survives: Carrie E., born December 11, 1880. Mr. Adams and wife are members of the Christian Church, both having joined before their marriage. Mrs. Adams' grandfather Halloway has grown old in the services of the Christian ministry. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
James H. Bagby
Mr. Bagby, one of the energetic and successful men of this township, and one of its highly respected citizens, was left an orphan when but nine years of age, his mother having died in 1838, and his father in 1847. His parents were William and Virginia (Harrison) Bagby, his father a carpenter by trade, and originally from Kentucky, and his mother of the well-known Harrison family, and formerly of Virginia, but by way of Kentucky to this state. Their home was near Roanoke, in Randolph county, where James H. was born, September 20, 1834. They had but one other child, William H., now a well-to-do farmer of this county. However, after the mother's death, the father married Miss Nancy H., a daughter of Samuel C. Davis, of Randolph county, by whom he had two other children, Robert J. and Virginia C., now Mrs. J. H. Mathis, of Callao. The mother of these two children, after their father's death, married James D. Burton, but she is now also deceased. After his father's death, James went to work for William R. Forguson, of this county, with whom he remained until he was 19 years of age. But in early years he showed a marked preference for mechanical employment, and he evinced a high order of genius and skill in devising, inventing and working machinery. Indeed, he was noted throughout the country round about where he lived for his aptitude in this direction, and at the age of 19, although he had little or no opportunities to improve his natural genius and skill, he was called upon by Rev. Samuel C. Davis, one of the best men and ablest ministers Randolph county ever produced, to reconstruct and rebuild the latter's mill, Young Bagby undertook this difficult and responsible task without hesitation and performed it with such success and so satisfactorily to Mr. Davis that the latter gave him a third interest in the mill for his work. Mr. Bagby ran the mill for a number of years, and subsequently became full owner of it. Later along he erected a new mill on the site of the old, which he has since run. This has both steam and water power, and is one of the best mills in this part of the county. Mr. Bagby also bought a part of the old Davis homestead from Rev. Mr. Davis, the latter taking the former's note of word in payment. He paid that off, and afterwards bought the whole place, a fine farm of 276 acres, which he has owned for years. Mr. Bagby has been running his mill and farm continuously, and on the latter makes a specialty of stock-raising in which he is quite successful. Mr. Bagby married Miss Nancy H. Ferguson, a daughter of William I. Ferguson, who reared Mr. Bagby. Mr. and Mrs. Bagby have four children: Lou, Orpha, Thomas N. and Kate, all of the home. Mr. and Mrs. Bagby are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
John C. Baird
Mr. Baird was born in Clinton county, Pennsylvania, July 21, 1824. His father, Benjamin Baird, was a native of the same county, and lived there until his death, which took place in 1851. His mother, Ellen Summerson, was an English woman by birth, but was brought to this country when an infant. John C. grew up on the homestead and acquired a good common school education, supplemented by a year's instruction at Alleghany College, Meadville, Pa. When a young man he taught school several years. He was married October 18, 1848, to Miss Almind Frances Milligan, of the same county. After his marriage, and until 1866, Mr. Baird was actively engaged in farming and lumbering in Pennsylvania; he at that time moved to Missouri and established himself on his present property. He owns 320 acres of fine land, well adapted to general farming ans stock-raising purposes, about two and one half miles from Moberly--all fenced. About 160 acres of this are in cultivation and meadow. The place includes a good bearing orchard and a splendid young orchard coming up. Mr. Baird is a substantial, prosperous citizen. He owns besides other property a good coal bank with a four foot vein. All of his land is underlaid with coal of superior quality, from which he is annually having mined a large quantity for the local market. Mr. and Mrs. Baird have been blessed with nine children: Mary V., wife of J. F. Tedford, of Moberly; Frank P., married and resides in Huntsville, Mo.; Fletcher C., married and makes his home in Moberly; J. Ella, wife of R. A. Curren, also lives in Moberly; William H., Maggie B., John W., Minnie F. and Benjamin D. still remain under the parental roof. Mr. and Mrs. Baird are devout members of Sugar Greek congregation of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Baird has held several local offices, and is trusted and respected on every side. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
Dudley T. Bradley
Mr. Bradley, one of the most prosperous of the farmers in Randolph county, was born in this county March 25, 1845, being one of two sons of William Bradley, of Kentucky, and Miss Sally Cockrill, a native of Missouri. Dudley's brother's name was Benjamin F., the date of his birth being March 3, 1843. Mr. Bradley went to California in 1840, and died there the same year. The mother of these brothers died in April, 1850, when the subject of this sketch was but five years old, and then they went to live with their naternal grandmother, with whom Dudley T. remained until her death in 1858, when he was bound out to his uncle, Samuel Cockrill. He lived here until his nineteenth year. When he was 13 years old, Benjamin F. Bradley determined to leave the scene of his early childhood, and accordingly went to California with his uncle, Christopher Cookill. After three years, or at the age of 16, on account of ill treatment, he left his relative and going to Grant's Pass, Oregon, he was first occupied in driving for a stage company, subsequently following different branches of work. He has become a man of extensive information and travel, having visited all of the Northern and Western States; two years he spent in Utah, Salt Lake City, and has also mined in British Columbia for the same length of time. Several years have been passed in Washington Territory, and he has been in several other Territories, but he now resides in Idaho, being interested in the Cordelains mines. Through energy, perseverance, etc., he has accumulated a good share of this world's goods. Though possessed of a good education it was obtained through knowledge. Commencing poor, he has risen to a position of wealth and influence which is a credit to himself, having had nothing when he began but an interest in 80 acres of land left himself and brother. After a separation of 28 years these brothers were reunited in March 1884. Though Dudley T. Bradley had no parental hands to guide his steps in youth his early training was by no means neglected; but he was brought up a hardworking, upright man, and was given a fair common school education. When a boy of 19 he enlisted in Price's army, but in about six weeks he was captured at White river, Ark., and held until March, 1865. After his return he lived on the farm until his marriage, which rite was celebrated February 13, 1873, the chosen one being Miss Martha T., daughter of William T. and Elizabeth J. Jennings, of Missouri. With the exception of one year, in which he worked at Miller Bros.'s saw mill, Mr. Bradley has made farming the occupation of his life, purchasing in 1877 the farm he now owns. The place comprises 120 acres of bearing land and 79 in timber, 40 acres of good pasture, fenced, 13 acres bearing, and a fine, young bearing orchard containing about 200 select fruits. Mr. Bradley, by his own industry and good management, has obtained a goodly competence for his declining years. He owns another place of 145 acres, all in cultivation, and has one-half interest in still another of 120 acres, principally timber, and 60 acres in another tract. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley have four children: Emma E., Dora L., Lucy M. and Gracie J. Two of their treasures are laid up "where thieves do not steal nor moth corrupt"--Sarah E., died March 11, 1875, and a son passed away in infancy. Mrs. Bradley is a member of the Christian Church at Renick, and Mr. Bradley belongs to the Masonic fraternity at Huntsville, Mo. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
Albert A. Capp
Mr. Capp, who, previous to 1881, had been engaged exclusively in farming and stock-raising, formed a partnership at that time with Mr. Phelps in general merchandising, and has since been actively identified in this line of business, and a member of the same firm. A man of good, general education and excellent business qualifications, the industry and enterprise he had shown in carrying on his farm affairs also became manifest in his business life, and the result has been that, united with Mr. Phelps, a large and successful business has been built up. They carry a good and ample stock of goods in their line, and dealing fairly with the custom, they have obtained the confidence of the public and the trade of a large circle of country around their place of business. Mr. Capp is of an old Pennsylvania family. His parents, however, Michael P. and Margaret (Wood) Capp, came to Missouri before their marriage, long prior to the Civil War, and settled with their parents in Monroe county. They subsequently married and became well-to-do and highly respected residents of Randolph county, where they have reared a large family of children, six sons and four daughters, seven of whom are still living. Of their children, Albert A. was the third, and was born in Monroe county, September 30, 1854. Like the boys of his vicinity, he was brought up to a farm life, and educated in the neighborhood schools. When 21 years of age, young Capp came to Randolph county and located in Jackson township, where he engaged in farming. He is still identified with farming in this township, and has a good place of over 220 acres. More particularly, however, he is giving his attention to handling stock, and has been quite successful in this line of industry. Accumulating considerable means, and anxious to make every edge out, so to speak, possible, he engaged in merchandising, as stated above, with Mr. Phelps, in 1881. In 1877 Mr. Capp was married to Miss Nannie Cochran, of this county. She was a lady in every way calculated to make his domestic life a happy one--devoted to her home, a faithful and loving wife, a tender mother, and a neighbor loved by all;--but the fairest flowers of all the field are often withered by the north wind's blast before the thistles that grow between. On the 7th of July, 1881, she was out off by the inexorable soythian, Death, and all the hopes of a promising and happy married life with her as his loved and beloved companion vanished from the bosom of her devoted husband and were buried with her in the grave forever. She had borne him two bright and charming children: Era Leon, born November 12, 1878, and Robert Enor, born June, 1881. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
Christopher J. Chilton
Mr. C., one of the substantial farmers and esteemed citizens of Prairie township, is a representative of an old and honored anti-Revolutionary family, the Chiltons of Virginia. Mr. Chilton's great grandfather Chilton was a member of the Virginia Assembly at the time of the outbreak of the war between the Colonies and Great Britain, and he it was who introduced the resolutions in that body instructing the representatives of the Colony in Congress, then sitting at Philadelphia, to use their influence toward securing the adoption of a "Declaration of Independence" of the Colonies from the mother country. It was in pursuance of these resolutions that Richard Henry Lee, early in June, introduced into Congress a resolution declaring "That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States." Following this, on the 4th of July, 1776, Thomas Jefferson's "Declaration of Independence" was adopted, and the great Republic of the Western Hemisphere was born. From Mr. Chilton, the aughor of the resolutions above referred to, descended Samuel Chilton of Warrenton, Va., a member of Congress from that State, and a member of the State Constitutional Convention during the first half of the present century. A still younger descendant was Thomas Chilton of Elizabethtown, Ky., who represented his district in Congress with distinction for a number of year. Mr. Chilton's grandfather, James Chilton, became a wealthy farmer, and there John Chilton, his son, grew to early manhood. While still a young man, John Chilton came to Missouri and located in Pike county. There he engaged in farming, and soon afterwards was married to Miss Rachel Jackson. Later along he removed to Randolph county and here bought and entered nearly 2,000 acres of land. Like his father, he too became quite well off in property affairs, and was one of the highly esteemed citizens of the county. He dealt quite extensively in stock, and drove mules South for a number of years, in which he was very successful. He died August 2, 1863. The third son in his family of children was Christopher J., the subject of this sketch. He was born March 23, 1843, and was reared on a farm in this county. The Chiltons have almost invariably been farmers and stock-raisers, and Christopher J. has proved himself no exception to this rule. He was married December 14, 1865, to Miss Martha, a daughter of James Owenby, formerly of Kentucky, and at once located on a farm and went to work to establish himself in life. He has a fine farm of over half a section of land, about two-thirds of which he has well improved. Mr. Chilton raises grain in a general way, and gives considerable attention to stock. He is satisfactorily successful and stands well as a citizen and neighbor. Mr. and Mrs. Chilton have two children, James and Mary. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
William S. Christian
Mr. C., another farmer and stock raiser of this county, is a native of Scott county, Kentucky, born February 2, 1817. His parents, Paul Christian and Mary K. Sutton, were both from Virginia, but strangely enough, did not meet until both had moved to Kentucky, where the twain were made one. They came to Missouri in 1832, Paul Christian entering land and improving a farm in Randolph, where he remained until his death in the fall of 1851, William S. spent his early years on the farm, learning the blacksmith's trade with his father who carried on a shop on the place. Mr. Christian was married October 8, 1850, to Miss Mary E., daughter of William Terrill, formerly of Kentucky. Mrs. Christian was herself born in Kentucky, but grew up and was educated in Missouri. Mr. Christian lived until 1877 in the southern part of the county; he then moved to the farm he now lives on, near Moberly. It includes 250 acres of land, of which 210 are fenced and in cultivation, a comfortable residence and out-buildings; there is also, a fine young bearing orchard with some grape and small fruits. Mr. and Mrs. Christian have five children: John J., Ann M., wife of Augustus Miller, Susan C., wife of William Burton; Sarah E., wife of Thomas Yager, and Eva M., now a young lady at school at Winchester, Tenn. Mrs. C. is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, while the children all belong to the Christian Church. Mr. C. is a member of Morality Lodge No. 168, A. F. and A. M., at Renick. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
Reese D. Davies
Born in South Wales, England, May 14, 1843, Mr. Davies was the son of David and Magdaline Davies. He clung to his native land until some years after reaching his majority, working as apprentice at the trade of blacksmithing; then, conceiving the far-off America to be an El Dorado, he finally set his steps toward it. He could not, however, valiant as his courage, face the uncertainties of a new life, a stranger in a strange land, without one loving heart to cheer his way; so in August, 1868, Miss Eliza Walters consented to link her fate with his, for better, for worse, and in 1869 the newly-married pair, with a tear in the eye and a smile on the lip, started for this glorious land of liberty. Mr. Davies settled in Macon county, where for five years he was engaged in coal mining. He moved to Huntsville, Randolph county, in 1874, and continued to work in the mines for two years. During this time he found that his previous knowledge of blacksmithing was no disadvantage to him, and he made use of it in making and sharpening tools for the mines. He finally came to Renick in the fall of 1878 and worked in the mines here for three years, when he started a saloon. Though he has sold one-half his interest in this business, he still owns the building. From the fall of 1881 until January, 1883, he was engaged in the furniture business, and then forming a partnership with William Crosswhite, they laid in a stock of hardware and groceries under the firm style of Crosswhite & Co. A man of such good business habits and capacity and sterling, self-reliant worth could not fail to prosper, and Mr. Davies is now enjoying the fruits of his own industry in the shape of a flourishing trade. Not less has heaven smiled upon his home. He has six children, all of whom were born in Missouri: David W., Anna, Lizzie, William, Mary J. and Arthur. Mr. and Mrs. Davies are devout members of the Congregational Church, and Mr. D. belongs to Estridge Lodge, I. O. O. F. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
Samuel M. Forest, M. D.
Dr. F. was originally from Kentucky, having been born in Barren county, January 29, 1845. His father, John M. and mother, Martha Malone, were natives of Kentucky. They came to Missouri in the fall of 1857, and, having wintered in Columbia, settled in Audrain county the following spring. Samuel M. grew up on the farm and attended the neighboring schools; his education, however, was finished at a high school in Barren county, Ky. On his return to Audrain he farmed two years; then, seized with the Texas fever, he determined to try his fortune there. He continued his occupation, farming, in Texas, from 1868 to 1873, when, feeling the medical profession to be the noblest on earth, he adopted it as his life work, a decision for which many have had reason to be thankful. In 1874 Dr. Forest commenced the study of medicine at San Marcus, Texas, under Dr. Wood, one of the leading physicians of that part of the State. He read with him one year, then returned to Missouri, read with a brother at Middle Grove, Monroe county, took his first course of lectures the winter of 1875-76, and in the spring of 1878 graduated with honor at the St. Louis Medical College. He first pitched upon Franklin, in Howard county, as the scene of his future labors and triumphs, but in the winter of 1879 removed to Renick, which he has since made his home. In 1880, unwearying in the pursuit of knowledge, Dr. Forest took another course of lectures at the St. Louis Medical College, and returned in the spring of 1881 to Renick and continued the practice of his profession. It is needless to say that he has become "to all the country dear." Being by nature endowed with qualities both of head and heart which render him peculiarly well adapted to the calling of his choice, he has reaped in a marked degree the fruit thereof. He is a man of brilliant mind, with an insatiable thirst for study, and deserves to the full the distinction he has won. In 1882 the Doctor went, in connection with his brother, John Forest (who as mentioned in a previous sketch, was succeeded by G. O. Powell), into the drug business, in which he has prospered. Dr. Forest is a member of the Moberly District Medical Society, and is secretary of that organization; he is a member of the Middle Grove Lodge A. F. and A. M., and also a member as well as examining physician, of the A. O. U. W. Thus far the Doctor, despite the universal decree that a physician shall marry young, has remained single, finding room only in his heart for suffering humanity, to which he has devoted himself with the ardor of a lover. It may be that, with rare wisdom, he recognizes the undoubted fact that, in spite of all said to the contrary, young physicians will share with young ministers, to the end of time, the worship of every female heart. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
Dr. William Fort
Dr. William Fort, together with Tolman Gorham, opened and operated the salt works, which were then located at what is now known as the Medical Springs, in Randolph county. They began making salt in 1823, and continued to supply a wide scope of country, extending many miles in almost every direction, for many years.
The doctor was the first physician to locate in the county, and being one of the oldest citizens of the county, we insert the following notice of his death, furnished by his son, Dr. John T. Fort, of
Huntsville:--
Death of Dr. William Fort
Another of the strong and notable men of the pioneer life of Missouri has been called to his reward in the person of Dr. William Fort, of Randolph county, who died at the residence of his son, Henry T. Fort, near Huntsville, without a struggle, and from exhaustion and old age, on August 23, 1881, aged 88 years.
The deceased was born in Nashville, Tennessee, October 19, 1793, and was a soldier in the War of 1812, under Gen. Jackson. After the close of the war, and on March 14, 1815, he married Miss Patsy Gorham, who with four of their six children survive him.
In 1817 he professed religion and united with the Baptist Church.
In 1820, a year before the State was admitted into the Union, he emigrated with his young family to Missouri and settled in Randolph county, and on the farm on which he was buried.
He was a member of the first county court of Randolph county, and during his life was elevated by his fellow-citizens to seats in both branches of the General Assembly, always discharging his official trusts, as he did his personal and professional obligations, with fidelity, promptness and great acceptance to the people, aiding in all the relations of life in laying the foundations of the great Commonwealth of which he was always so justly proud.
He was a Democrat of the school of Jefferson and Jackson and during the latter years of Senator Benton's career, a leader in the State of the anti-Benton forces, and contributed not a little by his influence in the final overthrow of Benton's power in Missouri.
Dr. Fort was a man of the most exemplary private life; took the right side of all the moral questions of the day, and being fearless as well as discreet in the proclamation of his opinions, left the world the better that he had lived in it. Decided in his convictions of public policy, he was conservative without being tame, and tolerant of opinions differing from his own. In short, he was a strong character, and has left his impress on his generation. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
Thomas W. Genola
Mr. G. was born in Howard county, Mo., February 4, 1847. His father, Joseph Genola, was a Frenchman; his mother, Elizabeth Owen, a native of Kentucky. Joseph Genola emigrated to the United States when a young man, and settled first in Glasgow, Howard county, of this State, where he married. In 1849 he went to California, remained eight years, and returning in 1857, lived in Glasgow about one year, when he moved to Renick. There he was engaged in the grocery business until his death, September 9, 1860. Thomas W. Genola, the subject of this sketch, while growing up, divided his time between school and assisting his father in the store. After the death of the latter he enlisted, in 1864, in Price's army, and served until the close of the war. He participated in the battle of Lexington and fought all the way from that place to the Arkansas river. During this memorable journey he was under fire at least 20 or 24 days. After the war Mr. Genola returned to Renick and clerked until 1868, in the spring of which year he began merchandising on his own account, and did a good business for 10 years, not with standing the fact that in 1874 he war burned out, without insurance, and suffered a heavy loss of about $3,000. In the fall of 1879 he bought a stable and embarked in the livery business; but one could almost imagine him pursued by the hungry jaws of a veritable fiend, for in the same year he was again burned out. Rising Phoenix-like from the flams, he built in 1881, the brick stable, where he is now established. Mr. G. has been at times engaged to some extent in shipping native lumber, and is also now the owner and proprietor of a meat market. He was elected in the spring of 1881, mayor of the city, which honorable office he now continues to fill to the material advancement of the interests of the community. To say that fortune smiles upon him is but calling attention to the inevitable consequence of his own indomitable energy and steady industry, the only imperishable treasure that can be possessed by a man in this world of change and chance. Mr. Genola was married at Renick, June 6, 1870, to Miss Dulcie Boulware, a daughter of John Boulware, formerly from Kentucky. There are two children in their family: Ida Velera and Rita. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
J. Leonard Grimes
Mr. Grimes, who has an excellent farm of 240 acres, has been engaged in breeding and raising fine short-horn cattle and dealing in that class of stock for about 16 years. He has been quite successful in this branch of industry, and has done a great deal for Randolph county and the country round about, in improving the grade of stock raised. He has a herd of some 25 head of as fine thoroughbred short-horns as are to be seen in the country. He has made a speciality of the study of fine stock breeding, particularly in the branch of the business with which he is identified, and is regarded as one of the best posted fine stock men and one of the best judges of stock in the county. He, of course, raises his stock for sale, and he keeps a record of the descent of each head, showing from what sires and dams each one came through a generation past, so that when one buys from him the purchaser knows exactly what he is getting; and this record of stock is faithfully and honestly kept, thus rendering mistakes, or worse than mistakes, impossible. Any one who knows Mr. Grimes will not for a moment question any certificate of stock which bears his genuine signature. Mr. Grimes is a native of Randolph county, born on the farm where he now resides January 21, 1846. His father, George W. Grimes, was one of the early settlers of Randolph county, but died in St. Charles, county, Mo., on his return from Virginia, July 17, 1847. He came out here in 1836, and settled on the place where the subject of this sketch now resides. He left a wife and six children at his death, and of his children four are now living, including J. Leonard. J. Leonard Grimes was reared in the county, and as he grew up received a good common school education. On the 21st of February, 1866, he was married to Miss Lucy S., a daughter of V. B. Bohannon, of Monroe county, but formerly of Kentucky. After his marriage Mr. Grimes located on the old Grimes homestead, where he has since resided. Mrs. Grimes is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Grimes' father was also a member of the church, a communicant of the M. E. Church, and was a man of earnest piety and many estimable qualities of head and heart. His death was sincerely and profoundly mourned by his old neighbors and acquaintances in Randolph county. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
Thomas L. Hamilton
Dr. H. is a native of Tennessee, born in Williamson county, May 17, 1825. His father, J. B. Hamilton, M. D., and mother, Nancy Campbell, were from Kentucky. They moved from Tennessee to Kentucky when Thomas L. was a child and settled in Green, and after one year moved to Marion county, Dr. Hamilton, Sr., practicing medicine in Marion county and Green, where the mother of Thomas L. Hamilton died in 1830. Mr. Hamilton, Sr., then married Caroline Sanders. The family made another move in 1846, this time choosing the State of Missouri as their goal; they took up their abode in Gallatin in 1855. The subject of this memoir passed the first years of his life in Green and Marion counties, Kentucky. Here he received a good education, and employed his leisure hours in attending his fathers office. It was under the paternal eye that he began the study of medicine at the unheard-of age of 14 years. He took his first course of lectures in the winter of 1849-50 at the McDowell Medical Institute, a branch of the State University. In the spring the Doctor commenced the practice of his profession near Renick, in Randolph county and with the exception of one year in Daviess, one year in St. Louis county during the war, and about a year in Huntsville, he has continued in constant practice at that place ever since. Dr. Hamilton has united with his professional duties a mercantile enterprise, carrying on at the same time a drug and dry goods store. He was for two or three years mayor of the town, and was president of the school board when the school-house was built. The Doctor wooed and won one of the fairest daughters of Randolph county, Miss Cynthia A., child of N. B. and Martha C. Christian. On the 18th of December, 1850, the indissoluble knot was tied; and time has them but fonder made, this lovely lady being ever the "balm of his cares and sweet solace of all his toils." Dr. and Mrs. Hamilton have seven children: Colie, wife of Rev. J. W. Terrell, president of the Normal School at Winchester, Tenn.; John N., William T., Carrie E., wife of Ed. Pennington, of Tennessee; James P., Ollie, and Ida F. The Doctor and his wife and eldest daughter belong to the Christian Church, and Dr. Hamilton is a member of Morality Lodge No. 186, A. F. and A. N. "The world's a theater, the earth a stage, Which God and Nature do with actors fill;" and of these not one has better played his part than Dr. Thomas L. Hamilton, of Renick, Mo. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
Judge Harvey
Judge Harvey, himself one of the leading citizens of Randolph county, comes of one of the oldest and best families in this section of the State. His parents, John and Elizabeth (Walkup) Harvey, came and settled in Howard county, where Judge Harvey was born, June 26, 1883, and reared to manhood. The father became one of the leading citizens of Howard county highly respected, influential and wealthy. He represented that county in the Legislature, and died in 1864, at a ripe old age, and deeply mourned by all who were familiar with the events of his long and useful life. The mother, a good and true woman, a loving wife and devoted mother, and kind friend and sincere Christian lady, died in 1844. The father, a man of broad and superior intelligence, appreciated at their worth the advantages of advanced education, and sought to avail his children of these as well as of other opportunities for their promotion in life. Benjamin F. Harvey, after availing himself of the instruction afforded by the schools of this State, was sent to Virginia and took a thorough course in the celebrated Bethany College of that State, famous not less in many respects than that it is the institution over which the great divine, Alexander Campbell, presided for many years. Young Harvey graduated from Bethany with high honor, in 1857. Returning home to Missouri, he remained on the farm until the outbreak of the war, when he at once entered upon the study of law and soon afterwards went to Philadelphia, where he prosecuted his studies with assiduity for some time. The outbreak of the war found him in his native State, and a Southern man by kindred, sympathies, interests and principle, he joined the Missouri State Guard under Gov. Jackson's call and was made first lieutenant of a company. Mr. Harvey served for six months under Gen. Price, and after the battle of Lexington resigned his commission on account of ill-health, and did no further active service in field or camp during the war. As it is well known, a formidable organization existed in Canada during the civil struggle for the advancement of the interests of the South, and Mr. Harvey being unacceptable as a soldier on account of physical disability, made himself very useful to our side by his activity and services on the north side of the St. Lawrence. After the war he returned to Missouri and engaged in the stock business and farming, becoming one of the prominent men in these lines in Randolph county. For five years following 1871 he was extensively engaged in handling stock in Montana, and was quite successful. Some years ago he became president of the Randolph Bank, at Moberly, in which he is a large stockholder, and in 1882 he was elected presiding judge of the county court. Although a substantial property holder of the county and a man of fine intelligence and business qualifications, he is one of the most unassuming and unpretentious of men. Plain in his manners and conversation, he is yet appreciated for his true worth, and while he is popular with all classes, he is especially esteemed by the better citizens of the county. Industrious and enterprising attentive to business and intelligently frugal, but entirely free from parsimony, his life has been an entirely successful one thus far, and although only fairly advanced to middle age, he is comfortably situated so far as this world's goods are concerned, and possesses the confidence and respect of all who know him. Judge Harvey was married to Miss Mary E. Wilcox daughter of Granville Wilcox, of Randolph county, in 1864. She died about 18 months thereafter. No issue of this marriage is now living. On the 6th day of March, 1877, he was married to Miss Ellen M. Blakey, a daughter of Hon. M. D. Blakey, of Monroe county, an amiable and excellent lady, and three children are the fruits of their happy married life, namely; Mary E., Julia B. and Frank B. Harvey. Mrs. Harvey is a member of the Christian Church, and Judge Harvey is a member of the Masonic order. His residence is four miles from town. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
David Hultz
Dr. Hultz, a physician of long and successful experience, who for many years has made a specialty of the treatment of diseases of women and children, having established a wide and enviable reputation in that department of the practice, is a native of New Jersey, born in Burlington county, May 16, 1815. His parents were David and Mary Hultz, both of old and respected New England families. The father was a carriage maker and millwright by trade, and followed that occupation for many years. Young Hultz remained with his father until he was 18 years of age, receiving a good common school education in the meantime. He then went to Philadelphia and completed his novitiature at the carpenter's trade, at which he had previously worked for a short time. After acquiring his trade in 1835 he came West to Illinois, and remained in that State for about nine years, engaged in farming at first and afterwards mainly in trading in stock. In 1844 Mr. Hultz went to Cincinnati and took the contract for building the engine houses and turn-tables of the Little Miami Railroad. After completing his contract, and having in the meantime accumulated some means, he decided to study for the medical profession, and accordingly began a regular preparatory course of study. In 1849 he entered the Homeopathic Medical College of Cleveland, from which he graduated in 1850. Immediately following his graduation Dr. Hultz located at Milford, Ohio, and engaged in the practice of his profession. Subsequently he removed to Mount Pisgah, in the same State, and anxious to advance himself in the knowledge of his profession as far as instruction afforded by the schools goes, he took a thorough course in the American Eclectic Medical College, from which he graduated in 1853. Dr. Hultz then located at Morrow, Ohio, where he practiced three years. He then removed to Louisville where he was engaged in the practice for 15 years. Dr. Hultz has always been a close student as well as a faithful practitioner, and for many years has taken a special interest in diseases affecting women and children, and particularly in those of a chronic nature. He became very prominent in Louisville in this branch of the practice, and, in fact, was regarded as the leading physician in that department in that city. In 1871 he came further West, locating at Cairo, Ill., and five years afterwards removed to Keokuk, Iowa, but in 1877 came to Macon, and thence to Moberly four years afterwards, where he has since resided and been engaged in the practice of his profession. Although he has been here but three years he has already become prominent as a physician, and in the treatment of women and children he is without a superior, if he has an equal, in this city, or indeed in this section of the State. No man has been more successful in this branch of the practice, and he is justly entitled to all the popularity he has won. On the 11th day of March, 1835, Dr. Hultz was married to Miss Rebecca Martyer, of New Jersey. She lived for 16 years after they married, dying in 1851. She had borne him eight children: John, Albert, James, Mary A., Anna Eliza, Martha, now Mrs. Thomas Beeley, David and Mahlon. The eldest is deceased. The Doctor was married to his present wife in 1858. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church. The Doctor joined the church in the year 1844, and soon after he was elected class leader. One year later he was licensed to exhort, which he did for five years, and at this time he was tendered a license to preach. Choosing rather to attend to his adopted profession, he did not accept it. An important chapter in the life of Dr. Hultz is contained in his travels through the Old World. Becoming desirous of visiting these distant countries he left home on March 3, 1869, and took his departure from New York on the 5th of that month, arriving in Liverpool the 29th. Leaving there, he visited Constantinople, went thence to Alexandria, where he remained until September 1st, and going down the canal landed on the river Nile, at a city called Atfe. Passing up the river he visited many towns and villages; went across the deserts, and then down the Delta, proceeding through several plains, on to the River Jordan and to the Dead Sea. After exploring rocks, hills, etc. and the "pillar of salt," he moved up the river to the Sea of Galilee, seeing also Mount Carmel, which stands majestically at a height of nearly 2,000 feet. Upon leaving the hills of Samaria he again moved up the river to a point where it is said our Lord was baptized. Crossing the country he reached Jerusalem, of which city many interesting reminiscences might be enumerated, but space forbids. After spending 13 months in this vicinity the Doctor embarked for New York, and arrived there on the 14th of June, 1871, having had an experience such as but few are permitted to enjoy. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
John W. Hutsell
Mr. H. was born in this township, December 7, 1839, and was reared on his father's farm. On the 11th of January, 1866, he was married to Miss Minnie Eubanks, of Monroe county. The following year Mr. Hutsell settled on the farm where he now resides. He has a good place of 200 acres and also one of 144 acres, which he runs in corn, wheat, meadow and pasturage. He raises a number of cattle and hogs for the markets every year, and also has control annually of some mules. He is a substantial citizen and one of the thorough-going farmers of the township. Mr. Hutsell is a son of Bllomfield Hutsell and wife, previously Miss Emily T. Carver. They still reside in this township and have a good place of 200 acres. The father was born in Bourbon county, Ky., October 5, 1813, and died January 2, 1884, and the mother was born in Fayette county, that state, November 19, 1821. They were married November 27, 1836, and came to Missouri the following year, settling in Randolph county, where they have since resided. Four of their children are living: John W., Sarah M., the wife of James A. Campbell; Melissa J., the wife of John D. Christman; and Jeremiah C. Two are deceased: Mary E. and James N. John W. Hutsell and wife have three children: James D., Willie W. and Anna M. T. The mother of these is a daughter of Richard and Jane (Trimble) Eubanks, her father being born in Tennessee, October 1, 1810, and her mother, May 30, 1820. They were married in about 1844. The mother was the widow of Harvey Scott at the time of her marriage to Mr. Eubanks, Mr. Eubanks came to Randolph county in about 1836. Mrs. Hutsell is the only issue living of their marriage. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
William James
Mr. James was born in Howard county, May 20, 1822, and as he grew up received a good common school education. In the spring of 1863, being then 21 years of age, he removed to Randolph county and the following year went over into Audrain, where he lived for five years. He then returned to Randolph county and has made his home in this county from that time to this. In 1863, having accumulated a comfortable competency, he retired from the activities of business life, and since that time he has not been engaged in any active employment. Mr. James was for many years a prominent farmer of Randolph county, and has dealt in stock quite extensively, more or less all his life up to the time of his retirement. Indeed, buying and shipping stock has been his principal occupation, and it is to this that he is mainly indebted for his success. Though he lost considerably in slaves and other property by the war, his estate was not seriously crippled. On the 9th of October, 1849, Mr. James was married to Miss Mary Smith, a daughter of Joel Smith, of Randolph county. They have four children: Laura, now Mrs. W. A. White; Lizzie, now Mrs. Baker; Anna, at home; and William S. Mr. and Mrs. James are members of the Baptist Church, and Mr. James is a member of the Masonic Order. He is a man of irreproachable character and a kind and accommodating disposition, and is highly thought of among his neighbors and acquaintances. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
Robert Little
Mr. Little, a successful and popular business man of this city in his line, is a native of Scotland, born March 16, 1832, and received a common school education and learned his trade in his native land. He afterwards came to America and located at New Castle, in Canada, and in 1869, 14 years after coming to this country, he came to Missouri and followed his trade in Monroe county. However, Mr. Little was engaged in farming for about two years on first settling in Missouri, but at the expiration of this time located in Paris and carried on a shop there until 1874, when he came to Moberly. Mr. Little has the reputation of being one of the best tailors, not only in Moberly, but throughout this section of the country. A man of more than ordinary intelligence, he has made a specialty of learning his business thoroughly and keeping up with the times in fashions and improved methods of making up goods. Having had a long experience in handling goods in the line of gent's wear, he is thoroughly conversant with the different "makes" and qualities kept in the markets, both of home manufacture and foreign production. His 10 years' experience at Moberly has been one of gratifying success. His patronage has steadily increased and he numbers among his patrons many of the best citizens of the city. He makes it a point to let no work leave his house that is not only satisfactory to the customer but to himself, for he properly claims that he is better able to judge whether work will be generally approved than a customer who knows but little about the business and less about public taste in this line. As he says, himself, his best advertisement is his work, and he relies on this mainly for his reputation. Let a patron request him to select a good piece of goods and make a good suit of clothes, and the customer may rest assured that he will have a suit of which he will have no just cause to complain. Mr. Little's prices are always reasonable, for desiring to avoid all appearance of making unreasonable charges, he often does his work at figures which are unfair to himself. Personally, he is an upright, worthy citizen, and is well respected. In 1857, Mr. Little was married to Miss Sophia Osborn of Canada. They have five children: William, John, Albert, Andrew and Gershom. Mr. and Mrs. Little are members of the M. E. Church South, and Mr. L. is a member of the Masonic Order and of the A. O. U. W. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
Alfred Lowell
This leading agriculturist of Randolph county is a worthy descendant of two of the best families of Mass.--the Lowells and Godfreys, though Mr. L. himself is a native of Maine, whither his father had removed, and was born in Kennebec county, July 16, 1812. The Lowells were originally from England, but came over to Mass. in the early days of the colony. John Lowell, of Newberryport, was one of the most distinguished men of the State, being the first Supreme Judge of the Commonwealth under the American Constitution, and for many years, both before and after the Revolution, a member of Congress, and after the close of the war for Independence a U. S. District and Circuit Judge and one of the founders of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Joshua A. Lowell, who died in 1874, is well known as a leading Democratic statesman of Maine, but born and reared in Mass. And James Russell Lowell, the present American Minister at the Court of St. James, is too well known as a scholar, poet and statesman to require more than to mention. The Godfreys were originally from Normandy, France, but passed over into England, or a branch of the family, at least, in the time of William the Conqueror. Godfrey, of Bouillon, was by all odds the greatest man of the Crusades, and was the first Christian king of Jerusalem. He it was that led the Christian hosts at the time of the capture of the Holy City. Speaking of that immortal victory, Gibbon says: "On Friday, at three in the afternoon, the day and the hour of the Passion, Godfrey of Bouillon stood victorious on the walls of Jerusalem." And then in England there was Sir Edmundbury Godfrey, the great jurist who exerted himself in the discovery of the Popish plot and is supposed to have been murdered by the Catholics. Of the American branch of the family we have the great mathematician Thomas Godfrey and his son, the latter being the first dramatic poet on this side of the Atlantic. James Lowell, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Newberryport, Mass., in 1770, and was a nephew of Hon. John A. Lowell, of Newberryport, mentioned above. James Lowell married Miss Olive Godfrey, who was born in that part of Mass. now in the jurisdiction of Maine, in 1780. They were married in 1798 and settled permanently in Maine. James Lowell there became a wealthy and leading ship-builder and ship-owner, and was one of the prominent men of Maine in his line of business for many years. He died in 1853, but his wife survived up to 1876, reaching the advanced age of 96 years. They had a family of eight children: Mary, James, Harrison, Alfred, Edward, Henry, Franklin and Leander, of whom only Alfred and Leander are living Alfred Lowell, the subject of this sketch, was reared at Kennebee and educated under the excellent New England system of public instruction. In 1838, then a young man 26 years of age, he decided to seek his fortune in the West, and accordingly came out to Illinois and located in Tazewell county, where he embarked in the pursuit of farming. Three years afterwards, on the 10th of December, 1841, he was married to Miss Laura S. Richmond, of Tazewell county, and he continued a resident of that county, engaged mainly in farming, for over 30 years after his marriage. A man of his antecedents, intelligence and enterprise could hardly have failed of success in tending his flocks and herds and cultivating the rich soil in the Prairie State. In 1870 Mr. Lowell determined to push on out to Missouri, and disposing of his interests in Illinois, he came to this State and settled in Randolph county on the farm where he now resides. This is one of the best farms in the township, a typical place for a Northern farmer, neat and clean and everything in good shape. He has over 400 acres of fine land in the county, and he and his sons are largely engaged in the stock business, their annual shipments running as high as 250 head of cattle and 400 head of hogs. He is one of the well known and popular citizens of the county, a man whose citizenship is of value to the people among whom he lives, and no one is more highly respected by those who know him than he. Mr. Lowell's first wife died in 1853, and on the 24th of April, 1855, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Sill, a daughter of D. T. and Polly Sill, formerly of Ohio, in which State Mrs. L. was born July 3, 1834. By his first marriage there were three children: Elizabeth, who died in maidenhood; Edward and James. He also has three children by his last marriage: Clara E., Florence and Edith. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
James B. Martin
In both of these callings Mr. M. has displayed unusual energy and been very successful. He is a native of Randolph county, born September 17, 1838, and his youth and early manhood were passed on the farm where he was born and now resides. He is a son of Saul Martin, a native of Kentucky. The latter was united in marriage to Miss Janette Murphy, who was born in North Carolina and raised in Kentucky. Concluding to try his fortunes in what was then considered the "Far West," Mr. Martin removed with his family from his home in Kentucky to Missouri about the year 1825. He participated in the struggle of the first settlers, being one of the pioneers of Randolph county, and on his arrival located on the farm where his son now lives, which he entered. He departed this life May 9, 1839, in his forty-third year, leaving, besides his widow, seven daughters and one son. The mother of these died April 21, 1861, in her fifty-ninth year, at her daughter's residence (Mrs. H. Davis) in Canton, Lewis county, Mo. The boyhood of James B. Martin was spent on the old homestead, and he grew to manhood beneath its sheltering roof. He received a practical education at the public and high schools, besides being endowed by Mother Nature with a liberal fund of common sense which has dictated the course of his actions. On December 29, 1859, at the early age of 21, Mr. Martin took to wife Miss Sallie, daughter of Thomas N. Stephenson, of Honroe county, formerly a resident of Kentucky. Seven children were the result of this union: Mary J., Saul T., Katie P., James P., Charles T., Hubert M. and Sallie N. He devoted the year 1860 to farming on the old homestead, of which place he took charge after his marriage. In the year 1861 he moved with his young wife to the eastern part of the county, and there turned his attention to farming. On April 21st of the same year his mother died. Absence from the old place had not alienated his heart from it, but only served to increase the affection he had for the early memories of his boyhood's home, so, in the spring of 1862, Mr. Martin returned to the homestead, and shortly after bought out part of the heirs. By his industry and good management he is now the fortunate possessor of a farm consisting of 360 acres of land all in a body. There is very little of it that is not fenced and about 260 acres are in blue grass, timothy and plough land. Like many others, Mr. Martin felt the effects of war troubles. He rented his farm and, after making other arrangements, removed to Nebraska in April, 1865, located in Douglas county and remained there about six months, and returned in the fall to his home. Mr. Martin has displayed his characteristic good management by keeping his place in thorough repair, and has improved the old home well. About it is an air of comfort and thrift which is refreshing to the eye. Mr. Martin supplies the demand for stock in wholesale markets and makes a business of feeding cattle for this purpose. He feeds, on an average one carload of steers and about 50 hogs annually. Both Mr. and Mrs. Martin are exemplary members of the Renick church. Mr. M. is a member of the A. O. U. W. at Renick. He is one of the charter members of that well-known order and took an active interest in its organization. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
Julius Miller
Messrs. Miller, who stand at the head of the loading firm in their line of business in this section of the State, are large property holders and wealthy, influential citizens of Moberly. They are of German nativity, and come of an ancient and highly respectable family of the Regierungsbezirk of Magdeburg, in their native country. Their grandfather Miller was an officer under Napoleon, and distinguished himself in several large battles in Spain and Germany. Their father, F. H. L. Miller, was born at the comopolis of Neu Hallensleben, in Prussia, near the fortress of Magdeburg, and was educated at the Seminary of Magdeburg for a teacher, in which profession he engaged, and he continued teaching for a number of years. Messrs. Miller's mother, whose maiden name was Frederike Rose, was a daughter of Karl Rose, a master mechanic over the Government Iron and Steel Works at Magdesprung am Harz, and at that place, one of the most beautiful and romantic looking villages to be found in northern Prussia, the daughter, who subsequently became the mother of the subjects of this sketch, was born and reared. She and F. H. L. Miller were married in 1840. After their marriage they resided at Quedlinburg until 1853, when the father came to America, locating at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the following year the mother, with her four small children, Julius and Robert, and Matilde and Anna, joined him at that place. F. H. L. Miller, was a teacher at Friederichsbrunnen am Harz, when the Revolution of 1848 broke out, and the active aid he gave the Revolutionists in their attempt to overthrow the Government forced him to resign his position on account of his liberal views. He subsequently engaged in business at Quedlinburg, and continued it until his emigration to America in 1853. He was induced to take this step because he was bitterly opposed to the despotism which had set itself up in Prussia, and he desired to live in a land of liberty and freedom regulated by equal and just laws. He engaged in business at Milwaukee and continued there with satisfaction and success until 1858. From Milwaukee he removed to New Frankfort, in Saline county, Missouri, near which place he engaged in farming. He continued a citizen of Saline county for nearly 20 years, and until his death, which occurred in 1882. He became quite comfortably situated and was highly respected. A man of superior intelligence and a fine education, as well as public spirited, and honorable and upright in every relation of life, he naturally rose to a position of pre-eminence and influence in his county, and during his long residence there, filled various local offices, always acquitting himself with credit and ability. The mother, his wife, died in Saline county in 1873. She was a lady of many estimable qualities of head and heart, well educated and refined, and much esteemed by her neighbors and acquaintances. While she was one of the most gentle of women, she was at the same time a woman of great resolution and courage, and could face any dangers or hardships, however great, whenever and wherever duty required. An instance of this is afforded in the trip she made across the Atlantic. In those days the journey was one of great peril, but notwithstanding this she had the brave-heartedness to cast herself and four little children on the mercies of the stormy ocean in a sailing vessel bound for the distant shore where her husband was watching and waiting, and doubtless sending up many silent prayers for her safe arrival. Julius Miller was born at Friedarichsbrunnen, Prussia, in March, 1843, and was therefore ten years of age when he crossed the Atlantic with his mother. He came to Saline county with the family in 1858. He remained on the farm in that county until he was about 17 years of age, and as his father took great pains with his education, he received an excellent knowledge of books as he grew up. But Saline county was almost wholly peopled with a Southern sympathizing population, and they therefore had great prejudices against the Germans, who generally sympathized with the Union side. In 1862, on account of this antagonism, times became so critical in Saline county that it was not safe for young Miller to remain at home, and he therefore joined the Union forces, becoming a non-commissioned officer. He participated in all the campaigns against Price during the latter's raid in this State, and was in several battles, but came through the war without injury. Returning to Saline county in 1865, he was married to Miss Caroline Lichtenberg, and engaged in business in that county, but without much success. In 1872, however, he removed to Moberly and opened a small retail beer and liquor house, which proved a successful enterprise. He was soon joined by his brother, Robert, as his partner, and they conducted the business with continued success until they were burned out in 1873. They were making money at the time and felt that they were on the high road to at least a comfortable competency, but they carried no insurance and all they possessed in the world was swept away by the fire. As if to fill his cup of misfortune, the same year they burned out in business, he lost his loved and devoted wife. But he was young and resolute, and was determined not to give up. He started in business in a small way again, his brother continuing with him, and the smiles of fortune returned to brighten his life. Industry, enterprise and close attention to business prospered them abundantly. Finally he and his brother engaged in the wholesales and retail keg and bottle beer business, and they now have one of the largest houses in that line outside of St. Louis, in North-east Me. They also deal extensively in ice. In 1876 he was married to Miss Carmilla Mathion, and she has borne him several children. He also has a son by his first wife. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
Matthew H. Neal
Born in Fauquier county, Va., July 25, 1840, Mr. Neal was a son of Thomas and Mary (Rodgers) Neal, who removed to Missouri when Matthew H. was still in infancy, locating in Marion county. The father bought land in that county and engaged in farming on which he lived until his death, which occurred in 1854. Matthew H. grew up on the farm in Marion county and when the war broke out in 1861 was in his twenty-first year. The same year he enlisted in the State Guard and served under Gen. Price for a term of six months, that being the period of his enlistment. During the time he was in a number of engagements, including the battle of Lexington and others. Returning to the county after the expiration of his term of service, he engaged in farming and has since followed it. On the 15th of April, 1871, Mr. Neal was married to Miss Mary A., daughter of Thomas Irons, of Randolph county. Her father was from Virginia to this State, but originally from Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Neal have six children: Nancy E. and Susan N., twins; John T., Wesley, Zula and Sarah. After his marriage Mr. Neal located on the farm where he now resides. He has 210 acres of which are improved. His improvements are of an excellent class. Mr. Neal is a man of industry and takes a public-spirited interest in local affairs. He has served as clerk of the school board for five years. Mr. Neal is a member of the A. O. U. W. at Renick. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
Ezekiel C. Parrish
Mr. P., a worthy farmer and good citizen of Union township, was born in Marion county, February 20, 1841, and was a son of Charles P. and Elizabeth (Baker) Parrish, the father born in St. Charles county November 12, 1818-and the mother in Howard county, September 9, 1821. They were married May 24, 1840. They reared a family of four sons and two daughters and lost one, a daughter. Ezekiel C. Parrish was reared to a farm life, his father having been an enterprising and successful farmer, and when 24 years of age he was married January 22, 1875, to Miss Nancy M. Owen, of Randolph county, and he soon afterwards settled permanently in this county. Mr. Parrish located on his present farm in 1871. Here he has 117 acres which he has improved himself, having made his farm from raw land and all since 1871. He has improved it in a substantial neat and convenient manner, and now has one of the choice small places in the township. Mr. and Mrs. P. are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, at Enoch. Mr. and Mrs. Parrish had eight children: Charles E., who died in tender years; Hattie C. E., Laura M., who also died in tender years; Octavia, who died in infancy; Birdie and Dozie, both of whom died in infancy; Arthur C. and Enor P. Mr. Parrish is a man of great industry, more than ordinarily intelligent and a kind neighbor. He is much esteemed by all who know him. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
George O. Powell
This reliable, trustworthy, and good man is a member of the firm of Powell & Forest, merchants, in Renick, Mo. Mr. Powell's parents, J. T. and Mandarin Powell, were natives of Virginia, and he himself was born in that grand old State on the 23rd of February, 1833. The family emigrated in about 1843 to Illinois, and was one of the first to settle in Cass county, the senior Powell building the first house that was ever erected in the town of Virginia, and afterwards serving as sheriff of the county. His son, George, grew to manhood in Cass county, on the farm, and received a good common school education. He came to Missouri in 1850, and, locating in Eandolph county, he attended for one year, the McGee College. After completing his studies, he taught in Randolph county for five years, then farmed for two years, and, at last, in 1862 came to Renick and was appointed agent at this place for the Wabash, then the North Missouri Railroad. This position he held for 21 years, fulfilling its duties with the highest credit to himself and to the unbounded satisfaction of the railroad company and the general public. Mr. Powell was commissioned notary in 1867, and still holds that office. In January, 1883, to the profound regret of all concerned, he resigned his position on the railroad, and in March following bought a half interest in the drug store of Forest & Bro., succeeding John Forest. This firm carry a complete stock of drugs, groceries and hardware, and now enjoy a flourishing trade. Mr. Powell was married in Randolph county, April 17, 1858, to Miss Permelia Ann, daughter of Grendison Brooks, formerly from Kentucky. Mrs. Powell herself was born in that State, but has lived all her life in Missouri. They have three children: Charles J., Anna Belle, and Josephine M. The latter was the pride of her parents' hearts and an ornament to her sex; she was a graduate of Hardin College, and was a girl of the brightest intellect, but, alas, "whom the gods love, die young," and November 5, 1881, at the age of 19, this fair flower drooped and died. Mr. and Mrs. Powell are much loved and are prominent members of the Missionary Baptist Church. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
Isham Powell
Mr. P. is one of the go-ahead men of the township, who lives "that each to-morrow find him farther than to-day." What he has to do he does with all his might, and in the great strides he is making toward the fruition of his hopes, is amply rewarded for his pains. His parents, Golston Powell and Mary Coulter, came from Boyle county, Ky., where Isham was born November 15, 1843. Mr. Powell bought an improved farm in Randolph county in 1857, living here until his death in 1863. Isham Powell was raised and educated in his native county, receiving a good business training. When only 18 years old and but a short time after his arrival in Randolph, he enlisted in the Missouri State Guard. The next year, 1862, he re-enlisted in the regular Confederate service, Shelby's brigade, going in as a private but was soon promoted to lieutenancy of Co. K, Col. Smith's regular cavalry, and serving till the close of the war. Mr. Powell fought with much gallantry through the battles of Dry Wood and Lexington, and, indeed, all of the fights that took place in Missouri up to that of Pea Ridge. He was also present at the engagements at Helena, Ark., Little Rock, Prairie De Han and Mark's Mill, Ark. In 1864, at Brunswick, Mr. Powell received a severe gunshot wound through the bridge of the nose. Returning home in 1866, scarred and worn, but no less a hero, he took up once more the broken thread of his life and went to work with energy to weave anew the shattered fabric of his youthful dreams. He first rented a place and began farming and handling stock. In 1880 he bought a one-half interest in 709 acres of splendid land, nearly all fenced, and in grass and cultivation, with everything that is necessary to a prosperous farm in connection. Mr. Powell handles from 200 to 400 head of stock annually and generally ships to wholesale markets. He is a shining example of what pluck and energy may accomplish. Though Mr. Powell faced without a quiver the shot and shell of many a battle-field, yet his doughty heart capitulated without a struggle before the charms and graces of Miss Mary F., daughter of Alexander Mitchell, of Renick, originally from Missouri. They were married on the 24th of February, 1870. To them were born two children: Lulie and Henry. Mrs. Powell is a devout member of the Methodist Church. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
Hon. William Quayle
Mr. Q., a native of the Isle of Man, was born October 18, 1825. A man of much individuality, and having seen life in all its phases, he has now settled down on a farm where he tills the soil in peace and plenty. He devotes much of his attention to stock-raising, and has a model dairy. Mr. Q. is the son of Charles Quayle and Jane Cannels, both of the Isle of Man. In 1827 the family emigrated to this "home of the free," and pitched their tents in Ontario county, in the western part of New York. Here the subject of this memoir spent his boyhood, during which tine he attended the Canandagua Academy, and though his opportunities were limited, he obtained a fair English education. At the age of 16 he went to sea, and for 12 years was "rocked in the cradle of the deep." He rapidly rose to the rank of captain, and his life was one of great interest, visiting all parts of the world. He found a fascination in the sea which did not lose its flavor until its treacherous waters betrayed him. In 1852 his vessel was wrecked off the west coast of Greenland. As one finding an ugly worm at the heart of his luscious peach, casts it from him in disgust, so the Captain turned his back on his beloved ocean forever. He first engaged in merchandising and farming in Tarrant county, Tex., of which section he served four years as district clerk. He was als three years on the bench as probate judge. In 1861 the judicial ermine was doffed, and donned in its stead were the helmet and spear of the warrior. Though originally a Whig and opposed to secession, yet his true heart warmed in defense of the home of his adoption; and after the Lone Star seceded Mr. Q. boldly took his stand in the front ranks of the Confederate service, to fight, to die, if need be, with those whom he loved. Mr. Quayle is a man who rises as naturally as a cork to the surface, and having enlisted in Co. A., Texas cavalry, he was at once elected lieutenant-colonel of the regiment. He was engaged in several fights with the Indians, and was in the battles of Elkhorn, Corinth, etc. Falling a victim to that most insidious enemy, camp fever, he was compelled to return to the home; but as soon as he recovered he organized another company, and after being elected to the State Senate, was appointed Commander of the First District of Texas. At the end of the war, Mr. Quayle was restless and went to Mexico. He remained, however, only three years, then lived two years on the western coast of Texas, and in 1869 came to Randolph county, Missouri. He has served a term in the Legislature, and in 1882 was a Congressional candidate on the Greenback ticket. The Judge claims that his principles are the same they have ever been, but the Democratic party has changed. He was married in Tarrant county, Tex., in 1857, to Sarah J., daughter of the Rev. Mr. Henderson, of Mississippi. There are two children by this marriage: William H., now living at Hope, Ark., and Sidney, a station agent on the Missouri Pacific. His first wife dying in Texas in 1860, Judge Quayle was married again, in 1861, to Miss Mary E., daughter of the Rev. Benjamin Terrill, of Texas. Mrs. Quayle, however, was born and raised on the farm upon which she is now living. There are five children: Katie, now the wife of John Setliff, of the Waters and Wolley College, in Tennessee, formerly a graduate of Columbia; Papie, Charles, Jack and James. One child, Benjamin, died October 20, 1870, aged six years. The Judge has 72 acres of land, situated about a mile from Moberly, all in a good state of cultivation. His dwelling is a comfortable structure, and his other outbuildings attest his enterprise. He also has a fine bearing young orchard. Judge Quayle is making a specialty of his butter and milk dairy. As, mayhap, his own noble ship, after stormy seas, anchored in some sheltered nook, so tempest tossed and weary, he finds a peace and repose in his rustic retreat. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
J. H. Simms
The early settlement of Randolph county was effected principally between 1825-1835. Of course, before that time there were a large number of pioneers who settled in the county, and after 1835 there was a steady stream of new comers from Kentucky, Virginia, and several of the other Southern States. But between the dates we have named there was, perhaps, a larger bulk of immigrants to the county than at any equal period prior to the Civil War. It was during that time that Mr. Simms' parents came to this county. Rufus and Mildred (Austin) Simms were from Virginia, and came here in 1830. They settled three miles west of Huntsville where they became comfortably situated on a good farm, and lived there until their death. James H. was born on the farm March 25, 1847, and was brought up to a farm life, getting a good common school education. Although a youth of only about 15 years of age when the war broke out, he enlisted in the State service under Gen. Price, and subsequently participated in the battles of Pea Ridge, Lexington, and other less engagements. After his term of service was out in the State Guard he returned home, and was on the farm the balance of the time until the close of the war. During the year 1864 he took a course at school at Callao. In 1865 he engaged in the saloon business which he has continued since, except for one year. He now has two saloons in Huntsville and keeps the best Kentucky whiskies to be had in the market, while the fragrance of his cigars and tobacco is such as to make infants smile and maidens long for quaffs of its deliciousness. Mr. Simms has had saloons at Moberly and Nevada City, which, however, were only branches of his business at Huntsville. On the 23rd of April, 1879, Mr. Simms was married to Miss Sallie Hall, a daughter of Daniel Hall, of this county. Mrs. S. is a member of the Christian Church, Mr. S., though not a church member, is a man of religious instincts, and fully appreciates the importance of churches, when properly conducted, to the well-being of society. He is himself a temperate, substantial citizen, and reliable, upright man. He is much respected in the community by saints as well as sinners. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
William Smith
Mr. Smith, a man of large means and larger heart, and of a mind not less than either, has come up in the world to the enviable position which he at present occupies by his own worth and merits, and possesses all of the characteristics to a marked degree which characterize the successful and popular man. Able to make money anywhere, at everything, and all times, he makes friends wherever he goes, and even more rapidly than he accumulates the solid wherewithal of prosperity. Mr. Smith is a native Missourian, born in Randolph county, April 2, 1837, and was a son of Joel Smith, an enterprising trader and speculator of that county, but originally of Kentucky. The father was a man of superior intelligence and great energy of character, and was highly esteemed for his social and business qualities. He died June 28, 1882. The mother is still living and resides near Moberly. Her maiden name was Dorcas Tureman, and she was also formerly of Kentucky. Mr. Smith, the subject of this sketch, was educated at Bethany College, in Virginia, and being a young man full of life and animation and with a big heart, he, of course, soon married. Miss Florence Head, a daughter of Dr. Head, of Huntsville, became his wife on the April, 1858. He was then just 19 days past 21 years of age. He at once engaged in the tobacco business at Huntsville, which he followed for about a year. After that he became proprietor of the stage line between Allen and Glasgow and Allen and Brunswick, and thus continued up to the time of the building of the West Branch Railroad. In 1865 he engaged in farming and the livery business and has continued in that occupation up to the present time, meeting with his usual success. In May, 1880, he opened the Grand Central, one of the finest and best interior hotels, if it has an equal outside the large cities, in the State. It is by all odds the leading hotel in Moberly. This colossal building has no less than sixty rooms, and is furnished throughout in almost oriental luxury. It is a home in which time flies with a dove's wing, so soft and pleasant is everything around, and the hours of the night are filled with the sweetest dreams which Morpheus can provide, whilst guests recline on downy pillows and on beds whose springs as gently quiver as aspen leaves in the shimmering hours of summer. A year ago last summer Mr. Smith, with an enterprise that stops at nothing where success is to be won, opened a large ranch for horses and mules in Colorado, where he has hundreds of head now gamboling on the green in the horizon bounded prairies of the Centennial State. It was through his public spirit mainly that the Moberly Fair Association was organized, now one of the permanent institutions of the county, and one of the most successful agricultural associations in the State. Mr. Smith, while a man with an eye to his own interests, which he is abundantly able to take care of, is also a man not a little concerned for the welfare of the county and the community in which he lives, and has been of great service as a citizen in inaugurating and promoting movements for the general good. Personally he is whole-souled and genial and is popular with everybody. Of an open, generous disposition and a kind word for every one, he knows how to enjoy health and wealth, both of which he possesses, and his presence wherever he goes is welcome and is received like a ray of sunshine, gladly and with a smile. No man is more highly thought of by those who know him. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have a family of one child, namely; Mary, born March 3, 1873. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
William M. Steele
Mr. S. settled on the place where he now resides in 1856, and for 28 years has devoted himself to the work of tilling his farm and raising such stock as farmers usually keep. His place contains 155 acres and is comfortably improved. Mr. Steele is a Kentuckian by birth, and the 30th of December, 1819, was the day that marked his entrance into the world. His parents were residents at the time of Adair county, and both his father, Robert Steele, and mother, Cynthia, nee Vaughan, came of old Virginia families. They came to Missouri in about 1826, and lived in Howard county until 1831, when they removed to Randolph and made this their home for some 17 years. The father them removed to Saline county, where he died in 1848. The mother died in Carroll county in 1858. William M. Steele was reared in this county and brought up to the occupation of a farmer. November 26, 1839, he was married to Miss Nancy Wallace, and he and his wife at once settled on a place to themselves. He has continued farming from youth up to the present time, being now nearly 65 years of age. Mr. Steele's first wife died August 27, 1873. Seven of the children by this marriage are living: John T., Mary J., now Mrs. Hosea Eastwood, of Chariton county; Louisa C., William W., Major J., Robert H., of Washington Territory; Susana, the wife of J. L. Brown, of Linn county. On the same day of his wife's death, but in the year 1874, Mr. Steele was married to Mrs. Elizabeth, the widow of Joseph M. Reid. Mrs. Steele is now married to her third husband. She is the mother of four children: one by her first husband, Charles W. Halliburton, who is now married and living in Moberly; Lela M. and Carrie L. by her second husband, Mr. Reed; and Edgar Singleton by her present husband, Mr. Steele. Mr. S. is a member of the Baptist Church, and his wife is a member of the Christian denomination. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
John C. Tedford
Dr. Tedford has been occupied in the active practice of his profession for 25 years, and though a plain and unassuming man, is conceded to be one of the most capable and successful physicians in the treatment of cases in this city. He is a native of Alabama, born in Madison county, October 28, 1825, and in youth received a good private school education. In 1836 his parents, Andrew and Copeland (Boggs) Tedford, removed to Missouri, and located on the land in Randolph county now the site of the city of Moberly. The father entered this land and improved a farm here, on which he lived for many years. Young Tedford grew to manhood in this county, and after attaining his majority, began the study of medicine under Dr. Oliver. Subsequently he entered the St. Louis Medical College and graduated from that institution with distinction in 1859. Dr. Tedford at once engaged in the practice of his profession, and for that purpose located at Milton. Since then he has practiced two years, or thereabout, in Kansas, at Mound City. In 1880, however, he came back to the place where his boyhood days were spent, and found it one of the most populous and flourishing cities in this section of the State. Since that time Dr. Tedford has been engaged in the practice at Moberly, and his thorough qualifications and long experience as a physician have had the effect to bring him an excellent practice. A man of high character and kindly disposition, he is personally as much liked as he is esteemed as a practitioner in his profession. Free of all pretense and show, he is one of those sober, substantial men, candid and sincere in everything they do, who inspire the confidence of all with whom they are thrown in contact. For solidity of character and personal worth no man in Moberly is entitled to greater consideration, while as a physician he is equally faithful and reliable. In 1855, Dr. Tedford was married to Miss Mary Dameron, a daughter of Judge Dameron, of this county. They have reared a large and worthy family of children. The Doctor is a member of the District and State Medical Societies and of the Odd Fellow's order and the local temperance organization. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
John R. Terrill
Mr. T. was born in Greenup county, Ky., November 1, 1829. His father, William Terrill, was originally from Virginia, but moved to Kentucky when a young man, and married Ann Calvin, a native of that State. He came to Missouri in the spring of 1846 and locating in Randolph county, bought and entered land and improved a farm, where he lived until his death in August, 1869. In this family there were seven children, all of whom grew to maturity and have homes in Randolph. John R. was the eldest of them all; he lived until a man on his father's farm, and was given such education as could be had at the common schools of the county. When he was grown he went, in company with Capt. William Roberts and others, to California by the overland route, and including the time spent in the mines was two years making this trip. He returned in the summer of 1852 by way of the Isthmus and New York. After spending two years with his father he made another trip to California overland, taking some cattle, and returned the next year by the same route as before. On the 15th of March, 1856, Mr. Terrill was married to Miss Ann E., daughter of William Roberts, formerly of Kentucky. After his marriage he established himself on a farm which had been previously settled by Jehu Pyle, and here he still lives. Mr. Terrill has about 400 acres of land, of which 330 are fenced and in cultivation. He owns a good two-story residence and outbuildings. His old orchard is on the decline but he has a splendid new one which contains 200 apple and 100 peach trees, with some grape and other small fruits. Mr. Terrill was so unfortunate as to lose his wife on the 9th of November, 1873; she was a true and devoted wife and mother, and a faithful member of the Missionary Baptist Church, to which denomination Mr. Terrill and his mother also belong. Mr. Terrill has nine children to be the stay and comfort of his declining years: William E., one of the county teachers; Lola and Emma H., both teachers; Lizzie E., now at school at Winchester, Tenn.; James M., Robert G., Henry R., Vincent C. and Anna C. Mr. Terrill is a man of winning address and much ability; he takes a warm interest in all educational matters and has carried his views into practice in the training of his children. He is a member of Morality Lodge, No. 186, A. F. and A. M. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
Frank J. Tuttle
Mr. Tuttle, a young man, still less than thirty years of age, is rapidly coming to the front in his line of industry, and unless all signs are misleading, he will doubtless take a leading position among the successful and popular plasterers and contractors of this city. He learned his trade under his brother, Norris Tuttle, whose sketch follows this, and in his work, he carries out those ideas of doing everything thoroughly and honestly, which have characterized the career of his brother. He was born in Indianapolis, September 22, 1854, and was educated in the schools of Noblesville. He subsequently learned fancy tombstone work under Lucas & Yeaman, of Noblesville. Later along he began work under his brother, Norris Tuttle, at the plaster's business, and remained with the latter until he had become a thorough master of the trade. He worked at Kirksville, in this State, for three years after 1874, and then came to Moberly, where he has since resided. Here he has made good progress in his calling, and has an excellent business. On the 7th of January, 1879, he was married to Miss Missouri Livesay, of Warren county, this state. Mr. Tuttle is a member of Gothic Square No. 108, and of the Triple Alliance. His parents are both deceased, the father, Benjamin W., dying in 1870, and his mother in 1874. Both were natives of New York. Mr. Tuttle is a young man of superior intelligence and fine personal appearance, and would be pointed out in almost any assemblage as a leading man. With proper application, there can be little doubt that he would make a successful lawyer and able advocate. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
Norris Tuttle
Mr. T. has been a resident of Missouri since 1867, at which time he came from Indianapolis to Kirksville, in which latter city he remained for about 12 years, and came to Moberly in 1879. The work of a plasterer, as is well known, is one of the most difficult lines of industry to follow successfully in the whole catalogue of occupations, for one or two bad jobs will ruin a reputation for skill and thoroughness that it has taken years to build up. The plasterer, therefore, cannot be too particular in the execution of his work, for he must give universal satisfaction to succeed. Mr. Tuttle had the intelligence to recognize this fact at the beginning, and he has made it a rule throughout his whole career to inspect closely the material used in filling his contracts, and to see that it is properly prepared and put up. Hence it is that, turning off none but work of a superior class, he has built up a high reputation in his business, and has been very successful. He is now one of the prominent contractors in his line in Moberly, and does a large business--a business which is increasing year by year. Mr. Tuttle is a native of Indiana, born in Marion county, July 6, 1842, and received a good common school education. Up to the age 17 he assisted his father in the trade of painting, and after that learned the plasterer's trade, which he has since followed and in which he has achieved such signal success. On the 22nd of December, 1863, he was married to Miss Josephine Kernodle, a native of Indiana. She died, however, in 1874, and nearly four years afterwards he was married to his present wife, who was formerly Miss Angie Dye, originally of Ohio. He has no children living. Mr. Tuttle's parents, Benjamin F. and Mary (Leach) Tuttle, are both deceased, the father having died in 1870 and the mother in 1872. Mr. Tuttle works from 12 to 20 hands in his business as contractor for plastering work. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
Abram Vince
Mr. V. was born and reared in the county where he now resides and mainly by his own industry and good management has risen to the position he now occupies in the agricultural affairs of the township. His farm contains 280 acres of fine land and is well improved and well stocked. Mr. V. makes a specialty of handling mules and about 25 head of cattle and a large number of hogs annually for the wholesale markets, and raises Cotswold sheep. Mr. V. was born on his father's homestead Aug. 21, 1847, and after he grew up, on the 13th of Nov. 1873, was married to Miss Malissa Chrisman, a daughter of Silas Chrisman, of this county. In 1869 he settled on his present place. Mrs. V. was born on the 5th of Oct., 1847. Mr. and Mrs. V. have no children. Her father was from Fayette county, Ky., born Apr. 22, 1809; and her mother was from Jessamine county, Ky., born Sept. 8, 1816. They were married Sept. 19, 1833, and came to Randolph county in 1843, settling north-east of Moberly, where they resided for 34 years, since which time they have made their home with their daughter, Mrs. Vince. Four of their seven children are living. Mr. and Mrs. Vince and her parents are members of the Baptist church. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
Thomas P. White
Judge Thomas P. White, one of the best, noblest and purest citizens Randolph county ever had, died at his home in Moberly, about three o'clock last Friday morning, after a few days illness, of pneumonia. The following historical sketch of his life, and excellent tribute to his moral worth, we clip from the Moberly Headlight, and it will be indorsed by every man in the county who was ever associated with him, socially, commercially, or otherwise:-
Thomas P. White was born in Bath county, Kentucky, the 5th of November, 1818, and removed to Boone county, Missouri, when 16 years old. He remained there but two years, when he came to Randolph county, which county he lived in until his death, though for a while absent in California, where he went in the pioneer days. Returning, he married Mrs. Elizabeth Trimble, with whom he lived for 27 years, and who still survives him. He never had any children. To Mr. James P. Trimble of this city, his stepson, he was always a father in every sense of the word.
Judge White was a representative man, and such a man as the people love to honor, being upright, honest and consistent in all his actions, and pure in his life. He once represented the county in the Legislature, and was the first mayor of the city, having been elected to that office in 1873. At one time he was vice-president of the Mechanies' Bank and was a director of the same bank up to the time of his death.
In 1877 he was appointed a justice of the county court, to fill out the unexpired term of Seburn Jones, and the following year was elected to the same office for the Eastern district of the county and held the office at the time of his death. He was president of the Building and Loan Association of Moberly, and treasurer of the District Fair Association. He was a Mason and a Knight Templar, and about 30 years ago he united with the Christian Church, and, during that time, was a faithful and devoted member and earnest Christian gentleman. He was a deacon and a trustee of the church in this city. Our acquaintance with Judge White has not been of long duration, compared with that of others of his friends, but we always found him in every transaction to be the honorable, conscientious business man of unwavering integrity, Firm but affable, in everything that noblest work of God--an honest man. He always took a great interest in the prosperity and welfare of Moberly, and was ever ready to join in any scheme for the promotion of her interest. His counsels were always listened to and his words always bore weight with them. The county has lost a good citizen, society a true man and gentleman, the church a worthy member, and his family a noble husband, father and friend. [Source: "Randolph County, Missouri, Cemetery Records and Histories," Vol. IV (1-6) & Vol.V (1-2) - Submitted to Genealogy Trails by Barb Ziegenmeyer]
William R. Robertson.—Without knowing, perhaps, to what an extent the law is a jealous mistress, and how complete is the devotion she requires of her votaries whom she favors with her benefactions, William R. Robertson, of Webb City in this county, one of the leading lawyers in the Southwest, approached her shrine in the proper spirit and with a purpose in accordance with her exactions. This was due to the essential elements of his character and make-up—a combination of rare qualities on which his success in life is based and by the exercise of which it has been won. He has grit and fiber, the genius of application, a knowledge of himself and unyielding purpose, together with fine intellectual endowment.
Judge Robertson was born in Randolph county, Missouri, on April 3, 1866, and is a son of Milton and Mary (Hardy) Robertson, both natives of Tennessee, the former born in August, 1818, and the latter August 31, 1826. The father was a farmer. He died in Dade county, this state, in 1885. His widow survived him a full quarter of a century, dying in 1910. They were the parents of ten children, of whom William R. was the ninth in the order of birth.
He began his scholastic training in the public schools of Dade county, Missouri, and completed it at Ozark college in Greenfield, the seat of government in that county, which he attended two years. After leaving college he taught school in Dade county three years, and while doing this studied law, spending portions of the time in the office and under the direction of Messrs. Mann & Talbott, prominent lawyers in Greenfield. In 1890 he passed a satisfactory examination before Judge D. P. Stratton and was admitted to practice in the state courts.
It seemed to him that a new field, in which he would be among strangers and have no one to depend on but himself, would be best for the exercise of his powers and the development of the career to which he looked forward. Accordingly, he moved to Colorado and located in Delta county, where he taught school for one year. At the end of the term he took up his residence at Delta, the county seat, and began the practice of his profession. He made such an impression on the legal fraternity and the people in that portion of the state that he was elected county judge of Delta county in 1892, after a residence of less than three years in the state. But this office was not to his taste, and he resigned before the end of his term and formed a law partnership with A. R. King, under the firm name of King & Robertson. The partnership continued until August, 1898, and built up a good business, considering the smallness of the county's population and the undeveloped state of the country. In the year last named Mr. Robertson left the firm and returned to Missouri, locating at Webb City, where he has lived ever since, enlarging his practice and extending his reputation as a capable lawyer, skilful and accomplished advocate and very worthy, useful and representative citizen.
On January 1, 1911, he entered into partnership with S. W. Bates for the practice of law, the firm being known as Robertson & Bates, and at once taking rank as one of the strongest and most resourceful law firms in this part of the country. It has a very large and representative practice, including in its clientage many of the leading men of Jasper and the surrounding counties in this and the adjoining states, and is one of the three law practitioners in Jasper county that have been admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the United States.
As he has been industrious and successful in his practice, and earnestly devoted to all its duties, so Mr. Robertson has been also attentive to the business and industrial interests of the city and county of his home. He has been a director of the Merchants and Miners Bank from its organization, and is also its secretary and attorney, being more than ordinarily interested in its progress because of having been one of its founders. He is also a director and the vice president of the Reliance Mining Company and holds the same official relations to the Rogers Lead and Zinc Company. All these institutions are flourishing, and all feel in the active currents of their life and usefulness the quickening impulse of his excellent judgment and productive energy.
The public affairs of the city and county in which he lives enlist his earnest and intelligent interest, and all undertakings for the improvement of the region, the development of its resources and the welfare of its people command his energetic and effective support. On political questions he is loyal to the principles of the Democratic party, but he is not an active partisan and takes no part in political contentions except what good citizenship requires. In the fraternal life of the community around him he is an important factor, holding membership in the Masonic order as a Master Mason, a Royal Arch Mason, a Knight Templar and a Council Mason, and being in his Lodge a past master and one of its trustees. He also belongs to the Order of Elks and is one of the trustees of his lodge in that order. Webb City Lodge No. 861.
The various organizations devoted to the welfare and advancement of his profession have his cordial and appreciated support in every way. He is an active member of the State and the Jasper County Bar Associations, and takes a leading part in their proceedings. He also belongs to the Webb City Commercial Club, and has rendered it faithful and fruitful service as its president. The Presbyterian church is his guide in religious matters, and the congregation to which he belongs is liberally aided by him in all its commendable work.
On March 13, 1895, in Delta, Colorado, Judge Robertson bowed beneath the '' flowery yoke of Eros,'' uniting in marriage with Miss Emma Van de Venter, a native of Maryland and daughter of Prank and Sarah (Friend) Van de Venter, prominent residents of the county in which the marriage was solemnized. Four children have been born in the Robertson household: Alene, whose life began in Delta, Colorado; and Lawrence De, Franklin and Frederic, all of whom are natives of Webb City.
From the start this highly accomplished lawyer, courteous gentleman and estimable citizen has made his own way in the world. Fortune never opened her cynical hand to him except in obedience to his industry and perseverance, a form of persuasion she could not resist. He was a poor boy, earning money for his education in school and college by working on farms, and for his professional training by teaching school. His own trials and privations in early life have made him considerate toward the difficulties of other men and tender in his regard for the feelings, wishes and rights of all. This disposition has won him hosts of friends and a wide and enduring popularity among all classes of people. He is in all respects richly deserving of the high esteem in which he is universally held.
Submitted by Janice Rice - 2009