Nodaway County, Missouri History of 1882 Biographicals

(transcribed by Pat O'Dell: genpat@netins.net)

[page 687] J.F. Bainum, farmer and stock dealer, section 7, post office Burlington Junction, was born July 15, 1844, in Noble County, Ohio. In 1858 he came to Nodaway County, Missouri, where he has since been recognized as one of her leading agriculturists. He received the advantage of a good school education, and during life has taught school, in all seventy-two months. While in his native county he was engaged in working in a tobacco packing house. In March, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Fourth Missouri State Militia, and remained in service till April, 1865, when he returned to Nodaway County. Since the war he has improved three farms, and now is living on the one last opened, and which contains 350 acres. The appearance of things around his place denotes the energy and enterprise of the owner. Mr Bainum is a member of the A.O.U.W. He was married November 25, 1869, to Miss Paulina A. Walker, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, August 20, 1853. They have six children: Olive, Jesse, James S., Herbert L., Eliza E., and an infant. Mr and Mrs B. are both members of the M.E. Church. John Bainum, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Delaware, and a pioneer of Nodaway County. He was killed during the war while lieutenant of the Eleventh Missouri Cavalry. The mother of Mr John Bainum, Mrs Jane Bainum, whose maiden name was Scott, is a native of Ohio, and is now residing with her son. She is over eighty years of age.

[page 953] William E. Crawford, farmer, stock raiser and cattle feeder, section 28, is a native of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, and was born October 30, 1842. In 1844, with [page 954] his parents, he moved to Ohio, and settled in Pickaway County. In October, 1863 he enlisted in the Twelfth Ohio Cavalry, and participated in the battles of Nashville, Tennessee; Lookout Mountain, Salisbury, North Carolina, and with his regiment assisted in the capture of Jefferson Davis. Mr C. received his discharge at Nashville, Tennessee, in 1865. He returned to Pickaway County, Ohio, and in 1868 moved to Andrew County, Missouri, his parents coming with him. In the spring of 1869 he purchased his present farm in Nodaway County, Missouri, on which he settled, and by his industry and good management he now owns 120 acres of improved land. Mr Crawford was married May 12, 1863, to Miss Rebecca Hanks, who was born on the 15th of April, 1843. She died October 14, 1871, leaving the following children: John H., Charles A., Sarah E., and Mary. Mr C. was married again on the 30th day of August, 1873, to Miss Prudence Campbell, born in 1845. She died May 19, 1880, leaving two children, Josie M. and Flora E. His third marriage was on the 2d of March, 1881, to Miss Ida Tryon, a native of Morgan County, born April 30, 1862. Mr C. is a member of the Christian Church. Mrs C. worships with the Baptist denomination.

[page 1033] Mrs E.P. Powell. An attempted historical review of the public schools of Maryville, would be incomplete without at least a brief review of the services of perhaps one of the most accomplished and thorough female instructors, that ever participated in imparting knowledge to Maryville young people. In the year 1876, the educational interests of Maryville had reached a crisis. Competent teachers were in demand. The question was, shall teacher and pupil be fettered by the old systems? Shall the systems of antiquity continue to be instilled into the juvenile mind, as the exclusive models of excellency? Professor Charles, then in charge, favored [page 1034] a new departure. Who should be his assistants in the new enterprise? Among others, he wisely selected Mrs E.P. Powell, who was his most trusted advisor. They condemned the old theory as cold and narrow, and opposed alike to the true interests of literature and progress. Together they pointed out and held to view the vast changes in thought, habits and manners, in morality and religion, which separated the present age from former ages. In other words, that to follow exclusively and blindly in the footsteps of ancient authors and aged systems, was to repress all originality and creative power; that the mind should enjoy freedom, which was necessary to its development. The new departure was determined upon, and Mrs Powell took charge of the third department, where she continued for two years, giving universal satisfaction. On account of her superior literary entertainments and proficiency she was then promoted to the position of assistant principal, which position she held and enriched with her mature learning and fidelity until, as a matter of her own choice, she declined to longer occupy. Mrs Powell's maiden name was Scylla Cartright. She was born in the state of New Jersey, in the year 1849. Her early education began at Matamoras, Pennsylvania. She was afterwards a close student at Fremont, Indiana, and in 1864 graduated at the head of her class at the college of Calva, Illinois, under the supervision of that distinguished educator and scholar, S.M. Etter. Not satisfied with her acquirements then so ample, she, in 1865, studied and mastered the Pestilozzian system of imparting knowledge to her pupils, the utility of which had been demonstrated by the most distinguished educators of Switzerland. This method she adopted and pursued with marked success for nearly three years in the states of Indiana and Illinois. In 1868 she was united in marriage with Mr E.P. Powell, one of Nodaway's most prominent stock shippers. In 1869, she, with her husband, came to Nodaway County, where they have since resided. As a teacher Mrs Powell was a rigid disciplinarian, yet there was a vein of kindness in her nature, a personal magnetism that fascinated and attached her pupils to her and inspired them with confidence and energy in the pursuit of their studies. Her literary attainments are of the highest order, her honor for mental enslavement is marked, her love of intellectual freedom is one of her leading characteristics, and many regrets there are that she concluded to abandon a profession for which she is so eminently qualified.

[page 891] Peter Hawk, section 13. Among the old settlers and successful farmers and stock raisers of this vicinity, who have been prominently identified with the interests of this county from an early date, is Mr Peter Hawk. He is a native of Hardy County, Virginia, and was born November 8, 1828. At the age of eight years with the family he immigrated to Tippecanoe County, Indiana, where he was reared to manhood and received his education, spending his youthful days on a farm. In 1858 he came to this county, remained for six months, and after that time he returned to his native state, living there for one years. From there he moved to Champaign County, Illinois, and eight months later he came to this state and settled again in this county, near Guilford. He continued farming till 1866, when he embarked in mercantile pursuits in Guilford, operating a general store. After pursuing that business one year he disposed of the store and resumed farming for three years. Some time thereafter, in company with Mr John Miller, he again took the store formerly run by him. They conducted the business four years, when he purchased Mr Miller's interest and removed his stock to Sweet Home. After engaging in business there for one year he sold his stock and returned to the occupation of his youth. He moved on the farm where he now resides in 1866. It is one of the finest in this county, consisting of 581 acres, well improved, and upon it is one of the best residences in the township. Mr Hawk was united in marriage January 20, 1853, with Miss Effie Stingley, a native of Indiana. They have seven children living: Anna M., Laura E., Nevada A., Effie C. (deceased), Mary A., Franklin, Oscar G., and Hester M. Mr H. has been school director of his district for some years. During the late war he was a member of the state militia.

[page 918] Jacob P. Hawk, merchant, Guilford, was born in Washington Township, Nodaway County, Missouri, on the 24th day of February, 1855, and is a son of Solomon and Sevila (Moler) Hawk. The former was a native of Virginia, and is one of the substantial men of this township. He is an excellent farmer, and has one of the finest home farms in the neighborhood. Mrs Hawk was born in Indiana. Jacob received his education in the common schools, and when not attending there his time was passed in a store. In the fall of 1877 he started a business in Guilford, with by no means a poor stock of goods, and though the town had her quota of merchants before, he went to work with a will to establish a good trade. That he has done this is evidenced by his popularity and the confidence which the community bestow upon him. In 1878 he was appointed postmaster and is at present conducting the duties of that office in a manner satisfactory to all. Mr Hawk was married November 21, 1876, to Miss Sadie C. [page 919] Cook, daughter of B.L. Cook, of this place. They have three children: Ervin F., born July 24, 1877; Stella V., born January 5, 1879; and an infant son, born January 12, 1882. Mr H. is a Republican, and his religious preferences are with the United Brethren.

[page 887] Amos B. Bentley. The subject of this sketch was born December 26, 1822, in Trumbull County, Ohio. His parents although quite old, are still living, and reside on the farm where they commenced their married life sixty years ago. Amos Bentley was educated in the common schools of his day. He commenced the study of law at the age of eighteen years, and during his study taught school in winter to sustain himself during the summers in applying himself. He was admitted to the bar of the supreme court at Columbus, Ohio, April 17, 1845, and in the year 1852 he went to California, from whence, after about one year, he returned to Ohio and shortly after immigrated to Worth County, Iowa. There he remained until the year 1858, when he left the cold climate of Northern Iowa and came to Nodaway County, Missouri. Mr Bentley is not only well versed in the law but is a school teacher of considerable experience, and is also a splendid mechanic. He has resided most of the time on Platte River, in Jackson Township of this county, with the exception of five years, during which time he was engaged in the practice of law at Maryville, and for a part of that time Hon. Lafe Dawson was a partner with him in that profession. Mr Bentley's life has been an active one since his settlement in Nodaway County, and there are probably few men in the county whose attainments are so varied, at the same time so perfect. He was county judge for one term, and served with credit to himself and to the county. During the war Mr Bently [sic] cast his lot with the Union. He was formerly a Democrat, but of late years he has espoused the Greenback cause. He is a man of good judgment, possessed of a keen sense of justice, and is a firm advocate of law and order. In September, 1843, he was united in marriage with Miss Adelia D. Black. She was born August 26, 1826, in Cattaraugus County, New York. Mrs Bently [sic] accompanied her husband to Nodaway County, where she shared with him the hardships and privations of pioneer life, bearing her part with that fortitude and endurance so characteristic of her. Some years ago she had a narrow escape from wolves while hunting horses on the prairie, but being equal to the occasion she used the horse for a breastwork, while, by menacing the wolves with a stick, [page 888] and by shaking her apron at the hungry, carnivorous pests, drove them away. Mrs Bentley is an excellent neighbor, and is now enjoying a happy old age, surrounded by her children and her large circle of friends. Their family consists of six children: James, Helen (deceased), Frank, Mary H., Anson and Martin V. Mr B. is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He has 69 acres of good land, most of which is under cultivation, and his improvements are excellent. During the war he was captain in the state militia, and was never known to take or confiscate any property of individuals except when authorized so to do.

[page 888] Frank B. Bentley, section 18, is a native of Trumbull County, Ohio, and was born in 1853. He is the son of Amos B. and Amelia (Black) Bentley, and at the age of four years, with his father's family, he immigrated to Worth County, Iowa, where they resided one year. From thence they came to this county. They are old pioneers here and were the first white family to settled in Worth County. The subject of this sketch was here raised to manhood and received his education, and has always followed his present occupation. He moved on the place where he now resides in the spring of 1882, and is the owner of eighty acres of choice land, most of which is under cultivation. Mr B. was married in 1876, to Miss Nevada Hawk, daughter of Peter Hawk, an old settler of this county.

[page 677] James C. Pistole, farmer and stock raiser, section 12, was born on his present farm in Nodaway County, Missouri, on the 20th day of March, 1850, and is the son of Thomas J. and Lucinda (Long) Pistole. The former was born in Virginia, and was an agriculturist. The latter was a native of Tennessee. James passed his youth on the place where he now resides, attending the [page 678] old log school house. In 1870 he started out in business for himself, having 160 acres of land, one horse and cow, and about $700 in money. He has kept steadily at work, making no stir, but moving on quietly and industriously, until his present landed estate consists of 450 acres, upon which is an excellent residence, barn, orchard, etc. He has considerable graded stock and one thoroughbred, and raises quite an amount. Mr P. held the office of township assessor, and when his term expired, the people, recognizing his ability, honored him with the position of county assessor. He was elected in the fall of 1878 for a two year's term. He is Democratic in politics. His marriage occurred on November 1, 1874, to Miss Margaret M. Garten, daughter of Thomas N. Garten, of this township. They have three children: Ada E., born September 23, 1875; Walter T., born June 16, 1878; and Joseph, born September 29, 1880. Mr Pistole is a member of Pickering Lodge, No 472, A.F. and A.M., in which he holds the position of master of the lodge.

[page 626] George W. Pistole, farmer and stock raiser, section 23, post office Hopkins, was born in DeKalb County, Tennessee, April 24, 1837, and accompanied his parents to Missouri in the fall of 1842, first settling below St Joseph. There they remained that winter, and in April, 1843, came to Nodaway County, which was then called Andrew County. The country, a vast wilderness, was inhabited by roving bands of Indians and wild animals, and many were the trials and hardships experienced by these hardy sons of toil. George remembers of accompanying his father to St Joseph for supplies and on milling expeditions, and of having to pay ten cents per bushel for grinding, besides the toll, and of being seven days on the trip Savannah was their nearest post office. He also relates a story of immigrants taking their wagons to pieces and ferrying them across the river in a dug-out. George received a primary education in the subscription schools of pioneer days. During the war he enlisted in Company K, Ninth Missouri Cavalry, in the fall of 1862, and served two years, when he was discharged on account of disability. He returned to this county and remained here until the fall of 1875, when he moved to Olathe, Johnson County, Kansas, for the purpose of education his children. He returned to this county in March, 1881, and now owns a fine farm of 200 acres, well improved. Mr Pistole held the position of tax collector in 1872, being the first one for the township. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and formerly belonged to Xenia Lodge, but now holds his membership at Olathe, Kansas. He was married in 1858 to Miss Cynthia Wyatt, a native of Tennessee. By this union they have four children: Sarah L., Tilatha A., George E. and Nellie J. The three eldest are at present in Olathe, Kansas. Mr P. and his wife are members of the Christian Church.

[page 860] Eli Wray, farmer and stock raiser, section 25, was born in Monroe County, West Virginia, December 25, 1812. His father, Thomas, was a native of Rock[page 861]ingham County, West Virginia, and his mother, Rachel (Neal) Wray, was born in Bedford County, Virginia. Eli remained in his native county till twelve years of age, when, with his parents, he moved to Orange County, Ohio. He was reared on a farm and was educated in the old-fashioned subscription schools. In the fall of 1855, he emigrated to Nodaway County, Missouri, where he has since resided, at that time the county being but a wilderness and abounding with game. During the war he served in the Enrolled Missouri Millitia [sic]. Mr W. has taken quite an interest in educational matters, and has been a member of the school board for many terms. He now has a landed estate of 280 acres, from which he has an excellent view of the city of Maryville. Politically he is a Republican. He was married June, 1838, to Miss Mary Wiseman, who was born September 3, 1819, and is a native of Virginia. They have eleven children living: Alonzo, born April 15, 1839; George W., born March 5, 1841; John J., born March 9, 1843; Sarah S., born January 19, 1847, (now Mrs William Sheldon); Samuel M., born March 18, 1849; Alvin A., born July 5, 1851; Alfred N., born February 8, 1854; Lorania, born February 12, 1856, (now Mrs Franklin Maxon); Mary F., born June 3, 1858; Lettie J., born April 25, 1861; William H., born December 27, 1868. Mr and Mrs W. are active members of the M.E. Church, he having been a class leader for forty years. His brother and uncle organized the first Sabbath School in the vicinity under a willow tree.

[page 861] I.N. Wray is of the firm of Wray & Moore, dealers in staple and fancy groceries and provisions. This firm, although comparatively a new one, is nevertheless doing a very extensive business. They have a large and complete stock in their line, and as business men, are well and favorable known. The senior member of the firm, I.N. Wray, is a native of Ohio, and was born December 8, 1839. At the age of fourteen years he accompanied the family to Missouri and settled in this county, where he was reared to manhood and received his education, spending his boyhood in agricultural pursuits. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted July 17, 1861, in Company I, First Nevada Regiment, and served till July 1, 1866. During that time he participated in many hard fought battles, among which were Shiloh, and from there through the Arkansas campaign. At the close of his term of service in 1866, he returned to this county and was elected sheriff, serving for two years. He then resumed farming, till, in 1870, he was again elected to the office of sheriff and held the position till 1872. It may truthfully be said of him that he discharged his duties with credit to the county and honor to himself. He was engaged in tilling the soil till 1876, when he was appointed assessor of this township, and on June 6, 1881, he became associated with [page 861] Mr Kuenster in business under the firm name of Kuenster & Wray. This co-partnership existed till December of that year, when Mr Moore became a partner. Mr Wray was united in marriage December 31, 1866, to Miss Sarah Crane, a native of Indiana. They have seven children: Minnie, Harold, Ernest, Burton, Katie, Vern and Roland. He is a member of Nodaway Lodge of the A.F. and A.M., of this city, also a member of White Cloud Lodge No 92, I.O.O.F. He was president of the Fair Association of this county for one year.

[page 862] Henry T. Wray, farmer and stock raiser, section 23, was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, April 13, 1844. His father, John Wray, was born in Monroe County, Virginia, and his mother, Sarah (Wiseman) Wray, was a native of Rockingham County, Virginia. Henry was taken to Gallia County, Ohio, in 1845, and remained there until 1853, when his parents moved west, and wintered in Hillsboro, Henry County, Iowa. In the spring of 1854 they came to Nodaway County, and settled in Polk Township, though the county was then wild and unsettled. On this frontier Henry was raised to manhood on the farm, receiving an education, such as the country schools afforded. Becoming proficient in the use of tolls, he did all his own carpenter work, and he does so at present. During the war he was a strong Union man. He first served in the Enrolled Missouri Militia, and in July, 1864, he enlisted in Company K, Forty-third Missouri Volunteer Infantry. being ill, he was unfit for duty most of the time. He filled the office of sergeant, and was discharged on account of disability, June 30, 1865. He takes a great interest in educational matters, and has served some nine consecutive years as clerk of the district. He owns his old homestead of twenty-eight acres and an interest in 300 acres. Mr Wray is a strong Republican. He was married February 25, 1863, to Miss Maria A. Partridge, a native of Clark County, Illinois, born June 23, 1845. They have nine children living: Theodore K., born November 21, 1864; Albert A., born April 30, 1866; William N., born April 10, 1868; J. Carroll, born October 22, 1869; Edith L., born January 3, 1872; Perris E., born September 20, 1874; George T., born July 18, 1876; Frank W., born October 23, 1878, and Charles H., born October 3, 1880. Mr Wray has always been an active Christian worker in the M.E. Church. He was licensed to preach at the conference held at Mound City, Holt County, Missouri, in November, 1881, and now fills some appointments, often officiating as class leader.

[page 549] Harry R. Richards, telegraph operator and agent of the Wabash, St Louis & Pacific Railroad, Elmo. The subject of this sketch is a native of Illinois, and was born in Bureau County, September 11, 1857. When six years of age he, with his parents, moved to St Louis, where he was reared and educated. [page 550] When twelve years old he began work as machinist and adjuster with the Wheeler & Wilson Sewing Machine Company. He continued in the employ of this company for five years, after which he traveled over the State of Texas for about eighteen months. He subsequently became baggagemaster at Norborne, Carroll County, Missouri, where he remained three years, and at the same time learned the art of telegraphing. Mr R. then worked as extra operator till October 20, 1879, since which time he has held his present position. He has been interested in the sale of lots for the railroad company, and is also one of four interested in the new addition to Elmo, which is destined to be the residence part of the town. Mr Richards was married May 27, 1879, to Miss Liva Owens. She was born in Winchester, Randolph County, Indiana, December 18, 1861, and was principally educated in Kansas City.