Nodaway County, Missouri History of 1882 Biographicals
(transcibed by Pat O'Dell: genpat@netins.net)
 
[page 700] Judge Samuel F. Guthrie, farmer, section 17, is the fifth of a family of ten children, sons and daughters of James and Margeret (Phelps) Guthrie. The former was a native of Kentucky, and was born August 1, 1793, and died in Nodway County, Missouri, March 30, 1873. Mrs Margeret Guthrie was a native of Ohio, and was born September 2, 1793. She also died in Nodaway County, Missouri, January 15, 1876. The subject of this sketch was born in Boone County, Missouri, March 12, 1822. In October, 1832, his parents moved to Moniteau County, Missouri, and February 26, 1840, Samuel went to Platte County, Missouri. In 1842, he setttled in Buchanan County, Missouri, from which location he came to Nodaway County, in the spring of 1854. Judge G. has since resided on the same farm. His occupation during life has been that of a farmer. His landed estate embraces 359 acres of land, all of which is well improved, his house and barn buildings being of great credit to the township. In 1880, he was elected for four years as one of the County Judges, and has continued to fill that position with great credit, always deciding cases in a most impartial manner. He is a member of Burlington Junction Lodge, No 442, A.F. and A.M. May 26, 1851, Judge Guthrie was married to Miss Allie A. McCoy. She was born in Moniteau County, Missouri, January 4, 1832. They have had nine children, of whom six are living: Cordelia C., Virgil A., Laura C., Madora A., Amanda M. and Charley V. Mr and Mrs G. are members of the old school Baptist Church.
E. Rittenoure
 
E. Rittenoure, farmer and stock dealer, section 11, was born in Ross County, Ohio, July 12, 1844. He was reared on a farm, and has since made farming and dealing in stock his occupation. When about thirteen years of age, his parents moved to Fayette County, Ohio, and, in 1867, he came to his present location. He has recently disposed of his farm, which contained 285 acres. Mr Rittenoure was married April 3, 1872, to Miss Mary A. Miller, a native of Clinton County, Ohio. Two children constitute the family circle, Thornton M. and Ella.
 
[page 705] T.J. Hunt, M.D., dealer in groceries, is a native of New York, and was born in Orange County, March 14, 1823. He was principally educated in his native county, receiving fair educational advantages, having been kept in school most of the time until grown to manhood. In 1843, Mr H.'s parents moved to Ulster County, of the same state, and when seventeen years of age, he chose the practice of medicine for a profession. He immediately began his studies, and after continuing them for a number of years, attended the Medical Institute of New Jersey. In 1847, he moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he remained one year, and then located in Madison, Wisconsin, where he began his practice, he being of the homoeopathic school, which has become so noted in the larger cities. In the locality mentioned he continued his practice till 1861, when he moved to Northwood, Worth County, Iowa. There Dr Hunt introduced his system of practice, which was met with great success. He continued to labor there till May, 1877, when he moved to Maryville, where he was engaged in practicing for one year, when, on account of failing health, he retired from his profession. In 1880, he moved to Burlington Junction, where he has since been engaged in the grocery business. He is a member of the M.E. Church, and while in Northwood, Iowa, organized the first Sabbath School in the town. He was also a member of the school board, taking much interest in educational matters. Dr H. is an active member of the school board of this town, having been elected for three years. He is a Mason and a member of Burlington Junction Lodge, U.D., he being their master. He is also a member of the I.O.G.T. He was married July 3, 1847, to Miss Eliza Wakeman, who was born in Ulster County, New York, December 18, 1828. They have three children: Amanda M. (now Mrs Perkins), born May 23, 1851; George H., born May 18, 1853; Ida F., born June 4, 1860. She has been teaching in the schools of Burlington Junction for some time, and is employed at present, being an instructor of both the English and Latin languages. Dr Hunt's father, Joseph, and his mother, Maria (Wood), were born natives of New York. The former was born in Pullman County, and died in Dane County, Wisconsin, in the year 1872. The latter was born in Dutchess County, and died in Ulster County, in the year 1840. Their family consisted of eight boys and four girls, the subject of this sketch being the ninth in the family.
 
[page 705] Charles H. Hungate, farmer, section 26, is a son of William and Dorcas (Ward) Hungate, who were born natives of Kentucky. The subject of this sketch was [page 706] born in McDonough County, Illinois, July 14, 1842. He was reared and educated in his native county, completing his education in the high school of Macomb. After leaving school he was employed as an educatior for about five years. In 1867, he went to Hamilton County, Iowa, where he followed the occupation of farming, and has since continued the same. In 1868, he returned to his native county, and in 1870 he moved to Louisa County, Iowa. In the spring of 1875 he came to Nodaway County, Missouri, where he now resides, his farm containing eighty-five acres. Mr Hungate acted as justice of the peace one year and is now the assessor of Nodaway Township. February 18, 1862, he was married to Miss Polly A. Short. She was born December 15, 1839, in Marion County, Kentucky. When sixteen years old, she moved with her parents, James and Sallie (Harding) Short, to Illinois. The family of Mr and Mrs H. consists of John T., born January 15, 1870; James R., born November 28, 1872, and Quinton W., born March 12, 1877.
 
[page 713] Nodaway Township - J.P. Ring is of the firm of Dyche & Ring, dealers in general merchandise. March 13, 1846, the population of Andrew County, Missouri, was increased by one who grew to manhood in that county and whose name is now used as the subject of this sketch. In 1861 Mr Ring went to the mountains, where he remained till 1869, having during this time made one trip to the states. While in that country he traversed through most of the territories, being engaged in freighting the principal part of the time. He was for quite a period occupied in supplying the Union Pacific R.R. with ties. In the fall of 1869 he left Salt Lake City for Taylor County, Iowa, where he was engaged in the mercantile trade for eighteen months, then locating on a farm in the same county, where he remained till the fall of 1879. At that time he settled in Burlington Junction, where he has since been doing the leading business in the mercantile trade, being liberal and accommodating to his patrons. Mr Ring was married April 7, 1871, to Miss Sedora Fleming. She was born in Leavenworth County, Kansas, in April, 1855. They have three children: Lethie, Walter O. and Charles W. The parents of Mr Ring, Jesse and Catherine (Peck) Ring, were both natives of Ohio.
 
[page 719] John G. Allen, the son of James and Delilah (Wright) Allen, was born near Salem, Washington County, Indiana, September 10, 1811. His father, a carpenter by occupation, and his mother were both natives of North Carolina. John attended the old subscription schools of pioneer fame, to some extent, but obtained his education chiefly by self application. He remained at his birthplace until the age of fourteen, when he accompanied his parents to Putnam County, Indiana, and there resided until he came to Missouri, in the fall of 1838. He settled in Buchanan County which was inhabited by roving bands of Indians, bought a claim, erected a log cabin, and cleared a farm, and there remained for twelve years. The country becoming settled, he was induced to locate in Nodaway County, which he did in 1851. He purchased a claim having a cabin upon it, and commenced the improvement of his farm. Since then he has been an industrious citizen, and now owns 270 acres of land. A handsome residence adorns the site of his first dwelling, and from it a good view of Maryville, seven miles distant, is obtained. His orchard contains some 600 trees. Kelley Station, on the line of the Wabash Railroad, is situated on a part of his land, and the place is well stocked. During the war, Mr A. endeavored to remain at home, but was unable to do so, and consequently he drilled many of the first companies, subsequently being elected captain of a company of the Enrolled Missouri Militia. He finally enlisted in the regular service, and was commissioned first lieutenant, serving as long as his health permitted. Upon resigning he returned home. Mr Allen has been twice married. First, in 1832, to Sally Cole, a native of Kentucky. They had three children: Jehu C., born December 5, 1833; James H., born January 24, 1838, and John G., born August 24, 1840. Mr A. was again married in 1844, to Miss Nancy Graves, a native of Tennessee. Their family consists of Rebecca E. (now Mrs Richard A. Bennett), born April 26, 1846; Jacob M., born October 8, 1852; George W., born July 22, 1854; Marcus D.L., born December 8, 1855; Benjamin F., born February 21, 1857; Delilah [page 720] A. (now Mrs George McConnell), born April 24, 1863, and Martha G., born October 3, 1865. The youngest son, Benjamin F., and the youngest daughter, Martha G., now remain at home. The son is at present conducting the farm and managing the business. Mr A. is a member of the I.O.O.F., belonging to White Cloud Lodge, No 92, of Maryville. He helped to organize that lodge, and was one of its charter members. He has filled the position of school director for several terms. He is Republican in politics, and a member of the Christian Church. Now in his seventy-second year, Mr Allen is still energetic and sociable, and possesses many friends to cheer him in his declining years.
 
[page 715] William H. Walker, farmer and stock dealer, section 16, was born in Ross County, Ohio January 15, 1844. He was reared and educated in his mother county and was there principally engaged in farming. In May, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-Sixth Ohio Infantry, and participated in many of the most important battles during the war, and was mustered out of service at Chattanooga, Tennessee, July 25, 1864, having during the latter eighteen months served on the engineers' corps. After being mustered out Mr W. returned to Ross County, Ohio, and in 1865 he emigrated to Nodaway County, Missouri, where he has since resided, his residence [page 716] now being in the same section as Burlington Junction. His landed estate consists of 472 acres. Mr Walker was married December 25, 1868, to Miss Mary A. Maines, who was born in Hendricks County, Indiana, January 30, 1848. She located with her parents in Nodaway County, Missouri, in 1865. The family of Mr and Mrs W. consists of five children: Charles E., born October 10, 1869; Annie L., born May 18, 1871; Everett, born March 15, 1873; Maggie, born February 27, 1875; and Alma E., born January 23, 1880.
[page 716] C.L. Walker, farmer and stock dealer, section 12, was born in Ross County, Ohio, November 21, 1846. He was reared in his native county and was there educated. He has adhered closely to agricultural pursuits and dealing in stock during life, at which he has been quite successful, having a farm of 160 acres. Mr Walker was married December 29, 1869, to Miss E. Myers. She was also born in Ross County, Ohio. They have four children: Frank D., Frederick S., John H. and Jesse E.
 
[page 720] Joseph E. Alexander. There is no man in Nodaway County more favorably known than Judge Alexander. He is the third of eight children of Alexander T. and Mary (McCormick) Alexander, and was born in Missouri, September 1, 1815. His parents were natives of Lincoln County, North Carolina. They came to Missouri in 1809, and settled on a farm in Washington County, where they lived until the death of the father, in 1848. Mr. Alexander spent the early part of his life on a farm. His opportunity for acquiring an education was very limited, being simply what the common schools of a frontier settlement afforded, they being few in number and inferior in quality, but he made the best use of his advantages, and by reading and personal observation, he has acquired such general information as has given him a prominent place in society. He removed to Jackson County, Missouri, in 1842, and in the spring of 1843 came to Nodaway County, locating five miles southwest of Maryville. Here he entered and opened a farm, and for a number of years had all the difficulties of a pioneer with which to contend, characteristic upon the first settlement of a new country. He was one of Nodaway's substantial agriculturists until 1869, when he took up his abode in Maryville. In 1849 he was deputy sheriff, and filled the unfinished term of sheriff, the regular incumbent of that office having resigned and gone to California. In 1862 he was appointed by the governor as one of the county judges. In 1864 he was elected sheriff, serving for two years; as an official, Judge Alexander was found to be one of the most staunch and trustworthy. His views were clear and logical, indicating excellent judgement and a live interest for his adopted county. During his residence he has been interested to some extent in mercantile puruits, and was a member of the first banking house in Maryville. The judge has a fine library of well selected publications, is a great reader and an interesting conversationalist. He was married October 30, 1837, to Miss Mary Ann Currier, of Orleans County, Vermont. They have seven [page 721] children living: Elizabeth, Henry C., Mary Francis, Emma Jane, Lenora A., Thompson A., and Curtiss. One is deceased, Angeline.
 
[page 725] Polk Township - Edmund G. Bickett, farmer and stock raiser, section 11, was born November 16, 1817, in Marion County, Kentucky. His father, Henry Bickett, was a native of Maryland, and his mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Graves, was a Kentuckian by birth. Edmund spent his boyhood days on a farm at his birthplace, and received a good business education, which he completed at St. Mary's Seminary, of Marion County, Kentucky. He left his native place on the 6th of October, 1846, for the west; took a steamboat at Louisville, Kentucky, for St Louis, thence up the Missouri River to Weston, and by ox team to Nodaway County, which was at that time almost a wilderness. Mr B. remembers of counting forty-five deer in one drove, and frequently seeing thirty in a drove from his cabin door. Being a good shot, he says he enjoyed himself better in those days than at any time during his life. St Joseph was their market and supply point. Maryville, their post office, was a cross-roads trading post. Since that early date Mr Bickett has been identified with the growth and [page 726] prosperity of Nodaway County. He has filled his present office of justice of the peace for several terms to the entire satisfaction of all parties interested. He is well known and has the respect of all. He still resides on his original claim and owns 380 acres of rich land, and a fine orchard of some 400 bearing trees. He was married October 29, 1839, to Miss Parmelia Ray, an old schoolmate. She was born January 27, 1821. They have seven children living: Richard H., born February 12, 1843; Susan M. born September 24, 1845, (now Mrs David Reardon); Martha A., born August 24, 1848; Pernesa E., born November 24, 1852, (now Mrs Peter Kirch); Harriet A., born February 11, 1855; Laura E. born August 15, 1857, (now Mrs B. Moran), and William G.W., born April 23, 1860. Two, Ann E. and Parmelia E. are deceased. Himself and family are active members of the Catholic Church. He was the first Catholic in the county, to his recollection.
 

[page 726] Polk Township - A.L. Bickett, carpenter, is a native of Marion County, Kentucky, and was born February 13, 1830, being a son of Anthony and Ann (Knott) Bickett. The former was born in Alleghany County, Maryland, in 1783, and the mother, a native of Montgomery County, Indiana, was born in 1791, and died in 1866. With their parents, they moved to Marion County, Kentucky, in 1798, and there they were married in 1812. They settled in that county, where the father died in 1856. Mrs Bickett, with the family, then came to Nodaway County, Missouri, in 1857, and settled some nine miles northwest of Maryville. A.L. spent his boyhood days in Marion County, Kentucky, and learned the carpenter's trade. He was married August 3, 1853, to Miss Jane Collet, a native of Clay County, Missouri, born May 6, 1831. She died September 15, 1863, leaving three children: Joseph A., Rebecca L. and George W. Mr Bickett was married the second time to Miss C. Refro [see note below], a native of Boone County, Missouri, born March 6, 1847. She died February 17, 1876, leaving five children: Charles L., Minnie J., Terera A., Frederick K., Maud G. Mr B. married for his third wife, November 30, 1881, Sarah Gillian, a native of Andrew County, Missouri, born March 6, 1840. She was a daughter of John and Eliza (Clark) Gillian, and by this union they have one child: Cecil. Mr and Mrs B. are both church members. Mr B. served some two years as assistant postmaster at Maryville, during the years of 1861 and 1862.

[Nodaway County, Missouri marriage records - A.L. Bicket to Chloe Renfro Nov 22, 1866]
 
[page 730] O.L. Briggs, of O.L. Briggs & Co., dealers in hardware, stoves and agricultural implements, is a native of Jefferson County, New York, and was born near Sackett's Harbor, October 5, 1840. When nineteen years of age, his father, L.D. Briggs, removed to Illinois, and located at Waukegan. After residing there six months the subject of this sketch came to Nodaway County, Missouri, and remained some years. In 1861, he went to the Rocky Mountains, and engaged in mining and other pursuits. Returning to Missouri, in 1870, he established his present business. His brother, S.W. Briggs, a prominent stock dealer of this county, is associated with him, and the firm are doing a large trade, and have an enviable standing in the community. Mr B. was married in February, 1868, to Miss Sallie A. Denning, of Nodaway County. They have a family of four children: George W., Albert H., Edna A. and Pearl. Mr B. is a Master Mason, and a member of Maryville Lodge, No. 162.
 
[page 733] John H. Burch, farmer and stock raiser, section 26, was born on August 22, 1843, in Greene County, Indiana, being a son of John and Lucy B. Burch. The former, a farmer by occupation, was born in Surry County, North Carolina. The latter was a native of Pittsylvania County, Virginia. John H. Burch received a common school education, and in 1855, he left his birthplace, and with his parents moved to Fayette County, Iowa. There he resided until 1866, when he purchased his present farm. It is one of the oldest settled farms in this vicinity, and contains 320 acres, being stocked, and upon it is an orchard and vineyard. In 1862, or when nineteen years of age, he enlisted in Company A, Thirty-eighth Iowa Infantry, at Camp Franklin, Dubuque. He is Democratic in politics, and has held the position of school director. Mr Burch is a member of Nodaway Lodge, No 347 of Pickering, in which lodge he holds the office of vice grand. He was married November 2, 1862, to Miss Martha Bishop, a daughter of Solomon Bishop. They have seven children: Melissa L., born July 19, 1863; James A., born May 23, 1867; Abigail and Abner, [page 734] twins, born July 17, 1870; Sarah J., born September 11, 1874; John S., born May 16, 1876, and Sabitha, born March 23, 1879. Mr B. commenced life without means, only having one two year old colt. His mother, nearly eighty years of age, is living with him. She is still hale and hearty, and bids fair to see many more years.
 
[page 739] William P. Cherry, proprietor of the Maryville Business College, was born at Carthage, Illinois, November 27, 1853. His father, John W. Cherry, a native of Overton County, Tennessee, was by occupation a grain and stock dealer. His mother, whose maiden name was Paulina E. Chandler, was born and reared in Kentucky. William was reared to manhood at his birth place, and after receiving a preparatory education in the high schools of the city, he entered Carthage College. After finishing a four years' course here he entered the Gem City Business College of Quincy, Illinois, and was graduated from that institution in October, 1872. During the year 1873 he filled the position of deputy clerk of the Circuit Court of Hancock County, Illinois. In the fall of 1874 he entered La Grange College of La Grange, Missouri, as a student and teacher, and taught the commercial department until 1878. He graduated in May, 1877, from the scientific department. The faculty wishing to retain him as a teacher, persuaded him to stay one year. He then returned to Hancock County, Illinois, where he recruited his health. Being a strong Demo[page 740]crat, he canvassed his county three times in the interest of his party. He located at Maryville in the fall of 1880, and founded the Maryville Business College, which has proved very beneficial to the young people of this vicinity and has supplied a long felt want. His average enrollment for the year 1881 was 135. He employs an assistant, Mr L.H. Thompson, who received his education at the La Grange school. During the summer vacation Mr Cherry acted as clerk of the Probate Court of Maryville from May until November, and during the absence of Judge Snyder the full charge of the business fell upon the shoulders of Mr C. He has been a self made man, and possesses a great amount of will and energy. He was married on the 8th of September, 1879, to Miss Emma I. Grigsby, daughter of Judge S.J. Grigsby, of Illinois. She was born in that state June 10, 1861. They are active members of the Baptist church of Maryville.
 
[page 734] Dr S.V. Campbell is a native of Jennings County, Indiana, and was born August 26, 1832. His youth was spent at his birthplace, on a farm, and he was educated at a seminary under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church, Prof. G. Dunning, principal. After graduating he read medicine with Dr James C. Burt, a prominent physician of Vernon, the county seat of Jennings County. He was a native of New Jersey. Mr Campbell attended lectures at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and at St Louis, and was graduated in 1854. He commenced practicing medicine at Lebanon, Boone County, Indiana, and then removed to Fort Des Moines, Iowa, being one of the first physicians to settle at this point. In 1861 he went into the service as First Assistant Surgeon of the Twenty-third Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and continued in active service until the autumn of 1864, when he resigned. He then returned to Iowa and settled in Dallas County, where he had a large practice. In September, 1879, Dr C. came to Missouri and located in Maryville, where he has since been engaged in active practice, and has attained to a well merited success. He was married in 1855 to Miss Carrie Davis, of Indiana. They have five children: W.A., J.A., Emma, Burt and Scott.
 
[page 754] Polk Township - A.T. Ellis, of the firm of Ellis & Prather, one of the leading business men of Nodaway County, was born in Kentucky August 21, 1843. His father, Leander T. Ellis, was a native of North Carolina, and his mother's maiden name was Harriet Hunter. She was born in Virginia. In the fall of 1843 the family removed to the Platte Purchase and made their home for some years in Buchanan County. There the father of the subject of this memoir, served as sheriff of the county, and one term as assessor. They moved from Buchanan County to Andrew County, and after a residence of two years came to Nodaway County, in 1855. A.T. spent his early days on a farm and in attending school. In 1862 he commenced his mercantile experience in selling drugs, and has been in the business continuously in this line more years than any man in the county. The trade of the firm is large, extending beyond the limit of their acquintance, and the favorable treatment of their patrons has given them an enviable reputation. No firm has been more closely identified with the interest of the county, or contributed more to the good name of the city of Maryville. Mr Ellis was married December 22, 1865, to Miss Amanda Allen, a native of Iowa. Their family consists of three children: Mary, Cora B. and Albert T. They have lost three. He is a member of the Masonic order and belongs to Maryville Lodge, No. 165.
 
[page 756] Dr B.G. Ford was born July 8, 1824, in Pulaski County, Kentucky, near a town named Somerset. His father at one time was wealthy, being one of the leading citizens of his neighborhood. Bourne spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, and received that vigor of physical life and purity of mind incident to country life. He obtained as good an education as could be acquired in the neighboring schools at that time, and afterward studied medicine with Dr William Stone, a celebrated physician of Somerset, who subsequently went to California, and continued the practice of medicine there. After finishing his studies Dr Ford began the practice of medicine in his own neighborhood, and continued it for several years. In the spring of 1850 he went across the plains to California, where he remained eight months. During all that time he suffered much from inflammatory rheumatism, and was disabled thereby from engaging in any active pursuits. He then returned to Kentucky, and resumed the practice of medicine in his old field. In 1853 he came to Nodaway County, and settled in Maryville, where he entered into the practice of medicine. In 1856 he moved to the present site of Barnard, and bought a mill, which he superintended for about two years. He then moved back to Maryville, and continued the practice of medicine until 1860, [page 757] when he was elected County Clerk of Nodaway County. He held this office about seven years, but voluntarily resigned it during the war, Mrs Joseph Jackson becoming his successor. By his own exertions and by judicious investments in real estate, Dr Ford acquired considerable property. After resigning the office of county clerk he engaged in an active business life, manufacturing brick and erecting many buildings in Maryville, in connection with some practice of his profession. In 1875 he was elected justice of the peace, and re-elected in 1877, and held the office until the time of his death, which occurred September 1, 1878. At the time of the doctor's demise, all the Maryville papers contained fitting tributes to his personal worth and character. From many such notices we quote the following from the Maryville Democrat of that date: "It can truthfully be said that B.G. Ford was a man respected by all who knew him. Honest himself, he believed all others to be so, and hence could be easily imposed upon. He had large benevolence, and any object of charity, if in his opinion worthy, could command the last cent in his pocket. His was a tender, generous heart, always open and susceptible to appeals for sympathy. * * * * He possesed many noble traits which will be cherished in the hearts of those with whom he was most intimately related in this life. He was a good man, one respected and honored by all who knew him. Such was Bourne G. Ford." July 30, 1854, Dr Ford married Miss Lucinda Lemmons, of Maryville, who still resides there. As the result of this union there have been born nine children, whose names according to their ages are as follows: Medora, Eliza, Katie, Elizabeth, Ionia, Charlie, Otta, Mattie and Helen.
 

[page 732] Henry Clay Burnett was born July 23, 1852, in Warren County, Iowa. His paternal ancestors trace their origin to Germany. His maternal predecessors are of English extraction. His father was born in Dutchess County, New York, in 1827; his mother in Maine, in 1832. Henry, at the early age of three years, came with his parents to Missouri, in 1855, and located in what is now known as Lincoln Township, in the northwestern part of Nodaway County. In the spring of 1860 the family moved to Atchison County and continued to reside there till the fall of 1864, and then removed to Nodaway County, where he has resided ever since. Although his eyes first opened upon the light in Iowa, he has grown to manhood in the State of Missouri. On December 29, 1878, in the city of Maryville, Henry was united in marriage to Clara E. Weiser, Rev D.B. Lake officiating. Of this union one child was born, who died in infancy. His wife died on the 23d day of January, 1880. Henry is the son of a miller, who taught him that occupation, which he followed for several years. In the fall of 1873 he taught his first term of school on the spot where he first began his education and the site of the last common school he ever attended. In 1874 he spent a term at the Maryville high school, at that time under the superintendence of B.A. Dunn, now (1881) editor of the Maryville Republican. Alternately from 1874 to 1880 he taught in the common schools of Nodaway County, engaging also in the milling business. In 1876 he went to the Exposition at Philadelphia, and visited New York, Baltimore, Washington and other Eastern cities. On January 1, 1881, he began the study of law in the office of Edwards & Ramsay, in Maryville, and was admitted to the bar December 2, 1881, by Judge Henry S. Kelley, and granted a license to practice law in the courts of the state. He has permanently located in Maryville, and is now engaged in the practice of law. He is a young man of studious habits, modest and unobtrusive in his manners, and applies himself with great assiduity to the mastery of his chosen profession.

 
 
[page 762] Joseph Gerhart, farmer and sheep raiser, section 21, was born on the river Main, Bavaria, Germany, on the 30th of May, 1830, and is the son of George and Margaret (Breckner) Gerhart, both natives of Germany. The former was a blacksmith and farmer by occupation. Joseph received a common school education, spending his youthful days in his birthplace. When fourteen years of age, he commenced to learn the cooper trade, which he followed for about sixteen years. In 1847, he crossed the ocean, was fifty-two days on the voyage, and at the end of that time he landed at Quebec, Canada. He soon went to Marietta, Washington County, Ohio, remained there two years, and then located in Fairfield County, where during the summer seasons he farmed, and worked at his trade in the winter months. There he remained until the spring of 1870, when he came to Missouri, and located in Nodaway County, on the place where he now resides, four miles west of Maryville. At that time there was but one farm between his place and the town. He now owns 170 acres of land, well improved and watered. He raises considerable stock, and is greatly interested in the raising of sheep. Upon the farm is a good, bearing orchard. Mr Gerhart has filled the various township offices. During the war, with others, he was after John Morgan, on his raid through Ohio. He was married January 1, 1852, to Mary M. Coney, daughter of Frederick Coney, a native of Germany. They have eight children: John, born in November, 1854; George H., born February 8, 1856; William, born September 2, 1858; Mary E., born March 29, 1861; Sarah, born December 29, 1862, (now Mrs William Hardesty); Margaret, born July 24, 1865, (now Mrs [page 763] James Edgar); Lucy, born February 2, 1868, and Frederick, born September 6, 1877. One is deceased. Mr G. is a Greenbacker in politics. He belongs to the Catholic Church in Maryville.
 
[page 763] Colonel Amos Graham. No history of Nodaway County would be complete without a short sketch of the life of Colonel Amos Graham. He was born in Washington County, Kentucky, on the 14th of March, 1816. In his boyhood days he taught school and went to school, thus gaining a fair common school education in the English branches. In the year 1836 he went to Hancock County, Illinois, and resided there for some time, engaged in teaching school, after which he returned to his native state and county. At the age of twenty-three or twenty-four years he was a candidate for representative, and was only defeated by an old and experienced politician by some fifteen or twenty votes. After his defeat he came west, having [page 764] in the meantime been united in marriage with Mary J. House, in January, 1842. Upon his arrival in the state of Missouri he located in Savannah, Andrew County, April 17, 1842. There he began again to teach, being wholly without means. He received the appointment of deputy clerk under Edwin Toole. In the year 1845, upon the organization of Nodaway County, he received the appointment of clerk of the circuit and county courts, and ex-officio recorder. We also believe he was the first postmaster of Maryville. He continued to be elected to the office of clerk until the year 1858, when the office of county and circuit clerk were separated, and James B. Braton was elected circuit, and B.G. Ford county clerk. Mr Graham was a man in every sense qualified for the positions he occupied, and discharged his duties to the statisfaction of the people, as is shown by his continual re-election. Mrs Mary J. Graham, his wife, was the first white female that resided on the present site of Maryville. The Colonel was well fitted for western life, and had the power of adapting himself to all grades of society and making himself at home to all. In the year 1860 he ran for representatives on the Breckenridge ticket, against Dr P.H. Talbott, on the Douglas ticket, and was elected by a handsome majority, although the Douglas ticket carried the county. By his skillfulness as a politician he succeeded in securing the Lincoln vote of the county. He was a member of the Missouri Legislature of 1860-61, and took a leading part in the proceedings of that stormy session, as the records and votes of that General Assembly will show. After his return home he ceased to take any active part in politics, his sympathies being with the South, and the county on the side of the Union. Colonel Graham had a kind heart, and was full of kind words for every one, and from the organization of the county until his death was esteemed for his many good traits of character, and in Maryville no social party was considered complete without his presence. He was a leader, and the life of all such gatherings, and his home was open to all. Of the marriage of himself and wife but one child, Charles C. Graham, blessed them. Colonel Graham practiced law during the war.In the year 1865 he was stricken down with typhoid fever, and after lingering some two weeks he passed beyond the vail. His widow still lives in the town of Maryville. To write in detail the history of Colonel Graham's life, from the year 1845 to 1858, would be simply to write a history of Nodaway County for that period, so intimately was his public life connected with every act and movement of the people.
 
[page 764] R.O. Graves, capitalist, is a son of James and Ruth (Sherrel) Graves, who were both natives of Kentucky. R.O. was born in Washington County, December 2, 1830. He was reared and educated in his native county, and in [page 765] the year 1851, he came to Nodaway County, Missouri, making this his home till 1865. From that date till 1871 he was in Holt and Saline Counties, and at the expiration of that time he located in Forest City, where he had also previously spent considerable of his time. In 1877, he came to Maryville, where he has since resided. He has not for many years been engaged in any active business, yet he has been interested financially in different enterprises and is at the present time. Mr Graves was married June 1, 1871, to Miss Bettie Gilham, a daughter of Woodson and Susan (Burks) Gilham, who were both natives of Virginia. Mrs G. was also born in Virginia, and came to Missouri when six or seven years of age. She was reared in Saline County. Mr and Mrs Graves have two children: Kate D., born July 18, 1873, and Charley C., born October 3, 1876.
 
[page 765] W.B. Graves, of the firm of T.F. Hood & Co., manufacturers of and dealers in harness and saddles. Among the sterling business men of Maryville, and one who has been closely identified with its growth and prosperity, is W.B. Graves. He is a native of Delaware County, New York, and was born June 15, 1844. When eight years of age, his father, Lewis, emigrated to Indiana with his family, locating in Johnson County. There W.B. was raised, receiving a limited education in the common schools. When thirteen years of age, he went to Morgantown, and commenced to learn the harness and saddlery trade, and, after completing it, he worked at various points as journeyman. In 1862, he tendered his services to the Union cause, enlisting at Rushville, Indiana, in Company C Sixteenth Indiana Infantry, under Captain P.J. Beachbard. He was in the Department of the Gulf, and participated in many prominent engagements; was at Richmond, Kentucky, Arkansas Post, the attack on Vicksburg, and was taken prisoner while scouting near Greenville, Mississippi, but was not long retained, being exchanged with others. He was also with Banks, on the Red River expedition, and served through until the close, being honorably discharged at New Orleans and mustered out at Indianapolis. In November, 1865, Mr Graves came to Maryville, and engaged in the present business, which has substantially increased, and is one of the largest in Northwest Missouri. He is a man of strict integrity, and decided character, has never been a political aspirant, neither is he a candidate for popularity or public fame. All enterprises to the upbuilding of Maryville have always received his hearty support. He married, in 1866, Miss Nancy Ellen Kelly, of Indiana. They have seven children: Willie, George, Hattie, Fannie, Gertie, Luella and Kate. Himself and wife are members of the Christian Church.
 
[page 769] Peter Hamill. The subject of this sketch is a native of Ireland, and was born August 12, 1846. He was there reared to manhood, following the occu[page 770]pation of farming, and received his education from the schools of that vicinity. At the age of eighteen years, he went to Scotland, and was engaged for three years in railroading. After that time he immigrated to America, and settled in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, where he was occupied in mining for about six months. He next moved to Des Moines, Iowa, and was in the employ of the Des Moines Valley Railroad till 1868, when he began peddling through Missouri. In 1869, he took a trip to Montana Territory, where he was a resident for fifteen months, after which time he returned to Missouri, and resided in St Joseph for three months. He then went to Tennessee, and engaged in peddling, passing through most of the Southern States in his travels, and for three years made Texas his place of operation. He continued this business till 1875, when he came to this city and engaged in business. He has a billiard hall in connection with his saloon. Mr H. is a man who has had a varied and checkered life, and in everything he has undertaken, has been unusually successful. He has large real estate interests in this city, besides a good farm in the county, and is a weathy citizen. Mr H. was married January 23, 1877, to Miss Nancy Penny, a native of Illinois. They have two children: Lillie and Clara. They are member of the Catholic Church.
 
[page 771] A. Hardisty, farmer and stock raiser, section 33, was born in McDonough County, Illinois, January 21, 1841, the son of John Hardisty, a physician and farmer by occupation, and a native of Maryland, and Elizabeth (Hungate) Hardisty, a Kentuckian by birth. Young Hardisty spent his youth on a farm, at his birthplace, receiving an education in the common schools. In 1863, he removed to Henderson County, Illinois, where he made his home for nine years, then coming to this county. He located where he now resides, in January, 1872, the land then being in an unimproved condition. He commenced its cultivation, and is now the owner of 360 acres, besides fifteen acres of timber. There are two maple groves, and two orchards, of ten acres in extent, on the place, which is well adopted for stock raising. Mr H. is well thought of by all. He has filled the position of school director and road overseer several terms. His marriage occurred on the 6th of March, 1862, to Miss Virginia Penny, daughter of George W. Penny, of this county. They have six children : William H., born December 18, 1862; Elsie J., born November 26, 1864; Nancy E., born December 31, 1866; Lucy M., born September 14, 1871; Henry A., born October 21, 1873, and Mary E., born May 20, 1876. Besides owning some high graded cattle, Mr Hardisty has some full blooded Merino sheep, and is largely interested in the sheep business. He is a Greenbacker in politics. They were formerly members of the Christian Church.
 
[page 772] John Ham, who for over twenty-five years has been identified with the growth and development of Nodaway County, is a native of New Hampshire, and was born February 14, 1828. When six years of age, his parents removed to the State of New York, and, in 1836, to St Joseph County, Michigan, near South Bend. His father was a farmer, and his early life was that of a farmer boy. He received the advantages of a good common school education, and had recourse to the occupation of all aspiring youth--shool teaching. In 1851, he removed to Jackson County, Iowa, and, in 1856, came to Nodaway County, where, for years, he followed the occupation of farming and teaching. Politically he has always been a Radical Republican. He voted for John C. Fremont; and was one of the few of the minority, at that time, whose banner hung on the outer wall. In 1868, he was elected sheriff and collector of Nodaway County, and held the office until 1873. Mr H was married May 9, 1853, to Miss Justina Pool, who was born in Summit County, Ohio, in 1836. They have a family of nine children: Joseph (now engaged in agricultural pursuits), Ellen, Emmett (who has recently graduated as an M.D. at Rush Medical College, Chicago), Amelia, Ida, Alice, John, Fred and Frank.
 
[page 774] Melvil Heflin, farmer and stock raiser, section 30, was born in Rush County, Indiana, on the 11th of April, 1842. His father, Lewis Heflin, was a native of Bourbon County, Kentucky, and by occupation was a farmer. The maiden name of his mother was Miss Nancy McDaniels, and she was also a native of Bourbon County. The parents of young Heflin moved to Missouri in 1850, stopped for six months in Buchanan County, then came to Nodaway County, and settled some nine miles southwest of Maryville. There the father entered a large tract of land, and here Melvil was raised spending his boyhood days on the farm, and becoming familiar with frontier life. His education was obtained in the old log school houses. In August, 1863, he enlisted in Company M, 9th Missouri Cavalry, and served until the close of the war, taking part in many engagements. His company with several others, was captured at the battle of Glasgow, Missouri, and kept prisoners about two months. Since the war he has given his attention to agricultural pursuits. Mr Heflin moved to Maryville in the spring of 1880, and resided there six months, then settling on his present farm of 120 acres, on which is situated a beautiful residence and other outbuildings inviting and pleasant. He has an orchard containing 1,000 apple trees and an abundance of small fruits. He is a member of Maryville Lodge No 165, A.F. and A.M., also of Maryville Lodge No. --, I.O.O.F. Mr H. was married August 31, 1865, to Miss Sallie Morrison, a daughter of George Morrison, of Andrew County, Missouri. They have two children, Tillie B., born October 5, 1866, Samuel K. October 27, 1870. Mr H and wife are members of the M.E. Church South.
 
[page 777] John M. Holt, stock dealer, is a native of Andrew county, Missouri, and was born September 17, 1848, and is the son of Benjamin R. Holt, born in Missouri, who lives near Savannah, and who is at the present time the oldest resident of the Platte Purchase. His mother's maiden name was Sallie E. King, born in Tennessee. John M. spent his youth until sixteen years of age at his birth place. The following two years he was on the plains. [page 778] He then returned home and entered Westminster College at Fulton, Misouri, remaining two years, and then commenced his career as a stock dealer, and in which he has since been engaged. His field of operations is now principally confined to Montana, in the Yellowstone Valley where he has a large cattle ranch, and is doing a satisfactory business. He spends his summers in Montana and his winters in Nodaway County. He was married November 4, 1875, to Miss Rachel E. Stephenson, daughter of one of Nodaway County's most respected citizens. They have one son, Edward B. Mr Holt is a member of Nodaway Lodge No. 165, A.f. and A.M.
 
[page 789] S.P. Joy, was among the early settlers of Nodaway County, and was born in Morgan County, Ohio, in 1837. His father, Absalom Joy, and his mother whose maiden name was Jane Farris, were both natives of Ohio. S.P. was reared to manhood at his birth place, spending his boyhood days on a farm and receiving a preparatory education in the nieghborhood schools. He afterwards attended a select school under John Wright. When the war broke out he was among the first to respond to President Lincoln's call for troops. He enlisted in April 1861, in Company H, Seventeenth Ohio Infantry, and after serving some four months, re-enlisted in Company D, Seventy-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. They served with the Seventeenth Army Corps, taking part in the battle of Shiloh, siege of Vicksburg, where they witnessed the surrender of General Pemberton. After taking part in many raids, they joined General Sherman at Big Shanty, and with him went through to Atlanta. On the 22nd of July, 1864, the subject of this sketch with several others, was taken prisoner and then sent to the noted Andersonville prison. He remained there two months, then escaped bare headed and bare footed, and with two companions reached the Union lines near Atlanta after a hard night's tramp, having had nothing to eat for two days. He was almost a skeleton and was then sent home to recuit. After remaining at home a short time he went to New York, then by a vessel around Cape Hatteras, where they encountered a terrible storm. Mr J. joined General Sherman at Buford, South Carolina, and took up the line of march through swamps etc., participating in the battle of Bentonville. He witnessed the surrender of Johnston's army, and then took part in the grand review at Washington. The regiment was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, and disbanded at Columbus, Ohio, on the 11th of July, 1865. He had been promoted to second lieutenant at Janesboro, North Carolina. Coming west in October, 1865, Mr J. settled at Savannah, where he engaged in teaching. He also assisted in the postoffice and express office at Savannah while recruiting. He came to Nodaway County in October, 1869, and settled at Sweet Home, where he kept a grocery and the postoffice for some time. In the spring of 1878 he took a trip to Colorado for the benefit of his health, and on returning, settled at Maryville in the fall of that year, where he has since remained. He owns a fine farm of 220 acres east of town, and has a residence in Maryville. He was formerly a member of the G.A.R. Politically he is a [page 790] staunch Republican. He was married in August, 1868, to Miss Melinda Mingus. She was born in Athens, Ohio, March 6, 1845. They have four children: Lewis A., born July 16, 1871; William D., born May 6, 1873; Ellis M., born May 7, 1877; Jessie V., born December 18, 1880. Himself and wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Maryville.
 
 
[page 849] Orange Vanderhoef, farmer and stock raiser, section 1, was born in Medina County, Ohio, April 21, 1836. He is the son of Samuel and Roxy A. (McIntire) Vanderhoef, both natives of New York. The former was a carpenter, ship builder and millwright, and was also engaged in farming. Orange grew to manhood on a farm, and received a good common school education at his birthplace. When twenty-one years of age, he took a trip through [page 850] Michigan and Wisconsin, thence to Chicago, and from there over Iowa, Missouri and Kansas, returning home by way of St Louis. In April, 1859, he moved to Andrew County, Missouri, and in January, 1860, located in Nodaway County, first renting a farm near Maryville. He now owns eighty acres, constituting one of the best stock farms in the county, upon it having two good orchards of 500 trees. July 14, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Eleventh Missouri Infantry, and at the battle of Lexington the entire regiment were taken prisoners, and afterwards parolled. In December, the company reorganized at St Joseph, as the Twenty-fifth Missouri, and were again ordered to the front, taking part in the battle of Shiloh, where Mr V. was wounded in the right shoulder. The regiment was then sent to St Louis, from there to Arcoda, near the Iron Mountain, and thence to New Madrid, where they erected a fort. Going next to Tennessee, they were transferred to the First Missouri Engineering Corps, and built a railroad from Nashville to the Cumberland River. Mr V. and four others did the cooking for 1,800 men. After serving until the close of the war, he returned to this county. He has been school director several terms. He has been three times married. First, March 15, 1859, to Elizabeth Hammon. On the 20th of February, 1866, Ann Eliza Rea became his wife. There are three children living by this marriage: Robert C., born June 25, 1868; Cora E., born January 16, 1871, and Samuel E., born February 12, 1873. Mr V.'s third marriage occurred February 11, 1874, to Mary E. Lang. They have a family of four children: Ada B., born February 7, 1877; Leonard D., born January 27, 1879, and Jennette and Henriette, twins, born September 3, 1881. Mr V. is a Republican, and since he was twenty-one years of age has been a member of the M.E. Church.
 
[page 901] Andrew Spire, section 25. The subject of this sketch was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, May 1, 1845, and was there reared to manhood and educated, following the occupation of farming. He resided in that locality till 1870, when he emigrated westward and settled in this county, and in 1880 he located on the place where he now resides, having leased the place for a term of years. He, in company with Mr Wm Shew, is largely engaged in sheep raising. They now have on their place 1,650 head of sheep, and sell on an average 10,000 pounds of wool per year. The farm they occupy contains 330 acres, most excellently adapted to the industry in which they are engaged. Mr Spire was married in 1868, to Miss Mary Shew, a native of Ohio. They have five children: John H., Mary S., George A., Ellen and Charles. They are members of the Catholic Church. In 1864 Mr S. enlisted in Company H, Thirty-eighth Ohio Infantry, and served till the close of the war.