Nodaway County, Missouri History of 1882 Biographicals

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

[page 806] John Munn, farmer and stock raiser, section 23, was born on a farm in Wayne County, Ohio, March 7, 1825. His parents, James and Eliza (Bates) Munn, were both natives of Pennsylvania. John was brought up on a farm at his birthplace, and there attended school. In the fall of 1839, he accompanied the family to the Platte Purchase, settling in what is now Platte County, and there remained until 1846, when he went to St Louis. He began work at ship carpentering, and after a lapse of four years removed to Illinois, and engaged in farming. In the spring of 1852, becoming excited with the stories of gold seekers, he determined to go to the California coast. In February, he started by way of the Isthmus, and was six months on the voyage. The vessel first visited the Sandwich Island, and upon arriving in the New Eldorado, Mr Munn began gold mining. For six years he continued this occupation, and in 1860, returned to Illinois, bought some stock, and drove it across the plains. An interesting fact in connection with his residence in California, was the killing of a grizzly bear by himself, in 1853. This animal weighed 700 pounds when dressed. In the fall of 1868, he came to Nodaway County, and settled where he now resides. He owns 280 acres of well watered and stocked land, upon which is a young orchard of 125 trees. Mr M. at present holds the position of school director. He was married March 22, 1870, to Miss Margaret Swank, daughter of Michael and Nancy Swank. They have four children: Eliza, born March 8, 1871; Mary, born June 14, 1872; David, born March 14, 1876, and Sarah, born July 14, 1878. He is politically a Democrat.

[page 814] James A. Pedigo, section 34. The subject of this sketch is a native of Barren County, Kentucky, and was born February 24, 1842. At the age of ten years he emigrated with the family to Hendricks County, Indiana, where he was raised to manhood as a farmer, and received his education. In 1864, he removed to Missouri, and settled in this county. He has forty acres of land, above the average, most of which is under cultivation. Mr Pedigo has been twice married. First, to Miss Sarah Foster, a native of Indiana. They had two children: Olinda and Minerva J. Mrs P.'s death occurred April 18, 1871. He was again married December 18, 1872, to Miss Jemima Jamieson, a native of Missouri. They have four children: James W., Oscar O., Alexander and John B. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. They are members of the Adventist Church. In 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Seventy-ninth Missouri Regiment, and served one year, when he was discharged on account of disability.

[page 814] George W. Penny, farmer and stock raiser, section 33, was born twelve miles west of Baltimore, Maryland, on the 12th of July, 1814. His parents, Alexander and Susan (Ford) Penny, who were both natives of Maryland, died while George was quite young, and he was thrown to some extent upon his own resources. He was reared at his birthplace, attending the common schools, and about the year 1830 removed to Louisville, Kentucky. While in that city he learned the carpenter and joiners' trade with his brother, and after remaining for five years, he went to St Louis, where he made his home for eighteen months. After living in Schuyler County, Illinois, for one year, he located in what is now Henderson County. There he was engaged in farming for thirty-five years. On the 24th of January, 1871, he settled in Nodaway County, Missouri, and here he has since resided. There was not a particle of land improved in section 33, and for a man of his age to commence clearing and cultivating a farm, was not an easy task. However, he did succeed in doing it, and now owns 160 acres, upon which is a residence built from material which was shipped by Mr P. from Burlington, Iowa. An abundance of water and other facilities make it an excellent stock farm. His location is right at the head of Elkhorn Creek. While in Illinois he [page 815] filled the position of associate judge for four years, and justice of the peace for sixteen years. He served in the Black Hawk war, being a member of the First Battalion, Fourth Regiment Illinois Volunteers, and took part in many battles, serving under General Whiteside. Mr Penny is a member of the Masonic fraternity. On the 22d of December, 1837, Miss P. Huston became his wife. She was the daughter of Walter Huston, a native of Rockingham County, Virginia. their family consists of Walter H., born May 29, 1841; Virginia, born July 3, 1843, (now Mrs Hardisty); Archibald W., born November 12, 1848; William A., born March 12, 1853, and Nancy (now Mrs Peter Hamill), born May 30, 1857. Mr P. is an old Jeffersonian Democrat. He was raised in the Church of England.

[page 815] Dr S.N. Pike is one who has become prominent in many states for the treatment of chronic diseases, cancers, etc. A number of cases which have been successfully treated by him might be mentioned in this connection if that should be necessary to prove his prominence as a specialist. He is a son of Samuel and Sarah (Nichols) Pike, who were both natives of New York. The Doctor is also a native of the same state, and was born March 12, 1817. He resided in Schuyler County till eleven years of age. His father being afflicted with a chronic disease, was at that time being treated by one Dr Wodroth, an Indian physician of the Digger tribe, the medicine chief of the United States. When S.N. was eleven years of age he was chosen by the Indian chief to help hunt herbs, roots, etc., for medicine, after which he traveled for sixteen years in the wil-[page 816]derness with that chief, thereby becoming acquainted with his mode of practice. During these long sixteen years he traveled over the southern states, also a number of the western states and territories, being for a while in California. He then located in Chemung County, New York, near the town of Elmira, where he now owns a fine farm, and has since considered that locality his home, yet he has been engaged in his profession in different states and territories, also in Canada. He came to Missouri and in 1878 located in Maryville, where he has since resided. Here he has gained the friendship and confidence of many, and has relieved many suffering ones who are now enjoying life. He was married March, 1846, to Miss Catherine Debit, a lady of Holland ancestry. She was born in Pennsylvania, February 14, 1828, and died in September, 1866, leaving a family of five children, Lorenzo, Hiram, Alonzo, Devilla and James. The Doctor was again married March 18, 1877, to Miss Mollie Breeden who was born in Daviess County, Missouri, December 22, 1851. She was reared in Clinton County. The Doctor is a member of the I.O.O.F. During the war he was surgeon in Chemung County for the government.

[page 820] Theodore L. Robinson, cashier of the Nodaway County Bank, and one of the leading business men of Nodaway County, is a native of Callaway County, Missouri, where he was born on the 8th of February, 1833. His father was a merchant, and the son may be said to have been bred to this business. In 1844 the family removed to Buchanan County, and the subject of this sketch was for a time employed in the old Mansion House, a leading hotel in St Joseph at that period, and then accepted a position with John Curd, a pioneer and prominent merchant. In 1849, in common with many others, he crossed the plains to California, with an ox team, and remained there until 1855, engaged in mining, then returned to St Joseph and once more became associated with his old employer. In 1857, in company with Mr Curd, he engaged in business in Maryville, since which time he has been a permanent resident and continuously in active business, and in which he can well claim to have been engaged for more consecutive years than any other man in the county. In 1873 he became connected with the bank, and in the capacity of cashier and general manager, he has proved himself a safe, conservative and sucessful financier, and has secured the confidence of the community in which he resides. He is a plain, candid, wide-awake man, assumes nothing, and attends to his duties assiduously. He commenced life without means, and may well be termed the architect of his own fortune, and thoroughly merits the esteem in which he is held. As a citizen, he has always manifested an active interest in all that has had a tendency to promote the interest of the county and prominent in all educational matters. Mr Robinson was married October 9, 1859, to Miss Rebecca J. Ray, a daughter of James Ray, a prominent citizen of this county, who [page 821] removed from Nelson County, Kentucky. Their family consists of five children: James B., Martha E., Theodore L., Fred P. and Jennie I.

[page 821]- John K. Ruth, farmer and stock raiser, section 5, was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, December 7, 1835. His parents, Jacob and Matilda, nee Kimmons, were both natives of Washington County, Pennsylvania, and the former was an agriculturist by calling. When he was four years of age, John was taken to Washington County, Pennsylvania, and then to Marshall County, West Virginia, where he resided until he was fourteen. At that time he moved to Adams County, Illinois, in the fall of 1850, and after three years located in Hancock County. He spent the most of his time on a farm, and also attended the common schools. In 1878, he came to Missouri, and in March of that year settled in this county, where he now owns 247 acres of land, stocked with graded cattle, and upon it is an orchard and an abundance of small fruit. His dwelling is so situated as to give an attractive view of the country round about. He is a member of Nodaway Lodge, No 470, A.F. and A.M., of Maryville, and has been school director of his district, etc. Mr Ruth was married December 27, 1861, to Elizabeth R. Kimmons, daughter of Ira Kimmons, a native of Washington County, Pennsylvania, but now a resident of Adam County, Illinois. They have five children: M.C., born November 4, 1861; Minnie L., born July 21, 1864; Edgar L., born May 26, 1866; Thomas B., born March 28, 1874; and Blanche, born December 23, 1875. Mr R. is independent in his political preferences, and belongs to the Christian church of Maryville.

[page 821] J.H. Saunders, merchant, one of Maryville's most valuable and respected citizens, is a native of Madison County, Kentucky, and was born May 6, 1824. He was there partially educated and resided until 1843, when he immigrated to Missouri with his parents, his father, John, being one of the pioneers of Buchanan County. For two years he lived twelve miles south of St Joseph. In 1845, with his family, he moved to Nodaway County, and engaged in mercantile pursuits in Maryville, being among the first interested in this branch. Previous to the war he went to St Joseph, and for many years was well known as proprietor of the Saunders House. Few men in Northwest Missouri were more highly esteemed or had a more enviable reputation than John Saunders. His death occurred in 1869. James H. Saunders has been a resident of Nodaway County the greater portion of the time since 1845. He spent a few years in the western country and four years in St Joseph. For a long time he has been one [page 822] of the leading merchants of Maryville. Although before the people of Nodaway County from the time it was in a comparatively crude state, Mr S. has never been known officially. He is no political aspirant, preferring the commercial area of life. He has been closely assocated with the progress of Maryville, and is ever ready to endorse all commendable enterprises beneficial both to town and county. Possessing as he does, a genial and kindly disposition, in both the public and private walks of life, he is one of the most companionable of gentlemen. In 1851, he married Miss Emma Ray, of Kentucky. They have four children: Lawrence A., now a practicing physician in Kansas; Ida, wife of Prof B.A. Dunn, editor of the Republican; Ernest R. and Jennie. Ernest R. is the junior member of the firm of Saunders & Son, and is one of the rising young merchants of Nodaway County.

[page 822] Richard Saunders was born in Madison County, Kentucky, on the 21st of March, 1835, and is the son of John and Nancy Saunders. The family moved from Kentucky to Missouri in the fall of 1843, and settled on a farm twelve miles south of St Joseph, on the main road to Weston. Travelers going north would inquire the distance to the Blacksnake Hills, afterwards known as Robidoux, now the city of St Joseph. Mr Saunders remained on the farm for two years, working during the summer and attending school in winter. His first teacher was a Mr Collins; the second a Mr Prescott, both good, practical, common sense men, who taught reading, writing, arithmetic and grammar; could make a good quill pen, and did not hestitate to use the birch when necessary. During the fall of 1845 Mr Saunders' father located in Maryville, Missouri, and built a double log house on Main Street, where the Methodist parsonage now stands. In 1850 he moved to St Joseph, where he embarked in the mercantile business, taking Richard, then a boy fifteen years of age, in as a clerk, where he continued to assist his father when not attending school. In 1856 he entered the store of Walker, Jenkins & Holly, as clerk, in the town of Maryville. Here he remained until the spring of 1857, when he went to Nebraska City, Nebraska, and took charge of the store of Holly & Brown. In the summer of 1858 he went to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and there attended Duft's Commercial College. Returning to Maryville in the following year he and his brother James H. Saunders formed a partnership in the mercantile business, continuing to sell goods until 1861, when Mr Saunders again became a resident of St Joseph and took charge of the Saunders House, which was at the time conducted by his father. He, with his brother John, operated the Saunders House until the spring of 1877, when they sold to other parties. Soon after Mr Saunders went to Europe where he remained until [page 823] January, 1878, visiting England, Ireland, Scotland, Holland, Prussia, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, France and Italy. In February, 1878 he returned to Maryville and assisted in the banking house of Baker, Saunders & Co. until 1881, when he sold his interest. He was married to Miss Lida C. West, in September 1878, and by this union they had one child, Ed., who died. Mr Saunders possesses excellent business qualifications, and being a man of good judgment, his efforts in business enterprises have always been crowned with success. Having traveled extensively he has seen much of the world and remembers with great tenacity what he has seen. He is kind and obliging, a good citizen, a genial and companionable gentleman.

[page 831] Smith Bros., dealers in dry goods and boots and shoes, are numbered among the leading merchants of Northwestern Missouri. The firm is composed of C.Q. and J.W. Smith, who are the sons of Spotswood D. and Mary A. Smith, natives of Virginia. C.Q. was born in Cooper County, Missouri, April 21, 1842. His youth was spent on his father's farm and in acquiring an education. In 1868 he commenced his mercantile experience, and in 1869 he went to Kansas City, and afterwards sold goods at Clinton and at Arrow Rock, in Salne County. In March, 1875, he came to Maryville. Mr S. married Miss Ella Jones, May 17, 1877. She was born in Hinds County, Mississippi. Their family circle consists of two children, Marry E., and Stella Q. J.W. Smith was also born in [page 832] Cooper County, Missouri, December 10, 1844, and, like his brother, spent his boyhood days on his father's farm. He commenced selling goods at Arrow Rock in 1866, and came with his brother to this county in 1875. He was married in 1869 to Miss Mary Hustin, a lady whose graces of mind and person endeared her to all who enjoyed her acquaintance. Mrs Smith died April 30, 1879, leaving two children, Charles Leon, and Mary V. The Smith Bros. thoroughly understand the wants of their customers, and their patronage extends not only throughout this and adjoining counties, but also into Iowa, and their liberal treatment and honorable dealing has secured for them an enviable reputation wherever the firm of Smith Bros is known.

[page 839] Andrew T. Stephenson, produce dealer, is a native of Kentucky, and was born in Madison County, April 23, 1834. He is a son of Jesse and Elsus (Blankburn) Stephenson, who were both natives of Kentucky. They came to Missouri in 1844, and located in Buchanan County, and, in the spring of 1845, Andrew located in Nodaway County, where he has since resided. He was reared on a farm, and made tilling of the soil his occupation till 1857, when he came to Maryville, where he embarked in the grocery business. Since that time he has been engaged in various mercantile pursuits, and also for quite a period was occupied in the stock business. He has had an experience of about five years in the produce business. Mr Stephenson has been a member of the town council three terms, and is now trustee of the township. He was married January 2, 1859, to Miss Ellen Israel, a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Wilcox) Israel, and a step-daughter of W.C. Orear. She was born in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois, November 16, 1840. They have six children: William T., Mary D., Carrie B., Edward F., Nellie E. and Harry I. Mr and Mrs S. are member of the M.E. Church South.

[page 841] Wilson F. Swinford, farmer and stock raiser, section 12, was born in Harrison County, Kentucky, on the 10th of April, 1818. His father, John Swinford, and his mother, whose maiden name was Polly Adams, were both natives of Kentucky. Wilson accompanied his parents to Putnam County, Indiana, when eight years of age, and there he was principally raised on a farm, obtaining a common school education mostly by self application. In 1846 he moved to Miami County, Indian, where he resided until the fall of 1857, and then emigrated to Nodaway County, Missouri. He soon purchased his present farm, and since that date he has been an active citizen of Nodaway. During the war he served in the Enrolled Missouri Militia. He was an active worker in the Grange movement, and now takes an interest in educational matters, and has been a member [page 842] of the school board for many years. His landed estate consists of some 1,200 acres of fine land. He has a handsome residence, a good orchard, and his farm is well stocked, and is one of the finest for stock purposes hereabouts. Mr Swinford was married July 24, 1838, to Miss Sarah J. Lee, a native of Maryland, born October 8, 1820. They have eight children living: John, born April 10, 1841; Alice J., born May 8, 1845 (now Mrs Samuel Thompson); James M., born January 15, 1848; Lucinda, born December 13, 1849 (now Mrs John Hood); Charles G., born Decemeber 24, 1851; Oliver W., born March 11, 1854; Mary, born April 15, 1857 (now Mrs Newton Kelly); Sarah E., born December 26, 1861 (now Mrs James Scowden.) Lost two, Nancy A. and William T. Himself and wife are active members of the Christian Church. He ranks among the leading citizens of Nodaway County.

[page 851] George Vinsonhaler was among the early pioneers of Nodaway County. He was born in Ross County, Ohio, January 14, 1821. His father, Jacob, was a native of Mason County, Kentucky. His mother's maiden name was Nancy M. McDonald. She was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania. George was reared to manhood at his birthplace, and received a common school education, principally from his father, who was an excellent scholar and a school teacher by profession. He accompanied his parents west in the fall of 1841, and settled near Graham, in Nodaway County, where he took up a claim, which he afterwards improved. Game of all kinds was plentious, and Mr V. remembers of once killing a deer with a club. He was hunting wolves at the time, with a pack of hounds, and the dogs ran a deer on the ice, which being thin, was broke through. The deer finally got upon the ice, and Mr V. procured a long pole, and tried to knock its feet from under it. Failing in this, he directed his blows between its horns, and finally succeeded in knocking it down, when the dogs finished the fight. He has made this county his home since his first settlement. During the war he served in the Enrolled Missouri Militia, although not subject to military duty. In the spring of 1881, he moved into Maryville for the purpose of educating his children. He was married November 3, 1853, to Miss Sarah Rea. She was born January 2, 1832, in Newcastle, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, and was converted to the Methodist Episcopal faith when sixteen years [page 852] of age, and in 1852, she went to the Indian mission in Kansas, there engaging in teaching. They were married at the mission. Mrs V died September 20, 1880. They had eight children, four of whom are living: Edwin, born October 10, 1854; Frank, born April 14, 1864; Duncan M., born June 29, 1867, and Harry, born June 2, 1870.

[page 852] E.A. Vinsonhaler, county collector, is the son of George Vinsonhaler, a native of Ohio, who settled in Nodaway County in 1841. His mother's maiden name was Sarah Rea, a native of Pennsylvania. E.A. was born in Nodaway county October 10, 1854. His early life was that of a farmer boy. His education was received in the common schools and at Highland University, Kansas. He read law with Johnson & Jackson, was admitted to the bar in 1877, and was elected justice of the peace of Hughes Township. He also served two years as deputy county clerk. In 1878 he received the nomination for probate judge on the Republican ticket and was defeated by a very small majority notwithstanding his extreme youth. In 1880 he was elected county collector and has filled the office to the universal satisfaction of those with whom he has had business relations. His private life and public record are alike untarnished. He was married December 30, 1879, to Miss Helen Wyman, of Blandinsville, McDonough County, Illinois, a most estimable lady whose graces of mind and person endeared her to all who enjoyed the pleasure of her acquaintance. Mrs V. died June 21, 1881.

[page 855] L. Isham White, of the firm of White & Alderman, attorneys and counselors at law, was born in Rome, Oneida County, New York, December 10, 1850. His [page 856] father, C.H. White, was a native of York State. His ancestors came over in the Mayflower. The maiden name of his mother was Jane C. Lyttle, and she was born in Scotland. When nine years of age, Isham accompanied his parents to Aurora, Knox County, Illinois, where he was reared to manhood. He received his education principally at Jennings' Institute, of that place, and graduated from the scientific department in June, 1870. His father owning a law library, Isham commenced the study of law when sixteen. Two years later he commenced practicing in the city, and, in September, 1873, he was admitted before the Supreme Court of the State of Illinois. He continued his practice in Aurora, and, in 1875, formed a partnership with his uncle, Alexander C. Lyttle, who held the position of city attorney of Aurora. He assisted in many large cases in which the city was involved, filling the position of city attorney by proxy. In 1878, he came west, and settled in Maryville in August of that year. Shortly afterwards he formed a partnership with Ira K. Alderman, and they are now numbered among the leading practitioners of Northwest Missouri. Politically Mr W. is a Union Democrat, but not a partisan in the strict sense of that term--he advocates the man rather than the party. He has canvassed his district, and has proved himself a clear, forcible and effective speaker, clothing his thoughts in appropriate language, of which he has ready command. He was elected city attorney of Maryville in 1880. He is an active member of Maryville Lodge, No 165, A.F. and A.M. He was married July 3, 1878, to Miss Eleanor Pride, an accomplished lady, daughter of Captain David Pride, of New York City. She was born at Niagara Falls, October 20, 1852. She is an active member of the Episcopal Church. Mr White is the fortunate owner of one of the most select private libraries in this vicinity, it being filled with the leading works by all standard authors.

Page 859

George H. Wood,

Farmer and stock raiser, section 14, was born in Bracken County, Kentucky, December 20, 1818.  His father, William Wood, was a native of Pennsylvania.  His mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Huston, was a native of Maryland, a full cousin of the noted Samuel Huston, of Texas fame.  George accompanied his parents to Clermont County, Ohio, when ten years of age, and there he was principally raised on a farm, and received a common school education.  In 1836 he moved to Edgar County, Illinois, with his parents, and remained there until 1853, engaged in agricultural pursuits.  In the fall of that year he came westward, arriving in Nodaway County, Missouri, November 1^st.  He settled on Platte River and built the first cabin on the west side of the river for twelve miles up and down.  He purchased his present farm in February 1870, and now owns sixty-two acres.  He has a handsome residence, with a fine view of Maryville, some three miles distant, and a good orchard, with all kinds of fruit.  During the late war he was in the service all the time; first, in the Home Guard, and then he enlisted in the regular service, Company K, Forty-third Missouri Volunteer Infantry.  He has filled the office of constable many terms.  Politically he is a staunch Republican, formerly being a Whig.  When he landed in Nodaway County he owned two yoke of oxen, an old wagon with is household goods, and had fifty cents in cash, with a wife and three children to support.  It is such hard working men that build up a new country.  In the fall of 1881, he took a trip west, through Nebraska, Colorado and Nevada, to San Francisco, thence to Oregon and Washington Territory.  He returned to San Francisco and went through Lower California, Arizona, New Mexico and Kansas, and back to Nodaway County, having traveled 6,400 miles.  Mr. Wood was married February 1, 1843, to Miss Abigail C. Holmes, a native of Brown County, Ohio, born September 10, 1825.  They have five children living; Torisa, Born December 20, 1849 (now Mrs. Jacob Riley); Charles C., born December 4, 1855; Mary J., born July 10, 1858; Julia J., born September 18, 1860, and Francis E., born September 7, 1863.  Mrs. Wood is a member of the Methodist Church.

(Note: This biographical was transcribed by Dee Townsend and she says, "This page established 3 generations for me leading back to Elizabeth Huston's father Levi, a Revolutionary Patriot. The information helped me in establishing my line for DAR purposes. I descend through George's daughter Torisa Wood Riley, her daughter Mary Catherine Riley Hicks, her daughter Bonnie L. Hicks McFadden, my mother. I am Bonnie Dee McFadden Townsend, live in West Des Moines, Iowa, email Deesend@aol.com. Should others interested in this family ask........Thank you for your help. Dee")

[page 864] John H. Baker, farmer and bridge builder, section 7, was born in Owen County, Indiana, January 25, 1830, and was a son of David and Aria (Johnson) Baker, who were natives of Henry County, Kentucky. The former was born in February, 1800, and died in June, 1880. His mother was born January 1, 1805. After being married they settled in Owen County, Indiana, near Gosport, in 1840, and there Mrs Baker now resides with a daughter. John spent his boyhood days and received a good education in his native county. He started out in life for himself as a farmer when at the age of twenty-one years. He was married the 2d of March 1851, to Miss Rachel Pierson, a native of Owen County, Indiana, born May 8, 1830. She was the daughter of George W. and Sarah (Crafton) Pierson, the former of Bourbon County, Kentucky, and the latter a native of Virginia. They settled in Scott County, Indiana, and here the mother died and the father was married the second time. Mr and Mrs Baker settled in Owen county, Indiana, purchasing a farm, and in 1856 sold out and moved to Gosport, where he did a butchering business till 1858. He then bought a farm and continued farming till 1868, when he sold out and came to Nodaway County, Missouri, purchasing his present farm in 1869. To this he moved in 1870. Mr and Mrs B. have a family of: John H. Jr., Florence F., Harriet C. and Schuyler C., living, and Charles, Vinson, Sarah A., Alice A., Mary E. and Harrison O., deceased. Mr and Mrs Baker are members of the Christian Church.

[page 865] John S. Bilby, farmer and cattle feeder, section 19. This gentleman's farm consists of some 7,000 acres, situated on the west side of the Nodaway River. He is a native of Morris County, New Jersey, and was born January 19, 1833, being a son of John and Delilah (Slikes) Bilby, both natives of the same county and state. The father is now deceased. The mother still resides in New Jersey. After being married, they settled within a mile of their birthplace. John S. spent his boyhood days and received his education in his native county, and learned the carpenter trade. In 1856, he went to Fulton County, Illinois, and worked at his trade till 1859, when he purchased a farm, and devoted his time to farming and raising stock. This he continued till 1861, when he moved to McDonough County, Illinois, and soon became one of the largest live stock shippers of that part of Illinois, and also owned a large amount of land. In March, 1868, he came to Nodaway County, Missouri, and becoming pleased with the country, he soon purchased some 500 acres, near where he now resides, and began the life of a cattle feeder. He was married January 24, 1859, to Miss Margaret M. Applegate, a native of Morris County, New Jersey, born on the 25th of December, 1832. She was a daughter of Moses and Mary M. (Mesinger) Applegate, the former a native of Salem County, New Jersey. He was born in November, 1784, and died in December, 1864. The mother was born in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, December 25, 1794, and died March 16, 1846. They were married in 1811. Mr B.'s religious preferences are with the M.E. Church. Mrs B. is a Presbyterian. Their family cosnists of four children: France E., J.E., R.I. and N.V.

[Note from Gene Dauch, Sr - His mom was Delilah SLIKER Bilby. His wife a daughter of Mary M. MESSINGER as per local records. Thanks a lot !! Gene ]

Reuben Brunson, farmer and stock raiser, section 12, is a native of New York, and was born March 20, 1825, the son of Seymour and Harriet (Gould) Brunson. His father was born in 1796, and died in 1836. His mother was born in 1801, and died in 1879. They were married and settled in New York, afterwards moved to Kirkland, Lake County, Ohio, and in a few years to Hancock County, Illinois. Here the father died. When at the age of twelve years, on July 4, 1837, by the explosion of a powder flask, Reuben lost his right hand and was crippled in the left one. He then worked on a farm in Adams County, Illinois, contriving to do most all kinds of farm work. He was married June 10, 1847, to Miss Adeline L. Sweat, a native of Vermont, born September 10, 1830. She was a daughter of James and Cynthia Sweat. Mr and Mrs Brunson settled on a farm in Adams County, Illinois, and in 1871 came to Nodaway County, Missouri, and purchased their present farm. They are members of the Christian Church. Their family consists of Jerusha, Harriet, Henry, Lilybern, Charles, Albert, George and John. Emma J. is deceased.

[page 867] Marshall Ford, farmer and stock raiser, section 7, is a native of Pulaski County, Kentucky, and was born May 27, 1819. His parents were Reuben and Elizabeth (Petty) Ford. The father was born in Culpeper County, Virginia, and was raised in Madison County, Virginia. He was born in 1786 and died in 1854. The mother was born and raised in Culpeper County, Virginia. She was born in 1790 and died in 1849. They were married in 1809 and settled in Virginia, and moved to Pulaski County, Kentucky, near Somerset, where they settled on a farm. Marshall spent his youth and received his education in his native county. He started out in life as a farmer. August 12, 1841, he was married to Miss Lucy A. Hutchison, a native of Wayne County, Kentucky, born August 7, 1826. [page 868] She is a daughter of Wm Hutchison, a native of North Carolina, born in 1801, and Susan (Weaver) Hutchison, a native of Madison County, Virginia, born in 1802. The former died in 1834. They were married in 1820, and settled in Wayne County, Kentucky, where the mother still resides. Mr and Mrs Ford located in Wayne County, Kentucky, on a farm, and in 1847 moved to Pulaski County, remaining there till 1850. They then sold their property, and with the family moved to Missouri and settled in Andrew County, near Savannah. In 1853 they came to Nodaway County and purchased a farm six miles northeast of Maryville, and in 1857 returned to Andrew County. The year following Mr F. purchased and settled on his present farm, consisting of 240 acres of finely improved land, with good buildings and fruit. Mr Ford is a distant relative of Chief Justice Marshall, of Kentucky. Mrs Ford is a member of the Christian Church. He is a Mason in good standing. They have seven children living: Susan H., Jennetta C., Belle T., Jefferson D., Albert S.J., Fannie K., Marshall J. They have lost five children: Allen W., Margaret, Cassius M., James P., and Catherine H. His grandfather, Petty, emigrated from England as tailor for a colony in Virginia.

[page 868] John B. Garton, farmer and stock raiser, section 6. This pioneer was born in Switzerland County, Indiana, January 12, 1814, the son of Tockeria and Polly (Miller) Garton, who were natives of Kentucky. The father was born the 6th of March, 1781, and died on the 19th of August, 1852. The mother was born in 1783, and died in 1856. They were married June 14, 1804, and then settled in Switzerland County, Indiana, moving from there to Decatur County, Indiana, and then to Buchanan County, Missouri, in 1839, locating near DeKalb. John's boyhood days were passed in his native state. May 27, 1833, he married Miss Louisa Loyd, who died in June, 1839, leaving three children: William Zackary, Rebecca M. and A.J. Mr G., with his children, then came to Missouri. He was married the second time August 6, 1840, to Miss Sarah Hedgepath, a native of Green County, Kentucky, born July 29, 1816. She was a daughter of James and Ruth H. (Jones) Hedgepath, natives of Virginia. The father was born in 1769, and died in 1843; the mother was born in 1770, and died in 1840. They were married in 1788. Mr and Mrs Garton settled in Nodaway County, Missouri, near Graham, in 1841, and in 1849 moved to St Joseph, but returned to Nodaway County in 1852 and located in Green township. Mrs G. died April 17, 1874, leaving the following children: Rutha A., born April 29, 1841, (supposed to be the eldest person now living who was born in Nodaway County); James B., Bathana E.,John C., Louis J. and George W. now living, and Mary E., Sarah J. and Joel A. deceased. Mr Garton was married the [page 869] third time March 18, 1875, to Miss Adaline Burton, a native of Pulaski County, Kentucky, born October 14, 1826. Her parents were Samuel and Margaret Burton. Rutha A. Garton was married to Mr E.H. Bentley, May 3, 1863. He was a native of Rush County, Kentucky, where he was born October 3, 1839. He came to Nodaway County, Missouri, in 1852, and died June 29, 1875, leaving a family of: Emma J., Bunyan L. and Sarah W. living, and Milton R. deceased.

[page 869] John Groom was born in Clark County, Kentucky, May 1, 1817. William Groom and Mary Groom, his father and mother, were Kentuckians by birth. In the beginning of the year 1820, William Groom removed with his family to what is now Boone County, Missouri where he remained through the winter of 1820-1. In the spring of 1821, he removed thence to Clay County, Missouri, where he continued to make his home until his death, March 14, 1822. William Groom left surviving him his widow and seven children, four boys and three girls. In 1826, his mother married John McGill. John Groom lived with his mother and stepfather until the year 1833. Shortly after his marriage with Mrs Groom, John McGill was appointed Indian agent among the Kaws, under General William Clark, the companion of Captain Meriwether Lewis, in the expedition to explore the northwestern territory. After this appointment, young Groom removed with his stepfather to the agency, sixty-five miles west of Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. After a stay of four or five years at the agency, John Groom came to Clinton County, Missouri, where he remained a few months, and thence removed with his stepfather to Old Agency Ford, in Buchanan County, Missouri, where he engaged in the business of blacksmithing. There he located a claim on 160 acres of land, and remained on it two years. On the 8th of August, 1842, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Headrich, daughter of Joseph Headrich, of Buchanan County. In 1834, a company of sixteen dragoons, commanded by Lieutenant Parks, from Fort Leavenworth, came to his cabin, which he had built on his claim. The company had orders to demolish all cabins found within the reservation, afterwards known as the Platte Purchase. They tore off his clapboard roof, but being hospitably entertained by Mr Groom, they left without doing further injury to his humble dwelling. While an infant, in the year 1820, he was several times taken to the house of Colonel Daniel Boone. His sister, Sarah Groom, afterwards in 1837, married Lindsay Boone, grandson of that renowed hunter. In 1832, he visited Joseph Robidoux, who they lived in a little log hut, covered with clapboards, and located near the mouth of the Blacksnake. The place was called Robidoux' Landing. Joseph Robidoux occupied this tene[page870]ment with his two squaws. Hearing that his wife was expected on a certain steamboat, he endeavored when the boat came in sight to rid himself of his housekeepers. One he persuaded to leave. The other was obstinate, and Robidoux was compelled to throw her out the window. The fall broke one of her legs. Robidoux had her carefully nursed until she recovered. In 1843 Mr Groom removed from Buchanan to DeKalb County, when he purchased a farm near Maysville. From this place he removed in 1854 to Nodaway County. He located west of the Nodaway River, and there entered 200 acres of land. This land is now owned by George Malvern and John Woods. Here he lived until 1866, when he removed to the farm on which he now lives, which is the southwest quarter of section 19, township 65, of range 37, in Green Township. Mr Groom has six children now living, namely: Joseph, John, Newton, Aaron Wesley, Jacob and Robert. The last two are minors and live with their father. Joseph married Sarah Jane Randalls, of Kentucky; John married Annie Osborn, of Nodaway County; and Newton married Dora Thueman, of Nodaway County. All the married sons are farmers and live near their father. Aaron Wesley is single and lives with his father. When John Grooms first settled in the valley of the Nodaway River the last bear had perished by the huntsman's rifle, a few deer still remained, prairie chickens and turkeys abounded, wolves were numerous and destroyed all the sheep of the farmer. Thieving bands of Pottawatomies, from their reservation in Kansas, frequently visited the lost hunting grounds, and were seen camping or hunting in the valley. At the celebration of the Fourth of July, 1880, Mr Groom was the recipient of a silver-headed cane, as being one of the oldest settlers of the Platte Purchase. As is the case with most of our pioneers, Mr Groom has always enjoyed the most perfect health. Although now in his sixty-fifth year, his vigorous frame and serenity of mind give promise that his life, like that of Daniel Boone, who dangled him when a baby on his knee, will be prolonged to four score and ten.

[page 881] James W. Shelton, farmer, section 13, is a native of Jackson County, Indiana, and was born August 7, 1838, being a son of James and Mary (Stratford) Shelton. His father was a native of Virginia, and moved with his parents to Clark County, Kentucky. He was born March 3, 1812, and was educated at Lexington, Kentucky, and devoted many years to the stage and also to the railway business. He died March 10, 1876. The mother of James W. was born in Rhode Island, February 8, 1816, and died November 5, 1880. After their marriage they settled in Jackson County, Indiana, and in 1869 moved to Nodaway County, Missouri. James W. spent his boyhood days and received his education in his native county. He was married May 25, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth Booth, a native of Jackson County, Indiana, born April 8, 1844. She was the daughter of James and Ann (Sheppard) Booth, the former a native of Kentucky, born in 1818, and the latter a native of Jackson County, Indiana, born March 24, 1822. They settled in Jackson County, Indiana, and in 1869 came to Nodaway County, Missouri. His farm consists of 200 acres of land, all improved. they have a family of five children: George E., Elmore E., Mary F., Mauda May and Estella A. they have lost one, Josephine. Mr and Mrs S. are both members of the M.E. Church.

[page 881] Ed. D. Shelton, farmer, section 12, was born in Jackson County, Indiana, August 2, 1851, and was the son of James H. and Mary F. (Straford) Shelton. His father was born November 3, 1812, in Virginia, and subsequently moved to [page 882] Clark County, Kentucky, with his parents. He was educated at Lexington, Kentucky, and devoted many years to the stage and to the railway business. He died March 10, 1876. Ed's mother was a native of Rhode Island, born February 8, 1816. She died November 5, 1880. After their marriage, Mr and Mrs S. settled in Jackson County, Indiana, and moved to Nodaway County, Missouri, in 1869. E.D. Shelton spent his boyhood days and was educated in his native county. With his parents he came to Nodaway County, Missouri, and in 1871, purchased a farm of eighty acres, improving the same. He now owns 160 acres of fine land. He was married May 9, 1880, to Miss F. Dean, a native of Owen County, Indiana, born April 21, 1860. Her parents, George and Mary (Cradick) Dean, were natives of Indiana. They had settled in Owen County, Indiana, and in 1869, moved to Nodaway County, Missouri. After being married, Mr and Mrs Shelton settled where they now reside, some nine miles west of Maryville. They have one child, Birdie Wilfley, born April 7, 1881. Both are member of the M.E. Church.

[page 899] James M. Partridge, section 32, is a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, and was born July 19, 1814. At the age of three years he was taken by the family to Adams County, residing there for nine years, after which he removed to Highland County. He was there principally raised, following the occupation he now follows. In 1836 he returned to Adams County, where he remained till 1837, when he immigrated to Edgar County, Illinois. There he lived till 1862. He then enlisted in Company F, Thirtieth Illinois Regiment, and was corporal of that company. He participated in a number of important battles, and after a service of two years he was discharged for disability. In 1865 he came to this state and settled where he now resides, having 360 acres of land as good as any in the county, most of which is under cultivation. Mr P. has been twice married: First, in 1833, to Miss Delida Thatcher, a native of Ohio. They had four children: John F., Samuel S., Sarah E. and James. Mrs Partridge's death occurred in 1876. He was again married to Mrs Elizabeth Smith. She has three children by her former marriage: Mary E., Mattie E. and Agnes G.