Jackson Township

Jackson Township

Rowley Lodge, No. 204, A. F. and A. M., was chartered October 19, 1867, with Cyrus Grable, W. M.; James Wright, S. W.; and J. W. Stafford, J. W. P. L. Wheeler was the first Secretary. The present officers of this lodge are: B. C. Stafford, W.M.; John C.Tays.S. W.; John Higgins, J. W.; J. W. Wilkerson, Secretary; J. Boyd, Treasurer; Albert Freeman, S. D.; Enoch Grable, J. D.; Joseph Grable, Tyler.

postoffice Arnoldsyille, was born in Tennessee, March i, 1822. Served an apprenticeship at the tanning and currjer trade, and afterwards followed the business for a livelihood. He was among the earliest settlers of the Platte Purchase, emigrating to Platte County, Missouri, in 1843. He was, for many years, a prominent and highly popular merchant of New Market, in the northern portion of that county. In 1876, he moved to his present residence - Arnoldsville, Buchanan County - ^^where he has since been engaged as a clerk in a general store of that place. Mr. Armstrong was married to Cynthia Carson, a native of Kentucky, December 23, 1845. By this marriage he had four children, Elizabeth, Julia, William G. and Belle. They are all living and married. Mrs. Armstrong died from the effects of fever in August, 1864. In 1867, Mr. Armstrong married Mrs. Pauline Baughnian, a widow, and a native of Kentucky. He had by this marriage one child. Lulu. His second wife died of consumption September 2, 1877. December 24, 1878, he was again married. His third and present wife was Miss Maggie Mcintosh. They have had two children. Commodore P., and Ethel W. Mr. Armstrong has met with considerable reverses in life, and was a heavy sufferer during the civil war, losing, by the work of incendiaries, a storehouse with a valuable stock of goods, besides sustaining other serious losses. He is, however, of a constitionally cheerful disposition, and never repines at the past and the inevitable. He is a member of the Christian Church, and of the I. O. O. F., and is a man of honorable impulses, large heart and generous sympathies.

D. L. Beck

farmer, section 3, postoffice Agency, was born in Madison County, Kentucky, Februrary 23, 1824, and lived there until sixteen years old, when he emigrated, with his father, to Lafayette County, Missouri, where he remained two and one-half years, then moved to Clinton County, and in 1854 came to Buchanan County, where he has since resided. He was married in 1849 to Miss Martha Ann Vaughn, a native of Missouri. By this marriage he has had six children. David C, Betsy A., Andrew J., Sena I., Thomas J. Mary A. By their united efforts and economy.

Mr. Beck and his wife have acquired sixty-nine acres of land, the saving^ of their own labor. He has been school director two years. Mr. Beck has always been a quiet, unassuming citizen, and is highly esteemed by his friends and neighbors.

Alexander Black

farmer, sections 29 and 37, postoffice Arnoldsville, was born in Daviess County, Missouri, April 13, 1842, and has resided in Missouri all his life.. He married Thurmutus Wilson May 15, 1866, by whom he has had one child, Mary Bell, now living. His wife died September 8, 1871. March 5, 1874, he married Blanche Foster. She was born March 12, 1844. By this marriage they have had four children, Oliver P., Thomas S.,. Rebecca J., Charles W. The last died December 15, 1875. He owns fifty-five acres of land, also holds 160 acres in trust. All under good state of cultivation. Mr. Black was one of those who had the fortune tosustain no loss during the late war.

Bryant Brinton

farmer, section 4, postoffice. Agency, born October 6, 1824, in Boyle* County, Kentucky. His parents emigrated to Indiana about 1826. Leaving Indiana in the fall of 1837, they located in Buchanan County, Missouri. January 7, 1847, he married Emily McCrary, a native of Mis souri. They have had twelve children - Eliza Ann, born October 30,. 1847; Nancy E., born February 13, 1849, died February 28, 1867; Mary E., born April 9, 1850 ; Hillery F., born November 21, 1852 ; George M., born March 10, 1854; Benjamin B., born December 2, 1855 ; Emily D., born February 2, 1858, died June 28, 1871 ; Caroline S., born June 3 1861 ; John, born February 24, 1863; William E., born December 22 1864; Harriet A., born July 16, 1867, died October 16, 1867; James F., born December 13, 1880. He now owns 375 acres of land. By the late war he lost considerably. He was in the Confederate army, serving in Cornell's regiment, under General Price. He is a member of Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

farmer, section 5, postoffice Agency, was born in Indiana August 27,. 1827. His parents emigrated to Missouri in the fall of 1837, locating in Buchanan County, where he has resided ever since. He received only a moderate education. September 27, 1859, he married Miss Jane Gilmore a native of Missouri. By this union they had seven children : Robert,, born November 15, 1850 ; Parthenia, born July 13, 1852 ; Thomas, bora December 9, 1853; Eliza, born May IS, 1856; Emily, born November

I058 Biographical

30, 1859; Benjamin, born September 27, 1858 ; Jefferson, born Febru-- ary 15, 1862; all alive and doing well. He has been fortunate enough to save 140 acres of land, allunder fence, and good state of cultivation. His father, one of the citizens, was called to Far West to assist in sup- - pressing the. Mormons. Mr. Brinton sustained serious losses by the late war. He was in the Pawpaw militia, taken prisoner and cast into prison by Col. Cranor's men and held for ten days. He is a member of the and has been school director several times.

Judge John H. Carey

farmer and stock dealer, section 5, postofifice Agency. Among the prominent and successful farmers and stock dealers of Buchanan County, is the subject of this sketch. He is a natiye of Ireland, and was born in Werxford County, June 12, 1835, and made that his home until twelve years of age. He had limited common school advantages, and emigrated to America with his father in 1847, locating '" St. Louis, where he worked at various trades until 1852, when he commenced learning the ship carpenters' trade, at which business he remained until he left the city in 1856, when his father moved to Buchanan County, Missouri, settling in Center Township. He was married December 8, 1864, to Miss Nancy W. Gilmore, daughter of Joseph and Martha Gilmore, early settlers of Clay County, Missouri. By this marriage they have been blessed with five children, Martha B., Frances N., Maggie J., and two that died in infancy. After marriage Mr. Carey rented land and farmed exclusively until 1869, at which time he purchased the land where he now resides, consisting of 183 acres. Mr. Carey was elected judge of the county court in 1879 by 2,155 majority, being the largest majority ever given any county judge in Buchanan County. He has held other minor offices, the duties of which he discharged with honor to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. The judge's fancy runs in fine stock, and he is the possessor of fine sheep, a full blooded Clydesdale stallion, imported by Given, of Frankfort, Indiana ; also Poland China hogs, and other stock. The judge is well provided, with all the modern improvements and conveniences for farming, and is erecting an addition to his dwelling house. The life of Judge Carey has been honorable and enviable, as well as successful. He has always enjoyed the respect of the community in which he resides. By his industry and economy he has accumulated a competency. Every good cause receives his hearty support.

A. C. Chestnut

farmer, section 28, postoffice Arnoldsville, was born in Laurel County, Kentucky, May 12, 1820. His opportunities for acquiring an education were extremely limited, and, such as they were, he walked two miles to a log school house to secure them. In 1840, he emigrated to Daviess County, Missouri, where he lived till 1848, when he moved to Buchanan County. November 15, 1838, he married Evaline Jones, by whom he had ten children: John T., Abraham, William, Mary, Maria, Hettie, Fannie, George, Samuel and Evan. Abraham enlisted in the Confederate army under Colonel Gates. He rose to the rank of lieutenant, and was killed by the accidental discharge of his own gun. Mr. Chestnut's first wife died in January, 1866, and in 1868 he married Sarah Anne Farrah, by whom he has had three childfen, Charles, Lucy and Ella. By his own industry he acquired the 60 acres of land he now owns.

John Cline

farmer, section 34, postofpce Arnoldsville. This well preserved gentleman was born in West Virginia, January i, 1812. In 1833 he emigrated to Missouri and settled in Platte County, where he resided and followed the peaceful avocation of farming until 1858, when he moved to Buchanan County, sojourning there until 1866, at which time he moved to Kansas, where he remained about eight years, when he returned to Buchanan County, Missouri. On March 10, 1842 he married Elizabeth Ann Walker By this union they have had thirteen children : George W., Sarah J., James W., Robert A., Charles D., Benjamin A., Frances A., Susan, Melvina I., John W., all ot whom are living; William, Adaline and Mary, deceased. He owns eighty acres of land acquired by his own industry, and the assistance of his family. His son George W. was in the Confederate service, in Gen. Price's army corps. Mr. Cline was road overseer for two years. There were many Indians in this county during his early experience. All commendable enterprises invariably receive Mr. Cline's hearty support.

Timothy Ferrell

farmer, section 4, postoffice Agency, was born in Ireland, December 12, 1840. At the age of twelve he left his native country for America, and landed at New Orleans, where he remained six months ; after which he emigrated to St. Louis, Missouri. Here he resided up to 1861, during which time he learned the moulder's trade. In 1861 he moved to Buchanan County, and in 1865 was married to Miss Fannie Reynolds, a native of Buchanan County. By this union they have had five children - Mary L., Susan W., Joseph E., Eurabe A., John W. He was a member of an exempt cornpany at St. Joseph during the late war. He owns a farm of fifty acres of land, which is in a good state of cultivation^ farmer and merchant, section 26, postoffice Platte River. The subject of this sketch has been a very successful man all through life. He was born July 26, 1816, in Wayne County, Ohio. Emigrated to Buchanan County, Missouri in 1843, returned to Ohio in 1844, then to Missouri in 1845, returning to Ohio in the same year, and remained until after the Mexican War, at the close of which he located permanently, where he now resides, in Buchanan County. He was a builder and carder by profession. He had a carding factory in Bretz's Mill, which was consumed by fire in the winter of 1845. He rebuilt in 1848, and continued in business until i860, when he sold out. Since i860, he has been engaged in farming and stock raising. October 12, 1840, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Beals, a native of Wayne County, Ohio. They had but one child - it and the mother died. October 12, 1848, he married Delilah Seal, born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. By this union they have had three children : Odilin B., Cornelia A. Algernian S. Owns 214 acres of land, all under good state of cultivation, with good house and barn thereon. He has donated liberally to the building of school houses, always assisting the needy. On the 23d of March, 1881, he formed a partnership in general merchandise, under the iirm name of Grable & Henshaw. Cornelia A. was married December 23, 1879, to Joseph A. Henshaw, who was born May 14, 1855. in Clay County, Missouri. He was a farmer until twenty-one - Since maturity a business man.

Mrs. Margaret M. Grable

section 32, postoffice, Arnoldsville ; resides in Arnoldsville and operated a farm. She was born March 31, 1826, in Ohio. She emigrated to Buchanan County, Missouri, in 1846, and married Anthony Grable in 1847. He was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, May 12, 1846. They had six children - Melissa, Mary, Maggie, Celeste C, Charles A. P., Luannie M. Three of these died : Mary, July 10, 1852 ; Maggie, July 26, 1858 ;, Celeste, September 11, i860. Her husband died November 15, 1873, of Typhoid Pneumonia. By their own industry and economy they accumulated 51^ acres of land, all under a good state of cultivation. Mr. Grable was a captain in the Pawpaw militia, but never received any compensation for his services. He was a Mason and an Odd Fellow, and donated freely toward the building of churches and school houses.

Pasley Johnson

farmer, section 32, postoffice Arnoldsville, a native of North Carolina, was born October 12, 1834, and emigrated to Buhanan County, Missouri, in 1844. Was married, June 2, 1854, to Miss Nancy Pumphrey, a native of Kentucky, who was born November 11, 1826. They had eight childdren: George W., Jona, John, Holla, Jennie, David and Jessie, all living, and an infant daughter deceased. By his, own labor he has accumulated 23s acres of land, all under good state of cultivation. Joined the Pawpaw militia in 1864, and in common with many others never received a cent for his services. Is a Mason and belongs to the Baptist Church. Did not enjoy the advantage of schools. Served in the Mexican war as wagon master, and was in Mexico when the city surrendered. He crossed the plains to Mansfort, a place for supplies for Indian scouts. March, 24, 1879, Mr. Johnson met with a severe accident; the cars on the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad caught his wagon, crippled .the mules, demolished the wagon, and ruined Mr. Johnson for life. He obtained judgment for damages to the amount of $2,650. From this verdict the company appealed to the Supreme Court.

William M. Matney

farmer and miller, section 26, postoffice Platte River, one of the most successful business men, farmers and millers of Buchanan County, was born May 21, 1824, in Hart County, Kentucky. He left Kentucky Octpber I, 1845, and landed in Buchanan County, Missouri, October 20, 1845, with twenty dollars and twelve cents. He has resided in Buchanan County ever since except six months that he lived in plinton County. He worked for John Patee in St. Joseph at ten dollars per month. Then worked in Mexico and on the road at twenty dollars per month. He worked for John Bretz until May, 1849, then took a trip to California, returning in 1852. Engaged in general merchandise August, 18.52, continued until May, 1854, when he sold his store and purchased an undivided half of the Bretz Mill. He married Catharine A. Bretz, a native of Pennsylvania, April 27, 1853. She was born August 23, 1832. By this union they have had seven children, Albert E., James B., Elizabeth, John W., Lydia, Edward R., Rebecca E., all alive except John and Lydia, and doing well. By his own exertions he has accumulated 589 acres of land, all under good state of cultivation, with large and commodious house, good barn, orchard, etc. He has been postmaster and school trustee, and is a member of the Grange. During thfe late war he experienced considerable inconvenience, and sustained loss. His beloved wife died March 7, 1879, from congestion of the lungs. In all public enterprises he has lent a helping hand, and has ever been the poor man's friend.

William Means

farmer, section 33, postoffice Arnoldsville. The subject of the following narative, was born in Christain County, Kentucky, January 18,: 1809, and emigrated to Missouri (which was a wilderness) in 1820, locating in Howard County, where he remained but a short time. He then went to Daviess and to Ray counties, where. he remained seven years. Afterward moved to Buchanan County, having been engaged in farming most of the time. In 1830 he married Miss Nancy H. Gentry a native of Boon County, Missouri. They have six children : James R., Charles G., Thomas J., Susan, Elizabeth and Martha. His first wife died in 1868. His second marriage was to Miss Mary C. Mcintosh, his present wife.- By hard labor and strict attention to business he has acquired a considerable amount of land, all of which has been given to his children, except 100 acres. His children are all married. Mr. Means has served six years as Justice of the Peace with credit to himself, discharging the duties of the office to the entire satisfaction of the people. He has all his life been recognized as a public spirited citizen.

farmer, section 32, postoffice Arnoldsville, was born in Howard County, Missouri, January 6, 1841. He left Howard County for Platte, in 1849, remaining there until 1 881, when he located in Buchanan County. December 20, 1870, he married Susan A. Vaughn, a native of Platte County. By this marriage he has had fiye children : Alyerta, Clay F,, Thomas J., Charlie C, Minnie E., all living and doing well. By his own exertions he has succeeded, since the war, in accumulating 448 acres of land, all Under fence and in good state of cultivation. In 1863, he went west, returning in one year. In early days he had no school advantages, and experienced nothing but hard work. He is a member of Rowley Lodge No. 204, A. F. and A. M. He buys, ships and speculates in hogs, cattle, mules, etc. He has been one of the most successful men of Buchanan County.

George W. Ray

farmer and merchant, section 30, postoffice Arnoldsville, was born July 20, 1833, in North Carolina. Emigrated to Clay County, Missouri, in early life, and after remaining there one year moved to Buchanan County. Married Rebecca Wilson, in August, 1857. She was born in Ohio, in 1837. By this marriage they have had six children: Mary A., Thermutus B., John R., George W., J. Robert and Elizabeth. By his own industry he has acquired a farm of 525 acres of land, less 200 acres given him by his father. The land is in a good state of cultivation and is provided with good improvements. Mr. Ray is a Mason and a member of the M. E. Church; is also school trustee. He has been engaged in merchandising since the fall of 1875, doing both a cash and a credit business, and has lost but little by the latter. He built a storeroom, 22x60 feet and one story high, in which he sells about twenty thousand dollars worth per year. Mr. Ray has engaged, extensively in buying and selling mules and intends making that business a specialty. He is, one of the successful farmers and merchants of Buchanan County; he has grown with the county, and recalls the period when the Indian was a familiar object in the neighborhood.

farmer, section 30, pbstoffice Arnoldsville, was born October 20, .1826, in Madison County, Kentucky. He married Elizabeth Stagner October 2, 1848. They have had eight children, including Rozanna, Andrew, Albert, Winston, and four others that died in infancy. He emigrated to Missouri March 13, 1849, locating in Lingingston County, where he remained four years. He then moved to Caldwell County, living there six years. In i860 he moved to Buchanan County, where his wife died October 15, 1865, of consumption. October 13, 1867, he married, Miss Mary A. Davis, a native of North Carolina. He has had four children by this marriage, Dora E., Elvie D., Lenie B., and John O. His father gave him 1 14 acres of land, which , he still owns, and which is under a ;good state of cultivation. He was in the Pawpaw militia, regularly enrolled to protect home property against thieves. He is a member of the Christian Church, and has taken two degrees in Masoriry. He has been generally prosperous in life, experiencing little trouble beyond the ills necessarily incident to pioneer life.

David Stagner

farmer, section 33, postoffice Arnoldsville, was born February 13, 1831, in Madison County, Kentucky. When in his twenty-third year, he located in Livingston County, Missouri, remaining there twelve years, when he moved to Buchanan County. He married, September 20, 1858, Miss Matilda Sparks, a native of Indiana, born in August, 1834. By this union they have had nine children : Kemper, John R., Sarah J., Amaziah, David R., James W., Elijah, and two children that died in infancy. By his own labor he has acquired 126 acres of land, all well improved. He takes especial pride in fine Jiorses, and especially favors Edwin Forest stock. Has been school director. During the late war he lost some corn, and had a good mare taken from, him by the soldiers. He served in the Home Guard awhile, but was not taken out of the state. He has never regretted locating in Missouri, where he has met with general success.

farmer, section 30, postofifice, Arnoldsville, was born in Lawrence County, Kentucky, December 7, 1839. His parents emigrated to Platte County,

Missouri, in 1842, where he resided up to 1866. He married Melissa Grable May 17, 1866. They have had five children - Cynthia M., Laura A., James A., John R., Charles W., all I'ving. By his own industry he acquired 406 acres of land, besides fifty acres given him by his father-inlaw. This is all under fence and in cultivation and provided with good buildings. Mr. Stafford was in the Pawpaw and State militia, but was not out of the state. During the war he crossed the plains. He was a charter member of Rowley Lodge No. 204, A. F. & A. M. ; was in the dry goods business at Arnoldsville for two years, being successful. Meeting with a good opportunity to sell out, he accepted the offer. Having disposed of his goods he turned his attention to farming.

John B. Sherwood

farmer, section 27, postoffice Platte River, was born in Richmond County, Ohio, September 9, 1821. When two years, old his parents moved to Ross County, remaining until 1835, when they moved to Logan County. November 3, 1839, he emigrated to Buchanan County, Missouri. He married Miss Mary Ray, February 9, 1843. She was a native of North Carolina. By this union they have twelve children : Lucinda C, Joseph W., John W., . Elizabeth M., Caroline, Jane, Susan, Anna, Adaline, George, James and Albert. By the united efforts and economy of Mr. S. and his wife, they have secured 100 acres of land. He sustained severe loss during the late war. Was two years in the Confederate service under Gen. Price, in Col. Gates' regiment, after which he spent one year at Pike's Peak. He received no wounds, but endured many privations. He served as justice of the peace for two years. His wife died February 17, 1872. Mr. S. is a Master Mason. He was raised in 1868, presided in the east three years, and was representative to the Grand Lodge in 1872. He has been all his life an exemplary citizen.

James E. Weller

farmer, section 18, postoffice Halleck, was born in Nelson County, Kentucky, February 17, 1821. His opportunities for acquiring an education were very poor. He emigrated to Buchanan County, Missouri, in 1844. In 1851 he married Miss Mark. They have had seven children, Sarah M., Charles E.,. William H., Isabella J., Mary M., Jacob M., and Martha S. They are all alive with one exception. Mrs. Weller died in November, 1864. In August, 1865, he married Mrs. E. E. Hill, by whom he has had three children, Emily C, Phoebe A., and James E. Mr. W. owns 234 acres of land, 160 acres of which is under fence, well improved, with a fair house and barn and good orchard. He is a Master Mason, and was representative in the state legislature during 1872 and 1873, to which he was elected as a Democrat. He served as justice of the peace two terms, and was secretary of Birming Lqdge No. 150 A. F. & A. M. for eight consecutive yeaTs. Mr. Weller was engaged in general merchandise at Halleck for five years and was successful, but lost his earnings during the war.

Henry Yates

farmer, section 7, postofifice Agency, was born April 20, 1847, in Buchanan County, Missouri, where he had the good fortune to secure a fair education. September 15, 1871, he was married to Miss Sallie Williams, who was born May 14, 1846, in Kentucky. They have had three children : Thomas L., born in September, 1875; Harry C, born in October, 1878 ; Dora P., born July 3, 1872, died January 13, 1879. To the eighty acres of land, given him by his parents, he has managed by his own industry to add 160 more. He is a Mason and Odd Fellow, and is also a member of Cumberland Presbyterian Church. His farm is all under fence, and well improved, with a good house and barn, and well supplied with farm machinery.

James Anderson

farmer, section 2, postofifice, Frazer ; was born in East Tennessee, June 5, 1813, and moved from his native state to Indiana, where he lived a short time. July 15, 1839, he came to this county, which has since been his home. He owns a farm of 222 acres. He married Miss F. Brown March 25, 1830. She was born in East Tennessee, December 2, 1814. They have two children living, Jane, born February 12, 1831, and Jesse N., born May 6, 5836. They have lost two, Fanny and Mary. Mr. Anderson and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. J. N., son of the above, was born in Indiana, May 6, 1836, and came with his parents to Missouri in 1839. He was raised a farmer, and has followed this calling as an occupation. He owns a farm of 107J acres. He has held various township offices, and has always taken a deep interest in educational matters. He married Miss Martha E. Huddleston April 8, 1855. She was born in Buchanan County April 25, 1839. To them have been born nine children - Edward C, born February i, 1856; Mary farmer, has 178 acres of land on section 28. He was born in Logan County, Ohio, June 4th, 1836, and, with his parents, came to Buchanan County in October, 1838, and settled in Platte Township. He grew up here on a farm and received a fair common school education, though the advantages were very limited at that time. He went to work with his father, who was a carpenter, and learned the trade, and worked at it for some years. In 1865 he purchased the farm he now owns and occupies, and which he greatly improved. He married Miss Mary Ann Lillie, July 26, 1857. They have two children living : Loma and Henry W. Halleck. Eli Arnold, the father of D. L., was born in Pennsylvania in 1791. At an early day he removed to Ohio, where he became a carpenter and millwright, and also learned the tanner's trade. He had charge of the construction of many large mills and other buildings and some of which were of considerable importance. He moved to Buchanan County, Missouri in October, 1838. He very soon built a flouring mill on Bee Creek, two miles east of Taos. This was the first mill with a bolt, put up in the county. He then fitted up Turner's Mill, on Bee Creek, and afterwards constructed a mill on Platte River, where Matney's Mill now stands. In 1844 he started a tannery near Arnoldsville, which perhaps was the first established in the county. He then put up a mill at Arnoldsville. After a few years he sold out his property and purchased a place two miles from this city, where he continued to reside up to the time of his death, which occurred in January, 1866. Arnoldsville was named in honor of him. He married Miss Saloma Chesround, in Pennsylvania. They have five children living : Jerome, Durang L., Reubin, Fannie and Lillie.

Peter Bledsoe

farmer, section 24, postoffice Edgerton. He was born in Illinois, March 15, 18 18, and reared a farmer. His parents emigrated to Boone County, Missouri, in 1819; thence to Jackson County, then Caldwell, then Clinton, thence to the Platte Purchase, settling in Buchanan County in 1837, on Rock House Prairie, where he now resides. By his own prudence and good management he has secured 490 acres of land, all of which is under fence and in good state of cultivation. He married Miss Eliza- beth Drake in 1849. She was born in Ray County, Missouri, in 18 18. By this marriage they had five children :. Julia Ann, John, Nancy, William, Peter O. Magee. They are all dead except Peter O. Magee. Mrs. Bledsoe died in 1862. He was married, November 22, 1864, to Mrs. Barshaw, widow of Jefferson Botts. She had by her first husband seven children : James W., born September 25, 1849;. George H., born April 6, 185 1, died in 1869; Richard E., born March 7, 1853; John, born December 22, 1854 ; Nancy A., born June 29, 1859, died in i860 ; Jefferson, born January 9, 1862; Benjamin F., born April 25, 1867. By her marriage with Mr. Bledsoe they were blessed with three children ; Robert E. L., born December 5, 1865 ; Joseph E. J., September 19, 1867; Beauregard, September 15, 1869. Mr. Bledsoe was a member of the Pawpaw Militia, in 1861. He has been a hard working man, and has generally enjoyed a prosperous life. In 1861, however, he was so unfortunate as to lose his eyesight, since which time he has had to feel his way around over the farm by use of a cane, and when he goes from home has to depend upon his children, or affectionate wife, to guide his steps. He does not complain, but accepts the situation, and seems to enjoy life in his present afiflicted condition.

William A. Bledsoe

farmer, section 15, postoflSce Platte River, was born in Buchanan County, Missouri, June 29, 1849, and was raised a farmer. His education was fair. August 16, 1869, he married Miss Mary Ann Toben. She was born in Buchanan County, September 27, 1844. By this marriage they have had five children: Maggie E., born September 22, 1871; William P., born December 20, 1874; Jesse F., December 15, 1877; Delia M, born April 29, 1879; one child died in infancy. By his own industry and economy he has acquired 80 acres of land. He is a member of the Christian Church at Bruce's school house. The subject of the above is an industrious man, a peaceable citizen, a kind husband, and an indulgent father.

John P. Boyle

county superintendent of public schools, was born in Tazwell County, Virginia, October 28, 1828. In 1849 he came to St. Louis, Missouri ; he completed his education at the Ste. Genevieve Academy, when he chose the occupation of teacher, a pursuit in which he has been all his life engaged. He came to St. Joseph in 1866, and in 1870 moved on a farm in Platte Township, where he has since continued to reside. He has improved a good farm, though engaged the greater part of his time with his professional duties. He was elected superintendent of public schools for Buchanan County, a position the duties of which he has since continued to discharge with zeal and ability. He is not only an excellent scholar and first-class teacher, but bears the character of a generous hearted man and a good neighbor. In 1857 ^^ married Miss Eliza Patterson, a lady from his former home in Virginia. They have eight children, all living : William C, Mattie Bell, Elizabeth F., Eliza J., John L., Katie, James, and Harvey.

farmer and stockraiser, section 29, postoffice, Edgerton, Platte County ; was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, December 5, 1830, and in 1834 or 183S, came to Morgan County, Illinois. In 1867, he came to Buchanan County, where he now owns over 800 acres of land, and is one of the representative farmers of the township. He was married to Miss Mary A. . Fitch December 30, 1853. She was born in Ohio, May 10, 1833. By this union they have eight children living - Emily E., now Mrs. I. S. Gibson, born October 3, 1854; John W., born October 21, 1856; Fannie J., now Mrs. F. Jolinson, born October 3, 1858; Joel H., born March 2, i860 ; J. C, born August i, 1861 ; Mamie, born August 18, 1863 ; Annie, born September 21, 1865; Carrie R., born January 12, 1869; Joseph G., born January 22, 1871 ; Phebe, born June 23, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Carrington are members of the Christian Church.

Lewis Cobb

farmer, section 11, postoffice Frazer, is a native of Indiana, and was born in Daviess County, September 12, 1826. Came to Buchanan County, Missouri, in 1840, and in 1856 removed to Kansas, whence, in 1857, he went to Texas, and in 1858 purchased a farm in Buchanan County, Missouri. In ^864 he went to Nebraska, where he remained but a short time, and has since made his home in this county. His farm consists of 125 acres of land. He married Miss Nancy Housh, December 28, 1848. She was born June 12, 1828. To them have been born eleven children: Clarissa J., born January 2, 1849; George W., born April 20, 185 1; Mary E., July 20, 1854; Sythia A., born November 27, 185S; Thomas J., born May 17, 1858; Sarah R., November 27, 1859; Susan F., born February 16, 1864; Alice M., born November 27, 1865; Lewis H., born May i, 1867; Nancy C, born March 7, 1870. Susan F., died in December, 1864.

farmer, section 14, postoffice Frazer is the son of R. H. and Catharine Deakins, and was born in east Tennessee, August 13, 1847. His father was born in Maryland, November 28, 1800, and died August 11, 1873. His mother's maiden name was Catharina Ghorst. She was born in Vir- ginia, April 26, 1820. In 1854 the subject of this sketch came with his parents to Arkansas, but they, not liking the country, came with their son, the same year, to Buchanan County, where he was raised on a farm He married Miss Eliza Kinnaird, October 31, 1867. She was born in Buchanan County, December 5, 1843, and was the daughter of C. and M. C. Kinnaird. The former was born in Kentucky, August 16, 1805, and died April 26, 1880. The latter was born in the same state, February 20, 1 8 10, and died Feb. 28, 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Deakins have a family of four children : Annie M., born May 10, 1870; Charles Catharine, born December 16, 1872 ; Pettie Frances, born October 2, 1875 ; Eliza Tennessee, born June 29, 1878.

Hon. Weston J. Everett

farmer, section 12, postoffice, Frazer; is one of the oldest residents of Buchanan County, and was born in Halifax County, Virginia, August 24, 1801. When six years of age he was taken by his parents to Kentucky, where he. lived until 1818, and then came to Missouri. He lived in Howard and Saline Counties until the spring of 1821, and then settled in Clay County. In 1836 he explored the Platte Purchase, and as soon as it was opened for settlement, moved up into Buchanan County in 1837, in the midst of severely cold weather, with snow on the ground six inches deep, in order to secure the location he had selected the year previous. He purchased a cabin standing on section 13, which had been occupied by a settler who had located in the country while it was yet in possession of the Indians, but was compelled to leave by the United States troops. While that part of the purchase that now includes Buchanan County was attached to Clinton County, he was elected one of the members of the Clinton County Court, and served until the organzation of the County. In 1855 he was selected as the Democratic nominee for the State Legislature, and was elected by a handsome majority, receiving every vote in Platte Township, but five out of 225. The winter of 1855 was revision session, and the same was prolonged until the succeeding winter. During that period the Legislature had no more faithful, industrious and conscientious public servant than Judge Everett. He was afterwards solicited to again become a candidate, but declined, much to the regret of all. His early education was limited to the schools of the period, which were few in number and inferior in grade, but he made the best possibje use of his opportunities, and by reading and observation, as well as contact with the world, obtained such knowledge as places him among the leading men of the county. He married Miss Hannah Crockett March 8, 1829. She was born in Tennessee, September 8, 1808. Her father, whose name was David Crockett, was a second cousin of the renowned David Crockett, whose name is so closely iden- tified with pioneer life. Judge Everett is at this time (1881) the oldest resident of Platte Township, and no one enjoys and merits the esteem of all in a higher degree than he does. Politically he is a Democrat of the old school, and voted for Jackson in 1828. Judge Everett's birthplace, in Halifax County, was at the historic place of Bull Run, and it may not be amiss to relate the circumstance from which it derived its name. The a bull. These animals met near a stream and commenced bellowing until it became the signal for a conflict? The neighbor's bull punished Mr. Everett's by pitching him into the water, after which feat he ran away from his opponent. From this circumstance the name Bull Run became identified with that locality, and has remained so to this day.

James W. Gartin

farmer and stock raiser, owns 160 acres of land in section 4. He was born in Todd County, Kentucky, in 1834, and came to Clay County, Missouri, with his father in 1835. He received a good education at William Jewell College, and at the age of eighteen he went to Texas remaining eighteen months, when he came to Clay County, Missouri. His father was a government contractor, furnishing horses and stock for the Western frontier, and for several years James assisted him in delivering his stock. In 1858 he came to Tremont Township, where he lived until 1866, when he bought a farm in Platte Township, where he now lives. He has a fine farm, well improved. He has for many years run a ^threshing machine, and in that line has by his care and fair dealing and promptness in filling his engagements gained an excellent reputation. He and his wife belong to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In 1858 he married Miss Mary F. Millen in Clinton County, Missouri. They have seven children, Annie J., James A., Charles S., Mary Fannie, William Thomas, Elvina Virginia, Emma Angle.

William S. Gunn

farmer and local preacher, was born in Harrison' County, Indiana, March 21, 181 1. He received a good education for the times, and, at the age of eighteen, went to Jefferson County, Kentucky,, and learned the stone mason trade, at which he worked for many years. He came to Adams County, Illinois, purchased a farm, and became a thdrough practical farmer. He remained in Illinois twelve years, at the end of which period he came to Missouri, and bought 260 acres of land on section 32, in Platte Township, where he made great improvements, including the building of a fine residence and corresponding surroundings, which renders this one of the most desirable homes in the county. He was a member of the M. E. Church for forty-five years, and a local preacher for twentyrcight years. He was faithful in his ministrations, and zealous for the faith. He died June 14, 1881, in triumph of a living faith. He was twice married. The first time to Miss Lavina Cornwall, in Jefferson County, Kentucky, July 30, 1835. They had four children : John W., James D., Reuben H., and Susan Elizabeth. She died in Illinois. December 22, 1842, he married Julia F. Gill, of Shelby County, Kentucky. They had three children, all of whom are dead, one son having died in the army. Reuben H. Gunn.only son of William S., was born in Jefferson County, Kentucky, March i, 1839, ^'^^, with his father, came to this place, and remained at home until he entered the army, in 1861, at Quincy, Illinois, joining the Fiftieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Company B., and remained through the war. He received a wound at Fort Donaldson, through the right arm. He was promoted to the rank of Orderly Sergeant, and was one of the most devoted, faithful officers in the regiment. He married Miss Mary Jennie Cox, of DeKalb, October 10, 1 87 1. She was educated at the Convent of the Sacred Heart, St. Joseph. She was one of the most thorough scholars in the class, and won the love and esteem of them all.

John Hyland

farmer and stock raiser, section 6, township 55, range 33, postoffice Frazer, was born in County Meown, Ireland, and was reared in his birth place until twelve years of age. He then bid farewell to the Emerald Isle and went to England, residing there until he reached his twenty-first year, when he sailed for the New World, and in due time' landed in the City of New York. He first settled in Connecticut, residing there some thirteen months, when he moved to Massachusetts, where he remained three years. Thence he moved to Cass County, Iowa, thence to Jefferson County, Kansas, where he remained some eight years. In July, 1844, he came to Buchanan County, and settled in the place he now resides. He owns 230 acres of well improved and well watered land, constituting one of the finest stock farms in the county. He also has on it a handsome residence. He commenced life a poor boy and has been entirely a self-made man, acquiring his means by honest and laborious industry. When he landed at New York City he had but one dollar in his pocket. He went to work, however, with a will, and has made a success of his life. He has never sought nor held an office in his life. He has been twice married ; first in 1857, to Miss Barbara Stokesburry, a native of Tennessee. She died in 1862. He married again in 1863 to Miss Jane Motery, a native of Kentucky. They have been blessed with three children, James, Thomas and Mary. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Church.

I072 Biographical

farmer, section 12, postoff^ce Frazer, was born in Cla.y County, Missouri, November 16, 1839, and was raised a farmer. In 1840, he removed to Buchanan County, where he lived until 1846; he then removed to Andrew County, where lived until 1854, and then changed his residence to Platte County. He served four years in the Confederate army, and participated in many of the important battles of the war. After being mustered out he returned to his home, and in 1866 removed to Platte County. In 1869, he removed to Kansas, and remained there until 1875, and then returned to Buchanan County, which has since been his home. His farm contains 168 acres, and is devoted to grain and stock raising. He married Miss Mary Leggett, March 4, 1858. She was born in Platte County, Missouri, February 11, 1839. They have nine children living; have lost two. Nicholas, born March 24, 1859; John W., born September 12, 1861; George Price, born March 4, 1863, died May 4, 1863; Mary Delia, born May 20, 1866; .Nancy America, born December 2, 1867; James Emmett, born October 26, 1870; Sallie A., born February 12; 1873; Linda B., born October 22, 1874, died September 22, 1875; Alfred Thomas, born April 17, 1877; Charles William, born December 30, 1879. The youngest, Fannie Primrose, is deserving of more than passing notice, as she came as a Christmas gift to her parents December 25, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts and their daughter, Mary Delia, are con- sistent members of the Baptist Church of Frazer, and the society finds in Mr. Roberts one of its staunchest supporters and most liberal contributors. While living in Wyandotte, Kansas, the society was largely indebted to him for their church edifice, and he and his brother-in-law own the ground on which the building is located.

Judge John Rohan

a resident of Platte Township, and at one time a member of the county court, was born in Ireland, July 4, 1833. He emigrated to America and landed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 185 1. Shortly after his arrival he went to Ottawa, Illinois, in the neighborhood of which he had a brother living. He was for several years engaged in railroading in the capacity of superintendent and contractor. In 1855 he moved to Missouri and was for some time occupied as superintendent of the Missouri Pacific railroad, which was then being built through the state. In 1861 he began to sell goods in Platte County and opened a store in Newmarket. This business he conducted about three years, and, while thus engaged, in April, 1863, was married to Miss Carrie Hill, of that place, a native of Ray County, Missouri. He also carried on business at Camden Point. In 1866 he moved to Buchanan County and took charge of a store at

Matney's Mill. In 1867 he purchased his farm and residence in section 18, Township 55? Range 33. He also erected and conducted a store on this place. He has been a Democrat all his life. In 1874, at the urgent solicitation of his friends, he consented to run for the office of county judge, to which he wag nominated by the Democrats, and elected by a handsome majority. The duties of the position he discharged in a capable and acceptable manner.

Addenda-St. Joseph Theodore Griswold

deceased, was born in Genoa, New York, in 1823, and, in 1859, came to ^t. Joseph, where, for many years, he was successfully engaged in the insurance business. After retiring from this vocation, he was employed as a clerk in a large mercantile house. He married Miss Clarrissa D. Hayes, in New York City, in 1850. They had five children : Theodore D., Lizzie J., Nellie, Ruth and Benjamin. Mr. Griswold died in 1877, leaving a loving family and a large circle of friends to mourn his loss. His eldest daughter. Miss Lizzie Griswold, graduated from the high school, in 1873, and is an excellent scholar and successful teacher. She was a teacher, for three years, in the St. Joseph Public Schools, and for four years has been principal in the Angelique Street School.

Source changes here: from History of Buchanan County and the City of St. Joseph and Representative Citizens : 1826 to 1904, by Rutt, Christian Ludwig, published 1904; 47 words in this source stream.

Jackson Township

Arnoldsville was at one time a trading point and post office. Eli Arnold built a mill there in 1847. Now the people of Jackson, as well as those of Platte, go to Platte River. Matney's mill and store are on the Jackson township side of the bridge.