Tremont Township

Marmaduke D. Finch

section 32, postoffice Gower, was born in Franklin County, North Carolina, April 28, 1813, and his ancestors were originally from Virginia, Received his education in the schools of his vicinity, and was bred a farmer. On the 4th of May, 1834, he married Elizabeth Jordan, a. native of North Carolina, born in 1810. She died in Missouri, in 1870, leaving three children, two of whom now survive - Thomas N. and Evalina, (now Mrs. L. Heffner.) In 1842, he moved to Missouri, and on the 20th of May, reached the Rock House Prairie, in Buchanan County, where he has since continued to reside, and where he owns a fine farm. Originally a member of the old Whig party, his first vote for President was cast for Harrison, in the exciting campaign of 1840. On the dissolution of the Whig party, he joined the Democracy. Mr. Finch has held several important public positions in the county. In 1854, he was elected Justice of the Peace in Tremont Township, a position which he filled eight years.. In 1858, he was made collector of the county, and served two years ire that capacity, under Sheriff Morgan. In 1874, he was county assessor,, under John Tutt. In all these several positions he proved himself a worthy and capable officer. June 22, 1874, Mr. Finch again married. His second wife was Mrs. Julia Bretz, widow of Judge John Bretz, of Buchanan County.

farmer and merchant, section 10, post office Garrettsburg, was born September 2, 1844, in Buchanan County, Missouri, and has lived here all his life. In his early days he was a farmer. In 1864, he visited Montana on an exploring expedition in the mountains. He married: Miss Mary J- Whitson in 1866. She was born November 27, 1848, in Missouri. They have had four children : William S., born July 18, 1870; Mary A., born January 18, 1873; Franklin J., born July 16, 1879; "^"^ ^" infant, born October 17, 1880. In 1867, he ran a blacksmith shop and farmed. December 3, 1879, commenced general merchandising, and has done a prosperous business. His stock consists of dry goods, hardware, drugs, hats, caps, notions, boots and shoes, groceries, &c. He is postmaster at Garrettsburg, and has filled the office of school director. In the Masonic order he has achieved the rank of Knight Templar. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is also a Granger. He donated half an acre of land for school purposes in his neighborhood. Was a member, during the war, of Company D, 8ist regiment Pawpaw Militia, under Colonel Scott. He owns 447 acres of land, 330 acres of which he inherited from his father's estate. This is mostly under fence and in a good state of cultivation with excellent improvements, including orchard, &c., and is stocked with abundance of farming implements. He also owns a. store house 20x36 with a cellar 18x20, wjth 2 feet stone wall, 7 feet deep. Mr. Greenai'd has always endeavored to do his part as a man, assisting the needy and afflicted whenever called on.

Samuel J. Jeffers

farmer and stock raiser, section 24, postoffice Frazer, was born September 20, 1833, in Clay County, Missouri, and was brought to this county by his parents when about six years of age. He spent his boyhood days on the farm and received his education in the schools of this vicinity. He now owns a fine farm of 140 acres, well watered and stocked. Mr. J. has filled the positions of township clerk and school director. He moved to Andrew County in 1858 and resided there until 1865, engaged in farming ; then returned to this county. He was married November 24, 1853, to Miss Frances Miller, a native of Knox County, Kentucky.

'They have had eleven children, six of whom are living : N. Ellen, Finis E., William J., Maud M., Harvey B. and Laura F. He and his two oldest children are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

James M. Jeffers

farmer and stock raiser, section 24, postoffice Frazer, was born April 7, 1 83 1, in Clay County, Missouri, and came to Buchanan County in February, 1839, with his parents, and has since made this his home. He 260 acres of fine land, 160 of which are under cultivation, the -remainder being pasture and timber land. His farm is well stocked, :and he has a handsome residence. In 1861, he moved to Kansas, and remained one year, came back, and again went there, in 1865, and spent six months. During the late war, he served three months in the Enrolled Missouri Militia. He has filled the office of school director, - but has never been a political aspirant. In October, 1853, he was married to Miss Virginia Miller, a native of this city, born August 28, 1838. They are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in which he holds the position of Elder. They raised an orphan boy, named J. H. Norman, now minister in the Presbyterian Church, at Stewartsville.

Evans Jordan

Tarmer, was born in Wake County, North Carolina, February 14, 1815, and came to Tremont Township, Rock House Prairie, in this county, in 1840. Here, in company with Dugan Pfouts, he bought 714 acres of land. The original name of the township and the recorded name now in the clerk's ofifice, is Jordan. The railroad station of Frazer, fifteen -miles southeast of St. Joseph, is located on his farm, it being on the line -of what was known, when first built, as St. Louis & St. Joseph Railroad, now the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific. He has a very fine farm, with an excellent residence and good improvements generally. The place is well stocked. Mr. J. did much to facilitate the building of the railroad, and has always been foremost in all enterprises of a public character, including the building of churches, school houses, etc., and has ever been prompt in lending a helping hand to every scheme calculated to promote and develop the interests at large of his county and neighbor- Jiood. No man in the township enjoys a wider personal popularity.

E. M. Jordan

farmer and stock raiser, section 32, postoffice Frazer, was born March 10, 1812, in Wake County, North Carolina, and moved to Randolph County, the same State, with his parents in 1824. He spent his boyiiood days on a farm and received his education at Wake Forest. When eighteen years of age he was appointed deputy sheriff of Randolph County, which position he held until he left in February, 1840. He Tvith two companions rode through from North Carolina on horseback and arrived here in May, 1840. From here they went to Lexington, Missouri, when they separated and our subject rode through to Texas, remaining two years. He returned to this county and after one year went back to North Carolina. Soon returned to this county, and settled in this township. He has contributed his full share towards building up and improving it, and being an old settler is well known. Mr. J. has filled the positions of Justice of the Peace four years, school director ten years, and road overseer several terms. He was married in the fall of 1845 to Miss Diza Pfouts, a native of Randolph County, North Carolina, born in June, 1822. They have had twelve children, ten of whom are living : Elizabeth, Mary, Merinda, Roxaner, Evaline, Evans, Jacob, Thomas, John and Marmaduke. Mrs. J. is a member of the M. E. Church.

Jesse T. Leftwich

farmer and stock raiser, section i, postoffice Easton, was born August II, 181 1, in Bedford County, Virginia, and when about twelve years of age he moved with his parents to Pittsylvania County, where he spent his boyhood days on a farm and received his education. Upon becoming of age he commenced the manufacture of tobacco, and after following the business for ten years he turned his attention to farming, and continued therein some twenty years. He again engaged in the tobacco business and was so occupied until the' war broke out, when he lost heavily. He had three sons in the Confederate army under General Lee, two of them taking part in twenty-two general engagements, "besides many minor engagements. At the close of the war Mr. L. emigrated West and settled in this county. He moved to the place where he now resides in 1872, and now owns a fine farm of eighty acres, improved. At one time he fixed up proper facilities for the tobacco business, but the climate was too cold to make it a success. Mr. L. was married in 1837 to Miss Letitia Shelton, a native of Pittsylvania County, Virginia, born October 14, 1820. They have had eleven children, ten of whom are living, Taswell B., George W., Mary A. (now Mrs. Joseph Robinson, of Easton), James B., Augustin J., William L., Nancy J. (now Mrs. George Marker, of Easton), John B., Victoria L. (now Mrs. John Kerns), and Thomas J. Mrs. L. is a member of the Christian church.

Howard County, Missouri, from there to Ray County, and thence to this county, in the spring of 1838. He bought a claim, and commenced pioneer life ; here he earnestly worked for the upbuilding of his adopted county, until June 4, 1881, when he died. His marriage occurred February 14, 1818, to Miss Sally Bogart. They had a family often children, four of whom are now living : Charles, Polly (now Mrs. Elijah Jenkins, of Andrew County), Nancy (wife of James Christy, of Andrew County), and Salenia (now Mrs. E. Miller, of Kansas).

farmer and stock raiser, section 19, postoffice Frazer, was born January 6, 1 8 19, in Illinois, and is the eldest son of Daniel McCray, one of the earliest pioneers in the county. Charles accompanied his parents to Howard County, Missouri, in 1821, and to Buchanan County in the spring of 1838, and has made this his home since, having been engaged in farming all his life. Assisted in redeeming this county from a wilderness, and has had his full share of the hardships of pioneer life. In his manners he is kind and genial, and is widely and favorably known, and has won the respect of a large circle of friends. During the late war he enlisted and served for six months in the noted Pawpaw militia. Owns eighty acres of fine land, partly improved. He has filled the office of road overseer several terms. Was married to Miss Eliza Horton, a native of Kentucky. They have had a family of seven children, six of whom are living - Benjamin, Sarah, (now Mrs. B. Riddle), Henry, Martha J., (now Mrs. B. Tadlock), Samuel D. and Oscar. Mrs. McCray and five of the children are members of the Baptist Church.

K. F. Moore

farmer and stock raiser, section 13, postoffice Frazer. His parents were residents of Bath County, Kentucky, and K. F. was born while they were on a visit to Brown County, Ohio, September 22, 1832. He spent his boyhood days on a farm and received his education in the schools of Bath County. Commenced business for himself when about sixteen years of age. Came west in 1861, and settled in Easton, this county, where he engaged in farming. Purchased the place he now occupies in 1865, and moved upon and has since been improving it. Owns 650 of fine land, all improved, with a handsome residence. He purchased the old John Bretz farm at the beginning of the crisis of 1873. He has filled the positions of road overseer and school director several terms, and is prominent among the leading citizens of the. county. Mr. M. was married in January, 1861, to Miss Lucretia Robinson, a native of Gallatin County, Kentucky, born September 22, 1S39. They have had eight children: Laura, William N., Annie L., Virginia, Charlie, Nellie, John M. and Benjamin F. Himself and wife are members of the Christian Church.

James A. Rodman

farmer, section 31, postoffice Frazer, was born March 17, 1826, Washington County, Indiana, and was married March 22, 1863, to Frances E. Kinniard, a native of Kentucky. By this union they have had six children : Frances J., Mary E., Jima D., Samuel H., Sarah E. and Charles K. He endured all the hardships subsequent to pioneer life, but by his own industry has saved 160 acres of land, improved, and with good buildings. He has held the positions of constable and school director.

James Saxton

farmer and stock raiser, section 11, postoffice Saxton, was born January 2, 1820, in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, but his parents were natives of the Green Mountain State. He was raised in his native county, and spent his boyhood days on a farm, there receiving his education. He has made agricultural pursuits his chief occupation through life, and emigrated to Racine County, Wisconsin, in 1841 ; remained there twelve years, then moved to Waupaca County, where he resided, until 1864, engaged in farming and the lumber business. From there he came to Buchanan County, Missouri, and settled on the place he now occupies- He owns 214 acres of rich land, improved and well stocked. Mr. S. has taken a great interest in educational matters; he organized the school district in which he lives, had the first school house built, and has filled the position of school director several terms. June 2, 185 1, he was married to Miss Milissa M. Crego, a native of York State. She was born December 31, 1828. They have had six children, five of whom are now living : Josephine (now Mrs. J. S. Chandler), Louisa (now Mrs. David Louden), Eugenie (now Mrs. Z. Garrett), Cyrus J. and Edwin.

Captain John N. Smith

farmer and stock raiser, section 2, postoffice Garrettsburg, was born June 22, 1827, in Lee County, Virginia, and came west with his parents in the fall of 1838, settling in Buchanan County, Missouri. His father took up a claim, built a cabin, and commenced farming. This claim is now known as the Waller Grove farm. Mr. Smith, during his life-time, did his share towards making the county whaMt now is. He died September 9, 1849. John N. spent his boyhood days on the farm, and received his education in the schools of those days. In 1849, he commenced raising hemp, and thus continued until the war broke out in 1861. In July,

1 86 1, he joined what was known as the Buchanan Rangers, and was elected second lieutenant. He went South with Bogard's battalion, and took part in the battle of Lexington. Returned home, and remained there until October, 1863, when he joined the home militia on the 21st of November. Was elected captain of Company H, Twenty-first Regiment Enrolled Missouri militia, and was put on duty at the Block House, on the Platte River, there remaining until May, 1864, when the company were relieved and sent home They were again called into service in July, and were disbanded in November, 1864. In the fall of 1865, he took a trip across the plains as "wagon boss," and returned that winter. Since that tim^e he has given his attention to agricultural pursuits. Owns a fine farm of lOO' acres, well stocked, and a good vineyard. Filled the position of road overseer for five years and school director three terms, and is noted for always being on the jury. Captain S. was married October 23, 1851, to Miss Elizabeth Hamner, a native of Indiana, born February 5, 1834. They have had eight children, five of whom are living - James N., William- T., Jefferson D., Alexander S. and Charles G.

Captain John R. Snyder

farmer and stock raiser, section 27, postofifice Agency, was born January 2, 1 841, in Tremont Township, Buchanan County, and was reared at his birthplace, spending his boyhood days on the farm and receiving his preparatory education in the schools of this vicinity. He then attended Pleasant Ridge College, Platte County, for two years. He is an excellent carpenter and erects all his own buildings. During the late war he assisted in organizing the Enrolled Missouri Militia, and was elected captain of Company B, Twenty-fifth Regiment. At this time he was almost a mere boy, but notwithstanding he held the position of captain in three different organizations. Since the war he has given his attention to farming. The home farm contains 205 acres of well improved land; also owns 300 acres in section 35. He moved to Hiawatha, Kansas, in August, 1878, and remained there three years, for the purpose of educating his children, and also for the benefit of his health. Then returned to this city. He has always taken a great interest in educational matters, and has filled the position of school director for ten years, and has also been road overseer several terms. Was married, September 24, 1863, to Miss Mary E. Ridge. She was born September 24, 1842, in Indiana, but was reared principally in this county. They have three children: Annie E., Jessie W. and James. R. Mrs. S. is a member of the Baptist Church.

farmer and stock raiser, section 27, postoffice Agency, was born August 7, 1830, and was brought to this state in 1839. They first settled in

Nodaway County, and came from there to this county in 1840. H, K. has made this his home since, having been engaged in farming. He has assisted in improving several farms in this vicinity, and now owns 415 acres of land, which is well improved, containing a handsome residence- He has never been an office seeker but has always given his attention to his legitimate business. During the late war he espoused the Union cause, and served nine months in the provisional militia and held the position of sergeant. The exposure and bad weather injured his health. Mr. S. has filled the positions of school director and road overseer several terms. Was married, February 23, i860, to Miss Martha A. Miller. a native of Kentucky. They have had six children: Oliver M., Mary M., Charles E., Martha A., Emma W. and Eliza E. Himself, wife, and three of the children are members of the Baptist Church.

Edward M. Trotter

section 21, postoffice Frazer, was born in Guilford County, North Carolina, September 9, 1812. His father was a soldier of the war of 1812. He was raised within seven miles of Greensboro, North Carolina, and at the age of nineteen began to learn the trade of carriage making, at Jamestown, in his native county. He was married January 5, 183S, to Miss Nancy Johnson, a native of Randolph County, North Carolina. She was born in 18 17. He emigrated to Missouri in 1839, settling first in Caldwell County, whence he moved to Clinton County, and, in 1841, to Buchanan County. He entered eighty acres of land, under the ^tate right, on Platte River, in Tremont Township. He then possessed but slender means. Working hard at farming, he, occasionally, as a matter of accommodation, repaired wagons for his neighbors. He also farmed 'two years on Casteel Creek. In 1858, he purchased the 200 acre farm on which he now lives. Originally an old line Whig, on the demise of his party, he joined the Republican ranks. On landing in Missouri, his entire cash capital amounted to but fifteen dollars. His subsequent means were acquired by his own personal efforts. Mr. Trotter and wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They have raised five orphan children.

John Walkinshaw

farmer and stock raiser, section 2, postoffice Garrettsburg, was born April 20, 1837, in Fifeshire County, Scotland. His parents were natives of that country and came to the United States when John was about four years of age. Landed at New York city and came west and located in Washington, Calhoun County, Missouri. His father became one of the leading men of that county ; represented his district in the Legis- lature and held the position of county supervisor some thirteen years. John spent his boyhood days on the farm and there received his education. He has made farming his occupation through life. He came to Buchanan County in the spring of 1863 and settled on his present farm. In the spring of 1865 he commenced fr.eighting from St. Joseph to Denver, which he continued for two years. Then again turned his attention to farming. Mr. W. owns eighty acres of land. He was married March 14, 1881, to Miss Mary Rose, a native of Clinton County, Missouri. She was born June 27, 1846, and now belongs to the Baptist Church.

minister of the Gospel, Agency, was born in Franklin County, Missouri, July 9, i8?2, and moved to Gasconade County, in 1836. His father dying in the fall of 1837, he lived with his brother in Cooper County for three years. He was married June 13, 1839, to Martha Swearinge, who was born September 10, 1839. They had ten children, seven boys and three girls, George W. S., born April 5, 1840 ; William C. H., born January 13, 1842 ; James S. J., born January 25, 1843 ; John W. H., born October 22, 1845, died September 12, 1852 ; Mary N. E., born September 3, 1848 ; I. T., born June 25, 1850 ; E. W., born August 25, 1853 i N. R., born September 6, 1855 ;, Martha B., born April 4, 1857, ^^^ Sarah F. C, born January 13, 1865. Mr. Williams had two sons in the Confederate and one in the Federal armies. George and William were under Colonel Gates. His son-in-law was also a member of a Confederate company, and was stationed at Fort Leavenworth. Our subject moved to his farm from St. Joseph in 188 1. It is on section 27, and contains 125 acres. I. T. Williams, Jr., was born in Platte County, Missouri. He was married February 2, 1875, to Anna Rockwell, a native of Clinton " County, born November 16, 1858. They had two children, Christopher, born November i, 1875, and Anna, born October 21, 1878. Mrs. W. died November 15, 1878. Isaiah, Jr., was examined by the Presbytery,, consisting of five regularly ordained ministers of the Baptist denominations, and after a satisfactory examination was set apart to the gospel ministry June 18, 1879.

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; 559 words in this source stream.

Tremont Township

Davis, who located in tlie spring of 1837 at the edge of Rock House Prairie. The late R. T. Davis is said to have been the first white child born in the county. The following are mentioned as having located prior to 1840: Ambros McDaniel, George Jeffers, Harold Miller. Robert Irwin, Samuel D. Gilmore, Stephen Bedford, Daniel McCreary, Jacob Schultz, Henry Jones, Creed Herring, M. D. Finch and William P. Mudgett, who was the first postmaster in the township.

Rock House Prairie, in the southern part of this township, was so named from the following circumstances : While the Indians still occupied the county, the route traveled between Clay County and the Indian agency, near Agency Ford, after crossing the Platte River, led over the prairie. On a rocky point of ground, near the residence of Ransom Ridge, the Indians had erected a huge pile of stones, shaped as much as possible in the form of a house. This was known as the Rock House. It stood directly on the road traveled from Agency Ford to Liberty, Clay County, and attracted the attention of those who traversed that region, and from this fact, at an early date, the prairie came to be called the Rock House Prairie.

Tremont is the extreme eastern center of the tier of townships, and is bounded by Platte, Agency and Marion. Its population is about 1,300. There are two voting precincts - Garretsburg and Frazer - both of which liave postoffices. Garretsburg is on a wagon road from St. Joseph, and there is a general store. Frazer is a station on the Lexington branch of the Santa F^e railroad, and also has a general store.

This township forms the northeastern portion of the county. It is separated from Washington township by the Platte River and bounded on the south by Tremont.

Calvin James, of barbecue fame, was one of the first settlers of Marion, locating near the present town of Easton in 1837. Benjamin Cornelius, Peter Boyer, James Blakely, Thomas McGowan, Jesse Clark and Barnes Clark came in 1837 and 1838; Caleb Hasenmeyer and the Markers came in 1838 ; Nicholas Roberts, James Roberts, James McCorkle, 1838; Jacob Kessler, Jacob Wiedmayer, John Wunderlich. Wolfgang Beck. John Slaybaugh. David Davis. Dr. John Minor. John Davis. Isaac Gibson. William P. Shortridge. Augustus and James Wiley. 1840 and 1844.

Easton. which is one of the three incorporated towns of the county, is located about 12 miles from St. Joseph, on the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad. The town was platted in 1854 by E. Don McCrary. who owned 400 acres of land and who had for some time been operating a general store. The present population is about 400, and there is a mill, several general stores, drug store. Catholic and Protestant churches, bank, school and other conveniences.

San Antonio is an old trading" point near the central portion of the township. There is a general store and church, and tliere was formerly-a post office.

New Hirlingen is the trading point of a thriving German community, located in the northeastern portion of the township. There is a general store, post office and Catholic Church.

Platte River and Stockbridge are points on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway, the latter being a post office. Clair is at the Platte River crossing of the St. Joseph & Des