Washington Township

Washington Township

Washington township embraces the most northwestern portion of the county, and contains twent^'-five full and eleven fractional sections, all the sections on the north and west of the county being fractional. It is rolling prairie and one of the fairest portions of the county. The first settler was James Runion, ^nd the second who followed was Andrew Howerton, who located on section 2, as early as 1839. In 1844, Thomas McKinney located on section 2 also, as did George Carson in 1846. Payton Lane came about 1845 or '46, and located on either section 1 or 11. He with two sons were taken into custody and marched about a half a mile from their home in April, 1863, by a squad of guerrillas, supposed to be Todd's or Quantrell's men, and at midnight were shot to death, the guerrillas stripping the bodies and taking the clothing. The Lane boys were, or were supposed to have been in the federal service, and one of them at least had returned to enlist men for the government. Be this as it may, it was a cold-blooded murder, fit for assassins of the stripe such as the infamous Quantrell proved himself to be.

During the year 1817 James and Abe Runion settled on section 12. John R. Davis came about 1856, locating 160 acres on section 10, and paying 12i^ cents per acre. He left at the beginning of the war. David Johnson,

The first religious services was held at the house of Jonathan Bowers on section 10 in the spring of 1865, by Jas. Chamberlain of the M. E. Church.

The first school taught and the first school house built was on section 2, ^ log school house, W. H. Anderson, teacher, who received 5 cents a day from each pupil. The log house of that day has given place to a neat lr<tme building that cost about $1,850. The Lane family, as far as known did the first weaving in Washington Township.

The township although about the last in the county to fill up, keeps pace with the older portions of the county, and being filled up with eastern people generally, they exercise such energy and- thrift; that it would not hurt other portions of the county to follow.

It is related of James Runyon, now a resident of Leslie township, that in his early days, being a great hunter, he accepted a wager offered by an Indian known as " Cherokee hunter." The wager was a buckskin for the winner. They were to bring in the tips of the Deers* tongues to show how many each killed. They went out next day, and returning in the evening, the indian had three and Mr. Runyon six tips as their prowess for the day. The Indian thinking something was not right, insisted on the trial taking place again the following day, which was done, Runyon bringing home seven and the indian only four, " Ugh," says the Cherokee hiuiter, " Mucky man beat Cherokee, me no hunt agin mucky man no more." In 1844 eight sportsmen came from Lexington, with their double barrelled guns and fine paraphernalia, hounds included. They turned up their noses at the old rifle of Runyon, telling him it was of no account. A three days hunt was agreed to by the parties, Runyon and his old rifle on one side and the eight hunters, hounds and double barrelled guns on the other. At the end of the third day the eight came in with four deer, while Runyon brought in fourteen.

G. B. Bothwell and Richard Lee on section 33, have the largest sheep ranch in the county. They have 1650 head in pasture, and Mr. Lee has 1200 head of his own a total of 2850; not including lambs. They are mostly Merinos, and shear on an average about 8 pounds perhead, or an aggregate of 22800 pounds at each shearing. They sell mostly at Carrollton and get 25 cts. per pound for their wool, realizing annually about $6000 from shearing; the present year Mr. Lee sheared from one sheep alone 18 lbs. of wool. They have a range of 860 acres of wild pasture for the flock, and by keeping them in bands of 200 to 300, and by close attention, prevent a spread of scab or foot rot.

Oil Springs

On the west half of the south-east of section twenty are two oil or tar springs abont twenty rods apart. A thick coat of coal-tar accumulates on the surface of the water, having the appearance and smell, and burns like the oil from the Pennsylvania refineries. Almost at any time a gallon or more of this crude oil can be gathered from the surface. In the past the early settlers used it for lubricating purposes, finding it equal if not superior to the prepared article. The greatest flow is in the spring of the year when the water is high, the crude oil often running quite a distance down the ravine. The water in these springs is clean and has a sweet taste, and should a through analysis be had, the fact would no doubt be established that they possess valuable medical properties.

Plymouth

The town of Plymouth is located in the south-west corner of section three, just one mile south of the line between Carroll and Livingston counties, and was founded by Jas. Fash, platted and placed on record on the 2d day of August 1881. It embraces three blocks sub-divided into twenty-six lots. It has been a post-office for several years, but until recently, had no intention to become a town. It can be made a good trading point, lying as it does in the most beautiful and one of the most fertile regions in the county. This being the only town in the Township, the citizens naturally will take pride in its prosperity and success, and lend their aid in improving and building it up.

In the fall of 1880, Geo. Vaughn opened a stock of goods, and immediately after, others located and opened different branches of goods, and the town has become a living fact.

Plymouth M. E. Church. - The name of Plymouth Church was adopted at the organization of the church in the spring of 1865, and held their service in a frame house, located on the northwest corner of section fourteen, and built in 1866. The first and original members were Jonathan and Mary Bowers, James T. Shull, Dema Shull, and Henry and R. J. Rairdon The congregation grew rapidly, and in 1874 a larger and more commod- ious house was built, being of frame, convenient and very tasty, at a cost of $2,200. The new house was formally dedicated in Februar}^ 1876, in the presence of a large and attentive audience, Kev. W. J. Martindale, presiding elder, officiating. The eloquence of the young elder made the services very solemn and impressive, and the wrapt attention of the audience was an evidence of their appreciation. From the little band of half ^ dozen congregated in 1865, grew a congregation of one hundred and fifty. In 1871 Rev. M. Bratton held a very interesting revival, and eightyone additions were made to the church, nearly all being new conversions. A sabbath school of over one hundred members meets every Sabbath.

United Brethren in Christ. - This denomination was organized by Rev. John Estep in 1872. They meet in a school house located on section 26, and the original members were A. Herrington and, L. E. B. Welch, and S. R. Smith and wife. Their first meetings were held in the school house in section 10, having no chuch building of their own.

In February, 1881, at a protracted meeting, nine accessions were made to the church, and at the present writing they have a membership of thirty-seven.

The pastors officiating thus far are Revs. John Estep, Joel Bradage, Edward Carpenter, B. W. Bowman, J. T. Olaman. A. W. Geeslin, and L. Fisher, present pastor.

Welch Congregational. - This branch of denominational Christians was organized July 6, 1880, and their house of worship, a neat frame structure costing $500, and located in the northeast corner of section 17, was built in February, 1881. The original members were Thos. Price and wife, Wm. Lewis and wife, E. P. Davis and wife, Thos. Howells and wife, Wm. Pugh, Mrs. M. Morgan, Robert Peters and wife, D. W, Williams and wife and Mrs. G. Griffiths. Their first communion was administered June 19, 1881, by their present pastor Rev. M. Davis, and they^ hold a membership of twenty'-five.

Welch Calvinistic Methodist. - The organization of the Welch Calvinistic Methodist church was effected in May 1872, and a frame church building was erected the following year on section three, costing about $600. In August, 1876, it was dedicated by Rev. R. W. Hughes.

The organizers were John O. Roberts, David Hughes, Ellen Roberts, David O. Hughes and Catharine Hughes. The land on which the church is located was donated by^ John W. Davis, as w.as.also one acre for a bury* ing ground.

The following pastors have been located in this portion of God's moral vineyard since the organization of the church: Rev. P. W. Hughes, Rev. R. T. Evans and Rev. Hugh H. Hughes the present pastor.

Samts was organized the 9th day of March, 1873. The original members were Emsly Curtis and wife, John Ellis and wife, and James Kessinger and wife. Having as yet no church building, the congregation meets at the homes of the members. Emsly Curtis has officiated as pastor since the organization of the church. He came to this county from Illinois in the fall of 1871, and united with the church the following year. The present membership of this branch of the church, is about twenty. A branch of the church is held at White Rock, and Rev. Martin Trotter is pastor of the branch at Carrollton.

We are indebted to Rev. Mr. Curtis for the above sketch of the church, and at his request give the following epitome of the faith and doctrines of the re-organized church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints:

We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all men may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinences of the gospel. 1 Cor. 15:3; 2 'Tim. 1:10; Romans 8:1-6.

6th - We believe in the doctrine of eternal judgment, which provides that men shall be judged, rewarded, or punished, according to the degree of good, or evil, tht^ shall have done. Rev. 20:12; Ecc. 3:17; Matt. 16:27;

. We believe th.it a man must be called of God, and ordained by the laying on of hands of those who are in authority, to entitle him to preach the Gospel, and administer in the ordinances thereof. Heb. 5: 1, 5, 6, 8; Acts ^ = 21,25; 14:23; Eph. 4: 11; John 15:16.

We believe in the same kind of organization that existed in the primi* tive church, viz: Apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc. 1 Cor. 12:28; Matt. 10:1; Acts 6:4; Eph. 4:11, 2:20; Titus 1:5.

We believe that in the Bible is contained the word of God, so far as it is translated correctly. We believe that the canon of scripture is not full, but that God, by His Spirit, will continue to reveal His word to man until the end of time. Job 32:8; Hebrews 13:8; Prov. 29:18; Amos 3:7; Jeremiah 23:4, 31:31 34,33:6; Psalms, 85:10 11; Luke 17:26; Rev. 14:6 7, 19:10.

We believe in the powers and gifts of the everlasting gospel, viz: The gift of faith, discerning of spirits, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, tongues, and the interpretations of tongues, wisdom, charity, brotherly love, etc. 1 Cor. 12:1-11, 14:26; John, 14:24; Acts 2:3; Matt. 28:19 20; Mark 16:16.

We believe that marriage is ordained of God, and that the law of God provides for but one companion in wedlock, for either man or woman - except in cases where the contract of marriage is broken by death or transgression. Gen. 2:18 21-24, 7:1 7 13; Prov. 5:15-21; Mai. 2:14 15; Matt. 19:4-6; 1 Cor. 7:2; Heb. 13:4.

We believe that the doctrines of a plurality and a community of wives are heresies, and are opposed to the law of God. Gen. 4:19 23 24, 7:9, 22:2; in connection, Galatians fourth and fifth chapters; Gen. 21:8-10; Mai. 2:14 15; Matt. 19:3-9.

We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where or what they may.

Jonathan Bowers

born August 16th, 1816, in Shenandoah county. West Virginia. Son of Philip Bowers, a farmer of German descent. In 1831, Mr. Bowers moved in company with his parents to Clark county, Ohio, where his father died. When 18 years old he commenced learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed for sixteen years. He was afterwards engaged in the mercantile and merchant milling business. In 1862, he removed to Sangamon county, Illinois, and there engaged in farming. In 1864 he removed to Carroll county. Mo., locating in Washington township, on section 10. He owns 480 acres of land in Carroll and Livingston counties. Mr. Bowers is an active and energetic citizen, engaged largely in farming and dealing in wool and live stock. He was married November 22, 1838, to Miss Mary Norris. They have one child living, Chas. W. Bowers, who is in partnership, and joint owner in lands, stock, etc.

James Fash

bom Sept. 26th, 1838 in Peoria county Illinois, where he grew to manhood. In 1862 he moved to Cedar county, Iowa, where he remained 5 years engaged in farming. In 1867 he moved to Livingston county, Missouri, and after farming there for four years, he settled in Carroll county. He was married Jan. 5th, 1859 to Rebecca J. Miller of Ottawa, 111. They are the parents of nine children, Anna E., Frederick J., Franklin J., Joseph G., Samuel H., Milroy D., Harlow J., Edith C., and Eathel R. Mr. Fash is post master at Plymouth and owns a pleasantly located farm, which is well improved.

Lyman Ford

born Dec. 31st, 1817 in Washington county. New York, and remained in the county of his birth until he was 35 years old, being engaged in farming and rafting on the Hudson river. He also boated from Canada to New York city via Lake Champlain, the Lake Champlain canal and Hudson river. In 1852 he moved to DeKalb county, Illinois, and was engaged in farming for ten years in Illinois, and the following four years he lived in Boone count3', Iowa. He came to Carroll county, Missouri, and located on section 29 Washington township in 1866. Mr. Ford was married Jan. 12th, 1839, to Miss Adelia Vanderwarker of Washington county. New York. They have five children living. Electa, Washington J., James F., Edgar and Amy. Mrs. Ford is a member of the M. E. church, and Mr. Ford is a member of the Masonic Fraternity.

Georgia A. Green

born September 27th, 1851, in Carroll county, Missouri. Daughter of W. H. Graham, a resident of Lewisville, Texas. In 1871 she went in company with her father to Texas, and lived there until the 25th day of Feb. 1874, on which day she married Seth M. Green and then returned to Carroll county. Seth M. Green was born in Keokuk, Iowa, Aug. 10th 1851. He received his earl}^ education in Livingston county, Missouri, and completed his education at the Missouri State University in 1871. In 1872 Mr. Green studied law jn the office of James M. Davis afUtica, Mo. He was admitted to the bar in 1873, and was afterwards a partner with James T. Anderson at Breckenridge. In 1873 he went to Texas and taught school. In 1874 after spending the summer in Carroll county, Missouri, he and his wife taught school at the Donald Academy in Texas. In 1875 he began farming and in 1877 he returned to Missouri and has been engaged in the practice of law since his return. He is at present located at Dawn, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Green are the parents of one child living, Albert M. - born September 17th, 1835 in Pembrookshire, Wales; lived there until ten 3'ears of age, when he went to Glamorganshire and worked in the machine shop for seven years and learned the blacksmith trade. In 1854 came to America and located in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania and followed mining for eight years in the anthracite coal mines. In 1862 he went to Ohio and was engaged in mining, opening mines, erecting mining machinery &c., in the counties of Trumbull and Hubbard bntil 1871, when he moved to Carroll county, Missouri, and commenced the pursuit of farming, which he has since followed. In September 1859 he married Miss

Mary W. Davis of Minersville, Pennsylvania. They are the parents of seven children, John D., Mary A., Nellie A., Ellen G., David H., Thomas H. and Albert A. Mr. John is an Odd Fellow of Plymouth Lodge No. 406.

Thomas J. Jones

born March 24, 1824r, in South Wales; lived there on a farm until 1840, when he came to America and settled in Portage county, Ohio. Here he remained three years, and then moved to Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, and was engaged in running a blast furnace and rolling mill. He worked, at this for four years, and then moved to Iowa county, Wisconsin, and engaged in farming for twenty years. His next point of settlement was Carroll county, Missouri. He purchased 160 acres in section 1.3, of Washington township, and has since added to his tract until he has 600 acres of fine land, with fine improvements on it. He was married in January, 1847, to Miss Ann Griftas, of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, a native of Wales. They are the parents of eight children, living: Ann, William, Daniel, Lydia, Diana, Manuel, David and Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are members of the Baptist church.

Ansel Lesley

born December 6, 1837, in Boone county, Indiana. When four years old he moved with his fathjer to Gallia county, Ohio, and remained in that county until he became of age. He was married March 7, 1860, to Miss Josephine James, of Gallia county. Two years after his marriage he moved to Winona county, Minnesota, and remained five years, following the pursuit of farming. His next move was to Carroll county, Missouri, in 1867, where he has since made his home. His wife died June 2d, 1872, leaving four children: Jacob J., Mary E. William E. and Ross S. Mr. Lesle}' was again married July 23, 1874, to Miss Henrietta L. Snyder, daughter of David D. Snyder, of Livingston county. They are the parents of two children: David A.andJHarriet E. Mr. Lesley's father, James Lesley, came to Carroll county in 1867, and was a local Methodist preacher. He died June 24, 1881. Politically, Mr. Lesley is a republican. He and his wife are both members of the Methodist church.

Augustus A. Lesley

born October 16, 1839, in Boone county, Indiana. When but two years old he moved with his father to Gallia county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. In 1860 he returned to Boone county, Indiana, and remained two years. He then moved to Winona county, Minnesota, and in 1867 he removed to Carroll county, Missouri, and located on section three, of Washington township. Before selecting Missouri Mr. Lesley traveled over a good many states. He was married September 12, 186], to Miss Fannie Kern, daughter of H. B. Kern, a native of Boone county, Indiana. They are the parents of five children; Ansel B., Minta A.,Cyrus C., Chloe A. and Mattie M. Three dead. Mr. and Mrs, Lesley are both members of the M. E. church. Mr. Lesley is a man who takes great delight in improving his house and having things comfortable around him.

Henry Lever

born November 7, 1822, in Wiltshire, Engiand. From seven to tv.'entyfive years of age he was engaged in England as shepherd on the Southdowns. He afterwards was employed as drayman in London. In 1856 he crossed the Atlantic, and settled at first near Toronto, Canada, and in 1860 he moved to Waverly, Bremer county, Iowa. He enlisted in Company C., of the 10th Iowa Infantrj^ under Sherman's epmmand, and was with Rosecrans part of the time. He was engaged in the battle of Island No. 10, luka, Corinth, Vicksburg. At the seige of Vicksburg he was transferred to the invalid corps, and served the remainder of his time in the Jefferson Barracks, near St. Louis. After receiving his discharge he returned to Iowa, and after one year's time he moved to Miami county, Ohio, and farmed for three years. From Ohio he moved to Carroll county, Missouri, and located in Washington township. He was married January 8, 1865, to Miss Caroline F. Crosby, of Toledo, Iowa. They are the parents of four children: Robert E., Charles H., George H. and Julia M.

born June 28, 1835, in Adair county, Kentucky, where he was raised on a fai m. He came to Carroll county, Missouri, in April, 1855, and worked on a farm in Missouri river bottom for a year or two. In 1858 he started for Pike's Peak, but hearing discouraging news on the way, he returned without completing the trip. On the 28th of January, 1859, Mr. McCain was married to Miss Sarah A. Shirley, of Carroll county. He followed farming until 1862, when he enlisted in the army. His war record is mentioned in the soldier's record of this book. After his return home, in in 1865, he bought sixty acres of land, in Fairfield township, and has been farming in the northwestern part of Carroll county ever since. His home is at present located in section twenty-five, of Washington township. His marriage has been blessed with six children, living: Nannie F., Martha E., Ida B., Benjamin F., Wade H., and Lucy. Mr. McCain is a member of the United Brethren Church.

Wi1.Liam A. Oliver

born May 14, 1852, in Schuyler county, Illinois, where he remained until nine years old, at which time he moved to Adair county, Missouri, and spent seven years of his life. In 1868 he returned to Illinois, and two years after came back to Adair county, and was engaged in farming. In 1872 he moved to Carroll county, in company with his father, Josiah Oliver, and located at DeWitt. William attended school at Avalon College for three years, and read medicine for one year. His eyes failing him, he was obliged to discontinue his studies, so he engaged in the mercantile business at Avalon. In the spring of 1881 he. moved to Plymouth, and engaged in the merchandising business with Charles E. Wells. They keep a complete stock of every variety of goods and are doing a thriving business. Mr. Oliver was married, October 9, 1879, to Miss Mollie Rodgers, daughter of Dr. J. W. Rodgers, of Carroll county. They have one child, whose name is Daisy.

Alphonzo T. Parks

born December 22, 1849, in Payson, Adams county, Illinois, where he grew to manhood, on his father's, O. S. Parks', farm. In 1869 he came to Carroll county with his father, and settled on section thirteen, of Washington township, which has since been the home of the Parks family. Alphonzo T. was married, December 25, 1875, to Miss Sarah C. Homsher, of Illinois. In 1877 he moved to Lucas county, Iowa, but remained only one year, and returned to Ray county, Missouri, where he made his home until the spring of 1881, when he purchased and located on eighty acres in section fourteen of Washington township in Carroll county. His marriage has been blessed with one child, Eva E.

David D. Rayner

born August 11, 1854, in Miami county, Ohio. Is of English descent. When five years old he, in company with his father, moved to Cedar county, Iowa, and lived there on the farm for eight years. In 1 867 he came to Carroll county, and located on section seven of Washington township. Mr. Rayner has his farm well improved. The irhprovements consist of a good farm-house, a fine orchard, and hedge fences. He was married, November 22, 1876, to Miss Maud Johnson, daughter of Jacob Johnson, of Carroll county. They have two children, Minnie E. and Mary B.

Jonathan Rea

was born December 3, 1842, in Logan county, Ohio, and was raised on his father's farm until ninteen years of age, when he enlisted in company cc

B, 20th Ohio regiment, September 8, 1861. In the army of Tennessee under Gen. Grant, and engaged in the battles at Ft. Donaldson, Shiloh, Vicksburg, Champion Hill and went on Sherman's raid into Mississippi. In February, 1864, returned honrie on furlough and remained thirty days, and then joined his regiment at Camp Dennison and engaged in the battle of Kennesaw rhountain, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. He was wounded in the head at Raymond, Mississippi, and received his discharge Juh' 15, 1865, at Columbus, Ohio. He returned to his home and was married on the 26th day of April, 1866, to Miss Christena Loffer, of Pickaway county, Ohio. In 1871 he removed to Carroll county, Missouri, and located in section 35, of Washington township. He at first bought 160 acres, but has increased his farm to 440 acres. His farm is well improved and he pa3'S considerable attention to stock raising. Mr. Rea has seven children living: Nellie G., Lyman C., Henry T., Susan A., Reuben, Bessie P. and James E. Mr. and Mrs. Rea are members of the United Brethren church.

John O. Roberts

was born in April, 1832, in Wales, where he remained until seventeen years old, attending school. In 1849 he embarked for America, and located in Waukesha county, Wisconsin, and worked on a farm for one year. The following eight years of his life were spent in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin on the farm. In 1858 he went to Cleveland, Ohio, and was married to Miss Elenor Williams. After their marriage they settled on a farm he had previously purchased in Wisconsin, and the^' lived there for eleven years. In 1869 he moved to Carroll county and settled on section 16, in Washington township. His first purchase of land in Carroll county was but eighty acres, but he since purchased 413 acres, and has his farm well improved, He has seven children living: Owen M., John W., C. P., Elizabeth M., Robert P., Jane M. and Wm. M. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are both members of the Welsh Calvenistic church.

Albert J. Snider

was born September 22, 1853 in Marshall county, Illinois. He was raised on a farm and lived in the county of his birth until fifteen years old, when he moved to Livingston count}^, Missouri, and was engaged in farming there until 1877, when he commenced learning the blacksmith trade in Washington township, Carroll county. He has since that time worked at his trade and is at present in partnership with his brother in Plymouth. Mr. Snider was married February 21, 1876, to Miss Hattie V. Brown, a native of Ohio. They have one child living: Oscar F. - Mr. Snider is a member of the Odd Fellows, Plymouth Lodge, No. 406, and is at present an officer in the lodge.

was born March 2, 1846, in Livingston county, Missouri. Was raised on the farm until 1864, when he went into the grocery and hardware business, in partnership with John Parsons, in Utica. In 1872 he was engaged in the merchandising business in Richmond. Was there one year and then returned to Utica, and engaged in the drug business, with a Mr. Tracy. He finally located, in 1879, in Plymouth in the drug business. Mr. Stone was married October 20, 1875, to Miss Addie Austin, daughter of Andrew J. Austin, of Chillicothe, Missouri. They are the parents of two children: Lawrence G. and Andrew J. Mrs. Stone's father, Andrew J. Austin, was colonel in the confederate army. He was taken prisoner at Springfield and brutally murdered. Mr. and Mrs. Stone are members of the Baptist church.