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Clair County MO Homepage
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St. Clair County Missouri Biographies
SECTION C
CALMES, Paul E.
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1104
--- PAUL E. CALMES, M.D., was born in Clark County, Kentucky, May 7, 1841. His
father, John W. Calmes, a native of Woodford County, Kentucky, married Miss Ann
Evans, originally of Clark County. They reared five children, Paul E. being the
oldest. When he was sixteen years old the family moved to Lexington, Missouri,
and in the fall of 1859 he began the study of medicine with Dr. Alexander of
that city. This he continued until the spring of 1861, when he enlisted in
Captain Wilson's company of Missouri State Guard. He served until the disbandment
of the company, and then he returned to Lexington and resumed his studies under
Dr. William Ruffin until the fall of 1864, when he went south as a soldier
under General Price. In the winters of 1866-7 and 1867-8 he attended lectures
at Louisville, and was graduated in the latter year. After practicing in
Jackson, Lafayette and Bates Counties until December, 1869, he came to Appleton
City, where he has since been a prominent and successful practitioner. Dr.
Calmes was married October 24, 1872, to Miss Fannie Churchill, of Kentucky. He
is a member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity. The doctor attended the Louisville
Medical College during terms of 1877-8, and received a diploma from this
institution in the spring of 1878.
CAMPBELL,
Thomas
source: 1883 History of
St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1128
--- THOMAS CAMPBELL, farmer and stock raiser, section 19, was born in Blount
County, Tennessee, April 18, 1811. William Campbell, his father, was a
Virginian by birth, while his mother, formerly Margaret Biddell, was born in
Tennessee. William Campbell early removed to Tennessee with his parents and was
one of the first settlers of Blount County. Thomas passed his youth on a farm,
receiving his education at the subscription schools. He was married in
Humphreys County May 10, 1832, to Miss Frances Prince, of that county, and who
was born July 17, 1813. She is a daughter of William Prince, Esq., a pioneer
settler of Humphreys County. They have nine children. Eliza, (wife of Harvey
Douglas), Isabelle, (wife of Bevley Hall), Minerva, (wife of James Moore),
Caroline, (wife of John Horner), Margaret, (wife of J. M. DeHart), Cornelia,
(wife of Joseph Hodgins), Albert and Mary, (wife of William Yonce). Mr.
Campbell removed to Illinois in 1837 and located in Pike County. In the spring
of 1855 he settled in Adair County, Missouri, where he resided eight years,
going thence, in 1863, to Davis County, Iowa, where he lived six years. In 1869
he returned to Missouri and located where he now resides. He has 120 acres of
land, with eighty acres in cultivation and improved. He is a Mason.
CARR, James R.
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1167
--- JAMES R. CARR, a prominent young farmer of this township, was born in
Monroe County, Illinois, in 1857. His parents, Jonathan and Maria (Parker)
Carr, were both natives of Illinois, the former having been born in 1833. They
were married in 1854. James R. remained at home until 1874, when he came to
Missouri and commenced work as a farm hand. In 1877 he was married to Miss
Harriet Renfro, daughter of Markis Renfro, of Dallas Township. They have two
bright children, Bertie and William K.
CARROLL, Jacob
W.
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1212
--- JACOB W. CARROLL, the owner of a farm consisting of 200 acres, located in
section 19, is a native of Tennessee, and was born in Roane County, March 6,
1844. When he was about ten years of age he came to St. Clair County, Missouri,
where he has since resided. In 1862 he enlisted in Company I, Seventh Missouri
Infantry, of the Confederate service, and remained in active service until the
close of the war. January 16, 1873, Mr. Carroll married Miss Lizzie Ellis, a
Kentuckian by birth. They have one child, Myrtie J.
CARROLL, John
W.
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1129
--- JOHN W. CARROLL, section 30, originally from Roane County, Tennessee, was
born December 9, 1845, being a son of Alfred and Barshaba (Miller) Carroll, natives
of South Carolina. In 1859 the family removed to Missouri and settled in St.
Clair County. John W., the fourth son of a family of nine children, grew to
maturity in this county upon a farm. He was married December 9, 1872, to Mrs.
Tamar Richey, a widow of James Richey and a daughter of Thomas Coulthard. She
emigrated to the United States with her parents in 1829 and settled in
Virginia, where she was married the following year to Mr. Richey, who came to
Missouri in 1838 or 1840. Mrs. Carroll has one daughter by her former marriage,
Mrs. Hannah Slaws, widow of John F. Slaws. Mr. C. owns 1,200 acres of land,
with 916 acres in his home farm under cultivation. He feeds quite a number of
cattle and hogs annually. He belongs to both the A. F. & A. M. and I. O. O.
F. fraternities and is a member of the Presbyterian Church, while his wife is
connected with the M. E. Church, South.
CARROLL, Z. T.
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1212
--- Z. T. CARROLL, farmer, section 36, was born in Roane County, Tennessee,
March 16, 1849. He came to St. Clair County, Missouri, with his parents when
but a child, and has since continued to make his home here. He now owns a farm
of 100 acres. Mr. Carroll married August 25, 1870, Miss Mary J., a daughter of
J. M. Hoover, and a native of Missouri. They have four children: Samantha Lee,
Willard Gillmore, Georgia Ann and Dora Miller.
CARVER, John T.
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1167
--- JOHN T. CARVER was born in Carter County, Kentucky, on November 4, 1830,
his parents being Morgan and Harriet Carver, nee Pierce. The former was born in
Albermarle County, Virginia, in 1755, and was a farmer by occupation. Shortly
after his marriage he emigrated to Kentucky in 1828, and in 1863 died in Carter
County at the advanced age of 108 years. John T. was the fourth child of a
family of fourteen. In 1860 he was united in marriage with Miss Ameseta Peters,
of Virginia birth. Just previous to the late civil war he came to this county,
and during that conflict, on account of his party principles, which were
Democratic, he was twice threatened with lynch law. Mr. and Mrs. Carver have
had sixteen children: Alice Gertrude, Fannie Belle, George, Ella, John Morgan,
Emma Dora, William Worth, James T., Emma Sarah, Charles Edward, Laura
Elizabeth, Harry, Sylva, Thomas F., Joseph D. and Ameseta. Two of these died
while young. Mr. C. is a member of the United Brethren Church, of Mt. Carmel.
He owns 168 acres of land on King's Prairie, and is extensively engaged in the
raising of stock.
CAUTHON,
Mitchel Y.
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1167
--- MITCHELL Y. CAUTHON was born on the 21st of December 1851, in St. Clair
County, Missouri. James Cauthon, his father, a carpenter by trade and a native
of Missouri, was born in 1824, and in 1849 married Miss Eliza Burse, of this
county and a daughter of Zach. Burse, Esq. To them were born thirteen children,
of whom Mitchell Y. was the second child. He resided on the home place until
his marriage, in 1867, to Miss Penelope Dodson, and they have had four
children: James E., William R., George M. and Izona. Politically, Mr. C. is a
staunch Republican and always has been such. He owns eighty acres of land, and
besides farming is interested in stock raising to some extent.
CAVE, Merritt
H.
source: Thomas W.
Rogers, travelback4u@aol.com
--- Merritt H. Cave, born abt 1817 in Kentucky to Reuben Cave and Charity
Haydon, married Catherine (Kitty) Rush born 1817, (Daughter of Garland Rush and
Anna L. McClain), June 21, 1835 in Monroe County, Missouri. They settled in
Butler County Missouri, raising a family there, Gabriel, Martha Ann, Susan
Frances, Josephine, Margaret, James R. Cave, and Sany E. Cave. In 1850, Merritt
H. Cave left for the California Gold Rush with a group from Boone County
Missouri. But he returned and in 1852 Merritt Henry Cave was born. In 1858
Merritt H. Cave and his wife Catherine (Rush) Cave) purchased 120 acres of
ground in St. Clair County Missouri on September 13, 1858 in the names of two
of his sons; Merrit Henry Cave and James R. Cave, and one of his daughters;
Sany E. Cave. (E1/2, NE1/4, NE1/4, SE1/4, Section 7T 36 R25). Then, again in
1859, Merit H. Cave of St. Clair Co. Missouri Deeded 120 acres Certificate
#55932 1859 Granted to Merit H. Cave of St. Clair Missouri, was granted a deed
by The United States of America #55932 November 1, 1859 Recorded General Land
Office. The East Half of the North East quarter, and the North East quarter of
the South East quarter of Section Seven in the Township Thirty Six, of Range
Twenty five in the District of Lands subject to sale at Warsaw Atipeari?,
containing One Hundred and Twenty acres. Signed and witnessed by James
Buchanan, President, Signed J. B. Leonard Secretary and Signed J. P. Granger
Recorder of General Land Office. In the 1860, Merritt H. Cave is living
independently of Catherine Rush: As found in the 1860 Census of Missouri: AVE,
M. H.; Age: 41; Born: Kentucky Location: Cooper Co., Lamine Twn.; Pg. 579/165;
Line: 13; Note: Occupation: brick layer. Note: Enumerated with W. E. STAPES (32
b. VA, occupation: miller). By 1880 Merritt H. Cave, Sr. is no longer found,
but his son Merritt Henry Cave and his daughter Josephine are living with their
sister Martha Ann (Cave) Ashworth and her husband Charles F. Ashworth in St.
Clair County Missouri as found in the 1880 Census: 1860 St. Clair Co., MO:
Charles F. Ashworth 22 (1838) b VA Speedwell Twp. Josephine Cave 13 (1847) p
974-104 Merit Cave 8 (1852). As a continuation of this: Merritt Henry Cave, Jr.
born 1852 married Jennie E. Swisher (Daughter of Absolom S. Swisher b 1831 d
1910 and Sarah E. Spicer) in Brown County Illinois on October 16, 1877. They
are then found residing in St. Clair County Missouri in the 1880 Census: 1880
Butler Co., MO: Merritt Cave, Jenny - Charles A. age 2 (1878) b IL. Charles
Absolom Cave born ca 1878, IL, first child of Merritt Henry Cave, Jr. &
Jennie (Swisher) Cave. Merritt Henry Cave, Jr. is thought to have died some in
the Mark Twain National Forrest during a Forrest Fire prior to 1900, when
Jennie E. Cave shows up residing with Absolom S. Swisher and his grandson
Martie W. Cave in the 1900 Census of Brown County Illinois. To date, we have
found no burial location for either Merritt H. Cave, Sr., or Merritt H. Cave,
Jr., or their wifes. Further Information: Information on the following
marriages to a Merrit Cave, and possible children is currently being sought
with little success. Merrit H. Cave m Mary Ann Earles 14 May 1861, St. Clair,
MO; Merrott Cave m Fannie Geary 23 Jun 1872, Pettis, MO; Merit Cave m Mary M.
Duncan 18 Mar 1874, Hickory, MO - Author: Thomas W. Rogers,
travelback4u@aol.com
CHAPEL, William
W.
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1105
--- WILLIAM W. CHAPEL, attorney at law and notary public, is a native of
Chenango County, New York, and was born September 1, 1839. He was reared in the
county of his birth, and was educated at the academy of Cincinnatus, New York.
In 1859 he attended a term of the law school of Albany, New York, and in
September, 1861, he enlisted in the late war in Company C, 157th New York
Volunteer Regiment, remaining in the service till mustered out at Charleston,
North Carolina, July 10, 1865. Returning home he was engaged in farming till
November, 1867, when he moved to Hamilton, Caldwell County, Missouri, and
embarked in the real estate business and the practice of law, being admitted to
the bar of that county in February, 1868. In March, 1882, he came to Appleton
City and has since been successfully occupied in the practice of law. Mr.
Chapel was married December 13, 1865, to Miss Alice G. Pritchard, a native of
New York. They had four children: Minnie, Mary, William and Frank. He was again
married March 4, 1875, to Miss Alice Penny, of Missouri. Mr. C. is a member of
the I. O. O. F.
CHOICE,
Franklin
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1172
--- FRANKLIN CHOICE, farmer and stock raiser, is a Virginian by birth, and was
born in 1820. His father, John Choice, who was also born in Virginia. was
married to Miss Jane Haygood in 1813, and they had five children, of whom
Franklin was the youngest. He resided with his parents until 1842, and in that
year was married to Miss Martha E. Copeland, of Cumberland County, Virginia. To
them were born eight children: William F., Mary, Laura V., Augusta M., Charles,
Mattie J., Louisa and Anna. In 1859 Mr. Choice, leaving his native state,
emigrated to Missouri and settled in St. Clair County, on the place which he
now occupies. He has eighty acres in his farm, it being very productive land,
and upon it is a good residence. He is most thorough in his transactions, and
this is the cause of his success. In politics he is a Republican. He was a
member of the militia under Captain Cook during the late war.
CLARK, Joseph
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1106
--- JOSEPH CLARK, section 24, was born November 30, 1848, in Macoupin County,
Illinois, his parents being Randall and Lucy (Gray) Clark. The former was a
native of South Carolina and the latter was a Virginian by birth. They moved to
Macoupin County, Illinois, in an early day and there reared thirteen children,
of whom Joseph was the sixth. He grew up on a farm at his birth place, and
there remained until October, 1871, when he settled in St. Clair County,
Missouri. Here he now owns a farm of 240 acres of land. Mr. Clark was married
August 9, 1871, to Miss Jane Walker, a native of Illinois. To them have been
born seven children: Edgar F., Theodore E., Bertha, Branton L., Ethel O.,
Valentine and Katie.
CLARK, William
D.
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1105
--- WILLIAM D. CLARK was born February, 18, 1844, in DuPage County, Illinois.
His father, David K. Clark came from New York when a boy, and his father built
the first frame house erected in Chicago. His mother's maiden name was Mary
Jarvis, born in Rochester, New York. William was third in a family of five
children. At the age of fourteen he went to Wausekea, Minnesota, where he
remained three years. Returning, he enlisted in February, 1862, in Company F,
Fifty-third Illinois Volunteers, and in the battle of Jackson, Mississippi,
October 5, 1863 he was wounded in the lower limb and for some time was in
hospital at Vicksburg, and afterwards in Chicago. As soon as able he was
assigned duty at Camp Douglass, where he remained till 1865, when he was
discharged. In 1867, Mr. Clark came to Missouri, and engaged in farming in St.
Clair County. In 1874 he embarked in the grocery business at Appleton City,
which he has since continued, now enjoying about the finest trade in the city.
He was married November 8, 1870, to Miss Matilda Walker, a native of Madison
County, Indiana. They have two children living: Ora M., and Ethel E. Mr. Clark
has been entrusted with some official position nearly all the time since living
in the town. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. fraternity and is connected with
the Presbyterian Church.
CLEAR, P. H.
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1180
--- P. H. CLEAR is the son of Philip Clear, who was a native of Pennsylvania,
his father, Jacob Clear, also having been born in that state. Parmelia Clapp
was the maiden name of the mother of P. H. The subject of this sketch was born
in Randolph County, Indiana, July 25, 1841. He grew to manhood in his native
county and there received the advantages of the public schools. August 9, 1862,
he enlisted in the sixty-ninth Indiana Volunteers and at the battle of Port
Gibson he received a wound which caused the amputation of one of his lower
limbs. He was discharged July 5, 1865. Returning to Indiana he followed farming
in the summer and teaching during the winter months. In 1869 he moved to Ohio,
but in 1872 retraced his steps to Indiana where he taught school until 1876. At
that time he came to St. Clair County and was occupied in teaching until 1882
when he became manager of the Lowry City Association. They carry a general
stock of goods and are doing a good business. Mr. C. owns one of the best
improved farms in this township. He is a member of the Christian Church and
also belongs to the I. O. O. F. fraternity. January 19, 1867, Mr. Clear married
Miss Sarah A. Fisher, a native of Indiana. They have seven children: Arthur B.,
George W., Luther E., Oscar, Henry D., Grace and Blanch.
CLEVELAND,
Alonzo A.
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1077
--- ALONZO A. CLEVELAND, farmer, stock raiser and dealer, section 13, was born
in Randolph County, Indiana, December 1, 1853, and was the son of Morgan H.
Cleveland, of New York, who married Miss Lucinda Brandon, of Ohio, a daughter
of John Brandon, originally from Ireland. They had nine children. Morgan
Cleveland was a merchant for thirty-five years in one town in Indiana. He went
to California in 1849, and remained long enough to acquire quite a fortune, and
on his return he bought 1,600 acres of land. He came to St. Clair County,
Missouri, in 1865, and died in 1870. Alonzo A. received a good education in
youth, and had advantages of a thorough business training in his father's
store. At the age of eighteen, he commenced teaching school, and followed it at
intervals for several years. In 1878 he started a store in Chalk Level, and
after conducting it four years, sold out and bought his present farm of 140
acres. Politically he is a very active Greenbacker, having done much in
organizing the party.
COCK, B. W.
source: 1883 History of
St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1180
--- B. W. COCK, farmer and stock raiser, section 23, is a son of Robert P.
Cock, who was born in Virginia September 26, 1814. His father was Benjamin
Cock. November 16, 1833, Robert was married to Miss Mary Pulliam, a Virginian.
B. W. was born in Hanover County, Virginia, January 16, 1837. When only two
years old his parents moved to St. Clair County, Missouri, where he grew up on
his father's farm, receiving a common school education. He has followed farming
through life, and now owns a landed estate of 520 acres. June 1, 1861, he
enlisted in the Confederate army and was captain of Company B, Sixteenth
Missouri Infantry, afterwards being promoted to major. He was in many important
battles. May 1, 1861, Mr. Cock married Miss Mary Barnett, of St. Clair County,
Missouri. They have a family of five children: Mattie, Ida, Stella, Della and
Blanche. They have lost three: Lemuel, Robert and Hugh.
COCK, Thomas A.
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1159
--- THOMAS A. COCK, section 6, was born October 5, 1846, in Warsaw, Benton
County, Missouri. His father has been twice married, first to Miss Mary
Bradley, who subsequently died, leaving thirteen children, nine of whom are
living: Elizabeth, George C., William H., Martha, Mary, John F., Susan, Francis
R. and. Thomas A. In February, 1860, Miss Sarah Effinger, of Hickory County,
became his second wife. In 1864 they removed to Osceola Township, St. Clair
County, Mr. C. here purchasing 500 acres of land, on which he remained for
about fifteen years. Selling it, he located in Clinton, where he has since
resided. His second wife is deceased and he now makes his home with his son,
William H. Thomas A. Cock was married October 25, 1876, to Miss Melissa Rice,
and they are the parents of three children: Lena, born September 23, 1877;
Paul, born November 3, 1880, and William Archie, born May 27, 1882. In 1877 Mr.
C. settled upon his present farm, where he has since devoted his attention to
agricultural pursuits and the raising of stock. His religious preferences are
with the Methodist denomination, to which church his wife belongs. In politics
he is a Democrat.
COCKRELL, H. P.
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1212
--- H. P. COCKRELL, farmer, section 12, is the son of Peter B. Cockrell, a
native of Bourbon County, Kentucky, who was married in Cooper County, Missouri,
to Miss Elizabeth Sproul, originally of Virginia. H. P. was born in Cooper
County, Missouri, May 23, 1839. About the year 1847 he came to St. Clair
County, Missouri, where he now has a farm of eighty acres. In 1863 he enlisted
in the Missouri State Militia Cavalry, served two years, one month and two days
and was mustered out as sergeant. In December, 1869, Mr. C. was married to Miss
Harriet J. Sproul, a native of St. Clair County, Missouri. They have had four
children, three of whom are now living: Margaret G., Nellie S. and Mollie A. E.
COFFIN, James
G.
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1129
--- JAMES G. COFFIN, a well known and prominent citizen of Monegaw Township,
was born in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, April 23, 1848. J. G. Coffin, his
father, a native of Massachusetts, was born in 1816, and married Miss Isabella
C. Anderson, a Virginian by birth. James G., the eldest son of a family of
seven children, grew to maturity in his native county, his primary education
having been given him by a private tutor. After a preparatory course he attended
and graduated at the Western University in 1867. Upon completing his studies he
was engaged in clerking in the banking house of William H. Williams & Co.,
in Pittsburg, one year. He then was employed in the office of his father, who
was the general western agent of tile Franklin Fire Insurance Company. Coming
west in 1869, he purchased land in St. Clair County and engaged in handling
stock. In November, 1871, he returned to Pennsylvania and worked in the office
with his father three years. In 1875 he again came to St. Clair County and
commenced farming and the stock business. In 1878 he was interested in the
mercantile business at Appleton City. Mr. Coffin was married in this county
November 4, 1879, to Miss M. Virginia Wilson, daughter, of J. W. Wilson. Mr. C.
has 200 acres of land with forty acres in cultivation. He was appointed a
justice of the peace of his township in 1881. He is identified with the
Republican party and is well posted on the political issues of the day. He was
nominated by his party and elected justice at the election of 1882. Mr. Coffin
has been a delegate to numerous county and state conventions.
COLLINS,
William
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1172
--- JUDGE WILLIAM COLLINS, a well known citizen of this county was born in
Pulaski County, Kentucky, May 17, 1819, and is the second son of William and
Sarah Collins, nee Porterfield, both natives of Washington County, Virginia.
The former was born in 1784, and the latter in 1790, they having been married
in 1810. Young William remained at home until eleven years of age, when he went
to Adair County, Kentucky, to live with an uncle. Here he received his
education, and spent the rest of his time in working upon farms there, until
1854, when he came to St. Clair County, Missouri, settling in what is now known
as Collins Township (then Washington). In the year 1847, he was married in
Russell County, Kentucky, to Miss Anna L. Miller, a daughter of the late Nathaniel
Miller. To them were born eight children: Nathaniel J. Charles P., Martha M.,
William S., Milly A., John S., Sallie J., and Mary E. Politically, Mr. Collins
is a Republican, and in 1866, was nominated by that party for judge of the
county court. After an exciting campaign, in which the Democrats exerted
themselves nobly, he was elected and served faithfully and well, winning the
approbation of all. During his administration, the act known as "The New
Township Act," was passed, and in accordance with its provisions,
Washington Township was divided, one part retaining the name of Washington. It
becoming necessary to name the territory thus taken off, the name of him who
had served so well and had discharged his official duties with such good
judgment, was proposed and so thereafter called. Judge Collins has now retired
from political life, and is devoting his attention to the cultivation of his
farm at the same time filling the position of postmaster of Collins. He owns
160 acres of land.
CONAUT, Lewis
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1077
--- LEWIS CONAUT, dealer in general merchandise, was born in Androscoggin
County, Maine, in May, 1830, being the son of Benjamin Conaut, of Bridgewater,
Massachusetts, who was a soldier in the war of 1812. His father, Lott Conaut,
was also born in Massachusetts and participated in the revolutionary war.
Benjamin's wife, formerly E. Staples, was born in Maine. Lewis was the eighth
child of a family of ten children. In 1853 he emigrated to VanWert County,
Ohio, and after several business ventures engaged in the grocery and provision
trade and as agent for the American Encyclopedia, in which he was
satisfactorily successful. He enlisted during the war and served four months.
In 1866 he came to St. Clair County, Missouri, and in 1870 engaged in his
present business with W. A. Dale as partner, and after two years he bought Mr.
Dale's interest. He is the oldest merchant in the city. John Butcher was with
him for eleven months and James H. Linney was his partner fifteen months. In
1882 he put in operation an apple evaporator, and in the fruit season did a
successful business. He was married January 1, 1862, to Miss Angelina S.
Williamson, daughter of John W. Williamson, a native of New Jersey. They have
three children: Lewis H., Arthur B. and Albert E. Mr. C. is a Republican in
politics and his religious belief is with the Universalists. He is a Mason and
a member of the A. O. U. W. fraternity.
CONN, Josiah J.
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1173
--- JOSIAH J. CONN, farmer, section 21, is the son of Josiah Conn, originally
from Tennessee, who in 1837 left that state, emigrating to Cooper County,
Missouri. After living there some time he removed first to Camden County and
thence to Dallas, where he died in 1863. The subject of this sketch was married
in 1850 to Miss Evaline Stockton, daughter of Josiah Stockton. She died,
leaving one child, Elizabeth. In 1854 Mr. C. was again married; this time to Miss
Amanda Hendricks, of Dallas County and a daughter of Mark Hendricks. They have
been blessed with a family of ten children: John A., Felix S., James L.,
William H., Columbus T., Mary I., Virginia T., Dorothy C, George F. and Minnie
E. Two of these are deceased. During the late war Mr. Conn served in Company G,
Chitwood's command of the Missouri State Volunteers, in the capacity of
corporal. He is a Master Mason and belongs to Modern Lodge, No. 144, of
Humansville, Polk County. His farm embraces 200 acres of land. He was formerly
occupied in the stock business, but on account of failing health was obliged to
give it up.
COOK, Benjamin
F.
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1078
--- CAPTAIN BENJAMIN F. COOK was born in Franklin County, Virginia, August 31,
1816. His father, John Cook, who was born in Franklin County, Virginia, was the
son of Captain James Cook, of the same state, who was killed at Sansbury, South
Carolina, in the Revolutionary war. The family are of English descent and are
from the same locality as was Captain Cook the navigator. The mother of
Benjamin was formerly Aura Belcher, of Virginia, and of French ancestry. Their
family consisted of nine children of whom Benjamin was the sixth. He was reared
there and learned the trade of tobacconist, working at that employment
forty-four years. In 1858 he came to Missouri and settled in St. Clair County
on a farm. In 1862 he organized a company of Union troops for the Sixtieth
Regiment Enrolled Missouri Militia and was elected captain. Afterwards Company
H, of the Provisional Regiment was raised and he was put in command. In the
spring of 1864 he organized a company of volunteer mounted militia whose duty
it was to keep track of marauding parties, in which capacity he acted until the
close of the war. In 1863 he was elected a member of the state legislature,
performing the duties of that position with much ability. Mr. Cook married Miss
Julia A. F. Mitchell in September, 1842. She died in 1849, leaving three children:
William B., Mary E. and Lafayette. In 1850 he married Susan A. F. Meridith,
daughter of James Meridith, of Virginia. They have seven children: Sarah V.,
Eliza D., Susan E., James H., John Rives, Mirand A. and William R. Politically
Mr. C. is a Republican. He is an active member of the Grange.
COONCE, David
W.
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1143
--- DAVID W. COONCE, only son of Jacob Coonce, was born in Washington Township,
this county, January 2, 1850. He received a limited education at home, but in
1867, went to the Notre Dame College, Indiana, and took a commercial course of
two years. He married Miss Mary Clevenger, of St. Clair County, in 1880. They
have two children: James Elmer and an infant. Jacob Coonce, the first man to
settle in the county, was born in St. Charles County, Missouri Territory,
February 6, 1806. His father, Jacob Coonce was born in Pennsylvania, and was a
miller by trade, and also a farmer. Young Jacob left home when fourteen years
of age and made his way alone from that time. The first money he ever earned
was a silver dollar, which he kept as long as he lived, and now it is the
property of Elder W. W. Warren, his son-in-law. He was in the Black Hawk war
with General Dodge in 1833, and in the Mexican War under Colonel Doniphan. He
married Mrs. Lovina Wamsley in 1839, a daughter of Jedediah Waldo, of Harrison
County, Virginia. They had three children: Mary E., now Mrs. W. W. Warren,
Elizabeth O., who married Thomas Dudley, and died in 1871, and David W. Mr.
Coonce came to this county in 1827, and selected a site for a home near a large
spring in the township of Washington, some fourteen miles south of Osceola. In
1831, he returned to this county, and afterwards made his home near this spring
during life. He died in 1878. His claim embraced 720 acres. Mrs. Coonce died in
1868. Mr. C. was a great hunter, and spent much of his time in an early day in
roving o'er hills and dales. In an Indian battle he received a severe wound on
the head by a tomahawk, five in his party capturing sixteen Indians. Mention of
this pioneer is made elsewhere in this work.
COOPER, M. L.
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1143
--- M. L. COOPER, farmer, section 5, was born in Greene County, Tennessee, July
21, 1840, and was a son of John A. and Sarah (Law) Cooper, both natives of
Tennessee. When M. L. was five years of age his parents moved to West Virginia,
and in two years to Clinton County, Missouri, where he became grown. March 17,
1864, he was married to Miss Lucy A. Estes, a native of Missouri. He followed
farming in Clinton County, Missouri, till 1867, when he moved to Ray County,
and in 1870 came to St. Clair County where he now has a fine farm of 250 acres.
During the war he held a commission as captain in Slack's Division, and
participated in many important battles. He has been constable of his township
for six years. He is now a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and
also belongs to the Grange. Mr. C. is the father of eight children: Sarah E.,
George W., John B., Albert L., Charles B., Elmer M., Archibald and Ann C.
COPENHAVER,
Thomas
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1152
--- THOMAS COPENHAVER, was born in Kentucky, August 2, 1815. His father, a
Virginian by birth, emigrated to Kentucky in an early day, and after being
married removed to Alabama. His wife was formerly Miss Hannah Barrier. They had
a family of nine children, of whom Thomas is one of four and the only son now
living. The senior Copenhaver died February 17, 1836, and his widow in 1855.
Our subject was married February 2, 1835, to Miss Nancy Looney, daughter of
Isaac and Anna Looney, of Jackson County, Alabama. Their family consists of
fourteen children, eleven of whom still survive. Peggy was married to Jacob
Harper, John was married to Miss Eliza Copenhaver, of Lincoln County, Missouri.
Sally A. is the wife of Benjamin Hall; Samuel married Nancy Thompson; Hannah is
now Mrs. Pleasant A. Jones, of Kansas; Benjamin married Mary A. Hudson; Isam
married Louisa Thompson; Nancy J. married Thomas Wilkerson; Mary E.; Thomas
married Cynthia Green, and Caruthers B. married Mary Brown. In 1842, Mr.
Copenhaver came to Missouri and settled in this county and township. Though in
declining years, Mr. C. has the satisfaction of knowing that his life has not
been a failure, and he has acquired a comfortable competency. His son, Thomas
N., is a blacksmith and farmer by occupation, and was born in this county March
29, 1856. His wife was a daughter of Granville and Martha Green, of this
county, to whom he was married September 21, 1877. They have three children:
Armetta, Thomas G. and Delsia M. Mr. T. N. Copenhaver now has a farm of 160
acres on section 26. He does some work at his trade, but attends principally to
his farming interests. He and his father are Democrats. They belong to the
Baptist Church.
CORBIN, J. E.
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1212
--- J. E. CORBIN, farmer, section 7, is a native of Ohio and was born in
Licking County February 9, 1836, being a son of William and Sophia (Boyer)
Corbin, both Virginians by birth. J. E. was the youngest in the family, which
consisted of eight children. In 1844 he moved with his parents to Noble County,
Indiana, where he grew to manhood, there completing his education. In 1856 he
went to LaPorte, of the same state, and in 1861 to Sangamon County, Illinois,
where, from 1863 to 1867, he was employed as wood workman in the car shops of
Springfield. In 1867 he moved to Missouri, locating in Bates County till 1869,
when he came to St. Clair County, where he now has a farm of 240 acres, which,
in regard to improvements, is surpassed by no farm in the county. December 30,
1863, Mr. Corbin was married to Miss Sarah E. McKinney, by whom he has three
children: Oliver E., William and Jennie B. Mrs. C. was born in Sangamon County,
Illinois, September 3, 1844. She was reared and educated in that county, where
she resided till her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Corbin are members of the Christian
Church.
CORBIN, James
Fletcher
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1159
--- JAMES FLETCHER CORBIN, one of the earliest settlers of St. Clair County,
was born December 31, 1831. His father, David Corbin, a Virginian by birth,
born in 1790, was married in 1813, to Miss Annie Erwin, originally of Kentucky.
Their family consisted of eleven children, of whom James was the youngest. In
1839 the senior Corbin removed with his family to St. Clair County, Missouri,
they being among the pioneers here. In the fall following his arrival (1839),
he erected his first dwelling of round logs, it being just fourteen feet
square, and in this house of one room, fifteen persons ate and slept for seven
months. The next spring an addition was placed upon it, which when completed,
measured 20x18 feet. During this time the meat used by them was procured with
the rifle. Mr. Corbin and his sons built the first frame house erected in
Osceola. This structure was constructed of whipsawed lumber, sawed by them, and
after being finished it was occupied by a Frenchman as a tailor shop. This was
located near the present site of the Upper Osceola Mill. James F. Corbin
resided with his father until 1853, when he was married to Miss Nancy O.
Beckley of this county, and a daughter of John W. Beckley. They have eleven
children: Anna L., David F., Susan M., John H., James W. Nancy B., Carolina B.,
Joseph P., William T., Leona M., and Mary J. Mr. C., through his own industry and
good management, has accumulated a good competency, now owning a farm of 200
acres.
CORNELIUS,
Alfred Griffith
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1078
--- ALFRED GRIFFITH CORNELIUS, deputy county clerk; was born in Carlisle,
Pennsylvania, in 1825, and is the son of James Cornelius, of Gettysburg,
Pennsylvania, who was married in 1820 to Elizabeth Elliott. Her father, James
Elliott, came from Ireland. In 1837 the family moved to Morgan County, Ohio,
where Mr. C. was engaged in business for many years. Mrs. Cornelius died in
1872, and her husband in 1880. Alfred G. received a good primary education at
home, and then entered Granville College, remaining two years and qualifying
himself for teaching school, which profession he followed for some time. In the
spring of 1853 he formed a partnership with his father in the drug trade in
Morgan County, which he continued for two years. Selling out he embarked in
general merchandising, in 1857, but soon after was burned out. In 1859 he
opened a grocery store and continued the business until 1861. In July of the
same year he enlisted in the Twenty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
Company H, and was appointed orderly sergeant. His regiment participated in the
second battle of Bull Run and he was also in many of the engagements of the
Potomac. For meritorious conduct he was promoted to lieutenant, and then to
captain, and made a capable and efficient officer. After returning home, in
October, 1865, he came to Missouri and farmed in Johnson County until 1869,
when he resumed general merchandising, this time in Taberville. In 1878 he sold
out. In the spring of 1879 he was appointed deputy county clerk, and served
three years. In the spring of 1883 he was again appointed deputy county clerk.
Mr. C. married Miss Emaline Miller, of Pennsylvania, in 1854. They have three
children: A. Branch, Edward M. and Kate M. The latter married Mr. Thomas David,
of this city. Politically he is a Democrat, and he is a Royal Arch Mason.
COWIN, William
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1168
--- WILLIAM COWIN, farmer, came originally from East Tennessee, where he was
born in 1833. His parents were George and Lydia (Thornton) Cowin, the former
born in July, 1800, and the latter on the first day of the first year of the
nineteenth century. Their marriage occurred in 1823, and to them were born
eight children, of whom William was the youngest. He lived in his native state
until 1836, when he accompanied his father to Missouri, settling in Saline
County. There he was reared upon a farm and enjoyed the advantages of attending
the schools of the locality, gladly availing himself of such opportunities. In
1870 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Fizer, of Saline County, a daughter of
Henry Fizer. Mr. Cowin now owns a fine farm of 200 acres. Politically he is a
Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church.
COX, Pleasant
M.
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1189
--- DR. PLEASANT M. COX. No man in St. Clair County is better or more
familiarly known than Dr. P. M. Cox, and no name is more of a household word
than his, he being the first physician in the county. He was born in Daviess
County, Kentucky, November 12, 1809, and was the son of Meredith Cox, a
Virginian by birth, whose father, Samuel Cox, came originally from Ireland.
Meredith Cox married Miss Margaret McFarland, who was also born in Virginia.
Pleasant, the fourth of five sons, accompanied his father to Missouri when nine
years old, the senior Cox settling in Lincoln County, where he died, in 1835.
In the fall of 1836 our subject moved to Osceola, this county, with his mother,
who died in the following year. Pleasant M. was deprived in early life of such
educational advantages as he desired but still devoted his entire energies to
the study of medicine. He read under the instruction of Dr. Eastern, of Pike
County, and also with Dr. Nash, and after a thorough preparation, attended
lectures at the Transylvania University, at Lexington, Kentucky, in 1830-31. He
subsequently practiced his profession in Lincoln County, Missouri, until 1836,
when he came to this county, practicing for some twenty years. In 1839 Dr. L.
Lewis settled in Osceola and formed a partnership with Dr. Cox, which relation
existed for several years. The latter entered portions of section 17, 20, 21
and 22 in this township, became a large land owner and a prominent citizen in
southwest Missouri. Building a residence and store he was in company with Z.
Lilley and others occupied in trade, and at the outbreak of the war was one of
the wealthiest men in the county. In 1858 he was elected a member of the state
legislature. During the war he was in Texas, and in 1865 went to Fayette,
Arkansas, where he opened a drug store, sending the children of his daughter,
Mrs. Dr. Harris, to school. In 1875 he returned to Osceola, but at present
resides on his farm known as the Dr. Harris' place, which is managed by his
son, Pleasant M., who is a large stock raiser and dealer. The Doctor was
married in October, 1833, to Miss Elizabeth M. McClannahan, daughter of Elijah
McClannahan, of Virginia. They have two children living: Margaret A., widow of
Dr. E. E. Harris, and Pleasant Madison. Edwin Eugene Harris, M.D., was born in
Albermarle County, Virginia, March 30, 1828, his parents being Major Samuel W.
and Sarah Miller (Ward) Harris, of Virginia. He attended school for ten years
and in 1840 came to Osceola, Missouri, and subsequently studied medicine with
Dr. L. Lewis. He attended medical lectures at Louisville and graduated with
honor in 1850. October 6, 1853, he married Miss Margaret Cox, daughter of Dr.
P. M. Cox, and to them were born three daughters: Bettie Virginia, Sarah
Eugenia and Agnes M. During the war Dr. Harris entered the military service of
the Confederate army as surgeon in General Clark's Cavalry Division in the
Trans-Mississippi department and was one of the most faithful and capable of
surgeons. He died in Arkansas before the war closed.
COX, William M.
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1144
--- WILLIAM M. COX, section 28, was born in Hopkins County, Kentucky, May 22,
1833. His father, Howell B. Cox, originally from North Carolina, was a son of
Samuel Cox, of Richmond, Virginia, whose father early came from England.
William's mother, formerly Henrietta Steen, of Hopkins County, Kentucky, was a
daughter of Nathan Steen, a Kentuckian by birth, and a friend and companion of
Daniel Boone. Howell Cox was for many years engaged as pilot on the Mississippi
River, and was also interested in a successful business in which he became very
wealthy. But serious reverses overtook him and he lost his property. He died in
Kentucky in 1849, his wife having preceded him in 1835. In 1853 William M., the
only surviving son of his parents, went to California and was occupied in
milling a portion of the time, also having an interest in the Pilot Creek Canal
and being agent for the company. He remained there for three years with
satisfactory results; then returned to Kentucky and attended school for a time,
when he came to Missouri, settling in St. Clair County. Purchasing a farm, he
commenced its improvement, and has since been largely interested in raising,
handling and shipping stock. In 1868, the political parties being in an
unorganized condition, he took an active part in bringing the Democratic party
back to its former status, and received the nomination for probate judge. In
1876 he was elected county sheriff, and in 1878 was elected clerk of the
county, serving for four years. Mr. Cox now has a fine farm of 785 acres in
this township. He is a member of the M. E. Church South, is a Royal Arch Mason
and belongs to the I. O. O. F. and the A. O. U. W. fraternities. He married
Miss Phebe H. Cox February 12, 1856. She was the daughter of William M. Cox, of
Tennessee, and she died November 5, 1873, leaving three children: Howell S.,
Cargill C., and Phebe T., since deceased. His second wile was Mrs. Mary E.
Palmer Clark. They have two children, Eudora and Agnes.
CRAIG, Samuel
G.
source: 1883 History
of St. Clair County MO, National Historical Co., pg: 1130
--- SAMUEL G. CRAIG, merchant and postmaster at Ohio post office, was born in
Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, September 12, 1853, his parents being Joseph and
Eliza (Kennedy) Craig, both natives of Ireland. They emigrated to the United
States in 1840 and located in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Samuel G., the youngest
son and sixth child of a family of seven children, spent his youth on a farm in
his native county and received a good common school education, supplemented
with a course at Copp's Commercial College at Paynesville, Ohio. After
completing his studies he engaged in farming two years. In January, 1877, he
went to Oregon, spent one year and in the fall of the same year returned and
located in St. Clair County, Missouri. He was occupied in farming about four
years, and in 1882, he embarked in the mercantile business at his present
place. He carries a good stock of general merchandise, and is doing a fair
business. Mr. Craig was appointed postmaster of the Ohio post office in
October, 1882. He was married February 26, 1879, to Miss Emma M. Holden, a
daughter of Henry Holden. She is a native of and was reared and educated in
Illinois. They have three children: Joseph D., Ettie T. and Charles H. Mr. and
Mrs. Craig are members of the Presbyterian Church.