"The Old Settlers' History of Bates County"
JACOB D. ALLEN born in Franklin County, Kentucky, September 12th, 1859. Moved to Missouri in 1875 with his parents, Richard N. and Jannette Allen, who located on a farm in New Home township, Bates county. Served an as apprentice in a printing office in 1876-79. Took an A. B. course in Kentucky Military Institute 1879 to 1882. Was Senior Captain of Corps, 1881-2. Salutatorian, '82 class. Was Deputy County Clerk from January 1, 1883, to July 1, 1884, when he took charge of the Butler Weekly Times, which paper he is still conducting. Was congressional committeeman from 1886 to 1888. Delegate to the Democratic National Convention at Chicago, from 6th Missouri District in 1892. Was Postmaster at Butler from July 1, 1893, to October 1, 1897. Appointed by Governor Lon V. Stephens, on October 2, 1899, a member of commission to locate and build State Lunatic Asylum No. 4, in Southeast Missouri; elected chairman of the commission, in which capacity he is now serving the state. Was married October 6th, 1886, to Miss Ida R. Wood, to which union three sons were born, Robert, William and Jacob. Mr. Allen has made the Times one of the leading and influential Democratic weeklies of the state; and he is recognized as among the prominent politicians of his party, and his friends hope to see him suitably honored by his party in the future.
was born in Holland, Erie County, N. Y., in the year 1835, and spent his early life largely in the private and public schools where he resided. At the age of seventeen he studied two years under a normal instructor and then began teaching in the rural schools of Western New York. He afterwards took a full course in the celebrated Fredonia Academy, graduating in 1857, and resumed teaching. Taught village schools as principal till coming to Missouri in 1867, when he began teaching in public schools. Was elected County School Superintendent in 1868, and engaged largely in organizing new school districts, some sixty in number, during his term of office. Was Principal of the Butler Public Schools for three years, instituting the first graded system of the same. Resigning on account of ill health, he spent several months in Colorado. On his return, he entered the Butler Academy then in its infancy, where he taught twelve consecutive years with Rev. Powelson and Prof. J. W. .Savior. Those prosperous days of the school will long be remembered by both teachers and pupils. Was elected superintendent of the Appleton City Schools in 1889 and taught a successful term of one year and began his second term under favorable conditions save that of health, which failed,forcing him to resign. For a time his recovery was deemed impossible, but what was regarded at the time as if great calamity has proved a great physical benefit, for his recovery gave him a new lease of life, and the present time finds him still engaged in his chosen profession, with the same earnestness, zeal and vigor of twenty years ago, and has probably taught more years in Southwest Missouri than any other person. Has kept up with the times, nor has years of faithful work in the school room lessened his ardor in the cause of education. He is strong and vigorous both in body and mind, and as capable ot efficient service as a man of twenty-five. He is a close student, and a scholarly gentleman, and no teacher with whom we are acquainted stands closer to the army of young men and women who have sat at his feet in the class room than he does. This fact alone is a monument to his fidelity and enduring work.
The subject of this sketch was born in Putnam County, West Virginia, in the valley of the Great Kanawha river, and was reared to manhood there. He is the son of a farmer and had the usual experiences and passed through the ordinary vicissitudes of farm life in that country. He attended the country schools and quit the public schools a pupil of the Buffalo Academy. At the beginning of the college year of 1873-'74 he entered the Kentucky University at Lexington, matriculating in the Agricultural and Mechanical College and pursued a special course in mathematics, literature, history, book keeping and military training, with recitations in chemistry. He remained in the university only about 7 months, and on account of sickness returned home, and went to work on the farm. The following winter he taught school in Mason County, W. Va., and with the money so earned he matriculated in the West Virginia State Normal School at Fairmont, and graduated from the same in June, 1875. The following winter he was principal of the New Haven graded schools, and in the spring of 1876 he became one of the editors and proprietors of the West Virginia Monitor, published at Point Pleasant, W. Va. After a few months he disposed of his interest in the paper and returned to the farm and began the study of law, and was admitted to the bar in Winfield, W. Va., in 1877. In 1878 he removed to Council Grove, Kansas, where he resided and practiced his profession until he came to Rich Hill in 1882. He was elected justice of the peace in Council Grove, Kansas, and served out a term of two years. In October, 1889, he removed with his family to Butler, where he has since resided. He was elected prosecuting attorney of Bates County in 1890 and served a term of two years successfully. In 1892 he was a candidate for circuit judge on the People's Party ticket and was also nominated by electors, and carried three counties out of the four composing the 29th judicial circuit, but was defeated. The election of his opponent was contested, the opinion of the Supreme Court being recorded in 115 Mo. reports. He became the editor of the Butler Free Press in 1894 and has been with the paper ever since, and is regarded by friend and foe as a clear, decisive writer, a fair and honorable editor, and a good citizen. He lives in a comfortable cottage home with a family of five children, having recently lost his wife whom he married in Barton County, Mo., in 1884. He was a member of the first national committee of the People's Party and is now a member of the state committee. In 1894 the Kentucky Central Normal School conferred on him the honorary degree of A. M. He is a man of varied culture, firm convictions and great tenacity of purpose; and his home has always been an open door to all who wish to come and share its modest and cordial hospitality.
John Atkison was born in Kanawha County, West Virginia, November 12, 1815. He lived there until grown, on a farm, and attended school only six months, traveling three miles over a high mountain to and from. His father died when he was twenty years old. His mother then moved to Ohio with a family of seven children and settled in Mercer county. He married Miss Hannah Catterlin June 18, 1840. While living there he was elected and commissioned a Justice of the Peace. After that he was elected captain of a militia company under the existing laws of Ohio, and was commissioned by the Governor. Two children were born there. They then moved to Missouri in a two-horse wagon in 1844, and settled near Otterville in Cooper county, nine children being born to them while living there. They moved to Bates county March 28, 1860, settling in Pleasant Gap. Two children were born there, making in all 13 children. The fact of coming from a free state to Missouri he was looked on and called a black Republican and Abolitionist. He enlisted in Co. "H." 7th Calvary, M. S. M. in 1862, and served about one year in Co. "H." as first Lieutenant. On account of disability, he was compelled to resign. Soon afterward he was appointed captain of a company of home guards for Bates county by Gov. Fletcher, with headquarters at Pleasant Gap. He was elected sheriff in the fall of 1864, and shortly afterward the legislature passed a bill disfranchising all rebels and rebel sympathizers, and declaring all the county offices vacant. Then the Governor appointed him to fill out his unexpired term. In 1866 he was elected again, and in all served the people as sheriff four years. He was also ex-officio collector of taxes. Prior to his election as sheriff the first time he was a Judge of the County Court.
O. D. Austin was born in Shelby, Richland County, Ohio, October 7, 1841. His father was of French extraction and was born in Massachusetts July 16, 1804. He was an eminent physician and began his professional career in Shelby, Ohio. His wife, whose maiden name was Flavia A. Conger, was a sister of Hon. O. D. Conger, United States Senator from Michigan. The subject of this sketch was the oldest of six children and was educated in the public schools of Plymouth, Ohio. At the age of 17 he entered the office of the Herald at Marshfield, Ohio. In 1862, through the influence of Hon. John Sherman, he obtained a clerkship in the treasury department at Washington. He was present at Ford's theatre on April 14, 1865, and saw President Lincoln shot. In 1866 he came to Kansas City, Mo., and was foreman in the office of the Kansas City Advertiser for about six months. This was the first daily paper published there. In November of the same year he went to Butler and became general manager of the Bates County Record. In the spring of 1867 he returned to Kansas City and was local editor of the Advertiser until October, at which time returned to Butler and purchased the Record plant, and has continued to own and publish the Record ever since. In October, 1881, he was appointed postmaster at Butler by President Arthur. He was again appointed postmaster in 1889 by President Harrison and served the people acceptably. He is a member of the Masonic order and a Knight Templar, and is prominent in the order, having been Deputy District Grand Master for the last four years. He was married May 3, 1871, to Miss Florence M. Stobie of Butler, formerly of Pittsfield, Ill. They have two children, Edwin S. and Nellie B.
Born in Madison county, Kentucky, Nov. 14, 1843. Removed to Lincoln county, Kentucky, when three years old. Was educated in common schools and a private school of a Presbyterian minister. Removed to Monroe county, Mo., in 1866. Married at Macon City to Miss Kate Burton in 1868. Six children have blessed this union. Removed to Rich Hill, Bates county, Mo., in March, 1882. Clerked in hardware store of J. L. Minor 9 years. Member and Secretary of School Board 9 years; City Collector 6 years; Township Collector 3 years; Secretary Rich Hill Fair Association several years, and was elected County Clerk in 1898, as a Democrat. He is deservedly popular with the people and his party. As evidence of this he lead his ticket by a good strong vote. Mr. Broaddus is a quiet, unassuming gentleman, and is making an efficient County Clerk.
The subject of this sketch was born in eastern Bates county, Mo., January 26, 1868; lived on his father's farm, assisting on same and going to school in the winter, until he was twenty years old, then he entered Butler College where he attended school two years. From this school he went to the Ft. Scott Normal College which he attended one year. He then taught school two years and afterwards farmed and taught school, and was also engaged in the mercantile business at Spruce, and at Butler. In 1894 he was married to Miss Callie M. Patrick. To them have been born four children. Mr. Chambers has always taken great interest in politics, being a Republican. In 1898 the Republicans of Bates honored him with the nomination for Circuit Clerk and he came nearest to election of any one on the county ticket. June 30, 1899, Mr. Chambers, together with W. C. Cohenour, edited, published and sent out the first copy of the Bates County Republican, which Mr. Chambers is now editing and publishing, he having purchased the interest of Mr. Cohenour. By good management and hard work he has built up one of the leading Republican papers of Southwest Missouri. While Mr. Chambers is yet a young man he is quite well known in and outside of Bates county. He has a bright future before him.
Harvey C. Clark, now serving his second term as prosecuting attorney, is a native Missourian, born in 1869; and raised in Bates county, where he has lived during the thirty years of his life. He enjoyed exceptional educational advantages. After completing the course of study in the public schools of Butler and the Butler Academy, he attended Went worth Male Academy at Lexington and then the Scarritt Collegiate Institute at Neosho, from which latter institution he graduated in 1891 as valedictorian of his class, receiving the degree of A. B. Upon leaving college he entered the law office of Judge DeArmond and Hon. T. J. Smith, who were their partners, and in 1893 was admitted to the bar by Judge Lay, passing an examination upon which he received the highest compliment of the court. Upon being admitted to the practice of the law, he entered into partnership with W. W. Graves, now circuit judge of the judicial district, under the firm name of Graves & Clark. This firm was recognized as one of the strongest in Southwest Missouri and was engaged in some of the most important cases, both civil and criminal, in the jurisdiction 01 the state. This partnership continued until January 1, 1900, when Judge Graves assumed the duties of Circuit Judge. In 1S96 Mr. Clark was elected Prosecuting attorney by one of the largest majorities ever given a candidate for a county office. During the memorable campaign of that year he established his reputation as a public speaker, spending some two months upon the stump in advocating the cause of his party. When war was declared against Spain and the president called for volunteers, he tendered his services to the governor and was appointed lieutenant colonel of the Sixth Missouri Volunteers, which regiment he organized and commanded during the Spanish American war. His regiment was attached to the 7th Army Corps commanded by General Fitzhugh Lee, and assigned to the same division with the Third Nebraska, commanded by W. J. Bryan. Col. Clark's unassuming modesty, fairness and ability made him popular with his men, and upon his return home Governor Stephens commissioned him Brigadier General of the National Guards of the state in recognition his services and ability. While serving with his regiment in the field he was renominated for a second term as prosecuting attorney, and was re-elected by a majority which again attested his popularity, Colonel Clark was married to Miss Hattie DeArmond, only daughter of Congressman DeArmond, in June, 1897, and their modest little cottage in the suburbs of the county seat is an ideal home. In politics the subject of this sketch is a Democrat, and takes an active interest in public affairs, and his wide acquaintance, recognized ability and reputation as a public speaker have given him a prominence throughout the state attained by few men of his years. As a lawyer, his unswerving integrity and fidelity to the interests of his clients, together with his legal acumen and oratorical ability have given him a place in the front rank of his profession. As prosecuting attorney of the county he has been unusually successful, and his record of convictions stands unsurpassed.
J. C. Clark was born in Christian county, Kentucky, February 18th. 1843. He comes of that hardy pioneer stock whose rugged honesty, mental stamina and strength of character has made firm the foundation of the matchless citizenship of the West. His father, Dr. J. H. Clark, a physician of the old school and one of the most respected and influential citizens of his state, early moved with his family to the West, and became one of the first settlers of Southern Illinois, building his log house in Christian county, then an uninhabited wilderness. There and in Texas the subject of this sketch spent his boyhood upon the farm, enduring the hardships and encountering the difficulties common to his time and situation. He came to Missouri in his early twenties, and in 1868 was married to Miss Mallissa Myers of Otterville, in Cooper county, where he was then living. Early in the winter of 1869 he came to Bates county and settled at Butler, then a mere hamlet. With no capital save scrupulous honesty, industry, sincerity and integrity which have characterized his whole life, he cast his lot here, and soon won that esteem and popularity which he has retained to this day. In 1876 he was elected Sheriff of the county by a sweeping majority. His administration was a popular one, and at the end of his first term he was re-elected for a second term by an increased majority. While serving his second term he was appointed collector. At the close of his term in that office he was tendered the cashiership of the Bates County National. (now the Bates County) Bank, which position he is still filling. This will be his twentieth year in this important position of trust and responsibility, and the steady growth an d increasing strength and patronage of that institution with which he has been so long identified, is a monument to his integrity, character and financial ability. He has two sons, Harvey C,present Prosecuting Attorney of the county, and Claud L., assistant Attorney General of the state, who lives in Jefferson City. In politics, like his father and grandfather before him, he is a democrat, and has always been prominent in party affairs. His universal popularity among the masses of the people has always been great. Perhaps no man who has ever lived in the county has known so many of its people by name, and withal has had the friendship and esteem of all of them, as has the subject of this sketch.
The subject of this sketch disclaims any pretense as an old settler. He was born in the north part of Vernon County, March 23, 1880, and moved with his parents to Rich Hill in 1886, where they resided till 1897. Here he got his education and learned the printers art. In 1897 his father, H. Cline, purchased the Foster Beacon plant, and it was published under the name of H. Cline & Son for two years; then the plant was removed to Amoret and the paper is continued as the Amoret Beacon with Eli as editor. He is the youngest editor in the county and probably in the state. H. Cline is the publisher of the Beacon but has little to do with conducting the paper. He came to Bates County in 1876, moved to Vernon and returned to Bates in 1886. He was born in Scotland County, Mo., in 1850 and was married to Judy Drake in 1869. Five children are now living -- three at home and two married daughters in Terre Haute. Ind. |
