St. Clair County Missouri
Biographies

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PACE, James L.
Mt. Pleasant Township, Bates County, Missouri - The subject of this sketch is one of Butler's most enterprising citizens and a man who has probably done fully as much toward making Bates County, Missouri, what it now is any man here. He is a native of St. Clair County, Missouri, where he was born March 13, 1834. His father, James Pace, was born in Henry County, Virginia in 1807. He was there reared and married Miss Mildred Davis. They had five children of whom Jame L. was the third child. He grew to manhood and was educated in the county of his birth, and at the age of eighteen years, in 1861, he enlisted in Company C. of Colonel John T. Coffer's Regiment, Missouri State Guards. In 1862 he enlisted in the regular service (the company remaining the same) in Joe Shelby's Brigade, under General Marmaduke's Division and Regiment. Thus he served till 1864. After that time he was on the disabled list until the close of the war. Mr. P. was twice wounded - first at Unionville, Missouri, in 1862, where he received a wound over the eye, causign a fracture of the skull. While on the retreat at the battle of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, he was wounded in the arm and through the body by one shot. At the close of the war he went to Saline County, Missouri, and for two years was engaged in farming. He then gave his attention to mercantile pursuits and stock dealing at Longwood, Pettis County, for two years, fter which time he located at Altona, Bates County. There he was interested in trade for three years. In 1874 he was elected to the office of Recorder of Bates County which he held till 1883. He has twice been city alderman of Butler and has been director of the city schools. He is now a member of the Masonic fraternity and belongs to the blue lodge, chapter and commandery. Mr. Pace was married March 18, 1868, to Miss Mary Hyeronymus, a native of Missouri. They have one daughter, Ada. Mr. P., during his term of service as county recorder made a most excellent officer. He has won a host of friends while a resident of the county by his affable and courteous demeanor and is a man respected by all. (History of Bates County, Missouri, 1883)

PACE, John R.
John R. Pace, a native of Pitt County, Virginia, was born in 1831. His father, Francis Pace, originally of Goochland County, Virginia, was born in 1798, and first married Miss Lucy Davis. His second marriage occurred in 1830, to Miss Maria Griggs, also of Virginia. By this union there were eight children, John R. being the eldest. In 1854 he was married to Miss Mary Burton, and they are the parents of three children: James F., William P. and Martha E. Mr. Pace came to this county in 1855, immediately after his marriage, and now owns 320 acres of valuable land. In his political preferences he is a Democrat. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

PAGE, John E.
John E. Page, section 10, was born October 17, 1844, in Livingston County, New York, and was a son of Albert and Abigal Page, both natives of the same state. John E. was reared upon a farm, receiving his education at the common schools and at the Nunda Academy. Coming west in 1866, he located first in Bates County, Missouri, where he resided about three years. He removed to St. Clair County in February, 1869, and came on his present farm in the fall of 1870. This consists of 300 acres, with 240 in his home place and sixty acres of timber. Mr. Page devotes some attention to stock feeding. He was married in this county in February, 1871, to Miss Virginia Corbly, a native of Iowa (where she was reared and educated), and a daughter of William Corbly. They have two children, Mary Octavia and Jessie M. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

PAPE, Gideon
Gideon Pape, dealer in general merchandise at Tiffin, is a native of Germany, and was born July 21, 1846. He was reared and educated in his native country, and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits till 1865, when he emigrated to America, landing at New York. After this he traveled until 1871, when, coming to St. Clair County, Missouri, he located on the Osage, where he followed the milling business until 1876. Then he began in his present business, in which he has been very successful, and he is now one of the leading business men of the county. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. fraternity. Mr. Pape was married October 2, 1873, to Miss Elizabeth M. Bogle, of Niagara County, New York. They have three children: Charlotta A., Stella A. and Edith E. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

PAYNE, John B.
John B. Payne, of the firm of Payne & Son, proprietors of livery and feed stable, was born in Upshire County, West Virginia, November 2, 1856. He remained in the vicinity of his birthplace until ten years of age, when, with the family, he came to Henry County, Missouri. He was brought up there and received his education, living in that county until, with his father, he established his present business, in November, 1881. The building which they occupy is 140x30 feet, two stories in height and contains a good stock of horses, buggies, etc. Mr. Payne is a member of the I.O.O.F. fraternity, and is also a Good Templar. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

PAYNE, William
William Payne, originally from Greene County, Tennessee, was born July 14, 1830, his parents being Eleazer and Elizabeth (Looney) Payne, both natives of Hawkins County, Tennessee, the former born in 1808, and the latter in 1809. Their marriage occurred in 1827, and to them were born ten children, of whom but two daughters and one son are living. Emigrating to St. Clair County, Missouri, in 1842, they remained there for three years, then returning to Tennessee. Mr. Payne died September 18, 1845, and his widow now resides with her only son, William, in this township. In 1855 our subject purchased 120 acres of land in Polk Township, this county, upon which he has since lived. November 12, 1848, he married Miss Mahala Suiter, also a Tennesseean by birth. They were the parents of six sons and five daughters, all of whom survive save one daughter. Mrs. Payne died in 1873. About four years thereafter Mr. P. married Mrs. Mary A., widow of John W. Ellis, of this county. They have had three children, two daughters and one son. Mrs. Payne has three daughters by her former marriage. Mr. P. is one of the most enterprising agriculturists in the township in which he resides. In politics he is a Greenbacker. Himself and wife are identified with the Methodist Protestant Church. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

PEPPER, Benjamin F.
Benj. F. Pepper, wagon maker, a native of Hampshire County, West Virginia, was born July 13, 1833, his parents being James and Catherine (Wise) Pepper, originally from Virginia. Benjamin F. was the eldest of a family of seven children. He was reared on his father's farm in Virginia and there obtained his education, remaining at home until 1857, when he emigrated to Hancock County, Illinois. There he followed farming for eighteen months. Going to Alton he was employed as salesman for J. D. Freeman for three years when he acted as a guard in the prison at that place for a number of years, after which he worked at carpentering and wagon making in different parts of Illinois until 1871. Then he came to St. Clair County, Missouri, and farmed two years, soon settling in Roscoe. He has since been occupied in the manufacture of wagons, etc., and also owns a farm of 180 acres. In December, 1858, Mr. Pepper, married Miss Sarah Johnson, a native of New Jersey. They have two children: Douglas L. and Florence. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

PERRIN, Richard W.
Richard W. Perrin was born January 11, 1842, in Osceola, Missouri, his father being Daniel Perrin, who came to this county in 1835 from Ohio. He was a stone and brick mason by trade and he made the first brick in this county. He settled on Brush Creek, east of the city, and married Jane Clarkston, of Cooper County. He died in 1879, his wife having preceded him in 1859. They had six sons: Richard W., James, Joseph N., Daniel (George W. died in 1881) and John Wesley. Mr. Perrin married for his second wife, Mrs. Sally Redman, and they had one son, Andrew Wesley. Richard W. learned the mason's trade in youth and worked at it more or less through life. In the spring of 1862 he enlisted in the Eleventh Missouri Cavalry, under Colonel William D. Woods. They were in Missouri, Texas, Arkansas and Tennessee and he took part in many hard fought battles and skirmishes. At the close of the war he returned home and in 1867, August 22, was married to Miss Nannie Bell. They have five children: Ann E., Jane, Charles W., James E. and Estella. Mr. Perrin has the contract for carrying mail from this city to Appleton and to Quincy and also to Humansville. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

PHILLIPS, James Christopher
James Christopher Phillips, presiding judge of St. Clair County, was born in Simpson County, Kentucky, September 12, 1849, being the son of James Phillips, of Georgia. His mother, formerly Margaret F. Black, was a Kentuckian by birth. James Phillips had four children by his first marriage and six by the last. Of these the subject of this sketch is the third child. His mother died in 1879 while on a visit to this county. His father is still living in Kentucky at the advanced age of almost eighty-two years. James C. came to Missouri in 1872 and settled in Henry County, remaining there five years. He then removed to Appleton Township, this county, where he owns a farm of 240 acres on section 4. He is one of the progressive men of this county, keeping well apace with all the improvements of the day. With the exception of a small sum received from his father, he has been the architect of his own fortune. His education was obtained at the common schools yet he had an inquiring mind, and by reading and study has acquired such knowledge as has qualified him for important positions in life. He married Miss Mary L. Harris in 1869. She was the daughter of Eli R. Harris, of Simpson County, Kentucky. Her mother was Lucinda Bland, daughter of Milton Bland, of Kentucky. Mr. Phillips is a Democrat and belongs to the Christian Church. He was elected presiding judge of the county court in November, 1882. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

PICKERILL, John R.
John R. Pickerill is a native of Ripley, Brown County, Ohio, was born July 26, 1843. He was brought up upon his father's farm and followed that occupation till the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in September, 1861, in Company M, Fifth Ohio Cavalry Regiment, serving three years and three months. After this he returned home and in February, 1865, came to Henry County, Missouri, where he engaged in farming. In 1870 he came to Appleton City, and embarked in the grocery business, continuing the same for two years. In January, 1871, he was appointed postmaster and held that position four years, being the first postmaster appointed at Appleton. In 1875 he established himself in the livery and stock business, the former of which he now continues. Mr. Pickerill was married in August, 1874, to Miss Allie McCorkle, a native of Indiana. His first marriage, however, occurred to Miss Hannah Rice, October 27, 1865. They had two children: George R., and Willie S. Mr. P. was mayor of Appleton City, from April, 1880, to April, 1882. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

PIERCE, John W.
John W. Pierce, farmer and insurance agent, section 22, was born in Washington County, New York, January 20, 1829, and was a son of Samuel and Emily (Whitney) Pierce, the former a native of New York and the latter of Vermont. When our subject was about seven years old his parents moved to Ohio, where he grew to manhood and received his education. At the age of nineteen he engaged in the patent right business, which he followed for two years, afterward becoming occupied in manufacturing linseed oil for three years. In 1848 he went to Illinois and farmed until 1859, after which he was again in the patent right business for four years. In 1867 he came to St. Clair County, Missouri, and now owns a farm of 160 acres, all well improved. He is also agent for some of the leading insurance companies, and H. H. Dix' marble works. Mr. P. is a member of the M. E. Church. In September, 1846, he married Miss Casinda Bird, a native of Pennsylvania. They have six children: William B., Maria C., Leander M., Harriett A., Julia D. and Baxter R. They lost three. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

PIERCE, Linmore
Mr Pierce was born Nov. 18, 1867, in Linn County, Missouri, and grew up on a farm until he had reached the age of 20 years with little or no school privileges. Resolving to secure an education and selecting Appleton City institutions of learning as his choice he came here in Dec. 1888, and entered the A grade in the High School. His means were very limited, but by working during vacations, nights and mornings and odd times between studies and close economy he succeeded in gaining four years of schooling, two years of which were spent in the Appleton City Academy, after which he began teaching in the country schools in which profession he continued with very satisfactory success until 1896, when he entered the mercantile business in Appleton City, becoming proprietor of the Economy Store, in which business he continued until the spring of 1878, when on account of failing health he sold out and accepted a position with the Modern Woodmen of America as District Deputy Head Consul. This business seems to be one for which he is eminently fitted, as he has made a phenomenal record during the three years that he has been engaged in it. He now stands first in Missouri and third in the United States. He has charge of ten counties and is in line for a State. Mr. Pierce was united in marriage with Miss Mattie Cassity, of this city, in 1894, to which union one son has been born, Orin, four years of age. Mr. Pierce owns a beautiful little home surrounded by a large plat of ground in the southwest part of the city. -- Appleton City Journal, March 1901

PILES, J. H.
J. H. Piles, farmer, section 10, a native of Hampshire County, West Virginia, was born August 27, 1832, and was a son of John and Elizabeth (Buckman) Piles, Virginians by birth. J. H. was reared on his father's farm in Virginia, and was educated in the common schools. He followed farming there until 1870, when he emigrated to Missouri and located in St. Clair County. Here he owns a farm of 310 acres, which will average with any in the township. He is also a large stock raiser, now having about 120 head of cattle. At the breaking out of the late war he was appointed captain of the 114th regiment, Virginia State Militia. In 1862 he enlisted in Stonewall Jackson's Brigade, and at the battle of Marion Hill he was wounded and afterwards was unable for infantry service. He was then made captain of Company K, Forty-seventh Virginia Cavalry, and served until the close of the war. He is a member of the M.E. Church, South. January 17, 1856, Mr. Piles was married to Miss Jane Robinson, of Virginia. They have ten children: William T., Mary E., Martha E., Dora A., John R., Rebecca S., Richard J., Robert Lee, Ida May and Estella. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

PLUMBLEE, John W.
John W. Plumblee was born in White County, Tennessee, March 15, 1835, his father being William Plumblee, a Virginian by birth, born in August, 1800, who, while young, left that state and accompanied his father to Tennessee. In 1826, he was married there to Miss Sarah Lewellen, a daughter of Jacob Lewellen, of Tennessee. John W. was the fourth child in a family often children. When yet a small boy (three years old), he accompanied the family to Newton County, Missouri, but a short time afterwards removed to Berryville, Arkansas, at which time this place was made up of one house and a stable owned by the senior Plumblee. Leaving there in 1858, he emigrated to Texas, but in 1860, returned to Arkansas, where he was residing at the breaking out of the civil war. In 1862, Mr. P. entered the United States service as a volunteer in Company E, First Arkansas Cavalry Regiment, serving as such till June 30, 1863, when he was transferred to the Fourth Arkansas Cavalry Regiment, and mustered in as a lieutenant. He was discharged at the close of the war. In 1864, in accordance with a proclamation of President Lincoln, made to fill vacancies in the House of Representatives of the state of Arkansas, he was elected a representative and served until its adjournment in 1865. In 1863 his family had removed to Greene County, Missouri, and here he joined them in 1865, soon after locating on his present farm. In 1872 he was elected a judge of the county court of St. Clair, and subsequently served as collector of Collins Township for about three years. In 1855 he was married to Sarah B. Hayter, daughter of Thomas B. Hayter, of Carroll County, Arkansas. They have had ten children: Francis J., Elizabeth C., Mary C., William T. (died in 1869), John B., Martha A., Sarah M., Paulina E. (died in 1870), James M. and Anna M. Mr. Plumblee is now actively engaged in farming and stock raising and owns a fine farm of 210 acres in section 29. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

POLING, John
John Poling was born in Randolph County, Virginia, September 8, 1816, his parents, John and Margaret Poling, nee Gainer, also being natives of the same county. The former, born in 1796, died while our subject was an infant, and the latter was born in 1799. Their marriage occurred in 1814. One year after the death of her husband, Mrs. Poling married Abner Schoonover, of the same county, and with him emigrated to Macon County, Missouri. They had nine children, and of these three daughters only are living. Mr. S. died March 1, 1862. He was a celebrated fifer, and was fife-major of the Eleventh regiment, Missouri State militia. His widow also died in 1862. John Poling, the only child in his father's family, was brought up by his stepfather, and was married to Miss Emily Palon, of Barbour County, Virginia. To them were born three children: Edith M., Arch E. and Luther G. Mrs. P. died August 9, 1874. He was afterwards married to Mrs. Sarah Bernard, widow of James Bernard, of St. Clair County, who has five children living, and all residents of this county. Mr. Poling now resides on section 9, of this township, where he owns 160 acres. He also owns a farm in the central portion of the township, upon which is a celebrated spring, known as the Poling Spring. He has been very successful in the cultivation and raising of wheat, and one year from three bushels of seed sown on less than three acres of land realized 105 bushels, an average of nearly thirty-five bushels per acre. He also raises considerable corn. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and politically is Democratic. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

POTTER, William H.
William H. Potter, physician and surgeon at Tiffin, was born in Genesee County, New York, June 2, 1838, and is the son of John and Julia A. (Stillwell) Potter, natives of New York. When William H. was about nine years of age his parents, with the family, moved to Washington County, Wisconsin, where he grew to manhood, his time being spent on a farm and in a store. In the spring of 1860 he began the study of medicine with Dr. Hayes, of Boston. In the spring of 1861 he enlisted in Company K, Second Wisconsin Infantry, and in the fall of the same year the company was transferred and known as Company A., First Artillery. He remained in service three years, acting as hospital steward. After this he traveled till 1869 when he located in Saline County, Nebraska, there commencing the practice of medicine. He continued it till 1879 when he located in Bates County. In 1882 he came to Taberville, St. Clair County and in the fall of the same year, took up his residence at Tiffin. The doctor is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He was married October 11, 1868, to Miss Helen Hildreth, a native of Wisconsin. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

PRIBIL, F.J.
Dr. F.J. Pribil, Jr., Dentist. - Dr. Pribil located in Appleton City in the spring of 1897 and has since that time been so successful in his line that he now intends to make this place his headquarters. He was born and spent his youth in Northeastern Kansas. In the spring of 1896 he graduated with honors from the Kansas City Dental College and practiced at Adrian, Mo., before locating in our midst. His work is now his best recommendation and he may be found in his office in the Hodkins building at all times except Tuesday and Wednesday of each week. On the days mentioned he will be in Montrose, MO., where he has established a branch office for the benefit of those living in that vicinity. -- Appleton City Journal, 28 March 1901

PRIER, B. N.
B. N. Prier, farmer and stock raiser, section 24, a native of Edgar County, Illinois, was born April 25, 1840, and is a son of Edward H. and Narcissia (Lowry) Prier. The family early removed to Illinois, and were among the first settlers of Edgar County. In 1854, they located in Clark County, Iowa, coming thence to Missouri in 1870. B. N. Prier spent his youth on the home farm, and was married in Clark County, Iowa, in January, 1862, to Miss Agnes Landies, a daughter of Samuel Landies, and a native of Greene County, Indiana. They have four children : Maggie, (wife of William Frazee), Samuel E., Frank L., and Maud. After residing in Clark County about eleven years, Mr. P., in March, 1873, came to Missouri and located in St. Clair County. He now has 240 acres of land, with 200 acres in cultivation. In June, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, Eighteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served till discharged in February, 1863. He participated in the fight at Springfield, Missouri, and a number of others. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

PUGH, James M.
James M. Pugh, circuit clerk and abstracter of titles, was born near Columbus, Ohio, September 2, 1845. His father was Andrew J. Pugh, who came to Missouri in 1857, and settled in St. Clair County. He served in the Mexican war and was wounded at Cerro Gordo, but remained through the war with the regiment of mounted rifles from Ohio. In 1861 he took sides with the Union and became commander of Freemont's Scouts and Guides. After the army under Freemont were disbanded, Mr. Pugh joined the Sixtieth Regiment of Enrolled Missouri Militia, in which he received the commission of major in 1862. He served until the close of the war. He was soon after appointed sheriff of St. Clair County by Governor Gamble, but immediately resigned in favor of Mr. Roberts In 1875, he moved to Cedar County where he now lives. Mrs. Pugh died in 1879. James M. received but limited advantages for acquiring an education, but by self application he fitted himself for a teacher, and for several terms was so occupied. He was later engaged in clerking in the county offices, and in 1870 was appointed deputy clerk, and assisted in the circuit clerk's duties until 1874, when he was elected circuit clerk. In 1879 he was re-elected and again in 1882. In 1879 he purchased a half interest of the Shields Brothers in their abstract books. In October, 1863 he joined the Second Kansas Cavalry, and was with General Steele in Arkansas for two years. Mr. Pugh married Miss Nannie Hicks, May 28, 1871. She was the daughter of J.L. Hicks. They have three children: Ruth, Addie and Bessie. Politically he is a Greenbacker. He belongs to the Christian Church, and is also a Mason, and a member of the I.O.O.F. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

PURINTON, J. A.
 J. A. Purinton. The subject of this sketch is the leading merchant of Taberville, and among those prominent in St. Clair County. He carries a stock of goods equal to any firm in the county, and also has a store at Bain's Ferry. He is a son of John and Lois (Felch) Purinton, the former of Massachusetts and the latter of New Hampshire. J. A., the only child, was born in Meigs County, Ohio, August 20, 1825. At the age of five years he was left fatherless when he moved to Lynn, Massachusetts, making his home with his uncle. There he was educated in the academy. His uncle being a manufacturer and wholesale dealer in shoes, J. A. was employed in the factory and store until 1848 when he went to Athens, Ohio, where he was engaged in merchandising for two years. He then followed the same business in St. Paris, Ohio, until 1861, when he enlisted in Company A., Sixty-sixth Ohio, being mustered in October of the same year, and assigned to the commissary department in which he served until the close of the war. The most of the time he was quartermaster. Going to Indianapolis, Indiana, he became buyer and general manager for Spousler & McCrery, wholesale dealers in house furnishing goods and queensware, remaining with them for two years, when he located in Warrensburg, Missouri, engaging in the furniture business. After three years he purchased and entered large tracts of land in Vernon and St. Clair Counties, since which time he has been interested in the stock business. He has been occupied in the mercantile business at Taberville since 1876. Mr. P., during life has taken great interest in educational matters and is one of the men to whom Warrensburg is much indebted for having one of the finest schools of the state. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. P. was married November 3, 1850, to Miss Lusetta Culver, a native of Madison County, Ohio. They have seven children. John, Frank A., James H., Charles A., Lucius L., Asa and Ella. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

PYEATT, George Y.
George Y. Pyeatt, farmer and stock feeder, section 10, was born in Richland County, Ohio, on March 6, 1834. Jacob Pyeatt, his father, also a native of Ohio, was born in 1802, and his mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Stewart, came originally from Vermont. In 1838 the family removed to Illinois and were among the early settlers of Perry County. George Y. passed his youth on the farm in that county, and was married there February 14, 1856, to Miss Teresa Wells, a daughter of Lewis Wells, of the same locality. Mr. P. after his marriage was engaged in farming in Perry County about twenty-one years. In 1877 he came to Missouri and located in St. Clair County, moving on his present farm in 1880. He has 120 acres of land, all improved, and upon it feeds considerable stock for the market. Mr. and Mrs. Pyeatt have six children: Virgil W., Philena F., (wife of Cyrus H. Hinkle), Alverta E., (wife of Harley A. Hinkle), Alfred G., Sabra W., (wife of Edward J. Allenson) and Herschel S. Two are deceased, Emma F., died in 1874, at the age of fourteen years and Alice A. died in infancy. Mr. Pyeatt and his wife are members of the Christian Church. He belongs to the I.O.O.F. lodge at Osceola. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

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