St. Clair County Missouri
Biographies

T
 

 TALBOT, Salathial
Salathial Talbot, sections 4 and 5, originally from Barber County, West Virginia, was born October 3, 1832. His parents Robert and Mary (Woodford) Talbot, were both natives of that county, and were there reared and married. They had a family of thirteen children, of whom our subject was the seventh child. He was brought up on his father's farm, and when nineteen years of age began school teaching, which profession he continued six years. In the fall of 1865 he moved to Henry County, Missouri, and resided there till 1872, then returning home. In 1875 he again came to Missouri and located in St. Clair County on his present place. His farm contains 320 acres of choice land in excellent cultivation. Mr. Talbot was married March 1, 1854, to Miss Rachel Dickison, of West Virginia. They have had eleven children, eight of whom are now living: Jasper M., L. D. M., Demetrias W., Salathial S., Mary B., Harriet L. Rosa G. and Myrtle A. They are members of the Baptist Church. During the war Mr. T. enlisted, in 1862, in Company E, Sixty-second Virginia Regiment, and was acting quartermaster of the same toward the close of the war, and at the surrender of General Lee he was commissary of the Twentieth Virginia Regiment. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

TALLY, John F.
John F. Tally, farmer and miller, was born in St. Clair County. Missouri, November 15, 1851, and was the son of George W. Tally, who was born December 30, 1824, in Virginia. His mother, formerly Miss Amanda Kincade, was born January 21, 1829, and was also a Virginian by birth. They were married in 1846, in St. Clair County, Missouri, and are the parents of nine children, five now living. Mr. T. came to Pike County, Missouri, in an early day, and soon after moved to St. Clair County with his parent, his father-in-law, Mr. Kincade, also being one of the early settlers of the county. John F. Tally married Miss Laura J. Wheeler, of this county, August 7, 1873. They have two children living: Thirza H. and John A. George W. was born May 1, 1874, and died December 7, 1874. Mr. T. erected his steam saw mill in 1882, and is now doing a good business. There is attached to it a run of stone for grinding corn, which is well patronized. Politically he is a Democrat and together with his wife, belongs to the Baptist Church of Wright's Creek. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

TERRY, Thomas
Thomas Terry, the son of James and Nancy P. Terry, was born in King William County, Virginia, on the 25th of December, 1817. His father, a native of the same county, was born in 1778, and died there. In 1797 his marriage occurred, his wife also being a Virginian by birth, and they had a family of ten children, of whom Thomas was the ninth child. In 1842, leaving the state of his birth, he emigrated to St. Louis County, Missouri, and after living there. for eight years, moved to St. Clair County, which has since been his home. About the year 1845, he was married in Cole County, Missouri, to Miss Mary J. Walser, a daughter of Squire P. Walser. They have had ten children: Elizabeth A., Squire Walser, Elvira, Cass, John S., Eliza, Daniel Elias, Magoon, Stanton, and Albert G. In politics, Mr. Terry is a Republican, though never having taken any active part in political matters. He is connected with the Baptist denomination. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

THOMAS, Ervin
Ervin Thomas, farmer, section 10, was born in Grayson County, Virginia, June 16, 1812. His father, Nathan Thomas, born in North Carolina, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war under General Green, and was at the battle of Guilford court house, North Carolina. Ervin's grandparents were originally from Wales. His mother, formerly, Rebecca Pool, (of English parentage) came from North Carolina. He was the ninth of ten children. After the war his father moved into Virginia, when he bought a farm. Young Ervin remained at home for several years, and for a time was in Florida. In 1839 he came to Missouri and settled in Roscoe Township, near where he now lives. In 1849 he went to California with William Walters and others and remained three years. He now has a finely improved farm of 120 acres. During the late war General Lyon's army destroyed nearly all his property while on their raid after Price's army, and then Mr. Thomas joined Price for protection. He was out six months. He married Nancy Crider, November 17, 1833, in Grayson County, Virginia. She was the daughter of Henry Crider, of Virginia. They have four children living: Margaret Ann (now Mrs. Thomas Hackett, of Kansas City), Jane (Mrs. Thomas J. Sherley, who died in 1881), Sarah (now Mrs. H. Gest), Susan (wife of Charles Bidell), and Edwin E., now in Colorado. Politically he is a Democrat. He belongs to the Christian Church, and is a member of the Masonic order. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

THOMAS, S. C. & R. B.
S. C. and R. B. Thomas, farmers; section 33, are among the prominent citizens and early settlers of St. Clair County. S. C. was born on section 33 of this (Chalk Level) township February 11, 1846. His father, Elisha Thomas, was a native of North Carolina and came to St. Clair County in 1839. The mother of our subjects, whose maiden name was Jane W. Goff, came originally from Tennessee. S. C. was the eighth of a family of twelve children. He went to Henry County, Missouri, in 1864, where he followed farming for some time, then returning to St. Clair County. R. B. Thomas was born June 21, 1848. His youth was spent, like that of his brother, on the farm in this county. They own 185 acres of farm land, 100 acres of which are in cultivation. The senior Thomas died May 9, 1862, and his widow October 5, 1873. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

THOMAS, William L.
William L. Thomas (deceased) was born in Nicholas County, Kentucky, August 9, 1809. He was there brought up, following farming till 1850, when he came to Saline County, Missouri. Here he was engaged in farming and stock dealing till 1865. Going to St. Charles County, Missouri, he continued to reside in that locality till 1871, in which year he came to St. Clair County, and at that time had some 1,000 acres of choice land. Mr. Thomas was married May 16, 1866, to Miss Lizzie McFadden, a daughter of John McFadden, of Henry County, Kentucky. Mr. Thomas' death occurred May 8, 1880. He was through life an honest, upright and enterprising man, and his liberality, kindness and benevolence were well known. Almost the last act of this man was a generous one. Mrs. Thomas, since her husband's death, has successfully managed the most of his estate. She is beloved and respected by all who know her. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

THOMPSON, Perry Van
Mr. Thompson is a resident of Lowry City, a young man of industrious habits; has for eight years been section foreman on the Gulf Railway system, and has the confidence of the R.R. officials. Owns and controls good realty in Lowry City; a veteran's son and enthusiastic republican. His wife, Josie, is an ex-secretary of the M. L. Smith Corps of W.R.C., an organization auxiliary to G.A.R. -- Lowry City Atlas
 

THOMPSON, William F.
William F. Thompson was born January 10, 1836, in Simpson County, Kentucky, and was the son of Tillman Thompson, who was also born in Kentucky in 1811. He lived in that state until 1840, when he came to this county, locating where the subject of this sketch now resides. In 1834 he married Miss Adaline Earnest, daughter of Jacob and Lucinda Earnest. They had twelve children: William F., Jacob, Monroe, Carrol, Edwin, Matilda, Perry, Ellen, Paulina, George, Cornelius and Lomba. William F. remained at home until 1858, and on March 24th of that year was united in marriage with Miss Leah Culbertson, of St. Clair County, and a daughter of Isaac Culbertson, mention of whom is made elsewhere in our history. To them eleven children were born: Paulina, born in 1861; Adaline, born in 1863; Harriet, born in 1865; one unnamed, born in 1867; Julia, born in 1868; Sherman, born in 1870; Flora, born in 1872; Logan, born in 1874; Della, born in 1876; Lulu, born in 1879; and Genevia, born in 1882. Of these only five are now living. Mr. Thompson is the owner of 150 acres of excellent land, and to some extent is engaged in the stock business. Politically he is a Republican. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

TILLERY, William H.
William H. Tillery owes his nativity to Knox County, Tennessee, having been born there September 20, 1840. His parents, Sampson and, Catharine (Yoast) Tillery, both of Knox County, were married December 23, 1840. The former was born January 17, 1791. William H. was the twelfth of a family of thirteen children. In August, 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss Martha E. Parker, of Knox County, Tennessee. In October following, leaving his native county, he came to St. Clair County, Missouri, and settled on the farm now owned by J. P. Butcher in this township. In 1860 their eldest child, Mary L., was born, and since then they have had nine children: Sampson M., Emily T., Catharine E., C. L., William M.. James J., John A., Frederick M. and Lulu G. The family has never experienced a day of sickness, and with one exception, when the arm of Emily was broken, never has a physician been in the house for the purpose of administering medical relief. Mr. T. was formerly a very extensive dealer in mules, and was the acknowledged leader of this industry in this vicinity. In 1880, on account of failing health, he discontinued the business, and now devotes his attention to the cultivation of his farm, one of the finest in the township, situated on Coon Creek, and under good improvements. Politically, he is a staunch Republican. He is a Master Mason and a prominent member of the Grange in this township. Mr. Tillery once had a narrow escape from death, the circumstances of which were as follows: "Having been deputized, in August, 1880, to serve a warrant of arrest on a horse thief who had previously stolen a horse in that district, he started after the criminal, overtook and arrested him, and while returning to Osceola, his attention being directed to other parties coming down the road, the thief with great rapidity drew his revolver and fired at Mr. T., the ball entering his neck just back of the jugular vein on the right side, and passing behind the throttle, came out on the left side; it then entered the shoulder, and glancing back from the blade, fell into his vest pocket." -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

TITUS, James W.
James W. Titus, farmer and stock raiser, section 18, was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, February 22, 1839, his parents, Jeremiah and Susan (Goodheart) Titus having been Virginians by birth. James W. was the oldest of a family of six children. When sixteen years old he was taken by his father to Muskingum County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. He farmed in Ohio until 1860, when he moved to Coles County, Illinois, continuing his former occupation until 1868, when he came to St. Clair County, Missouri. He owns a farm of 183 acres, well improved. Mr. T. has worked at the carpentering business for the last twenty years. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, Seventy-ninth Illinois Volunteers, and was discharged December 15, 1863. He is a member of the M. E. Church, and belongs to both the Masonic fraternity and the Grange. February 23, 1860, he married Miss Caroline Roberts, of Ohio. They have seven children: S. A., Martha S., Lydia, Thomas J., James F. John H. and Ira N. They lost two children. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

TREMAIN, D. C.
D. C. Tremain, M.D. section 3, is a son of Edwin Tremain, who was born in England in May, 1803, and who was married in Ohio to Miss Sarah Hutsell, born in that state in February, 1804. They now reside in Vinton County, Ohio. They had a family of four children, D. C. being the second child. He was born in Athens, (now Vinton County) Ohio, March 26, 1843. He was there reared and received the advantage of a common school education, after which he entered the Normal School of Lebanon. In June, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Fourth Virginia of the Federal army, and remained in services four months, when he was mustered out as commissary of subsistence. Returning to Ohio he continued the study of medicine, which he had began previous to the war, and in 1836 was graduated from the Ohio Medical College. In 1877 he located in Johnson County, Kansas, having received the appointment from the governor as physician and surgeon for the Shawnee Indians. He held that appointment for two years, but continued the practice of medicine in that county until 1876, when he came to St. Clair County, Missouri. Here he is considered to be one of the most prominent in the profession. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity, and the encampment. Dr. T. was married September 26, 1859, to Miss Lizzie Evans. She was born in Mason County, Kentucky, September 24, 1850. They have three children: Dema, Ralph and Mabel. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

TRISSEL, John H.
John H. Trissel, postmaster at Lowry City, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, February 28, 1846, being the son of Joseph and Rachael (Garwood) Trissel. His youth was spent in Ohio and he was educated in the common schools, following engineering in that state until 1889, when he came to St. Clair County, Missouri. Here he manufactured brick for one year, after which he gave his attention to farming and carpentering until 1873. Returning to Ohio he was employed as engineer until 1878, when he again came to St. Clair County. August 1, 1881, he was appointed postmaster, which position he now fills. In June, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, First Ohio Heavy Artillery and was discharged July 25, 1865. He is a member of the M. E. Church and belongs to the I. O. O. F. fraternity. August 25, 1868, Mr. Trissel married Miss Elizabeth J. Houk, a daughter of George W. and Caroline (Simmon) Houk, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Maryland. Mr. and Mrs. T. have a family of six children. Harvey L., Lucy A., Garlie, Callie, George and Bessie. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

TRUE, T. F.
T. F. True, farmer, section 20, was born in Dearborn County, Indiana, October 4, 1845, being a son of Nelson and Mary E. (Piles) True, also natives of Indiana. T. F. was reared and educated in the county of his birth, where he was engaged in farming till 1866. Then he came to St. Clair County, Missouri, and now owns a farm of 220 acres. In 1861 he enlisted in Company G, Fifty-seventh Indiana, remaining in service till the close of the war. Mr. True was married July 5, 1867, to Miss Fannie Tives, a native of Moniteau County, Missouri. They have four children: Nelson, William A., Laura J. and Charles F. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

TUCKER, John Ryland
John Ryland Tucker, a native of Johnson County, Missouri, was born in 1842, being the youngest child in a family of four sons and four daughters. Early Tucker, his father, was born in Lincoln County, Kentucky, February 4, 1802, and followed farming there until 1832, when he removed to Lafayette (now Johnson) County, Missouri. Soon after his settlement there he built a cabin, having to send fourteen miles for men to assist in raising it. About the year 1827 he was married to Lucretia Owsley, a niece of George Owsley and a native of Lincoln County, Kentucky. John R. remained upon the farm of his father, in Johnson County, until February 9, 1862, when he was married to Jane Richardson, of that county. To them were born six children, but three only survive: Logan M., Lulu Belle and Lilly May. Mr. T. was at one time a Republican in his political views, but is now connected with the "National" party. His wife is a member of the M. E. Church, South. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

TUCKER, John T.
John T. Tucker is a native of Gasconade County, Missouri, and was born in 1853, being the son of Thomas and Jane (Miller) Tucker, both originally from Tennessee, the former having been born in 1830. They were married in 1852. In 1866 John T., still a small boy, came to this township, and has since continued to reside here. In 1874 he was married to Miss Mary Walters, a daughter of William Walters, and by this marriage there were four children, three of whom survive: William C., Nellie F. and Effie. One died in infancy. Mr. T. is by occupation a farmer, but occasionally follows the trade of blacksmith, in which he is quite an adept. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

TUCKER, William
William Tucker, a twin brother of Elizabeth Tucker, was born in Lincoln County, Kentucky, in 1828, the eldest of a family of eight children, seven of whom grew to maturity. Early Tucker, his father, who was also born in Lincoln County in 1802. remained there occupied in farming and trapping until 1832, when he emigrated to Johnson (at that period Lafayette) County, bringing his entire possessions in an ox-cart, while the family, who were large enough to do so, walked by the way. After his arrival here in order to build a cabin he was compelled (as elsewhere stated) to send fourteen miles for help to raise the structure. Previous to this, in 1827, he had married Miss Lucretia Owsley, of Lincoln County, Kentucky, and a niece of Governor Owsley. William was brought up in this vicinity upon a farm, and while school was held attended the sessions, though compelled to travel a distance of four miles through a trackless forest to the school house. On January 11, 1846, he was married to Miss Amanda Bazzill, daughter of Ezekiel Bazzill. To them were born six children: Mary F., born in 1851; Samuel H., born in 1853; James M., born in 1855; Melvin J., born 1856; John F., born in 1860; and William P., born in 1866. Mr. Tucker was brought up a Whig, afterwards voted the Democratic ticket and is now a Greenbacker. He is a member of the M.E. Church, South, belongs to the Grange and also to the Masonic fraternity. He is the owner of a most excellent farm in section 7, and upon it raises considerable stock, the quality and purity of which is surpassed by none, and in numbers but few are in advance of him. In 1850 Mr. Tucker's brother Henry, together with William Smith and a man named Moore, left Johnson County for the gold fields of California. Within three years Smith and Moore died, and Henry Tucker, having amassed quite a fortune, began to make preparations for his return. Starting he got as far as Boonville, where, overtaken by robbers, he was poisoned, stripped of even his clothes, robbed of his hard earned money, and placed upon the stage in an unconscious condition for Georgetown, where he arrived but he never knew his own father, who met him at that point. William Tucker now has in his possession the purse that contained the money of his murdered brother. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

TURNER, Garland C.
Garland C. Turner, farmer and stock raiser, section 17, was born in Simpson County, Kentucky, September 25, 1835. His father, John Turner, was a native of Kentucky as also was his mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Bluette. Garland was reared and educated in his native county, and there resided till 1870 when he moved to Henry County, Missouri, and in 1881 he came to St. Clair County. He has made farming his occupation during life and now has a well improved farm of 140 acres. During his residence in Henry County he was assessor for one term under the township organization. He has always taken great interest in educational matters. Mr. Turner was married August 28, 1856, to Miss Sarah Breedlove who was born in Virginia, August 28, 1836. They have five children: John W., Sallie, Forrest E., Georgia and Bascar. Mr. and Mrs. F. are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. -- History of St. Clair Co., Missouri, 1883

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