Nodaway County Archives - Page 2 of 3

Biography of Adam Nelson Shelman of Union Township

Plat Map of Nodoway County Missouri 1910

Adam Nelson Shelman, born January 28, 1835, in Breckenridge County, Kentucky, was a highly respected and industrious farmer in Union Township, Nodaway County, Missouri. He moved to Nodaway County in 1856 with his wife, Sarah K. Watson, and their young son. Shelman initially settled in a modest log cabin and gradually expanded his holdings to 300 acres. Known for his integrity and business acumen, he was a member of the Predestinarian Baptist church. Shelman passed away on July 12, 1898. He and Sarah had several children, and his widow continued to manage and expand the family farm. Sarah lived to be nearly 68, admired by many in the community.

Biography of W. Taylor Brown of Green Township

W. Taylor Brown, born April 14, 1844, in Rock Castle County, Kentucky, was a respected farmer in Green Township, Nodaway County, Missouri. Son of Stephen and Barbara Brown, he moved to Illinois for three years before settling in Nodaway County in 1867. Around 1880, he purchased a farm in Monroe Township, eventually owning 160 acres there and 120 acres in Holt County. In 1875, he married Nancy Jane Kyle, daughter of James Madison and Elizabeth Kyle. They had five children: Fannie (deceased), Archie, Arthur, Floyd, and Daisy. Known for his integrity and community spirit, Brown was a model farmer and neighbor.

Biography of Charles H. Roney of Polk Township

Charles H. Roney, born November 18, 1862, in Peoria County, Illinois, was a prominent farmer in Polk Township, Nodaway County, Missouri. The son of Irish immigrants Henry and Julia Roney, he moved with his family to Nodaway County in 1883. In 1888, Roney married Annie Tobin, also of Irish descent. They had eight children: James, Edward, Julia, Fred, Roy, Earl, Blanche, and Paul. Roney developed a successful 235-acre farm in Polk Township and was active in promoting the area’s progress. A devoted member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Maryville, he was known for his integrity and community involvement.

Biography of Abraham Merrill of Polk Township

Abraham Merrill, born April 3, 1843, in Wayne County, New York, was an esteemed farmer in Polk Township, Nodaway County, Missouri. Son of Ripley and Maria (Van Alstine) Merrill, he moved to Rock County, Wisconsin, in 1847. During the Civil War, he served in the Twenty-second Regiment Wisconsin Infantry, participating in numerous significant battles. Captured at Brentwood, Tennessee, he spent three months in Libby Prison. In 1867, Merrill settled in Nodaway County, purchasing and developing a 120-acre farm. He married Sarah E. Semans in 1869, and they had seven children. A member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Merrill was respected for his contributions to agriculture and his community.

Biography of John C. Curfman of Maryville

John C. Curfman, born February 20, 1843, in Huntington County, Pennsylvania, was a notable figure in Nodaway County, Missouri. A Civil War veteran, he moved to Missouri in 1865 and established a successful hardware business in Maryville. In 1894, he was elected presiding judge of the county court, serving a four-year term marked by fairness and legal acumen. Curfman married Lenora A. Alexander in 1871, with whom he had five children. After retiring in Maryville, he remained a respected community member, involved in the Methodist Episcopal Church and local civic organizations.

Biography of William Henry Totterdale of Maryville

William Henry Totterdale, born May 21, 1848, in Somersetshire, England, was a key figure in the industrial and civic development of Nodaway County, Missouri. Emigrating to America at age ten, he settled in Maryville in 1867. Totterdale, a skilled carpenter, co-founded a successful contracting and building firm, erecting many notable structures in Maryville. Later, he established a lumber yard. Totterdale served as Maryville’s mayor from 1905, noted for his effective administration. He died on October 23, 1908. A respected community leader, he was involved in the Episcopal Church, Freemasons, Odd Fellows, and Elks.

Biography of Glenn Beal Roseberry of Maryville

Glenn Beal Roseberry, born July 14, 1874, in Maryville, Missouri, was a prominent attorney, businessman, and civic leader. Son of Mathew G. and Phoebe E. Roseberry, he pursued law at the University of Michigan, graduating in 1895. After practicing law, Roseberry shifted to business, managing the Maryville Water Company and operating a successful grocery store. He married twice, first to Laura A. Frank, then to her niece, Eva P. Frank, with whom he had a daughter, Esther Ardelia. Active in the Christian church, Roseberry contributed significantly to the community’s development and welfare.

Biography of Judge Hugh H. McClurg of Union Township

Judge Hugh H. McClurg, born March 24, 1859, in Morgan County, Illinois, was a respected figure in Nodaway County. After marrying Ida E. Rickard in 1872, he began farming in Jackson Township. He eventually acquired and improved a 130-acre farm in Union Township. McClurg taught school before focusing on agriculture, raising mules and hogs. Active in local politics, he served as secretary and treasurer of the No. 1 drainage district and was elected presiding judge of the county court in 1906. A Democrat, he was known for his commitment to bettering community conditions. McClurg was also involved in the Methodist Episcopal church and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Biography of Judge William H. Chambers of Union Township

Judge William H. Chambers, born May 30, 1849, in Coles County, Illinois, was a notable figure in Nodaway County, Missouri. Raised in Fulton County, Illinois, he moved to Nodaway County in 1876, purchasing an 80-acre farm on White Cloud Creek. Chambers successfully expanded his farm, becoming a prominent livestock feeder. Elected county judge in 1906, he was recognized for his fair and diligent service. Married to Frocine James, he had six children: Perry, Harry, Loren, Irvin, Sylvia, and Della. Chambers was also active in his community, serving on various boards and as a member of the Baptist church.

Biography of Benjamin Franklin Duncan of Maryville

Prof. Benjamin Franklin Duncan, born April 29, 1842, in Shelby County, Kentucky, was a distinguished educator in Nodaway County, Missouri. Son of Daniel Boone and Eleanor (Cook) Duncan, he pursued his studies at Jewel College and Georgetown College. Duncan held significant positions, including president of Concord College and superintendent of schools in Richmond and Maryville. He was also elected county superintendent of schools and later taught Latin and economics at the Fifth District Normal School in Maryville. Married to Sallie E. Buchanan in 1867, he had four children. Duncan was a dedicated Baptist and well-respected community member, known for his educational contributions and personal integrity.