LOUIS STOCKMAN. Was born in Belgium, Europe, Oct. 11, 1835, where he was reared and educated. After leaving school he learned the baker's trade, and continued in the same till 1856, when he came to America. He landed at New York, then proceeded to Milwaukee, following his trade here and in Chicago until the fall of 1858, when he went to St. Louis, where he remained until 1871. Mr. Stockman came to Pettis County in the spring of 1871, and has since resided here, following stock dealing and farming. He has eighty acres of well improved land, with a brick residence beautifully located, commanding a grand view of the surrounding country. Mr. Stockman has the broadest experience and his many qualities as an upright citizen has won him many friends. ANTON TRACHEL. Son of George Trachel, was born in Weimar, Saxony, Germany, March 3, 1839. He came to this country in 1850, with his father's family, settling in Washington County, Ohio. He followed farming with his father until March 15, 1868, when he married Ruhamia, daughter of Rebecca and Daniel Kerns. Mr. Trachel remained in Washington County until he came to Pettis County, Mo., in November, 1875, to this. township, where he now resides. The names of Mr. Trachel's children are: William W., born Jan. 15, 1870; Elizabeth Z., born Feb. 22, 1871; Loretta, born April 9, 1872; Elfie, born Sept. 23, 1873; Bertha, born Nov. 30, 1874; Sadie, born Feb. 25, 1876; Elsie, born March 16, 1879. Mr. Trachel has been school director for several years, respondent to every call on a citizen contributing to every demand, as the necessity of the case seemed right to him. His father, George Trachel, was a stone-cutter in Germany, having served an apprenticeship of four years. He was there employed on public buildings as master of the business. He had charge of work in Berlin and Leipsic and other cities of Germany. George Trachel died in Washington County, Ohio, April 1, 1868, being about sixty-seven years old. His wife, Elizabeth, died March, 1873, aged sixty-nine years. Mrs. Ruhamia Trachel, mother of Rebecca Kerns, was a daughter of Reuben Phillips, a native of Virginia. WILLIAM H. VANNATTA. The subject of this sketch, William H. Vannatta, son of John Vannatta, and grandson of Aaron Vannatta, who came to this country with Baron Van Stuben, from Holland. Aaron Vannatta settled in New Jersey during the Revolutionary war. His son, John Vannatta, was born Jan. 29, 1806. He married Mary, daughter of John Hunt, a revolutionary soldier. Mary Hunt was born Sept. 4, 1794. William H. Vannatta was born April 14, 1828, in Butler County, Ohio. He lived with his father until he mar ried Adelia M., daughter of William and Elizabeth Olden, July 29, 1852. John Vannatta, father of W. H. Vannatta, came to Madison County in 1832, and remained in this county until 1863, when he moved to Macoupin County, Ill., where he remained until 1867, when he came to Pettis County, Mo. Soon after he purchased the farm where he now resides. Mr. Vannatta with some neighbors, in 1869, organized a school district, No. five, and as soon as means could be procured, built a school house and was the first director, and has always advocated thorough education, and has endeavored to maintain a high standard of qualification of teachers for public schools. The names of their children are: Amanda, born April 17, 1853; Sylvester, born Sept. 23, 1854; Ellen, born August, 1856; Allie H., born Aug. 1, 1858; Celia, born Aug. 25, 1860; John W., born March 30, 1862; Mary E., born March 16, 1864; Frank W., Jan. 19, 1866; Cuyler H., born Nov. 16, 1867; Eddie M., born Dec. 1, 1864; Oscar J., born June 24, 1871; Nellie I., born Dec. 30, 1879. Sylvester died Sept. 22, 1861. Celia died Oct. 25, 1863. Frank Webster died Aug. 6, 1875. Celia's death was caused by her clothing taking fire, having been for a short time alone in the house. It was not known how the fire was caused. She made an effort to get to her father in the field near by, but died before help could reach her. Amanda was married to Robert Ewers, Feb. 7, 1877. They are now residents of Pettis County. Adelia Olden Vannatta's paternal ancestors were natives of Canada. Her maternal ancestors were of the Parker family, and natives of Canada, who were in possession of a large estate in the vicinity of Montreal in an early day. Mr. W. H. Vannatta was a member of the Christian Church. His daughters, Amanda and Allie, were also members. He has always assisted in building churches and other institutions for the maintenance of a high standard of morals in the community in which he lived. He was a stockholder in the Utica College in Illinois. Amanda and Ellen were successful school teachers. Mr. Vannatta had the misfortune to have his residence burned in 1878. It was a serious loss, having no insurance; his policy having expired about three months previous. He has another residence built on the same place, but not so large as the former. THOMAS WESTLAKE. Farmer. Section sixteen, post-office, Sedalia. He was born in Ohio, July 3, 1818, where he was reared and educated. In 1848 he moved to Scott County, Iowa, and engaged in farming two years, then in 1850, came to Pettis County, Mo., where he has since carried on farming and stock raising. In the early days of Mr. Westlake's residence here, the people went from thirty to forty miles to mill, and occupied three to four days on the trip. He was married to Miss Nancy Garvin, Nov. 9, 1843. By this union they had three children, Cyrus, William and Dar mother of these children died in October, 1846, and July 2, 18; ried Mrs. Urcilla Steel, of this county, for his second wife. has blessed them with five children, Maggie, Mary A., Melvina, and Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Westlake are highly esteemed by their neighbors and acquaintances, for their many approved qualities. CHAPTER XXII.-SMITHTON TOWNSHIP. Introductory-Situation-Name-- Organization-Physical Features-Old Settlers-Agriculture --Horticulture-Stock Raising--Priceville--Farmers City-Smithton-Railroads--Churches--Cemeteries--Early Ministers--Schools--Civic Societies--Incidents ---Biographical Man, through all ages of revolving time Smithton Township, located in the eastern part of Pettis County, and south of the central line that divides the county from east to west, and being traversed its entire length by the splendid line of the Missouri, Pacific Railroad, has all the advantages that could be asked for any township or town. Its situation is all that could be desired. Its climate such as is productive of all that is best in the grand belt of country in which it is situated, and its people, such as are found only in this favored part of Missouri. Although Smithton Township is apparently a small area in the country, yet it has a history, interesting and worth reading, for all those living within its bounds, which in after years will be held in sacred memory by generations yet to fill the places of their fathers, and to read and think as they have done. Without entering into controversies concerning the origin, cause and bias of the various factions and difficulties pertaining to the people and this locality, we proceed to give the facts and dates of prominent events as gathered from reliable sources, precluding from our narrative anything tinged with political or religious bias or family preference. History is the narration of past events as they have occurred. It is the grand master that has unlocked the storehouse of past ages, and presents to our view all the glories of those empires which have risen, flourished and fallen in the ages past. Hence, so dear to us is the history of our country and ourselves, that we should claim it as a birthright, to be vigilantly guarded, lest through carelessness we forget our ancestors, our institutions and ourselves. Smithton Township, devoted as it is to agricultural pursuits, has every advantage which should be sought after by the husbandman. Its soil is deep, rich, and productive. Its drainage is excellent. Its timber is plentiful. Wealth predominates, and nowhere do we see that sign of careless indifference that marks other spots, which in a day's ride may come under the observation of the traveler. Well tilled farms, well kept fences, beautifully trained hedges and nicely trimmed orchards are on every hand. All seem to take a pride in making homes that are attractive, and so far their efforts have been crowned with abundant success. What has been done at so comparatively an early day in this township, can be surpassed by those who come into possession, after those who are now so perfectly grading and paving the way before them. If we were permitted the privilege to see the present improvements completed and those of the next fifty succeeding years, would any of the famous, perfectly improved estates of England, France or Germany surpass them? Would any of them equal? Certainly none would surpass them in beauty of scenery that they may possess; undoubtedly none can surpass them now in amount or value of their productions. A more inspiring scene cannot be witnessed than that of a farm at the busy season. It will be pleasant to those who are the offspring of the pioneer settlers to peruse these pages, for we shall endeavor to make the most striking features pertain principally to the old settlers and their surroundings. We shall attempt to give the reader narratives of pioneer life, descriptions of interesting localities and personal reminiscences. The staple products of the locality, the quality of the soil, the course and size of the principal streams, the educational advantages-all these items of interest, and many others, will be dwelt upon. We will give, also, as full as our information will allow, sketches of the rise and progress, and the present condition of the various religious denominations of the township. Also, short biographies of the leading men, living and dead, who have been prime factors in building up the township. The names will be briefly noticed as is most relevant. The location and physical features of the township will be given more in a general view, excluding technical points of minute and secluded nooks. Roads, fences and creeks will have a more prominent place in the descriptive geography of the township, in connection with the physical features. The population of 1880, with such other statistics as could be gathered before and after that date, will be produced. The town of Smithton, with name and such incidents as will remind the reader of its present and future prospects. We shall speak of the postoffices, schools, cemeteries and other interests, as we have recourse to historical facts. No historian, however well versed in antiquities, can possibly give all the incidents relative to the many changes of a county or township. Public records and documents are supposed to preserve cor rectly the dates, but frequently these cannot be found, and if found, may not contain just the desired facts in minute detail of the information wished to be obtained. The memories of the pioneers have materially aided in giving events. If all the dates are not correct, or all the facts are not given as prominently as they should be, it is because the sketcher has failed to procure the desired information. However, it is hoped that the history of the township which we have compiled may be of interest to the population of the section for which it is written. The name most common is frequently chosen in commemoration of particular objects or persons. The ancients, and many persons of this age, found in hills, valleys, mountains and forests, ideas for appropriate names. From time immemorial it has been the custom for admirers of great men to call that which was near and dear to them by the name of those whom they admired, who had been their benefactors, or had been largely interested in their welfare. Founders of cities, towns and villages, discoverers of countries, lakes and rivers, were and are wont to designate those particular places by their own name, or those whom they delight to honor and whose memory they wish to perpetuate. Thus we have America, numerous Columbuses, Washingtons and on down to local people and places. This is but just. It is right that tribute should be paid to the memory of one who, above all others, has been a benefactor to his locality and its people. Smithton Township takes its name from Gen. Geo. R. Smith, whose name is so inseparably connected with Pettis County and all Central Misouri. A biographical sketch of the General is given in full in this volume beginning on page 418. ORGANIZATION.—The township was organized in 1864. It was originally a part of Bowling Green Township, and its early history will have to be given in connection with that township. It was separated from the former township in 1864, and the order of the court, as seen in connection with records, will show that although separate voting places were established at that time, the township was not organized until May 13, 1873. CONFIGURATION.-The shape of the township is a square. It is bounded. on the north by Bowling Green Township, on the east by Morgan County, on the South by Lake Creek Township, and on the west by Sedalia Township. It occupies the eastern and southern portion of Pettis County; embraces in its boundaries thirty-six square miles, and has 23,040 acres. The greater portion of the land is tillable, and is gently undulating prairie-land, except along the creeks, where it is more broken and plentifully timbered. Farms of eighty to 900 acres, beautifully improved, the larger ones with elegant blue-grass pastures, are on every hand. The railroad follows along the divide or watershed the entire distance through |