| [page 857] Wiles &
Avery, manufacturers of listing plows, corn drills and other agricultural
implements. Among the manufacturing industries of Northwest Missouri, and
one that is taking a front rank, is the establishment of these gentlemen.
The famous Eureka Listing plow and Corn Drill combined, which they manufacture
extensively, is meeting with a wide and well merited success in Missouri,
Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and other states. Their foundry and machine shops
are equipped with the latest improved machinery to facilitate in the manufacture
of these implements. Aaron Wiles is a native of Ohio, and was born in Adams
County, October 19, 1828. When he was quite young his father, Thomas, immigrated
to Missouri, locating in Bates County, being among the first settlers. The
subject of this memoir here spent his earlier days, eventually returning
to his native state, where he learned the blacksmith trade. In 1847, he
again came to Missouri, taking up his abode in St. Joseph, where he worked
at his trade until 1853, when he went to California, and resided in the
land of gold until 1857. He returned to St. Joseph and embarked in the manufacture
of wagons, in company with Ed. Dutton. At the breaking out of the rebellion,
he enlisted in Company C, of the Fourteenth Kansas Cavalry, and as veterinary
surgeon, was in twenty-eight engagements, and served through until the close
of the war, when he [page 858] was honorably
discharged, returning to St. Joseph, Missouri. In 1867, he came to Maryville,
and engaged in the manufacturing business with Mr. Avery. This co-partnership
existed two years, when Mr Wiles withdrew, and did business alone until
1880, when the present partnership was formed. Mr Wiles is a first-class
mechanic, is noted for his many sterling qualitites, and is held in high
esteem by his fellow citizens. He is a Master Mason, and a member of the
I.O.O.F. He was married in 1851, to Miss Ruth Thurman. By this marriage
they have five children: Charles, Walter, Thomas, Maud, Lawson. Mr Avery
is a native of Summit County, Ohio, and was born January 25, 1840. When
quite young he removed with his parents to Missouri, locating at Booneville,
where his father, A.A., was engaged in the manufacture of carriages, and
for a number of years was identified with the leading manufactures of that
portion of the state. The subject of this sketch here learned his trade
and resided until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in Company
H, of the Thirty-fifth Missouri, and in the defense of the Union cause,
served until the close, participating in many of the stirring engagements.
Upon the close of the war, he came to St. Joseph, and after a temporary
sojourn, engaged in the merchandise business at Fillmore, continuing until
1868, when he came to Maryville and embarked in manufacturing, in which
branch he has been interested to the present time. Being a mechanic of superior
merit, he has attained a well deserved reputation throughout the country.
Mr Avery has been twice married; first, in 1870, to Miss Lettie Andrews,
now deceased. His present wife was formerly Miss Lottie Vanlcon. He has
three children: Frankie, Charles, and Grace, the latter being by his first
wife. He is a Master Mason, and a charter member of Nodaway Lodge, No. 470. |
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| [page 866] A.L. Callaway, farmer and cattle feeder,
section 26, was born in Woodford County, Ill., October 1, 1840, and is a
son of William D. and Amanda J. (Wigington) Callaway, who were natives of
Christian County, Kentucky. The father was born in 1803, and the mother
in 1813. She died April 4, 1876. They had settled in Caldwell County, Kentucky,
he being a wheelwright by trade, and from there moved to Woodford County,
Illinois, in 1836, being among the first pioneers in that county. In 1839,
they located in Putnam County, Illinois, and, in 1846, returned to Kentucky,
and thence to Cass County, Illinois. In 1853, Menard County, Illinois, became
their home, coming next to Graham, Nodaway County, Missouri, in 1872, and
to Holt County, Missouri, in 1877. Alfred passed his youth in Cass and Menard
Counties, Illinois, and May 6, 1861, he enlisted as a private, for three
months, in the Fourteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered out
August 3, of the same year. He then re-enlisted in Company F, Twenty-eight
Volunteer Infantry being mustered in the 23d of August, 1861. He was in
the battles of Fort Henry, Pittsburg Landing, siege of Corinth, Hatchie
River, Cold Water, Collinsville, Tennessee, siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi,
Jackson, Vidalia, Mississippi, Fort Spanish and Whistle Station. The regiment
was sent to Brownville, Texas, in July, 1865, and remained there till 1866.
He was mustered out at Springfield, Illinois, April 6, 1866, as first lieutenant.
Mr Callaway returned to Menard County, Illinois, and February 7, 1867, he
was married to Mary E. Bracking, a native of Menard County, Illinois, born
May 22, 1848. She is the daughter of James and Arminda (Blaine) Bracking.
The former was born in Bath County, Kentucky, February 13, 1820, and the
latter in Menard County, in 1828. They were married in 1847, and then settled
in Menard County, Illinois. Mr and Mrs Callaway located in Menard County,
Illinois, and came to Nodaway County, Missouri, in 1871, setttling some
five miles northwest of Quitman. His farm consists of 200 acres of finely
improved land. Their family consists of seven children living, and one dead:
Herbert, Arthur, Paul, Lottie A., Harry D., Chauncy, and Alfred. Frankie
J. is deceased. |
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| [page 871] Green Township - Joseph Headrick, farmer and stock raiser, section 31, was born in Howard County, Missouri, December 10, 1829, and is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Wilds) Headrick, natives of Garrard County, Kentucky. His father was born in 1793, and died in September, 1858. His mother, who was born in 1783, died in November, 1866. After being married, they settled in Howard County, Missouri, in 1822, moved to Cooper County in 1834, and to Clay County in 1839. In 1840 Buchanan County became their home, they locating near Gower, Clinton County, and remained till 1846, when they moved to Holt County, coming to Nodaway County in the spring of 1854. They settled where the subject of this sketch now resides. Joseph spent his boyhood days mostly in Buchaan County and with his parents came to Nodaway County. During the year 1848 he freighted in Nebraska. He was married November 12, 1849, to Miss Elizabeth Alford, a native of Virginia. She was a daughter of James and Margaret Alfrod, who settled in Holt County. She died December 16, 1856, leaving three children: Miranda J., James T., and Maggie E. Mr H. was married the second time, November 8, 1857, to Miss Mary McCarty, a native of Missouri, born October 10, 1837. Her parents were James and Nancy McCarty. By this union they have four children living: Mary B., Sarah C., John E., and Robert F.; an infant son, Martha A. and Joseph W., are deceased. Mr and Mrs H. and two children are members of the Christian Church. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. His farm comprises some 394 acres of improved land. |