Bacon Chapel Neighborhood

9 May 1902

Clarence, Mo. Shelbina TORCHLIGHT

JOHN MINICK

This gentleman was born and raised in Tennessee. He came to Missouri in 1842 and settled on the John B. Lewis farm where he raised his family and lived to a ripe old age. Mr. Minick coming into the neighborhood in its beginning was among those who saw and took part in the development of the neighborhood. Mr. Minick was a quiet unassuming man, a good neighbor and a lifelong Democrat. He died several years ago.

WM. THOMAS MINICK

This is a son of John Minick. He was born and raised on the above named farm. Mr. Minick received his education in the common district schools. He married in early manhood and settled on a portion of the home farm. He improved a farm in after years where he has lived ever since. He is a substantial farmer, a member of Bacon Chapel church, a Democrat and a member of the A.O.U.W. lodge of Clarence. Mr. Minick has held positions in the neighborhood, such as school director and road overseer. He is one of Bacon Chapel’s best citizens.

JOHN WESLEY MINICK

The only son of William T. Minick, was born and raised within one mile and a half of where he now lives. He received his education in the district in which he lives. He improved a nice farm adjoining his father’s, where he lives and enjoys the respect of both old and young of the neighborhood. John W. Minick is a Methodist and a Democrat, a good neighbor and worthy citizen.

WILLIAM MINICK

(Transcriber’s Note: The above name is unclear on the copy I am working from, however, based on the material following this biographical note, I think it is correct.)

This old and worthy citizen is a brother of John Minick. He, too, was born and raised in the state of Tennessee. In early manhood he married and came to Missouri, settling in the southern portion of the state, where he remained till 1865, when he came to Shelby county and settled in Bacon Chapel neighborhood. When he came to this neighborhood he moved his family and belongings in a two-horse wagon, the team consisting of two very large white horses. This was a noted team of the neighborhood for several years, the horses living to be very old and remaining in his possession till they died. The wagon was what was known as an old Virginia wagon, the bed (or box) being much larger than they are now, and about four or five feet deep and crooked, resembling an old time hand or oar boat. This is the kind of wagon that was used by freight haulers before railroads became so common, four and six horses composing the team. One of these wagons would hold almost as much freight as a common freight car, and the man that had enough household goods to fill one was considered in good circumstances. Mr. Minick has lived on several different farms since he came to the neighborhood. He lived for sometime on the farm Mr. Altoff lives on. He once lived on the farm now owned by Mr. Altoff, lying on Salt River one half mile east of the John Minick farm. He sold this farm and settled on a farm in the north portion of the county, where he lived a few years when he sold this farm and bought one three miles east and two miles north of Clarence, where he now lives. His youngest daughter keeps house for him, his wife having died several years ago. While he has not taken such an active part in public and religious affairs as some men who live in the neighborhood, he has filled his sphere and done his part well. He is a kind hearted, charitable man and a good neighbor, a Methodist and a lifelong Democrat. He has lived the allotted time of man, three score years and ten and is enjoying the fruits of a well spent life and may he live many years yet to enjoy the comforts of a nice home and company of his worthy sons and daughters and many neighbors and friends who honor and respect him.

WM. GILLASPIE MINICK

This is the oldest son of William Minick, who was born and raised in this neighborhood. Wm. G. Minick received his education in this neighborhood, in what was known as the Smith school house, one mile west of the church on the Clarence road. Soon after he became of age, he married and settled down to farming. For many years he owned and lived on a farm one half-mile west of the school house above mentioned. He sold this farm a few years ago and moved to Shelbyville, where he engaged in the Hotel business. He is now engaged in the ice business, in connection with farming, and has secured the position of mail carrier under the free delivery system, the route lying east of Shelbyville. He is a Methodist, a Democrat, and a worthy citizen of his adapted city.

JOHN MINICK

A second son of William Minick was also born and raised in this neighborhood. He two (sic) received his education in the Smith school house. John Minick has followed farming all of his life, and now lives on his nice farm two miles east of Clarence. He married soon after he became of age, but death robbed him of his companion after several years of married life, leaving two daughters just blossoming into womanhood, and who are keeping house for him. John Minick has taken some active part in the neighborhood affairs, holding the office of school director. He is a Methodist, a Democrat and a good neighbor and citizen.

ISAAC MINICK

Isaac Minick is the youngest son of William Minick, who was also born and raised in this neighborhood. He, like his brothers, obtained his education in the Smith school house. Soon after he reached his majority he married, and being raised on a farm he continued farming for a short time, when he left the farm and came to Clarence, and engaged as clerk with one of the leading business firms of this city. He continued at this business for several years, but returned to farming, in which occupation he has continued ever since. He lives on his farm which is located northeast of Clarence. Isaac Minick is a Methodist, a Democrat, and a prominent Odd Fellow. He is a good neighbor, a worthy citizen of the county, and has a host of friends, in the country and in Clarence.

J. H. Pollard