My Genealogy Hound

Milton P. Vivion. Prominent among the pioneer settlers of Moniteau County stands the name of the above-mentioned gentleman, who is not only one of the early settlers, but is also one of the much esteemed citizens of the county. He was born August 9, 1824, in Cole (now Moniteau) County, Mo., and is of English-Irish descent. His parents were natives of Virginia, and immigrated to Kentucky at an early day, where they remained for a number of years. The father was born in 1782, and the mother in 1787. They were married in 1803, immigrated to Missouri in about 1814, and located in “Splice Creek” bottom, near Providence, in Cole (now Moniteau) County. They were among the very first settlers, and came through in wagons. At this time the county was wild and unbroken. Mr. Vivion erected a little log cabin, covered with clapboards, weighed down with poles, and in this lived for several years, or until he could build a better one. He turned his attention entirely to farming, and was quite successful in this industry. He died on this farm, and the mother died on the farm now occupied by Milton P. Vivion. They were members of the Missionary Baptist Church for many years. They were the parents of seven children, three now living: Nancy, widow of Eli DeArmon; Lucy, widow of Noah Simmons, and Milton P. Those deceased were named: Adam, Mary, Amanda J. and John. Of this family Milton P. is the youngest now living. He was reared and educated in Moniteau County, receiving such education as the schools at that day afforded, in the log school-house, with split logs for seats and mud and stick chimneys. He was married first, in 1848, to Miss Minerva Don Carlos, and was married the second time to Miss Mary M. Wood, daughter of L. Wood. To the last marriage was born one child, Sarah F., who is the wife of Columbus Don Carlos. Mr. Vivion was married the third time to Miss Susan Hickman, daughter of William and Phoebe (Smith) Hickman, who were natives of Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Vivion are the parents of three children: Carrington, Clarence and Dennis. Mr. Vivion is one of the enterprising citizens of the county, and has been school director and road overseer a number of times. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and his first presidential vote was for Zachary Taylor in 1848. Mrs. Vivion is a member of the Christian Church.