Biographical Sketch of Alex J. Dyer, Johnson County, Missouri, Hazel Hill Township >From "History of Johnson County, Missouri," by Ewing Cockrell, Historical Publishing Company, Topeka, Cleveland, 1918. ********************************************************************** Alex J. Dyer, a well known and popular young farmer and stockman, pro- prietor of "Elm Grove Stock Farm," is a member of one of the best and most prominent pioneer families of Johnson county. He was born in 1873 in Hazel Hill township, son of James D. and Mary (Greer) Dyer, the former, a native of Kentucky and the latter, of Simpson township, John- son county, Missouri. The father was born in 1837 in Warren county, Kentucky on his father's farm near Bowling Green. James D. Dyer was a son of Noah W. Dyer, who moved with his family to Missouri in 1840 and settled on a tract of land located near Aullville. Noah W. Dyer died in Warrensburg, Missouri and burial was made in Oak Grove cemetery. James D. Dyer resided for many years on the farm in Hazel Hill township which farm is a part of the place now owned by his son, Alex J., the subject of this review. Mary (Greer) Dyer was a daughter of Alex Greer of Simpson township, born on the Greer farm in that section of Johson county. To James D. and Mary Dyer were born twelve children, eight of whom are now living: Alonzo, Kansas City, Missouri; James, Jr., who died at the age of two years; Mrs. Inez Huff, Nevada, Missouri; Mrs. Mattie Greenwell, Columbus, Missouri; Bedo, Warrensburg, Missouri; Noah, Aullville, Missouri; Alex J., the subject of this review; Miles, Los Angeles, California; Roy, Dayton, Washington; Virgie, who died in 1915 at the age of 30 years; Sallie, who died in childhood at the age of two years; and Willie, who died in infancy. The father is now de- ceased and the mother resides in Warrensburg. Mr. Dyer, whose name intorduces this sketch, obtained his education in the Neff district school in Hazel Hill township. He began life for himself at the age of twenty-one years, engaged in farming on the place where he now resides. In 1897, he purchased the farm, which is a part of the original Dyer homestead. There were no improvements on this tract of land at the time and Mr. Dyer has added all that are now on it. There are at pre- sent two splendid barns, well constructed and equipped for handling stock. The handsome residence, a house of seven spacious rooms, is modern throughout. It was built in 1915. "Elm Grove Stock Farm" com- prises 160 acres of land, which lie on the line between Simpson and Hazel Hill townships, a place conveniently located twelve and a half miles north of Warrensburg. October 18, 1899 Alex J. Dyer and Jimmie Odell, daughter of Isaiah H. and Anna E. (Marr) Odell, of Columbus township, both natives of Johnson county, were united in marriage. Mr. Odell was born December 23, 1829 and died April 18, 1914 and Mrs. Odell was born April 7, 1844 and died January 14, 1911. They were the par- ents of four children, who are now living: Mrs. Hazel Wood, who resides on the home place in Columbus township; Mrs. Joe Barnett, Odessa, Miss- ouri; Mrs. Jessie Collins, Odessa, Missouri; and Mrs. Jimmie Dyer, the wife of Alex J. Dyer, the subject of this review. To Mr. and Mrs. Dyer has been born one son, Odell, who is now a student in the third year of the Farmers High School, consolidated district Number 3. Mr. and Mrs. Dyer have taken into their home to rear two little ones, orphans, a brother and sister, Earl and Mayola Playford, who are now attending school in the home district. Earl was adopted four years ago and his little sister two years later. This humanitarian act of the Dyers is only one instance of their fine big heartedness, charity, and kindness. But now Dyer is known, who is of little, narrow minded, selfish dispos- ition. This family is one of the most respected and most public spirited in Johnson county. ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: <> Penny Harrell ====================================================================