Biographical Sketch of C. G. Greenwell, Johnson County, Missouri,
Columbus Township

>From "History of Johnson County, Missouri," by Ewing Cockrell,
Historical Publishing Company, Topeka, Cleveland, 1918.
**********************************************************************

C. G. Greenwell, proprietor of "Walnut Grove Stock Farm," is one of
Columbus township's best citizens and most capable and progressive 
farmers and stockmen.  He was born in the home which is now his own on
the farm in Columbus township in 1858, a son of Ralph and Nancy (Will-
iams) Greenwell, both of whom were natives of Kentucky, in which state 
they were united in marriage.  Mr. and Mrs. Greenwell came to Missouri
from Kentucky in 1854, making the first part of the journey by boat,
landing at Lexington, Missouri and driving through from that city to
the farm in Columbus township, Johnson county.  This place was purchas-
ed by Ralph Greenwell within a short time afterward from Mr. Gott.  The
Greenwell homestead is located one-half mile north of Columbus.  To
Ralph and Nancy Greenwell were born the following children: Mrs. Sallie
Rennick, of Lafayette county, Missouri; R. W., a well known farmer of
Columbus township; and C. G., the subject of this review.  The father
died in 1905 at the age of eighty-four years.  Interment was made in
the cemetery at Columbus.  The widowed mother is still living on the
farm in Columbus township.  Mr. and Mrs. Greenwell spent the best years
of their lives laboring for the upbuilding of Johnson county.  Brave, 
noble and true, they cheerfully did their part to bring about the
splendid improvement in conditions that has placed this section of the
state in the front rank with the most desirable and productive count-
ies.  In a log schoolhouse, in a private residence, and in two differ-
ent churches, school was held when C. G. Greenwell was a school boy and
he recalls how the puncheon benches were arranged about the walls of
the old log school house, and how the "master" would call "Books!" when
the recess time had ended.  At the age of twenty-one years, Mr. Green-
well began farming for himself on the home place in Columbus township.
He now owns the homestead, a farm comprising two hundred five acres of 
land known widely as the "Walnut Grove Stock Farm."  It was so named
because of the beautiful walnut trees which shade the well kept lawn
surrounding the residence.  This home was buit before Ralph Greenwell
purchased the place, but it has been rebuilt and remodeled recently.
"Walnut Grove Stock Farm" is a pretty country home and the neatly kept
surroundings bespeak the thoughtful care of an intelligent, efficient
agriculturist.  The soil is very productive, but Mr. Greenwell has most
of the place now in grass and is now devoting practically all his
attention to raising cattle, hogs and sheep, keeping high grade stock.
The farm is abundantly watered, one spring flowing all the year round.
In 1885, C. G. Greenwell and Eva Berry, of Lafayette county, were 
united in marriage.  Mrs. Greenwell died the year after thier marriage.
In 1886, Mr. Greenwell again married, his second wife being Mollie
Greenwell, daughter of Jack Greenwell, of Columbus township.  Mr. and
Mrs. C. G. Greenwell adopted a boy, John Simmons, when he was five 
years of age and reared him to maturity.  He still makes his home with
his foster parents.  The Greenwells are well known and highly respected
citizens in Johnson county.  Mr. Greenwell contributes a bit of hearsay
evidence to aid in deciding the much muted question as to which land
was the first broken in Johnson county.  He states that he was told by
"Aunt Betsy" Fulkerson that the first land broken in this county was 
the farm land now known as the Fred Specker place, formerly the Houx
farm, where the first court in Johnson county was held.  Others claim
this honor for the old Baker homestead, now owned by Roy Wilson.  The
conflicting claims in themselves are interesting and conclusive proof
that there were several brave, enterprising and industrious farmers in
Johnson county in the very earliest days.

====================================================================
     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 (Eisenbarger) Harrell <Incog3678@aol.com>

====================================================================