Biographical Sketch of James C. Long, Johnson County, Missouri, Simpson Township >From "History of Johnson County, Missouri," by Ewing Cockrell, Historical Publishing Company, Topeka, Cleveland, 1918. ********************************************************************** James C. Long, a prominent citizen of Simpson township, is distinctive- ly one of the leading farmers and stockmen of Johnson county. Mr. Long was born June 29, 1852, in Platte county, Missouri, a member of a well known and highly respected pioneer family. He is a son of Dr. Benjamin S. and Louisa (Basey) Long, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. Dr. Long came to Missouri in 1830. James C. Long, the subject of this re- view, is now the oldest surviving male member of his father's family of eight children. September 28, 1881, the marriage of James C. Long and Fannie Barnes, daughter of Doctor Barnes, of Virginia, was solemnized and to this union have been born five children, all of whom are now living: Dr. Frank B., who was born July 18, 1882, and is now engaged in the practice of medicine at Sedalia, Missouri; Cliff C., who was born September 22, 1883; James R., who was born March 26, 1886; W. Hatcher, who was born June 27, 1889; and Lutie V. Four children, Cliff C., James R., W. Hatcher, and Lutie V., are at home with their parents. In the autumn of 1902, James C. Long purchased a tract of land comprising 440 acres, located in Simpson township and for this farm paid $10,000. The Longs moved to Johnson county in 1903. Mr. Long had spent about 34 years of his life engaged in farming on bottom land of the Missouri river valley in Carroll county. He managed to raise one good crop in about every three or four years in Carroll county. Mr. Long disposed of his land there before coming to Johnson county and for his farm obtained $55 an acre, which netted him a good profit, and the place has since been sold for more than $100 an acre. Probably 280 acres of his Simpson township farm were in timber and brush when he bought it and the only improvements on it were an old log cabin and a shack, unworthy the name of barn. Mr. Long has built a handsome residence, a ten-room structure, which is comfortably and conveniently arranged and modern throughout; a horse and hay barn 34x50 feet; cow stable 30x30 feet; and an implement shed, in addition to several other needed farm buildings. The Long place is well fenced and 400 acres are in grass and under cul- tivation. Mr. Long is interested both in general farming and stock raising, his farm being admirably adapted for both pursuits. He has followed the rule of feeding all the hay and grain he harvests to his stock and he annually plants nearly 100 acres of the place in corn, 30 acres in oats, and 25 acres in wheat. Since he was a young man, eighteen years of age, and his father gave him a small farm of 80 acres, Mr. Long has followed the ancient and dignified vocation of farming. He is perhaps as widely known as any man in this county and, though a comparatively recent comer, he has in the past 14 years established an enviable reputation in financial and social circles. His extensive business interests bring him in contact with a large number of the county's best citizens and their unanimous opinion of James C. Long is that he is a valuable citizen, a man of rare business ability, keen foresight, unerring judgement, and the possessor of a liberal endowment of good, common sense. Though not a professional partisan, Mr. Long is a firm Democrat and he does all in his power to win success for his party. He earnestly believes in the creed of the Christian church, of which he has been a worthy and consistent member for the past 40 years. He is also affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America. He and Mrs. Long have attained a high standing in Simpson township and because of their eminent worth are accorded the respect and esteem of the entire community. ==================================================================== 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 ====================================================================