THE HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, MISSOURI-Warrensburg Township
Biographies for Warrensburg Township, Pages 687-744
Kansas City Historical Co. 1881

WILLIAM H. ANDERSON,

a leading merchant of Warrensburg, was born in Campbell county,
Tennessee, on the 28th day of March, 1813.  His father, John Anderson,
was a native of Bedford county, Virginia, and his mother of Withe
county, the same state.  His grandfather was a native of Scotland, and
came to America and settled in Virginia, where he lived till his death,
dying at the advanced age of one hundred and one years.  John Anderson,
the father of William H., died at his home in Campbell county,
Tennessee, in 1838.  The subject of this sketch lived in his native
county till twenty years of age.  During this time he had made some
progress in learning, and had what may be termed a good English
education for his day.  In 1833 he set out on horseback and traveled all
the way overland to the state of Missouri, the land he had chosen for
his future home.  Here he settled with his brother, who had come
previously.  This was several years prior to the laying out of the town
of Warrensburg.  He was not ashamed of labor, and engaged in making
rails.  Three years after arriving he engaged as clerk for James A.
Gallaher, with whom he continued for the space of two years.  In 1838 he
went to Warrensburg, when it was in its infancy, and has remained ever
since, with the exception of seven years.  In 1839 he was appointed
deputy sheriff, and held this office for two years.  After this he
engaged as clerk in a dry goods store for a period of five years.  In
1843 he embarked in the mercantile business for himself, running a
general store, which he continued until 1857, when he sold out his stock
with a view of farming, but just at that time a branch of the Union Bank
of Missouri was established at this place, and he was elected cashier,
and served till 1862 when the bank closed.  He then took his family,
also the money belonging to the bank, and moved to St. Louis, where he
remained till after the close of the war, then moved to Pleasant Hill,
Cass county, Missouri, where he engaged in the mercantile trade until
1869, when he returned to Warrensburg, and soon afterward assisted in
the organization of the Johnson county savings bank, of which he was
elected cashier, and served acceptably for two years.  After that he
engaged in the retail grocery trade, which he has continued to the
present time, having established a reputation for honesty and fair
dealing, richly meriting the esteem and confidence in which he is held.
He was elected treasurer of Johnson county in 1848, and served till
rendered ineligible by the law of the state.  He took a very active part
in establishing the line of the Missouri Pacific railroad to the town of
Warrensburg, for which the people ought ever to feel grateful.  He was
married to Miss Mary A. Davis, February 4, 1844.  She was born in
Kentucky, but raised in Johnson county, Missouri.  She is a lady of
culture and refined domestic habits.  Ten children were born, seven are
now living: John D., Zachary T., Henry B., Wm.  H.  Jr., James I., Mary
A.  and Charles.  Two children died in infancy; Sallie died when twelve
years of age.  Mr. Anderson is a plain man, though a true gentleman.  In
politics he has always been a democrat.  He has for years been a devoted
member of the M.E.  church (south), and now serves as superintendent of
the Sunday school in his church.  He is social and temperate, and
although advanced in years, he retains a wonderful vivid memory.


REV. A.L. BARR,

pastor of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Born in Alabama and when
young came with his parents to Miller county, Missouri.  His father,
Rev.  J.N. Barr, was born in North Carolina, in 1816, and moved to
Alabama in 1834, coming to Missouri in 1850.  He is still living, near
Pleasant Hope, Polk county, a hale and vigorous man, having reared a
large and influential family to bless the world.  His wife, Mary Ann
Brandon, is a native of Tennessee, who moved to Alabama in 1834.  The
children of this worthy pair are: Ailanthus L., Fidelia S., Lalande R.,
Malzarine L., Ursula L., Nannie J., Ritha U., Thaddeus M., and Rufus M.,
who died in infancy.  Malzarine L. died at the age of nineteen.  A. L.
attended McGee College three years, then studied at Drurie College,
after which he spent two years in teaching and preaching in Green and
Polk countys.  He then spent two years in the school of theology at
Cumberland University, Tennessee, coming directly to Warrensburg, June
5, 1881, where, as pastor of the C.P.  Church, he has, in a
comparatively short time, endeared himself to his own congregation, and
the public generally.  Rev.  Barr is a clear and practical speaker, and
though a young man, possesses high attainments, both as a scholar and
Christian minister, and will render eminent service in the cause of
Christ.  He joined the McGee Presbytery August 24, 1871; was licensed in
Springfield Presbytery October 5, 1874, and ordained at Pleasant Hope,
March 6, 1875.


BENJAMIN P. BLACK,

was born in Mercer county, Kentucky, October 12, 1828.  His father
Daniel Black, was a native of Virginia, and moved to Kentucky in 1820.
He was a farmer, and Benjamin helped him, and received a very limited
education in the old log school houses of that day.  He removed from
there when he was twenty-nine years of age, to this state, settling in
this county, on the place where he now lives.  Was married to Miss
Amanda Quarls, a native of Virginia, in 1848, by whom he has had ten
children, six of whom are living: Mary E., now Mrs. Harmon, living in
this county; Jeremiah, Sarah, now Mrs.  M.  Cobler; T.G., Amos C., and
N.L., the youngest daughter.  Mr. Black has been an industrious and
persevering farmer, and by hard work and good financiering has secured a
good home, to which he has added a well improved tract of land, and he
is to-day one of the substantial men, who have helped to make Johnson
county.


WILLIAM H. BRINKER.

 Of the many examples of self-made men which this western country has
produced, none are more worthy of record the subject of this sketch.  He
is a native of Crawford county, Missouri, and was born December 23,
1851.  His father, John B. Brinker, was a native of Missouri, and was
among the earliest settlers of Johnson county.  William's grandfather
was killed by the Indians, in Jackson county, about the year 1830.  His
mother is also a native of this state, and is still living, though about
sixty six years of age.  Mr. William B.  Brinker's father died in 1855,
with the cholera, while on his way home from St. Louis, where he had
been to purchase goods, being at this time one of the prominent dry
goods merchants, of Warrensburg.  He was an energetic, straightforward
man.  William H., at the outbreak of the war, was about ten years of
age.  In 1862 his mother's house was burned, and everything taken, and
the family was left destitute.  His mother took her family, and went to
St.  Francois county, this state, for safety.  In 1864 William joined
Gen.  Price's army, then but thirteen years of age, and served during
the war.  In 1867, he and an older brother crossed the plains, and on
arriving at his place of destination hired out to drive cattle to Salt
Lake, and soon after employed to work on the Union Pacific railroad, in
Wyoming territory.  He returned to St.  Louis, and in the spring of
1869, in company with his mother's family, moved back to Johnson county,
where he worked one year on a farm, and, being encouraged by Prof.
Campbell, he began his first efforts to acquire an education, and in
1871, entered the State University, at Columbia, where he continued one
year, then returned to this county, and engaged in teaching school.  He
soon studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1873.  In 1874 he
married Miss Lillie M. M.  Hutchinson, of Warrensburg, a lady of culture
and refined tastes, and the happy result of this union is two sons,
Jesse E.  and Robert H.  In 1876 Mr. Brinker was elected prosecuting
attorney of Johnson county.  He was called upon again to fill the
responsible position, and was re-elected in 1878, and again in 1880.
His popularity as an officer may be inferred by the honors.  He has a
bright future before him.  In politics he is a staunch democrat.


JOHN W. BROWN,

postmaster, Warrensburg, Missouri; he was born in Licking county, Ohio,
January 31, 1839.  Attending the common school of that day, he obtained
his early education.  He removed to Indianola, Iowa, May, 1854, where he
attended the seminary for a few terms, entering the Wesleyan University
at Mt.  Pleasant, Iowa, in the fall of 1860.  He enlisted in the union
army, enrolling in the 3d Iowa volunteers in 1861; after serving two
years he was discharged on account of disability, but his patriotism
called him again into the service in 1864, in the 48th Iowa.
Subsequently, he was honorably discharged, and in 1865 commenced the
study of law, graduating from the law department of the State University
in 1868.  He first came to Warrensburg, Missouri, in 1865, and followed
his profession, being appointed county attorney, January, 1871, which
office he held two years.  In 1876 he was appointed postmaster and re-
appointed in 1880.  (See page 420.)  He was married November 24, 1868 to
Miss Emma Kirkpatrick, daughter of Thomas Kirkpatrick, who died here in
1870.  The names of their children are: Thomas K., and Mary Catharine.
Mr. Brown is a warm hearted and genial gentleman, and as a citizen no
man in the county is more highly respected.  As a public servant he is
gentlemanly, obliging and diligent in his official duties.


WILLIAM BRUCE,

superintendent of Warrensburg stone quarries.  Was born in Glasgow,
Scotland, July 5, 1842; came to this country in 1869, landing in St.
Louis he remained six years, and then removed to Warrensburg to take
charge of these celebrated quarries, of which mention is frequently made
in this history, especially on pages 427-30.  Mr.  Bruce was married to
Mrs. Frear, of Glasgow, Scotland, in 1869; her father was an extensive
contractor and builder.  Mr. Bruce is a practical business manager, and
just such a man as can adapt himself to handling and controlling a large
number of workmen with very little of the trouble which is often
experienced in works of this character.


DR. WM. CALHOUN.

 The subject of this sketch is one of the oldest physicians in the
county.  He is a native of Ireland.  His father and mother both died
when William was quite young.  He came to the United States with his
uncle William Calhoun, who was an extensive stock dealer as well as a
merchant.  William made his home with his uncle until arriving at his
majority, during which time he attended the common school and prepared
himself to enter Gray's institute, where he prosecuted his studies
vigorously for a period of 3 years, after which he entered the State
University, and graduated in the medical department.  In the spring of
1837 he went to Lexington, Kentucky, where he secured a position in the
hospital, which he held until 1839, when he emigrated to Missouri and
settled where Warrensburg now stands.  Immediately after his arrival he
commenced the practice of his profession, to which he gave his whole
attention, and was soon in the enjoyment of a lucrative business, and at
the same time established an enviable reputation, which he sustained
fully until he retired from the practice.  In 1850 he took a trip to
California to recruit his health, which had become very much impaired at
this time, and returned to Warrensburg at the end of two years with his
health very much improved, and resumed his practice which he followed
until the outbreak of the war.  In 1844 he was elected State senator of
the district composed of Lafayette and Johnson counties and served two
sessions.  The doctor has had an active life and has set a good example;
he is an honest man, a friend to the poor, a good neighbor, is widely
known and universally esteemed.  The doctor never married, but lived a
life of single blessedness.  He has been successful, having accumulated
a considerable amount of this world's goods on which to spend the
remainder of his days.


M.B. CARPENTER,

born in Genesee county, N.Y., August 20, 1835; son of A.H.  Carpenter,
who is a native of the same empire state, still living at the age of 69,
in Warsaw, N.Y., engaged in the tinner's trade.  Our subject was reared
and educated in Wyoming county, but removed to Indiana in 1857, where he
continued in the occupation which his father had taught him.  In June
1862, he enlisted in the 69th Indiana Infantry, company A, and served in
the union army three years.  His war career was mostly confined to the
Mississippi valley, Vicksburg, New Orleans and other points.  He was
mustered out of the service in Mobile, Alabama, and discharged at
Indianapolis, Ind.  He came to Warrensburg in March, 1868, and engaged
in his trade.  He was married to Miss Mary A. Brown, daughter of Mrs.
C.J.  Brown, of Franklin county, April 1869.  Their children are Rush
A., George L., Grace, Frank and an infant.  Mr. Carpenter has a
comfortable home in the south part of Warrensburg.  He is a man diligent
in business, honest in his dealings, and respected by all.


HON. FRANCIS M. COCKRELL,

Warrensburg, U.S. Senator for Missouri.  He was born October 1834, near
the village of Columbus, this county.  His father, Joseph, was the first
sheriff of the county, a native of Virginia, and moved to Missouri in
1831.  His grandfather, Simon, was also a Virginian by birth, and of
Irish descent.  The senator's father settled on the land now owned by
Mark Hammonds, in Columbus township, and died in 1837. [See sketch of
this pioneer on page 242 of this work.]  The senator's boyhood days were
spent on a farm, and his early education was received in log school
houses of that day.  In 1850 he entered Chapel Hill college, where he
pursued his studies for a period of three and one-half years, making
rapid progress.  After he finished his college course he accepted a
position as teacher in the college, which he held for one year and then
commenced the study of law.  In March 1855, he entered the law office of
C.O.  Silliman, and received his license to practice from Judge Wm. T.
Wood, in October, 1855, and soon afterwards formed a partnership with
Mr.  Silliman which continued until the breaking out of the war in 1861.
He took the side of the south and rose to the prominent position of
Brig.  General in the Confederate army.  He returned to Warrensburg in
April 1866, and resumed the practice of his profession, forming a
partnership with Col. Thos. T.  Crittenden.  The firm was styled
"Crittenden & Cockrell."  In 1874 he was a candidate for the nomination
of governor on the democratic ticket, when C.H. Hardin was nominated
over him by one-sixth of a vote on the third ballot.  In January 1875,
he was elected U.S.  Senator.  January 1881, he was re-elected as his
own successor.  Since he has been in public life his popularity has been
greatly increased.  He is loved and respected by both north and south.
In 1853 he was married at Chapel Hill, to Miss A.D.  Stopp; of this
union two children are living: John J. and Wm. S.  His first wife having
died he married a second time, in 1866 to Miss A.E.  Mann, near
Harrodsburg, Ky.  She died in 1871.  In 1873 he was married to Miss Anna
Ewing of St.  Louis, daughter of Judge Ewing, who has been for a long
time on the supreme bench.  Gen.  Cockrell, the subject of this sketch
is indeed a model gentleman.  He is of the balanced temperament and has
a dignified form and majestic step.  He is full six feet tall, and
weighs 200 pounds.  In his habits he is strictly temperate.  He and his
excellent wife are members of the C.P. church, and are among the earnest
supporters in the religious work.  For a long time he has been a warm
friend of Sunday schools.  Mrs. Cockrell is a lady of high culture and
noble family.  The senator owns a handsome brick residence on East
Market street, surrounded with choice plants and flowers, making an
attractive home and pleasant retreat during the vacation of Congress.


JOHN J. COCKRELL,

Son of Senator Cockrell, was born in the city of Warrensburg May 10th,
1855.  He obtained his early education in the city schools, then went to
a select school at Lexington, where he continued for one year.  In
September 1868, he entered the Cumberland University of Tennessee, where
he pursued his studies for three years.  In the fall of 1871, he entered
McGee's College, then located at College Mound, Missouri, and graduated
in June, 1873.  Returning to Warrensburg, he commenced the study of law
with his father and Governor Crittenden, who were at that time law
partners, and in March, 1876, he was admitted to the bar.  In 1881 he
formed a partnership with W.C. Rowland, the style of the firm being
Rowland & Cockrell Abstracts.  On the 8th day of July, 1880, Mr.
Cockrell was married to Miss Bessie Cunningham, of Little Rock,
Arkansas, a lady of Culture and refinement, and the daughter of Charles
E.  Cunningham, a prominent farmer, and who was an extensive land owner
in this county before the war.  From personal appearance Mr.  Cockrell
is about the medium stature, handsomely built and the embodiment of
manliness and health.


REV. A.M. COCKRELL,

Baptist missionary for the Johnson and Lafayette Association.  Born in
Montgomery County, Illinois, Aug. 28, 1835, son of Newton Cockrell.  His
mothers name was Avolina Gorin, a niece of Gen.  Gorin of Revolutionary
fame.  Rev. Cockrell lived a considerable time in Kentucky, but attended
school in Nashville.  He was married to Mary E.  Darby, Sep 12, 1858.
Their children are: Ida, Newton F., William M., Henry G., Edward R.,
Thomas M., Alma M., and James W.  The eldest daughter died when little
more than two years old.  He was baptized by the distinguished pioneer
preacher, Eld.  Wm.  P.C. Caldwell, licensed to preach in August, 1870,
at White Sulphur Spring, church Kentucky, and ordained Feb.  11, 1872.
He came to Johnson county, Missouri, in Sept. 1874, and for about six
years preached at High Point.  Rev.  Cockrell is a self made man, a
plain forcible speaker and filled with Christian zeal.  He has baptized
over five hundred persons.


J.H. CHRISTOPHER,

prominent among dry goods men, is the subject of this sketch.  He was
born in Jessamine county, Kentucky, Sept. 11th, 1848; removed to Cass
county, Missouri, with his parents in 1850.  In 1865 he embarked in the
dry goods business at Pleasant Hill, in Cass county.  In 1873 he opened
a dry goods store in Harrisonville, of the same county.  In 1875 he came
to Warrensburg and opened one of the largest dry goods Stores in the
city, and one that the citizens may well be proud of.  During 1878-79 he
run a dry goods store in Holden, and at the same time dealt largely in
real estate and now owns in Jackson county a large farm, consisting of
four hundred acres of choice land well improved, and upon which stands a
magnificent residence.  He was united in marriage to Miss Cena Jackson
of Cass county, January 17th, 1870.  This union has been blessed with
one son, Marion C.


J.C. CHRISTOPHER,

was born in Cass county, Missouri, Dec. 12, 1850.  He commenced
mercantile trade with his brother, a part of which was in the city of
Warrensburg, moving to this county in 1875.  In 1880 he settled on what
is familiarly known as the Graves farm, consisting of 220 acres, well
improved.  He was married to Miss M.C. Baile, August 26, 1877.  She was
a daughter of Sarah B.  Baile, at present a resident of this township.
They have 2 children, Max and Maud.  Mr.  Christopher has lately
reopened some Coal Mines on his place, which bid fair to prove of good
value.  He is a young man who seems to have the faculty of gaining
friends and keeping them.  They have a good home and success is
attending his efforts on the farm, as it did in his mercantile
enterprise.


M.T. CLEMENT,

was born in Worcester county, Massachusetts, Sept.  1, 1818.  His father
was a native of the same State and died when W.T. was about 8 years of
age.  He was brought up on the farm and received a fair education at the
common schools of that day.  When about 20 years of age he removed to
Michigan, near the city of Ann Harbor.  He came to this county in 1868.
He was married in 1849 to Nancy Tolbert of New York.  They have 8
children living; Theodore, William, Charly, Josephine, Asa, Henry, Eliza
and May.  His farm is pretty well improved and consists of 220 acres.
For several years he was connected with the Lumber interests in
Pennsylvania, and was resident of that State for some time.


LOTT COFFMAN,

was born in Fayette county, Ohio, August, 1815.  He was left an orphan,
and after fifteen years of age was educated at Oxford College, Ohio, by
his uncle, who lived in Kentucky.  Was a graduate from that institution,
and soon after taught school in Indiana; from there he came to
Lexington, Missouri, and studied law with Judge Ryland and Sawyer.  Was
judge of the court at Kansas City, and county surveyor of Jackson county
for a number of years.  When Kansas was made a State he was the public
surveyor; was one of the commissioners who accompanied the Shawnees to
Washington as an agent.  In 1865 came to Johnson county, and bought a
farm near Centerview, and afterward bought the one Mrs. Coffman now
lives on near the city of Warrensburg.  He was married to Miss Nancy
Wade, a daughter of Samuel Wade, an old and respected citizen, now
living in Jackson county; she is a native of Kentucky.  They have four
children living: Luther, Anna L., who is a teacher at Kansas City,
Mittie and Early.  Mr. Coffman died February 11, 1880.   No man in the
community was held in higher esteem, and his death was the occassion of
sorrow among an extensive range of friends who had learned by long years
of personal interview with him, that he was a man of worth and
integrity.  Mrs. Coffman has a fine home, the farm consisting of one
hundred and sixty acres, well improved.  She is a lady of fine social
qualities and makes all who enter her dwelling feel grateful for her
kind  hospitality.


WILLIAM E. CRISSEY,

of the firm of Crissey & Hunt, abstractors; was born in Winchester
county, New York, on the twenty-seventh day of February, 1840.   His
father, Theodore, was a native of Connecticut.  He emigrated to Michigan
in 1845, where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1867.  The
subject of this sketch spent his youth upon the farm; when quite young
he began his course as a teacher, and followed this for several years.
In 1866 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E.  Dota, daughter of
David C. Dota, of Bay county, Michigan.  They have three children
living: Maud D., Nellie D. and Mary E.  Mr. Crissey became a resident of
Warrensburg, Missouri, in 1865, and in 1871 engaged in the business of
examining titles and abstracts.  Personally Mr. Crissey is kind and
affable, and as a neighbor is much respected.  Mr. and Mrs. Crissey are
acceptable members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has
for many years been an official member.


H.A. CRESS,

dentist, Holden Street, Warrensburg.  Dr. Cress established his present
business here in 1870, and now, in connection with Dr.  A.C.  Griggs,
does a good business.  He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in New
Castle, Lawrence county, and when about the age of six moved with his
parents to Mahoning county, Ohio, where they resided till 1868, then
came to Warrensburg.  His professional training was obtained at
Pittsburg, and in this city.  His father, George Cress, a native of
Virginia, at one time was a proprietor of the buckeye mowing machine.
He died in Warrensburg, January, 1881.  His mother, Diadamia
Kirkpatrick, was a native of Pennsylvania, and died in this city
January, 1880.  Mr. Cress is a young man possessing high social
attainments as well as uncommon skill in his profession.


JOHN DAVIS,

retired merchant and capitalist; born in Noble county, Kentucky, April
23, 1818.  He continued in his native county until 1837, during which
time he attended a private school, securing a good English education.
In 1837 he emigrated to Missouri and stopped in what is now known as
Cass county, his next move was to Johnson county where he has been a
resident ever since, with the exception of a few years. Soon after his
arrival at this place he engaged in the mercantile business which he
successfully followed until 1854, when he returned to Cass county.  He
did a large and successful business and established an enviable
reputation for honesty and fair dealing, seldom, if ever, oppressing any
one, it being always a pleasure to him to befriend those in pressing
want.  In 1856 he settled on a large tract of land, inclosing a large
portion of his land with a fence, he erected a fine and substantial
residence and continued to live on his farm until the war broke out in
1861.  In 1867 when times became more settled, Mr. Davis identified
himself with the banking business, which he continues to the present
time.  On the seventeenth day of November, 1857, was united in marriage
to Miss Sallie J. Colbern, the daughter of Henry Colbern, Esq.  They
have had three sons, all of whom are dead.  Mr. Davis is a plain,
unassuming man, one of those genial and noble-hearted Kentuckians, and a
citizen of whom Warrensburg has reason to be proud.


JOHN E. DODDS,

farmer; post-office, Warrensburg.  Was born in Butler county,
Pennsylvania, January 26, 1814, where he resided until he arrived at
manhood.  He was married in southern Illinois November 9, 1840, to Emily
Winter.  They have five children: E.E.  Maxwell, Laura McDonald, William
A. Dodds, Benton Dodds, and Josiah W.  Dodds.  Mr.  Dodds has been an
office-holder in the church, and has taken an active part in church
matters and is at present engaged in writing a work entitled, " A Key to
the Revelation of St. John, The  Divine." Mr. Dodds came to Johnson
county in April, 1868, and now resides in Warrensburg township.  He is
an industrious and highly respected citizen.


PROF. C.H. DUTCHER,

occupying the chair of natural science in the state normal school for
the second district of Missouri.  Born in Pike county, Illinois,
February 17, 1841; son of S.Q. Dutcher, who was a native of New York,
and came to Illinois and settled upon the open prairie in 1839.  Charles
H. was raised on a farm, and after attending the common schools, among
which was that taught by John Shasted in Barry, he went to the Christian
university at Canton, Missouri, and then to Lexington, Kentucky, and
pursued a thorough course of study at the university, graduating in
June, 1864.  Prof.  Dutcher then commenced teaching in Kentucky, first
at Danville, coming to Missouri in 1872.  He was tendered the position
as teacher of natural science and latin in the normal school at
Kirksville.  In 1877 he was elected principal of the normal school at
Cape Girardeau, where he remained till November, 1880.  He then went to
Butler, Bates county and with W.E.  Walton started a private banking
house, with a capital of $37,000.  In October, 1881, it was changed to a
national bank, capital, $50,000, with Mr.  Dutcher president, and Mr.
Walton cashier.  In the fall of 1881, out of love for the profession, he
accepted the position which he now holds with such credibility.  In
August 1872, he was married to Miss Laura Tucker, of Jefferson county,
Kentucky.  They were blessed with three children:  Lydia May, Flora
Belle, and Edwin T.  Mrs. D. died February 20, 1880, and was buried at
Butler.


L.D. EVERHART,

watch-maker and jeweller.  Was born November, 1842, in Salem, Forsyth
county, North Carolina.  His father, Lewis Ferdinand Everhart, was born
in the same town April 28, 1804, and died in 1854, December 19.  Our
subject commenced his business life at the age of thirteen, learning his
present business, which was acquired by years of practical work.  His
grandfather was born May 17, 1758, and came to this country in 1799.
His great grandfather was born in Prussia, December 17, 1717.  The
subject of this sketch came to this county in 1866, engaging in his
business for ten gears at Knob Noster, and thence to Warrensburg.  He
married a niece of the famous Kit Carson, Mrs.  Fannie Rider.  They have
four children: Mamie L., a step daughter, Lewis C., Katie, and Henry C.
Mr. Everhart's pleasing manners and genial disposition have made him a
host of friends, and while he is thorough in business, does not exclude
everything else.  He ranks among the artists in music, is a good shot
with the rifle, of which sport he is very fond.  At his business house
on Holden street will be found a complete and full line of goods, second
to none in the state, and his success is owing altogether to this fact.
Himself and wife are members of the C. P.  church.


SAMUEL K. FARR,

deputy county clerk, was born in St. Clair county, Missouri, October 13,
1843.  His father, Judge James K., was born in Sumner county, Tennessee,
April 22, 1804, whose father, James, was a native of Virginia,
emigrating to Tennessee in an early day, and engaging as a planter,
where he died in 1834.  Judge Farr received his education in the log
school house of his day in Tennessee.  At the age of 17 years he went to
Alabama, where he remained until he was married in 1827, to Miss Rhoda
Craig, of that state, daughter of Samuel Craig, a prominent planter.  He
thence went to Kentucky, and to Missouri in 1842, settling in St.  Clair
county, remaining one year, and permanently settling in Johnson county.
Here he has remained ever since, with the exception of one year, when he
went to Texas.  On his return from the Lone Star State he brought his
wife, father and mother, making a trip of over one thousand miles in a
wagon.  He entered 1,300 acres of government land.  In 1847 he was
elected judge of Johnson county, and served till 1861.  In the following
fall he was elected probate judge, and by virtue of that office he was
chairman of the county court, which he held four years.  He was also a
large contractor on the Missouri Pacific railroad from Sedalia west.
His family consisted of six children:  Wm. B., James D., Mary J., Samuel
K., Safronia F., and Finis C.  The subject of this sketch spent his
youth on his father's farm in Chilhowee township.  In 1879 was appointed
deputy clerk of this county, and has filled the office with ability,
making an efficient clerk.  In politics he is a democrat; in religion a
Cumberland Presbyterian.


ADAM FICKAS,

among the oldest living settlers of this county, and a name which is
familiar to almost every one who has had any thing to do with its
progress, was born in Virginia, July 17, 1799.  His father Adam, and
mother Eve were natives of York county, Penn., and moved to Virginia at
an early day.  When Adam was about five years old they moved to
Henderson county, Ky., taking him with them.  His father died in 1816,
and mother in 1814.  In the fall of 1818, in company with his sister he
came to the state of Missouri, on a pack horse and stopped in Boone
county for five or six years.  He married Miss Susan McDonald, a native
of New York, but raised in Kentucky, up to the time of her marriage.
She was a daughter of Joseph McDonald.  Removed to Indiana and spent
about a year.  Again moved to this state.  When he was married his
possession all told would not exceed fifty dollars, and consisted of a
gun, ax, and dog.  He killed all the meat he used for three years, such
as black bear, deer, wild turkeys etc.  He had a great many adventures
in his pioneer life, one of which we will mention.  In an encounter with
a bear, after he had wounded it, one of his dogs was being hugged to
death by it when he slipped up with a knife and saved the dog's life.
For the land on which he now lives he paid three dollars an acre, but
some of his farm he entered at from 12 1/2 cents to 25 cents per acre.
His landed estate at present consists of about thirteen hundred acres, a
large portion of which is well improved.  His wife died in 1875.  They
had thirteen children, eight of whom are living: Levi, Jacob, James,
Martha, Ann, now Mrs. Prosser, Sarah, now Mrs.  Sanders, Adam, Mary, now
Mrs.  Beardsley, Melinda.  Was married again Oct.  31, 1875, to Miss
Elizabeth Bowman, a native of Indiana, and raised in Johnson county,
Missouri.  She is a member of the Dunkard church, and he of the Baptist
to which he has belonged more than thirty years, and been a most liberal
supporter.  He furnished the lot and built at his own expense a very
neat structure costing about a thousand dollars, size 24x48.  Mr. Fickas
although past his eighty-second birthday is a man who entertains his
friends in an agreeable manner, and the hours which are spent with him
are full of profit and interest.  His portrait is found in this work.


CAPT. HENRY C. FIKE,

is one of the leading men in the literary, educational and religious
circles of the city.  He was born in Illinois, St.  Clair county, near
the city of Belleville, on December 21, 1832.  His father, Abel Fike,
who was a native of North Carolina, emigrated to Illinois about the year
1812.  In 1847, Henry C.  entered M. Kendre College under the presidency
of Rev.  E.  Wentworth, and continued in this institution till 1852,
when he graduated with honors in the full college classical course.  His
father died in February, 1852.  After this he engaged in teaching.  He
accepted a position in the public school of Highland, Madison county
Illinois, holding this till 1854, when he took charge of a school at a
place called Union, near Mascoutah, Illinois, which he held till the
spring of 1855.  During the following summer he was appointed by the
county court as commissioner to take the state census of Illinois for
St.  Clair county.  In the fall of 1855-6, taught in the schools of
Mascoutah.  During the following year he engaged in the mercantile
business. In 1857 he was elected by the board of education of the public
schools of Mascoutah, as principal of the same, which position he held
until 1862, when he was re-elected for the following year, but resigned
in order to enlist in the service of his country (in defense of the
union.)  He was at once appointed regimental quartermaster of 117th
regiment, Illinois volunteers.  He was afterwards promoted to acting
assistant quarter master, and was in several closely contested battles.
Soon after the war he located at Warrensburg where he has made it his
home ever since.  Soon after coming here he engaged in milling, erecting
buildings in 1867.  He was married near Trenton, Ill., December 25,
1855, to Miss Lucy C. Power, an estimable lady of rare intellectual
culture, whose acquaintance he formed while teaching.  She was educated
at the female academy of Lebanon, Illinois.  Her father, Pennington
Power, Esq., was an extensive land holder and farmer of Illinois.  This
conjugal union has been blessed by two children, the oldest dying in
infancy, the second, a daughter, Miss Ellie is still living under the
parental roof.  Her father has given her a thorough education.  She
graduated in the full Normal course in the summer of 1880, and is a lady
of fine mental attainments.  Mr. Fike is a member of city council and
secretary of the board of regents of the state normal school at
Warrensburg, vice-president of the county Sunday school association, and
a leading man in all public enterprises for the public good.  In
politics he is a true republican, and honest in his convictions.  He is
a member of the M.E.  church, and superintendent of the Sunday school,
and one of the most liberal supporters of the cause of christianity.  He
is strictly temperate in his habits.  He is social and happy at the
fireside, prompt in business, and quick and impulsive to duty.


ROBERT A. FOSTER,

deceased, was born in the state of South Carolina, May 9, 1812.  His
father was a merchant.  After obtaining a good English education, the
subject of this sketch pursued teaching for ten years or more.  In 1836
he married Miss Jane L. Headlee, of Maury county, Tennessee, and in the
fall of the same year removed to Green county, Missouri.  Here he
remained some time, during which he was licensed to preach in the M.E.
church.  Mr.  Foster was also a teacher.  In 1861 he was made chaplain
of his home regiment, which fought so gallantly at Lexington, and was
made chaplain of the Seventh Missouri cavalry, and served till the close
of the war.  His death occurred at Warrensburg, March 10, 1881.  Rev.
Foster reared a large and influential family, all of whom, including his
estimable wife, were thoroughly imbued with that high patriotic feeling
which caused them to sacrifice everything on the altar of their country.
Marsh Foster, their oldest son, while advocating the union cause in the
court house, was murdered by a rebel sympathizer, early in the spring of
1861.  Emery S. was severely wounded at the battle of Lone Jack, while
fighting for the union, and his youngest brother, C.  Morris, was shot
through the left lung at the same battle.  Melville U. was wounded at
Briar Creek skirmish.  The names of the eight children are: Marshall M.,
Emery S., Arminus A., Melville U., C.  Morris, Mary J., died at the age
of ten; Maggie C., now wife of Geo.  S.  Grover; Mattie J., now wife of
W.W. Gatewood.  C. Morris died in 1865, soon after being mustered out of
service.  Mrs.  Jane L.  Foster now lives in Warrensburg, a highly
respected lady.


REV. CHARLES FUELLER,

pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Warrensburg, Missouri.  Was born in
Germany, March 19, 1836, and at the age of twelve came to the United
States.  Spent two and a half years in Baltimore, two and a half years
in New York, and two years in St. Louis.  He graduated from Westminster
College, at Fulton, Missouri, in 1861, and from the Princeton
Theological Seminary in 1864.  His first pastorate was four years at
Hannibal, then four years at Mexico, two years at Oxford, Ohio, three
years at Hillsboro, Illinois, and came to Warrensburg, December 21,
1877.  He was married to Miss Ann R., daughter of Rev. F.B. McElroy,
November 15, 1866, at Hannibal.  They have three children: Nellie,
Charlie, and Frank.  As a scholarly Christian, Rev. Fueller stands high.
His executive and financial ability is one element of his great success
as a pastor.  His sermons are prepared with care, and furnish varied
instruction with convincing proofs of the claims of the gospel.  The
cause has greatly prospered in his hands.  Two years since he erected a
beautiful home on Grover street, where he now resides.


EDWARD L. DE GARMO,

stands prominent among the worthy citizens of Johnson county.  Among the
successful business men of this city, who have through all the trying
vicissitudes of business depression and financial panic, sustained a
reputation for purity worthy of emulation, may be properly placed the
subject of this sketch, now at the head of the Warrensburg Woolen Mills.
(See page 425.) He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 4,
1831.  When about fifteen years of age, he moved with his parents to
Louisville, Kentucky, which is now the home of his mother, who is still
living.  In June, 1856, he was married to Miss Schmidlap, an estimable
lady, and moved to Warrensburg the same year.  He was burned out in one
of the early fires of the city, and lost heavily. He then purchased an
interest in the Eureka Mills, which he retains to the present time.  He
has as partner in the woolen mills Wm.  H. Hillis, whose home is in
Illinois.  Mr. De Garmo has filled a good many important positions, at
the hands of his friends, who are numerous.  While he is a person who
does not want notoriety, nevertheless, has become very popular.  In
politics he is a republican, quite liberal in his views and honest in
his convictions.  For years he has been one of the warmest advocates of
education, and was for a long time a member of the school board. In the
moral sphere there is no man better qualified to lead and instruct.  In
religion, he is a Presbyterian, and faithful to the church, a man
zealous as a layman, and true to Christian duty.  He is superintendent
of the Presbyterian Sunday school of this city, and one of the earnest
workers in all that tends toward the advancement of the work of
Christianity.  In May last (1881) he was a delegate to the general
assembly of the Presbyterian Church, held at Buffalo, New York.  He has
four children.  The eldest, a son, is in Colorado.  Miss Nellie is a
graduate in the full course of study in the State Normal.  She has
assisted her father in the Sunday-school work.  Frank assists in the
woolen mill.  The youngest child, a daughter, is now a student in the
Normal.  His wife is a true soul that never swerves from duty in the
church or home circle.  In business Mr. De Garmo has but few words, a
model in this respect.


JOHN U. GATY,

dealer in real estate, Warrensburg.  He was born in St. Charles county
Missouri, March 6, 1835.  His father, Geo. M. was a native of the same
place, and was one among the staunch farmers of that county,  He died in
1876 and left an estate of over $100,000.00.  John U. was brought up on
the farm, much of the time having it under his care, where he observed
all the phases of stockraising.  He spent some time at St. Charles
College and received a good English education. At the age of eighteen
years, he commenced business for himself and has been one of the most
extensive and successful stockdealers in his section.  In 1865 he
commenced in the stock business which he followed till a few years ago.
In 1880 he engaged in the real estate business in Warrensburg, and he is
master of the situation.  He has given liberally of his own purse to
encourage emigration to this county, perhaps more so than any other man
of the county.  He is doing a good business and holds himself in
readiness at all times to show immigrants the soil and resources of
Johnson county.  In 1868 he came to Johnson county, and settled on a
farm ten miles south of Warrensburg, consisting of 1100 acres.  He was
married in St.  Louis in 1865, to Miss Hattie Parke, daughter of Rev.
J.C.  Parke, a prominent minister in the M.E. church (south).  Four
children are living, Henry L., George E., Ida P., and John U.  jr., two
children having died.  Mr. Gaty is a social, generous man, and full of
public enterprise.


DR. A.C. GRIGGS,

Dentist.  Was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jan. 1842.  When about
eight years of age removed with parents to Missouri locating at
Boonville, where he remained till 1865, then spent a short time in
Nebraska, after which he came to Warrensburg, where he has enjoyed a
large and rapidly increasing practice, and the confidence of all his
patrons.  He was married in May, 1868, to Miss Alice Cress, daughter of
George Cress Esq., of Warrensburg, and they have the following children:
Ella D., Augusta V., and Lee F.  Dr.  Griggs is at present associated
with H.A. Cress, and enjoys a good business widely known both in city
and country.  His residence situated on Grover Street is one of the
finest in the city.


PHILIP GROSS,

proprietor of the Brewery.  Was born Jan. 1st, 1821, in Germany.
Emigrated to the U.S. in 1849, and stopped in Boonville, Missouri.  In
1865 came to Warrensburg and erected his brewery and established the
present business, (see page 425).  He married Miss Boller of Boonville
in 1852, and has 7 children living.  Julia, Matilda, Laura, Louisa,
Hannah, Herman and Emil.


HON. BENJ. W. GROVER,

(deceased), was for a long time one of the most public spirited men of
Warrensburg.  He was born in Xenia, Green county, Ohio, Oct. 27, 1811.
His father, Joseph Grover, was a native of Baltimore county, Md. He was
of Welsh descent.  He emigrated to Kentucky, and thence to Ohio,
settling on a farm near Xenia, where Benj. W. took his first lessons of
Mr. John Steele, who was a thorough scholar and distinguished educator.
At the age of 15 years, he quit school and accepted a position as clerk
with a prominent merchant, which lasted five years, afterward he went to
Madison, Indiana, where he was married at the age of 23 years, to Miss
Letitia D. Sheets, of Madison, Indiana, Sept.  30th, 1834.  He emigrated
to St. Louis in 1840, and finally to Warrensburg in 1844.  The names of
the children are: John E., Sallie L, now Mrs.  Barret, Courtland C.,
George S., Anna G., now Mrs.  Harris, Lizzie F., Benjamin W., Mattie C.
and Robert J.  John S.  and Courtland are dead, the others are still
living.  Mrs. Grover is a daughter of John Sheets of Indiana, and she
was born in Cincinnati, October 8, 1816, but raised and educated in
Madison, Indiana.  Mrs. Grover is a patriotic and christian woman,
refined, educated and possessed of those native qualities, without which
the great life work that she has accomplished, would have been
imperfect.  At the death of her husband, which occurred immediately
following the battle of Lexington, where he fell while fighting for his
country, the whole care of the family and his property devolved upon
her.  A highly respected family of sons and daughters now bless the
mother's hand that has directed and sustained them.  Col.  Grover's name
often occurs in this history, for particular mention see pages 610-611.


JUDGE HARVEY HARRISON,

was born March 7, 1806, in Blount county, east Tennessee.  His parents,
Joseph and Nancy Harrison, removed to Huntsville, Alabama, when Harvey
was six months old, where they remained until he was about nineteen
years of age.  He married Zilpha, daughter of Hugh and Margaret Bell, of
Tennessee.  They have had twelve children, ten sons and two daughters.
His son, Alfred B., was killed by the falling of a brick store on Holden
street, June 19, 1877.  His father lived to see his fifth generation,
and was eighty-nine years old at the time of his death.  Mr.  Harrison
is one of the old and prominent settlers of this county.  He has been
county judge, justice of the peace, and in other ways stood before the
people.  Both himself and wife are members of the C.P.  church, having
united with that organization fifty-five years ago.


JNO. W. HARRISON,

son of Judge Harrison, is a native of this county, and was born February
28, 1838.  He spent his youth on his father's farm, receiving a liberal
education.  When about twenty years of age he spent four or five years
traveling over Colorado, Montana and many other of the western states
and territories in search of the shining metal.  In 1860 he returned to
his old home and engaged in farming, which he followed for four years,
after which he conducted a livery stable until May 1880, when he sold
out.  Mr.  H.  married in 1860 Miss Eliza C. Ovens, of this county, and
a native of Tennessee.  They have had four children, two of whom are
dead.  Mr.  Harrison is a plain, unassuming gentleman.


R.B. HARWOOD,

clerk of Johnson county.  Robert B. Harwood was born in St. Louis
county, December 1, 1832; son of Wm. B. Harwood, who was a native of
Fairfax, Virginia.  He came to Missouri, settling at St.  Louis, in
1829, and died there in 1863.  Robert's mother is also a native of
Virginia.  She is still living in St. Louis  county.  He spent his youth
on the farm and attending school, and at the age of fourteen entered Des
Peres academy.  In 1851 he commenced teaching, which with few
interruptions he followed till the breaking out of the civil war.
Enlisting in the St.  Louis battery he was commissioned captain under
General Sterling Price, and served a faithful soldier in many a hotly
contested battle, but, strange to say, he did not receive a scratch.  He
married Miss Rosa E.  DesCombes, daughter of Frederick DesCombes, Jan.
19, 1869.  The names of their children now living are: Rosa B., Willie
and Ottaway B.  Mr.  Harwood was first elected clerk in 1874, and re-
elected in 1878.  With marked ability and faithfulness he has discharged
his duties to the great satisfaction of the people.


REV. W.H.D. HATTON.

  In writing biographies of persons who are of a retired disposition it
is seldom we gain the proper facts which should be brought out by an
interview with the parties themselves; so if this sketch does not
contain many good things which should have a place in it, the reader may
know the reason.  Mr. Hatton was born in Ireland, and came to the United
States in 1848.  Was a teacher in Pennsylvania for four years, also
attended Alexandria seminary, Virginia, about three years.  Spent nine
months in Europe, returning home just as our civil war commenced, and
was appointed chaplain of the 42d regiment, which position he filled for
four years, or until the close of the war.  He then went to Kansas and
took charge of the Episcopal parish at Wyandotte.  From Wyandotte to
Jefferson City, Missouri, his next move, at which place he purchased a
building and conducted a school for two years.  Thence to Warrensburg,
where we find him now located on a farm of eighty-eight acres, which he
has improved.  A part of his time has been devoted to grape culture,
which first he manufactures into wine and finds ready sale for all over
the state, as used for sacramental and medicinal purposes.  His process
of fermentation is very different from the ordinary ones, and he has a
wine which has been very desirable for invalids or persons of a delicate
constitution.  His library contains many valuable and rare books.  Rev.
Hatton is a fine scholar, and fully up to the times on all important
questions.  The church should not lose so valuable a minister, but
possibly he may need the retirement, which he now seems fully to enjoy,
and in his later years return to the Master's work.


JOHN J. HATHWAY,

marble works, Warrensburg.  Was born in Marion county, Illinois, May 1,
1849, living here till about fourteen years of age, then removed to
Vandalia, where he remained six years.  He then went to Arcola, then to
Terre Haute, Indiana, where he was engaged in delivering goods to the
new railroad.  He came to Missouri in 1870, and September 5, 1871, came
to Johnson county, where he engaged in the stone cutter's trade.
Comparatively of recent date he engaged in cutting marble, which
business he is successfully carrying on at the present time.  He was
married at Sedalia in 1876, to Miss C.C.  Neely, her father being one of
the prominent brick manufacturers of that county.  Their children are
Sylvester L. and John Ray.


DR. W.L. HEDGES,

physician and surgeon.  Is a native of Kentucky, and was born in Bath
county, December 17, 1842.  When quite a small boy he moved with his
parents to Indiana, and located at a point which was called
Carpentersville, a town which his father laid out, and where he
continued to live until 1853, when he removed to Scottsville, Illinois,
where the subject this sketch received his early education by attending
the common schools, after which he attended an academy, where he pursued
his studies until 1862.  He volunteered in the 122d Illinois infantry,
and served during the war.  In the fall of 1865 he entered Lombard
University, located at Galesburg, Illinois, where he continued for a
period of two years.  He commenced the study of medicine with Dr. F.
Jones, a very eminent physician, who has since died, and took his first
course of lectures at a medical college in Chicago, and his second was
taken at the homeopathic college of St.  Louis, and graduated in
February, 1869.  He then at once entered upon his practice, and in 1871
he came to Warrensburg, Missouri.  In 1875 the doctor was elected
honorary member of the Kansas state homeopathic institute.  In 1876 he
became a member of the American institute, the oldest national medical
society in the United States.  He has also been a member of the Missouri
homeopathic institute, and was president of this institute during the
years of 1879 and '80.  In 1878 he was elected mayor of the city of
Warrensburg, and has held the office continuously ever since. In 1879
was appointed United States examining surgeon of pensions for Johnson
county, which office he holds at present.  He was married in 1877 to
Miss Jennie A.  Gilkerson, of Warrensburg.  The doctor enjoys a large
practice, as well as the confidence of the people; is a member of the
Christian church, and has been one of its elders, stands high as a
citizen and is widely known and universally esteemed.


ANDREW J. HERD,

was born in Cocke county, Tennessee.  January 8, 1815.  His father, John
J., was a native of Virginia, and one of the commissioners who laid off
Lexington.  His grandfather was burned out by the Indians, and received
pay for the same from Government, in continental money.  Andrew J. moved
to Missouri to what was called Cooper's Fort, before there were any
counties.  This was a French trading post, and afterward became a part
of Lafayette county.  He was a farmer by occupation and with his father
knew what pioneer life in the far west meant.  They were good shots and
had many a lively chase with the wild animals which were abundant at
that time.  Bear, deer, etc., were plenty and many a hunt was filled
with exploits of daring worthy the mention in these pages, but space
forbids.  In 1858 he moved to Johnson county.  In 1841 was married to
Miss Deerking, a native of Germany.  They have four children living:
John H., Wm. H., Daniel H., Magdalene, now Mrs.  Stokerburg, of
Lafayette county.  Mr. Herd is an extensive reader, and well informed on
all the important topics of the day.  A strong and ardent supporter of
the Bible and its doctrines, and a man who has the respect of all who
become personally acquainted with him.


JACOB HABERLING,

of the firm of Heberling Bros., was born in Germany, in 1841.  He was
the second son.  His father was a wagon-maker, and died in his own
country in 1855.  Jacob received a common school education, and in 1868
emigrated to the United States.  In 1870 in company with his brother,
Fred, started their present business here, the manufacture of boots and
shoes and selling the same.  Starting in a small way they have succeeded
in building up a large and remunerative trade, and are today among the
substantial and creditable firms of the city.  He married Miss Baron, a
native of Pennsylvania, by whom they have four children: Willie, Jake,
Julia and Robert.


FRED HEBERLING,

was born in Germany in 1834, coming to this city with his brother Jacob,
and in 1870 went into the present business, manufacturing and selling
boots and shoes.  The firm of Heberling Bros., is one well known
throughout Johnson county, and has been a success from the first.  They
are well established and the facilities they have for manufacturing
enable them to fully compete with any houses in the state, by which they
are able to do a large retail business and add much toward the drawing
of trade from a long distance.  As business men they are straightforward
and honorable, and well calculated to steadily increase the already
large number of customers.  Fred married Miss Kate Simmons of Germany.
They have six children: Fred, Otto, Amelia, Charles, Albert and Frank.


W.H. HEBERLING.

   The subject of this sketch has the principal meat market in the city.
He is a native of Germany, and was born on March 2, 1851.  In the year
1868 he embarked upon the steamer Hansa, which was a fine ocean steamer,
carrying 1,2O0 passengers, and made the voyage in fifteen days landing
at New York city; from this place he came immediately to Warrensburg,
where he hired out to work on a farm a few months, after which he
accepted a clerkship, in Mr.  Rosenthawl's store, of this city, which
position he held until the following spring, when he opened a meat
market, with one of his brothers, which partnership existed until 1876,
when Mr. H.  bought out his brother's interest, since which time he has
carried on the business himself, and today is well established.  In 1876
he was married to Miss Caroline Volk, who is also a native of Germany,
and came to this county when quite young.  By this union they have one
son, George Edward.


JUDGE W. L. HORNBUCKLE.

   He is a native of this state and was born in Callaway county,
December 31, 1823.  His father was a native of Kentucky and became one
of the earliest settlers of Missouri, having come to the state in 1820.
He became a resident of Johnson county, in 1839.  William L. was at this
time about sixteen years of age.  He went back to his native county
where he attended the Independent academy for one year, when he returned
to Johnson county and engaged in teaching school, following it for
several years.  He then engaged in farming.  In the fall of 1854 he was
elected to the office of justice of the peace, which he held
continuously until 1861, and which office was rendered void at the
outbreak of the war.  In the fall of 1874 he was elected to the office
of judge of the probate court, which he has continued to fill with much
credit to himself and satisfaction to the citizens of the county till
the present time.  He is a member of the school board, and also its
present treasurer.  Mr.  Hornbuckle was married on the 1st of January,
1846 to Melinda Walker, a native of Kentucky, her father being among the
early settlers of Johnson county.  They have a family of seven children:
Alexander, W.C., Jefferson, Turner, Elizabeth, Mattie and Sarah J.
Judge Hornbuckle for many years has been a devoted member of Baptist
church, exhibiting the highest type of Christian principle and
integrity.


G. WILL HOUTS,

born in Scott county, Missouri, March 27, 1832, son of Christopher G.
Houts, a native of Pennsylvania, but principally raised in Kentucky.  He
came to Missouri about 1816, and settled near New Madrid, where he
became clerk of the courts and also a member of the convention that
framed the first constitution of this state.  He was a minister and
school teacher; removed to White county, Illinois, in 1835, where he
died August 30, 1840.  His first wife, Mrs. Letitia Lewis, bore him two
children: John Gath and Christopher B.  After the death of his first
wife he married Miss Sarah Meyers, April 24, 1824; the following are the
names of their children: Mary E., Margaret S., Thomas D., Mary L., G.
Will, Davis K., I.W., and Green V.  G.  Will came with his mother to
Johnson County in 1842, and settled six miles northwest of Warrensburg.
Mr. Houts was first married to Martha A.  Farrar, January 25, 1855, by
whom he had two children, Myra, (at present a teacher in Warrensburg,)
and Ellen (who died when about eleven months old).  Mrs. Houts died
August 10, 1859.  October 12, 1865, he married Anna Duffield, and the
names of their children are: Wilelma, Charles and Uptonia; Wilelma died
when about one and a half years old.  Mr. Houts served in the union army
during a greater part of the war, enlisting June 27, 1861.  He was
elected judge of the probate court in November, 1866, and January 1,
1867, by virtue of his office, became president of the county court,
which he held four years.  Judge Houts has been a worthy member of the
Methodist Episcopal church for many years , and as a citizen and
neighbor stands high.


T.W. HOUTS.

One of the substantial farmers of Warrensburg township, is the above
name gentleman.  A native of this state, born August 21, 1838; he was
raised a farmer and educated at the common country school which he had
opportunity to attend only during the winter months, as his services
were needed to assist in the work of his father's farm during the other
portion of the year.  His father, G.W., a resident also of Johnson
county, was a Kentuckian by birth, and emigrated to Missouri in 1823,
making one of earliest settlers of Scott county.  T.W. came to this
county in 1839, being a young man.  Commenced farming for himself when
about twenty years old; was in business in Warrensburg at the outbreak
of the war; was Captain of company A, 7th Missouri cavalry, which was
recruited at this city.  Was promoted to major in 1863; served about
three years in the western department and then returned to his farming,
which he has followed up to the present time.  He has two hundred and
eighty acres and very substantial improvements, fine home with pleasant
surroundings.  Was married in 1868 to Miss L.J.  Thornton, a native of
Westfort, Jackson County, Missouri; they have an adopted daughter,
Nellie.  Mrs. Houts is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.  Mr.
Houts has made farming a study and devotes much of his own labor to the
work; has been very successful, and has the proof of the old adage,
"that virtue has its reward."  All who are personally acquainted with
him speak of him as a good neighbor and honorable citizen.


REV. JAMES H. HOUX,

was born in Lafayette county, Missouri, April 7, 1827; his father, P.
S.  Houx, was a native of Kentucky, who came and settled in Howard
county Missouri, in 1817.  When about eighteen years of age, the subject
of this sketch entered Chapel Hill College; after completing his four
years college course he took charge of the C.P.  church at Independence,
for about four and a half years.  He was then appointed to the mission
work in Bates, Henry and St. Clair counties; from 1860 to 1867 he
preached to different churches of his denomination, in Johnson county;
from 1867 to 1875 Rev.  Houx was pastor of the Warrensburg Cumberland
Presbyterian church.  He has grown up here and has become as highly
respected as he is well known throughout the county.  He was married in
1861 to Miss Mary Wilson, a native of Virginia; their family consists of
Charles H., Edwin W., Susie E., Mary M., Roberta M. and Samuel B.  Rev.
Houx has a good property and comfortable home on South Holden St., in
Warrensburg.  He is a man of talent and culture in his calling and
highly esteemed.


J. HYER.

   Perhaps no sketch in this work will be read with more interest than
that of J. Hyer, who was born in Ross county, Ohio, September 18, 1818.
His father and mother were both natives of Hardy county, Virginia, and
died at advanced ages, one that of 86 years.  Remained at home until he
reached his twenty-sixth year, then started out for himself as a grain
dealer and other pursuits.  Was a director of Marietta & Cincinnati
railroad, and had charge of the real estate department of the same.  In
1856 was elected to the Ohio Senate by the largest majority given in the
state.  In 1863 was appointed lieut-colonel of the 73d Ohio, and served
in the Virginia campaign.  Married a niece of Senator Harris of New York
in 1852, Miss Sayer; they have five children living.  Himself and wife
are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are among the ones
who are fully identified with its work and interest. The farm consists
of three hundred and sixty-five acres, well improved, and the house is
built on one of the finest locations to be found in this part of the
county; standing in the center of an elevation you can have an
unobstructed view of all directions.  Mr. Hyer, though advanced in
years, has the appearance of much younger man.


JOEL P. JOHNSTON,

born in Howard county, Missouri, November 13, 1824; son of Robert
Johnston and Mary Ann nee Prewitt, both natives of Kentucky.  Joel P.
Johnston was educated for a teacher and spent about eighteen years in
that profession.  He had two own brothers and two half brothers, one own
sister and six half sisters.  He was married June 18, 1846, to Miss
Virjane Reed of Howard county, this state, and they have been blessed
with twelve children, six of whom have died; the names of those living,
are Sally Ann (now wife of G.A.  Lobban), Mollie J., (milliner in this
city), James W. (editor in Plattsburg), Joseph P. (also at Plattsburg),
Charles L. and Stella M., the two last living at home.  Mr.  Johnston
came Warrensburg in 1865, where he has become well known and universally
respected.  He is a harness maker by trade, in which success has
attended his labors.  Mr., Mrs.  Johnston and all other members of the
family, save the two youngest, are worthy communicants of the Christian
church, of which Mr.  Johnston has been clerk since 1866.


JOHN R. KELLEY,

Recorder of deeds of Johnson county.  He was born in this county on the
29th day of June, 1833.  His father, Capt. John Kelley, is a native of
Tennessee, emigrated to Missouri in the year 1819, and stopped in Saline
county.  From thence he went to Lafayette county, where he remained
until the fall of 1828, when he moved to Johnson county, and the
following year he purchased the farm on which he is still living in
Columbus township.  The farm contains sixty acres of very choice land.
He is one of the sturdy pioneers of Missouri, a man of sterling
integrity, and stands high in the estimation of his neighbors.  He has
attained the advanced age of 82 years, and is still in the enjoyment of
all his faculties.  John R.'s mother, who died early in life in this
county, was a native of Maryland a lady of culture and possessed of
noble and generous impulses.  The subject of this notice attended Chapel
Hill College one term.  After which he began his career as a teacher in
the district school, and followed this successfully for two years, when
he entered a dry goods store as clerk, afterward engaged in the business
for himself, which he continued to follow, for a period of fifteen
years.  In the fall of 1874, Mr. Kelley was elected to the office of
Recorder of Deeds by the handsome majority of 1,168 votes.  During his
term of office, Mr.  Kelley exhibited marked ability in the management
of the affairs of the office and his manly, straightforward course
towards the citizens of the county secured to him not only the respect
and confidence of his constituency but the people generally.  In the
fall of 1878, he was again called upon to fill the same responsible
position by a much larger majority than before.  In 1876, he was married
to Miss Ella, daughter of Robert Shaw of Johnson county, an old settler
and worthy citizen.  The result of this union has been two sons, John R.
and Luther P.  Mr. Kelley politically, is a democrat, but rather
conservative in his views.  Socially he is of that type of character
that commands respect generally.  He has been a member of the school
board for several years.  He has taken great interest in public
education and all other matters for the good of his fellow citizens.


EDWARD KELLEY,

nurseryman and florist, was born in Ireland and was raised and educated
in his native country.  After leaving Ireland he went to Scotland, where
he was employed by R.B. Bowler, the merchant prince of the city of
Edinburg as landscape gardener.  Here he gained valuable knowledge and a
wide reputation.  In 1850 he came to New York city, spent some time in
traveling through some of the principal cities and finally settled at
Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained until 1869, when he came to Missouri
and settled in this county near the city of Holden, where he at once
identified himself with the nursery business, which he followed
successfully.  In 1874 he came to Warrensburg and established the Spring
Grove nursery, which has enjoyed a wide reputation for the choice
variety of fruits kept.  Mr. Kelley had his brother associated with him,
who died in the fall of 1880.  This was a sad affair to Edward, as his
brother had taken charge of his affairs generally.  Edward has always
lived a life of single blessedness.  His nursery contains about 48 acres
of very choice lands with the best of bearing fruit trees with two good
springs and 3 wells thus affording never failing water.


THOMAS KING,

blacksmith and general repair shop for wagons and farm implements, three
doors west of Holden on the north side of Culton street, Warrensburg,
Missouri.  Thomas King, son of Leander King, was born in Hamilton
county, Ohio, May 8, 1826, where he spent his boyhood days.  At the age
of fifteen, he removed to Preble county, Ohio, and lived there till
1854, when he took up his abode in Huntington county, Indiana.  In the
spring of 1868 he came with his family to Johnson county, where he has
since resided.  In 1870 Mr.  King purchased property on his present
business site and commenced for himself the business in which he is
still engaged.  October 10, 1880, the lumber yard adjoining his shop
took fire and in the conflagration which ensued, his entire shop with
tools and implements was destroyed.  He thereby sustained a loss of
$1,500.  He has rebuilt using the ground floor for repair shop and the
second story for renting.  His residence is situated in the southwest
part of the city.  He married Eliza Taylor, daughter of Enoch Taylor of
Preble county, Ohio, Sept. 5, 1847.  The names of the children are Enoch
L., John H., Serepta J., who died at the age of 7, Abraham, who died at
the age of 17, Thomas B., Clara M. and Josie.  John has removed to
Indiana, the others live here.  Mr.  King and his wife have been members
of the Christian Church for twenty years and their position in the
community is that of worthy people.


KINSLEY AND DONNELL,

dealers in Boots, Shoes, Clothing, and gentlemen's general furnishing
goods.  This new and enterprising firm came to Warrensburg in October,
1881, and opened out their stock of goods one door south of Eads Hotel.
Martin C. Kinsley and R.C.  Donnell, the proprietors of this firm, are
experienced business men, well calculated to succeed in their
undertaking.  Mr.  Donnell is a native of Illinois, where he was clerk
and manager of a dry goods business for several years.


MARTIN C. KINSLEY,

of the firm of Kinsley & Donnell, was born in Providence, Rhode Island,
1831, son of Martin Kinsley, who was a native of Massachusetts.  The
mother of our subject was Julia A. Kingsley, daughter of a family who
were direct linneal descendents of those who came from England in the
Mayflower.  Mr.  Kinsley has now in his possession an old deed, dated
1756 given from Ephraim Hix to Nathaniel Kingsley, Carpenter. Martin
Kinsley died in 1878, but his wife is still living, an active old lady
of 81 years.   Martin C.  Kinsley removed with his parents to Hillsboro,
Illinois, when six years of age, and has until of recent date lived
there.  He married Frances M. Brown, daughter of John Brown in the year
1854.  The father was an early settler of Montgomery county, and died
there about 1858.  Their family consists of: L. Minerva, now wife of R.
C. Montgomery, real estate dealer, Maryville, Missouri; Nellie K., now
wife A.Y.  Brown, station agent, Butler, Missouri; Lizzie A., and Martin
E.  Mr. and Mrs.  Kinsley are worthy members of the M.E.  Church.


J.H. KINSEL,

cashier of the Bank of Warrensburg.  Born in Warren county, this state
December 25, 1837.  His father, Edward Kinsel, was a native of Germany,
born in Dresden, Saxony, and immigrated to the United States in 1832,
settling in Warren county, Missouri, on the banks of the Missouri River,
where at the time of his death, which occurred in 1853, he owned one
thousand acres, a portion of which was in St.  Charles county.  He was
married February, 1837, and died Oct. 18, 1851.  His mother, Catharine
Gohlinghorst was also born in Germany, in the vicinity of Bremen, but
they were married in this country.  She is still living.  Mr. Kinsel
spent his boyhood and school days in Warren and Franklin counties, going
to Lafayette county in 1863, thence to Montana, where he spent about
four years merchandising and mining.  In 1867 he came to Warrensburg and
engaged in the mercantile business with W.H.  Bell.  In 1869 he engaged
in the lumber business on the Osage River, at Osceola and Roscoe and in
1871 established the lumber business in Warrensburg, which he has
carried on with great credit, till the present time.  Jan. 3, 1881, at
the establishment of the Bank of Warrensburg, he was made cashier and
under his efficient management the business has greatly prospered.  His
lumber yard including a large stock, was burned Oct.  10, 1880, but has
since been reestablished.  He was married in this city to Miss L.J.
Ming, daughter of W.O. Ming, Esq., 1868.  They have a bright family of
three girls and one boy: William M., Katie May, Dora Augusta, Lillian E.
As a reliable business man, his superior cannot be found in Johnson
county and doubtless the success and popularity of the bank of
Warrensburg is more attributable to its cashier than to any other
officer.


W.E. KNAPP,

was born the 23d of June, 1842, in Westchester county, New York.  His
father was a native of the same state, and with his mother, are now
living in Connecticut.  W.E. was brought up on a farm, and had but few
advantages in the way of an education.  When seventeen years of age
started out to battle for himself, and for a long term of years, was
compelled to labor at the roughest kind of work, but with a will and
energy succeeded in getting a start, and today is among the live
business men of Warrensburg, to which city he emigrated in 1878, and
engaged in shipping mules and horses.  He was married to Miss Susan Jane
Cressey, Nov. 8, 1863, a native of the same county, New York, in which
he was born.  They have two children, William and Carrie Jane.  Mrs.
Knapp is a member of the M.E.  church.  Mr.  Knapp has one of the best
livery and feed stables in the county.  His success is such as always
follows hard work and careful economy, and to which he is justly
entitled.  He is a liberal minded and honest dealing man.


NATHAN LAND,

of the firm of Land, Fike & Co., Eureka Mills, Warrensburg.  Was born in
St. Clair county, Illinois, May 4, 1817.  His father was a Virginian and
his mother was a native of South Carolina.  He received but a limited
education, spending most of his early years on the farm, assisting his
father, and remained with him up to his marriage, which occurred in
1845, to Sarah Curtis, a daughter of Thomas and Catharine Curtis, of
Tennessee.  His first wife died in March, 1853.  He was married in 1858
to Minerva Prim, daughter of Joseph and Ellen Prim of Kentucky.  Went
out as captain of company K, 117 Illinois, and resigned after two and a
half years service, by reason of ill health.   He came to Warrensburg
and in 1865 went into dry goods business.  Was burned out Christmas,
1866, and then went into the firm of Schmidlapp, Land & Co.  Was a
member of town council, 1872.  Mr. Land has been a member of the M.E.
Church over 40 years.  By his first wife he had three children: Garrett
C., Elizabeth and Thomas.  The elder son is now practicing law in this
city, the other two dying young, were buried in Illinois.  Mr.  Land is
one of the quiet but persevering men who is faithful in the performance
of all known duties, and is held in high esteem as a business man and
citizen.


GARRETT C. LAND,

attorney at law, Warrensburg.  Was born in Mascoutah, St. Clair county,
Illinois, August, 1846.  His father, Nathan Land, now resides here.  The
subject of this sketch received his early education at the public
schools of his native city, after which he entered McKendre College, at
Lebanon, Illinois, where he remained till he graduated in 1868,
receiving the degree of B.S.  Soon after this he commenced the study of
law and entered the law school of Ann Arbor in the following fall,
(1868).  After leaving this college he came to Warrensburg and entered
the law office of Elliott & Blodgett, where he remained till 1871, when
he entered the law school of Harvard College where he continued until
1872, and received the degree of LL. B.  After this he returned to
Warrensburg, where he has continued to practice his profession.  For
some time he has been a law partner of S.P.  Sparks.  In his profession
Mr. Land stands high.  In politics he is a pure Republican, true and
steadfast to his principles.  He has an active brain, quick in thought
and sincere in his motives.  In his social relations there is no warmer-
hearted and benevolent man living, always true to friends, even to the
utmost degree.  By proper application and deportment he has a bright
future before him in the field of his chosen profession.


LAUPHEIMER BROS.,

confectionery and restaurant, Holden street, Warrensburg, Missouri.  The
Laupheimer Bros., commenced business here December 1, 1880, and although
it is comparatively a new enterprise they have secured the confidence
and patronage of a large trade.  Martin Laupheimer, under whos immediate
care the restaurant is conducted, was born in the city of St, Louis,
Missouri, October 10, 1861.  His father, Joseph Laupheimer, is a native
of Germany, and came to St. Louis about twenty-five years ago.
Subsequently he removed to Sedalia, then to Warrensburg and again
returned to St. Louis, where he now resides.  Martin, when a mere boy,
engaged as a traveling salesman for J.I.  Mayer & Bro., of St.  Louis
and followed this business for several years.  He has three brothers and
one sister.  William Laupheimer, traveling salesman for J.I. Mayer, is
the other member of the foregoing firm.  With close attention to
business and dealing with all, this firm stand high in the town and
county.


W.H. LEE,

dealer in agricultural implements.  Is a native of Kentucky; born March
26, 1841.  His father John H.  Lee was a native of Kentucky, a farmer
and one of those sturdy pioneer settlers who give force and character so
necessary in the development of a new country.  He died in 1869.
William H. came to Missouri in 1869, and settled at Warrensburg.  He
commenced the hardware trade and continued the same until 1881, when he
disposed of the stock and engaged in the agricultural implement business
in which he has proved himself equal to the situation.  In 1877 was
elected to the office of city treasurer, also county collector, and has
been a member of the school board for many years, which position he
holds at the present.  He married in Kentucky Miss Amanda Robertson, in
the month of October 1865, daughter of W.H.  Robertson, and the union
been blessed by two children: John H.  and Julia.


REV. J. CAL LITTRELL,

born in Howard county, Mo., May 5, 1835, son of Robert and Matilda
Littrell, nee Reed, both of whom were natives of Kentucky.  When about
four years old he went with his parents to Henry county, then came to
Johnson county and settled near Chilhowee.  He pursued a course of study
at Chapel Hill college, then followed the mercantile business for a few
years, after which he became a teacher, and following this profession
till in 1867, he commenced to preach in the C.P. church.  While
wandering in the wilderness near the summit of the Rocky Mountains he
obeyed the Master's call and resolved to enter the ministry.  This was
July 27, 1865, many years after his first impressions.  He joined the
Lexington Prebytery in the fall of 1866, and commenced preaching in the
spring of 1867, first one year in Cass county, then two years in Bates,
then eight years in Pueblo county, Colorado, where he was the first
protestant missionary south of the Arkansas river, and became a charter
member of the Rocky Mountain Presbytery.  He returned to Johnson county
in the fall of 1878, and entered upon the work of traveling evangelist
through the surrounding region.  In the spring of 1879 he took charge of
the Montserrat and Mount Moriah churches when the former had 37 members
and the latter 35.  Now the former has 132 and the latter has 121
members.  His first marriage was to Miss Sue R. Hayes, and their
children are: Jennie E. and Sudie C.  Married a second time, to Martha
L. Seawell, October 18, 1871.  Her father, Robert H.  Seawell, is a
native of Tennessee, who came to Lafayette county, Mo., forty year ago.
Rev.  Mr.  M.R.  Littrell is a minister of native ability, and force of
character well qualified for his divine mission.


G.A. LOBBAN,

was born in Albemarle county, Va., June 17, 1839.  Received an education
which he paid for by his own labors, and spent his time on the farm
until nineteen years of age.  Removing to Warrensburg, Mo., in 1858 he
continued the same occupation, and in addition carried the U.S. mail to
Lexington on a contract for two years.  Went into the U.S.  Service,
spending over three years in the quartermaster department, returning to
Warrensburg again in 1864.  Twelve years he worked as plasterer.  In
1876 he opened out the grocery business in which he is still engaged.
Was married in 1863 to Mrs.  Bratton, of this city, who died in 1874,
leaving two children, Ida L. and James L.  The daughter is a graduate of
the normal school this year.  Mr.  Lobban's second marriage was to
Sallie, daughter of Joel P. Johnson, an old settler of this state, and
now a resident of Johnson county.  Leora and Albert are the names of the
children.  Mr. Lobban and wife are members of the Christian church, and
he has been an earnest and cheerful worker in the Sabbath school.  As a
business man he stands well in the county, and all who know him have
good words to speak in his behalf.


BERNHARD LOEBENSTEIN,

was born in Germany, July 12, 1836, came to this country when about
nineteen years of age, and to the state of Missouri in 1856.  In 1866,
he came to Warrensburg and opened his present business, that of ready
made clothing.  The firm was started with M. Frank as partner, under the
style of Frank & Loebenstein, and continued till January 1878, when it
was changed to B.  Loebenstein, and April 1, 1881, again changed to its
present name Loebenstein & Co.  Mr.  Loebenstein was married to Miss
Sarah Aaron of St. Louis, daughter of Rudolph Aaron, a prominent stock
dealer in Germany.  They have four children: Rudolph, Bertha, Sammie and
Flora.  Mr.  Loebenstein has built up an extensive business throughout
this county, and stands among the first.  His facilities for business
are such as a long and careful experience have fitted him, and perhaps
no one has contributed more to the growth and prosperity of the country;
always ready to share in the work necessary for the building up of a
community, and has at the same time been very successful in business.
He is treasurer of the Board of Regents of the state normal school, and
enjoys the confidence and esteem of the public generally.


WILLIAM LOWE,

lumber dealer and builder.  Was born in Henry county, Indiana, and lived
in his native county until his majority.  His education was obtained at
the common schools of the day.  In 1861 at the outbreak of the war he
enlisted in company C, 36th Indiana, and was afterward transferred to
the United States signal corps and served three years and twenty-one
days and was honorably discharged in September, 1864, after which he
returned home and in 1866 removed to Missouri and located in
Warrensburg.  Soon after he commenced contracting and building,
following this until 1873, when he engaged in the lumber business.
Although Mr. Lowe commenced life a poor boy he has by energy and genuine
pluck succeeded in building up a good trade, and has at the same time
established a reputation for honesty and square dealing that many might
well be proud of.  He was married on the 25th day of October, 1866, to
Miss Anna Peed, of Tippecanoe, Indiana, a lady of fine qualities.  The
names of the children are: Anna Mable and Mary Maud.  Mr. Lowe has built
more than three hundred houses in Johnson county, among them M.E.
church, Baptist, Cumberland Presbyterian church, finished the normal
school, built Foster school, Mr. J.  Brown's residence and others too
numerous to mention, in fact, to leave out those he has built in
Warrensburg would be a serious loss to the town.


W.J. MANN,

was born October 16, 1837, in Mercer county, Kentucky.  James B.  and
Mary, his father and mother, are both living in the same county in which
he was born, and are now among the oldest living settlers of the same.
His grandfather was a Virginian, and one among the colony who went to
Kentucky, known as the Armstrong, McAfee and Adams colony.  W.J. helped
his father who was a prominent farmer and stock raiser, until he was
twenty-six years of age.  He was married in 1864.  His wife died in
1868, leaving two children: Robert J. and Nannie L.  His second marriage
was to Mary Jane Overstreet, of Pettis county, Missouri.  They have
three children: Emma Maggie, Mary Alice and Walter Crittenden.  Mr. M.
is highly esteemed as a neighbor and citizen.  His wife is a member of
the Baptist church and he of the Cumberland Presbyterian.  He has a farm
of 360 acres about four miles south of Warrensburg, and his home is very
pleasant, having many of the comforts and conveniences  which are the
result of hard work and well directed energy.


ROBERT McELFRESH,

a Kentuckian by birth, having been born in Mason county, November 5,
1844.  Wesley, his father, was a native of Maryland and died in 1879.
Robert was in the army, starting out in the 10th Kentucky, 1st rangers
cavalry.  Promoted to brigade commissary sergeant in 1864.  Had four
years service in all.  Was under Gen.  H. Morgan, as scout, up to his
promotion.  He married Miss Mary Jane Montgref, a native of Vernon
county, Missouri.  They have four children.  He came to this county from
Texas, in 1877, where he had spent two years.  His wife is a member of
the Baptist church.


JOHN MILLER,

son of Peter and Mary Miller, was born June 14, 1814, in Pleasant
Valley, Washington county, Maryland.  Had the advantages of a collegiate
education.  Was a lawyer by profession but did not practice.  Is a
farmer and stock raiser.  Married, July 29, 1852, to Miss Sarah E. Gray,
daughter of Captain Alexander Gray, of Charles county, Maryland.  Moved
to Missouri in 1857.  Stopped in St.  Louis county for eighteen months.
In 1858 moved to Warrensburg.  Mr.  Miller was opposed to the
institution of slavery.  Still he thought slaves were the constitutional
property of the southern states.  His father, Peter Miller, freed his
slaves and sent them to Liberia.  Mr.  M. was a whig while that party
existed, but when Greeley, Seward and others started the abolitionist
party he went to the democratic party.  Mr. M.  voted the union ticket
when Lincoln, Bell and Everett were for the presidency.  When Gov.
Jackson sent out his call for troops he assisted in organizing a company
in Warrensburg, but did not join them, being too old and infirm to
follow the life of a soldier.  When Gov. Jackson retreated south Mr. M.
went in town and took the oath to become non-combatant and to not take
up arms against the government, and was promised protection.  He took no
active part in the war but was robbed and persecuted the whole time.  On
Sunday, September 13, 1863, Mr. M. was at home, with his family, sick.
Mr.  Ogden and Mrs. Hornbuckle were present.  During the day a union
soldier rode up to the and asked Mrs.  Miller for John Miller.  She told
him that Mr. M. was sick and could not come out.  The soldier then
threatened to burn the house if he did not come.  Mr. M.  hearing the
conversation got up and went to the door.  The soldier commanded him to
come and go with him.  Mr. M. said he was not able.  The soldier then
took aim, shot him down, while his little boys were clinging about his
knees.  After committing the murder the villain rode off and joined
several men on horseback, near the road in the cornfield in front of the
house.  Evidence was given in but no attention paid to it and the
murderer was neither arrested nor tried.  Mr.  M. left at his death a
widow and four sons.  The oldest at that time was nine years old.  The
family returned to Maryland in 1863, where the children were educated.
They returned to Johnson county, Missouri, in 1878.  Mrs. Miller and
three youngest sons still survive.


OLL MILLER,

house, sign, and ornamental painter, Warrensburg, Missouri.  Born in
Johnson county, Missouri, January 1, 1847, son of J.D. Miller.  His
father came to this county in an early day, and settled at what is now
Knob Noster, where the subject of this sketch was born.  Young Miller
was reared in the family of J.G. Morrow, and attended the common school
till the civil war broke out, which disorganized all schools.  Mr.
Miller was on the side of the union, and did some service in the federal
army.  From 1863 to 1870 he resided in Sedalia, where he learned the
painter's trade.  In 1870 be came to Warrensburg, and commenced business
in his chosen occupation, where he has since resided.  He married Miss
Nannie E.  Morrison, daughter of W.M. Morrison, of Wheeling, West
Virginia, December 30, 1869.  By this union they have two daughters, Ida
B. and Nellie J.  H.C.  McCullough is a partner with Mr. Miller, and the
firm furnish the best work in their line, both for the city and the
country.  With careful attention to business he has acquired a good
trade, accumulating property, and sustained business integrity among his
neighbors.  His place of business is on East Culton street, near the
Eads Hotel, where skill and dispatch are employed to suit the public
demand.


C.C. MORROW,

of Warrensburg, was born near the village of Columbus, in this county,
April 14, 1842.  His father, Rev. John B. Morrow, was a native of South
Carolina, and emigrated to Missouri in 1819, settling in Cooper county
near Boonville, and subsequently came to this county, in 1835, where he
served as minister of the C.P.  Church till his death, which occurred
December 16, 1863.  The subject of this sketch was the youngest of three
brothers.  He lived on a farm till sixteen years of age.  His early
education was obtained at the common schools; however, by perseverance
and application he pursued the English branches until he obtained a good
education.  At the age of nineteen he embarked in the mercantile
business at Chilhowee, which he continued till 1861.  During the war he
remained loyal to the union.  In 1865, and from that time until 1870,
continued in business.  In the fall of 1870, he was elected to the
office of clerk of the circuit and common pleas court, which he filled
for four years.  In June 1874, he bought the Democrat, the organ of the
democratic party of the county, and in 1876 purchased the Journal, and
consolidated them, and changed the name to Journal-Democrat, which name
it still bears.  Continuing editor of this paper till 1879, he then sold
to W.H. and J.R.  Davis.  In March, 1879, when the democrats organized
the U.S. Senate, he was appointed clerk of the senate committee on
claims, which position he held till April 30, 1881.  In May following he
was appointed assistant engrossing clerk of the senate.  He was married
to Miss Mary J.  Farr, eldest daughter of Judge James K.  Farr, a
prominent citizen of Johnson county.  They have five children living:
Lizzie, Jennie M., Rhoda L., Minnie A. and Effie H.  One son, William
H., is dead.  Mr.  Morrow is a courteous, kind-hearted gentleman.  He
has brought up his family in the best social circles, nearly all of whom
are members of the C.P. Church with himself.  He writes an elegant hand,
and is a good business man.


W.K. MORROW,

deputy clerk of the circuit court of Johnson county.  Was born in
Johnson county, Missouri, January 1, 1837.  His father, James G., was a
native of Tennessee.  He came to Missouri in a very early day, settling
in Cooper county, subsequently in Johnson county, during 1835, where he
died in 1875.  The subject of this sketch was educated at the common
schools of the pioneer days.  His youth was spent on a farm when the
forests of the country abounded with panthers, wolves, and bear.  He was
married to Miss James.  In 1875 he was appointed to the position he now
holds, which he has filled with much credit to himself, and satisfaction
to the citizens of the county.  In politics, he is a democrat; however,
quite charitable in his views.  In religion, he is a Cumberland
Presbyterian, and one of the most zealous workers of his church.  He is
superintendent of his sunday school, which he has made one of the best
in the town.


MAJOR HENRY NEILL,

was born in Lee county, Virginia, April 8, 1828, and was the son of
Stephen T. Neill, who was born and raised in the same county.  His
grandfather was of revolutionary fame, and his father in the war of
1812.  His father moved to Missouri in 1837, settling in Lafayette
county.  Was an extensive farmer and raiser of hemp.  He died in 1861.
Henry was the third son of five brothers.  Entered school at Sweet
Spring when 19 years of age and remained two years.  Went to clerking,
afterward read law under Judge Ryland, of Lexington.  After the war, in
1867, he commenced the practice of law, having been admitted to the bar
of Johnson county, under Judge Conklin, of common pleas court, was
afterward licensed by Judge McGoffey; continuing the practice up to this
time.  Was city attorney three terms, dating from 1874.  Was married in
1853 to Miss F. Elliott, of Fayette, Howard county, daughter N.G.
Elliott, a prominent railroad man.  She died in 1870, leaving three
children: H.G., Anna, now Mrs.  Todhunter, of Lafayette county, and
Steven T.  His second marriage was in 1872, to Mrs. Pennock, of Allegany
City, Pennsylvania, a brother of whom is now mayor of that city.  Has a
son and daughter by this marriage: Harry and Lydia.  Major and wife have
been members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church for 27 years.  The
major is quite jocularly inclined, and well esteemed in the community in
which he lives.


J.R. NELSON.

  Prominent among the business houses of Warrensburg, is the dry goods
house of J.R.  Nelson.  He was born in Morgan county, Ohio, June 9,
1848.  His early years were spent in acquiring an education in a
practical way, and before he had reached the age of thirteen, knew what
it was to earn his own living.  He has been handling merchandise since.
In 1879 he came to Warrensburg with a small capital and by his own
efforts has built up a trade entirely by his own exertions.  His
business is done with a system which is worthy of mention, as it not
only protects his own interests, but puts temptation out of reach of his
working force.  Each sale and transaction is recorded by the person
making the same, and all the moneys are handled by a cashier, thus
avoiding errors.  Mr.  Nelson is a live, wide-awake business man and
devotes a large portion of his time behind the counter looking after the
welfare of his customers, and studying to meet their wants.  Success is
his motto and square dealing his watchword.


E.T. PENNINGTON,

station agent, Missouri Pacific railroad.  Was born in Franklin, Warren
county, Ohio, August 21, 1843.  His father, Ephraim Pennington, was a
native of Maryland. The subject of this brief notice lived in Ohio till
fifteen years of age, then went to Ft.  Madison, Iowa, where he lived
till 1865.  He came to Missouri at the latter named date, first stopping
at Kirkwood, then Holden, and October 28, 1865, took charge of the
telegraph business at Warrensburg, where he has since resided.  Mr.
Pennington having been so long identified with the railroad traffic at
this point, has become well-known, and his adaptability for the position
and uniform courteousness to all, renders him highly respected and
popular.  He married Miss Georgie Pinkston, October 2, 1866, and this
pair have four children: Mittie S., Lulie M., Willie E. and Clarence V.
Mrs.  Pennington is the daughter of Dr.  W.D.  Pinkston, who was born in
Madison county, New York, March 30, 1817.  A brief account of
establishment of the depot here and its administration by Mr.
Pennington will be found on page 420.


ANTON PICKLE,

superintendent of the Pickle Bros, stone quarries.  (For more particular
mention see page 427.)  Was born in Germany, April, 1854; came to this
country when about fifteen years old, and spent about eight years in the
city of St. Louis.  Three years ago he came to Warrensburg, and took
charge of the celebrated quarries of which frequent mention is given in
this history.  He was married to Miss Mary Dietrh, of St. Louis,
January, 1881.  His education was confined principally to commercial
colleges, his last course being that of Jones', located at St. Louis.
Though comparatively a young man he has shown himself quite able to
manage and operate a large business, and is highly respected by all who
labor under him, for his generous and thoughtful care over them.


JUDGE JOHN J. PRICE,

of Lexington, Missouri, formerly a resident and prominent office holder
of this county; was born in Lancaster, Garrard county, Kentucky,
February 21, 1807, of English-French extraction, of the line of
Chevalier's and of the Huguenot families of France; he emigrated to St.
Louis in 1828 where he was engaged as coal operator for six years;
thence he went to St. Clair county, Illinois, where he married, and
subsequently located in Jefferson City in 1836, where he became a
successful farmer and stock-raiser.  He settled in Johnson county,
Missouri, in 1839, and in the following year, 1840, he was elected
county judge, which office he filled with great satisfaction to his
constituents; so great was his popularity that before his term of
judgeship had expired the people made him their representative in the
state legislature in the summer of 1842.  In 1844 he was first elected
sheriff of Johnson county, and his administration was so well executed
that he received a second nomination and was elected again with but
little opposition, in 1846.  His term of office expired in 1848, after
which he engaged alternately in farming, merchandising and keeping hotel
until the war of 1861.  During his public career as an officer he never
lost the confidence of the people.   When the clouds of war began to
roll over the land he retired to the town of St.  Charles to avoid the
troubles; being a strong southern man he rendered material aid to the
south, and as one of the prominent men of county, he had political
enemies who took advantage when the war asserted its animosities, and
compelled him to seek an asylum in other places as an exile.  He
returned to Warrensburg in 1866, where he was actively engaged in
farming till 1872, when he moved to Doyer, Lafayette county, where he
became an extensive farmer and stock-raiser, and remained there till
1878, when he located in Lexington, Missouri, where he now lives, in a
comfortable home and in easy circumstances.  In politics he was always a
democrat and voted no other ticket.  He has always taken an active part
in the campaign and still continues faithful to his political
convictions.  Was married twice; his first wife was Mrs. Mirinda Lemmon,
daughter of a prominent citizen of St.  Clair county, Illinois.  Ed. M.,
Robt. L. and Huldah were their children.  The elder son is an extensive
trader in Pottawatomie county Kansas; the younger is in railroad
business in St. Louis; the daughter married Francis Begole, a prominent
farmer of Lebanon, Illinois.  His second wife, Miss Jane Marshall, was
born in Burlington, Boone county, Kentucky; her father was cousin to
chief justice Marshall, and brother of Humphrey Marshall, United States
Senator from Kentucky.  She was born February 16, 1816, and married
March 18, 1841.  Their children are: Jas.  S., A.J., Josie, Virenda,
John M., W.S., Almeda and Geo. B.M. the youngest.  James S. is a Baptist
minister, and resides in Lexington.  A.J. died in 1874, in Sedalia, and
was one of the brightest and most esteemed young men of that place; W.S.
is also dead; J.M. is a lawyer in New Mexico; Geo.  B.M. Price is a
young attorney now residing in Warrensburg; he was born January 11,
1861, in the city where he now lives; he has a liberal education and a
fine command of language; he studied law three and one half years under
one of the oldest and most eminent members of the bar of this state,
Judge Eldridge Burden, of Lexington, Missouri; he was admitted to the
bar August, 1881; and located in Warrensburg, where he now has a fair
practice and a host of friends.


C.N. RAND,

of the firm of Cottrell & Rand, dealers in pianos, organs and musical
merchandise, Warrensburg, Missouri.  Professor Rand is also an
instructor in vocal culture of rare talent and success; he is a native
of the empire state and when quite young removed with parents to
Wisconsin, thence to Minnesota; he subsequently pursued a course of
study at the Northwestern University, then engaged in musical
merchandise in several of the northwestern states.   Not long since he
engaged in his present business with D.H. Cottrell in Holden, and in the
summer of 1881 made his headquarters in Warrensburg.  He is a young man
of business and social qualities that make him a valuable acquisition to
any community.  His father, Solomon Rand, was born in Massachusetts, and
resided in the east till 1866.  He died in the village of Chatfield,
Minnesota, August 2, 1874, aged seventy-six years, ten months.  He had
been a mason fifty-five years, and on the occasion of his death memorial
resolutions of great respect were adopted by the lodge of which he was a
member, and his funeral services were conducted by the order.


REV. S.R. REESE,

pastor of the M.E. Church, Warrensburg, was born in Morgan county, East
Tennessee, Feby. 24th, 1839.  His father well known as Dr.  Reese was
one of the leading physicians of Morgan county, and was at one time
possessed of a large amount of means, which was finally swept away by
the payment of large security debts.  He paid at one time forty five
thousand dollars, and later in life while traveling over the American
bottoms, opposite St.  Louis, Missouri, he was attacked by some parties
and robbed of a large amount of money.  He died in 1863.  Mr. Reese's
mother was a native of Virginia, but was raised in Tennessee.  She was a
lady possessed of many womanly virtues; she died in Lawrence county,
Missouri in 1859.  S.R. Reese received his early education at the common
schools.  He commenced the battle of life, when about 15 years of age
and owing to his father's financial embarrassment struggled amid poverty
and reverses, but being determined to rise in the world he bore his
burden manfully, took his first lessons in Latin under Prof. J.W.
Matthias of Marshfield, Missouri.  Although, when first starting out, he
had but 75 cents in money and a broken arm, but being of that determined
nature he entered the ministry, and in 1866 in Greenfield, Missouri
preached his first sermon, where he remained two years; then was
stationed at Springfield and afterwards at Marshfield, then at Nevada
city, thence to Pleasant Hill, Lee's Summit, and to Warrensburg, where
he has charge of one of the best congregations in the county.  Mr.
Reese has been twice married, his first wife being Martha E.  Reser,
daughter of John Reser of Dallas county, Missouri.  She died in 1859
leaving two children: John M., and James H.  He married in 1876 for
second wife, Miss Bell Reese, daughter of G.C. Reese, of Sedalia Mo.
She is a lady of culture and refinement.  The result of this union has
been one son and daughter; Sherwood Vernor and Lula C.  Mr. Reese as a
speaker is profound and eloquent, is warm and genial in his nature, a
model christian, and most admirably fitted for the Gospel work, to which
the Master has called him.


A.W. REESE M. D.,

prominent among physicians of Johnson county, is the subject of this
sketch, born in Jefferson county, Indiana, Aug. 18, 1828.  John Reese,
his father, was a native of Kentucky, and was a missionary baptist
preacher.  A.W. was a graduate of Hanom College, Indiana.  When 22 years
of age he went to Lowell, Kentucky, and read medicine with Dr. S.B.
Richards for three years, and was afterward a graduate of the Kentucky
School of Medicine, In 1855 he came to Missouri and practiced in Cass
county.  He was married to Miss Ellen Cobb a native of this county. They
had 2 children: Lissie and Gertrude.  His wife died Nov.  25, 1865.  In
1858 he moved to Elmwood, Saline county, and was there till the war,
when he accepted the position of Surgeon of the 31st Missouri infantry,
Col.  Fletcher Ex-Governor.  Was with the regiment through the Sherman
campaign.  In 1864 he was ordered to Warrensburg, and had charge of the
U.S. Military Hospital until August, 1865.  Had an extensive practice at
Warrensburg, and was Coroner for four years of the time.  His second
marriage was Oct.  22, 1867, to Susanna E. Baile of Preble county, Ohio.
They have five children living: Sallie B., Effie Eugenia, Minnie V.,
Paul and Mark.  The doctor is a minister of the German Baptist, or
(Brethren) church.  His wife and oldest daughter are members of the
same.  They have a well improved farm of two hundred acres, where the
doctor is found hard at work filling in the time on the farm, between
the calls for his services in the medical profession.  He is a man of
culture and conversant with all the matters of interest of the present
day.  As a neighbor and christian gentleman he stands well with all who
are brought in contact with him, and no man has a larger number of
friends.


GEORGE REITER,

proprietor of a Vineyard and Wine manufactory.  Was born in Germany
April 15, 1825.  His father Justice Joseph, was a large farmer and
George assisted him in the work.  He came to the United States in 1848,
when he was in his 23d year and learned a trade at Pittsburg.  He
traveled through a good many of the states as a journeyman, and in 1852
came to Johnson county, Missouri.  He was married in May, 1852 to a
native of Germany at Paducah, Ky.  They have four children living:
Louisa, May H., Emma J., and Edward E.  Mr. Reiter has been a member of
the Masonic order for thirty three years.  He has about four acres in
grapes and also has beautiful grounds about his residence.


RICHARD M. ROBERTSON,

Attorney at law, Warrensburg, Mo.  Was born in Hickory county, Missouri,
Nov. 29, 1853.  After obtaining a good english education, he commenced
teaching, first in his own county, then in Illinois.  In April, 1876 he
came to Warrensburg and entered upon the study of law in the office of
C.E.  Moorman Esq.  He was admitted to the bar in 1878 and commenced at
once upon the practice of his profession, which by close attention to
business has grown into a good practice.  The esteem in which this young
attorney is held by the citizens of the town and county, may be inferred
from the fact that as an earnest republican, he was nominated in 1880
for prosecuting attorney, and beaten only by a majority of 81 votes in a
county which has a democratic majority of 600.  At present he is city
attorney and partner with A.B.  Logan.  Mr. Robertson has ability and
energy which will raise him high in his profession.


JOHN L. ROBERTS,

dealer in agricultural implements and live stock, Warrensburg.  The
subject of this sketch was born in Lafayette county, January 26, 1834.
His father, John Roberts, was a native of North Carolina, moved to
Kentucky, thence to Missouri in 1829, and settled near Lexington, where
he remained till 1837, when he came to Johnson county and soon became a
large land holder and stock dealer.  He died in 1854, loved and
respected by all.  J.L. was three years of age when his father came to
this county.  He received his education in the common schools.  In 1858
he was married to Miss Almira Lemmon, of this county, after which he
commenced farming, which he continued till the outbreak of the war, when
he went to Illinois and engaged in the stock and grain trade.  At the
close of the strife he returned to Warrensburg and commenced business by
opening out an agricultural and implement store, which he has carried on
successfully up to the present time.  In 1870 Roberts & Redford became
connected with the firm, and in 1873 Mr. Hale purchased an interest.
Then the firm was styled, "Roberts, Redford & Hale." They have the best
agricultural store of the city, and are known over the county for their
fair dealing.  The family of Mr. J.L. Roberts consists of three
children, viz: Belle E., Benj. P. and Fannie.  Two are dead, John W.
and Muda L.  In politics, although quite liberal, he votes with the
democrats.  He and his family attend the C.P.  church, and are liberal
supporters of the church and Sunday school.  Miss Belle E. is a graduate
of the full course of study in the normal school, and has been a very
successful teacher.  She is now teaching in the city schools.  Benj. P.
is also engaged in teaching.  Mr. Roberts is a man whom everybody
admires as a straightforward business man, quiet and attentive to his
business under all circumstances.


JEHU ROBINSON,

farmer and stock raiser.  Was born in Boone county, east Tennessee,
March 26, 1812.  His father, Joseph Robinson, was a native of Carolina,
born in 1766, January 28.  Was married in 1792 and died in 1841.  His
grandfather was born in Ireland and came to this country when only an
infant, and was of revolutionary fame; died in 1812, aged seventy-nine
years.  Joseph R., Jehu's father, was in the war of 1812, and rendered
valuable services as a scout during the disturbances by the Indians in
1818.  He came to the state of Missouri and settled within five miles of
Glasgow for five years.  Jehu is the only son, and remained on the farm
with his father.  His chances for a school education were very limited.
In 1833 in company with his father and some black folks he came to this
county and built a log house for their home, and is now one of the
oldest living settlers.  He lost about all he had during the war, but by
careful management and hard work has again secured a good home.  His
farm consists of 452 acres, well improved, and he has it well stocked
with cattle and hogs.  The writer of this sketch visited him at his farm
home and found him all that his friends, and they are without number,
had recommended him to be, an open hearted, hospitable and kind
neighbor, who is thoughtful of others than himself, and who has the
confidence and esteem of all who know him.  He was elected second
lieutenant of the state militia at the time of the Blackhawk war, and
showed a good record of service.  His life has been one of hardships and
privations, but his strong physical form, reinforced by an iron will,
has enabled him to overcome what would have discouraged most men.  Now,
in his closing years he has the enjoyment of knowing life has not been a
failure.  He and his wife are consistent christians, having been members
of the Cumberland Presbyterian church since 1842.


DANIEL ROSS,

was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, March 30, 1821.  His father,
John Ross, was a native of New Jersey.  Daniel was brought up on a farm,
and attended the common schools of that day.  He started out for himself
or rather went away from home when he was thirty-five years of age.  His
father dying when he was fifteen he was kept home on the old homestead
until he reached this age, looking after the interests of farm.  In 1855
he came to Johnson county, Missouri, and worked for Major Holden.
Carried the government proceeds of the land office from Warsaw to St.
Louis overland, depositing it in the sub-treasury.  He went back to New
York in 1857, and remained on the old homestead until the fall of 1868,
when he returned to Missouri and settled on the "Poor Farm," after
spending about a year in Warrensburg.  Was married to Miss Matilda C.
Holden, a native of New York.  Himself and wife are members of the
Cumberland Presbyterian church.


WM. C. ROWLAND,

abstracts and insurance.  In this sketch we have not a pioneer, but a
citizen, of whom the people of Warrensburg have reason to be proud.  He
was born in Ashland county, Ohio, September, 1842.  His father, Jacob
Rowland, died when William was but six years old.  After the death of
his father he went to live with his grandfather, who resided at
Hillsdale, Michigan.  In the spring of 1852 he went to Fayette county,
Iowa, where he remained until 1862, when he volunteered as a private in
the 18th Iowa infantry, and served faithfully until 1863, when he was
promoted to 1st lieutenant and also as acting adjutant of the regiment;
in January, 1865 was promoted to captain.  He participated in many hotly
contested battles.  After the close of the war he returned to West
Union, Iowa, and in November, 1865, he came to Missouri and located at
Warrensburg.  In 1869 he was appointed assessor of Johnson county, and
in the fall of 1870 he was elected to the same office, which he filled
with much credit to himself.   In 1861 Mr.  Rowland studied law with the
Hon. Wm. McClintock, of West Union, Iowa.  For some time he has been
engaged in the abstract and insurance business.  At present Mr.  Rowland
is serving as town clerk and city collector.  In December, 1867, he
married Miss Matilda J.  Bratton, of Warrensburg, a native of this
county, and the daughter of James M.  Bratton.  This union has been
blessed by one son and one daughter, Izora and William.  Mr. R. is
possessed of that warm, genial nature, which will always secure to him a
host of friends.


WILLIAM E. SEAMANDS,

of the firm of W.E. Seamands & Co., was born in Fleming county Kentucky,
in 1840.  Isaac his father was a native of Virginia, born in 1800, a
farmer, who removed to Kentucky in 1820, and to Johnson county,
Missouri, in 1849.  He died suddenly of heart disease in 1855.  William,
on his arrival here, was about nine years of age.  His youth was spent
upon his father's farm.  After attending school he engaged in teaching
school and proved to be very efficient.  Quitting this he entered
Fleming's college, Kentucky, where he continued until his health failing
he left school and again engaged in teaching, taking charge of a select
school, of Poplar Plains, Kentucky, where he taught one year, during
which he married Miss Bettie Christy, a native of Kentucky.  He then
went to Fayetteville, this county, where he engaged in the mercantile
trade, which he followed two years.  In March, 1871, moved to
Warrensburg and went into the county clerk's office as deputy, with S.
P.  Sparks, and held the position for four years, and was afterwards
employed as clerk in Mr. Christy's store, four years; then made an
engagement as traveling salesman with R.W. Atwood & Co., of St.  Louis.
Two years later he commenced business in Warrensburg, with a former
member of the firm.  Mr.  Seamands has two children, one son and a
daughter, Freddie M.  B.  and Lida B.


G. H. SACK,

attorney at law, Warrensburg.  Born in Greenburg, Decatur county,
Indiana, November 5, 1841.   When about three years of age removed with
parents to Rush county.  At the age of fifteen attended the Acton
seminary, and remained there a little more than two years; then took a
legal and collegiate course in the Indiana State University at
Bloomington graduating in both departments in 1865.  The following year,
June, 1866, came to Johnson county, Missouri and taught school at
Centerview, two years, and a select school two years, at Warrensburg.
Was then elected superintendent of schools for Johnson county, and held
the office one term.  Commenced the practice of law in 1865, and with
only few interruptions continued in that profession till this date.
Married Anna G. Briscoe, May 5, 1867.  She died September 30, 1871.
Married a second time to Alice C. Hickman, March 27, 1879.  Mrs. S. is a
native of Illinois, daughter of W.B.  Hickman, who was a native of
Kentucky.  There were born of the last marriage two children, Effie and
Roy H.  Effie died December 27, 1880, aged one year and four days.  Mr.
S., besides a good house and other town property, has 585 acres of
farming lands.  His careful attention to business and upright dealing
has been rewarded by financial success and the highest respect of those
who know him.  Both Mr. and Mrs. S. are exemplary and consistent members
of the church.


WALTER SAMS,

jeweler, and dealer in all kinds of watches, clocks, gold and silver
ware, corner of Holden and Culton streets, Warrensburg, Missouri.  This
thrifty young business man commenced for himself, September 1, 1881 and
the encouragement he has received up to the present time (January,
1882), is most flattering.  He has a thorough and practical knowledge of
his trade, having served six years under superior instruction, and being
a young man of good morals and excellent business habits, a bright
future both in business and social circles, lies before him.  He was
born in Washington, Franklin county, Missouri, and when but a few months
old came with parents to Warrensburg, where he has been reared and
become well known.  His father, Edward Sams, and mother Jessey, nee
Oxley, are natives of England, who came to America twenty-four years
ago, settled in Warrensburg about eighteen years ago.  His father is
proprietor of the market on Culton street, and the family consisting of
five sons and one daughter, are highly respected.


ROBERT SHARP,

deceased, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, February 22, 1811.  His
father, George Sharp was a native of Pennsylvania, and became a
prominent lawyer in Belmont county, Ohio.  Young Robert, at the age of
twenty two, commenced for himself, and engaged in different enterprises,
among which was a contract for building a canal.  In the year 1859 he
came to Johnson county, Missouri, and soon took a contract to build
twelve miles of the Missouri Pacific railroad.  He established a store
at Knob Noster; run a flouring-mill successfully up to his death, which
occurred June 11, 1875.  He was married November 9, 1842, to Miss Anna
Nichol, of Marietta, Ohio.  By this union they had nine children, seven
of whom are still living.  Mrs.  Sharp remained here during the civil
war, and was much troubled by marauding bands.  Mrs. Sharp and family
are among the most respected in the community.


S.H. SHUMAKER.

The subject of this sketch was born in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, May
11, 1829.  His youth was spent on the farm of which his father Daniel,
was owner.  His parents were both natives of Virginia.  His father was
born in August, 1790, and died December 14, 1847; his mother was born in
1790, and died January 12, 1832.  He started out for himself upon the
death of his father, when about seventeen years of age.  Went to
Mississippi about five years after.  Came to Johnson county, Missouri,
in 1867, settling in Warrensburg, where he spent five years, and then
moved out on his farm where he now lives.  Was married to Miss Eliza A.
Watt, February 25, 1858, by whom he has five children, living: Frank,
Herbert C., Mary L., Albert R., and George A.  His home is a pleasant
one, and his farm consists of 160 acres, and is nicely improved.
Personally, Mr. Shumaker is a man who is held in high esteem by all who
have made his acquaintance, and his word needs no corroboration in the
community where he lives.


M. SHRYACK,

one of the leading grocery-dealers of this city.  Was born in Kentucky,
July 13, 1832.  He left his native state and went to Illinois, where he
resided for some time.  In 1865 he came to Missouri, engaging in
farming, subsequently he came to Warrensburg, and engaged in mercantile
business.  He was married to Eliza S.  Russell, daughter of Robert
Russell in 1855, and they have four children: M.  Josie, Millard C.,
Elmer G. and Annie E.  Mr.  Shryack is a worthy member of the Christian
church.  His long experience in church and Sunday school work renders
him peculiarly valuable in the Christian cause.  He is superintendent of
the Sunday school and leader of the choir, where his talent for singing
is highly appreciated.


MRS. ELIZA S. SMITH,

was born in McMinn county, Tennessee, in 1826.  She lived in her native
county till about twenty-one years of age, she then married H.J. Smith,
a native of the same county and state.  In the fall of the same they
removed to Georgia, and settled in Whitefield, where they remained
twelve years, then removed to Missouri, and stopped in Henry county four
years, after which they came to Johnson, and took up a residence south
of Warrensburg, where she has since lived.  The family consists of eight
children:  Mary A., Amanda J., Sarah F., Margaret S., William R., Emma
C., Lloyd J., and Robert L.  Mrs.  Smith is a consistent member of the
Baptist Church.  She has a fine farm of 130 acres, having reared a large
and highly respected family.


JEHU H. SMITH,

of Warrensburg, formerly of the firm of Stone & Smith, liverymen.  Born
in Monroe county, Virginia, November 28, 1832.  His father, Christopher
Smith, was also a native of Virginia.  He was one of the largest tobacco
manufacturers of that state.  He died in 1850.  The subject of these
notes came to Missouri in 1859, settling in Harrison county.  In 1861 he
entered the service on the side of the union, and ranked as captain.  In
1863 he came to Warrensburg, and was appointed provost marshal of
central Missouri, with head-quarters at Warrensburg. In 1866, was
elected treasurer of Johnson county, and served with satisfaction.  At
the close of that office, in 1868, was appointed deputy sheriff, and in
1870, was elected sheriff, and served with ability for one term.  In
1876 was elected mayor of Warrensburg.  Was treasurer of the Warrensburg
public school fund from 1866 to 1872.  In 1876 he engaged in the livery
business, which he continued till the fall of 1881.  He married Miss
M.J.  McKibben, of Jackson, Ohio, December 24, 1855.  By this union four
children are living: Sallie J., Josie, Joseph H., and Laura.  His
daughters stand in the best society.  Miss Josie is a graduate in the
full course of the State Normal school, and is one of the best qualified
young teachers of the county.


CHARLES SNOW,

retired merchant, was born in the city of Philadelphia, August 16, 1836.
His father and mother were born in London, Eng., coming to the United
States in 1832, and stopping near Philadelphia, where the subject of
this sketch was born.  His mother is still living.  He removed to
Louisville, Kentucky, thence to Greenfield, where his father finally
located.  In 1862, he came to Missouri, stopping a short time in
Otterville, Cooper county where he commenced in the boot and shoe
business.  In 1863, he removed to Warrensburg and formed a partnership
with his brother, W.S.  Snow, who had been recently mustered out of the
army.  Was elected as the first recorder of the county in 1867, and
served two terms.  He was married September 13, 1865, to Miss Jennie R.
Grinstead, dau of Dr.  John Grinstead of Litchfield, Illinois.  They
have one child, a daughter fourteen years old, Nellie M.  Mrs. Snow is a
member of Christian church.  Mr. Snow made an efficient officer of the
county, and has ever been identified with all enterprises tending to the
good of the community.


SAMUEL P. SPARKS,

attorney at law, Warrensburg, is prominent in the legal profession.  Was
born in Surry county, North Carolina, Jan. 1, 1844, of Irish-English
ancestry.  His father, Wm. W. Sparks, was also a native of Surry county,
N.C.  He was a man of liberal education, strictly temperate, and a great
economist.  He was one of the pioneer teachers of Missouri. In religion
he was a Methodist, and in politics a democrat.  He came to Missouri in
1844, soon after the subject of this sketch was born.  Here his wife
died leaving Samuel an orphan in infancy.  Her maiden name was Miss
Lucretia Pryor, a native of North Carolina, and a lady of taste and
culture.  Wm.  W.  owned some excellent land in Jackson township where
he pursued farming till his death.  He died February 16, 1876, at his
home.  Samuel P.  entered Chapel Hill college where he continued about
one year when the war broke out, and he enlisted in the 5th Missouri
cavalry, commanded by Col. Sigel, and served three years, afterwards on
a non-commissioned regimental staff, and was in many hotly contested
battles, in the Price raid of 1864.  He was mustered out of service in
May, 1865, and returned home and taught a term of school, and in the
following fall entered McKendre college, Lebanon, Ill., where he
continued to pursue his studies for five years, and graduated in the
full college classical course in June, 1870.  He then returned home and
in the fall of the same year was elected to the office of county clerk
of Johnson county, which he acceptably filled for four years.  In 1874,
he entered The St. Louis Law School, and graduated from this institution
in the spring of 1875; returning home he commenced the practice of law.
In the fall of that year he formed a partnership with Judge Russell
Hicks, one among the best and most prominent lawyers of the state.  This
partnership continued till the death of Judge Hicks, which occurred
April 19, 1876.  In the fall of the following year he formed a
partnership with Garrett C. Land, which still exists.  They constitute a
firm extensively known to the county, and have a good practice in all
the courts, and a reputation as trustworthy lawyers.  Mr. Sparks was
married to Miss Myra Curtis of Clinton, Mo., April 6, 1871.  She was a
daughter of Capt.  Curtis, then sheriff of Henry county.  She died in
Jan., 1872.  His second marriage occurred April 8, 1874, to Miss Nannie
R. Cuningham, of Little Rock, Ark., a most estimable lady and daughter
of Capt.  Cuningham of that city.  This union has been blessed by three
children: Leonard F., Russell C., and Mary V.  Mr. Sparks owns a
handsome suburban brick residence just north of the city limits.  He and
his family the attend Episcopal church, where his wife is a leading
member.  In politics he is a true democrat.  In business he is prompt
and attentive and among his friends, social, kind and benevolent.


ANDREW J. SPARKS,

teacher and editor, Warrensburg, is a native Missourian.  Born Sept.
10th, 1848, of English-German extraction, on a farm in Lafayette county.
His father, Joel Sparks, was a native of North Carolina.  George, his
grandfather, was born in Devonshire, England, and was among the early
adventurers to the new world, where he became an extensive planter and
trader.  When the British molested the southern colonies during the
revolution he left his work in defense of the colonies.  Joel Sparks was
a leading man in moral reforms, and worked in the Sunday schools of
Carolina.  He served in the war of 1812, came to Missouri in 1844, dying
in 1861 at the age of 87 years.  The subject of this sketch became a
convert to christianity at the age of twelve, and since then has been
faithful to his vow.  He commenced teaching in his own neighborhood when
in his teens, and has been at home in the school room much of the time
ever since.  In 1880 he was chosen statistical secretary of the Johnson
county Sunday schools, and re-elected in the convention of 1881.  By the
co-operation of the ministers of the county, he was enabled to establish
the Sunday School Record in January, 1881.  He is five feet ten inches
in height, and weighs one hundred and eighty pounds.


WILLIAM SPERLING,

was born in Prussia, November 21, 1826, and came to the United States in
1858, landing at New Orleans.  He came to Warrensburg in about one year
thereafter.  He learned the barber's trade in his native country and
very successfully pursued the same occupation here.  He is a prominent
member of the masonic fraternity.  In 1866 he joined the order, in 1867
became a master mason, and in September of the same year a royal arch
mason, in 1872 a knight templar.  In 1853 he married Miss Johana Jahrke,
a native of the same country as her husband.  The names of the children
still living are: Walter W., Otto W., Anna R. and Minnie M., the other
children having died in infancy or childhood.  Mr.  Sperling is a member
of the Lutheran church.  He is an industrious and careful man, possessed
of considerable means.


ADOLPH SPIESS,

of the firm of Spiess & Brother, wholesale and retail grocers.  Among
the many young enterprising business men of Warrensburg, none are more
worthy of mention than the subject of this sketch.  Mr.  A.  Spiess is a
native of Texas, born in Comal county, November 9, 1856, and came to
Missouri in 1867, stopping at St.  Louis for about six months after
which he moved to Johnson county, and located in Warrensburg.  Soon
after his arrival he engaged in the grocery business with his brother.
The firm has always done a good business and had a steadily increasing
trade.  Their reputation for fair dealing is well established, and they
are justly ranked as one of the fixtures of their prosperous city.


REV. DR. JOHN C. STEELE,

was born in Kentucky, Dec. 22, 1812.  In 1817 he was taken to Xenia,
Ohio, by his parents, where he received his education.  He graduated at
Miami University in 1832, after which he turned his attention to
theology and was licensed in 1837, and ordained in 1838.  His health
became so impaired by hard study and confinement, that it was with
difficulty he filled his appointments.  In 1872 he came to Warrensburg
and became pastor of the U.P.  church, which position he filled ably for
four years, since which time he has preached occasionally.  Mr. Steele
was married in Pennsylvania to Miss Louisa J. Pressly, daughter of Rev.
John T. Pressly, who was professor of Systematic Theology, in the
Theological Seminary, located at Alleghany City, Pa.  By this union they
have three children, one son and two daughters, Walter C., Jennie L.,
and Annie M.  Walter is now in business in Pittsburg.  Rev. Steel's
paternal grandfather was one of the first settlers, who came to
Kentucky, after Daniel Boone.  He was shot three times by the Indians,
but recovered.  His maternal grandfather was an officer under George
Washington and served during the Revolutionary war.


D. L. STEWART,

of the firm of Stewart & Cheatam.  Was born in Highland county, Ohio,
March 28, 1842, At the age of 27 years he engaged in the boot and shoe
business, after a time he came to this city and continued the same.  In
1877 he started in the grocery trade in company with Mr. Redford.  Mr.
Cheatam buying out the interest of Mr. Redford in 1879, leaves the firm
as stated above.  Mr.  Stewart married Mrs.  M.W. Fisher of Tipton, this
state, in 1876.  She was a member of the Normal School faculty, a lady
of culture and refinement.  Both are members of the M.E. church, and are
identified with the growth and prosperity of the same.  Mr.  Stewart has
a good business experience and is a man well calculated to build up a
substantial and honorable trade.


JOHN W. STONE,

liveryman, P.O. Warrensburg.  Was born in Scott county, Kentucky, in
February, 1840.  He came to Missouri in 1865, and located at Lexington
where he remained until 1866, when he came to Johnson county, locating
in Warrensburg, and engaged in the livery business, which he has
followed about twenty years.  He was married in 1871 to Miss Elizabeth
Emery, daughter of A. Emery.  By this union they have four children:
Nellie, John W., Jessie B.  and James E.


J.E. TALBOTT,

tailor.  Was born in Harrison county, Ohio, October 1, 1830.  He was
raised and educated in Belmont county, Ohio, where he learned the
tailor's trade, which he followed there about 4 years; then went to
Washington county, where he worked at his trade for about 15 years; then
to Fort Dodge, Iowa, until 1872; then to Sedalia, Missouri, about 5
years, then to Warrensburg, where he has been a resident since, and at
the present is the oldest resident engaged in the tailoring business.
In 1878, Mr. Talbott opened a shop and to-day is in the enjoyment of a
large and growing business.  In 1855 Mr.  Talbott married Miss E.
VanChief a native of Washington county, Ohio.  By this union they have
four boys; Rodolph, Julian W., Ralph E. and William P.


GEN. WADDY THOMPSON,

an enterprising trader of Warrensburg, was born in Hart county,
Kentucky, March 22, 1835.  Came to Missouri in 1842, locating in Macon
county, where he remained till 1854, thence to Adair county, in 1861,
and to Johnson county in 1877.  In the fall of 1877, he bought 300
convicts, whom he worked successfully in the coal mines at Montserrat
for three years.  He married in Howard county, Missouri, in 1858, to
Miss Elizabeth Wilkenson, an accomplished daughter of Chas. Wilkenson,
Esq., a prominent farmer and stock-raiser.  By this union there are five
children: Fannie, John J., Sue, Gussie, and Waddy, jr.  Two are dead.
Mr.  Thompson is largely engaged in farming and stock-trading.  He is a
clever gentleman and highly respectable.  In politics, a Democrat.


JAMES K. TYLER.

Perhaps no sketch which this work contains will be read with greater
interest, than that of James K.  Tyler.  He was born in Jefferson
county, Kentucky, on the 30th day of Sept., 1834.  His father was Milton
W., and his mother, Miss Mary Leaton, both natives of the same state.
Their family consisted of seven children; five boys and two girls.  His
grandfather, on the father's side, was named Moses and of Irish-English
extraction, and his grandfather on his mother's side was named James.
The subject of this notice being the eldest, obtained his early
education at the private schools of his neighborhood.  When about twenty
years of age he attended Franklin College, Indiana, which at that time
was a Baptist institution.  After attending this college one term, he
taught a term of school and then went home and spent a short time on the
farm.  In 1856 he emigrated to Missouri, and first stopped at Knob
Noster, this county, where he secured a position as clerk in the
establishment of John A.  Pigg & Co.  After the termination of this
clerkship, he was engaged in various enterprises until 1859, when he
embarked in the mercantile business, which he carried on till the war
broke out, in 1861.  At this time he was a member of the State Guards,
and was ordered out in June of the same year, in defense of his noble
state, and served his country faithfully and participated in several
hotly contested battles, among which were Wilson Creek and Lexington.
In the latter, his side captured three thousand prisoners.  He finally
was captured in the spring of 1862, in Grover township, and taken to
Sedalia and held a short time, after which he was released and returned
to his home, where he engaged in farming and stockraising.  During the
war he engaged in teaching school a few terms in the state of Indiana.
In 1865, when matters had become settled, Mr.  Tyler resumed his
farming, and at the same time engaged in raising and dealing largely in
the way of buying and shipping stock, which he successfully followed
until the fall of 1880, when he was elected by the democrats to fill the
responsible position as Treasurer of Johnson county, a position for
which his mild and genial ways have peculiarly fitted him.  He has
filled the office with great acceptability.  In 1860, April l7th, he was
married to Miss Amanda J.  Hocker, daughter of Larkin Hocker, Sr. a
prominent pioneer and farmer, and stock-raiser of the eastern part of
the county.  The union was a happy one.  Five children were born; one
girl and four boys; Mallie M., Sterling P., Larkin M., James S., and
Elmer H.  Mrs. Tyler died Jan. 4, 1880.  She was one of the best of best
of mothers.  Perhaps, none more dutiful and true.  She had long been a
faithful member of Mt. Zion Christian church, and was so at her death.
In August, 1860, Mr. Tyler became a member of the Christian church, and
is now one of its most liberal contributors.  He is a friend of public
schools.  At his country home he served successfully as township clerk
and school district clerk, for several years.  He owns a handsome farm
and residence in Grove township, called "Summit Home," (see page 614.)
As a man, he is liberal and charitable, held in the highest estimation
by all.


DAVID URIE,

A native of Pennsylvania, born in Washington county, March, 1829.  He
moved with his parents to Carroll county, Ohio, where he learned the
trade of machinist, after which he went to Youngsville where he began
the manufacture of threshing machines, and continued this enterprise
until 1865, when he removed to Monmouth Ill., and made an engagement
with the Weir Plow Company, remaining with these parties for about
eighteen months.  In the fall of 1867 he immigrated to Missouri, and
located in Warrensburg.  Soon after his arrival at this place he opened
a foundry and machine shop, and commenced the manufacture of farm
implements.  Among the staple articles manufactured by this firm is a
small, portable engine.  They also make a specialty of sash-weights and
all kinds of house and building castings, and many other useful
articles.  The establishment may be ranked as one of the permanent
industries of Johnson county.  Mr.  Urie was united in marriage to Miss
Rose McIntire, of Youngsville, Ohio, in 1855.  She was the daughter of
William McIntire, a prominent farmer of Adams county, Ohio.  They have
four children living: William F., Rue, Eva and D.A.


PIERRE VERNAZ,

proprietor of the vineyard denominated Over the Rhine, is a native of
Switzerland, and born in the city of Bulle, in the State of Friburg,
December 25, 1828.  He was raised and educated in his native country
until the age of eighteen years.  When about fifteen years of age he
went and served his time of learning the tailor's trade.  After
finishing this he spent some time traveling western France, Italy and
many of her principal cities.  In 1850 he married Miss Colette Pythoud,
of the county as that of her husband.  He then engaged in the tailoring
business for himself, and his new wife engaged in the millinery
business, which they continued successfully until 1854, when they
emigrated to the United States.  Arriving at New York they immediately
went to St. Louis, Missouri, where he engaged in his former business,
making a stay of about thirteen years.  During this time he joined a
company whose object was to go to Fort Laramie to trade with the
Indians.  While en route they were attacked by the Indians and he was
shot through the hand, and beaten and bruised so that he was given up
for dead.  He was taken to the hospital at Fort Kerney, where he lay for
a long time.  After a partial recovery he was taken back to St.  Louis
where he continued to reside until 1867, when he moved with his family
to Warrensburg and settled in Oldtown, where he remained until 1875.  He
then purchased five acres of land north of what is now known as New
Town, on which he has grown the choicest varieties of fruits, including
about two acres of grapes, consisting of eight varieties, from which he
makes the best of wine.  They have five children living: Eve, Adam, Mary
A., Ida A.  and Julius C.


A. J. V. WADELL,

photographer, born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, January 29, 1827.  His
father was a native of Virginia, and his mother of Maryland.  They
emigrated to Kentucky at a very early day and settled in a town known as
Ruddles, her father building the celebrated Ruddles' Mills, of that
place, and in which town the subject of this notice lived until his
majority.  He went from his native town to Carlysle, where he learned
the saddler's trade and followed this ten years, after which he took
music lessons under a very celebrated teacher by the name of Baldon, of
Cincinnati, Ohio.  He then engaged in teaching music, which he continued
for twenty years. In 1854 he came to Missouri, stopping in Lafayette
county, where he engaged in farming, and in 1857 he came to Warrensburg.
In 1861 he opened a photograph gallery, and is supposed to have made the
first photograph in Johnson county.  So popular was Mr. Wadell that he
run his gallery the whole time during the war without being interrupted.
He has built up for himself and worthy son a large business.  In 1844
Mr.  Wadell was united in marriage to Miss C.J. Dora, of Bracken county,
Kentucky.  They have seven children, four boys and three girls: Jennie,
Mary B., Oscar, Laura, Robert, William and Frank.  Mr.  W.  is a member
of the Masonic fraternity, also of the Odd Fellows.  Mr.  and Mrs.
Wadell are worthy members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.


HON. AIKMAN WELCH,

deceased.  Was a leading attorney of Warrensburg, in ante bellum days.
Born in Warren county, Missouri, May 25, 1827.  His father, James E., a
Baptist minister, was a native of Kentucky.  He was a prominent man
among the Baptists, establishing churches in Missouri as early as 1817,
organized the first Baptist churches in St.  Louis and Cape Girardeau,
then French villages.  He died in 1876.  The subject of this sketch was
liberally educated, and entered the law profession at an early age.  In
1852 he moved to Warrensburg, and was a staunch advocate of the whig
principles, until 1860, when he was elected to represent the county in
the state legislature.  He was decidedly opposed to secession, and voted
for the state to remain in the union.  In 1862 he was appointed by the
military governor, Gamble, to the office of attorney-general, which he
held to his death, which occurred in July, 1864.  In 1848 he was married
to Miss Annie M.  Hitch, of St.  Charles county, Missouri, daughter of
C.  B. Hitch, Esq.  By this union three children were born: Frankie A.,
Jennie A., and Aikman.


THOMAS E. WHITE,

was born in Warren county, Ohio, March 31, 1831.  His father was a
native of New Jersey, and moved to Ohio in 1805.  Thomas helped his
father, who was a carpenter.  Received a common school education, and
commenced for himself at the age of twenty.  In 1851 he went to Indiana,
and spent fourteen years, a part of it in the mercantile business.  Came
to Missouri, and this county, in 1857, and located his present home at
Warrensburg.  Is carrying on a farm and dairy, and has a fine improved
place.  He has been quite successful, as he has a home market for all
his stock of dairy products; in fact, is not able to keep up with the
demands.  He married Miss Isabel Thompson, of Montgomery county,
Indiana, daughter of Matthew Thompson, a prominent farmer of that state.
They have two sons, William W.  and Charles G.  Mr.  White knows what
hard work and persistent effort are, and has commenced to reap the
benefit of the same, after a good many years of struggle and toil.  His
neighbors all speak of him in commendable terms, which is an index of
his character as a citizen.


OLIVER D. WILLIAMS,

farmer and stock-raiser, Warrensburg township, P.O. Warrensburg.  Was
born in New York, Yates county, April 30, 1826.  Moved to Michigan, with
his father, when about five years of age, and some time afterwards to
LaGrange county, Indiana, where his father died in 1840.  When about
nineteen years of age he went to Ft.  Wayne, and learned the shoemaker's
trade, and then took a trip through some of the southern cities,
Memphis, Vicksburg, New Orleans, etc., and spending two years in
Alabama.  In 1849 he started to cross the plains, by the Santa Fe route,
but the company getting broke, as it was called in those days, only
reached Santa Fe that season.  After getting his finances again in
shape, by working at his old trade, he made another start for the city
of gold, and landed in San Francisco, after a thirteen months' trip of
hardships and peril, and with very little filthy lucre in his pockets.
Here he remained for nearly four years, when he came to Warrensburg,
Missouri, by way of New Orleans, and entered government land, the same
upon which he now lives.  He returned to California about a year after,
and was there about two years, looking out for his former investments,
after which he came back, and devoted his time to the 810 acres of land
which he now owns, and has nicely improved, taking rank among the first
in the county.  Mr.  Williams married a daughter of Philip Houx, in
1857.  They have six children living--lost one: S.P., James R., Flora,
Walter, Sarah Jane, Mary Margaret, and Frank Blair.  His daughter Flora
is the wife of C.S. Wetherspoon, deputy sheriff.  Mr.  Williams was
sheriff of Johnson county from 1872 to 1876.  He is one of the large,
open-hearted farmers, who have made hosts of friends, and now stands
among the best stock and grain-growers of the county.


JAMES WILLIAMS,

of the firm of Phelps & Williams, proprietors of the Simmons House.  Was
born in the town of Marion, Ohio, July 9, 1842.  At the age of six
years, he moved with his parents to Illinois, where he was sent to the
common school for two years, after which he went to Indianapolis,
Indiana, where he learned the printer's trade.  Being deprived, early in
life of the care of a father and mother, he soon felt the responsibility
of caring for himself.  He continued in the printing business until
1861.  When the civil war broke he entered the union army, when the call
was made for three months' men.  After the expiration of his term of
service, he volunteered in the three years' service, and was in many
hotly contested battles.  Was honorably discharged in the fall of 1864.
After his return he resumed the printing business at Mattoon, Illinois,
which he followed for nine years.  Going from the case, he became
editor-in-chief.  He came to Warrensburg, and took charge of the Simmons
House on the 1st day of May, 1881, at the same time forming a
partnership with Jas. T.  Phelps, a very worthy gentleman.  They both
are live men, and doing a good business.  In December, 1865, Mr.
Williams was married to Miss Jennie Cade, of Mattoon, Illinois, a lady
well fitted for her responsible position.


SELDEN P. WILLIAMS,

county collector, resides near Warrensburg.  Born in Gates county, New
York, February 12, 1828.  His father, Selden Williams, was the youngest
of four brothers, who were all of Revolutionary fame.  Selden P., when
only four years of age, moved with his parents to Michigan, and thence
to Indiana, where he remained till eighteen years of age, then emigrated
to Missouri in 1847, stopping at St.  Louis, with only thirty cents in
silver, which was all his wealth; there he volunteered and went as a
soldier into the Mexican war, and served to the close, and was mustered
out in November, 1848.  He then returned to St.  Louis, where he
remained till the fall of 1850, and settled in Warrensburg, in February
of the following year.  Immediately on his arrival, he accepted a deputy
clerkship in the office of the circuit and county clerk, which he held
till 1852, when he was appointed deputy sheriff of Johnson county, and
served four years.  At the expiration of his office he engaged in
farming.  In 1861, he was appointed clerk of the circuit court, which he
held till 1865, when he was relieved.  In the fall of 1880, he was
elected to the office of county collector by the Democrats of Johnson
county.  In 1871, in organization of the Warrensburg Savings Bank, he
was elected the first cashier, and served acceptably for a period of two
years.  He has been engaged extensively here and in Colorado, in the
stock business.  He has a beautiful country home two miles west of the
city, where he owns 200 acres of fertile land.  He was married in 1842,
to Miss P.F. Roberts, a daughter of John Roberts, Esq.  She was born in
Lafayette county, Mo.  Her father was among the pioneer citizens of the
county, and a worthy christian man.  This marital tie was blessed by
seven children; Hellen, Bennett, John, George, Lucy, Mary, and Charles.
This family of children have all been liberally educated.  Mr.  Williams
is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.


H.S. WITHERSPOON,

clerk of the circuit and criminal court, Warrensburg.  He was born, in
Hopkins county, Kentucky, June 10th, 1833.  His father, Isaac, was a
native of North Carolina.  He was born in 1786, of Scotch-Irish
extraction.  He engaged as a planter of his native state.  He was nephew
of the John Witherspoon, who was one of the signers of the Declaration
of Independence.  He came to Missouri in 1839, and died, in Henry
county, in 1846.  The subject of this sketch was mostly reared in rural
districts, where he received his early education.  To Mr. Buckner, a
friend stopping in the family, he is indebted for considerable tutorage.
He was the youngest of four brothers.  At the age of sixteen years, he
began business for himself, engaging in the stock and farm business till
the war broke out in 1861.  In 1865, after peace was restored, he
engaged as a clerk for Col. A. M.  Coffey, of Knobnoster, which he
continued for five years, when he engaged in business for himself, which
he continued till the spring of 1874, and in the fall of the same year,
he was elected clerk of the circuit court, which office he held four
years, and in the fall of 1878, he was re-elected to the same office,
which he still holds.  In politics, he has always been a staunch
Democrat.  He was married twice.  His first wife was Miss Margaret Pigg,
of Knobnoster, she died in 1865, leaving three children, C.S., who is
constable and deputy sheriff, M.C., now a jeweler in Texas, and Laurena
S., a student in the normal school.  In December, 1867, he was united in
wedlock with Miss Kate Pigg, cousin of his former wife, and lived in
Pettis county.  By this conjugal union, four children were born, two of
each sex; Laura T., John R., Fannie, and Weber W.  In temperament, Mr.
Witherspoon is social and clever to a marked degree, always insuring him
a host of friends.


C.S. WITHERSPOON,

deputy sheriff and constable, was born in Henry county, Mo., September
11th, 1856.  He spent his boyhood days at home, and at the age of
thirteen started out with a spurt of adventure, going to Texas, Arizona,
New Mexico, Old Mexico, California, and most of the western states.  His
trip was full of interest, and only a lack of space forbids our putting
it in print.  He returned to Warrensburg in 1877.  He is a young man who
makes friends by pleasant and gentlemanly conduct, and a disposition to
do to others as he would have them do to him.  He married Flora
Williams, daughter of O.D.  Williams.


WILLIAM W. WOOD,

attorney-at-law, and proprietor of real estate abstract office,
Warrensburg.  Born in Johnson county, Mo., May 1, 1850.  His early
education was obtained at the common schools of Simpson township, after
that he entered higher schools and received a good education.  In 1870,
he entered the law department of the State University of Kentucky,
graduating in February, 1871, and at once settled down to practice at
Warrensburg, where he has been in a successful business ever since, and
in the highest estimation of the people.  His youth was spent on the
farm, with his mother, (now Mrs. Duvall) in Simpson township; his father
having died while William was quite young.  He was united in marriage,
May 21, 1873, to Miss Eulala Cruce, a charming young lady, daughter of
Lafayette Cruce, one of the oldest settlers of Henry county, where she
was born.  By this union they have two children living, Wm. A., and
Ralph E.  In politics, Mr.  Wood is a firm Democrat.  He has served one
term as Public Administrator.  In religion is a member of the Christian
Church, and one of the most studious workers in that Sunday school.  Of
late he has formed a partnership with Chas. Snow, in real estate
abstracts.  He is a temperate, social gentleman.


JULIUS WOODFORD,

was born in Hartford county, Connecticut, April 12, 1816.  Was raised on
a farm.  His father, Asaph, was a native of Connecticut, and was one of
the most prominent farmers of that country.  Julius remained on the farm
assisting his father until he was of age, and then secured a position as
collector for a clock manufactory, which he filled for sometime, and
then stopped awhile in this state, following the same business for one
of his brothers.  Afterward sold clocks throughout this and other
states, and was known as the Yankee clock peddler. In 1850, he went to
California and spent two years, after which he returned to Missouri, and
settled on a farm of 160 acres, which he has improved.  Was married to
Miss Martha Huff, a native of Kentucky, who died in 1869, leaving seven
children, named as follows: Asaph, Thornton T., John F., Julius H.,
Benjamin G., Arthusa Elnora, and Martha B., now Mrs. Warnich of Post Oak
township.  His second marriage was in 1862, to Mrs. Marshall, of this
county.  Mr.  Woodford is rather on the eccentric order and enjoys
sociability.  His experience and adventures in traveling through
different states are very entertaining, and his liberal social way has
gained him a host of friends.


J.B. WORDEN,

druggist, of the firm of Worden & Bryson, Holden Street Warrensburg, Mo.
Mr. Worden was born in Licking county, Ohio, Dec. 9, 1840, son of John
Worden, who was a native of New York.  John Worden was born in October,
1800, and died in March 1879.  The maiden name of the mother of our
subject was Polly Peck, also a native of New York; she is still living
and resides with her son in this city.  Mr. Worden was reared in
Michigan, but in 1860 removed to Indiana, where in July, 1861, entered
the Union army in 39th infantry, but subsequently the regiment was
changed into 8th cavalry.  He served in the army of the Cumberland and
was with Sherman on his march to the sea, and saw General Johnson
present his sword to Gen.  Sherman at the surrender of the confederate
forces near Raleigh, N.C.  After the war had closed he returned to
Indiana, where he resided till 1879, he became a practical druggist, and
has carried on that business nearly all the time since.  About five
years he carried on a manufactory of stoves.  He was married in
December, 1865, to Emiline Reed, daughter of Dr.  Evarts Reed, a leading
physician of New Corydon, Ind.  Their family consists of Frank V.,
Bertha E., Cora E.  Mr.  and Mrs. Worden are highly respected members of
the Christian church.  In February, 1879, he removed to La Cygne,
Kansas, and in January, 1880, to Kansas City.  July 14, 1881, he
commenced business with W. A. Bryson, at his present stand, and the
confidence and patronage which this new firm has secured is truly
flattering.  Both are worthy men, and do a square business.


MARCUS YOUNGS,

cashier of Johnson county savings bank.  It is not age that makes men
generous and valuable factors in social and business circles; it is not
wealth and miserly hoarding of money, nor is it the fact of being reared
in the community that makes an officer of a bank most efficient and
trustworthy.  Enterprising young business men who seek to forward and
encourage every project which is calculated to build up the town and
county in which they live, are the hope of this republic, and those only
who properly develop its resources.  Marcus Youngs, for whom these few
sentences are intended, is a young man highly respected, and possessing
the qualities of a good bank officer.  He is the son of Edgar Youngs,
who was a native of New York, and came to Lafayette county about the
year 1832.  Marcus' mother's maiden name was Mary Mock, a native of
North Carolina.  In March, 1877, Mr. Youngs took the position as book-
keeper, and two years later was elected cashier.  He is well qualified
for his responsible duties, having studied the science of practical
business in colleges and schools.  The names of his brothers and sisters
are: George, (Marcus) Theodore, Emma R., Mollie, Annie, Mattie and
Fannie.

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