USA > Missouri > Jasper County > A history of Jasper County, Missouri, and its people, Vol. II > Part 8
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In September, 1909, Mr. McAbee disposed of his interest in the powder business and since that time he has been deeply interested in a number of other business ventures of broad scope and importance. He re-organized the Independent Candy Company, of which prosperous con- cern he is now president. This company has had a most successful career and under the able supervision and management of Mr. McAbee and his associates it has become one of Joplin's most progressive manu- factories. When this concern was first organized it had rather a pre- carious existence,-the stock ran down from par to fifty cents. Mr. McAbee saw its possibilities, however, and he bought up all the stock and reorganized the company. He came to Joplin when this place was a mere camp and he has watched it grow to its present proud pre-eminence. He has always believed in Joplin and has ever been ready with his work and his means to further everything pertaining to the welfare of the city. It may truly be said that no man in the mining district is better known and more highly estecmed than he. He has himself developed a number of mines in Jasper county, having opened up the Chitwood Hol- low, where he was the first to enter the field. He put down the pioneer shaft in Spring City and helped to develop Ash Grove. He has also been connected with gold prospecting in Colorado, but at the present time has disposed of his mining interests in order to devote his time to his other pursuits. He started the Miners Powder Company on March 14, 1911, which handles dynamite fuse caps, batteries, wire and other appliances used in the mining business.
On the 24th of September, 1889, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. McAbee to Miss Luella M. Grove, who was born and reared in Pennsyl- vania and who was a childhood companion of Mr. McAbee's. To this union have been born two children,-Bertha, whose birth occurred on the 8th of October, 1894; and Helen, whose natal day is the 24th of Feb- ruary, 1896. Both daughters remain at home, where they are popular factors in connection with the best social activities of Joplin. Mrs. Mc- Abee is a woman of the utmost graciousness and she is deeply beloved by all who have come within the sphere of her gentle influence.
In his political convictions Mr. McAbee accords an uncompromising allegiance to the principles and policies for which the Republican party stands sponsor and while he has no aspirations for political office of any description he has been the popular and efficient incumbent of the office of councilman from the Third ward. When elected to that office he re- ceived the largest majority ever given a councilman in Joplin. In the grand old Masonic order he has passed through the circle of the Scottish Rite branch, having attained to the thirty-second degree, besides which
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he is also affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America and with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mr. MeAbee is a man of genial kindliness and broad human sympathy. Charity in its best and widest sense is practiced by him, and his benevolence has made smooth the rough way of many a weary traveler on life's journey. In his private life he is distinguished by all that marks the true gentleman. His is a noble character-one that subordinates personal ambition to publie good and seeks rather the benefit of others than the aggrandizement of self. Socially he is genial and courteous and the popularity which comes from those qualities, with the distinction that comes from his achieve- ments, make him a man among many.
JOSEPH A. CLARK .- Among the representative business men of Webb City Joseph A. Clark, proprietor of one of the leading tailoring estab- lishments, holds secure place. He is one of the most public-spirited and progressive of citizens, ever ready to contribute to the extent of his ability to the general welfare, and although American-born he is of English parentage. His birth occurred November 4, 1870, at Wolcott, New York. His father, Thomas A. Clark, was born at Penworth in beau- tiful Cumberland, England. The elder gentleman received his educa- tion in the land of his nativity and was there apprenticed to the tailor- ing business, in which he became exceptionally proficient. After his marriage to Tamar Vipond he and his wife answered the beckoning fin- ger of opportunity from the shores of the New World and came to Amer- ica. locating in Wolcott, New York, where he engaged successfully in the tailoring business. After the birth of the subject the little family re- turned to England, where the father again engaged in his trade. As soon as the boy was old enough he was sent to school and remained there until the death of his mother, which occurred in 1885. For the next two years he did office work at the end of which time he and his father (who had not prospered in England as well as he had in America) decided to cross the ocean once more and come back to the United States. The father located in Springfield, Missouri, working at his trade there until the time of his death, in 1907.
Mr. Clark, immediate subject of this review, went to Clinton. Mis- souri, and although he was only seventeen at that time he secured the position of assistant postmaster, which office he held one year. The young man had been in his tailoring shop a great deal at various times and he had observed much to incline him to feel that he could make a success in that line of business, so he decided to perfect himself in the tailoring trade. Consequently he apprenticed himself for three years to N. J. Rumbeck, of Clinton, at the end of which period, having learned all that Mr. Rumbeck could teach him, he left Clinton and traveled through the country in that vicinity, working in various places. He continued thus for a year and a half, but the wandering life was not to his taste, so he went to Aurora, Missouri, and opened a tailoring estab- lishment there. There he resided for some time, but in 1907 he disposed of his interests there and removed with his family to Webb City, with its superior educational and business possibilities. His business is lo- cated at 107 West Daugherty street and is of a flourishing character, his unimpeachable business methods and fine workmanship having proved the strongest of advertisements.
Mr. Clark is interested in public issues, but although he votes with the Republican party in national matters, in local politics he is an inde- pendent voter, giving his support to the man he considers best fitted to fill the office in question. He is a member of Aurora Blue Lodge. A. F. & A. M. : a member of Webb City Chapter and has attained the high rank
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of a Sir Knight, being a member of the Commandery at Aurora. He is also affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in Webb City.
On August 8, 1895, at Aurora, Missouri, Mr. Clark was united in mar- riage to Miss Adie L. Knocker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Knocker, the father a well known contractor and builder. This mar- riage has been blessed with three children, all boys: Perey R., born at Newton, Missouri, April 3, 1897; Trevor, born at Aurora, September 17, 1899; and Harold, born at Aurora, August 14, 1901. All three are pub- lic school students, the eldest son being in the high school.
CHARLES H. BELDEN .- To Charles H. Belden has come the attainment of a distinguished position in connection with the business world of Jop- lin, where he has resided since 1890. Ilis achievements worthily illus- trate what may be attained by persistent and painstaking effort, for the admirable success that it has been his to gain is entirely the outcome of his own well directed endeavors. In 1900 he organized the Belden Elee- trie Company, which prominent concern has gradually extended the scope of its operations so that it is now one of the institutions of Joplin.
At Battle Creek, Michigan, on the 26th of October, 1859, occurred the birth of Charles H. Belden, who is a son of Stephen T. and Sarah (Har- mon) Belden, the former of whom was a native of Rockyhill, Connecticut, and the latter of whom claimed Bangor, Maine, as the place of her na- tivity. The father removed to Battle Creek, Michigan, as a young man and there was foreman in one of the leading printing offices for a num- ber of years. In 1862 he established the family home at Alton, Illinois, where he was engaged in farming operations for a time and whence he returned to his native state of Connecticut about the year 1865. From the latter place he went to Australia, where he passed the remainder of his life, his death having there occurred in 1909. The mother died in Connecticut in 1871.
After completing the curriculum of the public schools of New Britain, Connecticut, the same including a course in the high school, Charles H. Belden attended and was graduated from the latter as a member of the class of 1880. Ile then learned the printing trade and for a couple of years was foreman of the New Britain Herald. In 1883 he became con- nected with the American Electric Company of New Britain, which con- cern was later reorganized as the Thomson-Houston Electric Company, as a result of its having acquired the patents of Professors Thomson and Houston. In the following year Mr. Belden decided to make his home in the west and in that year he came to Missouri, locating in St. Louis, where for six years he ran the electric light plant of the firm of Carroll & Powell. This company promoted the electric railroad at Joplin and in December, 1890, Mr. Belden was sent here to superintend the same. He continued to be in the employ of Carroll & Powell for the ensuing five years, at the expiration of which he was identified with mining opera- tions for one year. Thereafter he was superintendent of the Joplin Tele- phone Company for four years and in June, 1900, he organized the Bel- den Electric Company, which is one of the most prominent and success- ful concerns of its kind at Joplin.
In East St. Louis, on the 30th of May, 1888, was celebrated the mar- riage of Mr. Belden to Miss Emma Volkel, who was born and reared in East St. Louis. To this union have been born three children, concern- ing whom the following brief data are here incorporated,-Mildred and Frank are in the employ of their father at the electric plant ; and Rus- sell is now a student in the Missouri University.
In the time-honored Masonic order Mr. Belden is a member of the
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East St. Louis Lodge, No. 504, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is a past master; East St. Louis Chapter, No. 156, Royal Arch Masons; and Tanered Commandery, No. 50. Knights Templars, Belle- ville, Illinois. He is also affiliated with the local lodge of the Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks. He does not belong to any church or religious denomination, being a free thinker in religious matters. As a citizen he is eager and sincere in his attempts to further progress and improvement and as a substantial and successful business man he is everywhere accorded the confidence and regard of his fellow men.
JAMES BARNETT STEMMONS .- For many years a prominent factor in advancing the mercantile interests of Avilla, James Barnett Stem- mons met with marked success in his business career, is now living re- tired from active pursuits, enjoying a well-deserved leisure. A son of Dr. Jaquillian Stemmons, a pioneer physician of the eastern part of Jas- per county, he was brought here by his parents in 1854, from Kentucky, his native state. He comes of Revolutionary stock and is of Virginian aneestry, his grandfather, Jacob Stemmons, having been born in Virginia.
Between 1730 and 1750 two brothers, Alexander and Martin Stem- mons, eame to this country from Germany. Alexander located in Vir- ginia, Martin in Pennsylvania, and trace was lost of the latter. Alex- ander's wife was of Seotch-Irish descent and they had four sons, Jacob, Martin, Stephen and Henry. Jacob settled in Campbell county, Vir- ginia, about 1790 and married Nancy Stovall. Jacob, who was the first of the second generation in this country, was a silver smith, bell manu- facturer and blacksmith. He and his wife became the parents of ten children, two of whom were boys and eight girls. He died in Logan county, Kentucky, at the age of seventy years. The children of Jacob Stemmons were as follows: Elizabeth, who married Isaae Lewis; Mary Goggins, who married William Gallian; Lucinda Penn, who never mar- ried ; Alexander Henry ; Jaquillian Martin; Dorothy Henry, who twiee married, her husbands' names being Inman and Armstrong; Martha Wesley, who became the wife of William B. Hamilton; Mahala Ann Benton, who married Dr. Stevenson; and Harriet Madison, who married Thomas Nall.
Jaquillian M. Stemmons was born in Logan county, Kentucky, in 1804. He received good educational advantages, and from an early age had an earnest and cherished desire to enter the medical profession. After his graduation from a medical college he was successfully engaged in the practice of medicine in Kentucky until 1854, when, accompanied by his family, he came to Jasper county, Missouri, where he built up a large and extensive practice, his rides covering a radius of twenty- five miles. He became prominent in local affairs and was a member of the Missouri Home Guards during the Civil war. In 1861, in a skirmish between twenty-six Union men and a band of five hundred Confederate soldiers, he was killed, when but fifty-seven years of age. Although he was an abolitionist in belief, he was a slave owner, but never bought or sold slaves. His father before him was a slave owner, having a large number of them in Kentucky.
Dr. Jaquillian Stemmons was twice married. He married first in Logan county, Kentucky, Harriet Allen, whose ancestors, people of prominence and influence, migrated from South Carolina to Kentucky in pioneer days. She was a daughter of Dr. Beverly Allen. The chil- dren of this nnion were twelve in number and as follows: William IIenry ; John Martin; Ann Coke, who married Robert Seymore; Jacob, who died in infancy ; Marietta ; Wilbur Fisk ; Thomas Jefferson ; Martha ;
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Redford; Felix Beverly; Napoleon Louis; and James Barnett. The mother died on the homestead in MeDonald township, Jasper county. Two of the sons of the first marriage,-William and John-served as soldiers in the Confederate army during the Civil war, John being com- missioned as colonel of his regiment, while four of the boys,-Thomas .J., Felix B., Wilbur and Napoleon Louis, fought with equal valiance with the Union forces. Dr. Stemmons married for his second wife Susan Paine, whose father was a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church and a zealous worker in the Master's vineyard. She died in De- cember, 1872, leaving two sons, namely : Hon. Alexander Clay Stem- mons and Dr. Jaquillian Stemmons, of Coweta, Oklahoma.
Brought up in Jasper county, his home having been in MeDonald township, three miles northeast of Avilla, James Barnett Stemmons passed his youthful days amid the stirring times of the Civil war, when families were divided, some joining one faction and some the other, and when neither lives nor property were safe. Acquiring his elementary education in the public schools, he subsequently completed his studies at the Marianville College, and at the age of twenty embarked in mer- cantile pursuits and for many years carried on a very extensive and re- munerative business in Avilla, being one of the leading merchants of the community. He subsequently made an entire change of occupation and for a number of seasons was engaged in general farming and the raising of fancy stock, an industry in which he found both pleasure and profit. Retiring from the active cares of business in 1904, Mr. Stemmons moved to Carthage in order that his children might have good educational ad- vantages in the public schools of this enterprising and progressive city.
Mr. Stemmons married in 1882 Maggie Campbell, who was born in Londonderry, Ireland, coming from a well known and prominent Scotch- Irish and Protestant family, but she was bred and educated in Missouri, attending the schools of Mount Vernon. Seven children have brightened the home of Mr. and Mrs. Stemmons, namely: Walter Campbell, who is connected with the Joplin News-Herald; Jesse M., of Phoenix. Ari- zona; Charles Orr, a graduate of the Carthage high school, residing in Lincoln township; Allen Martin, also a graduate of the same, a civil engineer located at Tulsa, Oklahoma; Ray MeKinley, a student in the Carthage high school; and William Glenn and Edith Belle, twins and pupils in the high school.
An active and earnest supporter of the principles of the Republican party, Mr. Stemmons has served as a delegate to various political conven- tion, and it may be noted that he is a popular factor in both the business church and Mrs. Stemmons and her children, who are members of the church, are active workers in the Sunday school. All of the name of Stemmons (about one hundred and fifty) in this county, came from the one stock-Alexander Stemmons.
CHARLES L. BULLOCK .- As a progressive business man of mueh initi- ative and constructive ability and as a citizen of marked publie spirit and civie loyalty. Mr. Bullock, who is manager of the Missouri district of the Kansas Natural Gas Company, with residence and official head- quarters in the city of Joplin, well merits recognition in this publica- tion. and it may be noted that he is a popular factor in both the business and social eireles of his home city.
Charles L. Bullock has the distinction of claiming the national me- tropolis as the place of his nativity, as he was born in New York city, in May, 1859. He is a son of J. C. and Cornelia (Kuhen) Bullock, the former of whom was born in Alleghany county, New York, in 1831, a scion of one of the sterling pioneer families of that section of the Em-
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pire state, and the latter of whom was born at Lima, Allen county, Ohio, in the year 1828. J. C. Bullock was reared and educated in his native state and he eventually became a successful factor in connection with oil and natural-gas operations in Pennsylvania and other states. He handled and owned many properties of this order and was a prominent and influential figure in this line of industrial activity. He passed the closing years of his life in New York city, where he died in 1908, his cherished and devoted wife having been summoned to the life eternal in 1885; she was a representative of a family whose name was prominently identified with the industrial and civic history of the state of Ohio. J. C. Bullock gave unqualified allegiance to the cause of the Republican party and both he and his wife held membership in the Baptist church.
Charles L. Bullock, the immediate subject of this review, is indebted to the public schools of his native city for his early educational disci- pline, which included a course in the high school, and at the age of eight- een years, in 1877, he joined his father in the oil fields of Pennsylvania. He maintained his residence at Bradford. that state, for a number of years and became prominently identified with the oil industry in the old Keystone commonwealth, where he continued his activities, with success. for many years. In 1904 he identified himself with the Kansas Natural Gas Company, for which he had charge of the installation of the plant at Joplin, Missouri, as well as those at other points in this section of the state. He designed and had charge of the construction of the company's plant covering the Missouri district, and was elected manager of this district in 1905, a position of which he has since remained the valued and efficient incumbent. Mr. Bullock established his home in Joplin on the 22d of March, 1905, and he has identified himself closely with local interests, in connection with which he is known as a broad-guaged, liberal and progressive business man and as a citizen who is ever ready to lend his cooperation in support of measures projected for the general good of the community. Though never imbued with aught of desire for public office of any order, Mr. Bullock is unwavering in his support of the principles and policies for which the Republican party stands sponsor. He holds membership in the Baptist church and is affiliated with the Be- nevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias. He married when a young man and has two fine sons,-Edwin H. and Drummond.
ROBERT B. JONES .- A man of strong personality, brave and resolute, with a clear sense of justice, Robert B. Jones is serving most satisfae- torily to all concerned as chief of police in Carthage, performing the duties devolving upon him in this capacity with credit to himself and to the honor of his constituents. The police force of this city, consisting of five men, of which Mr. Jones is at the head, is one of the bravest and most efficient in Jasper county. The chief is a man of striking presence, one to be noticed among a thousand. Six feet in height, well propor- tioned, weighing two hundred and fifty pounds, he possesses a strong character, deep convictions and an unflinching adherence to what he con- siders right. A son of T. W. Jones, he was born in 1868, in Ripley county, Indiana, and was reared on a farm.
Descended from a Virginia family of some note, T. W. Jones began life for himself as a farmer, being located in Ripley county. Indiana. During the Civil war he enlisted in Company A, Sixty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was with his regiment in many engagements of importance, performing his duties with bravery and courage. The maiden name of his wife was Sophia Vance.
Brought up on the home farm, Robert B. Jones acquired his early
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education in the public schools. In 1888 he came to Jasper county. Mis- souri, and was for four years employed in the flour milling business, and for many years was engaged in quarrying stone. Beginning quarry work in a humble position, he proved himself eminently capable and trustworthy wherever placed, and was from time to time promoted, be- coming foreman and superintendent of a quarry. In 1908 Mr. Jones was elected chief of police in Carthage, and served in such a commend- able and praiseworthy manner that he was re-elected at the expiration of his first term by a handsome majority, his popularity as a man, as a citizen and as an officer being manifested at the polls. The Carthage po- lice force is well known throughout this section of the country, tramps, thieves, thugs and foot-pads giving them a wide berth if possible, Chief Jones' vigilance and activity being noteworthy.
Mr. Jones married, at the age of twenty-two years, Mattie Hubbell. who was born in Quincy, Adams county, Illinois, a daughter of the late M. B. Hubbell. Mr. Jones has always taken an earnest interest in polit- ical affairs, and at different times has served as delegate to county, city and congressional conventions. Fraternally he belongs to the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Knights of Pythias.
WILLIAM H. WITHROW .- Numbered among the younger generation of men now active and prominent in the business circles of Webb City is William H. Withrow, who is meeting with success as the owner of the Thomas Drug Company's interests. Clear-headed, energetic and self reliant, possessing a natural aptitude for business affairs, he is making a splendid start in life and is sure to win for himself an enviable posi- tion in both the business and social circles of his adopted home. He was born September 10, 1886, in Kansas City, Missouri, coming on the pater- nal side of old Virginia stock.
James L. Withrow, his father, was born, in 1845, in Virginia, and was there bred and educated. As a young man he followed the march of civilization westward, going first to Kansas and thence to Independence, Missouri. He was for a time a resident of Kansas City, Missouri, but is now living in Galena, Kansas, being one of the most highly respected and wealthy residents of the place. His wife, whose maiden name was Clara M. Monlux, was born in Ohio, September 10, 1851. To them two ehil- dren have been born. The daughter, Margaret, is the wife of E. H. Cul- leson, mayor and city attorney of Delaware, Oklahoma, and has one child, Carl C.
After his graduation from the high school of Galena, Kansas, William H. Withrow completed a course of study at a business college in Joplin, Missouri, and subsequently spent two years at Baker University, in Baldwin, Kansas. During the following six months he was employed as a stenographer at Topeka, Kansas, but was searee satisfied with the work. his ambitions leading him to seek a position in which he might progress more rapidly along the pathway of success. With that object in view, Mr. Withrow went to Baxter Springs, Kansas, and for a year was in the employ of W. B. Campbell, a leading druggist of that eity. Returning to Galena, Kansas, with a good knowledge of the business with which he had been connected, he accepted a position with the T. V. Campbell Drug Company, of which he was manager for three years, during which time he built up a good trade.
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