USA > Missouri > Jackson County > Kansas City > A memorial and biographical record of Kansas City and Jackson County Mo. > Part 46
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J P. JACKSON, M. D., whose repu- tation as a physician is by no means local, but extends throughout the southwest, is now a professor of the principles and practice of surgery in the Uni- versity Medical College. He has not only kept abreast with the times, but has been a leader in the onward march of improvement which characterizes the profession. Prog- ress might be termed the keynote of his character. His researches and investiga- tions have been long and varied, and time, labor and expense are never taken into con-
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sideration when chance for improvement lies ahead. His thorough knowledge and superior skill have won him a place in the front rank among the ablest practitioners of the southwest, and he is probably the best known physician in Kansas City, where he now makes his home.
The Doctor was born in Stafford county, Virginia, on the 16th of April, 1845, and is a son of Dr. Richard L. and Lucinda (Deat- ley) Jackson, who also were natives of the Old Dominion, and were of English and French extraction. The grandparents on both sides were soldiers in the war of 1812, and both families were farming people. In pioneer days their ancestors settled in Vir- ginia, became owners of extensive tracts of land, and lived and died in that state. The maternal grandfather, James Deatley, lived to the very advanced age of ninety-four years, and seemed to be in perfect health up to the time of his death. Both families were prominent and became well known through that region.
The father of our subject was a graduate of the medical department of the Philadel- phia University, and practiced for several years in his native state, but in 1849 emi- grated westward, traveling by steamer, and at length located in Franklin county, Mis- souri, where he purchased a large tract of land, which he proceeded to improve and cultivate with a large number of slaves whom he had brought with him. At the breaking out of the civil war he knew that they would become free. He was offered $1,000 apiece for them, and said he would sell if they were willing to go. So, calling them to him, he asked them if they wished to leave, and the reply was No. He did not force them to leave, even though he might have made considerable money; so
they remained with him, and by the Eman- cipation Proclamation gained their freedom. Dr. Richard Jackson continued to practice his profession in Franklin county until his death, which occurred in 1863, and became well known as a skilled and prominent phy- sician. His widow is still living, at the age of eighty-five years, an interesting and act- ive old lady who is now living with our sub- ject. Her family numbered six children, four of whom are now living, namely: Thomas B., Mrs. L. C. Armstrong, Rich- ard I. and Dr. James P.
The ranks of the agriculturists have fur- nished to the professions many of their most gifted and brilliant members. The Doctor was reared on a farm, where the out-door life gave him needed physical training. He began his education in a private college in Franklin county, which he attended until seventeen years of age, when he went to Ann Arbor, Michigan, spending two years in the State University there. He then went to St. Louis and took up the study of medicine, graduating at the St. Louis Medical College in 1868.
Dr. Jackson began practice in Holt county, this state, where he remained for five years, doing a good business, but wish- ing to further perfect himself in his chosen calling he went to New York city in 1872 and was graduated there, at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, in 1873. Return- ing to this state, he then continued practice until 1878, with his brother Dr. John W., who was chief surgeon for the Wabash Rail- road for many years, and established the first hospital on the Missouri Pacific Railroad at Washington, Missouri. In 1879 Dr. Jackson, whose name begins this sketch, went to Garnet, Kansas, and established a hospital for what was then known as the
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St. Louis, Kansas & Arizona Railroad, and the Lexington & Southern Railroad, and was chief surgeon in this hospital until 1881, when he was elected professor of the prin- ciples and practice of surgery in the Uni- versity Medical College of Kansas City. He therefore removed to this place, where he has since made his home, occupying the chair mentioned for fourteen years. He is also surgeon for the Wabash Railroad, con- sulting surgeon for the Kansas City, Fort Scott & Memphis Railroad, and medical director of the Bankers' Life Association of Kansas City. The Doctor has built up an extremely large practice. His superior skill as a surgeon has enabled him to successfully perform some of the most difficult operations known to the science.
Dr. Jackson lives with his wife and only child (Edna Earle, now a student in Smith College) at his beautiful home, No. 1506 East Eighth street. Politically he is demo- crat, and socially is a Knight Templar Mason. Courteous in manner and genial in dis- position, his social qualities have won him the high regard of many friends, while his ability has gained recognition throughout the medical fraternity.
ENJAMIN RICE. - This gentle- man is a native of the "Tar state," but has for half a century been identified with Missouri, and has long maintained his residence at his present location on section 6, Brooking township, Jackson county.
Mr. Rice's parents, James and Nellie (Cantwell) Rice, were natives of Caswell county, North Carolina, and were reared and married there, the former being a son of Edmund Rice, of Irish descent, and the
latter a daughter of Benjamin Cantwell, who was of German origin. James Rice continued to reside in his native county until 1845, when he was imbued with the spirit of migration and sought a home west of the Mississippi, Jackson county, Missouri, being his objective point. The journey here was made by wagon, and as a place of location he selected section 36 of Brooking township, land that was all covered with brush. There were few white settlers then in this community and the Indians were still here. On this land, which Mr. Rice developed into a farm, he passed his closing years and died, his death occurring in 1853. His first wife had died in 1825, and for his second wife he wedded Nancy Bruce, a native of North Carolina, daughter of Will- iam Bruce of that state and of German de- scent. She died in 1857. The children of the first marriage were two in number, only one of whom, Benjamin, the subject of this sketch, survives. His second wife bore him fourteen children, three of whom are living, viz .: Mary A. Kelly, Kansas City; William, who lives on the old home farm in Jackson county; and Caroline Hot, St. Louis, Mis- souri. One son, James, was a soldier in Marmaduke's army, Confederate States of America, and died in the service.
From this succinct sketch of his parent- age, we turn now to the life history of Ben- jamin Rice. He is the eldest of his father's family and was born in Caswell county, North Carolina, April 6, 1822. Until he was fifteen years of age he remained a mem- ber of the home circle. Then he started out in life on his own responsibility, choos- ing the occupation of peddler, and as such traveling through the southern part of North Carolina, and into South Carolina and Georgia. In this way he was occupied until
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1844. In the spring of the following year he came to Missouri with his father and family, helping them in their removal, as they were then very poor. Arrived here he was variously employed until the next year. Freighting was then a profitable business, and to this he soon turned his attention. In July, 1846, he started from Owings' Land- ing, near Independence, en route for New Mexico and Mexico, having in charge a mule team and freighting wagon, and going with a man by the name of Jim McGuffin. On this trip they met Colonel Doniphan's regi- ment returning from the Mexican war. It was not until the following year that Mr. Rice accomplished the return trip from Mexico, and soon after reaching home was taken sick. His illness lasted until Christ- mas of that year, 1847. The following year he married and settled upon his present farm, which he has ever since called his home, although during the war, and when on subsequent freighting expeditions, he was absent from it several years. It com- prises 365 acres, and has been brought under cultivation and improvement by him. During the war he not only lost his slaves and much of his personal property, but also, like many of the citizens of this community, his residence was burned to the ground.
Of Mr. Rice's freighting experience, we would speak further. In 1854 he made a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, as freighter and wagon-master for Mr. Samuel McKin- ney, the round trip being made with oxen, and at one point in the journey they were corraled by the Indians. In 1856 he made another trip as wagon-master to the same place. In 1858 he went as wagon-master in charge of twenty-six ox wagons, to Salt Lake City, this trip being made for Messrs. Bryant and Long, and on it they were
escorted by soldiers. Mr. Rice was the first man to unload freight at Camp Floyd. In Utah he sold the oxen, and made the return with mules. His next freighting ex- pedition was in 1860, and to Fort Union, New Mexico, this being made for Mr. George Bryant. Again he was corraled by the red men, and again he made good his escape.
Then came the civil war. A man of his varied experience on the frontier and with the Indians, a man loyal to his home and his country, he was not one to remain inac- tive when the scent of civil war was in the breeze. Mr. Rice's first action was as guard on the roads against the Jayhawkers from Kansas. He and two others organized a squad and had several fights with these Jay- hawkers and one with the federal troops. He was a participant in the engagements at Rock Ford and White Oak on the Little Blue, and subsequently joined General Price's army. To give a detailed account of all his war experience would be to write much of the history of the western cam- paigns, which, however, is not our purpose here. Suffice it to say that he remained in the Confederate ranks and bravely fought for the cause he had been taught from his childhood up to believe was a just one; and when the sanguinary struggle was ended he surrendered, at Fort Worth, Texas. His family in the meantime had gone to Texas, and in 1866 he returned with them to Mis- souri and to his property. Here he has since resided and is now comfortably situated.
Mr. Rice was married, April 20, 1848, to Miss Jane Cox, a native of Scott county, West Virginia, born September 22, 1827, daughter of William and Jane ( Irving) Cox. Her father was a native of South Carolina
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and her mother of Scott county, Virginia, and they were married in the latter state, where they resided until 1837, when they moved to Missouri and located in Brooking township, Jackson county. Here they both died. Mr. Cox was a soldier in the war of 1812, when he was only twelve years old. Only two of their family are living, -John Cox and Mrs. Rice. Mr. and Mrs. Rice have had nine children, six of whom survive, namely: James W., who married Miss Ella Campbell, and has three children, and lives in this township; Nathaniel, who wed- ded Miss Lillie Pendleton, and has a family of four children, and lives on a portion of his father's farm; Henry, who married Miss Julia Hedges, and has four children, and is a resident of this township; Alice Ann; Nel- lie, wife of William Riggs, of this township, and has three children; and Archibald.
Mr. Rice and all his family are members of the Baptist church, and he officiates as deacon in the same. In politics, while he has always been a democrat, he has of re- cent years been more independent in his views and does not adhere strictly to party lines.
Thus briefly is outlined the history of one who occupies an honorable and useful position in life and who is held in high es- teem by his neighbors and fellow citizens.
UMA F. HEITMAN, attorney at law, Kansas City, ranks with the ablest practitioners of the Kansas City bar, his career well illustrating the possibilities attainable when one's own resources of mind and body are the only means of rising in the world. Mr. Heitman is a North Carolinian by birth, born in Davidson county, September 11, 1860, be- 22
ing the son of William A. and Martha (Tus- sey) Heitman, natives of North Carolina and both of German descent.
The great-grandfather of our subject was born in the fatherland and became the founder of the family in America, settling in North Carolina. His son, Henry N., who is the grandfather of Numa F., became prominent in affairs, having served several terms as county clerk of Davidson county. He was a local minister of notable reputa- tion, and widely known for his intellectual force and impressive eloquence, which he retains in large degree to the present. Will- iam A. Heitman is a planter by occupation, still residing in his native state, a highly re- spected and influential citizen, possessing all the intellectual characteristics of his able progenitors. To him and his estimable wife were born a family of nine children, of whom the subject of this brief review is the eldest.
On his father's plantation, in his native south land, he grew to manhood, and in the common schools he was taught the rudi- ments of an English education. He was a student by nature in his youth, and, although the common schools of that day were not of a high order of excellence, his diligence in study and aptness to understand and retain more than made up for deficiencies in schools and teachers. At the age of eighteen he was qualified to teach, which he did very successfully for one terin. He then attend- ed a preparatory school to fit himself for a regular university course, and he subse- quently entered the University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill, at which he grad- uated with honors in 1883, with the degree of A. B. His record as a student is an un- usually good one, and creditable in a high degree.
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During the first five months in the pre- paratory school he became very proficient in Latin and Greek, and during the sopho- more year he was presented with a gold medal for his thorough mastery of the Greek language; and in his senior year he was given a tutorship in the Greek. His successes as a student seemed to indicate that an educa- tional career would be fitting to his mental capacity, and for a time he seriously com- templated accepting a professorship in the Greek. However, he was restrained from doing this by his predilection for the law, which he had read in a desultory way dur- ing his senior year.
At the commencement of this year he received a medal,-the first prize for the best speech made upon that occasion, and was also given another prize, for having at- tained the highest proficiency in moral phi- losophy, winning besides the highest average grade of his class for that year. His de- cision to study law was final, and in 1883 he entered the law department of the Uni- versity of Virginia, completing the course in two years, graduating in 1885, with the de- gree of B. L.
He had now all the theoretic and techni- cal knowledge that could be obtained from able instructors of the best educational in- stitutions in the country, and now was to come the test of practically applying the knowledge he had striven so hard to pro- cure. The west seemed to offer the best inducements to an ambitious young man, and, deciding upon Kansas as an objective point, he arrived in Kansas City October 2, 1885. Remaining a few days to look around he became enamored of the place and quick- ly made up his mind to cast his lot in this enterprising, bustling young metropolis of the southwest. To do so required nerve, his
working capital at that time comprising only $40, and there being no prospects for more. It was " sink or swim," and he chose to do the latter. From the start he made a good living and by incessant, untiring effort he in- creased his practice, until now he has a large clientage and is regarded among the ablest lawyers of the city.
He is a young man of fundamental equi- poise and of genial disposition, and has made hosts of friends since coming to Kan- sas City. He was united in marriage with Miss Emma P., youngest daughter of J. H. Coleman, forinerly of Kentucky but now of Missouri. They have one son, John Hood. He and his estimable wife are inembers of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Heit- man is also a member of the American In- stitute of Civics. Politically he is a demo- crat.
J OHN W. CALDWELL, who has devoted his entire life to general farming and stock-raising, is num- bered among the leading and influen- tial citizens of Prairie township.
A native of Ohio, he was born in Ross county, March 10, 1838, and is a son of Robert Caldwell, who was born in Ken- tucky. Having arrived at years of matur- 'ity he married Elizabeth Deegan, who was born in Maryland, in 1808, but was reared in Ross county, Ohio, whither her parents removed during her early girlhood. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell was celebrated in that county, and they began their domestic life upon a farm there. The former died in 1843, after which Mrs. Cald- well came to Missouri, where her death oc- curred in 1887. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and were par-
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ents of seven children, six of whom reached mature years, while five are now living, namely: Joseph, a resident of Prairie town- ship; John W .; Henry Rufus, an agricultur- ist of this community; Elizabeth, who is living in the same neighborhood; and Mrs. Kate Climer, of Ross county, Ohio. Emily is the deceased wife of Elijah Cutright. Two of the sons were numbered among the "boys in blue" in the civil war, and valiantly upheld the union cause.
His three years' term having expired he was honorably discharged at Villanow church, Georgia, in October, 1864, and returned home. He was ever a faithful soldier, al- ways found at his post of duty, and his service was indeed an honorable one.
After his return home, Mr. Caldwell was employed in the telegraph repair department of the Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad for three years. In 1868, he came to Missouri, locating upon his present farm, where he and his brothers now reside. They have placed many improvements upon the prop- erty and the farm is now a rich and valuable one, under a high state of cultivation.
In the county of his nativity our subject was reared to manhood, and acquired his education in Mt. Pleasant Academy, in Ross county, also spent one term in the State Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio. When On the 10th of October, 1877, Mr. Caldwell was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie Alice Hoover, a native of Butler county, Ohio, and a daughter of D. M. and Frances E. (Hall) Hoover, the former a native of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Butler county, Ohio. Her parents were married in the Buckeye state, where they made their home until 1868, and then came to Jackson county, Missouri, lo- cating in Prairie township. The mother died November 11, 1894, but the father is still living. Of their seven children four survive, namely: Mrs. Caldwell, Mrs. Jen- nie Lasley, Charles H., and Mrs. Amanda G. Fogg, all living in Prairie township. One other daughter, Anna A., reached ma- ture years and became the wife of Elim Pyfer, but is now deceased. Mrs. Caldwell was born October 9, 1855, and has been a resident of Jackson county since the age of thirteen years. To our subject and his wife have been born three children, -Mabel Fran- ces, Nellie Lincoln and Maud Ethel. a young man of twenty-three he offered his services to the government, joining com- pany C, thirty-third Ohio infantry, in Au- gust, 1861. He was made orderly sergeant. The regiment was organized at Camp Mor- row, Portsmouth, Ohio, and placed under the command of General Rosseau, first operating in Kentucky. Mr. Caldwell par- ticipated in the battles of Perryville, Mill Springs, Stone river and Chickamauga. He was wounded by a musket ball in the left hip and fell on the field. While thus lying des- perately hurt he was taken by the enemy and placed in the hospital at Crawfish Springs, where he remained for eleven days. He was then paroled and sent to Chatta- nooga, where for two weeks he remained in the union hospital, being then transferred to the hospital at Bridgeport, Alabama. He was next sent to Hospital No. 21, in Nash- ville, Tennessee, and later went home on a furlough. In April, 1864, he joined his regiment near Resaca, and soon after par- ticipated in the battle of Kenesaw moun- Mr. Caldwell takes an active part in local political affairs, is a stalwart advocate of re- tain, Peach Tree creek, the siege of At- lanta and the engagement at Jonesboro. publican principles, and has frequently been
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a delegate to the county and state conven- tions of his party. The cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion, and he has done effective service in its interests while a member of the school board. So- cially, he is connected with the Grand Army Post of Lees Summit.
0 R. PEREGRINE C. JONES, a regular practitioner of medicine, is a somewhat recent addition to the medical fraternity of Kansas City, having settled here in 1892, and in three years he has succeeded in building up a . reputation and practice that well bespeaks his ability as a physician.
He is a native of South Wales, England, born June 28, 1834, and is a son of Dr. John H. P. and Sarah (Long) Jones, both natives of Wales. Of their seven children, three are now alive: Ann Eliza, wife of Thomas Whiteside; Catherine Rebecca, wife of John Lloyd, of De Kalb county, Illinois; and Dr. P. C.
The father, a well known physician and surgeon, emigrated to America in 1852 and located in De Kalb county, Illinois, where he practiced for a number of years and sub- sequently removed to Boone county, Illinois, where he died in 1876, at about the age of seventy-eight years. His wife departed this life in Wales in 1840. Both parents were members of the Wesleyan Methodist church, and in Wales the Doctor was a magistrate's clerk.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was named William Jones, was also a native of Wales, and a man of considerable prominence in English military life, being an officer, and he was also governor of the prison at Haverford-West, Wales. He died in middle
life, having had three sons and five daugh- ters. The Doctor's maternal grandfather was John Long, also a native of Wales, of large family, and he died at an advanced age.
Our subject accompanied his parents on their voyage to America, being at the time eighteen years old. His youth in the old country was spent upon the farm, where he was also instructed in the rudiments in the common schools and an academy at Nar- berth, Wales. He began studying medicine in De Kalb county in 1860, under the pre- ceptorship of his father, and during 1867-8 he attended Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which he received a diploma of grad- uation. Finding a suitable location in Brown county, Wisconsin, he opened an office and practiced two years, when, wish- ing to extend his knowledge of materia medica by giving to it greater scope, he dis- posed of his practice and went to Philadel- phia, where he attended lectures at the American Eclectic University. The course completed he went to Belmont, Iowa, and subsequently to Forest City, same state, in each of which places he remained two years, in the practice of medicine. Then going to Tama county, Iowa, he continued in the practice, and during 1887-8 he attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa. Remaining in Tama county until 1892, he then located in Kansas City, as has already been noted. Few men are better informed in the profession than Dr. Jones. He is devoted to the work, and while his practice is general he is particu- larly interested in the diseases of women and obstetrics.
He was united in marriage with Miss Seraphina A. Rhoades, April 23, 1863. Mrs. Jones is a daughter of Lodwick and Lucinda A. Rhoades. The Doctor has four
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children, -two sons and two daughters,- Birdie Ella, Millie Blanche, Frank Lodwick and Courtland Clayton. Birdie and Millie are deceased, the former dying at the age of eleven months, the latter when five years of age. Frank L. is married, Miss Alice Brad- brook becoming his wife, and he lives in Plattsburg, Wisconsin. Courtland C. re- sides in Kansas City.
Dr. and Mrs. Jones are Seventh Day Adventists in religious sentiment, being members of that church body. He is a Master Mason, Odd Fellow and Encamp- ment member, a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Iowa Legion of Honor. His political sympathies are with the republican party.
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