History of Jackson County, Missouri, Part 23

Author: Hickman, W. Z
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Topeka : Historical Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 976

USA > Missouri > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Missouri > Part 23

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

299

HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY

stituents. I would rather die, and fill a pauper's grave, than to accept one dollar of your ill-gotten gains. Respectfully, (signed) James B. Yager."

When I had finished copying, I read it to him. He picked up a pen and signed his name to it, then he said, "Get a large envelope, put the letter and deed in it, and back it to this rascal at Kansas City." I did so, and then he said, "Put a stamp on it and take it down to the postoffice and mail it yourself, and make a record of the day you do it, so that here- after. should anything ever be said about it, you can give the public the facts in the case." I did so and mailed it as he directed. A few days afterward, I met the man on the street, to whom I had directed it in Kan- sas City. I said to him, "I mailed you a letter a few days ago from Inde- pendence, did you get it?" A blush passed over his face immediately, and he replied, "Yes, I go it. That old fool is to d-n honest, he had just as well be rich as not."

Judge Yager joined the Masonic lodge early in life, and brought his demit with him when he came to Jackson County. He was a charter member and was made master of the first Masonic lodge in Jackson County, his picture now occupying a place of honor in the lodge room of Independence. When the Masons living around Raytown decided to or- ganize a lodge there, they asked him to come out and help. He took his demit from Independence and put it with that lodge. The members elected him master, and he devoted his energies in helping them to get it into good working order.

When the Civil War commenced, Judge Yager was a freighter over the plains, and had several trains on the road hauling goods from Kan- sas City to Mexico. One of the trains was in charge of his son, Richard, or "Dick," as everyone called him. When "Dick" came home from one of his trips, he found that Jennison's Red Legs had paid his father's farm a visit and stripped it of everything they could carry off. He immediately quit the train business and joined the Bushwhackers. He became one of the leaders and was a desperate man. He was killed at Arrow Rock, in Saline County, just at the close of the war. While "Dick" was in the bush a company of soldiers were sent out to Judge Yager's home and arrested him. He was taken to Kansas City, kept in close confinement for a few days, and was sent to St. Louis, which at that time was the headquarters of this department. He was thrust into a dungeon in the old Gratiot street prison. He was not allowed to see or speak to anyone for nearly a month. One day the guard came and took him before the

300

HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY

provost-marshal. When he got there he was put through a terrible ques- tioning. There was at that time a secret organization, known as the "Knights of the Golden Circle," in Indiana, Illinois and Ohio; they were supposed to be in sympathy with the South and the Southern Confederacy. Finally the marshal asked him if he was a member of any secret order or organization. He replied, "I am." "What order is it," asked the mar- shal. "I have been a member of the Masonic fraternity for over 30 years," replied Mr. Yager. Immediately the whole manner of the mar- shal changed. "Are you a member of any other secret organization," he asked. "I am not," replied Mr. Yager. Instead of being sent back to the dungeon, he was sent to a nice, clean, well-lighted room, and told his case would be attended to tomorrow. The next morning he was sent to Gen - eral Schofield, the commanding officer of the department. After many questions were asked, and answered by Mr. Yager, General Schofield said to him, "Mr. Yager, I am satisfied that you are a loyal citizen of the United States, and I think your arrest was entirely uncalled for. I am going to give you papers that will protect you and your property from all Federal soldiers, and send you home. If you are again molested, just let me know, and I will attend to the men that do it." He came home and moved his family into Westport, and remained until the close of the war. · He was never molested after his return from St. Louis.

The Civil War ruined him financially, the last years of his life being spent on a farm of 50 acres that belonged to his son-in-law, Mr. H. C. Harper, about three miles southwest of Independence, that is now owned by Mr. Chris W. Witthar, on the Blue Ridge boulevard. One grand thing about him was that financial reverses never soured him, or made him lose confidence in his fellow man. I do not know that any relatives of Judge Yager will ever read a line that I have written about him, but in doing it, I want to pay tribute to a man that I loved and admired. As clerk and deputy clerk of the County Court I served under him for 14 consecu- tive years, and in all that time, I never saw him do any act, by work or deed, that was not that of a high-minded, honorable, Christian gentleman. He was a devoted and faithful member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church for over 50 years. The life of such a man is an inspiration for young men to follow, and I wish that all young men that read this will make an honest endeavor to make his life a pattern for them to follow.

Just before the close of the last term of court in which he was to act as judge, a lot of his friends determined to make him a present that would show their appreciation of his untiring effort in behalf of his con-

301

HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY

stituents. A subscription was raised on which no person was allowed to give more than $1. An elegant gold-headed can was purchased and prop- erly inscribed. The amounts donated were clipped off the subscription list, and only the names of the donors remained. On the morning of the last day of court, and at 10 o'clock quite a concourse of people filed into the court room. Col. John N. Southern, of Independence, had been selected to make the presentation speech. As soon as opportunity afforded he advanced to the court and said: "Judge Yager, some of your friends have been watching your actions on this bench for a long time, and have concluded that you have done things for which they think that you should be caned, and it becomes my duty at this time to do the caning." Then he unwrapped the gift and handed it to the astonished judge, saying, "I hope that you will accept it as a very small token of the appreciation that we feel for your faithful performance of your duties as judge of the County Court during the last 14 years. May it be a momento and remembrance to you in your declining years. May you be the recipient of heaven's choicest blessings is our wish and prayer."

Before Mr. Southern was through talking the tears were falling from the venerable judge's eyes. His heart was too full for words. He could only say: "Friends, I have only done what I thought was right at all times. I thank you from the bottom of my heart." It was a scene never to be forgotten by those who witnessed it. This venerable old man that had served his people for 20 years-first and last-as a judge of the County Court, and during all that time holding the confidence and friend- ship without even a hint of anything except strict honesty and integrity. When the list of donors was handed him he scanned it closely, folded it carefully, and placing it in his pocket remarked, "That, to me, is one of the most valued documents that I ever owned."

CHAPTER XIX

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY

William Carroll Adams .- The distinction of being the oldest native born resident of Blue township, and of Jackson County, belongs unques- tionably to William Carroll Adams, who was born on a farm in the Blue bottoms, March 13, 1836. One hundred years ago, his father, Lynchburg -Adams, then 16 years of age, came to Jackson County and was the first permanent settler in the northern part of this county. Lynchburg Adams was born near Lynchburg, Va., Feb. 22, 1804, and married Elizabeth Drake who was born in Howard County, Mo., Dec. 7, 1808. She was a daughter of Isaac Drake, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, in whose memory a monument was erected near Atherton by the Daughters of the American Revolution, he being a soldier of the Revolution who settled in Jackson County and died here. Lynchburg. Adams came to Jackson County March 20, 1819 and was married near. Sibley, Mo., Nov. 1, 1827. He entered land in the Blue bottoms and resided in this county until his death Dec. 6, 1873. His wife died Jan. 24, 1859. They had five children, four sons and a daughter. The first farm on which the elder Adams settled and whereon his son William Carroll Adams was born, has long since been engulfed and washed away by the Missouri River. In 1844, Mr. Adams purchased the Adams homestead near Atherton.

Lynchburg Adams erected the first house in Jackson County west of the Little Blue. In 1873 he was awarded the prize at the Old Settlers Meeting for being the oldest pioneer citizen of the county. This prize was a silver pitcher valued at $25.

Isaac Drake, grandfather of William Carroll Adams, was one of the four Revolutionary heroes buried in Jackson County. He was born in Maryland and entered the army when 15 years of age. He was a pioneer of Osage township in this county and died on his farm near Sibley in 1837. He was the first coroner of, Jackson County. His remains as well as the remains of Lynchburg Adams and his wife are buried in the Drake ceme- tery on the old homestead.

William, C. Adama

303

HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY

William Carroll Adams was educated in the public schools and at- tended Chapel Hill School, attending school with the late Senator Cockrell. He studied for three months in William Jewell College. When the Civil War broke out he first enlisted in the State Guards under General Price and at Springfield, Mo., he joined the Confederate forces. He served for four years with the Southern army and spent ten months as a prisoner of war in Federal prison at Johnson's Island, having been captured near Vicksburg, Miss. He was twice wounded at the battle of Lexington, and was again wounded at Corinth, Miss. He returned home after the war and resumed farming and stock raising. He has prospered and is owner of 320 acres of splendid farm land near Atherton.

Mr. Adams was married the first time April 9, 1868, to Sarah J. Heard, who was born Nov. 14, 1848 and died Oct. 21, 1882, her remains being interred in Green's Chapel cemetery. She was a daughter of Jessie Heard, a pioneer of Jackson County. The children born of this marriage are: Francis S., deceased; Edmund L., Atherton, Mo .; Mrs. Susan E. Horan, Dallas, Texas; Mrs. Dora May Hall, Kansas City, Mo .; Charles F., at home with his father; and one child died in infancy. On Feb. 26, 1884, Mr. Adams was married to Mrs. Fannie Jepson, nee Samples, and to this union six children have been born as follows: Mrs. Jessie Ann Hall, Kan- sas City, Mo .; James W., at home; Mrs. Mary Helen Harbin, Independence ; John Quincy Adams, Pauline Ruth Adams, and George Carroll Adams, at home.

Mr. Adams is a Democrat but is an Independent voter. In 1879 he was elected to the State Legislature on the Greenback ticket and repre- sented Jackson County for one term. He has always been active and prominent in county and local civic affairs and has served as school director. He is a member of the Methodist Church, South and has served as steward of his church. He is known widely as an upright, honest and industrious citizen who has lived according to his beliefs and is deeply religious. Although past 84 years of age he is enjoying good health and is sound physically and mentally, endowed with a keen and active mind which advancing years have not dimmed. He takes a lively interest in present day affairs, while he is ever ready to dwell upon the old days of the past when Jackson County was largely an unsettled wilderness. He recalls his first trip to Independence in the early forties when he rode to the then frontier town with his mother on horseback. Mrs. Adams took with her a bolt of jean which she had woven with her own hands and sold it for 50 cents per yard. The children of the Lynchburg Adams family

304

HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY

were reared with the strictest economy, the beverage at meal times being sage tea, coffee only being served when company came on Sundays. Corn bread was served on the table at all times except when company arrived on Sundays and then the luxury of white bread was given the members of the family.

Fleming Pendleton, of the firm of Pendleton and Gentry, who are en- gaged in the drug business at Independence, Mo., is a native of Kentucky. He was born in Lincoln County, Kentucky, Aug. 1, 1853, a son of James and Nancy (Spoonamore) Pendleton, both natives of Kentucky. James Pendleton was born in Lincoln County, Kentucky. His parents were both Virginians, and migrated to Kentucky at an early day.

James Pendleton came to Missouri in 1859, with his family, and set- tled near Hickman's Mills, in Jackson County. Later he moved to Blue township, where he bought a farm of 200 acres. His wife died on that place in 1872, and he died at Independence in 1892. They were the par- ents of the following children: Micajah, deceased; Alfred, deceased ; Eber- ly, deceased; William, deceased; J. C., who was engaged in the drug busi- ness in Independence for several years, is now deceased; Thomas, an em- ployee of the Standard Oil Company, Independence ; Mrs. Emma Flannigan, deceased; Richard, a retired merchant at San Antonio, Tex .; Fleming, the subject of this sketch, and Timothy, who died at Riverside, Calif. By a former marriage James Pendleton was the father of two children, John T. and Logan.

Fleming Pendleton received his education in the public schools of Jackson County. Mr. Pendleton has been engaged in the mercantile busi- ness in various capacities since boyhood. He first entered the employ of Wilson and Pendleton, engaged in the drygoods and clothing business at Independence. He was thus engaged for ten years. He was then employed by the M. R. Wright Clothing Company for two years. In 1889 Mr. Flem- ing bought an interest in his present business. The store was then being conducted by O. H. Gentry, his present partner, and J. C. Pendleton, a brother of Fleming Pendleton. J. C. Pendleton conducted the business alone up to 1881, when he sold an interest to Mr. Gentry. This is the pio- neer drugstore of Independence. They carry a full line of drugs and drug sundries, and have an extensive trade.

Mr. Pendleton was united in marriage Nov. 24, 1891, with Miss Sally Lincoln, a native of St. Joseph, Mo. She is a daughter of Isaac and Louise Lincoln, the former of whom is now deceased, and the latter resides with Mrs. Pendleton. To Mr. and Mrs. Pendleton have been born the following

305

HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY

children: Fleming W., who served in the United States Navy during the World War, in the capacity of radio operator; Rice L., served as regimental sergeant in the 129th Field Artillery, 35th Division in France, during the World War. He entered the service Aug. 1, 1917, and after a period of training at Fort Sill, went to France with his unit in April, 1918. He was discharged and mustered out of the service May 6, 1919. The third son born to Mr. and Mrs. Pendleton, Wiley E., is now in the employ of Swift and Company. He was at the Students' Training School at Columbia, and was at the Naval Training School. The youngest child, Sallie Adele, is a student in the Independence High School.

Nealy A. Harris, the efficient chief of police of Independence, Mo., is a native of Jackson County, and a descendant of pioneer settlers of this state. He was born on a farm a few miles east of Independence, June 4, 1878, and is a son of R. A. and Mary E. (Dillingham) Harris. R. A. Harris was also a native of Jackson County. He was born on a farm where the fair grounds are now located, in 1854. He was a son of Samuel Harris, a native of Virginia, who came to Missouri with his parents when he was about ten years of age. Samuel Harris grew to manhood here and mar- ried Jane Hall, a native of Jackson County. He was killed by a kick from a mule. His wife, Jane Hall Harris, lived to the advanced age of 98 years and the remains are buried in the Bridges cemetery, south of Blue Spring.

R. A. Harris was a soldier in the Confederate army and served under Quantrell. He died in May, 1906, at the age of 76 years and his widow now resides at Independence with her son, Nealy A. Harris. They were the parents of two children: Mrs. Hester A. Holloway, Independence, Mo., and Nealy A., the subject of this sketch.

Nealy A. Harris was reared on a farm in Jackson County and educated in the public schools. When he was 20 years of age, he entered the employ of the street railway company, in Kansas City, Mo. In 1909, he was appointed special officer at 12th and Main streets, Kansas City, and served in that capacity for two years. He then came to Independence as a special guard over prisoners at the jail. In 1913, he was employed at the city light plant and in 1914 he was appointed assistant chief of police of Independ- ence, and two years later, he was elected to the office of chief of police, and has since ably served in that capacity. Mr. Harris is a conscientious and fearless officer and has made a most commendable record. He is active and alert in his work and is getting results. In 1919, he collected $10,044.50 for the purchase of a Dodge police patrol and ambulance car

306

HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY

for the police department. He circulated the subscription for this fund and it was through his efforts that this necessary modern equipment was added to the police department of Independence.

Mr. Harris was united in marriage in 1909 with Miss Anna Hager- thorn, of Seymour, Iowa. She died March 18, 1919, at the age of 33 years, leaving a son, Richard A., who is now seven years of age.

Mr. Harris is a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Knights of Pythias.

Joseph Alfred McCurdy, deputy county assessor, former blacksmith for 39 years, Independence, Mo., was born in this city, March 27, 1859. He was a son of John G. and Elizabeth R. (Beal) McCurdy.

John G. McCurdy was born in Virginia, March 20, 1818 and died Feb. 25, 1912. Mrs. Elizabeth R. McCurdy died in 1876 at the age of 55 years. The McCurdys came to Independence or to Jackson County in 1848 by the river route, landing at Wayne City. The elder McCurdy followed the trade of blacksmith until 1853, and then purchased a shop at the corner of North Main and White Oak streets. His business prospered and he added a second story to the shop and followed his trade until he attained the great age of 90 years. J. A. McCurdy, his son, has in his possession a hammer which his father made in his ninetieth year. The children of the family were: Mrs. Lizzie B. Powell, Independence; John S., Independence; James W., served two terms as county collector, and is now with a building and loan association, Kansas City ; J. A., of this sketch ; Henry L., a lumberman and banker of Stafford, Kan.

The first teacher who instructed J. A. McCurdy, in his boyhood days, was Miss Susan Leader, who was assistant to Paul Glave who conducted a private school. When 17 years old he began to learn the blacksmith trade under his father and he followed his trade continuously until March 1, 1915.

Mr. McCurdy has residence property in Independence and owns the livery barn just south of his residence which is located at 222 South Main street. This barn was formerly used by the stage coach company, prior to the advent of the railroads. It is Mr. McCurdy's recollection that the first railroad in the state was operated between Independence and Wayne City. This road was over three miles in length and was operated by horse power. The track was of wooden rails and trains were run over this road in 1848 when Mr. McCurdy came to this county.

On the door of the McCurdy blacksmith shop which is still in use, are many brands made from branding irons used in the old days and which

307

HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY

were made by him for the purpose of branding cattle and horses. One of them, the "U.S.M." branding iron, was used by the government in brand- ing the horses which hauled the mail wagons across the plains.

Mr. McCurdy was married Aug. 20, 1900 to Ollie J. Craig, a daughter of Elijah and Nancy Elizabeth (Warren) Craig. Mrs. McCurdy was born and reared in Jackson County.

For two years, 1916-1917, Mr. McCurdy filled the office of city council- man and for the past two years he has served as deputy assessor of the county.

At the time of Price's raid in this vicinity during the Civil War, J. A. McCurdy was five years old, but the incident which he relates in the fol- lowing paragraph was so vividly impressed on his memory that he has never forgotten it.

"One of the Confederate soldiers rode up to the McCurdy home. Joseph Alfred and his younger brother, Henry, were playing in the yard. The soldier asked, 'What are you?' Joseph A. promptly answered, 'I'm a Federal.' And, 'What are you?' he asked Henry McCurdy. Just as promptly, Henry replied, 'I'm a Rebel.' 'I have something here for you,' the soldier said, and he took from his pocket a package containing several sticks of candy and handed it to the "little rebel". Joseph A. McCurdy from that time on was a "rebel".

John Nelson Southern, who for 50 years has been prominent in the affairs of Jackson County, and is at present one of the oldest lawyers in the county, having resided here since 1868, when he first came to Inde- pendence, was born in the mountain country of east Tennessee, Aug. 25, 1838. He received a good education in his home locality, and taught school for two years, studied law and was admitted to the bar of his native State in 1860.

Mr. Southern enlisted in Company I of the Fifty-ninth Tennessee Regi- ment, Confederate Army, at the outbreak of the Civil War, and was on detached duty until he went into active service. He served under General Bragg on his invasion of Kentucky, and when Bragg began his retreat he was transferred to the department of the Mississippi, under General Pem- berton. He also served under Generals Longstreet and Breckinbridge. In July, 1865, he came to Missouri and located in Lafayette County, where he taught school for two years. He then came to Independence, and soon be- came proprietor and editor of the Independence "Sentinel," conducting this newspaper for a matter of 11 years. He then disposed of the "Sentinel" to

308

HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY

Capt. James E. Payne, who is now in the Federal service at Washington, D. C.

Mr. Southern was married Dec. 20, 1860, to Miss Martha Allen, of Tennessee. The children born to this marriage are as follow: William Southern, Jr., founder and publisher of the Independence "Examiner"; Dr. John N. Southern, a physician, Monroe City, Mo .; Judge Allen C. Southern, judge of the Jackson County Circuit Court, re-elected in 1918; Miss Ethel Southern, Miss Mabel Southern, at home; Mattie, wife of John L. Cortner, Florence, Ala.

Mr. Southern, for more than 50 years past, has been one of the fore- most scholars and attorneys of this section of Missouri, and is still in active practice at the great age of 82 years. For a period of 10 years after com- ing to Independence he was an editorial writer on the staff of the Kansas City "Times," then edited by Morrison Mumford. In 1881 he entered actively into the practice of law, and during past years he has been con- nected with some of the most important litigation in the courts of western Missouri. He had charge of the suit brought to compel the Missouri Pa- cific Railroad Company to rebuild and operate their line from Independ- ence to Kansas City. The railway company had purchased this line, torn it up and abandoned it, and the county brought suit to compel them to re- build and operate the line. Mr. Southern and associate counsel carried this case to the Supreme Court and won.

Mr. Southern also represented the winners in the famous Mormon Temple suit brought by the Reorganized Church of the Latter-Day Saints for possession of the original site of the Mormon Church in Independence. This plot of ground was believed by all Mormons to be sacred ground inas- much as it was selected and consecrated by Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon Church as the site for the Temple of Zion. The Reorganized Church of Latter-Day Saints claimed title to the "sacred ground" because they alleged themselves to be the legitimate successors of the original church. Under the Missouri laws title to the property was vested in the Hedrickite branch of the Mormon Church, and as their attorney, Mr. Southern and associate counsel, carried the case to the United States Su- preme Court, and won a favorable decision, the court holding that title through Mesne Conveyances was better than a title obtained through revel- ations from the church prophets.

The largest damage verdict ever rendered by the Jackson County Cir- cuit Court was won by Mr. Southern, after being twice tried before the Supreme Court of the State of Missouri. His client, Ora Turnbow, when

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Jackson County, Missouri, Part 23

Author: Hickman, W. Z Publication date: 1920 Publisher: Topeka : Historical Publishing Company Number of Pages: 976

Author: Hickman, W. Z
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Topeka : Historical Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 976