History of Jackson County, Missouri, Part 31

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

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and Eleanor Gould who were pioneer settlers in Ottertail County, Minn., developed a farm in that county and died at Silver Lake, Ottertail County. Clayton G. Gould developed a farm there, sold it in 1887 and came to Jack- son County, settling in Independence on West Sea avenue, where he lived for some years. He then built a home on Fuller street, sold it later and built a home at 308 S. Grand, sold this place and bought another at 1027 West Waldo where he is now residing. He is over 70 years of age, active and well preserved. Mrs. Gould was born in Fremont County, Iowa, and is past 68 years of age. Their children were: Mrs. M. T. William, 1313 West Van Horn Road; Herbert A., 579 Brookside avenue, Mt. Washington ; Geo. A. Gould, of this review; Minnie D. died at the age of 21 years. Geo. A. Gould and family reside at 721 West Waldo, where they have a fine home purchased of the Rufus Wilson estate.

Mr. Gould has served as city councilman from the fourth ward, hav- ing been elected on an independent ticket, during a "wet and dry fight," campaigning only eight days on a "dry" platform.

Thomas H. Swope .- "Esperanza," the home of "Anxiety Herefords," consisting of 300 acres, on the Lexington road, in Blue township, a few, miles northeast of Independence, owned and operated by Thomas H. Swope, is one of the finest country estates in this section of Missouri-a locality noted for its fine homes and farms. Mr. Swope purchased the farm in 1912, from his mother, Mrs. Margaret C. Swope, and at once placed under the way the erection of the splendid improvements which have made the farm a show place in Jackson County. Mr. Swope began the breeding of pure-bred Hereford cattle in 1917, and his success in the venture is ample evidence that he has made a thorough study of the pro- duction of fine cattle. He has 30 head of registered Hereford cattle. "Bright Anxiety," the leader of his herd, was purchased of Gudgell and Simpson, of Independence. "Bright Anxiety" was sired by "Bright Stan- way," whose owner has refused to set a price on him. Mr. Swope has an- other herd bull called "Beau Pallidan," 18 months old, which he raised on his farm.

All of the existing improvements on "Esperanza" farm have been placed there by the proprietor. The fine, large, modern residence is built of native stone, and the grounds are crossed by concrete walks and drive- ways. One large, stucco barn, two frame barns and other well-built struc- tures are placed at the rear of the residence. The arrangement of the farm buildings are such as to bring commendation from the observer.

The residence and buildings are supplied with pure spring water,

ESPERANZA STOCK FARM OWNED BY THOMAS H. SWOPE

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY

pumped by Mr. Swope's own water plant. The spring is located on the northern slope of the farm property, and the pressure obtained will ex- ceed 125 pounds. The entire 300 acres of the Swope farm is in blue grass and alfalfa.

Thomas H. Swope was born in Woodford County, Ky., Aug. 23, 1882, and was reared in the city of Independence. His father, the late Logan O. Swope, was born in Lincoln County, Ky., in 1847, and died in Inde- pendence, Feb. 23, 1900. He came from Kentucky to Jackson County about 1854, was here married to Margaret Chrisman, when he had at- tained his majority. After some years of residence in this county he re- turned to Kentucky, where Thomas H. Swope was born. In October, 1882, he returned to Jackson County, and made a permanent home in Inde- pendence. During his residence in this county he was extensively en- gaged in farming and stock raising, and had large land interests in the county. He was a breeder of Shorthorn and Jersey cattle, and did much toward bettering the herds throughout this section of Missouri, by the introduction of pure-bred cattle. He was a brother of the late Thomas E. Swope, millionaire of Kansas City, whose philanthropic gift of Swope Park to the city will make his name remembered for all time by the citi- zens of his home city. -

To Logan O. and Margaret (Chrisman) Swope were born the follow- ing children: William Chrisman Swope, deceased; Frances, wife of B. C. Hyde, Kansas City, Mo .; Thomas H. Swope, of this review; Lucy Lee, wife of W. B. Bryan, Los Angeles, Calif .; Margaret, wife of T. T. Miller, Los Angeles, Calif .; Stella, and Sarah Swope, deceased.

The mother of the foregoing children now makes her home in New York. She was born in Independence, and is a daughter of the late Wil- liam Chrisman, of Independence.

William Chrisman was born in Kentucky, Nov. 23, 1822. He was de- scended from an old American family of Virginia ancestry. His paternal grandfather was Abram Chrisman, who was born and reared in Virginia, and became a pioneer in Kentucky, where he followed farming and became wealthy. Joseph Chrisman, father of William Chrisman, was born in Rockingham County, Va., in October, 1800. He was taken to Kentucky by his parents and was there reared to young manhood. He married Eleanor Soper, native of Maryland, and member of an old American family. In later years, Joseph Chrisman moved from Kentucky to a farm near Liberty, Mo., and there spent his remaining years. Joseph and Eleanor Chrisman were the parents of children as follow: William; John, died in

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Kansas City; Joseph, died in De Kalk County, Mo .; Amanda, wife of Dr. Ben Mitchell, Clay County, Mo. The education of William Chrisman was obtained in private schools, the Georgetown, Ky., College, and in Center College, of Danville, Ky. He graduated from Center College, in 1846, with the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts. He then studied law and was admitted to practice in 1847.

May 10, 1848, Mr. Chrisman was married to Lucie A. Lee, of Dan- ville, Ky. She was born in 1828, and was descended from the Lee family of Virginia. Soon after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Chrisman started for Missouri, and located in Independence. Mr. Chrisman immediately began the practice of his profession, and had a series of partners, among them being Abram Comings, Samuel H. Woodson, Russell Hicks, and Samuel L. Sawyer, all of whom served on the bench. In 1857 he engaged in banking and organized the Independence Savings Association, which was later merged into the banking house of Stone, McCoy & Company, later becoming Stone, Sawyer & Company, and finally becoming the Chris- man-Sawyer Banking Company, which is one of the leading banking con- cerns of the county at the present time. He was also an organizer and a director of the First National Bank, now extinct, and was a stockholder of the National Bank of Commerce and the Midland National Bank of Kansas City. He was the leader in the organization of the Kansas City Ladies College of Independence. In 1888, Mr. Chrisman suffered a stroke of paralysis, and after that time made his home with his son, George Lee Chrisman, on his large farm south of the city. Mrs. Chrisman died in February, 1889. The children of the family were: George Lee Chris- man, deceased; James, died while a student in Fulton College; Margaret, widow of Logan O. Swope. William Chrisman died in 1898. He was a ruling elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Independence, and was active in religious affairs.

Mr. Chrisman was a Democrat, but never sought political preferment. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention held in 1875, which gave to the State of Missouri its present constitution. He was liberal in his donations to public enterprises, kind and liberal to the poor, no call for charity of a worthy nature ever going unheeded by him. His daugh- ter, Mrs. Margaret Swope, gave to the city of Independence the land upon which the William Chrisman High School is built, and the school was named in his honor.

Thomas H. Swope was married in 1906 to Miss Maud Moseley, of In- dependence, Mo., a daughter of the late William J. Moseley. Her mother,

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Mrs. Julia Moseley, nee Yellman, lives in Independence. Five children have been born to Thomas H. and Maud Swope, as follow: Maude Louise, Julia, Thomas H., Jr., Margaret, and Lucy Lee.

Mr. Swope has other extensive interests besides his farm holdings, but his greatest interest is manifested in his fine stock farm. His con- ception and knowledge of the breeding of fine stock is intelligent and it is evident that he understands the business in which he is engaged. Men of affairs and means who are endeavoring to raise the standard of stock in the country, such as Mr. Swope, are conferring a distinct benefit upon the community and country at large.

He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of Virginia City, Mont.

Major John L. Miles, of the Miles-Bostian Motor and Tire Company, Independence. Mo., was born in Clay County, Tenn., Feb. 26, 1878. He is a son of John J. and Mary B. (Browning) Miles, both of whom were reared in Tennessee. John J. Miles was a son of Geo. Miles a native of Virginia, who was a pioneer in Tennessee. John J. Miles died in 1859, and his widow resides at 134 East Elm street, Independence. She came to Independence with her family in 1892. The children of the Miles family are as follow: George W., Independence; Robert, Clay County, Tenn .; Mrs. Mattie Leon- ard, Victoria, La .; John L., of this sketch.

After leaving school, John L. Miles was employed in the grocery busi- ness and other mercantile lines and also served as city mail carrier for 12 years in Independence.

· In July, 1897, he enlisted in Company F, 3rd Missouri Regiment of the National Guard, and was with his regiment in the Spanish-American War, being stationed at Camp Alger, Va. He filled various offices in the com- pany and worked his way upward from private to a first lieutenancy. He was then transferred to Battery C, First Battalion of Missouri Field Artil- lery and was commissioned captain of this battery, which he commanded on the Mexican border in 1916. He was later made major of field artillery which was later designated by the war department as the 129th Field Artil- lery. Major Miles had command of the first battalion of the 129th Field Artillery during the regiment's service on the front in France, during the World War. He was overseas for a period of 11 months and was stationed in the Vosges Mountains, and served at St. Mihiel, the Argonne Forest and on the Verdun Sector and Conflans Offensive. He returned to the United States April 20, 1919 and was mustered out of the service June 22, 1919.

The first battalion of the 129th Field Artillery was the farthest ad-

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vanced artillery unit of the 35th Division, having advanced to Charpentry, France. They were at that place under constant shell fire for five days and lost a total of 84 men and 89 horses. Major Miles has nothing but words of praise for the men under his command and states that they were always willing, ready and eager to advance toward the enemy.

June 22, 1919, Major Miles returned to his home city and Oct. 1, 1919, he formed a partnership with Capt. Kenneth V. Bostian, who served with him in France and opened up their present business. The new firm is mak- ing good and are doing a thriving business.

Major John L. Miles is Post Commander of Tirey J. Ford Post of the American Legion, Independence. This Post was organized in July, 1919, with 15 charter members and the membership has now grown to over 250. The Post meets in the Elks Club Rooms on Tuesday night of each week.

William Russell Allen .- Allen's Phonograph Parlor, at the corner of Spring and Maple streets, Independence, Mo., is the only exclusive phono- graph house in the city and was founded by William Russell Allen May 21, 1919. Mr. Allen carries a line of Colonial phonographs, Columbia Grafa- nolas and Columbia records. This concern has had an excellent business since its beginning and has many satisfied patrons.

William R. Allen was born July 31, 1898, in Brookfield, Mo. He is a son of Fountain Riddell and Iva Dell (Cloyd) Allen, the former of whom is a native of Brookfield and the latter of Salisbury, Mo. Charles Edward Allen, grandfather of W. R. Allen, was a native of Kentucky and a pioneer of Charitan County, Mo. The Allens reside at 310 N. Delaware street. F. R. Allen is engaged in the real estate business with offices in the Battery Block.

When Mr. Allen was pursuing his third year's study in the Independ- ence High School, he harkened to the call of his country when war was declared against Germany and enlisted in the United States Navy April 14, 1917. After a period of training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Sta- tion he was sent to Norfolk, Va., and assigned to the U. S. Transport An- tigone. He served on this ship until his honorable discharge from the ser- vice in March, 1919. During his period of service, extending over nearly two years he made ten trips across the Atlantic.

Mr. Allen is treasurer of Tirey J. Ford Post, No. 21, of the American Legion and is a charter member of this organization. Although one of the youngest business men of the city he is a hustler and is fast building up a profitable business.

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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY

William Richard Harcourt, proprietor of the Harcourt Clothing Com- pany, 109 West Lexington street, on the south side of the Court House Square, Independence, Mo., was born in County Down, Ireland, Oct. 4, 1888, and is a son of Joseph and Margaret (Little) Harcourt, who lived all of their lives in County Down, Ireland, the former dying in 1891, and the latter in 1917.

Mr. Harcourt was educated in Warrenpoint, County Down, Ireland, in an academical institution of that city and began his career as a clerk in the stores of his native country prior to immigrating to America in 1906. He landed at Montreal, Canada, in that year and eventually found his way to Omaha, Neb., where he was connected with the Nebraska Clothing Com- pany and the King-Swanson Company until 1914. In that year he went to North Platte, Nebraska, and was engaged in the clothing business in that city until 1919.

In 1917, Mr. Harcourt enlisted in the Aviation Corps of the National Army and was sent to Fort Omaha and stationed there with the First Fly- ing Cadet Company until his honorable discharge from the service in November, 1918.

After his discharge from the army he returned to North Platte and continued in business there until March, 1919, when he sold his store to the Edwards Reynolds Company and came to Independence and established his present store. The Harcourt Clothing Company is one of the best stocked stores of its kind in Independence. The stock of men's clothing, hats and wearables for men and boys is first class and complete in every particular, and Mr. Harcourt has enjoyed an excellent business from the start, the concern being recognized as one of the solid and thriving insti- tutions of the city.

Mr. Harcourt was married Nov. 22, 1917, to Miss Ruth Jensen, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, a daughter of L. P. Jensen,'of that city.

Captain Kenneth V. Bostian, member of the Miles-Bostian Motor and Tire Company, Independence, Mo., was born in Independence and is a son of William and Margaret (Hinters) Bostian, the former of whom is pro- prietor of the Bostian Confectionery, and served for a number of years as postmaster of Independence.

Kenneth V. Bostian graduated from Independence High School in 1912 and enlisted in the Missouri National Guards in 1911, receiving an honor- able discharge from the State service in 1914. He re-enlisted July 3, 1915, and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the National Guard in Novem- ber, 1915. He was promoted to a first lieutenancy in July, 1917, and com-

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missioned a captain in October, 1918, the latter commission being awarded while he was in the Federal service. He was called by the Federal gov- ernment for service on the Mexican border in June, 1916 and served on the border until Dec. 22, 1916. In September, 1917, he went to Camp Doniphan and left the camp for overseas service in France in May, 1918, with the 129th Field Artillery, 35th Division. He was in the reserve at St. Mihiel and served in the battle of the Argonne Forest. Prior to this he had been stationed in the Vosges Mountain sector. October 10, 1918, he was de- tailed on instruction duty at the American Field Artillery School at Valda- hon, France, and was on duty at the school until May 24, 1919, at which time he received orders to return to the United States. Captain Bostian arrived at New York June 19, 1919, and received his honorable discharge from the service July 22, 1919.

Oct. 1, 1919 Captain Bostian formed a partnership with Major John L. Miles and established the Miles-Bostian Motor and Tire Company. This firm sells the Nash automobile and four different makes of excellent tires and are making a specialty of rebuilding worn tires.

Captain Bostian was married Aug. 4, 1917 to Miss Mary Salisbury of Independence, a daughter of Mark and Mary (McDearmon) Sallsbury of Kansas City, Mo. The Bostian family residence is at 602 North Delaware street.

Capt. Bostian is a member of Tirey J. Ford Post, American Legion, Independence, and is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Loyal Order of Moose.

Captain Spencer Salisbury, veteran of the World War, residing in Inde- pendence, Mo., has the distinction of being the only officer to raise or recruit his own company for service in the war when the United States declared war against Germany. He was born in Kansas City, Mo., Oct. 17, 1887, and is a son of Mark and Mary (McDearmon) Salisbury, of Kansas City.

After attending the public schools of Kansas City, Spencer Salisbury served for six years as constable of Blue township. In 1904 he enlisted in Company F, Third Regiment of Missouri National Guard and in 1914, he changed service from the infantry to field artillery. In 1916 he was sent with his command to the Mexican border in the Federal service and upon his return from the board he had his commission as first lieutenant, after having filled every position in his company below the captaincy ex- cepting that of cook or bugler. War having been declared against Ger- many in April, 1917, Captain Salisbury set about to recruit a company of

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field artillery and was elected captain of this company which was desig- nated as Battery E, 129th Field Artillery. His company was mustered into the service in August, 1917 and was sent to Camp Doniphan for thorough training. In April, 1918, they were sent overseas with the 35th Division. Captain Salisbury and his men saw much active and arduous service in the Meuse region, the St. Mihiel sector, the Argonne Forest and Verdun. The brigade was taken out of the 35th Division in October, 1918 and made a part of the 81st Division and was on the firing line when the armistice went into effect. Capt. Salisbury remained in France until April, 1919, on duty in the Inspector General's department, and returned to the United States Sept. 26, 1919, being mustered out of the service at Camp Dodge, Iowa. Captain Salisbury raised the personnel of his battery in 17 days, recruiting his company from men in Independence, Kansas City, and Jackson County.

Captain Salisbury was married Feb. 20, 1914, to Miss Laura Workman, of Independence, Mo., a daughter of J. A. and Mary Workman of this city. One daughter has been born to this marriage, Mary Pearl Salisbury.

Captain Salisbury is a member of Tirey J. Ford Post, No. 21, Inde- pendence, Mo.

Sergeant R. Powell Cook, of the firm of Cook and Sermon, groceries and meats, Independence, Mo., was born in Independence, Jan. 9, 1894, and is a son of Charles H. and Cora (Howerton) Cook, both of whom were natives of Virginia, and migrated from their native State to Missouri in 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Cook now reside at 211 West Farmer street of this city. Their children are: Mrs. H. N. Beatty, Independence, Mo .; Charles H., Jr., Blue Springs, Mo .; Cora May Cook, Independence; and Sergeant R. Powell Cook of this review.

Sergeant Cook enlisted in Headquarters Company of field artillery April 29, 1917, was transferred to Battery E, 129th Field Artillery when the company was organized. He entered the National service Aug. 5, 1917 and on Sept. 26th. was sent to Fort Sill, Okla., for intensive training. From Fort Sill, his command was transferred to Camp Mills, Long Island and on May 10, 1918, arrived in Liverpool, England. After a six days stay and rest at Liverpool they were sent to France with the 35th Division. Sept. 4, 1918 Corporal Cook was appointed sergeant. His command was in the reserve force at St. Mihiel and was actively engaged in the Argonne Forest and in the Verdun Conflans Defensive. He was at the front when the armistice went into effect. Sergeant Cook served a total of 21 months

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and one day in the Federal Army and was mustered out of the service at Camp Funston, May 6, 1919.

October 20, 1919, the firm of Cook and Sermon was organized and they purchased the grocery and meat business of Curran, Schulenberg and Hausam, located on the north side of the square.

Sergeant Cook is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Blue Lodge and Chapter and is affiliated with the Loyal Order of Moose. He resides at 211 West Farmer street.

Charles Stewart, deceased, was a prominent farmer and stockman of Blue township, and a member of one of the oldest Jackson County pioneer families. He was a freighter and plainsman, veteran of the Civil War, and noted for his industry, honesty and upright citizenship. He left be- hind him a record of which his descendants can always be proud, and the community in which he resided was better for his having been long a resi- dent therein. Mr. Stewart was born on the farm where his family now resides, March 17, 1841, and died May 6, 1898. His remains are interred in the Salem church cemetery.

Charles Stewart was a son of Charles and Mary (Peters) Stewart, both of whom were natives of Tennessee. They were reared and married in their native State, and soon after their marriage they set out for the northland, to find a new home in the then unsettled country. The long, overland trip was made on horseback. They first located in Illinois, and then they came westward to Jackson County in the early thirties, locating near Atherton, in Blue township. Here they reared a family, built up a farm and spent the remaining years of their lives. The father's remains are buried in Jones cemetery, and the mother lies sleeping in the Jones cemetery.

The early education of Charles Stewart, Jr., was obtained in the primitive schools. When he was a youth the business of freighting goods over the Santa Fe trail and to western points by wagons was of consid- erable importance. The life of a freighter or ox and mule driver appealed to the young men of his neighborhood as affording adventure and the means with which to earn money. He became a freighter and teamster, and made several trips to the Southwest and the' then unknown West, with freighting outfits, and he also journeyed to California and Oregon during and after the Civil War. However, he served three months in the Federal Army during the war. After several years spent in freighting and in the western country he returned home and settled down to farming and stock raising, and established a splendid home for his family. The Stew-

CHARLES STEWART.

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art farm embraces 185 acres, 80 acres of which is rich, Missouri River bot- tom land. One hundred and five acres comprise the home place. The Stewart farm is very fertile, and is well improved with a large nine-room residence, erected in 1909, located on an elevation on the Atherton- Courtney highway. The land is adapted to the raising of alfalfa and the Stewart boys are making a success of alfalfa raising and the production of high grade Duroc Jersey hogs.

Charles Stewart was married in 1885 to Miss Agatha J. Mann, who was born March 8, 1861, in Indiana, a daughter of Benjamin F. and Mar- tha (Hawkins) Mann, who came to Jackson County from Indiana in 1874, and settled on a farm near Courtney, in Blue township. Mr. Mann de- veloped a fine farm, and he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives in Jackson County. Seventy acres of the Mann land is still owned by the heirs. The children born to Charles and Agatha J. Stewart are as follow: Nellie Stewart, graduate of Independence High School, studied at the Sargent School, Boston, Mass., and is now a teacher in Northeast High School; Benjamin M., assisting in the operation of the home farm; Mar- tha, graduated from Independence High School, and is the wife of Wil- liam B. Smith, Kansas City, Mo .; John C. Stewart, on the home place.

The Stewarts originally came from Virginia. Mrs. Stewart's ances- tors also came from Virginia, both old American families.

Mr. Stewart was a Republican. Benjamin M. Stewart is a Republican, and John C. Stewart is a Democrat. Mrs. Stewart is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, which Mr. Stewart attended. John C. Stew- art is a Thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason, and is a member of Ararat Temple of the Mystic Shrine, Kansas City.

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History of Jackson County, Missouri, Part 31

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