USA > Missouri > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Missouri > Part 55
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77
Columbus T. Fowlkes came to Jackson County, June 22, 1869, driving through to his destination. He brought with him a very fine stallion, which he rode part of the way. This horse belonged to his uncle, Allen Wagoner. Mr. Fowlkes began his career in Jackson County as a farm hand, receiving $20 per month. The first winter he spent here, he was employed by Jewell Lipscomb, feeding cattle. He purchased a farm of 56 acres in 1892 and later added to it until he now owns 148 acres. He has made improvements and has a very valuable farm upon which he carries on general farming and stock raising and has met with success.
Mr. Fowlkes was married March 26, 1873 with Miss Sarah A. Giffin, a native of West Virginia. She died in 1880, aged 24 years, leaving four children as follows: Hattie married H. Keine, St. Joseph, Mo .; Margaret E., married Robert L. McCary, Prairie township; Moettie, married Charles Wilburn, Cass County, Mo .; and William T., deceased. Mr. Fowlkes was married the second time, in 1884, to Lydia F. Haukenberry, a native of Illinois and to this union seven children were born, as follow: Etta May married J. W. Snodgrass, Grain Valley, Mo .; Harrison T., who is con- nected with the Citizens National Bank at Lees Summit; Nellie, married Charles Wyatt and lives in Sniabar township; Elsie E., married R. L. Trapp, Kansas City, Mo .; one child died in infancy ; Ray M., at home with his parents and Mrs. Flossie M. Welch, Kansas City, Mo.
Mr. Fowlkes is a member of the Presbyterian church and is a Mason.
Robert Kissel, the well known president of the Bank of Greenwood, and for many years a leading farmer and stockman of that vicinity, has been identified with the interests of Jackson County for nearly 40 years. He was born in Lycoming County, Pa., in Sept., 1848, and is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Lutz) Kissel, both natives of Pennsylvania. They were the parents of seven children, three of whom are now living, and Robert is the only one residing in Jackson County. The Kissel family removed from Pennsylvania to St. Louis, Mo. and four years later moved to Madison County, Ill., where they remained until 1882, when Robert Kissel came to Jackson County. The parents came West a few years later and both spent the remainder of their lives in the vicinity of Green- wood. The father died about 1900, at the age of 80 years.
608
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
Robert Kissel spent his boyhood days on a farm in Madison County, Ill., where his parents settled when he was six years old, and shortly after coming to Jackson County, in 1882, he bought 80 acres of land south of Greenwood. He improved this place and added additional acreage from time to time until he became the owner of a splendid farm of 266 acres which he still owns. He carried on farming and stock raising, and pros- pered. In 1912, he retired from the farm and moved to Greenwood. However, his interest in business and other affairs has not ceased. In 1903, he was one of the organizers of the bank of Greenwood, and at the organization of that institution he was elected vice-president and later became its president, which position he still holds.
Mr. Kissel has been twice married. His first wife bore the maiden name of Melissa Williams and she was born and reared in Madison County, Ill. To this marriage were born four children, as follows: Robert, who now conducts an auto livery business at Greenwood; Samuel, who is oper- ating the home place; Charles, deceased; and Ella, married George Ester- line, and lives in Madison County, Ill. The mother of these children died in Macupin County, Ill. and Mr. Kissel was later married to Miss Nancy Shade, a native of Virginia. Five children were born to this marriage, as follow: Minnie, resides at home with her parents; Vollie, deceased ; Clar- ence, Kansas City, Mo .; Grace Ecton, Kansas City, Mo .; and Harry, Kan- sas City, Mo.
Mr. Kissel is a Republican and a member of the Baptist church, of which he is one of the trustees. He takes a keen interest in public affairs and for a number of years has served as a member of the local school board. He is a substantial citizen and well-to-do and what success has come to him has been through his own industry and business foresight.
John H. Schuster, president of the Bank of Levasy, owner of 320 acres of rich Missouri River valley land in Fort Osage township, was born in Warren County, Mo., July 16, 1869. He is a son of Frederick W. and Elizabeth (Brown) Schuster, natives of Germany.
Frederick W. Schuster was born in 1834, and died in 1911. He was a son of Frederick Schuster, who emigrated from Germany to America in 1842, and settled in Warren County. Elizabeth Schuster was born in 1842, and died in 1915. She accompanied her parents to America in 1855. F. W. Schuster sold out his holdings in Warren County in 1889, and came to Jackson County. He purchased a splendid tract of land, improved it with a large residence and barns, and reared a family of children as fo1- lows: Frank, living at Pleasant Hill, Mo .; Minnie, deceased; Mrs. Alvina
J. H. SCHUSTER.
١ ٠ ٠٠٠ 1
609
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
Duebbert, living on the adjoining farm; Mrs. Emma Stoner, Lafayette County ; and John H., of this review. The last two named are twins.
John H. Schuster cared for his parents in their old age, and came into possession of the Schuster homestead through inheritance, and pur- chase of the interests of the other heirs. He has prospered, and is one of the substantial and well-to-do farmers of Jackson County. He has served as president of the Bank of Levasy since 1914. Nov. 6, 1919, he pur- chased 80 acres of land adjoining his 240-acre farm. Mr. Schuster's homestead raised a corn crop averaging 60 bushels to the acre in 1919.
Mr. Schuster was married in 1898 to Miss Amelia Luetkemeier, who was born in St. Charles County, Mo., a daughter of Rudolph Luetkemeier. The children born to this union are: Mrs. Verna Harrison, Levasy, Mo .; Bertha, Edna, Elvira, and Raymond, at home with their parents.
Mr. Schuster is a Republican, and is a member of the Evangelical church of Levasy.
Willis H. Young, deceased, was born in Jackson County, June 19, 1854, and was a descendant of early settlers in this county. His parents were Charles H. and Rebecca J. (Smith) Young, natives of Kentucky. Charles H. Young came to Missouri at a very early day and bought land near Blue Springs, becoming a very extensive land owner. Charles H. and Rebecca Smith Young were the parents of eight children, of whom Willis H., whose name introduces this sketch was the first in order of birth.
Willis H. Young was reared on his father's farm in the vicinity of Blue Springs and attended the district school. He began life for himself on rented land when he was 19 years of age, renting land from his father. A'year later, he bought a farm containing 100 acres, to which he added 60 acres more in a short time. He was succeeding in his farming operation and raising livestock, when in 1883, on account of failing health, he re- moved to Colorado with his family, which consisted of his wife and two children. Here he engaged in farming and stock raising and later bought a farm. He died in Colorado, May 21, 1898. He was a Democrat and took an active interest in political affairs during his career. He was a member of the Baptist church.
Jan. 23, 1873, Willis H. Young was united in marriage to Miss Mis- souri Wells, a native of Jackson County, born near Lees Summit, Jan. 11, 1855. She is a daughter of Isaac B. and Sarah A. (Shepherd) Wells, natives of West Virginia. Isaac Wells came to Jackson County with his parents at an early day, when he was a mere child. He was born in West Virginia, Jan. 30, 1826, and died in Jackson County, Jan. 29, 1912. His
610
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
wife was born in the same state in 1820 and died in 1864. They were devout members of the Baptist church.
To Willis H. and Missouri A. (Wells) Young were born the following children: Lottie L., deceased; Myrtle, deceased; Ella, residing at home with her mother; Mrs. Ollie N. Viergutz died, leaving three children, who now live with Mrs. Young; Charles I., deceased; Mrs. Naomi Hill, resides on her mother's farm and has three children; Edith P., married C. Boggs and lives at Lees Summit; Mrs. Zora I. Hamblen; William H., deceased ; and Susan, deceased.
After the death of her husband in Colorado, Mrs. Young remained in that state until 1901, spending 28 years in all in Colorado. She then returned to Jackson County and in 1905 purchased her present place in Prairie township. She owns 280 acres in all, 160 in Colorado and 120 in Prairie township, which is well improved and valuable land. The place is operated by her son-in-law, Arthur Hill. This farm is well stocked with high grade cattle and hogs and is one of the well managed and profitably conducted farms of Jackson County. In 1907, Mrs. Young built a large modern residence on the place and since that time has resided there.
Mrs. Young remembers many of the incidents of early day life in Jackson County. Although a child when the Civil War broke out, she has a vivid recollection of many incidents of those trying times.
Thomas B. Miller, well known and successful banker of Jackson County, who is the present cashier of the Greenwood Bank has been identi- fied with the interests of Jackson County for over 50 years, since he was 15 years old. Mr. Miller was born in Washington, Pa., May 19, 1853, and is a son of Mathew B. and Agnes (Fergus) Miller, both natives of Penn- sylvania. Matthew B. Miller was born in Pennsylvania in 1823, and came to Jackson County, in 1868. He settled on a farm near Lees Sum- mit and was successfully engaged in farming and stock raising. At the time of his death in 1886 he was the owner of 117 acres of land which is the property of Thomas B. Miller the subject of this sketch. Agnes (Fergus) Miller was born in Pennsylvania about 1835 and died in 1885.
Thomas B. Miller is the eldest of seven children born to his parents, five of whom are living. The others are as follow: David S., hardware merchant, Lees Summit; John, a farmer and stockman; Jennie, Green- wood, Mo .; and Agnes, married Arch Consolover, Prairie township.
Thomas B. Miller spent his boyhood days on his father's farm and was educated in the district school and attended business college in Kansas
611
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
City, Mo. In 1883 he engaged in the general mercantile business at Greenwood; at that time he was in partnership with H. J. Nicholeson. They also had stores at Axtel, Kan., and Virginia City, Neb. In 1903 when the bank of Greenwood was organized, Mr. Miller became one of the original stockholders and at the organization of the bank he was elected its president and W. H. Barren became cashier. Two years later Mr. Miller purchased Mr. Barron's stock and and became cashier of the bank and has held that position since, about 15 years. The bank of Greenwood has had a substantial growth and development since its organization and its business has been conducted along the lines of sound financial policies. The following is a statement of the bank of Greenwood at the close of business Aug. 28, 1919. Resources : loans, $64,689.36; overdrafts, $139.98; bonds, $1,851.33 ; real estate, $1,400.00; furniture and fixtures, $1,190.05; cash and sight exchange, $45,354.62; total, $114,625.34. Liabilities: capital stock, $10,000.00; surplus, $10,000.00; undivided profits, $367.62; deposits, $92,689.34; other liabilities, $1,578.38; total, $114,625.34.
March 3, 1911, Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Mrs. Maud (Crockett) Coon, a native of Canada. Mrs. Miller has one child by her former marriage, now Mrs. Stella Rankin of Greenwood. To Mr. and Mrs. Miller have been born two children, Dunkin and Faith.
Mr. Miller is a Republican, although first of all he is a business man. He has a wide acquaintance in Jackson and Cass counties and his counsel in business affairs is highly valued by those who know him.
Joseph H. Powell, a well known and successful farmer and stockman and the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres of land in Prairie township, has been identified with the interest of Jackson County for over half a century. He was born in Franklin County, Ohio, Dec. 25, 1849, and is the son of William and Rebecca (Gray) Powell.
William Powell was a native of Pennsylvania and when a boy re- moved to Ohio with his parents, Archibald and Elizabeth Powell, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. William Powell came to Jackson County, Mo., with his family in 1866, and here engaged in farming and stock raising, and became well to do. At the time of his death, about thirty-two years ago, he was the owner of over four hundred acres of land in Jackson County. His wife, Rebecca (Gray) Powell, was a native of Maryland and died in Jackson County. They were the parents of nine children as follow: Elizabeth J., deceased ; Arron C., deceased ; Theodosia Ann, deceased; Archibald McCoy, deceased; Thomas B., deceased; Mary, the widow of Eli P. Holbert, now residing at Lees Summit, Mo .; Joseph H.,
612
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
the subject of this sketch; Jacob L., Lees Summit, Mo .; and Clara Emma, married R. Hiatt, Prairie Home township.
Joseph H. Powell was reared on a farm and received his education in a district school. He bought his present place in Prairie township in 1876. It is located two miles east of Lees Summit on the rock road, and is well improved. Mr. Powell carries on general farming and stock raising and in addition to his interest in agriculture, he is interested in otha: activities. He assisted in the organization of the Citizens Bank of Lees Summit, which began business in 1907, and he has been a stockholder and a member of the board of directors of that institution since its organ- ization.
October 2, 1887, Mr. Powell was united in marriage with Miss Anna B. Powell, a native of Jackson County, born near Independence. While her maiden name was Powell she and Mr. Powell were not related. She is a daughter of John D. and Parthena (Meddow) Powell, the former a native of Jackson and the latter of Cass County, Mo. To Joseph H. Powell and wife has been born one child, Jennie, who married W. M. Mayes, Chanute, Kan. She is a graduate of Lexington College at Lexington, Mo.
Mr. Powell is a member of the Baptist church and in politics is a Democrat. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and one of Jackson County's well known and substantial citizens.
J. Roy Harris, assistant cashier of the Bank of Greenwood, is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of Jackson County. Mr. Harris is a native son of this county, having been born on a farm in Van Buren township March 9, 1890. He is a son of James T. and Roxanna C. (Rice) Harris, and one of three children born to them and is the only one living.
James T. Harris was born in Jackson County, Jan. 4, 1863, and is a son of Samuel B. Harris, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Roxanna C. Rice Harris is also a native of Jackson County and was born Feb. 7, 1867. She is a daughter of William B. and Experience (Hewitt) Rice, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Illinois, and are both now deceased. The Rice family were early settlers in Jackson County, coming here before the Civil War.
J. Roy Harris was reared on the home farm in Prairie township and received his education in the public schools, graduating from the Greenwood High School in the class of 1905. He was engaged in farm- ing and stock raising until 1919 when he became assistant cashier of the Bank of Greenwood and is now serving in that capacity. He is a capable young man and well qualified for the responsible position which he holds.
613
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
March 19, 1913,. J. Roy Harris was united in marriage with Miss Sonotria E. Kite, a native of Kansas and a daughter of Frank L. and Margaret S. (Pedicord) Kite, the former a native of Illinois and the latter of Ohio. The Kite family now live in Cass County, Mo.
Mr. Harris is a Democrat and he and Mrs. Harris are members of the Christian church and are well known and have many friends in Jackson County.
Samuel B. Harris, now living retired at Greenwood, Mo., after an active and successful career, is one of the few surviving early pioneers of Jackson County. He was born in Patrick County, Va., May 12, 1830, a son of William and Rhoda (Burnett) Harris, natives of Virginia. They came to Jackson County, Mo., in 1830, when Samuel B. was an infant, and located on a farm in Sniabar township and there spent the remainder of their lives. William Harris was born in 1795 and died in 1847 and his wife was born in 1800 and died in 1878. They were the parents of 15 children, of whom Samuel B. was the seventh in order of birth and the only survivor.
Samuel B. Harris grew to manhood on the old Harris homestead which was entered from the government in Sniabar township and about the time he reached his majority, he went to California, during the gold excitement and remained on the Pacific coast for seven years. He then returned to Jackson County and settled near Blue Springs, where he was engaged in farming until 1867. He then went to Bates County, Mo. and after remaining there 13 years returned to Jackson County and engaged in farming near Raytown. Later he removed to Blue Springs and about a year afterwards bought a farm of 200 acres in Prairie township, which he still owns. He has been engaged extensively in stock raising and has met with success in feeding cattle for the market. In 1911, he retired from his farm and moved to Greenwood where he is spending the sunset of his life in well merited rest.
Samuel B. Harris has been twice married. He was first married in August, 1860, to Parlee Webb, a native of Jackson County, Mo. and a daughter of John and Elizabeth Webb. Mrs. Harris died in Bates County, leaving seven children, as follow: Lucy married M. Hizer and is now a widow residing in Kansas City ; James T., Prairie township; Emma, mar- ried James Andrew, Colorado ; Oscar, Prairie township; John, Greenwood, Mo .; Charles, Prairie township; and Albert, Prairie township. Mr. Harris was married the second time in 1879 to Cornelia A. McClintock, a native of Illinois, born in Hancock County. To this union have been born four
614
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
children: Prudence, married John H. Powell, Prairie township; Alvin, now occupies the home farm in Prairie township; Carrie, deceased; and Cleveland, resides at home with his parents.
Mr. Harris has been a lifelong Democrat and is a member of the Christian church.
Milton A. Hullinger, of Greenwood, Mo., has been a resident of Jack- son County since 1884 and during that time he has been actively identified with the agriculture interest of this section. He was born in Logan County, Ohio, April 3, 1863, and is a son of William and Ann (Taylor) Hullinger and was the only child born to them. They were both natives of Ohio, the former was born in Clark County in 1839 and died in Logan County, Ohio, in 1914 and the latter born in Logan County, Ohio, in 1843 and now resides in that county.
William Hullinger served in the Union army during the Civil War for two years. He enlisted in Logan County in Company C, 23rd United States Cavalry and participated in a number of important battles and campaigns. He was with Sherman on his march to the sea. After the war he returned to Ohio and spent the remainder of his active career engaged in farming.
Milton A. Hullinger was reared on the home farm in Ohio, and edu- cated in the public schools in that State, and in early life learned the stone cutter's trade. He worked at that vocation for a few years in Ohio, and in 1884 came to Jackson County and worked at this trade until 1895. He then engaged in farming, near Greenwood, first renting a farm, which he purchased, and now owns a good farm of 200 acres of productive land which is well improved. Mr. Hullinger has been a stockholder in the Bank of Greenwood since its organization, and has served as vice-president and is now secretary of the board of directors.
Dec. 26, 1898, Milton A. Hullinger was united in marriage with Fanrte E. Wilson, a native of Jackson County. She is a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Farmer) Wilson, both members of some of the first pioneer families of Missouri, and very early settlers in Jackson County. James Wilson was born in Cooper County in 1819, and settled in Jackson County with his parents in 1823. Mr. and Mrs. Hullinger have no children.
Mr. Hullinger is a Republican, and a member of the Baptist church. He holds membership in the Knights of Pythias Lodge, and he is recog- nized and a representative citizen, worthy of the esteem and confidence of his fellowman.
615
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
William Totten, now deceased, was an early settler in Jackson County, and a man who saw much of the pioneer life in the West. He was a native of Ohio, born in Columbiana County, Feb. 14, 1826, and died in Jackson County, Missouri, in 1900. He went West, to Iowa from his native State, at a very early day. In 1869 he came from Iowa to Jackson County, driv- ing in a covered wagon, or what was known in those days as a "Prairie schooner." After coming to this county he engaged in farming on rented land near Greenwood. Later he bought property, became actively identified with the interests of the community, and was engaged in the creamery business at Greenwood for a number of years. He was a progressive citi- zen, and took an active part of the bettering and the upbuilding of the com- munity. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and was a Re- publican. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Prudence Bailey, was a native of Jefferson County, Ohio. She died in 1901.
To William Totten and wife were born four children, as follow: Eliza- beth S., who resides at Greenwood, and is assistant postmistress; Mar- garet A., was appointed postmistress of Greenwood, Oct. 1, 1909, and has served in that capacity with general satisfaction to the many patrons of that office, as well as the government officials, to the present time. She is ably assisted in the discharge of the duties of the office by her sister, Elizabeth S., and the two sisters reside together in their well located and comfortable home in Greenwood. Freelove Maria Totten, the third child born to William Totten and wife, married Henry Ruff, and is now a widow and resides at Kingsville, Mo. Johnson H., the youngest of the family, died at the age of one year.
The Totten sisters are members of the Presbyterian church at Green- wood, and are representatives of the best citizenship of the community.
James H. Bowin, a successful farmer and stockman, of Prairie town- ship, was born in Jessamine County, Kentucky, June 7, 1862. He is the son of George A. and Sallie A. (Grant) Bowin, both natives of Tennessee. They were the parents of 12 children, seven of whom are living, as follow: Mollie, married George Riddle, Kansas City, Mo .; Lizzie, married D. C. Allbriten, Kansas City, Mo .; Ella, married E. E. King, Centertown, Ark .; Samuel B., Lees Summit, Mo .; Lulu, resides at St. Paul, Minn .; Nannie, married W. B. Schultz, Kansas City, Mo .; James H., the subject of this sketch.
George A. Bowin, came to Jackson County and located near Greenwood, Sept. 13, 1880. He was engaged in farming for a number of years in Cass County, prior to settling in Greenwood.
616
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
James H. Bowin spent his boyhood days on the farm in Kentucky, and was educated in the district schools of that State and the public schools of Lexington, Ky. He began farming on his own account on rented land in 1886, and was thus engaged for 15 years, when he purchased his present place of 80 acres in Prairie township. His farm is well improved and he has recently built a modern residence, which is equipped with electric lights, hot and cold water, and all other modern conveniences.
Mr. Bowin was married Feb. 26, 1890, to Miss Cora J. Sample, a native of Jackson County, and a daughter of David and Mary (Boyer) Sample, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Bowin have been born three children, as follow: David E., who resides at home with his parents ; Mary E., married W. R. Norris, and resides in Prairie township; and George B., at home.
Mr. Bowin is a Democrat, and a member of the Christian church. He is well known in Jackson County, and the Bowin family is prominent in the community.
Judge William G. Chiles .- The death of William G. Chiles, of Fort Osage township, in December, 1915, removed from this earthly realm a citizen of worth and integrity of purpose who capably filled the office of county judge, and who had, in the course of a long and useful life, been a material factor in the development of the great west and the upbuild- ing of Jackson County. Born in Jackson County, he lived to see his native heath develop from a wilderness to a thriving and prosperous and populous community. A plainsman and freighter to far western points in the pioneer days of the initial development of the great west, Mr. Chiles lived to see the great American desert, as it was called 50 years ago, filled with towns and cities and thriving farms. He, who traveled in his younger days over the rough trails which led to far off places in the west and southwest, and which were infested with the savage Indians, lived to see the railway girdle the country over which he had charge of overland freight trains drawn by oxen and horses in the old days.
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.