USA > Missouri > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Missouri > Part 70
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Thomas and Emily (Lawrence) Boten were the parents of seven children as follows: Charles, Prairie township; William L., Blue town- ship; Edward, Johnson County, Mo .; John O. resides on the old homestead in Prairie township; Dora, also resides on the home place; Thomas J., the subject of this sketch and Oscar lives in Prairie township.
Thomas J. Boten was reared on his fathers farm in Prairie township and received his education in the district school and the public schools of Lees Summit, he remained at home with his parents until he was 21 years of age when he began his independent career as a farmer on rented land. In 1911 he purchased his present place which is now a well improved farm of 80 acres of valuable and productive Jackson County land. Since pur- chasing this place Mr. Boten has made extensive improvements includ-
MR. AND MRS. T. J. BOTEN.
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ing a modern and attractive bungalow. Mr. Boten spent some time in South Dakota where he owned 240 acres of land before purchasing his present place.
In February, 1906, Thomas J. Boten was united in marriage with Olive Vance, a native of Iowa, and to this union three children were born, as follows: Dorotha, Bernice and Arthur.
Mr. Boten is a Democrat, and one of Jackson County's public spirited citizens. In 1912 Mr. Boten ran one of the first gas tractors in Jackson County, using it for his thrashing. His farm work is now carried on with a Fordson tractor.
Isaac L. Maness, well known merchant who is also engaged in farm- ing and stock raising at Hicks City, Van Buren township, is a native of Missouri. He was born in Johnson County, Oct. 8, 1871, and is a son of William E. and Lydia A. (Carlyle) Maness and was one of eight children born to them, five of whom are now living. William E. Maness was born in McDonald County, March 17, 1848, a son of Lasus and Amanda (Ken- ney) Maness, natives of Tennessee and pioneer settlers of Missouri. Lydia A. (Carlyle) Maness, mother of Isaac L., was born in Ray County, Mo., April 2, 1850, and died in 1902. She was a daughter of Thomas Carlyle, whose wife was a Miss Lynn and they were both natives of Ohio and of English descent. They settled in Missouri at an early day and lived near Lexington for a time and later moved to Johnson County. William E. Maness settled in Jackson township, Johnson County, Mo., in 1868. The fact that he located here was more of an accident than a matter of choice, as at that time he was on his way back to Illinois with other members of the family when some of them were taken sick and were unable to pro- ceed and thus they made Johnson County their home for some time.
Isaac L. Maness was reared on the home farm and attended the dis- trict school in the Elm Spring district and also the Washington school. In 1892 he began farming for himself in Johnson County. During his early experience he passed through the lean days of farming in the West. He has sold wheat which tested 62, for 36 to 40 cents per bushel, and during the course of his career he has bought corn for as low as 18 cents per bushel, and in 1919 he paid $2.05 per bushel. Mr. Maness owns 160 acres of land in Jackson County and in 1905 he purchased the store at Hicks City, where he has since been engaged in the general mercantile business. He also buys and ships produce. His place of business is located in the heart of a rich agricultural district and during his 15 years in the mercantile business there, he has built up an extensive and profit-
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able business and is recognized as one of Jackson County's successful business men.
April 17, 1898, Isaac L. Maness was united in marriage with Miss Anna M. Davis, a native of Johnson County, Mo., born near Columbus. Her parents were William Davis and a Miss Duthridge, both natives of the South where they were married. Although a Southern man, William Davis served in the Union army during the Civil War.
To Mr. and Mrs. Maness have been born the following children: Flora, married L. Gregg and lives in Johnson County ; Violet married Ace Neces- sary of Jackson County; and Gladys and Mackie residing at home with their parents.
Mr. Maness is a member of the Baptist church and in his political views he is independent.
Zachariah T. Perkins, a well known and progressive farmer and stock- man of Washington township, is a native son of Jackson County and a descendant of pioneers of this section of the state. He was born in Prairie township April 19, 1847, and is a son of Jesse G. and Mary Ann (Cook) Perkins, to whom were born four children as follows: Jemison, deceased; Susan Elizabeth Scovill, who is now a widow and resides at Lees Summit; Margaret Jane married Alonzo Wickman and is also now a widow, residing at Rockford, Ill .; and Zachariah T. whose name intro- duces this sketch.
Jesse G. Perkins, the father of Zachariah T., was born in North Carolina about 1814. He came to Jackson County in early manhood and was a very early settler in this part of Missouri. After coming here, he was married to Mary Ann Cook who was born in Jackson County in 1818. Her parents were pioneers of this section. She was a daughter of John Cook who, in the early days, owned the land at Independence which is now the fair grounds. He spent his life in this county and was a successful farmer and stockman. He died in 1853 and his wife departed this life in 1890, at the age of 72 years.
Zachariah T. Perkins was reared on a farm and received his early education in the district schools. He has been engaged in farming and stock raising since early life,and has resided on his present place for over 50 years, having settled here in 1868. He has seen much of the progress and development of Jackson County and recalls many pioneer incidents of the days before the Civil War.
Mr. Perkins was united in marriage Aug. 10, 1875, with Miss Mary Virginia Mansell, a native of Louisville, Ky. She came to Jackson County
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with her parents, Edgar M. and Mary C. (McKinley) Mansell, when she was two years of age and has therefore been a resident of Jackson County practically all her life. Her father was a native of South Carolina and her mother of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins have no children.
Mr. Perkins is a Republican and has to his credit a long and honor- able career in Jackson County, where he and Mrs. Perkins are highly regarded. During the Civil War he served for a time in the State militia.
Edward C. Harrington, secretary of the Independent Airless Tire Company, is a native of Canada, born at London, Ontario, Dec. 10, 1879. He is a son of Edgar and Harriet (Randall) Harrington. The father was
a native of England and a son of an English physician. He learned the trade of shipbuilder in his native land and when a young man went to Canada. He came to Jackson County, Mo. in 1903 and spent the remainder of his life here in retirement. He died in 1910, aged 78 years, and his wife died in 1905. Their remains are buried in Mound Grove cemetery.
Edward C. Harrington was educated in the public schools of Kansas City, Kan., Central Business College and Spaulding's Commercial College. When he was about 16 years old, he entered the office of the Campbell Glass and Paint Company as office boy. One year later he went with the Phil R. Toll Box Company in a similar capacity. He remained with this company until 1902, having been promoted from one position of responsi- bility to another, until he was superintendent. In 1902, he became auditor for the Badger Lumber Company, with main offices at Kansas City, Mo. He remained with this company until 1905, when he went with the Inde- pendent Sash, Door and Lumber Company and later became secretary, treasurer and general manager. In August, 1911, Mr. Harrington en- gaged in the insurance business and in October, 1918, he became secretary of the Independent Airless Tire Company.
The Independent Airless Tire Company was organized in the fall of 1918, with a capital stock of $75,000. The organization was completed in January, 1919, with the following officers: J. E. Bridges, president; Eben Miller, vice-president; and E. C. Harrington, secretary. The pro- duct of this factory is meeting with a popular demand which has insured the success of the enterprise from the start. The first tire was produced July 12, 1919, and at the present time the output of the factory for the next six months is sold.
The tire is made by mixing pure rubber with a composition invented by Roselle, some years ago. The result is 75% rubber and 25% compo- sition, which gives strength and added elasticity. The new product is a
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filler used inside the usual casing, forced on by machinery made for the purpose. When installed, and the tubes are sold installed, there is no more trouble until the casing wears out, and the casing may wear full of holes, and still the tires will give good service. The manufacturers guar- antee twice the mileage when these fillers are used and reason that the tire has paid for itself, wherein two sets of casings are worn out, and still the filler is as good as new. The tube when finished looks like red rubber. It is perforated at regular intervals, giving elasticity and strength. In the manufacture of these fillers, the pure gum is fed between two heavy rolls and mixed thoroughly with the composition. The resulting piece is something of the shape and size of a cowhide. This is sent through a machine and compressed with terrific pressure into a round piece an inch and a half in diameter. This in turn goes into a mould under a 1900 pound pressure and is moulded into the proper shape, after which it is cooked for two hours. The fillers are then seasoned for several days and are ready for use. The machines are operated by a 50 horse power elec- tric motor. A large boiler furnished the steam for cooking and a pump holds the material under 1,900 power pressure. The whole process is as nearly automatic as possible.
Edward C. Harrington was united in marriage June 30, 1904, with Miss Nellie May Hidy, of Independence, Mo. She is a daughter of George and Addie (White) Hidy. Her mother is now deceased and her father resides in Kansas City, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Harrington have been born three children, as follows: Phillip R., now a student in the Independence High School, who has made an excellent record in scholarship; William Howard, and Richard Lee.
Mr. Harrington takes a commendable interest in public affairs and served as a member of the city council from 1908 to 1910. He is an alert and progressive business man and is one of Jackson County's valued citizens.
Howard Lindsay, now deceased, was for many years identified with the business interests of Jackson County, and during the course of his career was widely known and highly respected throughout this section of the State. He was born in Kenton County, Ky., Dec. 24, 1851, and died at Grandview, Mo., Aug. 20, 1919. He was a son of David and Malvina (Grigsby) Lindsay, natives of Kentucky. The Lindsay family came to Jackson County in 1872, and settled on a farm near Kansas City, in the vicinity of what is now the Country Club district. Later the parents moved to Belton, Mo., where they both spent the remainder of their lives.
HOWARD LINDSAY.
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Howard Lindsay was educated by private instructors, and never at- tended the public schools a day in his life. In early life he engaged in farming and stock raising, and owned 180 acres of land in the south- eastern part of Washington township. He was successful in his farming operations, and became an extensive breeder of Poland China hogs. He had a well improved and valuable farm, which he sold in 1911, and en- gaged in the hardware business, in partnership with his brother-in-law, Harvey Vest, at Grandview, Mo. He was engaged in this business until the time of his death.
Mr. Lindsay was a Democrat, and prominent in the councils of his party, and was elected a member of the State Legislature, serving in the 1902-1903 session of the General Assembly. He was a devout member of the Baptist church, and took a keen interest in religious work, giving liberally of his time and money to the cause of Christianity. He was a Mason, and prominent in lodge circles.
Feb. 29, 1876, Howard Lindsay was united in marriage with Miss Katie Vest, a native of Galletin County, Ky., and a daughter of Thomas K. and Emily (Crowe) Vest, both natives of Kentucky, and early settlers in Jackson County, Mo., coming here about 1873. Mrs. Lindsay is a rela- tive of the late United States Senator George Vest. She is an estimable lady, and held in the highest esteem in the community.
O. H. Gentry, Jr., sheriff of Jackson County, and a member of the firm of Pendleton and Gentry, druggists, was born in Prairie township, this county. He is a son of Joseph H. and Mary (Henley) Gentry, natives of Bourbon County, Ky., who settled in Jackson County in the early fifties. O. H. Gentry, Jr., is descended from one of the old and prominent Amer- ican families. His progenitors fought in the American Revolution under General Washington, enlisting in the Continental army from Virginia. His grandmother was a Miss Tribble, prior to her marriage with O. H. Gentry's grandfather, and she was a niece of Daniel Boone.
Joseph H. Gentry developed a farm four miles south of Raytown, Jackson County, Mo. and when Order No. 11 was issued he removed with his family to Kentucky, where his death occurred in 1863 at the age of 32 years. In her old age, Mrs. Gentry made her home with O. H. Gentry, Jr., and died at the age of 83 years. The other children of the family, besides O. H. Gentry are: Alonzo H., deceased, went to Colorado when a young man and engaged in the cattle business, served as sheriff of Otero County, Col. and after a residence there of a quarter century he
-
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returned to Jackson County and died here at the age of 62 years; Joseph H., Independence, Mo .; R. A., Independence, Mo.
O. H. Gentry, Jr., was educated in the public schools and the State University at Columbia, Mo. and took up the study of pharmacy after engaging in business in Independence and graduated from the Phila- delphia School of Pharmacy in 1882. He worked his way through col- lege. Upon his return to his home county he organized the drug firm of Pendleton and Gentry in July, 1882. His first partner was J. C. Pendle- ton, who was later succeeded by his brother, Fleming Pendleton in 1888.
Mr. Gentry was married May 19, 1884 to Emma F. Robertson of Saline County, Mo., a daughter of Walter and Mary (Harl) Robertson, both of whom were natives of Kentucky and pioneers of Saline County. Three children have been born to this marriage: Alonzo H. Gentry, an architect, Cleveland, Ohio; Walter R. Gentry, was a registered pharmacist in business at New Haven, Conn., died in 1918; Mary Overton Gentry, wife of L. L. Shaw, Germantown, Pa. The Gentry family residence is located at 203 South Main street.
Mr. Gentry was elected treasurer of Jackson County three times and served three terms in this office. In 1916 he was elected sheriff of the county and is serving his first term in this position.
Edmond L. Adams, farmer and stockman, owner of 237 acres of land in the Blue bottoms near Atherton, was born on the Adams home place in the Blue bottoms, Blue township, in 1871. He is a son of William C. Adams of Atherton and the grandson of Lynchburg Adams, the first pioneer settler of Jackson County, who, 100 years ago (1820), settled on the banks of the Missouri River. William C. Adams, father of Edmond L. Adams, is the oldest living native born pioneer of Jackson County. Biographies of both William C. and Lynchburg Adams appear in this volume.
E. L. Adams was reared on his father's farm in Jackson County, and was educated in the district school, the Independence public and high school and Morrisville College. He has always followed the vocation of his forefathers and has been successful in all of his undertakings. His first farm, after he began on his own account, was a place three miles north of Atherton. After a residence of seven years on this place he removed to the Adams home place and farmed it for some years. He purchased his present home place of 80 acres in 1912. He paid for this land, $200 an acre and which is now worth over $300 an acre. In fact, Mr. Adams has refused an offer of $300 an acre for the land, which is one of the richest
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tracts in Missouri. In the fall of 1919 he purchased 157 acres from Mr. Hifner for $170 an acre.
In December, 1899, Mr. Adams was married to Miss Margaret Keith- ley. This marriage has been blessed with children as follow: Francis, born June 20, 1901; Harry, born Dec. 25, 1902; Melvin, born Nov. 10, 1911. The mother of the foregoing children was born on a farm in the Blue bottoms, Oct. 10, 1879 and is a daughter of O. O. and Emma Kath- erine (Samples) Keithley, who reside in Atherton. O. O. Keithley was born in 1851 and came to Jackson County from Vernon County, Mo., soon after his marriage in the early seventies. Mrs. Emma K. Keithley was born in Kentucky in 1855 and accompanied her father, Jackson Samples, to Jackson County, Mo., in 1867.
Mr. Adams is a stanch Democrat of the old school who is a firm be- liever in democratic principles of government. He and his family worship at the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Independence Lodge No. 76.
Thomas J. Clark, 5618 Harrison street, Kansas City, Mo., member of the firm Street and Company, Investment Bankers, 15th and West 10th streets, is a member of one of the old pioneer families of Jackson County. He is a son of David M. and Mary E. Clark who resided on a farm near Blue Springs. He was born there Oct. 22, 1874, was educated in the public schools and Independence High School and after leaving school went to Kansas City where he has risen to become a successful citizen. Mr. Clark, for ten years past, has been a member of the Kennedy Invest- ment Company and has lately become associated with Street and Company, Investment Bankers.
David M. Clark was born at Richmond, Va., June 6, 1821 and died Dec. 13, 1911, at Blue Springs, Mo. He came from Virginia to Jackson County in 1846 and settled on a farm near Blue Springs, and at the time the Civil War began, he had become owner of a farm of 360 acres, was a slave owner and an extensive stockman. Aug. 20, 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate service under Capt. Henry Brooking and served through- out the war. During the war his family moved to Greenton, now Odessa, Mo., and remained there while Order No. 11 was in effect. Mr. Clark was married June 17, 1852 to Mary E. Harris, of Jackson County. She died July 31, 1919. This marriage was blessed with children as follow: Robert H., born June 1, 1853, lives at Blue Springs ; George Samuel, born May 28, 1855, lives at Louisburg, Kan .; William H., born Aug. 28, 1857, died in August, 1905; David C., born May 16, 1859, died in the state of Wash-
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ington, July 26, 1911; Lucy Mary, born in March, 1861, died at the age of two years; Laura wife of Snyder Gale, lives at Freeman, Mo.
Thomas J. Clark was married Dec. 21, 1906, to Ardella P. Cooper, of Chanute, Kan. The children born to this marriage are: Mildred Enid, born Oct. 24, 1907; Virginia Mary, born Oct. 10, 1908; Dorothy Dale, born Nov. 3, 1910; Dana Maxwell, born Nov. 3, 1910 and died July 3, 1911. The last two children born were twins.
James W. Stone, a progressive farmer and stockman, of Prairie town- ship, is a native of Jackson County. He was born in Blue township, Oct. 1, 1856, and is a son of Caleb and Martha E. (Wood) Stone. Caleb Stone was a native of Caldwell County, Ky., born Aug. 14, 1829. He came to Jackson County in 1852, where he was successfully engaged in farming and stock raising for many years. About 25 years ago, he retired and moved to Kansas City, Mo., where he resided until the time of his death, May 25, 1912. He was widely known in Jackson County, and was a prom- inent member of the Masonic Lodge, and took an active interest in Ma- sonry, being a Thirty-second degree Mason. His remains are buried at Lees Summit. Martha E. (Wood) Stone, mother of James W. Stone, was born in Jackson County, Aug. 9, 1837, and is a member of one of Jackson County's very early pioneer families. She now resides in Kansas City, Missouri.
To Caleb and Martha E. (Wood) Stone were born eight children, as follows: Mrs. Nannie Osborn, Kansas City, Mo .; James W., the subject of this sketch; John N., deceased; Mollie, married James Gray, Kansas City, Mo .; Minnie, married H. T. Ritter, Lees Summit, Mo .; and Allen, a wholesale produce merchant, Topeka, Kan. Two children died in infancy.
James W. Stone was reared on the farm in Jackson County, and at- tended the district school. When 21 years of age, he began farming on his own account, on rented land. In 1894, he purchased 30 acres of land, and he has added to this farm from time to time, as opportunities offered, and now owns 80 acres, upon which he has made many improvements. In addition to general farming, he is quite extensively engaged in breeding pure-bred Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs.
Mr. Stone was united in marriage March 28, 1878, with Miss Agnes Anna (Garrison), a native of Jackson County, Mo., and a daughter of Augestine and Elizabeth Cabness (Garrison), both of whom died when Mrs. Stone was a child. To Mr. and Mrs. Stone have been born five chil- dren, as follows: Lambert, deceased; Luther E., Topeka, Kan .; Addie P., deceased ; Elsie Lee, resides at home, and Ruby A., deceased.
JAMES W. STONE.
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Mr. Stone is a stockholder and a member of the board of directors of the Farmers Bank of Lees Summit. He is a member of the Christian church, and is a Thirty-second degree Mason. He is a Democrat. While Mr. Stone is not an old man, by any means, he was born at just the right time to be a witness to the many changes and wonderful development that has taken place in Jackson County during the half century past. He was just old enough to remember many events of the stirring and tragic days of the Civil War. He recalls the time when wagon roads were scarce, and the straight trail across the unfenced prairie was the open highway in any direction. He followed the furrow after a yoke of cattle many days, which seems like a memory of the remote past in view of the modern tractor.
Charles S. Harding, manager of the M. R. Smith Lumber & Shingle Company, is one of the progressive and well known business men of Inde- pendence, Mo. He was born in Sinclair County, Mo., June 21, 1881, and is a son of James A. and Sarah E. (Hatfield) Harding, the former a native of Missouri and the latter of Tennessee. James A. Harding was a vet- eran of the Civil War, having served in the Federal army about two years. He enlisted in Gundy County, Mo. He died in Appleton City, Mo., in 1883, and his wife died Jan. 19, 1919. They were the parents of the following children: John W., a bridge builder and contractor, East St. Louis, Ill .; A. L., Los Angeles, Cal .; James A., Newcomerstown, Ohio .; Sarah J., mar- ried H. H. Smith, and lives near New Salem Church, Mo .; Blanche married J. H. Fry, Colorado Springs; and Charles S., the subject of this sketch.
Charles S. Harding was educated in the public schools of Independ- ence, Mo., and when he was about 19 years of age, he acquired his first experience in the lumber business, entering the employ of the Badger Lumber Company of Independence, Mo. After two years he went with the Chicago Lumber & Coal Company at Norcatur, Kan. He remained with that company one year, when he entered the employ of the Berner Bowman Lumber Company in Kansas City. Later he was employed as head bookkeeper by Clark & Bates in their general office in Kansas City. He was then appointed chief clerk in the county clerk's office at Inde- pendence under county clerk S. A. Boyer. In 1909, Mr. Harding organ- ized the O. J. Raymond Lumber Company of Independence, which was succeeded by the M. R. Smith Lumber & Shingle Company in 1916. At that time Mr. Harding transferred his interests to the new company and was retained as manager, which position he now holds. This company is doing an excellent business and under Mr. Hardings capable management,
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has built up a large trade. The very appropriate motto of this success- ful concern is "A satisfied customer is our best advertiser."
Mr. Harding was married Dec. 24, 1902 to Miss Stella Paxton, a daughter of Jno. Paxton. Her parents are both deceased. Mrs. Hard- ing was born in Ray County, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Harding have been born three children as follows: Roy, Harold and Mary Charline.
Mr. Harding is a member of the Baptist church, the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He has an extensive acquaintance in Jackson County and has many friends.
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