USA > Missouri > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Missouri > Part 76
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J. C. Carpenter was a contractor and builder, one, who in the old days, knew his trade from tree trunk to the finished product of his skill. He was one of the original "forty-niners," hiring his tool chest hauled in one of a train of wagons starting at Weston's blacksmith shop in Inde- pendence, himself riding a mule, going over the Santa Fe trail, leaving his wife and small son, O. A. Carpenter, with relatives in Independence. He remained two years in California working at his trade and returned by water, coming around Cape Horn into the Atlantic ocean, up the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, landing north of Independence at old Wayne City landing. He lived at Independence until 1873, when he bought a farm in
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Cass County and moved there and engaged in farming. He now resides in Freeman, Mo. His children are as follow: Mrs. Robert S. Kimsey ; J. W. Carpenter, Pueblo, Colo .; Mrs. Anna Laura Gillespie, Cass County, Mo .; Mrs. Emily Pearl Beaver, Colby, Kan. Since she was 13 years old to the time of her marriage, Mrs. Kimsey was reared by her grand- mother. Her mother, Sarah Ellen (Chiles) Carpenter was born April 21, 1854 and is a daughter of James Ramsey and Jane (Kimsey) Chiles, the former of whom was a son of Joseph Chiles, a Jackson County pioneer who came here from Kentucky when a young man. Joseph Chiles was married in Westport to Polly Ann Stephenson, later locating permanently in California, rearing ten children. After their marriage in 1853, J. R. Chiles and wife started across the plains enroute to California on April 2. They made a home in California and remained there, Mrs. Chiles dying in California. Some years after her death, J. R. Chiles returned to Mis- souri and married Addie Johnson.
Aaron Overton, great grandfather of Mrs. Robert S. Kimsey, had the first flouring mill in Jackson County. This mill was operated by water power and located two miles north of Independence on and in con- nection with his mill. Mr. Overton operated a still. In the pioneer days he was one of the best known and influential men of the county. He was a kind slave owner and participated in the battle with the Mormons dur- ing the Mormon trouble.
The Kimsey residence in Fort Osage township is undergoing remodel- ing and is being transformed into a pretty modern bungalow which is attractive as well as comfortable.
Mr. Kimsey is a Democrat. He is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Sibley and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Buckner and the Royal Arch and Chapter of Independence. Mr. and Mrs. Kimsey are well informed, progressive and hospitable folk who have many warm friends in Jackson County.
George L. Triplett .- In this section of the country there are but few of the Old Guard, as the last survivors of the Union army who fought in the Civil War, are called. One of the remarkable facts of history in connection with the settlement and development of western Missouri is that, soon after the close of the Civil War, veterans of the war from the eastern states, who upon arrival home found that there seemed to be but few opportunities for them to succeed, came west and settled in the very country where their late enemies had been strongly entrenched. How- ever, there had never been any great personal animosity between the
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soldiers of the North and the South, and Union and Confederate veterans have always lived amicably side by side and cooperated in the development of the country.
George L. Triplett, Union veteran, who for over a half century has made his home in Jackson County, and now living retired at his home on 831 West Waldo street in Independence, is a fine type of citizen who has done well his part in the upbuilding of eastern Jackson County. Mr. Triplett is a native of Ohio, born in Pickaway County, Feb. 14, 1845. He is a son of Lawrence and Sarah Jane (Van Meter) Triplett the former of whom was a native of Kentucky and the latter a native of Ohio.
Sarah Jane (Van Meter) Triplett was a daughter of Abraham Van Meter, a native of Virginia, so it will thus be seen that George L. Triplett is descended from Southern stock. Lawrence Triplett was a son of John H. Triplett, who also was born in Virginia, emigrated to Kentucky and thence to Ohio. Tradition says that a Triplett served in the American Revolution and that the Tripletts are descended from English stock. Two sons of Sir Thomas Triplett, a former dean of Westminister Abbey, immi- grated to America from England and settled in the colony of Virginia. On the maternal side, Abraham Van Meter was a son of Joseph Van Meter who probably served in the American revolution.
To Lawrence and Sarah Jane Triplett were born three children: Laura, deceased; Isabelle, wife of Nelson Reeves, Oak Grove, Mo .; and George L., subject of this review.
At the outbreak of the Civil War, George L. Triplett enlisted in Com- pany H, Thirtieth Ohio Volunteers and served two years with the Union armies. He saw service with the Army of the Potomac and the Western Army and fought in the battle and Siege of Vicksburg, South Mountain, Antietam and the Second Battle of Bull Run. He received an honorable discharge from the army in 1863 and returned home to the parental farm.
Mr. Triplett was married in 1866 to Miss Margaret Elizabeth Lane who was born in Ohio, a daughter of Solomon and Ruanna (Alcon) Lane, of Ohio. She was born in 1844. The children born to this marriage are as follow: Van Meter, John F., Gustavus F., Florence J., Gertrude L., Charles R., De Loss and Sarah E. Van Meter is a retired farmer living at 111 North Delaware street, Independence. John F. died at the age of 33 years of typhoid fever. Gustavus F. was born in 1871 and is an exten- sive farmer living north of Oak Grove on the Triplett home place. Flor- ence is the wife of W. A. Cannon of Grain Valley has one son, Lawrence. Gertrude is the wife of Dr. W. R. Henderson, formerly of Oak Grove, now
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practicing in Old Mexico, has one son, Franklin P. Henderson. Charles R. Triplett is a farmer living northwest of Oak Grove is married and has three children, George, Mary and Charles. De Loss Triplett lives at Oak Grove, married Dora Gordon. Miss Sarah E. Triplett is at home with her parents. The late John F. Triplett was well and favorably known in east- ern Jackson County and for some years was successfully engaged in farm- ing and conducted a grain and live stock business at Levasy.
George F. Triplett came to Jackson County in 1868 and made his first location within one mile of the present Triplett homestead in Fort Osage township. His father-in-law and family had also come to this county from Ohio and Mr. Lane had purchased a farm which Mr. Triplett bought and proceeded to develop. Mr. Triplett purchased the Triplett home place in 1892. He and his son Gustavus F. Triplett own together over 440 acres of land, some of the best and most valuable in Jackson County. Mr. Triplett moved to Independence in 1910.
He is a Republican and is a member of the Grand Army of the Re- public, McPherson Post No. 4.
William Southern, Jr., editor and pub- lisher of The Independence "Examiner," was born in Tennessee, Nov. 4, 1864, and is a son of John Nelson Southern, well known attorney of Independence, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. William Southern, Jr., came to Independence with his parents, in 1869, and was educated at Westminster College, Fulton, Mo. He was employed in various newspaper offices until he founded the "Examiner," in February, 1898. The Independence "Daily Examiner" now has a circulation of 2,750 copies daily, and is a large, well printed, ably edited seven column sheet. While the "Examiner" is Demo- cratic in political matters, the editor is inde- pendent in his views, and this paper is fearless in its editorial expression at all times.
Mr. Southern was married in February, 1892, to Miss Emma Proctor, a daughter of Dr. Alexander Proctor, of Independence. Mr. and Mrs. Southern have two daughters: Caroline, at home; and Mary, wife of George P. Wallace, of Independence.
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Mr. Southern has served two terms as president of the Missouri State Press Association, and has filled the office of president of the Mis- souri State Historical Society one term. He is a member of the board of trustees of the Historical Society, a position which he has held for the past ten years.
He was president of the Masonic Building and Investment Company, which erected the Masonic Building in Independence. Mr. Southern has been affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons since 1898, , and has served the order as Master and High Priest.
Thomas C. Blackwell, a well known and successful stockman and farmer, and an extensive land owner in Prairie township, is one of Jack- son County's progressive citizens. Mr. Blackwell was born at Richmond, Ky., Sept. 26, 1855, and is a son of John R. and Matilda (Chenault) Black- well. John R. Blackwell was a Kentuckian, born at Richmond, Ky., in 1823. He was engaged in farming and stock raising in early life in his native State and in 1869, came to Jackson County, and bought land. Here he engaged in farming and stock raising, and met with unusual success in his undertaking. He died in 1904, and at the time of his death was the owner of 3,000 acres of land. His wife, Matilda (Chenault) Blackwell, was also a native of Kentucky. She died in 1846, at about 45 years of age. She was a devout Christian woman, and a consistent mem- ber of the Christian church. John R. Blackwell was a son of Randolph and Frances (Jett) Blackwell, both also natives of Kentucky, who spent their lives in that State. They were the parents of 12 children, of whom John R. was the youngest.
Thomas C. Blackwell received his early education in the public schools of Jackson County, and later attended William Jewell College at Liberty, Mo., and Bryant's School at Independence, Mo. Thus equipped with a good education, he began life as a farmer and stockman. At the death of his father, he inherited a part of the estate, which consisted of large land holdings in Jackson County, and since that time, he has acquired additional land, and now owns 1,800 acres of valuable land, upon which he has made extensive improvements. He is an extensive stock feeder, feeding large quantities of cattle for beef, and is recognized as one of the successful feeders in this section of the State.
Mr. Blackwell was united in marriage May 23, 1888, with Miss Sally Morgan Blackwell, a native of Winchester, Ky. She is a daughter of Armstead and Sally (Murphy) Blackwell, both natives of Kentucky, the former of whom is now deceased, and the mother resides with her daugh-
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ter, Mrs. Thomas C. Blackwell. Mrs. Blackwell is one of three children born to her parents, as follows: Felix, deceased; Mrs. Blackwell, and Lillie, deceased.
Thomas C. Blackwell was the eldest of three children born to his parents, the others being John R., who resides in Prairie Home township, and Anna, deceased.
To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Blackwell have been born three children: Randolph, deceased; Felix G., born Jan. 9, 1892, resides at home with his parents ; and Thomas C., deceased.
Mr. Blackwell is a Democrat, and Mrs. Blackwell and Felix G. are members of the Presbyterian church. The Blackwell family have been prominently identified with the growth and development of Jackson Coun- ty for many years, and rank among its foremost citizens.
George Jenkins, elder of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, First Quorum of Seventy, Independence, Mo., was born at Byrneville, Harrison County, Ind., April 1, 1862. He was a son of Jo- nathan and Hester Ann (McCullough) Jenkins, both of whom are de- ceased.
Jonathan Jenkins was born in Kentucky, Oct. 28, 1823, and died in Indiana, Aug. 5, 1897. His wife, Hester Ann, was born Dec. 7, 1826, and died Sept. 12 1909. Jonathan Jenkins was left an orphan in Kentucky by the death of his father, in 1827. After his father's death, his mother took her family and removed to Harrison County, where he was reared and married, afterwards devoting his life to farming pursuits. The children of the Jenkins family besides George Jenkins, of this review, are: Isaac, born Dec. 29, 1849, died in March, 1903; Julia Ann, born Jan. 25, 1852, is living on the Jenkins home place in Indiana; Thomas, born Jan. 11, 1854, lives in California, postoffice, "Sur"; David, born Oct. 25, 1855, Independ- ence, Mo .; Jonathan, Jr., born Aug. 27, 1857, Byrneville, Harrison County, Ind .; Spencer, born Jan. 31, 1860, Byrneville, Ind .; Lavina, born Aug. 22, 1864, died April 2, 1887; Eddie, born May 4, 1867, died March 21, 1873; Charlotte, born May 4, 1867, died Sept. 14, 1883. The two youngest chil- dren were twins.
George Jenkins obtained sufficient education in the schools of his na- tive county to enable him to obtain a school certificate. He followed farming until he was 26 years of age. He became interested in the creed of the Latter Day Saints, united with the church, and began preaching in his home locality. After a few years spent in local ministerial work he was sent as a missionary, and for several years traveled in Indiana, Illi-
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nois, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas, spreading the gospel ac- cording to the faith and teachings of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He came to Independence March 9, 1911, and was first connected with the Stone church, and is now connected with the Walnut Park church.
Rev. Jenkins was married March 25, 1884, to Martha Ellen Evinger, a native of Floyd County, Ind. She was born July 8, 1862, and is a daugh- ter of Solomon and Rebecca (Summers) Evinger, who were natives of Virginia. Mrs. Jenkins has a brother, Samuel Evinger, of Hamburg, Iowa.
The other children born to Solomon and Rebecca Evinger are: Mrs. Mariah Keithley, Georgetown, Ind .; and Sylvester Evinger, a fruit buyer and dealer, New York.
Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins reside at 1123 South Noland street.
James A. Stayton, member of an old and highly respected pioneer family of Jackson County, has lived true to family tradition, and occupies a high place in the citizenship of this county. Mr. Stayton is the owner of 252 acres of valuable farm lands in Brooking and Blue townships, south of Independence. He has resided on his land since Aug. 31, 1881, and has created in that time the finest farm plant in his neighborhood. The Stayton farms are improved with three handsome, modern residences, and all other buildings on the land are kept up in excellent shape. He and his sons are raising pure-bred Duroc Jersey hogs and cattle for the markets. An orchard covering two and a half acres supplies a great deal of fruit.
James A. Stayton was born June 22, 1857, on the old Stayton home place, east of Independence, which was settled upon by his grandfather, John Stayton, in 1830. John Stayton was a native of Tennessee, moved from his native State to Kentucky, and then came to Jackson County, bringing a retinue of slaves, who in 1830 began the work of clearing the land which he had purchased from the government. John Stayton be- came one of the largest land owners of his day, and owned a tract of land extending along the road to the limits of Independence. Upon his death he willed to his five sons all of the land which he owned east of Inde- pendence. These five sons were: Thomas, Arthur, Christopher, Moses and Landes. There were five daughters also in the family; Mrs. Martha Stout, living at 3010 Jackson avenue, Kansas City, is the only one now living of this family.
Moses Stayton, father of James A. Stayton, was born Dec. 6, 1828, and died Aug. 29, 1874. He made his home on the old Stayton place, upon
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JAMES A. STAYTON AND FAMILY
شكر
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY
which his father had erected a fine brick house in 1837, across from the Holke home, as it now stands. This home has since been torn down. When Order No. 11 was issued the Stayton family moved to Miller Coun- ty, Mo., and remained there until the close of the Civil War, in 1865. The wife of Moses Stayton was Lucy Anne Hite, who was born Sept. 18, 1838, and died Oct. 11, 1876. She was born in Kentucky, and was a daughter of James Coleman Hite, who came to Jackson County from Kentucky in 1853, and after remaining here for a time, started on the return trip to Kentucky. Meeting some friends who were Missouri bound on the way, he was induced to locate in Miller County. Moses and Lucy Anne were married in 1855. Their children were: Mrs. Rebecca Susan Adcock, wife of Dr. Adcock, born Nov. 10, 1855, died April 1, 1910; James A., of this review; John William, died at the age of 13 years; Martha Lee, wife of John B. Strode, of Sniabar township, born Sept. 7, 1862; Lucy Frances, wife of Ben Fisher, San Benito, Texas, born in Miller County Sept. 8, 1864.
James A. Stayton was educated in the district school, and Independ- ence High School and Woodland College. He was married in January, 1882, to Miss Kittie McBride, who was born Sept. 25, 1856, in Independ- ence, a daughter of William E. and Minerva (Dresser) McBride, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. The McBrides came from Kentucky to Jackson County in 1844. William E. was a carpenter and followed his trade in Independence for some years, and also established a nursery and fruit farm, which he managed until his death.
The children born to James A. and Kittie (McBride) Stayton are as follow: James Arthur, Charles Howard, Lela Bryan. James Arthur, Jr., was born Nov. 9, 1882, married Mary Cox, in 1909, and has one child, Kathryn. Charles Howard was born Nov. 6, 1891, was married June 26, 1916, to Nellie Fay Smith, and has one son, Charles Howard, Jr. Lela Bryan Stayton was born Oct. 29, 1896, and is at home with her parents. These children were all educated in the district school and Independence High School. The sons of Mr. Stayton are living in homes built by their father on the Stayton land.
Mr. Stayton is a Democrat. He is a member of the Christian Church, and he and his family hold high rank among the best citizenship of Jack- son County. He is a well posted man of affairs who has made a success of his life work, and enjoys the respect and esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
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Thomas P. Fraher, collector for the Kansas City Gas Company, Inde- pendence, Mo., was born Jan. 22, 1851, and is a son of James and Ellen (Johnston) Fraher, the former of whom was born in County Limerick, Ireland, and the latter born in County Donegal, Ireland.
Both of Mr. Fraher's parents immigrated to America when young, and were married in Massachusetts. They migrated from New England to Clay County, Mo., in 1850, traveling up the Missouri River by steam- boat to Liberty Landing. From 1850 to 1900, James Fraher was engaged in the mercantile business at Liberty, in partnership with his brother, Philip, both he and his brother dying in Liberty. Mrs. Fraher died in 1904, and two years later her husband followed her to the grave. The children of the Fraher family are: Thomas P., of this review; James W. Fraher, formerly an attorney in Kansas City, now living on a farm in Platte County, Mo .; John, is in business in Kansas City, but makes his home in Platte County; Edward, living on the home farm in Platte Coun- ty; Robert Emmett, died at the age of 16 years; Sylvester, died when 13 years old; Mary, Johann, and Agnes, are deceased.
After studying at William Jewell College, Thomas P. Fraher engaged in business with his father until 1884. He then came to Jackson County, and for a time was employed as a shoe salesman in Kansas City. He then operated a shoe store on the north side of the square in Independence. Since 1904, he has been in the employ of the Kansas City Gas Company, as collector, with offices at 910 Grand avenue, Kansas City, Mo.
Mr. Fraher was married in Independence to Miss Agnes Brady, a daughter of John Brady, and sister of Charles W. Brady, postmaster of Independence. Eight children have been born to this marriage: John Brady Fraher, who died in infancy; Mrs. Loretta Higbee, 1000 North Liberty street; Thomas P. J. Fraher; Mrs. Hester Greenlee, Independ- ence, formerly a teacher in the city schools; Charles, with the Standard Oil Company, Sugar Creek; Herbert, also in the employ of the Standard Oil Company; Alida, an office employe of the Standard Oil Company ; Agnes, a student in the Independence High School.
Thomas P. J. Fraher served in the World War. He enlisted in the United States Army in August, 1915, and was sent to the Mexican Border. When General Pershings' Expeditionary Army was sent overseas to France for participation in the great war, he accompanied the vanguard, and was located for a time with the Army of Occupation in Germany after the armistice. He served with Battery B, Sixth Field Artillery, First Division, and took part in much arduous service. He is now stationed
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at Camp Taylor, Ky. His military record is an unusual one, and deserv- ing of special mention. He was cited for distinguished service by Major General Summeral, the following being excript from the official citation: "Horseshoer Philip Fraher, Battery B, Sixth Field Artillery. On the night of Oct. 11, 1918, 'HS. Fraher volunteered to act as cannoneer for the firing battery, and while riding a caisson to the battery position the lead team and the driver were wounded by shell fire. HS. Fraher carried the wound- ed man to a place of safety, and then drove the team to the battery posi- tion, where he acted as cannoneer, an act which is not required in strict interpretation of duty, but which was necessary owing to the large num- ber of casualties in the firing battery.' "
Philip Fraher was also awarded the Victory Medal, the following be- ing an extract from that order: "Headquarters Sixth Field Artillery, Germany, June 7, 1919. Special Orders No. 111. Extract 1. Under pro- visions of G. O. 75 G. H. Q., c. s., the following named men, members of Battery B, Sixth Field Artillery, are awarded the Victory Medal and four Battle Clasps, having participated in the Montdidier-Noyon, Aisene-Marne, St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne engagements with the American Expedi- tionary Forces: Horseshoer Fraher, 125637, Philip. By order of Colonel Margetts William P. Bledsoe, Captain 6th F. A., Personnel Adjutant."
For the past 20 years the Fraher family residence has been located at 1100 North Osage street. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.
Fred Koehler, jeweler and optician, labor organizer and leader, is one of the most intelligent and versatile progressive citizens of Independence. His jewelry establishment is located at 221 West Lexington street, and is a model of neatness and arrangement, and has a good patronage. Mr. Koehler was born at Winchester, Clark County, Mo., Nov. 29, 1870.
His father, George M. Koehler, was born near the Bavaria-Swiss border line, and came to America with his parents when he was five years of age. His parents settled at Nauvoo, Ill., and both died of cholera dur- ing the epidemic. He enlisted with the Union forces at the outbreak of the Civil War, and served as a private soldier in Company B, Seventeen Iowa infantry, and fought in 17 battles under Gen. W. T. Sherman. He was wounded while marching with Sherman to the sea. The great battles in which he participated were: Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Vicks- burg, Fort Donelson, Battle of the Wilderness, Island No. 10, Chicka- mauga, and others. He enlisted in the army when but 16 years of age, having been born in 1845. He married Julia Glassner, of Nauvoo, Ill.,
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who bore him children as follow: Mrs. Margaret Robertson, Kansas City ; Fred, subject of this sketch; George M., Jr., a baker at Rosedale, Kan .; Mrs. Louise Knoch, Lincoln, Kan .; Mrs. Anna Hunter, Mount Washington ; J. A., manager of the Herald office at Lamoni, Iowa; Charles, in the em- ploy of the Standard Oil Company; Mrs. Amelia Good, Wakefield, Kan .; Rev. Arthur Koehler, living in Maine; Daniel and Grace, died in infancy.
When 11 years of age, Fred Koehler entered the employ of the C. A. Murdock Manufacturing Company, and was in the employ of this concern for 18 years, rising to the position of foreman and head miller of this establishment before he resigned. During his employment in Kansas City he became interested in labor organization, and organized the Kan- sas City Bakers Union, serving as the first president of this union, and as delegate to the Industrial Council for two years. He learned the jewelry and watchmakers trade in Kansas City, established himself in business, and for a time he had charge of three shops in the city. He came to In- dependence in 1907, and established his present thriving business.
Mr. Koehler was married in 1894 to Miss Ada Cleveland, of Kansas City, a Canadian by birth. They have seven children: Grace, who is now Mrs. Earl Moore; George, died in infancy; Hazel, Julia, Margaret, Dorothy and Frederick, Jr.
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