USA > Missouri > Carroll County > Portrait and biographical record of Clay, Ray, Carroll, Chariton, and Linn Counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 35
USA > Missouri > Chariton County > Portrait and biographical record of Clay, Ray, Carroll, Chariton, and Linn Counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 35
USA > Missouri > Clay County > Portrait and biographical record of Clay, Ray, Carroll, Chariton, and Linn Counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 35
USA > Missouri > Linn County > Portrait and biographical record of Clay, Ray, Carroll, Chariton, and Linn Counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 35
USA > Missouri > Ray County > Portrait and biographical record of Clay, Ray, Carroll, Chariton, and Linn Counties, Missouri, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 35
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The family remained for one year together upon the homestead of four hundred acres left by the father. and at the end of the twelve months our subject was taken by his aunt. Mrs. James Il. Dale. with whom he resided until he was eighteen year- of age. Jolm C. Wilkerson then began life for himself, working upon a farm in summer and at- tending school in winter. He completed his studies in Mt. Gila. Clay County. Mo. After his mit -
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Hm. B. Morris
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riage with Miss Iney A. Vance. daughter of Willis 1 .. and Louvisa D. Vance, our subject rented a farm, which he industriously cultivated for three years, at the expiration of which time he bought two hundred acres of his present valuable farm. The only child who has come into the pleasant and happy home is a son named in honor of his paternal grandfather, Thomas J., who was born No- vember 20, 1868. He is a graduate of the State University at Columbia, Mo .. graduating in June. 1890, and as a competent and reliable civil engi- neer enjoys an excellent position with the St. Joseph Bridge and Iron Company, and is now lo- cated at Pueblo, Colo. Thomas J. Wilkerson is a young man of undoubted ability and high integ- rity of character, and enjoys the confidence of a host of friends. Politically, our subject is a Dem- oerat and actively interested in the affairs of the day. Both he and his wife are liberal givers in behalf of worthy enterprise, social and religious. and are numbered among the substantial and in- tuential residents of the county.
ON. WILLIAM BELL MORRIS, President of the Kearney Commercial Bank. was born at May's Lick. Mason County. Ky .. Decem- ber 12, 1822. Ilis father. James Morri -. was a native of New Jersey, but removed to Ken- tucky when a youth. The paternal grandfather was born in Scotland, whence he emigrated to the United States and settled in Virginia. Later he removed to Kentucky and in that beautiful State passed his last year -.
A prominent man in public affairs, James Mor- ris for many years served his fellow-citizens as County Judge, Sheriff and Magistrate. and still later was the choice of the people for several terms in the Legislature of the State. In his Kentucky home he also engaged in farming, and when he changed his location to Clay County. in 1850, he purchased a farm, and upon it he died when in his eighty-second year. A Whig as long as the party lasted. he then became a Democrat, and at hi-
death, June 17, 1861, was one of the most promi- nent members of his party in his section. During the War of 1812 he served as a soldier. He wrote the deeds and legal documents for his neighbor- hood and wa- freely consulted upon all legal que -- tions, his decisions being marked by shrewd discernment and excellent judgment. For thirty years he was an Elder in the Christian Church and lived the life of a good man. When young he was very slight in build. but later in lite he weighed two hundred and fifty pounds.
The mother of our subject was a native of Vir- ginin and removed to Kentucky when young. She bore the maiden name of Nancy Bell, and was the honored mother of thirteen children. twelve of whom grew to maturity. Mary became the wife of Rev. A. II. Payne, who organized the first Christian Church in this county, and was promi- nent in establishing the church here. The next daughter. Ellen. never married, but died at the age of fifty years. The next in order of birth was James M. Eliza became Mrs. McGinnis, and died when seventy-eight years old. Helen married Emmous Johnson. and died here in 1884. Charity became the wife of Joseph V. Burgess, and reside- in this city. Ann was the wife of the late Alfred Riley, a prominent citizen and early settler of this community; she still resides in Kearney. Lydia became the wife of William P. Riley, and both died here. William B. is the subject of this sketch. John is an insurance agent in Liberty. David is deceased. George died in the Confederate army. One child died during infancy. The mother passed away November 12. 1575. She was a good and pious woman and a member of the Christian Church. Her father. Daniel Bell. was a native of Virginia and served through the Revolutionary War in Washington's army. Ile removed from the Old Dominion to Kentucky, and died when more than ninety years oldl.
Our subject was the ninth child in the family and was reared upon the home farm in Kentucky. In the district school- he gained the rudiments of an education and at the age of seventeen was given the advantages of a course at Bacon (o)- lage. located in Georgetown. Scott County, Ky .. where he spent two terms. At that early age be
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gave promise of the brilliant man he was destined to become in the future. When twenty years of age he came West on a visit and was so pleased with the aspect of the country that he decided to locate here. In 1812 he started on the journey. taking the only route possible, by steamboat down the beautiful Ohio, where scenery is as lovely as that of more noted streams, and then up the Miss- issippi and Missouri River. The water was very low and the journey was slow. When the boat got fast on the sand bars our subject would get off and hunt pawpaw- and then overtake the steam- boat at the next bar. It was a tedious and sleepy journey, but just such an one as the weary sight- seer of the present day would enjoy.
Our subject was not embarrassed with an over- plus of wealth when he landed in Kearney, as his capital was represented by $21.10 and this amount was soon invested in a house. On land secured in Liberty Township, Mr. Morris embarked in agri- cultural pursuits. The country at that time was but sparsely settled and for the sportsman it was a paradise. Deer and wild turkeys abounded and some fell under the rifle of Mr. Morris. He cultivated his land. which was located on the northern line of the township, and through un wearied toil on his part it was made into one of the finest farms in the county. The place con- tained four hundred and nine agres. and upon it Mr. Morris raised many fine cattle, especially Shorthorns,
I'pon his farm Mr. Morris resided until the de- mands made upon him in a publie way influenced him to locate in a more accessible part of the county. In 1888 he sold the farm and moved to Liberty, where he remained one year, and then came to Kearney. In less he was one of the or- ganizer- of the Kearney Commercial Bank and wa- made its President. This is a State institution with $10,000 capital and is doing a fine business. Mr. Morris is one of the largest stockholders, and loans large sums of money. He inherited from his father a judicial turn of mind and this has been recognized by his fellow-citizens, who elected him County Judge in the fall of 1876. After having served for four years he was re-elected in 1880 for another term of four year -. He was
never absent but one day from the Bench in eigh! years, and that was caused by sickness. During his administration the bonded debt was reduced $100,000, and he also decreased the rate of taxa- tion. Ile has served as delegate to the State con- ventions. At present he is serving his second term as Notary Public and writes deed -. mortga- ges and wills.
The Democratic party claims the allegiance of our subject and in it he is a man of might. ILis religious convictions have made him a member of the Christian Church, in which he is highly re- garded. Mr. Morris chose Miss Mattie Wason to be his bride, and they were married April 4. 1>7 -. She was born in Gallatin Township. Clay County. Mo., and was the daughter of James and Ann Wason, who were natives of Kentucky and early settlers of Clay County. They have no children. Mr and Mrs. Morris have witnessed much of the growth of the county and have taken an active interest in its welfare. Mr. Morris has here a neat residence and four acres of land, with fruit and pasture for a cow. He is a man of strong convic- tions, a forcible and convincing speaker, and ha- faith in himself, a quality which in public life gains half the battle.
ILLIAM IL. SHANNON. an enterprising and highly successful agricultureet of Clay County. devotes hun-elf with industrious energy to the cultivation of his valuable farm. lo- cated upon section 1. township 55. range 32. and raises some of the finest crops in this part of the country. Our subject is a son of Louis & and Elizabeth Shannon, both natives of Franklin County. Ky. The paternal grandparents were Rev. Samuel and Mary E. (Henning ) Shannon.
Grandfather Shannon was born in Ireland, where he received a superior education and prepared for the Presbyterian ministry. His wife, a native of England. also enjoyed exceptional advantages for an excellent education. After emigrating to
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America, they met and formed a mutual attach- ment and were married in a small village located upon the banks of the James River in Virginia. Almost immediately following their marriage, the newly wedded husband and wife made their home in Woodford County, Ky .. and were among the first white families to settle in this part of the State. They lived a number of years in Brant Station in the block-house or fort, where they were obliged to seek protection from hostile Indians, who roamed across the State in large numbers.
During the many years of his eventful career, Grandfather Shannon led a busy and useful life. Ilis time was devoted mainly to preaching the Gospel and teaching school. With his own money, and largely with his own handiwork, he erected the old stone church on Shannon Creek, which endured as hi- monument long after he had re-ted from wirthly labor. At one time this reverend pioneer had charge of a boarding-school for boys, widely known as the Shannon Seminary. This excellent academy was one of the first of its kind estab- lished in Kentucky and had more than local repu- tation. Rev. Samuel Shannon was also Chaplain of regiments engaging in the Blackhawk War and the War of 1812, and was under Col. Dick John- son. The latter years of his life were spent in Franklin County, where he bought a small farm. He died in 1822 at the age of seventy-three years; his wife survived him twenty years. living to reach four-seore years and ten. Elizabeth Shan- non. the mother of our subject. was a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (liter) Ellison. Her parent- were natives of England and France, respectively. and her father served with distinction as Colonet in the Blackhawk War and the War of 1812. being present when Gen. Johnson killed Tecumseh. The maternal grandfather of our subject was a farmer and lived and died in Kentucky. His wife died in Missouri at a good old age.
Louis S. Shannon received a good education in his father's school. and was the youngest of the five children: Thomas, Samuel. Ellen. Mary and Lonis S. He remained at home with his parents until their death, and came into possession of the old family homestead. containing one hundred and eighteen acres, bequeathed him by his father. Ile
Was twenty-one years of age when he married, and his wife was nineteen. They reared a family of ten children: William IL., our subject; Jacob E .. Samuel S, and Martha A .. all three deceased: Mary and Ellen (twins); Sarah E., who died young; Louisat. Sally and Phoebe. The parents were mem- bers of the Missionary Baptist Church, and politi- cally. Louis Shannon was a Whig. In 1858 he emigrated with his family to Clinton County. bought land there and died in 1860. Ilis wife survived him five years.
At seventeen years of age William II. Shannon began to prepare for the work of life by appren- ticing himself to a cabinet-maker, and devoted two years to learning the trade. Locating in Rich- mond in 1810, he followed his trade for twelve years, meantime marrying Miss Amanda White, a native of Scott County. Ky. His wife having died. he returned to his old home in Kentuck; and there lived for ten years. Upon January 22. 1852. our subject was united in marriage with Miss Mary C .. daughter of Anthony and Sarah ( Will- iams) Thompson, of Kentucky. Mrs. Thompson is yet living, and a very active lady for her eighty years.
The pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. Shannon has been blessed by the birth of five children: Thomp- son J .; William E .: Laura M., wife of Isase Wil- son; James II .. who died at the age of nine year -: and Oliver. Our subject came the second time to Missouri in 1857, and locating on a farm in Clin- ton County remained six years. then removed to Clay County, where he bought eighty acres of mostly wild land, and now owns one hundred and ten acres. all highly improved. A progressive and intelligent agricultorist. he gives more than ordi- nary attention to the cultivation of his land. which yields him an unusually abundant harvest, the corn crop this past year averaging one hundred bushels to the acre.
Since 1810. our subject has been a member of the Christian Church, and for thirty-five years an honored officer of that religions organization. lis good wife is also a member of the same church and active in social and benevolent enterprise. Politically. Mr. Shannon has been a strong Delle- erat since the Wine party ceased to exist. and the
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ternally. he has been connected since he was twenty-one years old with the Masonie order, and in all these years has, in this ancient society and in the church, commanded the respect of all who know him. But once has he ever held a public position, and that was in Kentucky, where he officiated as Justice of the Peace, and most ably discharged the duties of the office. Practically a self-made man, our subject has by observation. reading and experience, gamed a liberal education. and is in the enjoyment of far more extended knowledge than many a man whose opportunities in early life were far beyond his.
AMES W. HARRISON. After trying for- tune in mining and manufacturing. our subject now gives his attention to his farmi property. the farin being the place of his birth and of his boyhood days. He lives at Rich- mond, Mo., and was born March 27. 1-34. in Co- lumbus, Boone County. Mo. James W. Harrison was the youngest of the five children of George and Malinda ( Lynes) Harrison. the father being a native of Virginia. and the mother of Kentucky. George Harrison removed from Kentucky to Boone County, Mo., in 1818, and as he had been reared to farming pursuits settled upon a farm. He was a sturdy, reliable pioneer and one of the first >et- tlers there. He lived to a ripe old age. his demise having occurred in 1889. His wife died Novem- ber 11, 1892, being then in her ninetieth year.
Our subject passed his childhood and youth in Boone County, where he attended school until he was sixteen years old, when he went to California and was engaged there for seven years in gold- mining and in running a ranch. Returning to Missouri, he conducted a saddlery and harness bus- iness for two years. after which, in Istil, he en- gaged in the saddle and harness trade for eighteen years, during which time he manufactured all kinds of harness. Disposing. finally, of this bu-i- nes, he began farming his forty-eight acres near the city, and another farm of ninety aeres sit-
uated one mile north of Richmond, the land being well improved and adapted to any kind of farm- ing. His care has been given mainly to the rais- ing of stock, mostly high-grade cattle.
Our subject was married in 1>59 to Mis, Maria L. Foushee. of Polk County. Mo. who was born and reared in that county. She was the daughter of William and Narcissa Foushee, of French descent. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Harrison, namely: Auston. who died March 29, 1571; Emmette. a farmer of this county; and Bettie E .. wife of George W. MeChire. and the mother of one child, Ruth S. Mr. Harri- son is a member of Richmond Lodge No. 208. I. O. O. F. His political opinions are un wavering. having always been in accord with the platform- of the Democratic party. Mr. Harrison is a good neighbor and friend. interfering with none. but believing in the maxim of live and let live.
M. SANDALS. Our subject is happy in the selection of a home in the midst of a fertile tract that yield- freely every season for the supplying of creature comforts. Ilis farm is located on section 84, township 51. range 28. at Sandals post-office. Ray County. Mo., and has good improvements and is well cultivated. He was born in Stark County, Ohio. December 3. 1. 17. the son of George Sandals, a farmer and stock-grower of Stark County, who continues to reside there. The father married Miss Catharine Williams, who bore him eight children. even of whom are living.
Our subject was educated in the public schools of the county named, and subsequently took a course in the High School. After leaving school. he worked for the railroad for about thirteen months, then learned the trade of a carpenter, at which he worked a year and a-half. when he returned to the railroad work : after thirteen month- he went to Canton. Ohio, and worked at his trade until the following spring. 1870, when he came to Caldwell County. Mo .. and remained a few months and then settled in Ray County. At this pine he
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worked at his trade a short time. and then started a sawmill, which he ran for seven years, when he sold out and settled at his present place. where he started the sawmill which he now conducts.
In 1882, he started the mercantile busine -- he has since mat. ged. Beginning in June. he buiit a new store and in 1888 rebuilt. and that large structure now stands, He owns thirty-eight acres of land, upon which he conducts a stock farm where he has some very superior animals, of which he may well be proud. Mr. Sandals was married. in 1873, to Miss Samantha Ellen. daughter of Edward Teagarden, an early settler whose sketch may be found in another part of this book. She has borne him six children. namely: Florence, wife of Thomas Linville. a farmer living three miles south of Polo: Edward. Effie and James M., living at home; and Leona and Lenora ( twins) at home.
Our -nhjeet isa member of the Christian Church. Politically. he is a Republican and a man of con- siderable influence in that party, and one whose exertions are never without effect. In 1888. he was appointed Postmaster at Sandal -. a position he still holds. filling it to the general satisfaction. The large and hand-ome residence he occupies was built by him in Isso, and is a very handsome, as well as comfortable. building. Mr. Sandals is widely known for hi- enterprise and excellent character. and the business he conducts is a large one, a- a result of the general satisfaction with him and his methods.
R UFF'S M. MAJORS, a successful agricultur- ist and prominent citizen of Washington Township. Clay County, Mo .. was born upon the homestead where he now re- sides in the year 1811. Spending his busy life amid the scenes of his childhood. he has brought the line farm located in township 33, range 30. section 15, up to a high state of cultivation, and is widely known throughout the county as a man of sterling integrity and honor. The paternal grandfather of our subject. John Major. was a
i
soldier in the Revolutionary War and served his country faithfully for three years. He was a trave, resolute man. and bequeathed to his descen- dants the patriotism and love of liberty which distinguished his career.
The father of our subject was Elisha Majors. who was born in Burke County. N. C., in 1801. and when a little lad of eight years removed to Tennessee with his father. John Majors. He after- ward made his home in Wayne County. Ky., and finally located with his wife and family in Mi -- souri, making this latter State his permanent re-i- dence in 1837. Some fourteen years prior to his arrival in Missouri. Elisha Majors had. in 1>23. married Miss Catherine Huffaker, who became the mother of eight children. The sons and daugh- ters who clustered around the family hearth were Michael. Louisa, John. Granville. Elizabeth. Perry. Rufu- Cour subjects. and Marelda Catherine, who died in intaney. Elisha Majors bought and sold land at various times, and owned for many years three hundred and twenty acres of valuable farm- ing property, which he prosperously devoted to agricultural purposes. and aside from tilling the soil was a successful stock-raiser. He and his good wife passed peacefully away in 1878 and 1876. re- spectively, leaving behind them the memory of well -- pent, useful lives. The old homestead. which had been entered from the Government when the surrounding country was little more than a wilder- ness, yet remains in the family, and is mostly in the possession of our subject.
Rufus Major received an education in the prim- itive schools of his home neighborhood, and early shared in the labors of the farm. His entire life has been given to agricultural pursuits, with the exception of a brief period during the war, when. in 1861. he drove a Government train across the plains. Mr. Majors owns two hundred and ninety- one neres of excellent land. all under a high state of cultivation. In Esso, he was united in mar- riage with Miss Sarah M. Wilhoite. a daughter of Thomas and Mourning ( Benton ) Wilhoite, and ore of a family of seven children, two of whom died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Majors are both valued members of the Missionary Baptist Church. ani are among the active workers in that denomina-
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tion. Our subject is also connected with the fra- ternal society, F. & L. I .. and for two terms has held the position of lecturer in the lodge.
Mr. Majors is politically a Democrat. and while never an active politician ever takes a deep inter- est in both local and national affairs. For over half a century a constant resident in his present locality, our subject has been an eye witness of the wonderful changes in his native State. and has al- ways aided in the material improvements and en- terprises of his neighborhood and vicinity. Ener- getic and self-reliant, he has won his way, and. an earnest Christian man. faithful friend and kind neighbor, holds the esteem and confidence of all who know him.
M ARTIN I. AKER, an energetic and sue- cessful general agriculturist and stock- raiser of Clay County. and widely known throughout this portion of Missouri as one of the progressive and early pioneers, has for fifty-three years constantly resided upon his home- stead located on section 11, township 53. range 33. An earnest, intelligent citizen, actively interested in the rapid development of the State and county. he has been associated with the advancement of local improvements, and is a ready aid in social, benevolent and religious enterprise.
Our subject was born in Bourbon County, Ky .. January 22. 1817, and is the son of John and Mary (Sidener) Aker. John Aker was a man of native ability, and although he had only three months' schooling improved himself by an extended course of excellent reading and became thoroughly versed in ancient and modern history and well posted in the current events of the day. Born in Penn- sylvania, he migrated with his parents to Ken- tucky, and for a number of years resided in an old fort, where the settlers sought protection from the Indians, and later, fitting himself for the work of life, learned the trade of a brick-mason.
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In 1812 the father and mother of our subject
were united in marriage, and in Iszs journeyed by wagon with their family and household effects to Missouri. The family located upon a piece of wild land in Clay County, within a few miles of the present homestead of Martin J. Aker. From this time the father devoted himself exclusively to general farming and stock-raising. and accumu- lated about five hundred aeres of land. He died in 1835. leaving a widow and ten surviving chil- dren, two little ones having preceded him to a bet- ter land. The sons and daughters who arrived at mature age were Willis, deceased; Martin .I .. our subject; Jacob, deceased; Julia _1 .. wife of John Baber; Charlotte, deceased, wife of Robert McMillin; Preston: Rosanna, wife of Adolphus Bainbridge; Susan. Mrs. Edwin Fry, deceased: Mary J., wife of Darius Bainbridge; and John. de- ceased. The mother of this family was born in Maryland in 1793. and when but eightech mon! - old was taken to Tennessee by her parents. Be- fore the beginning of the present century she re- moved with her father and mother to Kentucky. and the Indians having massaered some of the neighbors. they were obliged to live for some time in the old block-house or fort, which offered them refuge from the savages. She was a devont mem- ber of the Christian Church, and lived to reach the good old age of eighty-eight years.
The maternal grandparents of our subject were Martin and Margaret ( Eddleton) Sidener, natives of Germany, who emigrated to America, and To- cating in Maryland were there married. Grand- father Sidener was frequently obliged to take an active part in the Indian warfare in Kentucky and Tennessee. The paternal grandparents. Joseph and Julia A. Aker. were also born in Germany. Married in the Fatherland, they early made their home in the I'nited States and were both member- of the Dutch Reformed Church. Grandfather Aker reached the extreme old age of ninety-six years and then died very suddenly from the "black plague." One of his danghter-, now over eighty 1 years of age, still sivives.
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