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 36
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 36
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 36
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 36
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 36
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 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95
Martin 1. Aker received a common-school cdu- cation in the district school of Kentucky and Clay County, Mo. He worked for his parents until twenty-one years old and then began for himself by
315
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
farming upon a portion of the family homestead. He was married in. 1838 to Mis- Anna, a daughter of Lee and Su-an ( Penn) Rollin. At the time of his marriage he bought one hundred and forty aeres of his present farm and has lived here for over Half a century. An energetic, industrious and intelligent agriculturist, he has successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising. and possess- ing a large acquaintance within Clay and agjoin- ing countries. enjoys the regard of a hurt of friends. lle has aceumulated three hundred and twenty aeres of land and has an interest in the Farmers' Bank at Smithville. Politically, he was a Whig before the war and is now an earnest advocate of the Democratic party.
Unto Mr. Aker and his excellent wife were born twelve children, two of whom died in in- fancy, and three who reached mature age have since passed away. The latter were Virginia. William D., and Julia, the wife of J. llall. The surviving sons and daughters are: John; Susan, wife of Albert G. MeKnight; Rosanna, wife of James R. Scott; Lee R .: Emma, wife of Dr. W. II. Louis; Anna, wife of Henry E. Woods; and Pres- ton, Cashier of the Farmers' Bank at Smithville. Lee Rollins, the father of Mrs. Aker, was born in Bourbon County, Ky., February 12, 1801, and his wife, who was also a native of the same county, was born in 1801. He was a farmer by occupa- tion and in 1830 came to Clay County, where he resided until his death. He was a son of Joshua and Sophia (Kennedy) Rollins, natives of Virginia and early settlers of Kentucky. Sophia Kennedy was a daughter of John and Esther (Stille) Ken- nedy, oldl families of Virginia and Pennsylvania. While serving bravely in the Revolutionary War, John Kennedy was taken prisoner with a neighbor and died a short time afterward. His body was buried by the British in the sand on the sea shore, and his friend was not allowed to participate in his burial. His widow, traveling upon horseback, journeyed with her children to Kentucky. The mother of Mrs. Aker was a daughter of Joseph and Charlotte (Aker) Penn. all natives of Pennsylva- nia and descendants of the noted William Penn. and who emigrated to Kentucky before the Revolu- tionary War. Intimately associated with the his-
tory of our country, through the fidelity. courage and patriotism of his ancestors. our subject is himself a true, rablie-spirited American citizen and a worthy descendant of his energetic and self- reliant forefathers.
G FORGET. STEVENSON. As a conspicuous example of success in business pursuits in Vibbard. the mercantile and hardware es- tablishment owned and managed by Mr. Steven- son presents a notable instance. Although it ha- been under the supervision of the present owner but a comparatively short time. a radical change has been made in its management and its volume of business has rapidly and steadily expanded. In this store may be found every variety of fa. ... :- plements, stoves and tinware, and when we take into consideration the size of Vibbard. the success of Mr. Stevenson is especially worthy of mention.
The son of W. A. and Allie Stevenson. our sub- jeet was born in Sparta. Randolph County. E.L .. in 1861. His early education was received in the village of Sparta, where his father was engaged in business as a carriage-maker. At the age of thir- teen. he removed to Weldon. De Witt County. El. where he grew to manhood. On starting out for himseif he engaged in farming pursuits and con .- tinued thus occupied until 1890, when he removed to Lawson, Mo .. and there embarked in business a. a hardware merchant. His superior business al Fi- ties soon manifested themselves, and his sound judgment found abundant opportunity for its ex- ercise. He continued in charge of the store a: Lawson until January 1. 1892. when he came to Vibbard and purchased the establishment formerly owned and conducted by II. 11. Madden. Every- thing points to success in his chosen occupation. and his trade is large both in the village and throughout the surrounding country.
Mr. Stevenson is well known for his zealous ad- vocacy of all measures to promote the growth and development of the industries and material :- ists of Viblard. Ili- political belief bring- ...
316
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
affiliation with the Republican party. the principles of which he faithfully supports. Ilis membership is now with the Presbyterian Church at Lawson. and he carries his religion- belief into hi- daily life, exemplifying by probity, integrity and honor. his fidelity to the doctrines of the church.
EWELL P. ROGERS, the junior and active member of the firm of Ellis & Regers, deal- ers in groceries and gent's furnishing goods at Lawson, is one of the most prominent young business men of Ray County. He is a na- tive of Missouri, having been born in Boone County, January 27. 1868. and is the son of the Rev. G. W. and Fannie 1 .. Rogers, natives of Mis- court and Kentucky respectively. His father, who is a minister in the Baptist Church. is considered one of the most eloquent divines and popular pas . tors in that denomination.
When seven years old. our subject accompanied his parents to Texas, and for four years made his home in Dallas, where his father had accepted a pastorate. Thence he went to Austin. the same State, where he remamed four years, and from that city removed to Sherman, Tex., where he resided for eight years. Ilis father is still remembered in those cities as one of the most honorable of men and especially devoted to the welfare of his parish- ioners. Upon leaving Texas, he had charge of a church at Excelsior Springs, Mo .. for some time, and now resides in Kansas City. Mo.
In these various removals, our subject accom- panied his father, and thus had the advantages of travel and association with the best people of many places. Ilis schooling was principally gained in Texas and was of a practical nature, which fitted him for a business career. A short time after locating at Excelsior Spring- Mo. he It- turned to Sherman, Tex .. where he remained one and one-half years. Thence he went to Kansas City and entered the employ of the firm of Bul- lene, Moore, Emery & Co., the most influential and successful merchants of the city. After clerking 1
for them for abont eighteen months he came to Lawson, where be formed his present partnership with Mr. Filis.
The firm of Ellis & Rogers has a reputation for enterprise and fair-dealing which is not limited to the village of Tawson. nor indeed to Ray County. They have a large trade, extending throughout the surrounding country, and keep in stock a full line of groceries and produce. In addition to this, they are making a specialty of gent's furnish- ing goods and have in stock the latest styles in those lines. In his political opinions. Mr. Rogers is a pronounced Democrat and uses his influence in behalf of the candidates and principles of that party. He is a member of the Baptist Church and active in its support. Although a young man. he has had considerable experience in "roughing it" in the Western States, and in former years was ac- customed to drive cattle across the Indian Terri- fory. In his travels, which have extended over a wide range of country, he has gained considerable knowledge of the people and is a man of broad in- formation upon all general subjeets.
OSEPH M. HEATHMAN. an energetic. en- terprising and successful agriculturist of Clay County, Mo .. is also a popular Justice of the Peace and a well-known Notary Pub- lie. Our subject was born in Bourbon County. Ky .. in 1840, and was the son of Elias and Patsy (Riggs) Heathman. Elias Heathman was also a native of Bourbon County and was born in Isoy. Ilis good wife was a native of Nicholas County. Ky .. and a daughter of Erasmus and Ekanor ( Wilcoxen) Riggs. natives of Maryland but pio- neer settlers of Kentucky. The father of Joseph M. was educated in the common schools of his na- tive State. Ilis father died when he was a child. and las mother married William Gaines. When about twenty-one years old Elias Heathman began life for himself, devoting his efforts to the culti- vation of the soil. While yet a very young man
317
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
he married, and unto him and his estimable wife were born eight children. three of whom died young. The five brothers and sisters who sur- vived the peril- of infancy were: George, who went West in 1858 and wa- never heard of after- ward; Eleanor, wife of John Rollins: William, deceased: Joseph, our subject; and Mahala. widow of Laban Beacraft.
Elias Heathman left Kentucky about 1846, and after having located m lilinois buried his wife at Jacksonville. Returning to Kentucky, he married the sister of his first wife. Mis- Maria Riggs. By his second union. he became the father of four children: Margaret, deceased, the wife of Isaae Heathman: Keturah. wife of Thomas Phillip: John MI., residing in Oregon: and Walter. deceased. It was in 1851 that Father Heathman came with his family to Missouri, and locating in Monroe County purchased two hundred acres of land but never moved onto the farm. as he was taken sick and died in the fall of the year 1857. Both the father and mother of our subject were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and active in the good works of that religious organization. The father was a member of the Ancient Free & Ac- cepted Masons, of the Royal Arch degree, and was among the prominent Masons present at the fun- eral of Henry Clay. Politically. Mr. Elias Heath- man was early in life an ardent Whig, but later identified himself with the society of Know-noth- ings. He was an influential and leading citizen and possessed a host of old-time friends.
Immediately following the death of his father, Joseph M. Heathman. then seventeen years of age, began to make his upward way in the world. Hle had received a common-school education, and for the succeeding eight years devoted himself to working for other people. sometimes upon a farm and sometimes clerking in the stores of Smithville and Gosneyville, Clay County. Mo .. and he also taught school one term. . He arrived in this por- tion of the State in Is59. and in 1864 was united in marriage with Mis- Sophia Rollins. daughter of Lee and Su-an (Penn) Rollin -. In [>63. he crossed the plain- to Colorado but was not gone quite a year. and in lads removed to Illinois. In 1868 he returned to Missouri and in
1867 bought a farm in Clinton County, but the same year sold out his interest there and came back to Clay County. Mr. Heathman now bought land adjoining his present farm and lived upon it nineteen years and then disposed of a portion of the land and purchased his present homestead. lle now owns ninety acres, mostly under a high state of improvement, although when he took this farm but three acres of land were broken. The commodious residence. barns and outbuildings were erected by our subject, who is a thrifty and prudent manager.
In 1861. Mr. Heathman joined the Missouri State Guards under Gen. Price, and serving faith- fully from the call of Gov. Jackson to his surren- der to Gen. Rosecrans in April. 1862, fought at Pea Ridge and engaged in numerous skirmishes. After his return home he attended school for a time and two years later married. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Heathman was brightened by the birth of seven children, the four eldest of whom are established in homes of their own. Lillian is the wife of John T. Brooks: Lulu L. is Mrs. George B. Breckenridge; Elias P. married Miss Ora King; Anna R. is the wife of John R. Purdy. America. Martin J. and Charles F. are with their parents. Mr. Heathman has held his position as Justice of the Peace six years, giving universal satisfaction in the discharge of the duties intrusted to his care. Fraternally, he is a valued member of Lodge No. 193. 1. O. O. F .. at Gosneyville. As a citizen and official of high honor and efficiency our subject is actively interested in local progress and im- provement and, an important factor in the ad- vancement of his locality. possesses the confidence and regard of his fellow-townsmen.
W GILLIAM N. LEITCH. a representative ag- riculturist and successful stock-raiser, has been well known in Liberty Township. Clay County. Mo .. for two-score years. Energetic. able and industrious, our subject has won his way in life and is highly esteemed by all his friends
318
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and neighbors. His excellent farm. all under a high state of cultivation, is pleasantly located upon section 7. township 52, range 31. and is a source of profit, yielding annually an abundant harvest. William N. Leitch is the son of James and Frances (Minor) Leitch. honest, intelligent and hard-working people and worthy and upright citizens.
The Leitch family were early residents of Vir- ginia, and in the Old Dominion the father of our subject was born in 1786. Ile owned four hundred acres of good land and was a successful general agriculturist and stock-raiser. A patriotic citizen, courageous, resolute and faithful to the Government. he fought. bravely in the War of 1812. Father Leitch was a Whig. always inter- ested in the management of political affairs, and fully appreciated the necessity of having the off- ces of State filled with men of sterling integrity of character. Ite and his wife were Missionary Baptists, and in all the relations of life evidenced the fact that they were true. earnest Christians. devoted to the betterment of their fellow-men.
Our subject, William N. Leitch, was born in the year 1830. When a young man. he came to Mis- souri, in 1854, and located in Clay County. Hav- ing received a common-school education and being thoroughly drilled in all the duties of agriculture. he settled upon a farm and diligently employed himself in the cultivation of Missouri soil. He now owns one hundred and seventy-one acres of excellent land and aside from general farming pursues stock-raising with success. At one time Mr. Leitch handled Clydesdale horses and owned some very fine, valuable stock. Our subject was united in marriage in 187t with Miss Elizabeth D. Hudlemyer, an estimable lady of German descent. Mrs. Leitch is a native of Clay County, and was . born in 1813. She enjoyed the advantages of a good common-school education and has proved a helpmate indeed. Her parents were the father and mother of five children, and were well known and Inghly respected residents of Clay County.
In political affiliations, Mr. Leitch is a Democrat and while not a politician or office-ecker is in- terested in local and national Government and may ever be found upon the side of Justice and
reforme. At one time when the state of the coun- try made it a necessity for the citizens to protect themselves their homes and property. he jomed the vigilance committee and was one of the most energetic. determined and resolute defenders of the neighborhood. & true American citizen, car- nest and progressive. our subject has been an im- portant factor in the advancement and encourage- ment of the best interests of the county and local- ity of his home, and among the old residents and neighbors of early days has a host of warm friends.
E LUJAH HAPPY. Our subject resides on a well-improved farm in a comfortable dwell- ing. surrounded by shade trees, caparioli- barns and ample outbuildings. Blessed with a worthy family, pos-essed of sufficient means. and enjoying the esteem of his neighbor-, he may weil be congratulated that his lot is cast along -uch pleasant lines. He was born in La Fayette County. Ky., in 1833. and is the son of James and Cathat- ine Happy, both natives of the same county as their son, having been born April 25, 1801, and August 20. 1809, respectively.
The father was reared in a portion of Kentucky that was heavily timbered and where school- were few at that early date, so that his educational advantages were very limited. As his parents were poor, he became seif-supporting when cigh- teen years of age, At that time the Inchan- were numerous, and on one occasion the grand- mother of our subject ran bullets in a mold for the defenders of the fort while the savages were attacking it. The name of this courageous woman was Nancy (Rosell) Happy. She was of French descent. her ancestors having gone to Ken- tucky at a very early date, being numbered among the first settlers. Her husband. the grandfather of our subject, bore the name of Elijah Happy and was of English de-cent.
When the father of our subject began life for himself, he engaged in teaming between the Con- netient and Ohio Rivers. In time. he accumu-
319
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lated enough to purchase a farm in his native. county, but previously had married Catharine. daughter of Cornelius and Frances ( Webster) Vaughn, natives of Virginia. of English descent. There were six children in the Happy family, name'y: Nancy. wife of James Shackelford; llarvy; Elijah. the subject of this sketch; Catharine. who died when young: James, who passed away in boy- hood; and Cornelius. In 1850. the father brought his little family in wagons to Ray County. Mo .. where he purchased land. three hundred and sixty acres on the present site of the village of Hardin. Ile spent bis last years with our subject, dying in October, 1888, his wife having preceded him June 27, 1865. During the earlier portion of his life he was an old-line Whig. but after the death of that party he became a Democrat and continued to esponse the principles of that organization until his decease.
Our subject received his education in the com- mon schools of Kentucky and remained with his parents until twenty years of age, at which time he began cultivating a portion of his father's farm. April 21, 1853, he married Marcella Reed. daugh- ter of David and Mary (Bryan) Reed. natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. Mr. Reed served in the War of 1812. and entered the army when twelve years of age, fighting under Gen. Jackson and participating in the battle of New Orleans. He drew a land warrant and his wife re- ceived a pension for his service -. Mr -. Happy was a native of Montgomery County. Mo .. and bore her husband eleven children, namely: Harvey W., John C .; Mary C., Elijah S .. George C .. Virginia A., Fannie 1., all deceased; Augustus G .: Ursula, wife of John W. Wilhoit: and Gerald E. Our subject's beloved wife died December 28. 1891, leaving a large circle of friends to join her family in mourning her demise.
Mr. Happy remained on his father's farm and operated his grist and saw mill for seven years. In 1861 he came to his present home. where he par- chased two hundred and eight acres of land.a por- tion of which he has disposed of, until he now has one hundred and -eventy-one acres. In religious matters. he supports the teachings of the Mission- ary Baptist Church, in which he is an important
member. Ile is also a member of the Masonic or- der, being connected with the Master Lodge No. 57. at Richmond. In polities he follows the teach- ings of Jefferson and is thoroughly persuaded that the principles of Democracy are best adapted to the welfare of the country.
AMES JOHNSON. If there is a happier lot than that which the farmers of Ray County enjoy. certainly few experience it. The rich. fertile fields need but little coaxing to yield the most prolific harvests. The cattle grow sleek in luxuriant, grassy pastures that are watered by Crooked River and it- tributaries. The homes have been made as a rule for several decades-long enough to have gathered about them that feeling of peace and plenty that is so pleasing. The gen- tleman whose name is found above is one of these happy farmers, owning a fine traet on section 5. Crooked River Township. He is a native of this loealty, having been born two miles north of Richmond, February 4. 1836. being a son of James and Ala Johnson. The former was a native of Tennessee. born August 1. 1810.
Our subjeet's paternal grand-ire. Thomas Johnson. was born in Virginia; the family know little of his early history beyond that bare faet. On locating in Tennessee. he was employed as a brick mason. and at an early day moved with his family to Mis- souri, and settled in Ray County, just north of Richmond. The country was then new and very wild, and the original occupants of the forests had not yet yielded place to the white man. When Thomas Johnson died in 1811, he was more than four-score years old. He had served seven years in the Revolutionary War. His wife died at the age of eighty-six year -.
Our subject's father was an only childl. He mar- ried Ala Hill in Tennessee, and soon after came to this locality, and made his home with his father until the death of the latter. lle was a skilled hunter. and found plenty of game in the forest.
320
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
- In the year 1819 he went to California and spent about a year there, and on his way home died and was buried at sea. His widow with her seven children continued to live on the farm until her death, which occurred February 11. 18A8. She was a good Christian woman. and a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. Her husband served in several wars with the Indian-, taking part in the Black Hawk War and in that of the Seminoles.
James Johnson is the fourth in order of birth of seven children, six of whom are still living. lie enjoyed country school advantage -. his Alma Mater being a rude, if kindly, mother. It was without floor and windows. The seats were made of slabs and were very uncomfortable to sit on. The school year comprised only a few months dur- ing the winter. The children then hed no shoes until Christmas, and perhaps not then. mies old enough to work and earn them.
After his father's death, our subject was im- pressed into the service of taking care of his mother and the family. his eldest brother having left home to learn the blacksmith's trade. James remained on the homestead until 1861. when he was married, March 3, of that year, to Miss Mollie Pugh, also a native of Ray County. He at once began farming for himself. purchasing a place on seetion 5. This land had been entered at a "hit" an acre, but our subject paid $17 an acre for it. Ile has since refused $50 an aere for the same land. It was all prairie land. and very fertile. lle has not only tilled it thoroughly. but has erected all the buildings that now distinguish it as . being one of the best farms in the locality. Nat- urally the interests connected with Ray County are predominant in our subject's estimation. as he has spent all his life. a period covering fifty-six years, right here.
Mr. Johnson and his good wife, who is truly a noble matron, with the best aspirations and in- fluence. are very charitably inclined, and are inter- ested in all good works. As they are chiblless they lavish their attention upon those who are needy and homeless. following the mandates of the only Good One. Mr. Johnson is a Democrat in politie -. Ili- wife is a member of the Cluistian Church.
Fraternally. our subject is a Ma-on. His farm er mprises two hundred and ten acres of land. on which he rare- all kinds of stock. It is incalcul- ably to his credit that his success is entirely due to his own effort- and management. Mrs. John- son - father and mother were natives of Tennessee. coming hither in an early day. Her parents ale now deceased.
HOMAS K. KIRKPATRICK. the genial and etlicient County Clerk of Ray County. Mo .. is one of the most popular and highly es- teemed residents of Richmond. Our subject is a native Virginian, and was born in Rockbridge County. January 5. 1819: he is the son of ( barles B. and I-abella ( Kerr) Kirkpatrick, both of whom were natives of the Old Dominion. Charles B. was a prominent agricuiturist of Virginia. and was the immediate descendant of Robert Kirkpatrick. who was born in Scotland, but, emigrating to Amer- ica. here became the paternal grandfather of Thomas K. Mrs. Isabella Kirkpatrick was the daughter of Jolin Kerr, who was of German descent. The father and mother of our subject spent their lives in their native State, and died among the associa- tions of their childhood. Thomas K. enjoyed excel- lent educational advantages, and after completing his primary studies entered Washington and Lee I'niversity at Virginia and there pursued the higher branches four years. Having completed the course of study, he soon began teaching in Virginia, and was afterward a valued instructor in Missouri. Mr. Kirkpatrick arrived in Missouri in 1872. and came to Ray County in September of the same year. After a time he engaged in the mercantile business in Albany. Ray County. continuing to handle merchandise successfully for two years. when he began the cultivation of a farm. teaching school meantime in the winter. In the fall of 15.10 our subject was elected on the Democratic ticket County Clerk of Ray County. and January 1. Ist !. took charge of the office for a term of four years. It is safe to say that no more energetic and comt-
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.