USA > Missouri > Johnson County > Portrait and biographical record of Johnson and Pettis counties, Missouri ; containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 22
USA > Missouri > Pettis County > Portrait and biographical record of Johnson and Pettis counties, Missouri ; containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 22
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John M. Caldwell was born in Jefferson Town-
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ship, Johnson County, Mo., August 22, 1848, his twin dying in infancy. He was reared to man- hood on his father's large and well equipped farm, and received a good common-school education. When he was in his twentieth year he went to Macon, Tenn., where he attended the Masonic College, from which he was graduated in 1869. Returning home, he taught a country school in the neighborhood for two terms, after which he took a trip through the West, visiting Nevada and California. Soon after his return to this county he was married, and then embarked in farming on land owned by his father. Until 1891 he devoted his energies to agricultural pur- suits, but of late years has found his time fully occupied in the discharge of his official duties.
September 30, 1874, Mr. Caldwell married Annie L. Ford, of this county, and a native of Missouri, born August 20, 1855. They have two children, Ora S. and Lawrence M. While he was yet in his teens, Mr. Caldwell became iden- tified with the Missionary Baptist Church, and is now Clerk of the congregation of which he is a member. Socially he is a member of Cold Spring Lodge No. 274, A. F. & A. M., with which he be- came connected in 1878. He has filled the posi- tions of Junior Warden and Worshipful Master and has also served as Treasurer.
OHN E. ROBINSON is considered one of the substantial business men of Johnson .County, and, aided by his estimable wife, has worked his way to a position of influence and financial prosperity within the past two decades. His landed possessions number some seven hun- dred and sixty acres of desirable farm land, all of which lie within the boundaries of this county. His home is on section 23, township 47, range 24, only three miles distant from his birthplace. The father of our subject, Jehu Robinson, was born in
Roane County, Tenn., and with his parents came to Missouri when only six years of age. He was reared in Saline County, but became a resident of this county in 1833. He took up his abode in what was then called Washington, but since Gro- ver, Township. From that time until shortly be- fore his death, which occurred October 16, 1886, he was engaged in farming and stock-raising. It is a strange coincidence that his grandfather, his father and himself died at the age of seventy-four years. His wife, whose maiden name was Julia Ann Oglesby, is still living in Henry County, Mo., and is well preserved, though advanced in years.
John E. Robinson was born August 23, 1841, and is the second in a family numbering six chil- dren. He did not receive many educational ad- vantages, as his father, who was an extensive dealer in live stock, needed the assistance of the youth as soon as he was large enough to prove of any service. When he was nineteen years old the Civil War broke out and he enlisted in Com- pany A, Fifth Missouri Infantry, being assigned to McCowan's Regiment, First Brigade, under General Bowen. For two years he was in active service with this company, after which he was assigned to Company I, Tenth Missouri Cavalry, Marmaduke's Brigade, serving for two years as First Lieutenant, and having command of his company at the close of the war. October 4, 1862, he was wounded by a shell in the right shoulder and was disabled for a short time, but he was strong and hearty and soon recuperated. On his return home he found his father financially ruined by the ravages of the war, and helped him to raise a crop and get on his feet again. The following year he came to this county and in 1867 began farming on his own account.
The same year Mr. Robinson married Marga- ret, daughter of Larkin and Eliza J. (Thornton) Hocker. The latter were natives of Kentucky, but located in this county in 1834, and were num- bered among its most respected citizens. Mrs. Hocker died in December, 1894, but the father is still living. Mrs. Robinson was born in this lo- cality, and by her marriage with our subject be- came the mother of four children. Mary Marga-
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ret died when but four years of age; Jehu F. is a well known physician of Grover Township; and Larkin H. and Eliza A. are both at home. The mother is a devoted member of the Christian Church and is a lady who is beloved by all who know her. In his political affiliations Mr. Rob- inson is a Democrat.
EORGE WASHINGTON IIAMS is the owner of a well improved farm pleasantly situated on section 26, township 48, range 25, Johnson County. He is well known through- out this section, having been a resident here since 1871, and is regarded with the highest re- spect and confidence, being a man of good judg- ment and unimpeachable integrity.
Mr. Iiams was born in Davidson County, N. C., August 4, 1817, and is the son of Thomas and Nancy (Carvel) Iiams, both of whom were born in the state of Maryland. There the father was a carpenter and millwright, following these trades during the greater part of his life. Upon attain- ing his majority he married Miss Carvel and moved immediately to Davidson County, N. C., where they lived until their decease, with the ex- ception of two years, when the father was en1- ployed in South Carolina. He departed this life at the age of seventy-one years, and his wife at the time of her decease had reached the age of threescore years and ten.
The parental household numbered eleven chil- dren, only two of whom are now living. Sarah married Daniel Livengood, and both died in this county; Richard chose for his wife Miss Ellen Collett, and they also lived and died in the above county; Henrietta became the wife of Samuel Ce- cil, and they departed this life in North Carolina; William married Mary Leonard, and they passed their entire lives in North Carolina, in which state Mary, Mrs. Philip Clinard, also died; Nancy is now Mrs. S. T. Stone, and with her husband is living in this county, ten miles south of War-
rensburg; Rachel died aged seventeen years; Ellen died in infancy; John also departed this life when young; and Thomas is likewise de- ceased.
George W., of this sketch, was the ninth in or- der of birth in the above family. He lived at home, aiding in the work on the farm until his marriage, which occurred April 22, 1838. The lady on this occasion was Miss Elizabeth Cecil, a native of Davidson County, N. C., and the daugli- ter of Benjamin and Osie Cecil, farmers by occit- pation, who spent their entire lives in that state.
After his marriage, George W. rented a tract of land for a time, and by the efficient manner in which he carried on the affairs of the estate was soon enabled to make a purchase of forty acres. He lived on this place for ten years, and was then induced by his brother, who was living in Mis- souri, to sell his farm and invest the money in western lands. He accordingly came to Johnson County, arriving here June 28, 1858. The trip was made overland and consumed nine weeks. He visited his brother for a week, spending the time in looking around for a suitable location. He found a place eleven miles south of Warrens- burg, which he rented, but only remained on it for six months. At that time there were only a few stores and shops in Warrensburg, and the court house was very small.
Mr. Iiams moved from the above farm to a lit- tle place of two acres, on which he built a house and lived until the spring of 1865. The next change brought him to within five miles of War- rensburg. Here he rented for two years, when he crossed the line into Lafayette County, and for four years was on rented property in Freedom Township. In 1871 he came to his present farm, which comprises one hundred and twenty acres. The place was at that time covered with timber, and Mr. Iiams has spent many years of hard la- bor in its improvement.
The wife of our subject departed this life in August, 1881. She was the mother of twelve children, eight of whom are now living. Rachel was born in 1839, and now makes her home with her father; John, who married Mary Wise, lives at home, and his wife is in Kansas; Annie be-
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came the wife of John Hurd, and they make their home in Oklahoma; Samuel S. chose for his wife Mollie Payne, and they are engaged in farming in this county; Esther died when twenty-three years of age; Preston departed this life in April, 1893; Calvin, the twin of Preston, married Me- linda Wan, and they reside on a good farm three miles southwest of our subject's home; Melvina is at home; Hiram and the tenth child are de- ceased: Nancy lives with her husband, James Ilams, in this township; and Fathie married Co- lumbus Payne, and they live in Texas. The chil- dren have all been given good educations, and are fitted to occupy useful positions in life. Our subject, who is greatly interested in the cause of education, has been Director in his district for several terms, but with this exception has never held office. During the war he belonged to the Home Guards. In politics he always votes for Republican candidates. He is not a member of any church organization, but several of his chil- dren are identified with religious bodies.
F EORGE T. GALLAHER, whose home is on section 9, township 46, range 24, John- son County, is one of the most extensive land-owners of the county, and no one perhaps is better or more favorably known within its limits. He has made a specialty of growing hay and rais- ing stock, and has invested the large sums of money he has realized from these sources in im- proved farm land. For many years he was num- bered among the leading educators of this coun- ty, but ultimately his other interests required his entire attention.
George Gallaher, Sr., was a native of Tennes- see, and was a life-long agriculturist. For one term he served as County Judge of Johnson County, his decisions being always rendered with fairness and impartiality. He was called to the home beyond in 1876, and his loss was felt to be
a public calamity. His faithful companion and helpmate, whose maiden name was Sarah Robin- son, was likewise a native of Tennessee, and passed the days of her girlhood in that state. The couple were married there, but settled in this county in 1833, and were therefore among its early pioneers. Mrs. Gallaher lived to a ripe old age, dying in 1881.
George T. Gallaher is a native of this county, born July 6, 1840, and is the youngest in his par- ents' family. He attended the country schools, and, being assiduous in his pursuit of knowledge, managed to acquire a fair education. For a time he attended a select school taught by his cousin, James Gallaher, and later studied higher mathe- matics, civil engineering and surveying. His instruction in the latter branches was of a prac- tical nature, as he was taught by the surveyors of the Missouri Pacific Railway. When in his twenty-first year, he obtained a certificate and engaged in teaching school, being thus employed until the tocsin of war was sounded.
July 4, 1861, Mr. Gallaher enlisted in Company E, Twenty-seventh Missouri Mounted Infantry, and was mustered in as First Lieutenant of his company at Jefferson City, Mo., being engaged in active service for two years. Ať Lexington most of the command was captured, and the regi- ment was thoroughly disorganized. The young Lieutenant's health was failing, and he returned to the peaceful avocations of life. Shortly after- ward he was elected County Surveyor, and satis- factorily filled the position for six years. On the termination of his public service, he resumed teaching during the winter months, and was em- ployed at farming during the remainder of the year. He now owns seven hundred and twenty acres of desirable land, all of which is located within the boundaries of this county.
January 7, 1864, Mr. Gallaher wedded Mary C., daughter of Jacob and Sophia (Prigmore) Knaus, who were pioneer settlers of this region. Mrs. Gallaher was born here, and has spent her entire life in this community. Four children came to bless the marriage of our subject and his wife. The eldest died in infancy, and the others are as follows: Henry L., born May 17,
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1868; James T., January 15, 1870; and Fannie M., July 10, 1873. They are all living at home with their parents, and James is conducting a jewelry business in this place.
For some fourteen years past Mr. Gallaher has been Surveyor of Johnson County, and has ably acquitted himself of the responsibilities resting upon him. Politically he uses his ballot in favor of the Democracy. In the Cumberland Presby- terian Church of this place our subject and his estimable wife are numbered among the leading members and active workers.
EVI McMURPHY. Few men have had to endure more privations and overcome more obstacles in order to reach success than our subject. He was early thrown upon his own re- sources and met with very hard treatment in his youth. However, he possessed the qualities which bring success, and perhaps these very hardships brought out the self-reliant and inde- pendent characteristics which have made him the man that he is to-day. For several years he has been numbered among the enterprising farmers of township 45, range 26, Johnson County, where he owns four hundred and eighty-five acres. His homestead is known as the old Gardiner Place, and is situated six miles to the south of Warrens- burg.
Mr. McMurphy was born in Hardin County, Ill., April 6, 1857, and is a son of LaFayette and Curtie (Joiner) McMurphy, both likewise natives of Hardin County. The father of the former, Madison McMurphy, emigrated from Ireland to the Prairie State in the early part of this century, and, like his son LaFayette, was a farmer by oc- cupation. While still a mere lad our subject was deprived of the care and protection of his parents by death. He worked for farmers, receiving his board and clothes until able to earn wages.
November 12, 1877, Levi McMurphy and Mar- tha M., daughter of Miles Hicks, were united in
marriage. For three years they lived on a rent- ed farm in Hardin County, after which they set- tled on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres of timber-land in the same county, this being pur- chased by our subject about 1879. In 1880 he traded the farm for eighty acres in Pope County, Ill., but after operating the place for three years, sold out to good advantage and came to this coun- ty, renting land for three years from J. H. Gard- iner. Afterwards purchasing a part of the farm, he and his worthy wife took care of Mr. Gardin- er's sister and of him as long as he lived.
To Mr. and Mrs. McMurphy were born seven children, six of whom are living: Loy, Pearl, James B., John H., William and Levi, Jr. Mary Alice, who was the eldest of the family, is de- ceased.
In regard to politics our subject has always been a stanch supporter of the Republican party. He takes commendable interest in whatever per- tains to the upbuilding and improvement of the neighborhood in which he makes his home and where he possesses the confidence and respect of his fellows to an eminent degree.
OHN SHUMATE is a well known farmer of township 46, range 25, Johnson County, and, with the exception of a year spent in War- rensburg on account of his health, he has made his home on this farm since arriving at man's es- tate. He is in every sense of the word a prac- tical and progressive farmer, and has steadily in- creased the value of his place by judicious expenditure of time and money. In his political faith he is a Democrat, having always used his ballot in behalf of the men and principles of his party. He is one of the native sons of this town- ship, his birth having occurred on his father's farm, only a mile and a-half distant from his pres- ent home, January 1, 1842.
The paternal grandparents of our subject were natives of Henry County, Va., but died in North
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Carolina, where they had operated a farm for some years. Of their large family John Shumate knows little, but has recollections of three of his uncles, Isaac, John and Toliver. His parents were James and Susannah (Adams) Shumate, both natives of Wilkes County, N. C. The former emigrated to Missouri with the Adams family, making the trip by wagon, and came direct to this county, having only about fifty cents when he arrived here. He at once located on a farmi on section 35, being one of the first settlers in this vicinity. After clearing the land he built a house, and for some time kept "bachelor's hall." For several years after his marriage he lived on that farm, but later he moved to a large farm ad- jacent to the one now owned by our subject. In time he became the owner of six hundred acres, all of which he improved. After living for a few years on section 5, he sold the place and moved to Warrensburg, where he bought property. He never held any offices in the county except that of Road Overseer, although he was a very promi- nent man. His death occurred December 10, 1883, and his wife's demise occurred February 24, 1882. John Shumate is one of ten children, being the fourth in order of birth. William, born May 9, 1836, died January 20, 1875. Eleanor, born February 17, 1838, married John Smith, of North Carolina (now deceased), and died March 3, 1864. Lizzie, wife of Harvey Hayes, is now living in Oklahoma. Martin, born April 8, 1844, married Celina Thomas, and is engaged in farm- ing in Hickory County, Mo. Lucinda, born De- cember 14, 1846, is the wife of James Moody, a retired citizen of Warrensburg. Nancy J., born February 19, 1850, died November 24, 1853. Isaac, born November 9, 1852, died May 25, 1853. Margaret is the wife of Frank Adams, a mer- chant of Hazle Hill; and Jackson married Wal- lace Knight and lives about seven miles from our subject's home.
On arriving at his twenty-first year, John Shu- mate enlisted in Company G, Seventh Missouri Cavalry, under Colonel Phillips. Though he par- ticipated in a number of skirmishes, he was in no important engagements. He was sent on a march into Arkansas and was granted an honora-
ble discharge at Sedalia, Mo., August 31, 1863. Returning home, he soon learned that Price's army was advancing, and was forced to shoulder his gun and help drive him back to Kansas City. For two days and nights he was in the thickest of the battle of the Big Blue, being under the command of George Grover and Major Foster.
March 31, 1864, the marriage of John Shumate and Jane, daughter of William H. and Mary (Childers) De Armond, was celebrated. She was a native of Blount County, Tenn., of which state her parents were likewise natives. In their early married life they lived in Blount County, later in Bradley County, and about 1852 removed from Polk County to this section. At first they rented a farm, then for a time resided on the Dr. Lea Place, and subsequently bought a farm east of there, on which they dwelt several years. Then selling out, Mr. De Armond bought a home in Knobnoster, where he died in November, 1884. Mrs. Shumate is one of nine children, the others being: Melissa, Mrs. Robert Robinson; Margaret, who first married Lawson Robinson, and is now the wife of William Stewart; David, who mar- ried Mary Goodnight; Mrs. Purnel Upton; Mrs. Mary Willis; William, whose wife was formerly Josie Cauffman; Ellen, Mrs. Robert Early; and Thomas, who married Lillie Price, and is living in Ventura County, Cal., with his elder brother, David.
After his marriage John Shumate managed his father's farm for nearly a year, living in a sepa- rate house, however. At the end of that time his father gave him a tract of sixty-four acres, and until 1866 he and his young wife lived in a hum- ble house whichi stood on the place. He then built the substantial structure which has since been his home. He has made all the improve- ments on the place, including a fine barn and other buildings and a fine orchard.
Three children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Shumate. Mollie, born March 8, 1866, was married, March 29, 1883, to Jerry Sullivan, by whom she has had three children, Lola Pearl, Johnny and Jamie. Mr. Sullivan has been en- gaged in farming near our subject, but is now absent on business enterprises in Arizona. James
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William, born October 23, 1869, is in business with his Uncle David in Ventura, Cal. Henry J., born October 28, 1878, is attending school and helping his father on the farm. Mr. Shumate has neither held nor aspired to public office, but served efficiently at one time as Road Overseer. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church at Warrensburg.
OSEPH H. ROTHWELL, a native-born citizen of Johnson County, who since attain- ing manhood has identified himself with ag- ricultural and stock-raising interests, is prosper- ously carrying on his vocation on the old home- stead on section 15, township 47, range 24, which was the place of his birth.
The subject of this biographical review was born September 25, 1855, and is the sixth in order of the family of James E. and Mary S. (Ramsey) Rothwell. The parents were born in the Old Dominion, where they spent their early lives. The removal to Missouri was undertaken in 1839, when they settled upon the land now occupied by Joseph H. Here the father was act- ively engaged in its cultivation for many years, but during his later years lived in retirement, passing away March 8, 1894, when ripe in years. His good wife preceded him to the land beyond, dying in 1875.
Joseph first carried on his studies in the district school, and after becoming familiar with all the branches taught therein pursued his studies fur- ther in the State Normal at Warrensburg. His life work has been that of a farmer, which he finds a profitable vocation, and he now has under his charge two hundred and forty acres of as fine land as can be found in Johnson County. He is a young man of sterling, upright character, pos- sessing excellent business ability, as is shown by the success which has attended his efforts as an agriculturist.
The lady to whom Mr. Rothwell was married February 1, 1883, was Miss Allena, daughter of Rev. A. F. and Priscilla Scruggs, who, it is presumed, were natives of Tennessee and Ken- tucky, respectively. Their daughter, however, was born in this state, in 1857, and was given a good education in the schools near her home. She is now the mother of five children, namely: Claybourne Franklin, Joseph Ernest, William Lawrence, Roy L. and Allena.
Both our subject and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Their home is the abode of comfort and a center from which pleasing influences extend. In politics Mr. Rothwell is in sympathy with the Demo- cratic party, but is not an office-seeker. He is noted for integrity and honesty, which character- istics have been maintained throughout adversity and prosperity alike.
ILLIAM LUTHER HEDGES, M. D., one of the most able practitioners of John- son County, enjoys a large and paying practice in Warrensburg, where he has been lo- cated since August, 1871. In 1877 he was ap- pointed Pension Examining Surgeon, and held the place sixteen years, being Secretary of the Board much of the time. He is a member of the Amer- ican Institute of Homeopathy, the Western Acad- emy, and the Missouri Institute of Homeopathy. In 1879 he was President of the last-named or- ganization, and is now an honorary member of the Kansas State Institute of Homeopathy. Be- fore these various societies he has frequently read papers, and has taken part in discussions before them.
The parents of the Doctor were James F. and Ruth J. (Brown) Hedges. The former is a na- tive of Bourbon County, Ky., and of English de- scent, some of his ancestors having settled in Maryland as early as 1534. The mother was born in Nicholas County, Ky., and was of Irish
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descent. James F. Hedges, who is still living, was born in 1822, and moved to Putnam County, Ind., in 1852, buying a farm of two hundred and forty acres, on which Carpentersville was afterwards laid out. Mr. Hedges soon sold his place, buying another farm, on which he lived until 1856. Then, going to Macoupin County, Ill., he invested in a large farm, which he culti- vated several years. During the war he moved to Girard, Ill., where he remained until 1869, and then, on account of business reverses, went to Emporia, Kan., where he owned land. In 1872 he came to this city, but after living here a year went to Fredonia, Kan., and in 1881 moved to Rich Hill, Mo. His wife died at the latter place in 1882, leaving seven children, one hav- ing preceded her to the better land.
Dr. W. L. Hedges was born in Bath County, Ky., December 17, 1842, and received a good education, attending the academy at Scottville, Ill., about three years. In the spring of 1862 lie taught a country school two miles and a-half from home, and received $20 a month in gold. Au- gust 13 of that year he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-second Illinois Infan- try, and was assigned to the Army of the Ten- nessee. He came within three votes of being elected Lieutenant, but on account of his youth preferred to serve as a private. In the battle of Parker's Cross Roads, in western Tennes- see, his company was cut to pieces, and Decem- ber 31, 1862, the bursting of a shell knocked young William over, but did not injure him to any extent. From April 15 to 25 following he was in the fight at Town Creek, Ala., and July 14, 1864, he fought in the noted battle of Tupelo, Miss. Then, starting after Price, the company followed him to Missouri, and in October, 1864, marched from the barracks at St. Louis, by way of Jefferson City, Sedalia and Independence, to Harrisonville, Mo., and back, by Pleasant Hill, Lexington, Glasgow, Columbia and St. Charles, to their starting point, a distance of about seven hundred miles, all inside of sixty days. In the battle of Nashville, December 15 and 16, 1864, the regiment lost twenty-six .men. Thence they were sent on a march to Eastport, Miss.,
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