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 26
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 26
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married Mrs. Emma Newland, from whom he is also separated. The lady who now bears his name was formerly Miss Liggett. He is an attorney and prominent real-estate man in Cheyenne, Wyo. Joseph Franklin, born January 1, 1849, married Jennie Budd, of English extraction, and their home is in Sedan, Chautauqua County, Kan., where he holds the office of District Clerk.
Cyrus A. Conner was born in Russell County, Ky., April 24, 1837, and was in his eighth year when he came to Missouri. He assisted his fa- ther until he was nineteen years of age, when he began hauling freight for the Government across the plains. With six yoke of oxen he started westward by way of Ft. Laramie and Salt Lake City, passing one winter in Skull Valley, Utah. He spent about three years in the trip, reaching home in August, 1859. The following Novem- ber he went to Texas and turned his attention to raising stock on a large ranch situated on the boundary line between Collin and Denton Coun- ties. In his three years' experience there he met with great success, and only left the business in order to enlist in the war. He started home on horseback, and though stopped several times by the Confederate soldiers, arrived safely in the spring of 1862. He planted a crop of corn and tobacco, but gave it to friends and offered his serv- ices in the First Missouri Cavalry. Under Cap- tain Peabody and Colonel Ellis, he fought on the frontier until August 30, 1864, at Pea Ridge, when he received a wound which was considered fatal. He recovered from that, however, but was wounded in the side near Little Rock. In a short time he was back in the ranks and fought bravely until the close of the war, being mustered out June 13, 1865, at Little Rock, after nearly three years' service.
April 19, 1866, Mr. Conner married Mary E. Hess, a native of Ohio, born near Dayton. Her parents, Abraham and Susannah (Reynolds) Hess, after their marriage, lived on a farm in Ohio until the death of the father. His widow subsequently became the wife of David Zumbrun, and shortly afterward moved to this county. The mother died on their farm here, but Mr. Zumbrun's death occurred in Jewell County, Kan. The only
brother of Mrs. Conner was George, who died when about twenty-one years of age. After near- ly twenty-five years of happy married life our subject was deprived of his wife's love and faith- ful care by death. They were the parents of nine children. William Sherman, born January 27, 1867, married Lizzie Lesh, and is a telegraph operator in western Kansas; Agnes died at the age of four years; Lucy Mabel died in infancy; Elizabeth Ann, born in 1872, married W. L. Bethel, and now lives only a quarter of a mile distant from her father's home; Arthur A., born in July, 1873, is attending Parkville College, near Kansas City; Lucian Stanley, born December 8, 1876, lives at home, as do the younger members of the family, namely: Mary Louisa, born in 1879; Walter Otto in 1881; and Luther Cyrus, October 2, 1886. April 17, 1892, Mr. Conner married Mrs. Mary M. Wilson, who was born April 3, 1843, in Knobnoster. Her parents, Samuel and Sarah (Walters) Workman, were both born near Hanover, Pa. At an early day they emigrated to Missouri, and in 1839 moved from Howard County to Knobnoster, buying one hundred and sixty acres of land, on which the town now stands, and which was laid out by Mr. Workman. He lived there until his death, January 4, 1889, and his wife survived him only a year and a-half, dy- ing June 20, 1890. Mrs. Conner is one of eight children, and of the others we note the following: Rebecca died in her sixth year; Eliza A. became the wife of Thomas Cooksey, of Oklahoma; Sarah J. married Aaron Weidman, a retired citizen of Knobnoster; Walter A., who married Myra Hague, is now engaged in farming in Illinois; Samuel E. is a real-estate and insurance man of Knobnoster, and his wife was formerly Fannie Garrison; William J. first married Katie Elbert, then Emma Wells, and his present wife was for- merly Mrs. Lulu Oliphant; their home is near Ashland, Kan .; and James Madison, a successful physician of Woodward, Okla., married Sadie Brown, of Indiana.
For two years after his second marriage, Cyrus Conner lived in Knobnoster, having turned his farm over to his children for the time being. Ever since then he has conducted his own farm,
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which he purchased from the other heirs of his father's estate. About two hundred acres of this are under cultivation, corn, wheat and hay being the principal products. Mr. Conner is a believer in the future of clover, and claims he can make more money raising clover seed than he can from wheat crops. He lost a large sum by the burn- ing of the mill in Knobnoster, in which he had stored an immense quantity of wheat.
On account of the wound which he received during the war, Mr. Conner now draws a pension of $12 a month. His fortune has been made en- tirely since the war, as when he lett the service he did not have a dollar. A man in favor of good schools and teachers, he served for several years as a School Director, but aside from that has never held public office. For about fifteen years he has been a member of Sandstone Lodge, A. O. U. W., of Knobnoster. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of that place, and are ever active in re- ligious and benevolent work.
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G ENRY T. DRAPER, a native of Johnson County, is now living on a farm on section 24, township 46, range 25. He removed to this homestead March 1, 1894, and during the short time which has elapsed has made substan- tial improvements, and in addition to raising grain and general crops he carries on stock-rais- ing to some extent. Much of his time is devoted to fruit-growing, and his fine orchard comprises many varieties of apple trees, cherry, plum, peach and pear trees, besides small fruits, such as grapes, blackberries, raspberries and gooseber- ries.
The parents of our subject were George S. and Amelia (Tandy) Draper, who were both natives of Caldwell County, Ky., the former born De- cember 31, 1807, and the latter October 31, 1812. The parents of George Draper were both natives of Ireland, where they were married, but soon
afterward they emigrated to Virginia, and later to Caldwell County, Ky., where they lived on a farm until death. The parents of Mrs. Draper were Roger and Mary Tandy, the former of whom was a slave-holder in Kentucky at one time. George S. Draper was a life-long agriculturist, and about 1837 became a resident of this county. For three years he cultivated a farm in township 45, range 25. The place contained one hundred and sixty acres, on which he made improvements, but when a favorable opportunity presented itself he sold out and invested in land near our sub- ject's present home. Several years later he re- moved to what is now known as the Draper Farm, in this township, this also being a place of one hundred and sixty acres. In the evening of September 24, 1862, he was called to the door of his house and was shot through the breast, after which he was unable to speak a word, death soon resulting. His widow went to live with the family of Dr. Lea, taking her children with her and remaining there for six months. In the fall of 1863 her family returned to Caldwell County, Ky., where they spent eight years on a farm. At the end of that time they went back to the old Draper Farm, where the father had been mur- dered. The reason for this piece of villainy was never fully understood, as Mr. Draper was well liked by everyone as far as known. His wife was a member of the Baptist Church of High Point and always took great interest in religious work.
Eleven children were born to George S. and Amelia Draper. Adelia J., born October 5, 1832, married H. Stewart, who was formerly a merchant of Xenia, Ill., but is now deceased. Mrs. Stewart is making her home in Montserrat. Lafayette, born October 29, 1833, was killed in the army; his widow afterward married, and is now a resi- dent of Texas. Sallie, born August 26, 1835, is now living with her sister in Montserrat. Mil- ton, born July 22, 1837, was married in Ken- tucky to Betty Perry; after her death Charity Luster became his wife, but she, too, died a few years later. The lady who now bears his name was formerly Nanny Burgett, and their home is in Kentucky. William T., born August 11, 1839, died April 14, 1889; his wife, whose girlhood
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name was Carrie Stewart, is now living three miles northwest of Montserrat. John Tandy, born January 14, 1844, was murdered at the same time as was his father. Robert A., born June 12, 1845, married Sally Tandy, and is a farmer in Kentucky. James D., born January 26, 1847, married Mollie Weller, and operates a farm in Arkansas. Jesse L., born March 27, 1850, mar- ried Annie D. Wadlington, and lives on a farm in Macon County, Mo. Mary E., born August 14, 1852, is the wife of D. H. Coffman, who owns a farm south of Knobnoster. Henry T., of this sketch, completes the family.
The birth of our subject occurred near Mont- serrat, October 5, 1854. He continued to live with his mother until reaching his majority, when he started out to make his own way, and for two years worked for farmers at $15 per month. His next venture was to rent a farm for a year, after which he proceeded to Bates County, Mo., and leased a farm of seventy-five acres for two years, meeting with good success. Then, going to Ben- ton County, Mo., he invested his savings in sixty- three acres of land, which he stocked with cattle. After managing this farm for three years he re- turned to Bates County and turned his attention to conducting a livery in Adrian for a year. Not meeting with the success which he had antici- pated, he gave up the business and for two years rented land near Montserrat and engaged in mak- ing tile. Recently he traded his town property for his present farm of thirty-five acres.
September 7, 1892, Mr. Draper married Anna B. Bethel, born in Adams County, Ill., February 2, 1868. Her parents, William H. and Amanda (Fisher) Bethel, were natives of Kentucky and Virginia, respectively, the former having been born June 8, 1841, and the latter May 25 of the same year. They were married in Illinois, and lived on a farm in Adams County until 1863, when they moved to Marion County, Mo. After farming in that locality for twelve years they be- came inhabitants of this county. Mr. Bethel died on the roth of February, 1889, but his widow is still living in this township. Of their children we make the following mention: Lavan C., born October 1, 1866, married Dora McCoy, and lives
near Warrensburg. Mrs. Draper is the next in order of birth. Walter Lea, born January 7, 1870, married Lizzie Connor, and resides in this town- ship. Frank, born January 10, 1872, and now a resident of Caldwell County, Mo., married Mabel Coffman. Edwin Ernest, born in 1874, died at the age of eight months. Ida May, born in 1876, died when fifteen months old. Ida May (the second of that name), born July 29, 1879, lives with her mother, as does also the next younger, Felicia Smith, who was born February 17, 1880. Thomas Benton, born in 1881, died in infancy; and Charles William, born October 15, 1882, is the youngest.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Draper has been blessed with a little daughter, Caddie Amelia, whose birth occurred May 23, 1894. Mrs. Draper is a member of the Christian Church of Warrens- burg and is a lady who is universally beloved. Politically Mr. Draper is a Democrat, but he has never aspired to hold public office.
ILLIS V. SMITH, M. D., is a graduate of the department of medicine of Columbia (Mo.) State University, and for over two decades has been actively engaged in practice in Warrensburg, Johnson County. In 1892 he went East, taking a full course of instruction in the New York Post-Graduate College, and April 1, 1892, sailed for Germany, where he took a spe- cial course of surgery in Berlin University. He is a member of the local medical association, be- longs to the Pension Examining Board, and served as County Coroner for six years.
Dr. Smith was born in Lexington, Mo., May 27, 1852, and is the son of Henry and Mary A. (Violet) Smith, the former of whom was a na- tive of Kentucky, born in 1802. The grandfa- ther, Henry Smith, Sr., emigrated from Germany to North Carolina and afterward settled in Logan County, Ky., where he became an extensive slave- holder and planter. Henry Smith, Jr., was mar-
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ried in the Blue Grass State, and in 1844 moved to St. Louis, where he engaged in contracting and building, and many of the structures which he then put up are yet in a good state of preser- vation. About 1847 he moved to Lexington, Mo., where he went into the milling business, and the first large flourmill which was erected there is still owned by one of his sons-in-law. In 1853 he went to Independence, Mo., where he built and operated another flourmill, and also engaged in mercantile pursuits for four years. Then, coming to this city, he put up another mill, which he carried on until his death, which took place in October, 1871. In early life he was an old-line Whig, but after the war espoused the cause of the Democracy. He was long identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and with the Southern Methodist Episcopal Church.
Dr. W. V. Smith is the youngest of ten chil- dren, and was just five years old when his par- ents moved to this city. His education was main- ly gained in the excellent city schools, but for about one year he attended those of Jerseyville, Il1., while living with an older brother. On com- pleting his studies in the public schools, he took up medicine in the Columbia State University, and in June, 1874, was graduated from the med- ical department with the degree of Doctor of Med- icine. After a brief vacation he opened an office in Warrensburg, and from the very start was blessed with a good measure of success. Politic- ally he is, like his father was before him, a Dem- ocrat.
October 13, 1879, Dr. Smith married Frances A. Coleman, of Warrensburg. She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, August 13, 1854, and was a daughter of Benjamin F. and Columbia E. (Conk- lin) Coleman, the latter a second cousin of Roscoe Conklin, of New York. Mrs. Smith was educat- ed in the public schools of her native city, and later took an elective course in McMicken Uni- versity at Cincinnati, and in 1875 came with her parents to Warrensburg. In September, 1882, she entered the Woman's Medical College of Penn- sylvania, and graduated therefrom in March, 1885, since which time she has gained a large practice. When the Warrensburg Medical Society was or-
ganized she was honored with the position of Sec- retary, and her well written and thoughtful ar- ticles on various subjects relating to her profes- sion often appear in the leading medical journals. To the Doctor and wife was born one child, Ada Coleman, July 26, 1880. Mrs. Smith is a lineal descendant of Maj. John Handy, of Revolution- ary fame. He was the eldest son of Charles Handy, Sr., an adherent of the Tory cause, and greatly to his displeasure his sons, Maj. John and Charles, enlisted on the side of the Colonists, both becoming officers later on. When the Declara- tion of Independence was passed it was Maj. John Handy who was deputed by the state authorities to read the document from the steps of the State House, which he did July 4, 1776, amid the great rejoicing of the people. Fifty years later lie was again called upon to read it from the same place. He was highly respected in Newport, where he always lived, and as a soldier he did excellent service under Sullivan and Spencer. There is yet in existence a fine picture of him taken at the age of forty years. His death occurred March 2, 1828, and he was buried with military honors.
ON. GEORGE N. HOCKER, possessor of one of the fine estates in Johnson County, was elected to represent his district in the Thirty-seventh General Assembly of Missouri in 1892, by a majority of four hundred and twenty- one votes. At the present time he resides on section 13, township 46, range 24, where he lo- cated his excellent farm.
A native of Kentucky, born August 17, 1841, in Shelby County, our subject was the fourth in the family of Newton and Nancy ( Houseworth) Hocker, also natives of the Blue Grass State. There the father lived until 1870, the year in which he came to Missouri. He now makes his home with his son, our subject, and has passed his eightieth milestone in life. He followed farm-
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ing in connection with carrying on his trade, that of a tailor, in his native state for many years, but after coming to Missouri gave his attention strict- ly to cultivating the soil and raising fine stock.
Mrs. Nancy Hocker was born in the Old Do- minion in 1809. She accompanied her husband on his various removals, and at the time of her death, in March, 1893, was eighty-three years of age. George N. spent his early years in perform- ing the lighter duties of farm work, and during dull seasons attended the district school. In De- cember, 1868, he came to Missouri, locating on a farm seven miles north of Knobnoster, after which he removed to Pettis County and made that sec- tion his home for ten years. In 1881, however, he bought land in Johnson County, on which he lived for four or five years, and in the spring of 1888 moved upon the beautiful estate where he now resides. This place occupies one of the finest sites in the county, and is improved in such a manner as to attract the eye of the passer-by, who at once recognizes it to be the property of a pro- gressive and intelligent agriculturist. Devoting his attention, as he did, to farming in his early life, he knows well how to make his land and labor remunerative.
Mr. Hocker and Miss Mary Scearce were mar- ried September 1, 1868. The lady is the dangh- ter of John B. and Pauline (Shouse) Scearce, na- tives of Woodford County, Ky. Mrs. Hocker was likewise born in the Blue Grass State, and has become the mother of four children, as fol- lows: Boyd W., at home; Thomas, now engaged in business at St. Joseph, this state; Mabel S., the wife of George W. Arthur, a prominent farm- er, whose estate is located near the above city; and Mary Ethel, at home with her parents.
With his wife, our subject is a devoted member of the Baptist Church, with which he has been connected since 1871. His political affiliation has always been with the Democratic party, and his popularity is indicated by the fact that he was chosen Representative from his district and elected by a handsome majority. While in the Legisla- ture he served on the Committee of Improve- ments, Normal Schools and various others of im- portance. His record was that of a man interest-
ed in public improvements, liberal in his views regarding appropriations, but averse to extrava- gance or fraud. In the landslide in 1894 Hon. Mr. Hocker went down with his party, being de- feated, however, by only nineteen votes.
ACOB ELLIS. The name which opens this sketch is that of one of the best farmers in Johnson County. He occupies one of the finest estates in this section and is surrounded by all the comforts that he could wish for. The home place contains two hundred acres, situated in township 45, range 25, and the dwelling, which is substantially built, is surrounded by shade trees and shrubs, which make it attractive to the pass- er-by.
Mr. Ellis was born in Cooper County, this state, November 21, 1819, and is the son of Isaac and Patsy (Shipley) Ellis, natives of Kentucky. There they were reared and married, continuing to make their home in the Blue Grass State until 1818. That year they crossed the line into Mis- souri, where the father purchased a farm within the confines of Cooper County. He lived upon this place for three years, when he removed to another location in the southern portion of the county, where his death occurred when three- score years and ten. His wife also passed her last days on this place, dying at the age of sixty- five years. He was one of the very earliest set- tlers in the state, and was well and favorably known.
To Isaac and Patsy Ellis there were born ten children, namely: Jolın, William, George, Ben- jamin, Isaac, Rachel, Elizabeth, Jacob, Robert and James. The eldest son married Malinda Raney, who is now deceased. He is living on a farm twelve miles north of Sedalia, and has now attained his eighty-ninth year.
Our subject was fairly well educated, though the schools in those days were very inferior. He assisted in the work at home until attaining
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his majority. That year his father gave him a tract of forty acres of land, and having entered a like amount himself, he had a goodly acreage with which to commence. He cleared the greater part of the land, built thereon a substantial house, and while living there, in 1856, was married to Miss Minerva Anderson, a native of Pettis County, having been born May 25, 1832. She was the daughter of Ambrose and Hannah Anderson, also natives of that county, where they were farmers.
Our subject continued to live on the farm men- tioned above for fourteen years after his marriage, when, having a good offer, he sold the tract and moved to Pettis County. His first purchase of land there consisted of two hundred and fourteen acres, located about twelve miles northeast of Se- dalia. This he improved and made his home for ten years, when another change was made, this time moving to his present beautiful place. Al- though it is two hundred acres in extent, Mr. Ellis has only one-half the farm under tillage, and the greater portion of this he rents. At the time he purchased tlie place it was owned by a man by the name of Kinsey and was occupied by Mr. Farley, a minister well known to the old resi- dents of the county.
When a lad of fifteen years our subject remem- bers seeing a herd of about sixty deer near his home, and on shouldering his musket to shoot at them brought down two. He had a friend, however, who was much more of an expert than he in the use of the rifle, for it is known that during the early settlement of the county he shot as many as fifteen hundred deer in one year. At this time the Indians were very numerous in the locality, but were quite friendly, however.
Mr. Ellis was deprived of the companionship of his good wife in 1876, she dying August 10 of that year. To them were born ten children. Of these Tabitha Jane married Andy Quint; she is now deceased, and her husband makes his home in Cooper County, this state. Robert B. married Emma Tanner, and died in August, 1878; his widow resides in this county. Daniel is unmar- ried, and is residing on a farm in this township. William died at the age of thirty-five years. Minerva died in infancy. Laura also died when
young. George Ann, who lives near our subject, became the wife of John McDaniel, who is de- ceased. Elizabeth died in infancy. Mary mar- ried Thomas Ivy, and they now live in township 44, range 25. Jennie R. married James Adams, and they make their home on a farm near Mr. Ellis.
August 15, 1877, our subject was married to Mrs. Jane (Boyd) Root, who was born in North Carolina, July 23, 1829. She was the daughter of Cyrus and Nancy (Lewis) Boyd, both natives of that state, where the father was a cabinet- maker, following that trade all his life. When Mrs. Ellis was an infant of six weeks the family emigrated to Tennessee, and two years later moved to Kentucky. They resided there for the same length of time, when they crossed the line into Missouri and thereafter lived in Jasper Coun- ty until the decease of the father. Mrs. Boyd subsequently married Solomon Carter, a cooper, and went to Dade County, where her death oc- curred.
Mrs. Ellis was first married, November 20, 1860, to Thomas E. Root, who died two years later, in Arkansas. The widow then made her home with relatives until her union with our subject. In politics he is a Republican, and in religious af- fairs, although not connected with any organiza- tion, contributes to the support of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which denomination his wife is connected.
M ILTON SWOPE, who is considered a pio- neer of Johnson County, has been actively identified with its practical, prosperous farmers for many years, and is the proprietor of a large farm on section 4, township 47, range 24. He is a native of this state, and was born in Pettis County in 1823, to Jesse and Mary (Hed- drick) Swope, natives of Kentucky. They were married in the Blue Grass State, but, not making much of a headway there, the father concluded to
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try his fortunes in Missouri, and accordingly came hither at a very early day, when this now thickly populated region was a vast wilderness. His first work was to enter a tract of land and upon tak- ing possession of this unimproved property he began the work of its improvement, making his home thereon until the time of his death, in 1864. The mother of Milton followed her husband to the grave four or five years later.
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