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 45
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 45
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Joshua Patterson, Sr., the father of our subject, was a farmer in North Carolina, being a native of the eastern part of the state. When young he moved to Yadkin County, where he was one of the pioneers, and lived until his decease, which occurred when he was eighty-six years old. He married Polly Williams, a native of that state, who departed this life about ten years after his decease, being at that time also eighty-six years old.
The parental family included twelve children,
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of whom the eldest, Sallie, died when eight years old; William W. is engaged in farming and mer- chandising in East Bend, N. C .; Thomas A. is a farmer near Fulkerson, Johnson County, this state; John is living in his native state of North Carolina, where he owns a farm; Tyre I. de- parted this life while living in Cass County, Mo .; James D. died while a resident of Indiana; Sanford's death occurred just north of Lone Jack, in Jackson County; Joshua, Jr., was the next- born and the eighth of the family; Mary Jane died in North Carolina; Jesse D. owns a farm in Nortlı Carolina; Isaac C., formerly a farmer, is now a merchant of Odessa; and Mahala, who was married in North Carolina, also died there.
The subject of this sketch was born May 15, 1837, in Yadkin County, N. C., on his father's farm. There his early life was passed, and there also lie attended school for two or three months in each year, besides assisting in the farm work. One year after attaining his majority lie left home and, determining to try his fortunes in this state, came hitler, first stopping at Chapel Hill, near which place he hired out to work on a farm. He was unable to hold his position very long, for he was taken sick and one-half of his little hoard of $11 was paid out for doctor bills and medicine. When able to commence work again he neces- sarily had to begin at the very bottom round of the ladder, but being very courageous and hop- ing for better things, he farmed on shares and was so fortunate as to work for a man who, in addition to dividing the profits, gave him his board. It is unnecessary to say that he was in- dustrious, improving every moment in some profitable way, and by saving each year a little of his earnings soon possessed $1,000. This he in- vested, in 1868, in eighty acres of land, one-half of which is now included in his present farm. The one thing necessary to make his home com- plete now was a wife and helpmate, and, return- ing to North Carolina, he was married to Miss Frances P. Norman, February 17, 1870. Together they returned to this state and have made it their home ever since. The old log house in which they first lived gave way to a more commodious and substantial structure in 1889, and this worthy
couple now dispense hospitality to their many friends with a generous hand. Their children are eight in number, namely: Henry Hooker, who was a teacher for two terms, but is now a telegraplı operator at Riverside, Ark .; Joshua Luther, attending school at Warrensburg; Vir- gil T., Mamie I., Wiley Wheeler, Bessie May, Sidney Albert and Frank Roy.
In politics Mr. Patterson is a Republican. Dur- ing the late war lie was loyal to Uncle Sanı, at- taching himself to the Home Guards, and aided in guarding the property of the residents of Mis- souri. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church, with which denomination three of their children are also connected. He is well and favorably known throughout this section as one of its best residents and loyal citizens, and we are pleased to publish his biography in this volume.
H. HODGINS, a well known citizen of Sedalia, is one of the oldest and most trusted employes of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad. He holds the position of Storekeeper, furnishing supplies for track, bridge, car and station use, in fact everything needed in the opera- tion of the railroad, and lias more than a dozen men under his charge. By his superiors he is justly esteemed, for he has ever shown great in- terest in their success and has faithfully served them.
Our subject's grandfather, John Hodgins, emi- grated from Ireland to London, Canada, with his family, at the beginning of the present century, and engaged in farming. His son, John D., father of W. H., was born in Queen's County, Ireland, and for forty years was a police magis- trate. He was in the Rebellion of 1837, and for years was in the Canadian militia. In addition to his public duties he managed a farm. When he was eighty-five years of age he was called to his final rest, dying in the faith of the Episcopal Church. His wife, whose maiden name was
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Elizabeth Hodgins (not a relative, however), was born in Canada, and was a daughter of William Hodgins, a farmer of English birth. Mrs. Hod- gins died when forty years of age, and left twelve children, seven of whom are yet living.
W. H. Hodgins is a native of London, Canada, born September 1, 1838, and was reared on a farm. When he was eighteen years of age he came to the United States, first going to Detroit, and later to St. Louis, Mo., where he ran as clerk on a line of steamers plying between that point and New Orleans. During this time he bought a farm near Baton Rouge, Miss. In 1861 he en- listed as a private in Company H, Ninth Loui- siana Volunteers, but at the battle of Gettysburg served as Lieutenant. In the fall of 1864 he was captured by some Ohio troops, but managed to make his escape and went to Canada.
In March, 1865, Mr. Hodgins returned to the States and embarked in farming near Champaign, Ill., there remaining until the fall of 1867. De- siring to see something of the country, he then traveled extensively, and at length, in 1868, lo- cated in this city. At the corner of Main Street and Kentucky Avenue, he soon opened a grocery, and continued in the business until 1870, when he was burned out. March 24, 1871, he received the appointment of Storekeeper of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad, and has since held the position. He handles all the supplies for the three divisions, and also furnishes station agents and trainmen from Parsons to Hannibal and St. Louis. Besides, he supplies the car departments between St. Louis and Dennison, Tex.
In 1861 our subject was married, in Canada, to Agnes McMahon, also a native of the Dominion. She became the mother of two children. Archie A., who graduated from the high school here, learned a trade and is now foreman in the Illinois Steel Works of Chicago; and Gertrude, who was educated in Canada, resides with her father. The faithful wife and mother was called to her reward in 1882, leaving a host of friends who sincerely mourn her loss.
Mr. Hodgins is Past Officer of the Royal Tribe of Joseph and of the Knights of Pythias. He also belongs to the National Reserves. Politically
he is a thorough-going Democrat and a firm be- liever in free trade. Though never desirous of official honors, he consented to serve as a member of the City Council for one term. In manner he is genial and pleasant, readily making friends, and, what is more, has the faculty of keeping them.
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ON. ROBERT E. FERGUSON. Through- out this portion of Missouri there is perhaps no resident of Pettis County better or more favorably known than Hon. Robert E. Ferguson, who is one of the most prominent agriculturists in - Bowling Green Township. His fine estate of two hundred and seventy acres is pleasantly lo- cated on section 8, and bears all the improve- ments which are usually made by men progressive in their ideas and wide-awake to the best methods of carrying on their business projects.
Mr. Ferguson's father, who bore the given name of William, was born in Barren County, Ky., from which locality he emigrated with his father's family to this county. The grandfather, Thomas Ferguson, came to this section in 1842, and lived in Bowling Green Township until his decease, which occurred a few years later.
The mother of our subject, Mrs. Dorinda (Wright) Ferguson, was likewise born in Barren County, Ky., where she was reared to woman- hood, and met and married William Ferguson. They made the journey to Missouri the same year which saw the removal hither of Thomas Ferguson, and, like him, also located in Bowling Green Township, where the father died in May, 1890. His widow still survives and now makes her home in this township with her son Robert E.
The parental family comprised seven children. of whom our subject was one of the younger members. He was born in Bowling Green Town- ship, this county, February 22, 1848, and, with the exception of two years spent in the state of Texas, has always made his home within its con- fines. Agriculture has been the chosen vocation
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of his life, and in its pursuance he has met with remarkable success, being now the possessor of a large tract, well cultivated.
Mr. Ferguson was elected Judge of Pettis Coun- ty in the fall of 1890, and after filling the duties of that position in a most acceptable manner for two years retired to private life. He has been active in political circles as a Democrat ever since attaining his majority, and his labors in every po- sition which he has been called upon to fill have been eminently satisfactory.
Judge Ferguson has been identified with the Missionary Baptist Church for many years and endeavors to carry the teachings of the Divine Master into his daily life, making all who know him respect the faith which he so earnestly up- holds. Socially he is a member of the Ancient Order of United Woodmen, and also belongs to the Woodmen of the World and the Royal Tribe of Joseph.
Hon. Robert E. Ferguson was married, Octo- ber 13, 1872, to Miss Janie P., daughter of the late Rev. E. K. Porter, of Bowling Green Town- ship. She was born in this neighborhood April 12, 1853, and became the mother of six children, Robert Leslie, Jessie May, William Edwin, Luth- er Vest, Ruthie Ethel and Nellie Eunice. The wife and mother departed this life in Bowling Green Township, November 3, 1890. She identi- fied herself in early years with the Methodist Church South, and from that time until her death was a consistent Christian worker in the Lord's vineyard.
OSEPH THOMAS WATKINS. The fact that while still in early manhood Mr. Wat- kins has met with flattering business success, proves that his abilities are of no common order. A descendant, through his father, of English an- cestry, and on the maternal side tracing his lin- eage to France, he combines the versatility of the latter nation with the determination of the former,
and to these he has added the American charac- teristics of pluck and energy. He is engaged in the plumbing business at Sedalia, and in this line has established a large and remunerative trade, besides doing considerable business as a contractor for sewers.
Born in England, Joseph Thomas Watkins, Sr., father of our subject, crossed the Atlantic in boyhood and settled in St. Louis, where he mar- ried and made his home until death. For many years he was employed on the Mississippi River steamers, the most of the time being steward on the "City of Chester," running between St. Louis and New Orleans. In 1876 this elegant steamer was burned on the river, but Mr. Watkins and his son, our subject, who was with him, were rescued and returned home in safety. So severe, however, was the experience, that he decided to leave the river, and accordingly secured a posi- tion as steward in the Lindel Hotel, St. Louis, and afterward at the Hurst Hotel, following this until his death, at the age of forty-nine years.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Caroline Waynecheck, and was born in Strasburg, France, whence she accompanied her parents to the United states and settled in St. Louis. She still makes her home in that city. By her marriage were born eight children, of whom four are living. The subject of this sketch, who was the fourth in order of birth, was born in St. Louis, Mo., on the 14th of July, 1865, and received a practical education in the common schools of that city. At the age of fourteen his studies were abandoned and his active busi- ness life commenced. For three and one-half years he was apprenticed to the plumbing and gas-fitting business with one of the prominent firms of St. Louis, and afterward as journeyman he worked in various places.
Coming to Sedalia in September, 1887, Mr. Watkins became foreman for the Sedalia Gas Company, having charge of their plumbing and gas-fitting department. Through his long expe- rience in the employ of others, he gained a thor- ough knowledge of the business, and as soon as he had saved a sufficient amount he at once em- barked in business for himself. Since October,
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1891, he has carried on an increasing trade, and, being an expert and careful workman, he has gained the confidence of the people, who place the utmost reliance on his opinions. In his shop at No. 120 West Third Street he keeps a full line of general plumbing supplies, and here lie may usually be found superintending the details of his business.
In Sedalia December 23, 1889, Mr. Watkins married Miss Queenie Victory Balch, a native of Ohio, and unto them have been born two chil- dren, James Joseph and Helen. Socially, Mr. Watkins affiliates with the Woodmen of the World, and he is also identified with the State Association of Master Plumbers. He is an active young business man, sagacious, energetic and prudent, and though giving his attention princi- pally to personal affairs, still maintains a warm interest in public matter, and in politics is a Dem- ocrat. He is a man of fine physique and winning personality, in height is six feet and one inch, and as a companion is genial, entertaining and affable.
AMES BEATTY BOGGS is an enterprising farmer and stock-raiser of Johnson County, his farm of one hundred and sixty acres being on section 16, township 45, range 28. At the time he purchased this land, in 1869, there was very little in the way of improvements on it, and there was but one tree on the place, this being a wild plum, which is yet standing in front of the house. Now, however, a fine grove surrounds the residence and other buildings. With charac- teristic energy, Mr. Boggs set to work to make a good farm, erecting a substantial house and barn, and as the years passed has placed many improve- ments on the homestead, which have added great- ly to its desirability and beauty. He has never had cause to regret his settling in this locality, for he has steadily prospered and is now in pos- session of a secure competence.
Born November 28, 1831, in Harrison County,
Ohio, our subject is a son of William and Martha (Beatty) Boggs, the former of whom was born in Belmont County, Ohio, in 1802, being a son of Rice Boggs. The latter was probably born in Delaware, where he was married, after which he emigrated to Ohio in very early days, dying on his home farm. In his early manhood William Boggs went to Harrison County, Ohio, where he married and settled down. He had learned the carpenter's trade, but merchandising was more to his taste, and this business he followed as long as he was able. For a number of years he lived in New Athens, but in 1845 he took up his resi- dence in Cadiz, Ohio.
The school days of James Boggs were passed in New Athens and Cadiz, and it was his privi- lege to attend Franklin College for a few terms. He remained at home until reaching his majority, when he clerked for his father. For thirteen years he continued in this occupation, after which he was taken into partnership, remaining a mem- ber of the firm three years. When he was quite young his mother died, he being the only child by the first union. After the death of his first wife the father re-married, and departed this life in Cadiz in 1883. .
August 8, 1867, James Boggs and May E. Thomas, of Blairsville, Pa., were united in mar- riage. She was born in Pittsburg, October I, 1842, and is a daughter of Rev. Jolin E. and Roxana (Estep) Thomas. The father, who was a native of Wales, was about sixteen years of age when he came to the United States, and subse- quently was a minister in the Baptist denomina- tion. For a few years he lived in the Buckeye State, but was married in Pittsburg, and subse- quently was pastor of a church in Allegheny City. Mrs. Boggs received a good education in the public schools of Pittsburg and attended Can- nonsburg Seminary when abont eighteen years of age, after which she followed teaching for a number of years prior to her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Boggs have had four children, of whom the eldest, Albert, was born in Cadiz, and the others in this county. Albert, whose birth occurred October 16, 1868, is a railroad man; Harry Man- son, born June 2, 1870, is a railroad-bridge
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builder; Mode Leslie, who was born March 21, 1874, and James B., August 26, 1882, are at home.
Originally a Whig, Mr. Boggs cast his first Presidential vote for Winfield Scott in 1852, sup- ported Fillmore in 1856, in 1860 voted for Bell and Everett, and in 1868 for Horatio Seymour. Of late years he has been independent, using his right of franchise in favor of men whom he deems best qualified for official honors and responsi- bilities rather than for party machines. Mr. and Mrs. Boggs are identified with the Presbyterian Church.
ATRICK H. LONGAN, an enterprising and successful farmer of Pettis County, and the efficient Circuit Clerk, was born in Coop- er County, this state, April 17, 1846. His father, Rev. George W. Longan, was born near Charles- ton, in what was then Howard County, Mo., and the grandfather, Hon. A. K. Longan, was a na- tive of Virginia. The last-named was left an or- phan at the age of nine years, and then went to Kentucky to live with a brother, being reared there upon a farm. After his marriage he came to Missouri, locating in Howard County, near Charleston, where he followed farming and brick- making, and subsequently moved to Cooper County. After the admission of the state to the Union he was twice elected Representative in the Legislature. The family is of Irish descent and was founded in America by Patrick Longan, who was one of the heroes of the Revolution. In relig- ious faith he was a Protestant.
The father of our subject was a self-made and self-educated man, who through life was a close student. He became a minister in the Christian Church, and preached in Cooper and Benton Counties, also in Plattsburg, Kansas City, War- rensburg and other places. He was one of the Trustees of the State Normal School at Warrens- burg, also one of the Regents of the Missouri State University at Columbia. Earnest and untiring
in his work, he was a prominent and well known minister among those of his denomination, and al- so had a wide acquaintance on account of his deep and abiding interest in educational matters. He organized many churches, including the one at Sedalia, which was established during the war, and of which he continued pastor several years. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, a Whig and Republican in politics, and during the war supported the Union. His death occurred at Sweet Springs, Mo., December 29, 1892, at the age of seventy-two. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Myra P. Reavis, was born in Missouri, and is now living in this county, at the age of seventy-four years. They had seven chil- dren, all of whom are living. The third child, William H., was in a Missouri regiment, on the Union side, during the Civil War, and now re- sides in Dallas County, Mo. George B. is Super- intendent of the Washington School of Kansas City; James A. also lives in Kansas City; Maria K. is the wife of William L. Black; Mary E. mar- ried Joseph Stone; and Martha E. became the wife of Joseph Upton. The maternal grandfa- ther, James A. Reavis, removed from North Car- olina to Missouri at an early day and was a farmi- er and distiller of Pisgah, Cooper County. Sub- sequently he carried on farming in Texas for a time, but afterward returned to this state, and lived retired near Holden until his death, whichı occurred when past the age of ninety years. He was of English descent.
Patrick H. Longan was a lad of seven sum- mers when his parents removed to Warsaw, Mo., Three years later they went to Benton County, and he then continued upon the home farm until he had attained his majority. In 1864 he en- listed in Company G, Fifth Missouri Provisional Regiment, which was mustered in in Benton County, and did service in that vicinity until the close of the war as State Guards. In March, 1866, he came to Pettis County, where he fol- lowed farming for a time, and then attended the Allen Institute of Farmer City.
In March, 1869, Mr. Longan was married, in this county, to Miss Angeline Donnoliue, who is also of Irish ancestry. She is a native of
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Pettis County, and a daughter of J. C. Donnohue, a farmer. Six children have been born to them. George W. is serving as Deputy Circuit Clerk; Rufus E., who taught school for two years, is now a cadet at West Point, being appointed by John T. Heard, Democratic Congressman from this district, and having made the highest aver- age in a competitive examination; J. C. has at- tended Warrensburg Normal School, but is now at home; and Minnie D., R. H. and Ruth complete the list.
Upon his marriage Mr. Longan rented land in Prairie Township, but afterwards purchased and improved a farm, adding to it from time to time, until he now has two hundred and forty-two acres of highly cultivated land, and in addition to gen- eral farming he carries on stock-raising. His home is pleasantly located five miles from Sedalia. In public affairs he is prominent, being consid- ered one of the leaders of the Republican party in this community. He is Chairman of the Town- ship Republican Committee, was twice nominat- ed as County Collector without his solicitation, and in the fall of 1894 was elected Circuit Clerk for a four-years term, entering upon the duties of his office in January, 1895. As the county was Democratic, his election was a high testimonial to his personal popularity and the esteem in which he is held by all who know him. Socially he is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and religiously he is connected with the Christian Church of Dresden. His business efforts have been crowned with a well merited success, and he is a pleasant and genial gentle- man, of courteous manner and pleasing address, and his friends throughout the community are many.
ASHINGTON CARNEY, one of the well- to-do and influential citizens of Johnson County, is a Democrat of the strictest type, and at all times and under all circumstances is opposed to monopolies. He is one of the largest
land-owners in this vicinity, and his well con- ducted homestead is located on section 23, town- ship 46, range 28. It is seven hundred acres in extent and excellently divided into timber, hill, valley and bottom land. He has made his home on this tract for twenty-eight years, and during that time has established for himself a reputation for thorough integrity, enterprise and correctness that is truly most desirable.
Thomas Carney, the father of our subject, who was a native of North Carolina, married Miss Mary Hunt, a native of Virginia, who departed this life in Johnson County when seventy-seven years of age. She became the mother of ten children, of whom the three living are Robinson, a resident of Oklahoma; Joshua, living in this state; and Washington, of this sketch. The lat- ter was born in Pendleton County, Ky., July 27, 1834, and was there reared to man's estate. His boyhood was passed in much the usual manner of farmer lads, his time being divided between work and attendance at the district school.
In 1852 Washington Carney came to Missouri, first locating in Scotland County, of which por- tion of the state he was a resident for twelve years. At the end of that time he sold his inter- ests there and determined to come to this county, stopping one winter, however, in Platte County, where his brother was living. Mr. Carney be- came the proprietor of four hundred acres in this township, to which he added as the years passed by, until now he has one of the largest estates in the county, comprising seven hundred broad and fertile acres.
The subject of this sketch was married, at the age of twenty-four years, to Miss Sarah Fryrear, a native of Kentucky, but who was reared to wo- manhood in this state. She is well educated, and to her good advice and assistance in early life our subject attributes in a great measure his suc- cess and high standing in the community. She became the mother of thirteen children. Of these, Sarah, the eldest of the family, is living in Jackson Township, this county, and is the wife of Williamı Eads; her four children are Lura, Forest, Wallace and Lillie B. Jefferson D. is a resident of Clinton, Mo., and by his union with
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