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 55
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 55
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Born in Russell County, Va., December 29, 1831, the subject of this notice is a son of George W. and Americus (Mccullough) Selsor, also na- tives of Virginia, where the father engaged in farm pursuits principally, though at one time he practiced law. The wife and mother died, leav- ing an only son, our subject, then less than five years old. Soon afterward he was brought to Missouri, and was taken into the home of his
uncle, Richard Perry, of Shelby County, with whom he remained until he was eighteen years of age. In the mean time his father had married again, having six children by his second union, and at that time he was living in Paintsville, Ky. Thither James went and remained with his father until he established a home of his own.
The father and step-mother of our subject re- moved from Kentucky to Missouri, settling in Shelby County, and a few years later James fol- lowed them here, embarking in farm pursuits and remaining thus engaged for about nine years. He then entered the patent-rights business, in the interests of which he made a trip to Pennsylvania. Immediately after the war he came to Sedalia, where for nineteen years he was engaged in the sewing-machine business. Later, making his headquarters in St. Louis, he traveled for the Wheeler & Wilson Sewing-machine Company, then for the American, and finally for the New Home. Returning to Sedalia after a short so- journ in that city, he came to Lamonte in May of 1891, and has since made his home here.
The family of which Mr. Selsor is a member has been identified with the history of America, more particularly with that of Virginia, for many generations. It was also early represented in Missouri, whither the paternal grandfather of our subject, Larkin Selsor, came from Virginia many years ago. He settled upon a farm, to the im- provement of which he gave his attention. At the time of his death he was about eighty years of age. He had a large family, and trained his children to habits of industry and honesty, pre- paring them for useful positions in the world.
On the 14th of February, 1852, Mr. Selsor was united in marriage with Miss Tilatha Fer- guson, an estimable lady, a devoted wife and mother, and a faithful member of the Methodist Church. Her mother's maiden name was Nancy Owens. By their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Selsor became the parents of three sons and four daugh- ters, namely: George, Henry, Jefferson Davis, Julia, Dollie, Americus and Fannie. A heavy affliction came to Mr. and Mrs. Selsor in the loss of all their children but one. Henry, the only surviving member of the family, makes his home
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in Kansas City, being in the employ of the Mo- line Plow Company. He married Ruth Rector, by whom he has three children, James, George and Grace.
While he has never taken an active part in pol- itics, Mr. Selsor is a stanch Democrat, and is al- ways willing and able to give a reason for his ad- vocacy of that party. Any measure having for its object the promotion of the welfare of the peo- ple, or the progress of the town, receives his cor- dial encouragement. As a citizen he is liberal- spirited and progressive. In religious belief he is a Universalist. It has been his aim to live an honorable, upright life, observing in his daily ac- tions and in his intercourse with others the prin- ciples of the Golden Rule.
HOMAS B. CALDWELL, who is a well-to- do and influential farmer of Johnson Coun- ty, is the proprietor of a tract of two hun- dred broad and well cultivated acres, lying on section 27, township 44, range 26. He is a na- tive of Pennsylvania, and was born in Clinton County, October 28, 1854, to Henry and Esther (Will) Caldwell. The father is still living, mak- ing his home in Post Oak Township, this county. Just two years after coming to this county, in 1869, Mrs. Caldwell was killed in a storm, the dwelling being overturned by the wind, and she was so severely injured that she died soon after- ward. Her son Nelson, who was then a lad of ten years, was also killed.
Henry Caldwell was a blacksmith by trade, following his business for many years in Salona, Clinton County, Pa. Thomas B. took advantage of the opportunities given him for securing a good education, attending both the schools of his na- tive place and Johnson County. When nineteen years of age he entered the State Normal, having earned the money to pay his tuition by working at whatever he could find to do. Two years la- ter he secured a position as teacher, and for three
successive winters taught school, in the summer season working on the farm. He made his home with his father during that time, but in 1880 began to do for himself, cultivating one hundred acres of land, on which he had made the first payment.
Mr. Caldwell and Miss Maggie C. Whittaker, of Post Oak Township, were married March 7, 1880. The lady was born February 20, 1861, in St. Clair County, Ill., and was the daughter of J. B. and Sarah (Gregg) Whittaker. The young peo- ple at once began housekeeping on the one-hun- dred-acre tract, and four years later our subject added thereto forty acres. For three years he conducted the farm and then, getting a good offer, sold it and bought one hundred and twenty acres. He now has under cultivation two hun- dred acres, improved with good buildings and all the accessories and conveniences of a model farm. In 1894 he erected on his estate a substan- tial residence, which is finished and furnished in a manner which indicates the good taste of the occupants.
To our subject and his estimable wife there were born three children, of whom the eldest, Altha, died in infancy; Joseph Elry was born on the home farm August 17, 1884; and Oris Henry was born September 23, 1891. In politics Mr. Caldwell is a Democrat, having voted that ticket ever since casting his first ballot, in 1876. He has led a very useful life, and as a result of his untir- ing labors is now well-to-do.
ILLIAM G. RAMSEY is a well known and highly respected citizen of Knobnoster, Johnson County. For the last fourteen years he has conducted a livery and sale stable in this progressive and enterprising place, and has built up an enviable reputation for his fairness in all his business transactions.
Thomas Ramsey, the father of our subject, was born in Albemarle County, Va., and there spent
FARM RESIDENCE OF THOMAS B. CALDWELL, SECTION 27, TOWNSHIP 44, RANGE 26, JOHNSON COUNTY, MO.
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his early years, later coming to this state. At first he lived in Cooper County, subsequently went to Pettis, and finally came to this county, where he has ever since lived. His main occupation in life has been that of farming, in which he has been very successful. Though now well along in years, he is still active and bids fair to live many years. His good wife, who was formerly Sarah Jane Gillum, is also enjoying good health, and is well preserved. She was born in Kentucky, and with her parents came to this county in her girlhood.
The birth of W. G. Ramsey took place in Johnson County, March 29, 1847, he being the sixth in a family of twelve children. His boy- hood was passed quietly on the home farm, his schooling being quite limited. At the age of twenty-three he left home, making his own living thenceforward. The first year he engaged in farmning in this vicinity, but later he moved to Texas, where he not only cultivated a farm, but bought and sold stock extensively for three years. Returning to this county, he managed his farm until 1881.
In 1870 Mr. Ramsey married Miss Lou, daugh- ter of Thomas W. Peters, of this county. To their union have been born two children, namely: Frederick L., now of Montana; and Linnie R., who is attending college at Lexington, Mo. Mrs. Ramsey is a member of the Southern Methodist Church.
Mr. Ramsey is always to be found on the side of the Democratic party and takes great interest in its success. Whatever makes for the good of the majority he believes worthy of support.
VERETT B. QUISENBERRY. As an ex- ample of the advancement made during the past few years, we may cite the increasing attention paid to the stenographic reports of court proceedings, and to meet the demand there have come forward well equipped, intelligent and able
young men, who are meeting with deserved suc- cess in this calling. Such a one is the subject of this notice, who holds the responsible position of court stenographer, and is one of the most popu- lar gentlemen of Sedalia.
The Quisenberry family is of Scotch origin, but has been represented in this country since Colo- nial days. Our subject's grandfather was a farnı- er by occupation, but at the outbreak of the Rev- olution laid down the implements of peace and, taking his gun, marched against the British, whom he assisted in defeating. Chesterfield C. Quisenberry, father of our subject, was born in Bowling Green, Ky., and in 1859 came to Mis- souri, settling near Columbia, Boone County, where Everett B. was born October 26, 1862. While living there, his attention was principally devoted to agriculture and stock-raising. In 1873 he took his family to Texas and settled in Sher- man, where he was afterward engaged in farm- ing and stock-raising. His death occurred in that city in 1880, when he was sixty years of age. In religious belief he was a Baptist.
The mother of our subject, who bore the maid- en name of Susannah M. Scaggs, was born in Warren County, Ky., and died in Texas in 1874, at the age of forty-four. Her father, Daniel Scaggs, was a miller in Kentucky, and rendered efficient service in defense of the colonies during the Revolution. She had eleven children, all of whom attained mature years, and nine are now living. Our subject, who was the ninth in order of birth, was reared on a farm in Missouri until the age of eleven years, and meantime took a course in the Columbia public schools. In 1873 he accompanied his parents to Texas, and there, at the age of fourteen, he began to learn the trade of a carver and sculptor. Two years later he took a course in bookkeeping and shorthand, by mail, and graduated from the commercial college at Oswego, N. Y., at the age of seventeen. The ensuing two years were devoted to the marble business in Texas, and he then took a course in Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College at St. Louis, perfecting himself in bookkeeping and stenography, and graduating in 1883. His first position was that of a court stenographer in Tex-
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as, in which capacity he was employed for two years. On his return to St. Louis he accepted a position with the American Cotton Oil Company, in whose employ he remained until he came to Sedalia in 1886.
After his arrival in this city, Mr. Quisenberry did the work of a court stenographer, and in the fall of 1887, when the law was passed creating such an office, he was appointed to the position by Judge Richard Field. There was a vast amount of work incident to the position, and much of it is of the greatest value. It is a place requiring keenness of comprehension and accuracy of work, for the slightest mistake would bring a train of disastrous consequences. It may be said of Mr. Quisenberry that his services have given the highest satisfaction, and his superior ability has enabled him to discharge all the duties of the of- fice in a manner reflecting the greatest credit up- on himself.
The high position which Mr. Quisenberry oc- cupies in social circles is shared by his accom- plished wife, a lady whose grace of manner and kindness of heart have won for her the friendship of both rich and poor. Miss Hattie C. Elliott, who became the wife of our subject in Sedalia, November 26, 1890, was born in this city, being a daughter of J. B. and Anna M. (Shields) El- liott. Her paternal grandfather, Maj. A. J. El- liott, a native of Virginia, and an early settler of Sedalia, held the rank of Major in the Confeder- ate army. Her maternal grandfather, Gen. Will- iam Shields, was born in Boonville, Mo., became a banker in Lexington, this state, and later removed to St. Louis, where he served as City Auditor and continued to reside until his death. He was a General in the Confederate army, in which his two sons participated. One, a Colonel, fell in battle; the other, Capt. T. W., resides in St. Louis. Mrs. Elliott first married Capt. Daniel Trigg, of Lexington, Mo., who was killed during the Civil War; by her second marriage she had five children, Mrs. Quisenberry being the second. She received a good education in girlhood, and, being fond of good literature, keeps well posted concerning current topics as well as scientific sub- jects and works of note, whether fiction or histo
ry. Mr. and Mrs. Quisenberry are members of the Christian Church and active workers in the congregation at Sedalia. Socially the latter affil- iates with the Daughters of the Revolution. One child, a son, George Elliott, blesses their mar- riage. In politics Mr. Quisenberry is a defender of Democratic principles, but the demands of his private affairs have been so engrossing as to pre- clude active participation in political matters.
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ENRY MARKS. Among the leading and influential farmers of Johnson County, who thoroughly understand their business and pursue the avocation of their chosen calling in a inethodical and workmanlike manner, is the sub- ject of this biography. He resides in township 46, range 27, on a farm containing one hundred and six acres of land.
Mr. Marks was born in Hanover, Germany, on the 28th of October, 1850, and is a son of Law- rence Marks. There were three children, but our subject is the only one now living. The fa- ther was also born in Hanover, in 1818, and there was employed at general work. Hearing much of the glories of the New World, he decided to come to America, and in 1851 embarked with his wife and son for New York. His wife was taken ill shortly after their arrival and died in St. Louis, where they stopped for a time. The father secured work in Quincy, Ill., and there made his home for nine years, when he returned to St. Louis, in 1860. He was there employed until about 1870, when he went to live with a daughter in Calhoun, Il1. Ten years later, how- ever, he came to the home of our subject.
Henry Marks received his education in the common schools, and remained with his father until reaching the age of seventeen. He then se- cured employment on the river, where for two years he worked on different boats, some plying on the lower Mississippi, and also on the upper. Not being satisfied with this life, however, he ob-
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tained work on a farm, and continued to add to the money he had saved while on the river. After five years thus spent he purchased some stock and farın implements, and began life for himself on rented land. By skillful management, at the end of four years he had saved a sufficient sum to purchase land. In 1883 he came to Johnson County, and bought his present valuable farmi of one hundred and six acres, which was known as the old Cockrell Farm. Prosperity has attended his efforts, and he is now numbered among the well-to-do citizens of the community.
On the 21st of October, 1879, Mr. Marks mar- ried Miss Anna Williams, a daughter of Nicholas Williams, of St. Louis County, Mo. Sheis a most excellent lady, who presides with dignity over their pleasant home. To them were born three children, but one is now deceased. Those living are Lawrence, a promising youth of thirteen years; and Henry T., a bright little fellow of eight.
Courteous and affable in manner, Mr. Marks has won many warm friends in Johnson County, and has the entire respect and confidence of all with whom he comes in contract. He is a hearty supporter of the Democratic party, and in religion is a devout member of the Catholic Church.
OHN B. HUGHES. We take pleasure in presenting within this volume the history of the Postmaster of Georgetown, in the person of our subject. He was appointed to this office in November, 1894, and is proving himself to be an efficient official, being very popular with the citi- zens of Cedar Township. He has also been Justice of the Peace, filling the office for six con- secutive years.
Mr. Hughes was born in Henry County, this state, March 30, 1842, and is the son of Reece Hughes and Sarah Ann (Burch) Hughes, both of whom were born in Tennessee, whence they came to Missouri. They were married in Pettis Coun-
ty in 1841, and about that time made another change in location, taking up their abode in Hen- ry County, where the birth of John B. occurred, and where they lived for two years. There Reece Hughes was engaged in the mercantile business, and at the end of that time returned to this coun- ty, settling in Georgetown, where he lived until his decease. His good wife, who bore him four sons and two daughters, also passed away while a resident of that place. Of their children, John B. was the eldest. He was quite young at the time of the removal to this county, but has since lived in this section, making farming the chief vocation of his life. He has been more than or- dinarily successful in this industry and ranks among the well-to-do residents of Cedar Town- ship. He is a stanch Democrat in politics, and takes a very active part in all measures set on foot for the upbuilding of his community.
Mr. Hughes was married, October 26, 1865, to Miss Sarah S. Sitlington, who was born in Vir- ginia April 11, 1844. She was the daughter of Thomas O. and Margaret (Sterrett) Sitlington, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of seven children, bearing the respective names of Reece, Margaret, Sally B., Thomas S., Fannie J., Robert S. and Bettie G. The latter died when three years of age.
ILFORD P. BARNES, a well known busi- ness man of Warrensburg, and formerly a member of the firm of Barnes & Christo- pher, is now a traveling salesman. When in his twentieth year he embarked in business on his own account as an agriculturist, and the first year cleared over $600. During the following ten years he operated a farm near Holden, and in this way laid the foundation of his success. In 1893 he invested in a tract of land near Houston, Tex., and now owns four hundred acres in that vicinity. In the fall of 1894 he embarked in the
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livery business in Warrensburg, but in the spring of the following year he sold his interest in the concern.
The parents of our subject are L. N. and Bettie A. (Pratt) Barnes, the former a native of Monk- ton, Addison County, Vt., and the latter of Cuy- ahoga County, Ohio. The father, when about five years old, accompanied his parents to Ohio, and settled on a tract of land in the wilder- ness of Cuyahoga County. Soon after removing there, Grandfather Barnes died, leaving three children. When our subject's father arrived at mature years he began cutting and rafting timber down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans. He went to the southern part of Ohio to begin his work, and landed there with only twenty-five cents, but during the season made about $600 for the company by whom he was em- ployed. After two years he went to Jefferson City, Mo., and located land-warrants for himself and others. His education was a good one for that day and was acquired by self-culture. He was especially fond of mathematics, and was a competent surveyor.
In Johnson County, October 4, 1859, Mr. Barnes married Bettie A. Pratt, with whom he had been acquainted from childhood, and who had come to this county with her married sister. Until the war they lived on a farm west of Hol- den and then moved to Indianapolis, Ind., where they resided until the close of hostilities. During that time Mr. Barnes was superintendent of the city railroad yards, having nine tracks under his charge. On going back to Johnson County, he took up his abode in Madison Township, and a year later sold out, buying a farm east of Holden, and there he passed his remaining years, his deatlı occurring in October, 1891. In politics he was a Whig, and in later years a Republican and, al- though he was not an office-seeker, was Assessor for one term. He was a charter member of the Masonic lodge at Holden, and was also a charter member of the Christian Church, in which he served both as Deacon and Elder.
W. P. Barnes was born near Holden, Septem- ber 10, 1860, and from his sixth year has lived in this county, as for a few years previous to that
he was a resident of Indianapolis. Though he had but poor opportunities for obtaining an edu- cation, he made the best of his advantages and is to-day a well informed man. May 8, 1881, his marriage with Mattie G. Briscoe was celebrated in Center View Township, in which locality her birth occurred December 3, 1859. To their union have been born two children: Arthur S., whose birth occurred near Center View, October 10, 1887; and Elmer C., born near Holden, Septem- ber 19, 1889. Mr. Barnes cast his maiden vote for James G. Blaine in 1884, and is a loyal Re- publica1.
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JUS H. TANDY lives on section 24, town- ship 46, range 25, Johnson County, and is comparatively a new-comer in this region, as he has dwelt here only since December 26, 1894. Formerly he was engaged in farming in Kentucky, his native state, and in Barton Coun- ty, Mo., where he still owns a farm. The reason for his removal here was on account of his wife's failing health.
The parents of our subject, Henry and Sarilda (Gray) Tandy, were natives of Halifax County, Va., and Caldwell County, Ky., respectively, the former born January 6, 1811, and the latter Oc- tober 28, 1820. Mrs. Tandy was a daughter of William Gray, whose birth occurred in North Carolina, and who for many years prior to his death was engaged in the tobacco business in Princeton, Ky. Our subject's paternal grand- parents were Roger and Mary Tandy, both of Virginia. Their family numbered nine children, namely: Annie P., Nancy G., Betsy P., Roger, Amelia, Harriet, Sarah, Polly and Henry. When he was twelve years of age, Henry Tandy moved with the family to Kentucky, and lived on a farm until his father's death. After his marriage he operated a farm two miles from Princeton for five years, and then sold out, coming to this coun- ty, where a brother of his wife was living. For three years he managed the Greenlee Farm, in
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this county, after which he returned to Kentucky and invested his means in a homestead lying six miles south of Princeton. There he passed the remainder of his life, dying March 3, 1874. His wife survived him a few years, passing to her last reward July 21, 1881. Their eldest child, Thad- deus, died in infancy, as did also the youngest of the family, Luella. Frances married Thomas Pruitt, now of Tarrant County, Tex. Ophelia married Thompson Prince, and both died in 1880. Addison, who chose for his companion and help- mate in life Parnesia Martin, lives in Kentucky, on the old farm.
Gus H. Tandy was born March 15, 1844, in Caldwell County, Ky., and continued to reside under his father's rooftree until his marriage, which event took place December 25, 1872. The lady of his choice was Mary J. Lea, a native of Johnson County, born October 16, 1847, her par- ents, Dr. J. L. and Harriet (Tandy) Lea, being natives of Tennessee and Virginia, respectively. The Doctor was born March 2, 1820, and his wife October 17, 1816. The former is the son of Robert H. and Jane (Reeves) Lea, both natives of Tennessee. In 1844 they moved to this could- ty, settling on a farm near Knobnoster, where they lived for about two years. Later they pur- chased a farmi near Montserrat, and after the war went to Henry County, Mo. He died at the home of his son, Dr. Lea, in December, 1882. For years he was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church. A year or two after his ar- rival in this county, Dr. Lea purchased the farm on which Mr. Tandy is now living. During the many years of his practice in this and surround- ing counties he was one of the leading physicians, and by everyone he was held in high esteem. His death occurred October 17, 1891, while that of his wife occurred in 1888. His daughter Josie married William J. Mayes, who is a farmer near Montserrat, and the youngest daughter, Amelia M., married John S. Mayes, who lives on a farm a mile south of Knobnoster. Dr. Lea's eldest sister, Kittie, married Wesley Peters, now de- ceased; she now makes her home with her son, a farmer of this township. The next sister, Fannie, married Welcome McCart, and both are deceased.
Thomas married Esther Lea, who survives him and is now living in Tennessee. Nettie lived with the Doctor until his death, and is now mak- ing her home with relatives. Mary, Mrs. Ben- jamin Jennings, lives on a farm in Bates County, Mo .; and Miranda, the youngest, is the wife of James Weaver, a farmer of St. Clair County, Mo.
When the war broke out G. H. Tandy enlisted in the Union army in Company E, Eighth Ken- tucky Cavalry, under Colonel Shackleford, and went to the front September 14, 1862. He was stationed in Kentucky most of the time, and was there during John Morgan's famous raid. He took part in several skirmishes and smaller en- gagements, but never sustained any injury. He received an honorable discharge at Russellville, Ky., October 14, 1863. Returning home, he re- sumed farming in his native county, where he continued to dwell until 1878. At that time he emigrated to Barton County, Mo., staying there for three years, his attention being given to farm- ing. In 1880 he went back to Kentucky, re- maining for three years, but later was again em- ployed in managing his Barton County farm, on which he made his home until the close of 1894.
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