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 66
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 66
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June 8, 1873, in Pettis County, occurred the marriage of our subject and Miss Ella M. Kipper. She is a native of Monroe County, this state, and is the daughter of John C. Kipper, a native of Virginia. The Kipper family were early settlers of Monroe County, and J. C. Kipper was a large saw and flour-mill owner of that county for many years. Besides his mill interests he was also en1- gaged in agricultural pursuits. He was a South- ern sympathizer during the late war, and lost most of his property during that struggle. With- out cause, he was arrested and placed in jail at Palmyra, but shortly afterward secured liis re- lease. After the war he continued in business for a time in Monroe County, and then came to Se- dalia, building a mill here and making his home here until his death.
To our subject and his estimable wife were born three children, Blanche, Gurney and J. Kipper. The family is very popular and their hospitality is well known. They occupy a pleasant residence erected by our subject at the corner of Eleventh Street and Moniteau Avenue, where they welcome their many friends. It was in the year 1887 that Mr. Wallace began his present line of business, and by energy and good judgment it has proved a successful venture. His place of business is lo- cated at No. 205 West Main Street, and occupies a space 24x140 feet.
Politically Mr. Wallace is a Democrat, and a stanch defender of the principles of that party. At one time he was a member of the police force, receiving his appointment from J. D. Crawford
and serving one year. He is identified with the Christian Church, in which organization he takes an active part. Socially he belongs to Amity Lodge No. 69, A. O. U. W., in which he is a past officer, and has acted as delegate to the Grand Lodge. He is also a member of the Knights and Ladies of Honor.
AVID W. HARMON is engaged in the management of a choice piece of farin land, of which he became the owner in 1882. It is located on section 2, township 47, range 27, Johnson County, and is considered one of the best farms in this region. An air of neatness and thrift pervades the premises, and bespeaks the constant and watchful care bestowed upon every- thing by the fortunate possessor.
Our subject was born in the Blue Grass State, February 25, 1845, being one of six children born to Louis and Sally (Fletcher) Harmon, and is now one of only three who survive. His father was born about 1793, and in his youth learned the blacksmith's trade. Later in life he worked at farming, but was mainly employed at his trade. In the fall of 1845 he came to Missouri, settling in this county. After the sons had grown to be young men, the father built a shop, and left them to carry on the farm. He was called to the home beyond in March, 1863.
The boyhood of our subject passed in an un- eventful manner on the farm, a portion of his time being devoted to attending the district school of the period. From his father he inherited a resolute and self-reliant nature, and while still a mere lad he began to plan ways to make money in order to help support himself. He laid aside a share of his earnings, and soon after he had celebrated his seventeenth birthday he was married to Miss Sarah P. Delay, the event occurring in June, 1862. The young couple took up their abode with Mr. Harmon's parents, and lent them great assistance in the routine work of the place.
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Mr. Harmon rented land from 1863 until the spring of 1868, when he bought a farm, and soon was on the high road to success, now being the owner of two hundred and eighty-five acres, im- proved with good buildings, fences, etc. In all his methods he is upright and honorable, and by these means has won the good-will of a host of friends and acquaintances. A Democrat of the most unswerving stamp, he is a firm believer in the wisdom of free coinage.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Harmon was blessed with eleven children, all but one of whom survive. They are as follows: Alexander E., Ettie F., John P., Leonard M., George W., Wal- ter A., Jesse M., Lulu P., Claude S. and Delbert. The two eldest sons are married and each has three children. Ettie is also married and is the mother of two children.
ILLIAM H. ANDERSON was formerly one of the foremost citizens of Warrens- burg, and for a great many years was iden- tified with the banking institutions of this place. He did much toward the upbuilding of this coun- ty, and was especially influential in getting the Missouri Pacific Railroad to place its line through the city. Through his industrious and self-reli- ant qualities he won an honored position in the business and social world, and rapidly worked his way upward from the humble ranks of life. It was in 1838 that he first took up his abode in Warrensburg, and the next year he was appoint- ed Deputy-Sheriff, holding that position until 1841. In 1848 he was elected by the Democratic party, with which he always affiliated, to the post of County Treasurer, the duties of which respon- sible place he faithfully filled for many years.
The progenitor of this branch of the Anderson family in America emigrated from Scotland to Virginia, where he lived on a farm until he was one hundred and one years of age. His son, John Anderson, was born in Bedford County, Va., and
there grew to manhood. The lady who became his wife was a native of Wythe County, Va., and they made their home in Campbell County dur- ing the remainder of their lives. John Anderson was called to his final rest in 1858, and it is known that at least two of his sons came to Missouri, one of them, William H., the subject of this ar- ticle. He left his native state about five years prior to his father's death, and traveled the entire distance to Johnson County on horseback. He was without much capital except good health and a manly resolution to succeed by honest labor. For some time he made rails, like the immortal Lincoln, and was not above doing whatever he could find to do whereby he could make an hon- est dollar. At length he obtained a situation as a clerk in a general store, and after he had filled his term of service as Deputy-Sheriff in Warrens- burg, was again employed for a few years as a clerk. He was saving and careful of his funds, and at last embarked in business for himself. His honest methods and business-like ways won for him the praise of his patrons, and he rapidly made progress on the road to wealth. Selling out his store, he became connected with the branch of the Union Bank of Missouri, which was about that time established here, and ere long his su- perior business ability became recognized and he was elected Cashier. During the dark days which were forerunners of the war, it became expedient to close the bank, and Mr. Anderson was entrust- ed with the dangerous duty of conveying the money to the home bank in St. Louis, but man- aged to accomplish the task successfully. When the war clouds rolled away he engaged in mer- chandising in Cass County, Mo., but in 1869 re- turned to Warrensburg and was made Cashier of the Johnson County Savings Bank, which he was instrumental in organizing. However, a few years later he again engaged in mercantile pur- suits, for which he seemed specially adapted.
February 4, 1844, William Anderson wedded Mary A. Davis, who was born in Kentucky, and came to this county with her parents in childhood. To their union were born ten children, several of whom are yet living. Aside from a few years spent in St. Louis and in Cass County, Mo., the
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family always lived in Warrensburg. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson were members of the Method- ist Episcopal Church South, and the former was for many years Superintendent of the Sun- day-school. His death occurred December 24, 1892, and the demise of his wife occurred a few years prior to that time. Their memory is still cherished by hosts of their old friends, and by their children, whom they reared to lives of use- fulness, and who are now respected in the several communities wherein they dwell.
C ACOB SHOEMAKER. Success rarely crowns a man's efforts until the second score of years has been reached, and, indeed, his character is seldom fixed until his fortieth year has been attained. The subject of this sketch has arrived at an age when the evidences of his life work are plainly visible. That he has been suc- cessful, a glance at his estate will abundantly in- dicate. Though having as a young man to com- bat with many obstacles and to undergo many hardships, he has reaped the reward of the indus- try of former years, and is now numbered among the wealthy citizens of Jolinson County.
A visitor in township 46, range 24, will notice with admiration the fine farm lying on section 25. Most prominent of the buildings stands the fam- ily residence, an attractive and commodious ru- ral home, abounding with evidences of the refined taste of the inmates. The surrounding buildings are substantial and adapted to their various uses. There are four large fish aquariums, well stocked with the finest of fish. The farm comprises eight hundred and eighty acres of land, all in one body, and upon which the finest improvements have been placed.
The owner of this valuable farm was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 18, 1826, be- ing next to the eldest of six children comprising the family of Jacob and Mary ( Rush ) Shoemaker, natives of Pennsylvania. Jacob, Sr., spent his
early life in the Keystone State, where his first wife died. Afterward he removed to Ohio, where he married Miss Rush. For many years he fol- lowed agricultural pursuits, but in his old age he engaged in ministerial work in the Lutheran Church. He died in Ohio in 1835. His wife, who accompanied her parents to Ohio in girlhood, remained in that state until her death, in 1852.
His father dying when our subject was only nine years old, the latter was obliged to assist in the support of his widowed mother and the other children. Through the combined efforts of the little family, they became the owners of forty acres, which they improved and made into a good farm. As may be imagined, his educational ad- vantages were very meager, and the broad infor- mation he now possesses is the result of self-cul- ture rather than schooling. At the age of twenty- two he started out for himself, securing work as a farm laborer for $10 per month. At this salary he continued to work for one man four years, and stich was his economy that he saved $100 each year. After his marriage he began trading in lands, and bought and sold several farms in Ohio.
In 1863 Mr. Shoemaker answered his country's call for troops. He enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Ohio Infantry, and was mustered in at Cleveland, Ohio, remaining in active service until the close of the war. In all the important engagements in which his com- pany took part lie participated, including the bat- tles of Nashville, Kingston and Murfreesboro. After his discharge from the army he returned to Ohio, but did not continue long to make his home there. In 1866 he came West and settled near the farm upon which he now lives, He was con- tinuously and successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising until his retirement from active business, during the latter part of the '80s.
The marriage of Mr. Shoemaker united him with Miss Rosanna, daughter of George and Catherine (Null) Puffenbarger, natives of Vir- ginia. In an early day her parents removed to Ohio, and there Mrs. Shoemaker was born. Six children, four daughters and two sons, bless the union of our subject and his wife, and all the family are living and prosperous. John, the eld-
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est, resides at Knobnoster, and is a prominent stock-breeder. Mary, wife of Nicholas Krolil, makes her home in Knobnoster. Rebecca is the widow of George Brim. Alice, wife of W. M. Denton, lives in Johnson County. Sarahfina, Mrs. M. Swope, also resides in Johnson County; and William, the youngest, is a successful farmer living in Knobnoster.
The religious belief of Mr. and Mrs. Shoemaker is that of the Universalist Church. Politically he is a Republican, and has an abiding faith in the wisdom of that party's teachings. The grat- ifying success which has crowned his efforts is the more noticeable and praiseworthy because of the few opportunities afforded him in youth. Orphaned in boyhood by his father's death, he was obliged to assist in the maintenance of the family, and had few opportunities for gaining an education. However, energy and industry have triumphed, and he is now well-to-do. By his in- defatigable labor he has acquired valuable prop- erty, and has secured a competency that will re- move the necessity of further labor from him when such shall have become too great a burden.
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ILLIAM PENN LAMB became identified with the welfare of Johnson County in 1868, when he removed to the farm in township 46, range 25, which is now owned and carried on by his widow. This place comprises one hun- dred and thirty-three acres, mostly under culti- vation, and nearly all of the improvements to be found thereon were inaugurated by Mr. Lamb. At the time of his purchase of the property it bore little resemblance to what it is at present, one of the best in this district. It is now nearly twenty years since he was called to his final rest, but his memory is still cherished by his old neighbors and former friends, of whom he had not a few.
Born on a farm near Carlinville, Il1., May 30, 1840, William P., of this sketch, was a son of William and Mary (Herrin) Lamb. The father
was a native of Kentucky and went to Illinois with his father, settling in Macoupin County, where he became prominent and well-to-do. He married a daughter of the Prairie State, and to- gether they spent happy and useful lives on a farm which Mr. Lamb had entered. They had five children, of whom our subject is the young- est. Mary, George and one unnamed died in infancy. John W., the eldest-born, married Mary Waters, of Madison County, Il1. His death oc- curred in 1891, and his wife's demise took place in this county.
When he was only three years of age, the fa- ther of William P. Lamb was called to the home beyond. The widow subsequently became the wife of a Mr. McGaffey, of the same county, and then young William went to live with his ma- ternal uncle, George W. Herrin, who owns a farm in Madison County, Ill., and under whose roof he continued to dwell until reaching his ma- jority. When the war broke out he enlisted in Company G, Twenty-second Illinois Infantry, in June, 1861, and fought for a portion of the time under the orders of General Grant, participating in the famous battles of Bull Run, Chickamauga and Stone River. In the last-named engagement he received a bullet wound in the shoulder, and was sent to the hospital at Camp Dennison, Ohio, where he remained for three months. Then, join- ing his company, he served until being mustered out near Cincinnati, his honorable discharge be- ing dated July 16, 1864. He went back to his old home with his uncle, but remained there only a short time, however, when he returned to Ohio. There he found employment with a Mr. Ritter as a gardener on his farmi twenty-five miles from Cincinnati. At the end of nine months he went back to Madison County, and for nearly a year worked on a farm.
March 1, 1866, Mr. Lamb and Louisa Horst- man were united in marriage. She was born Oc- tober 10, 1847, being a daughter of Francis and Catherine Horstman. The former, a native of Hanover, Germany, was born October 6, 1820, and his wife was also of German birth. They were married in the United States and located on a farm in St. Louis County, Mo. Reared in the faith of
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the Catholic Church, Mr. Horstman adhered to its teachings in his early manhood, but after- wards became a convert to the Methodist denom- ination and began preaching the Gospel. His ordination was celebrated at St. Charles, Mo., in the summer of 1844, and his earnest labors ex- tended through several counties in this state and Illinois. His death occurred June 16, 1853, in Highland, Madison County, Ill. Mrs. Lamb was bereft of her mother's care by death when she was only two years of age, and was reared by Edward C. Dugger, of Highland, with whom she lived until her marriage. She was one of five children, three of whom, Catherine and two who did not live to receive a name, died in infancy. The eldest, Mary, now a resident of Holden, Mo., married Israel Fairchild, since deceased.
For two years after his marriage Mr. Lamb lived on a rented farm in Madison County, but in 1868 came direct to this township, having previ- ously purchased a farm. To himself and wife were born four children, who all received good educations and are living at home with their mother. They are as follows: Rosa, born No- vember 6, 1867; George, January 17, 1869; Elsie, October 30, 1870; and Ella, February 17, 1873. The latter is a successful teacher.
Politically Mr. Lamb was a Republican and discharged his duties as a citizen with fidelity. He was an attendant at the Methodist Episcopal Church of Warrensburg, of which Mrs. Lamb is a member.
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DWIN R. KENDRICK. The career of the late Mr. Kendrick as a pioneer citizen was one eminently useful to the community in which he resided, and his old friends, to whom his memory is dear, unitedly bear testimony to his sterling worth, his integrity of character and his kindness of heart. He was one of those men who have passed away, full of years and honors, leav- ing their children and children's children and
strangers to succeed them and enjoy the fruits of their toil, privations and the savings of their long and eventful lives.
"Life with them is o'er, their labors all are done, And others reap the harvest that they won."
For many years a resident on section 13, town- ship 45, range 24, Johnson County, the subject of this notice was born in east Tennessee in 1824, being the second child of John T. and Martha (Fine) Kendrick, also natives of east Tennessee. When four years of age he was brought by his parents to Missouri, the family settling in Cooper County, where they continued to reside until the memorable "high water" year, 1844. Removing in that year to Pettis County, our subject contin- ued to reside there until 1849, when he joined an army of fortune-seekers for the gold mines of Cal- ifornia. Two years were spent in that state, where, after enduring all the hardships and perils incident to life on the Pacific Coast at that time, he met with a reasonable share of success.
Soon after his return to Missouri, Mr. Kendrick married and settled upon a farm, beginning the active life of an agriculturist. He was thus en- gaged until the time of his death, February 14, 1877. By all who knew him he was highly re- spected. As a husband he was kind, as a parent indulgent, and as a citizen reliable. In youth he began the study of medicine, but abandoned it at the time of going to California, and on his return chose agriculture for his life occupation. He was a man of valor, and not only did he serve for fourteen months in the Mexican War, but during the Civil War he also rendered service in behalf of the Confederacy. Enlisting in Shelby's brigade in 1863, he served until peace was declared, being present at the surrender at Corsica, Tex.
In 1852 Mr. Kendrick was united in marriage with Mrs. Elizabeth (Robinson) Clark, a native of east Tennessee and the daughter of William and Mary (Kendrick) Robinson, the former born in Kentucky, and the latter in Tennessee. Five children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Ken- drick, two of whom are deceased. Three sons survive, namely: Edwin, a farmer of Johnson County; J. M., a banker at Windsor, Mo .; and Forest L., who superintends the cultivation of the
SAMUEL C. GRAHAM.
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home farm. By her first husband, Benjamin D. Clark, of east Tennessee, Mrs. Kendrick had two sons. The elder, William R., is a farmer of John- son County, and the younger, Benjamin D., a prominent farmer of Pettis County, was recently elected Judge of Pettis County, Mo. Their fa- ther, Benjamin D. Clark, Sr., died in 1849. Mrs. Kendrick is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. She is a lady whom all admire and esteem, and her friends are many among those who have known her during all the years of her residence here. Though nearly threescore and ten years old. she appears much younger, and en- joys to an unusual degree the possession of her mental and physical faculties.
AMUEL C. GRAHAM. The writer, in his journeys through Johnson County, found very few who had resided upon their home- steads for so long a period as Mr. Graham. For fifty-four years he has lived on section 36, town- ship 46, range 27, where he has a farm improved with substantial buildings and containing all the accessories of a first-class estate. The place is advantageously situated, being just west of the village of Center View, so that it combines the attractions of rural life with the conveniences of the town. Through all these years Mr. Graham T has devoted his attention to the cultivation of the farm, and his business interests being centered here, he has seldom found it necessary to travel beyond the borders of the county. In fact, since settling on this place, he has been out of Missouri only twice, once to Kansas and at another time to Virginia.
The Graham family was first represented in America by our subject's grandfather, Robert Graham, who was born in Ireland, and emigrated thence to Virginia, where he died. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Craig, also died in the Old Dominion. The maternal grandpar- ents, John and Elizabeth ( Montgomery) Crockett,
were of Virginian birth and ancestry. The par- ents of our subject, Robert and Katherine (Crock- ett) Grahamı, were born in Wythe County, Va., the former in 1780, and the latter in 1788. The father served as Surveyor in Virginia, and after coming to Johnson County, Mo., was Assessor for some time and County Judge for thirteen years. He was a Democrat and usually voted that ticket, but was not active in politics. His death occurred in this county at the age of seven- ty-seven.
Six children, John Guy, Samuel C., Mary Elizabeth, Robert Craig, James Johnston and Margaret Amanda, comprised the family of Robert and Katherine Graham. Of these, two sons and both daughters are still living. Our subject was born in Black Lick, Va., December 14, 1814, and was educated in the common schools of that state. In 1833 he came to Missouri, where for two years he alternated work on a farm with teaching school. Since then, however, he has given his attention entirely to agricultural pur- suits.
March 26, 1840, occurred the marriage of Sanı- uel C. Graham and Margaret Gleaves Hobson. The grandfather of Mrs. Graham was a Virginian, and her father was also born in the Old Domin- ion, but he was reared principally in Tennessee, whence he came to Missouri in 1818. Her moth- er, who bore the maiden name of Rachel Barnett, was reared in Kentucky. Of the nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Graham, six are living, namely: John Henry, Robert Craig, Josephus Crockett, Nancy Elizabeth, Samuel Barnett and William Alexander. The sons and daughter were educated in the public schools of Center View, and were reared to habits of industry and fitted to occupy positions of honor in the world. John Henry has been twice married, his first wife having been Alice Woolry, and his second Sarah McFarland; he is the father of two children. Robert Craig married Miss Josie White, and has one child. Samuel B. married Miss Laura Glass, and they have one child. Josephus Crockett chose as his wife Miss Kate White, and they are the parents of three children. William Alexander married Miss Lulu Glass.
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In their religious connections Mr. and Mrs. Graham are identified with the Cumberland Pres- byterian Church. Socially he is a member of the Masonic order and the Grange. In politics a Dem- ocrat, he has stood by that party ever since cast- ing his first ballot, and will doubtless continue to uphold its principles as long as he lives, for he believes them best adapted to our national wel- fare. Some years ago he was elected Assessor, but, being ill at the time, was unable to accept the position. He served in the Osage War in 1837, under Capt. John A. Ramsey, and the Mormon War in 1838, being under Capt. Nicho- las Turner. As a man and a citizen, his life has been above reproach, his character honorable and his probity unquestioned. Now in the evening of life's busy day, he is surrounded by all the com- forts of existence and many of its luxuries, and is ministered to by his children and grandchildren, whose prosperity his self-sacrificing labors have enhanced.
ON. JOHN M. SNEED. A position of in- fluence among the citizens of Pettis County is held by the gentleman whose name we place at the opening of this sketch, and who is numbered among the wealthiest residents of Bowl- ing Green Township. The large property of which he is the owner, amounting to some eight hundred acres, has been gained through his un- aided exertions, and shows what may be accom- plished by industry and energy, when coupled with a good business judgment and a determina- tion to succeed.
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