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 75
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 75
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DWARD RANDOLPH WILSON, a prom- inent farmer living on section 11, township 44, range 23, Pettis County, was born in Chester County, Pa., in 1845. He was the fifth child born to his parents, William and Margaret (Monaghan) Wilson, both of whom were also natives of the Keystone State, where they spent their entire lives. The father was a substantial farmer and continued to till the soil until his de- cease, which occurred in 1889. His good wife departed this life in 1845.
Edward R. Wilson was given the advantage of a common-school education. As his mother died when he was an infant, he was reared by his father and stepmother, and received thorough training in the duties of farm life. He remained an inmate of the old home until nineteen or twen- ty years of age, when he determined to strike out for himself. He accordingly made his way to this state, of which he had heard much, and for one year lived in Louisiana, Pike County. As he was not possessed of sufficient means to purchase land, he returned home and worked until 1868. That year we find him living on a tract of land near where his present fine farm is located, giving
his attention to farm pursuits. He has made his home in Pettis County since locating here, with the exception of two years when cultivating a tract of land in Pike County. He is now the manager of a beautifully equipped homestead, the property of his uncle, R. E. Monaghan, of Pennsylvania, and is classed among the prominent stock-growers and shippers of the county.
The lady who became the wife of our subject in 1870 was Miss Emma, daughter of Samuel and Nancy (Pharr) Diamond, natives of the Empire State. Mrs. Wilson was born in Peoria County, Ill., in 1846, and by her union with our subject became the mother of six children, all of whom are living and named, respectively, William, Ma- bel, Emmett, Frank, Orval and Edward R. The mother of this family was called home in 1891. Our subject is a member of the Congregational Church, in the work of which he takes quite a prominent part. In politics he is a Democrat, but is not an aspirant for office, much preferring the duties of civil life to the turmoil of politics. Always just and considerate of the rights of oth- ers, and conscientious in his observance of all the proprieties of life, he has made many friends, whose respect increases with more intimate ac- quaintance.
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ON. JOHN B. RICKMAN was for two terms Mayor of Sedalia, and has also been an Alderman from the Third Ward three consecutive terms. A leader in the local Democ- racy, he is very popular with his party. He is one of the old citizens of the place, having resided here for over a quarter of a century, and is pro- prietor of one of the finest meat-markets in Se- dalia, the location being at No. 918 East Third Street. It is one of the oldest markets in the county, having been established in 1869.
Mr. Rickman was born in Sussex County, England, December 22, 1841, being a grandson of Alexander and son of Edward Rickman, who
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were also natives of that county. The father brought his two sons to America in 1846, the mother, Catherine (Barton) Rickman, having died in England. The family became residents of Rochester, N. Y., where the father conducted a meat business until his death, in 1865. Both he and his wife were faithful members of the Epis- copal Church.
Young Rickman grew to manhood in Roches- ter, where he attended the public schools, but as he was early obliged to earn his own livelihood he worked for some time on a farm near Rochester. In 1861 he returned to England on a visit, re- maining there four months, and on his return to New York made arrangements to proceed to San Francisco, by way of the Isthmus of Panama. On reaching the Pacific Slope he engaged in hy- draulic mining about two years, but a desire for further travel taking possession of him, he em- barked on the sailing-vessel "Constance," bound for Auckland, New Zealand. On the voyage the ship caught fire, and destruction seemed imminent, but at last the crew obtained the mas- tery over the flames. In New Zealand Mr. Rick- man was moderately successful in gold mining, but at the end of two years he left the island in a brig, proceeding to Tasmania, where he remained a few months, then going to Sidney, New South Wales. For a few years he operated a line of hansom cabs in that city, but later sold out and became a member of the police force, being sent to Bathurst, New South Wales, where the bush- whackers were numerous and troublesome. La- ter he went to Brisbane, Queensland, thence on a prospecting expedition inland, and afterward by boat from Brisbane to Rockhampton, where he was employed as a miner. Then, taking pass- age on a trading-vessel, which stopped at differ- ent islands in the Indian and Southern Pacific Oceans, he visited the principal seaports of the large Pacific islands, and had many interesting experiences. For a short time he was engaged in the grocery business in Auckland, New Zea- land, and during his short stay at other points was variously employed. At last he started on the brig "Dublin," bound for San Francisco, and stopping at Tahiti, Samoa, Ruralonga, Tangula-
boo, and many other places. The bark sprang a leak, and for fifty-two days the passengers were obliged to relieve the crew by working at the pumps. From San Francisco Mr. Rickman went on an exploring and hunting tour on the north- west coast, north of the United States dominions.
In 1866 our subject went to Shawneetown, Ill., where he engaged in buying cattle, sheep, horses and poultry, shipping them to Vicksburg, Mem- phis and New Orleans. In 1867 he came to Se- dalia and started in the butcher business, in which he is still engaged. Soon afterward he became the owner of a slaughter-house, and also fed stock for the market. Everything about his establish- ment is constructed on modern plans, and inge- nious machinery is used for preparing the meat.
Fraternally Mr. Rickman is a Knight of Pyth- ias and a Knight of Honor. In 1885 he was elected Mayor of Sedalia, and after serving for a year was honored by re-election. In July, 1879, he was elected Alderman from the Third Ward, to succeed Mr. Brown, deceased; was re-elected in 1881 and in 1883, and served as Chairman of the Committees on Streets and Alleys and Cemeter- ies. Mr. Rickman readily makes friends, for he is uniformly genial and courteous to one and all.
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HARLES T. TYLER. One of the success- ful and prosperous farmers of this portion of Johnson County is the subject of this sketch, who resides on a fine estate located on section 16, township 47, range 24. He is a native of Ken- tucky, and was born in Jefferson County in 1841, being the fourth child in a family of seven chil- dren.
Milton W. and Mary (Seaton) Tyler, the par- ents of Charles T., were likewise Kentuckians by birth, and were reared to manhood and woman- hood in Jefferson County. There Milton Tyler
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followed agricultural pursuits until 1868, in which year he came with his family to Missouri, taking up his abode in Grover Township, this county. From the date of his advent here until the day of his decease, in September, 1893, he was successful in his farming operations, and was likewise interested in the wonderful changes which were being made in the country about him. His wife had preceded him to the home be- yond some six months.
The father was well-to-do in this world's goods, and, knowing the value of a good education to those trying to get on in the world, gave all his children the opportunity of attending college. All availed themselves of this privilege with the ex- ception of our subject, who, being desirous of tak- ing a trip to California, accepted the money which would otherwise have paid for a course in college and made the westward journey. In 1864, when the Civil War was at its height, he set out for the Golden State, journeying overland with ox-teams. The party of which he formed a member was six months in reaching Salt Lake City, being greatly delayed on account of the many dangers which beset their path and the numerous en- counters which they had with the Indians. From that city they traveled to California, and there Mr. Tyler spent two years.
On his return to the East our subject sojourned for a time in Johnson County, Ind., where he was married, in 1868, to Miss Mary E. Utterback. They made their home there for the following year and then came to Missouri, since which time they have made their home in Johnson County, this state. During the last years of his father's life he managed the home farm and cared for him until his decease. Mr. Tyler is now the owner of one hundred acres, finely improved and stocked with the necessary conveniences in the way of farm machinery. For several years he has also been extensively engaged in raising Poland-China hogs, of which he has only the best grade, and all of which are registered. His sales are exten- sive, as he ships to all parts of the United States.
Mrs. Tyler was the daughter of Henry and Phebe (Jacobs) Utterback, the former born in Kentucky, and the latter in Ohio. By her union
with our subject five children were born, two of whom are deceased. Those living are Maude, Charles and Blanche, who are at home with their father; and the deceased are Samuel I. and Cecil G. The mother of this little family departed this life in July, 1891. She was a devoted member of the Christian Church, to which denomination her husband belongs. Socially the latter is connected with Knobnoster Lodge No. 245, A. F. & A. M. Although never seeking office, he votes at all elections, casting a vote in favor of Democratic candidates. He is wide-awake and enterprising, industrious and far-seeing, and has won success in his life work. Throughout Johnson County he is widely known, and as he has been prospered in his farming operations, he is in receipt of a good income.
DWIN F. YANCEY, M. D., has made his home in Sedalia for the past ten years, and is one of her able practitioners. He is a member of the hospital staff in this city and is Chief Surgeon of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad. His experience in hospital work has been of great benefit, and in addition to this his general experience has been extensive. More- over he is a local surgeon for the Missouri Pacific and the Sedalia & Warsaw Railroads, having charge of all of their work in his line at this point.
The Doctor was born in Otterville, Cooper County, this state, in 1858, his parents being James F. and Lydia (Homan) Yancey, both na- tives of Virginia. The former's father, David Yancey, likewise born in the Old Dominion, was of English descent, and in early days settled in Cooper County, where he was engaged in farm- ing. James F. Yancey also followed agricultural pursuits for many years, and on retiring settled in Otterville, where he died at the age of fifty- five years. He was an influential man in his community, and used his franchise in favor of the Democracy. His wife, Lydia, was a daughter of
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Harrison Homan, a Virginian, who engaged in merchandising in Otterville and built one of the first stores in the place. Mr. and Mrs. Yancey had but two children, Dr. E. F. and Annie M. They were members of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church, and took great interest in religious and charitable matters.
The Doctor, who was reared near Otterville, attended the public schools of that town, and in 1879 entered the Missouri Medical College at St. Louis, graduating in 1882, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Locating in Clifton, Cooper County, he engaged in practice there for two years, and June 5, 1885, saw him located in Se- dalia as a permanent resident. Under Dr. W. P. King, of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad Hospital (also used by the Missouri Pacific), he was appointed second house surgeon, and seven months later was promoted to be first house sur- geon. After serving satisfactorily for four years the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Road was placed in the hands of a receiver, and the Missouri Pa- cific hospital was transferred to Kansas City, where the Doctor was stationed for two months. Later Dr. E. Small appointed our subject to the position of Assistant Surgeon of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Hospital in Sedalia, and after holding the post for two years, or until the death of Dr. Small, he was appointed Chief Surgeon, and entered upon his duties as such January 1, 1891. He has instituted many improvements, both the building and grounds being greatly changed for the better. Steam heat and gas have been introduced into the hospital, which is well fitted, and has one hundred and twenty-five beds for patients. There are two house physicians and a druggist on the premises, besides eight Sisters as nurses and a corps of assistants. As chief surgeon, Dr. Yancey travels all over the railroad lines, about twenty-five hundred miles, and su- perintends over one hundred local surgeons, his headquarters being at Sedalia. In order to perfect himself in his work he spent some time in the New York Polyclinic Post-graduate School, and belongs to a number of medical societies, among these being the Central District, Pettis County, Missouri State and American Medical
Associations. He is ex-President of the county society, and is ex-Vice-President of the State or- ganization. At one time he was also Vice-Presi- dent of the National Association of Railway Sur- geons.
A Mason of the Thirty-second degree, the Doc- tor belongs to Ararat Shrine, of Kansas City, and for two and a-half terms was Exalted Ruler of the local lodge of the Benevolent and Protect- ive Order of Elks. On political questions he is to be found on the side of the Democratic party.
ELFIELD I. PORTER. The history of Pettis County is best told by giving an ac- count of the lives of its old residents, and it therefore gives us pleasure to place on the pages of this volume a brief outline of the life of Belfield Porter, who had much to do with the early set- tlement of this portion of the county. He came to Missouri in 1833, and continued to make his home within its confines until the time of his de- cease, which occurred January 7, 1876.
Our subject was a native of Virginia and was born in Campbell County March 2, 1801. He remained in his birthplace for the first eighteen years of his life, when he changed his location to Bedford County, that state, where he learned the trade of a tanner. While living there he was married to Miss Louisa R. Joplin, who was born in that county, January 4, 1804. Their marriage occurred November 9, 1824, and for nine years thereafter they continued to make their home in the Old Dominion. As before stated, they came in that year to this state, first settling in Madison County. Their stay there was of short duration, for one year later we find them living in Pettis County. Mr. Porter secured possession of land in Bowling Green Township and engaged in farm- ing until his death. By untiring industry and strict economy he won success and acquired a com- fortable competence for old age, although begin- ning in a new country poor and almost friendless.
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The development of Pettis County he witnessed and aided, as when he came here railroads and telegraph wires had not yet been introduced; but with the introduction of modern improvements came advancing civilization, and no one rejoiced more in the county's progress than did he.
For many years Mr. Porter was Justice of the Peace. At all times he took an active part in church work and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal denomination. In those early days when there was no "meeting-house," services were held in his home, and under his roof he en- tertained many preachers. His widow has at- tained the advanced age of ninety-one years at the present writing (March, 1895).
D HARLES L. TAYLOR, one of the progress- ive citizens and wide-awake business men of Sedalia, is the owner of the largest and finest jewelry establishment in the city, which was established in 1865 by C. G. Taylor, his fa- ther. Besides carrying on this business, Mr. Taylor is also time inspector for the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway Company.
The subject of this sketch was born in Fair- mont County, Va. (now West Virginia), April 21, 1861. His father, whose birth occurred in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1827, was a well educated gentleman, and learned the jewelry business in all its details in the Quaker City, first as a silversmith and afterward as a watchmaker. He was en- gaged for many years in the manufacture of watch- es and clocks in New York City, after which he removed to Fairmont County, Va., and later was engaged in business in Richmond. In 1865, however, he emigrated to Sedalia, Mo., and es- tablished the business of which his son, our sub- ject, is now the proprietor. It was at first locat- ed on Main Street, but he afterward changed his location to No. 109 Ohio Street, where he contin- ued to carry on a thriving trade until 1891, in which year Charles L. purchased the store and
contents. He was one of the well-to-do mer- chants of the city, and his death, which occurred very suddenly, December 30, 1894, was a great shock to his many friends and acquaintances.
The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Rosanna Busche, is a native of Germany, and now makes her home in this city. She reared two children, of whom Charles L. was the younger. He completed his education in the Kemper Family School at Boonville in 1876, and when ready to commence in life for himself entered his father's store in order to become fully acquainted with that business. He worked in- dustriously at this trade, and in 1891, upon tak- ing charge of this large establishment, was thor- oughly competent to do so. In November, 1894, the location was changed to No. 215 Ohio Street, which is one of the finest stands in the city. Mr. Taylor carries a full line of clocks, watches, plat- ed and solid silverware, diamonds, etc., and counts among his customers the best people of Sedalia.
Mr. Taylor was married in Palmyra, this state, August 25, 1886, to Miss Kate, daughter of James H. Doyle. The lady was born in Virgin- ia and educated in Binghamton, N. Y. Mr. Tay- lor is a charter member and Vice-President of the Sedalia Building and Loan Association. He is also chief railroad time inspector for the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway, and in the discharge of the duties of this position travels all over the lines in Missouri.
RANK P. CALDWELL. Among the prominent agriculturists of Johnson County who claim Pennsylvania as their native state is Mr. Caldwell, whose estate lies on section 26, township 44, range 26. He was born in Clinton County, Pa., on the 14th of April, 1853, and is a son of Henry and Esther (Will) Caldwell.
The subject of this sketch was a lad of about
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twelve years at the time of his parents' emigration to this state. The trip was made by way of the Ohio River until the waters of the Mississippi were reached, when they embarked on a vessel which conveyed them, via the Missouri River, to Boonville, Cooper County. After a year in that vicinity they came to Johnson County, choosing a location in Post Oak Township, where Mr. Caldwell, Sr., has since lived.
Frank P., of this sketch, was fairly well edu- cated in the common schools of his native county, and continued to reside at home for two years after attaining his majority. His services were greatly appreciated in carrying on the farm work, and before he left home his father's estate was one of the best improved in the vicinity.
In 1876 Mr. Caldwell went to Pueblo, Colo., and for a few months hired out on a cattle ranch. During the haying season he worked for another man, and although he was well paid returned to Warrensburg the same year with but fifty cents in his pocket. His money was used in a good cause, however, paying for the care of a sick friend. In 1877 he again left home and went to Montana, where he engaged in mining for him- self. This venture not proving a very successful one, he soon abandoned it and began clerking, not returning to Missouri until 1884. His stay then was of short duration, and one year after purchas- ing his present farm he returned to Montana, where he made his home for several years, al- though he regularly visited his relatives here.
Mr. Caldwell and Miss Hannah Thomas were married in this county March 3, 1890. The spring after their union they went to Montana, and on their return here, in March, 1895, made their home on the estate which they now occupy. Two children have been born to them: Mabel, whose birth occurred at Dillon, Mont., in April, 1892; and Margaret, who was born in Post Oak Town- ship, this county, in March, 1894.
Although reasonably successful in his ventures in Montana, Mr. Caldwell has made the most of his means in Johnson County in farming. His place is well improved, and by the intelligent man- ner in which he cultivates it it is made to yield a good income. In politics he is a Democrat and
cast his first Presidential vote for Tilden in 1876. While in the West he served as Deputy-Constable, and later filled the responsible office of Sheriff. Socially he is a member of the Odd Fellows' fra- ternity, having filled nearly all the chairs in that order, and is likewise a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is a man honor- able in his dealings with all, kindly and social in domestic life, and is regarded with a due sense of esteem by all those about him.
OHN C. PORTER, Sheriff of Pettis County, is a gentleman of great personal popularity, and one in whom the public places confi- dence, as was shown by the fact that he was elected to this responsible position by a good Re- publican majority, though in a county which heretofore was strongly Democratic. His father, who was also a Republican, served for two terms as Sheriff of Pettis County just after the war, to the satisfaction of both political parties. Our subject was first elected to the office in 1892, and on the expiration of his term of service was re- elected, in 1894.
One of the native sons of this county, John C. Porter was born in Beaman Township, on the 6th of January, 1860, being the son of Will- iam H. and Sarah E. ( Mabery) Porter, the former a native of this county, and the latter of Jack- son County, Mo. William Porter was an engi- neer and farmer by occupation, owning mills at various times, but lived with his family on a farm in the northern part of Pettis County. In 1875, while in Houstonia Township, he lost his life in a cyclone, and the care of the family devolved upon our subject, who was then a youth of fifteen years. He bravely shouldered the responsibility and met with fair success, at the same time man- aging to pick up a good general education, amply sufficient for all practical purposes.
In March, 1882, J. C. Porter and Miss Mollie Card were united in marriage. The lady was
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born in Cooper County, Mo., January 19, 1864, and is a daughter of James and Susan (Smith- ers) Card. Mr. and Mrs. Porter have had three children, Hester, Irene and Minnie.
During the war our subject's father served throughout the conflict as a soldier on the side of the Union. His father, John Porter, was a na- tive of Virginia, and a pioneer of this county, having removed here from his first Missouri home in Madison County. Thus the family has long been identified with the history and development of this vicinity.
Socially Mr. Porter belongs to Houstonia Lodge No. 329, I. O. O. F., of which order he has been a member since 1882, and has filled all the chairs. In 1889 he became associated with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and has held offices in the local lodge. In 1893 he joined the Wood- men of the World and the Knights of Pythias, and in the latter order is identified with Sedalia Lodge No. 52. For several years he has been recognized as one of the influential Republicans of this county and, in fact, of this part of the state.
M. OFFIELD, a member of the firm of Offield & Crawford, is engaged in the real- estate business in Sedalia, where he is one of the old residents. At one time he was the owner of the largest farm in one tract in the county; it comprised thirteen hundred and forty acres and was situated but six miles north of this place. He has laid out the Dundee Addition, some forty - six acres, and has made many other investments in this locality. In the strict routine of his busi- ness operations he has ever had in view the gen- eral welfare and upbuilding of Sedalia, and is justly numbered among her benefactors. His ele- gant home is finished with all modern appoint- ments.
Our subject's father, Lewis D. Offield, was born in Virginia and was of English extraction. Later
he lived in Tennessee, where he was married in 1837, and with his family located at an early day in Polk County, Mo. He owned a large farm adjoining the city of Bolivar and held various of- fices, one of which was Justice of the Peace. His death occurred at the age of seventy-six years. He was a member of the Baptist denomination, but his wife, formerly Martha Spurrier, adhiered to the Presbyterian faith. She became the mother of seven children, of whom only five are now liv- ing: John D. and William P., who were "forty- miners" in California and are still living there; Thomas J. and Lewis C., farmers of this county; and our subject. Mrs. Offield's parents died in Polk County.
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