USA > Missouri > Jackson County > The History of Jackson county, Missouri, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc., biographical sketches of its citizens, Jackson county in the late warhistory of Missouri, map of Jackson county > Part 113
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131 | Part 132 | Part 133 | Part 134 | Part 135 | Part 136 | Part 137 | Part 138 | Part 139
CORNELIUS MURPHY,
County Marshal, was born in Cork, Ireland, August 1, 1849, and when quite a small boy came with his parents to the United States, landing at New York City. His father immediately went to Virginia, where he was engaged for some time as contractor on a railroad. His family continued to live
821
KANSAS CTIV.
in different parts of the state for several years, when he removed to Jackson county Missouri, in 1857. Settled in what is now known as McGee's Addition, livec here for a short time, after which he went onto a farm with his father. Spen1 several years, then returned to Kansas City and accepted a clerkship in the cloth ing store of Kahn & Schloss; continued with these parties for a period of five years, during which time he purchased a scholarship in the commercial college; there prosecuted his studies vigorously, graduating from this institution in 1869- '70. Subsequently was appointed deputy collector of Jackson county, Mo., which office he filled with much credit to himself and satisfaction to the citizens. In 1880 was elected to the office of marshal of Jackson county.
JOHN MURRAY,
Dealer in real estate, was born in the County Galway, on the River Shannon, June 15, 1831, where he lived with his parents until he was sixteen. He had fair opportunities for education up to that age, attending two years at the Irish Na- tional University at Woodford, a neighboring town. When he left home he was apprenticed three years to the dry goods business, at Portumnd, the residence of Lord Clanricker. In 1848 he came to the United States, landing in New Orleans in November of that year and there he lay some weeks, sick in the Sisters' Hos- pital. His first employment was as a waiter in the St. Charles Hotel, serving as such for six months, when he was employed as book-keeper by Patrick Walch, a heavy manufacturer of harness. Was with him until 1850, when he left New Orleans with his parents, who had arrived from the old country, for St. Louis, and while on the trip had the misfortune to meet with an accident, by which they lost all their clothing and baggage, and nearly lost their lives, caused by the ex- plosion of the boiler of the boat on which they were traveling, near Memphis, on the Mississippi River. There they were obliged to lay up until they had recovered from their injuries. When sufficiently recovered they again started for St. Louis, arriving there in due time, and soon after their arrival there, he was employed as steward on board the steamer Connecticut. Soon after he was em- ployed as second clerk on the steamer Pacific, plying between St. Louis and New Orleans, continuing as such until March, 1852. Then he came to Jackson county, Mo., settling at Independence, where he was employed as a clerk by Thomas Gilchrist and Isaac Campbell, until 1854, when he went to Blue Springs and did a general mercantile business for himself, and was also post-master until 1859. Then returned to Independence and was employed in the forwarding and commission business until 1860, when he kept the Excelsior saloon for six months. Then sold out and returned to Blue Springs, and soon after entered the Confederate army as a private and served as such until the fall of Vicksburg, afterward being promoted through various grades up to Provost Marshal. After being mustered out at the close of the war he went to St. Louis, where he accepted a position long enough to earn money to return to Independence, and also to have his family return, which had been banished from the State by Order No. 11, in his absence. He began life again by clerking, which he followed until May, 1867, when he ventured in busi- ness again for himself. He held the position of county treasurer from 1874 to 1878. Beside being burned out in 1874, he lost heavily in the suspension of the First National and Mastin banks of Kansas City, from which he has not fully recovered. After his reverse he went to Leadville, Col., where he endeavored to retrieve his losses. Returned to Kansas City in 1881, and engaged in the real estate business with William S. Carter, late of Denver, Col. September 6, 1855, he married Miss Mary F. Smith, of Blue Springs, by whom he had one child : William F., of Independence. Mrs. Murray died in September, 1866.
822
BIOGRAPHICAL.
J. W. NEIR
Was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, October 2, 1850, and when about twelve years of age removed with his parents to Michigan. He made this State liis home until 1867, when he entered Mount Union College, of Ohio, pursuing his studies for about four years. Then went to the University of Michigan, studied four years, and from there to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, graduating therefrom in 1876. In 1877 he went to work in the copper mines of Lake Superior, and then engaged in the river improvement work on the Missouri River, from which he was de- tached and placed on the lower Mississippi, where he remained about four months. In May, 1879, he came Kansas City, and now holds the position of Assistant United States Civil Engineer. He has been instrumental in promoting everything beneficial to the citizens of this place. Mr. Neir was married June 16, 1879, to Miss Anna A. McDonald, a native of Canada. They have but one son, William W.
W. R. NEWLON,
Druggist. The subject of this sketch is a native of Westmoreland county, Penn., where he was brought up and educated. About twelve years ago he became en- gaged in the drug trade on Grand avenue, and has remained here since. Being a good business man, courteous and pleasing in his manner, he has built up a good trade. His store is a model of neatness.
M. M. NYE,
Of the firm of J. W. Hamilton & Co., was born at Rockville, Parke county, Ind., May 3, 1857, and when he was eighteen years of age he went to Henry county, Iowa, spending one year in traveling over the State, and then returned to his native home, where he was engaged in bookkeeping for the Sandered Coal Company for one year. Then went to the southern part of Illinois and was engaged in railroading, holding different positions, as general bookkeeper, freight agent, conductor, and frequently had charge of a part of the construction work. Re- maining till 1880, he returned to Indiana and was for a short time engaged in buying and shipping grain. In October, 1880, he located in Kansas City, at his present occupation. Mr. Nye, as an accountant, is accurate and reliable, and has made a success in all his undertakings.
DANIEL O'FLAHERTY,
Surveyor of Jackson county, was born, in Berking county, Virginia, in July, 1841, and in 1844 was taken by his parents to Kentucky, where he resided until 1855. Then removed to Missouri, locating in Jefferson City, and from there came to this city in 1857, where he has since made his home. In 1867 he was appointed to the office of assistant city engineer, holding this position until 1872. In 1868 was elected county survevor, which position he filled for four years, and in the fall of 1880 was re-elected to the office he now holds. He married Miss Ellen A. Ward, of Kansas City, in June, 1869. She is a native of Ireland. By this union they have three children living : A. E., Joseph S., and Leo J. Have lost one child, two and a half years old.
J. O'FLAHERTY
Was born in County Kerry, Ireland, where he lived until 1836, when he went to Canada. After a short stay at Quebec, went east, and in 1847 moved to Alle gheny county, Penn., at which place he lived two years. Afterwards removed to Frankfort, Ky. Followed railroading with his father at this place for three years. Also worked in the towns of Falmouth and Cinthiana. He was engaged in railroading in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Lexington, Ind. Then went to New Or- leans, La., and for one year was clerk in a retail grocery store, after which he
823
KANSAS CITY.
went to Louisville and engaged in the retail grocery trade. Was there until the riot of 1855, at which time he went to Oshkosh, Fondulac, and other parts of the State of Wisconsin. . After leaving Wisconsin he went to St. Louis, and from there to Cameron, at which place he followed railroading for eighteen months, and then came to Kansas City, where he engaged as contractor and excavator. Worked at this business until the war broke out, when he enlisted as a private in Company B, Ist Kansas Volunteers, and went to Fort Leavenworth, and back to Kansas City. Was through the campaign of 1861, and afterwards was under Major Sturgis and General Lyons ; at the battle of Wilson's Creek was near Gen- eral Lyons when he was killed. Was also at the battle of Milliken's Bend, Cor- inth, Gun Town, Vicksburg, and various skirmishes. Was a captain, command- ing a company, during the fight at Vicksburg, guarding the Mississippi River front, on the Louisiana side. Resigned his command and came to Kansas City, and after staying here a short time, returned to Goodrich Landing and took com- mand of the citizen scouts, and scouted through the territory lying between Good- rich Landing and Lake Providence. While in command of the scouts he had a very hard fight called the battle of the Mounds, which resulted in a glorious vic- tory for the Captain. At the close of the war he located at Vicksburg, and en- gaged in the wholesale and retail grocery business. Here he was married to Miss Sarah A. Duggin, of Vicksburg, and they have had three children, two now living : Katie M. and V. J. One, Eugene, is deceased.
H. B. OLIN & CO.,
Manufacturers of carriages. This firm is composed of H. B. Olin and Mr. Eastey. The former was born in Livingston county, New York, December 24, 1852, residing there until about three years of age, when, with his parents, he removed to Wisconsin. There remained about five years, then going to Kalama- zoo county, Mich., and after five years came to Ottawa, Kas. There our subject was educated, attending the Baptist University for three years. Remained in Ottawa eight years, and then went to the University at Rochester, N. Y., where he attended until graduating with the degree of A. B. In 1879 Mr. Olin came to Kansas City, and formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, Mr. Eastey, which still continues. They have lately associated with them Mr. A. R. Har- dustry, one of the finest finishers hereabouts. He learned his trade in England, and since coming to this country has been associated with J. B. Brewster, the king of carriage men. Mr. Olin was married February 17, 1880 to Miss C. S. Carter, of Rochester, N. Y. She was brought up and educated there.
P. L. O'MARA,
Of the firm of Schoeller & O'Mara, proprietors of meat market, was born in Ireland, September 5, 1861, and when but two years of age, came to America, with his parents, and landed at New York. From there came to St. Louis, where he remained till 1870, when he came to Kansas City. In July, 1879, he entered into partnership with A. E. Schoeller, in his present occupation.
D. H. PAINTER,
Physician and surgeon, is one of the many young doctors who took Horace Greeley's advice, and has cast his lot in the Great Western Metropolis. He is a native of Illinois, having been born at Macomb, McDonough county, April 13, 1855. He graduated from the Macomb High school in 1874, and immediately began the study of medicine under Dr. P. H. Garretson, of his native town. Graduated from the Louisville Medical College, at Louisville, Kentucky, February 26 1876. He began his practice at Council Grove, Kansas, where he was very successful, and where he served as U. S. medical examiner until January 1, 1881, when he located in Kansas City. April 16, 1877, he married Miss Bettie C.
824
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Robinson, of Independence, a granddaughter of Mrs. Atkins, one of the oldest residents of Jackson county.
JOHN D. PARKER, PH. D.,
Was born September 8, 1831, in Homer, Courtland county, New York. When five years of age, his father, Rev. Roswell Parker, a clergyman of rare gifts as a theologian and preacher, moved with his family to North Adams, Hillsdale county, Michigan, where he improved and cultivated a large farm for forty years. At nineteen years of age, with his parents' consent and approval, John D. Parker left the farm, for the purpose of securing an education, learned telegraphy, and, moving his instruments into the office of the Jonesville Telegraph, learned also the printing business. He then went to Ann Arbor, where he took a classical course in the Michigan University. He then taught five years in the schools of Indiana and Illinois when he resigned, and took a course in the Chicago Theo- logical Seminary. After preaching two years, he was called to take charge of the preparatory department of Lincoln College, Topeka, Kansas. and was soon elected to the chair of Natural Science. After teaching in the college about three years, Prof. Parker resigned, and accepted a position on the staff of the Commonwealth. At the end of one year, he took charge of the Congregational church at Burling- ton, Kansas, and opened a small fruit farm, with the purpose of making a permanent home. In the autumn of 1871, Governor James M. Harvey, very unexpectedly and without solicitation, appointed him superintendent of the Kansas Institution for the Blind. During his administration of four years, the institution was greatly pros- pered, but when it was becoming a model institution, Governor Thomas A. Osborn changed the management solely for political reasons. On resigning his superintendency, Prof. Parker moved to Kansas City, where he has been engaged as city missionary and in teaching, editing, and reading proof. He is the origin- ator of the Kansas Academy of Science and of the Kansas City Academy of Science. He donated his private cabinet, containing 2,000 choice specimens, to the Kansas Academy of Science, for the use of the Kansas University. He is a member of the Congregational church, and has had rare success in conducting Bible classes for many years. He excels as a writer, and possesses those mental gifts which, by proper cultivation, would give him a place among authors. As an organizer of scientific societies, Prof. Parker has laid foundations upon which men will hereafter build enduring monuments. His plans are laid wisely, he toils year after year with patience, looking for no earthly reward, and he has an abid- ing faith in the feeblest beginnings and darkest hours, of ultimate success. He places the foundation stones where they ought to be laid, and waits for those who come after him, to complete the structure. In 1867, Illinois College conferred upon him the degree of doctor of philosophy, in recognition of his attainments and services in natural science. Prof. Parker inherits the gift of invention from his father, and has obtained letters patent for a composing stick gauge, which will probably prove to be a standard instrument in its department.
CHARLES H. PATTON,
Proprietor of milk depot and oyster saloon, was born in Philadelphia September 26, 1850, and there was educated. Made it his home until seventeen years of age, when he went to New Jersey and learned the dairy business. This he con- tinued there for seven years when he returned to Philadelphia, engaging in the milk business for one year. Then came to Kansas City, continuing the same business and also engaged in the oyster trade. This has since been his occupa- tion and in it he has built up a good trade.
825
KANSAS CITY.
M. J. PAYNE
Is one of the few remaining old settlers of Kansas City who came here thirty years ago. He was born in Christian county, Kentucky, October 29, 1829. His father dying when he was young, he was thrown upon his own resources to gain a livelihood. His education consists of what he obtained in the common school and what he learned after entering the office of the Hopkinsville Express, to learn the printing trade, when only thirteen years old. In 1844 he was employed by A. Gant & .Son in his native town as a clerk, with whom he remained until Janu- ary, 1849, when he accepted a clerkship in the dry goods house of H. D. Cun- ningham of St. Louis, Mo. In 1850 he came to Kansas City and went into the mercantile business with H. L. Weil, of St. Louis. under the firm name of H. L. Weil & Co., and, on retiring from the firm the following year, he accepted a po- sition in the dry goods house of Northrup & Chick. Remained with them until 1855, when he was elected Mayor of Kansas City, subsequently holding that position for five consecutive terms, and has represented his district in the State Legislature. He was also one of the incorporators of the Cameron Branch of the Hannibal & St. Joe Railroad. He has ever given his influence to promote the growth of the young city, and is proud of its present prosperity and future prom- Ise.
PEET BROTHERS & CO.,
Soap manufacturers. This firm consists of Robert and William Peet, and J. W. White. Robert and William are natives of England. They were born near Cam- bridge, in Cambridgshire, and are now aged respectively, 33 and 37 years. They spent their boyhood days on a farm, coming to America when boys of 15 and 19, spending all they had in defraying the expense of their voyage. They began life in a strange land, empty-handed. First found employment in the soap manufac- tory of Joseph Stafford, in Cleveland, Ohio, where the elder brother worked five years, learning the business, while his brother, after one year, quit and learned the carpenter's trade. The elder Peet, after working at the soap business for eight years, had accumulated the sum of $500, and was contemplating a visit to his old home in England, when he was advised by friends to abandon it, and come to Kansas City, well knowing that he was well versed in the secrets of manufacturing soap. After consulting his brother, who then resided at Cleve- land, Ohio, he started for the west, coming to Kansas City in 1872, where he quickly discerned the advantages of the place and telegraphed his brother, who came at once. They first rented the old deserted soap factory belonging to Iven Brothers for one year, but occupied it only ten months, when Gen. W. H. Powell became connected with them. They being very young, and with limited capital, the accession of General Powell gave the business a new impetus, and, requiring larger quarters, they removed to No. 4, East Levee, near where they now are. In 1873, Gen. Powell sold is interest to Capt. J. W. White, when the present firm of Peet Brothers & Co. was organized. They have been successful from the first, and their business so increased that they had to enlarge their quarters by renting different buildings. Now they own the extensive soap works, formerly the old Kearney warehouse, on the levee, at the foot of Delaware street, a build- ing. 25x100 feet and three stories high, to which they are putting up an addition, 25x 100 feet, with a basement and two stories high. They manufacture 3,000 boxes of soap monthly, which is sent throughout Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Texas and New Mexico. Mr. White was born near New Bedford, Mass., August 6, 1821, and when sixteen years of age went on board the old Minerva, and followed the sea thereafter for twenty years, serving from a common sailor up to master of a vessel, and has been in most of the important ports of the world. He has made three whaling voyages in the Arctic regions, being at one time master of the Nasson, and afterwards the William Thompson, taking from two to three years to make the voyage. He abandoned the sea in 1857, and
1
826
BIOGRAPHICAL.
lived in Illinois until 1866, when he went to Cleveland, Ohio, and engaged in the implement business. Leaving there in 1873, he came to Kansas City and be- came connected with the Peet Brothers.
MRS. MARY S. PEERY
Was born in Tazwell county, Virginia, March 26, 1814, and when five years old her parents moved to Caledonia, Washington county, Mo., where she lived until her eighteenth year. Was then married to Rev. Edward T. Peery, a Methodist minister, the date of their marriage being January 28, 1832. Soon after her hus- band was called to the missionary work among the Indians, she accompanying him and devoting fifteen years among the Shawnee, Delaware, Kickapoo, Pottowat- omie and Wyandott Indians. He was also presiding elder of the Cherokee Na- tion, she remaining and laboring among the Shawnees. Closing their labors among the Indians in 1847, they came to Kansas City and permanently settled, building them a house on his farm, on what is now the corner of Ninth and Har- rison street, but at that time a dense forest, and sparsely settled. There her hus. band labored as a local minister, devoting his energies to build up a branch of the Methodist Episcopal church in his immediate neighborhood. He gave the first lot for a church site in the city, on Fifth, near Wyandotte street, and also aided in erecting it-a house, although made dear by its associations to many of the oldest members, has been recently desecrated by- being converted into a livery stable. Mr. Perry died in 1864, since which time she has resided in the city and vicinity. She has three children : Mary Jane (wife of Henry B. Bouton, of Kansas City), Sarah and Frank T. (of Colorado). She has three grand-children and one great-grandchild.
ROBERT PENNYCOOK,
Of the firm of Pennycook & Siverwright, was born in Edinborough, Scotland, and lived in that country until he was twenty-eight years of age. Spent two years in New Castle on Tyne, Cumberland county, England, working at the carpenter's trade as contractor and builder, under the firm name of Pennycook & Blair. Came to America in 1871, landing at New York, and came direct to Kansas City, where he remained four years, part of the time as contractor and builder. After- wards he went to California and worked at his trade and kept saloon for about six years, and after disposing of this he returned to Kansas City in the latter part of 1880. Then engaged in business, carrying a general stock of hardware and new and second-hand furniture. Mr. Pennycook has been a heavy property holder in Kansas City fot the last nine years.
JOHN T. PENDLETON
Was born near Stanford, Lincoln county, Ky., January 30, 1829, where he was raised and educated. He worked on his father's farm until 1853, when he went to Georgia in charge of a drove of hogs, and that was the first starting out in life for himself. He next went to Louisville, Ky., where he was employed in the packing house of Hull, Jackson & Co., and leaving them in the spring of 1855 he came to Missouri and was employed as clerk in the old Noland Hotel, of Indepen- dence, a house of wide reputation. In this he was employed until 1857, when he was head clerk in the wholesale and retail dry goods house of Mullen Bros., of Independence, being with them until their failure, in 1858. In the same year he with Samuel A. Shortridge went into the grocery business at Independence, under the firm name of J. T. Pendleton & Co., they doing business together until the spring of 1861, when the firm was changed to Wilson and Pendleton, they suc- ceeding Wilson & Strode. He continued in business with Mr. Wilson until 1867 when, being elected treasurer of Jackson county in 1866, he retired from the firm. He held the position of county treasurer until 1870, when he settled on a
827
KANSAS CITY.
farm near Independence and dealt in stock. In 1877 he established a coal office in Kansas City, near the Levee, where he is doing an extensive business, selling from twenty-five to forty car loads daily.
W. W. PERKINS,
Attorney, was born in Rushville, Schuyler county, Ill., December 11, 1841. Wm. Perkins, the father of W. W., was a practitioner and a member of the Schuyler county bar, it being the most noted bar of the state of Illinois. Being a prominent member of the Old School Presbyterian church, at the beginning of W. W.'s boyhood days, he gave up the practice of law and chose the profession of the ministry, studying theolgy under the tutorship of Lyman Beecher, of Cincin- nati, the father of Henry Ward Beecher. After preaching over the States of Indiana and Illinois, he returned to Ohio. Having been a strong anti-slavery man he left the Old School Presbyterian and entered the Free Presbyterian church, and was appointed editor of their organ and located in Cincinnati, previous to this having resided in Ripley, Ohio. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools, and from 1857 to 1860 he attended the Farmer's College at College Hill, teaching school for a short time, and also reading for his chosen profession. In the fall of 1860 he returned to Illinois, and in the spring of 1861 entered the pay department in the late war and remained on duty till peace was declared, being part of the time engaged by the express company. Then returned to La Salle county, Ill., his father at that time being the editor and proprietor of the Ottawa Republican. Then pursued the study of law and was admitted to practice by the Supreme Court of the State of Illinois in August, 1865. In 1867 he moved to Chicago, where he was engaged in the practice of his profession with great suc- cess, holding the office of attorney for the Board of Education two terms. He had the misfortune to pass through the Chicago fire, which deprived him of all his earnings, except such matter as was saved by being lodged in his safe, although showing the effects of the intense heat from without, proven by the melting of government seals and scorching of paper, which the writer examined. On ac- count of the failing health of his wife he was compelled to seek a more genial climate, and in 1879 he moved to Windfield,'Cawley county, Kansas. In Octo- ber, 1880, he located in Kansas City and is now considered one of the prominent attorneys of the city. Was married to Miss Bell. Parry, of Liverpool, England, April 13, 1870. They have one child, Charles E. (born March 31, 1871).
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.