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 114

Author: Union Historical Company
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Kansas City, Mo. : Union historical company
Number of Pages: 1068

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 114

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A. J. PIERCE,

Physician and Surgeon, was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1832. He obtained a good literary education by attending school at Jefferson and Germantown, Pa., and graduated from Jefferson College, in Philadelphia, in 1856, and began prac- tice in Pittsburgh with his father, an old practitioner in that city. In 1857, he came west and located in Leavenworth, where he practiced until 1860, when he came to Kansas City and practiced until 1866. Then was called to Pittsburgh to settle up his father's estate, and from that time up to 1874, his time was spent alternately at Pittsburgh and Kansas City. In 1875, having permanently located here, he established the first surgical institute in the city, associating with him Dr. J. W. Foster and Dr. H. S. Greeno. In 1879, he retired from that institution and from general practice, having been in practice for thirty years. He is the first and oldest specialist in the city, and is a descendant of an old line of physi- cians, dating back over one hundred and fifty years, making a specialty of treat- ing cancer and chronic diseases. After retiring from the practice of medicine, he engaged in building and the real estate business, and has done much to build up the city, having built seven business houses on Delaware and Third streets. January 14, 1878, he married Miss Mary Waters of Cleveland, Ohio.

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BIOGRAPHICAL.

D. S. POLLOCK,

Attorney, was born in Christiansburg, Montgomery county, Va., August II, 1842. Was left an orphaned boy when quite young, and since his youth has fought his own way through life. His early education was begun at the Academy in his native town, attending this institution till thirteen years of age, when he went to Newbern, Pulaski county, making his home with his uncle, C. S. Lane. In 1857, he entered the High school at Hillsville, Carroll county, Mo., where he remained about two years and returned to Hillsville, teaching school, principally, till 186r. Then enlisted in the Confederate army, remaining in service till the close of the war, when he returned to Pulaski county, teaching till 1867. Was there elected clerk of the Circuit Court for six years, and was removed by the military department act in 1869. In connection with his business, he had been spending his leisure time reading law, which profession he had chosen before the war. Practicing his profession in Newbern, in 1870 the State was re-admitted to the Union, and he was elected superintendent of public schools of the county. After organizing the schools throughout the county, he resigned his office. In 1873, was elected as commonwealth attorney of the county, holding this position, by re-election, till January, 1881. Then he drifted westward and located in Kan- sas City and prinipally engaged in the criminal practice, which he has made a specialty. Was married to Miss Maggie McCaull, a native of Scotland, February 10, 1880. They have one child, May V. Mr. P. is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

F. W. POOR,

Proprietor of the Lindell Hotel, was born in what is now the town of Peabody, Massachusetts, December 18, 1845. His parents were Yankees and were born in the vicinity of Danvers. In 1864 he enlisted in Company C, Fifth Massa- chusetts Volunteers and served until the close of the war. Was connected with a wholesale butcher business fourteen years. Took possession of the Lindell Hotel in June, 1880. After refitting it he opened it to the public, and since then has had hardly room enough to accommodate his guests. He is a member of the Knights of Honor and Royal Arcanium. His marriage was in 1867 to Miss G. M. Friend, a native of Berley (now Davens), Mass., born October 8, 1845. They have one child, Florence C. (born December 9, 1872).

DAVID R. PORTER

Is one of the oldest practicing physicians and surgeons of Kansas City. He is native of Jefferson county, N. Y., where he was born November 23, 1838. His father dying in 1845 and leaving no inheritance, he lived with his widowed mother-being one of six children-until his ninth year, when he began the bat- tle of life for himself. In his boyhood he imbibed the desire to become educated, and at once bent his energies to attain that end. He began his literary education in the common schools of his native county and completed it in his twentieth year by graduating from Richmond College, Ohio. He soon after entered upon the study of medicine and in due course of time graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa, and also from Bellevue Medical Col- lege, New York City. Thus well disciplined in the theory of medicine and sur- gery, he was soon called into active practice by being commissioned assistant sur- geon in the 5th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, and served during the late war. In 1865, at the close of his army career, he came to Kansas City and began what has been a long and extensive practice. He has filled the chair of Materia Medicia and Therapeutics in the Kansas Medical College from its infancy ; and as a citizen is highly esteemed by his fellow citizens, by whose voice he has held many positions of trust in the city. In 1870 he married Miss Ollie Smith, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, by whom he has one son, Pierre. Thus, in brief, is a biographical sketch of one who, by his unaided efforts, has raised himself to that

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eminence of usefulness so eagerly sought in his younger days, and of whom it can be truthfully said that "merit is given to whom merit is due."

M. C. POWELL,

Agent of the Travelers Life and Accident Insurance Company, of Hartford Con- necticut. The subject of our sketch although young, is one of the best experienc- ed in his business in the city. This company has paid over two hundred losses during the past year, varying from $10 to $2,000, and is a very reliable one. Mr. Powell has an excellent patronage and well deserves to succeed.

CLADIUS PREVOST,

Dentist, was born at Geneva, Switzerland, July 18, 1818, and was there reared and educated. In 1840 he left there and immigrated to America as a Protestant minister to the French Catholics. He was brought up in the Catholic faith but after a time turned from the duties of the priesthood and became a convert to Protestantism. He first entered into the ministry in Canada, where he remained about three years. Then removed to New York, and after laboring there some time, moved to Vermont, and afterwards preached in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Illinois. While preaching in Detroit, Mich., he was obliged to forego further efforts in that direction by reason of failing health. During all this time he taught the French language. After leaving the ministry he learned the business of dentist, and for one year followed this profession in Detroit. Thence to Green- ville, Ohio, and practiced there and at Cocomo for two years, removing to this city in 1865. He immediately entered into business and became very successful, and until 1870 also carried on the jewelry trade. At this time becoming involved in a difficulty, of another person's villiany, he sold out and went to Labette county, Kansas, where he worked at his trade. Then returned to Kansas City, and again started the dental business, but after remaining a short time went to Wyandott. Once again he came to Kansas City, and here he now resides. He has been married four times. First, in 1843, in Champlain county, N. Y., to Miss Mary Loomis. By her he had one son. His second marriage was to Mrs. Morrison, of Canada West, with whom he lived a short time. Then married at Dayton, Ohio, Mrs. Hubbert. Fourthly, and lastly he was married to Miss Sarah P. Ladd, of Wyandott, a lady of refinement, who is now proprietress of the establishment in which he labors.

CHARLES RABER,

Son of Cornelius and Regula Raber, was born in Canton Zurich, Switzerland, December 26, 184t. Came to America with his parents in the spring of 1847, and settled in Highland, Illinois, where he received his education. At the age of 14, came with his parents to Kansas City, it being then only a landing place ; they settled in Westport, October 25, 1855. His father rented a small piece of land there (now known as the Judge Lewis place), and followed farming until the day of his death which occurred August 26, 1856, young Charles at that time being in the employ of Mr. Francis H. Booth. He remained with him the majority of the time, until the year 1862, when he formed a copartnership with Mr. Martin Keck, to do a general freighting business. They continued together doing a very successful business, making upward of twenty trips across the plain to Utah, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado and other points, until the fall of 1868. The Kansas Pacific R. R., was put through to Denver, and not caring to compete with it, they sold their outfits, (and it may be worthy of mention they had an old ox called Tom that by actual count made over ten thousand miles in Mr. Raber's service), and associated themselves with Mr. Helmerich in the Western Brewery, carrying on the brewing business for two years and not being successful closed out, Mr. Raber connecting himself with the Metropolitan

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Billiard Hall corner of Grand avenue and Fifteenth streets. Was married at Kan- sas City to Miss Josephine Engler, June 9, 1874, and by this marriage they have had three children, all living : Clara E., (born March 5, 1875), Cornelius, (born December 24, 1878), and an infant (born December 14, 1880). Mr. Ra- ber's mother is living with him, a hearty old lady of three score years and ten.

AARON RAUB,

Butcher, was born on the 15th of December, 1824, and is a native of New York. He was principally reared in Pennsylvania, and at the age of twenty-one removed to Ohio, remaining for two years. Then emigrated to Freeport, Ill., residing three years, and from there came to Kansas City, in 1852. Here he has made his home since. Immediately after coming he commenced the butchering busi- ness, which he has since followed. He is no doubt the pioneer in his line in the city, and is widely and favorably known for his liberal dealing, and has a large number of friends.

J. C. RANSON,

Justice of the Peace, was born near the town of Dundall, Ireland, and when thirteen years of age he, in company with his brother, emigrated to the United States, landing at New York. Then went to Cincinnati, and from this place went to St. Louis, in 1837, residing there until 1842, when he removed to Wes- ton, Platte county, Mo., and there engaged in the mercantile business, following this until 1850, when he went to California. In 1851 he came to Kansas City, and has since been a resident here. From 1853 to 1858 he was engaged in the general merchandise trade, and at that time engaged in the real estate business. This he continued until the outbreak of the Rebellion, when, fearing that Kansas City would be nearly destroyed, he commenced farming, continuing it until 1867. Then was appointed Justice of the Peace of Kaw township, and has held the position since. Mr. Ranson has been twice married. First, in 1845, to Miss Emily Tally, a native of Jackson county. She died in 1860, leaving four chil- dren : Angie A., Amanda E., Henry S., and Thomas. His second marriage occurred in 1861, to Mrs. Bettie Reese, a native of this county, daughter of Col- onel Stine, also of Jackson county. They have seven children : Maude, John, Joseph, Samuel, Bettie, Daniel, and Pearl.

J. M. RAYBURN.

The subject of this sketch is a member of the firm of Moore & Rayburn, proprie- tors of one of the most extensive flouring mills in Kansas City. Mr. Rayburn was born in Ross county, Ohio, December 16, 1818. Was there reared and ed- ucated, and at the age of twenty-two years became engaged in the live stock trade, which he followed until the year 1850. Then removing to McLean county, Ill., he engaged in farming and stock raising, continuing in that until 1869, when he moved to Butler county, Kansas, and there carried on the same business until the fall of 1875. Came to Kansas City, Mo., where he continued dealing and handling stock until the year 1878. Seeing a favorable opening in the flour-mill- ing business, he formed a co-partnership with Mr. J. W. Moore, in which busi- ness he is still actively engaged. He was married December 29, 1842, at London, Ohio, to Miss Ann M. Rouse, and by this marriage four children have been born to them : Jane R. (born October 1, '50), Agnes (born January 16,'58), Joseph H. (born August 24, '61), and Angie (born January 6, '65).

GEN. J. W. REED

Was born in Lynchburgh, Campbell county, Va., June 14, 1820, and resided there until twelve years of age. Received his education from private teachers, and at the age of nine years he entered the high school at his native town. Continued

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his studies until 1832, when, in company with a person by the name of Hess, he removed to Laport, Ind., residing with him until nineteen years old. Then joined his father's family. In 1841 he removed to Saline county, Mo., and resided there, engaged in teaching school and the practice of law until 1846. Then raised a company of volunteers and went into the Mexican War, being captain, and served about thirteen months, when he was honorably discharged and mus- tered out at New Orleans. In the fall of 1847 he came to Jackson county,, set- tling in Independence, and has been a resident of this county since. He com- menced the practice of law there, continuing till the outbreak of the late war. Then moved to Kansas City, and from 1876 until now has been engaged in dealing in real estate. In 1853, and again in 1855, he was sent to the Legislature, and in 1860 was elected to represent the people in Congress, and at the close of this season resigned.

J. T. RETON,

Proprietor of the type, electrotype and stereotype foundry, was born in New York City December 31, 1831, and was there brought up and educated. At the age of abont twenty years he commenced learning the trade of type founder, and worked with one firm about nine months. Then was employed in the foundry of James Conner & Sons, with whom he finished his trade. About 1856 he became engaged as foreman in the Northwestern Type Foundry, of Milwaukee, Wis., which position he filled for about fifteen years. Then became the proprietor of the St. Paul Type Foundry, at St. Paul, where he continued about one year, and then came to Kansas City. He started the type foundry here in 1872, and has continued to operate it since that time. He keeps a full line of printers' mater- ials and can furnish anything in the sterotype line. His goods are all first class, and he is doing a fine business. His marriage was about 1857, to Miss M. E. Adams, of N. Y. They have by this union five children : Cecilia, Anna, John, William and Arthur. Is a member of Knights of Honor.

THOMAS S. REYBURN

Was born in Chariton county, Mo., May 20th, 1832, and at the age of seventeen years removed to Lexington, this State, where he learned the trade of brick layer, continuing it until 1854. Then went to California, engaged in mining until 1860, then returned to this State, and in 1861, enlisted in the Confederate service. Served three years and then removed to Nevada, and three years later went to California. After returning, he came to Kansas City in June, 1870, and imme- diately commenced working at his trade. This he has since continued, and many fine buildings here are specimens of his handiwork. His brother, J. W., was one of the early settlers in this county, and was one of the parties who res- cued persons, who had settled on the flat or bottoms, during the flood of 1844. He is one of the veterans of the Mexican War, having served under Colonel Doni- phan. He is now living in Carroll county, this state. and has a family of sixteen children, the youngest two months old. In March, 1872, our subject was married to Miss Angeline Cook, a native of South Carolina, but principally reared in Mississippi. She removed to Missouri in 1860. They have three children, two of whom are living-Roscoe and Samuel. One died at the age of six years. Mr. Reyburn's parents are natives of Virginia, and of Swedish and Welsh ex- traction. They removed to Kentucky in 1825, and are among the early settlers of that State.

T. C. RICE,

Manager of the Kansas City Bag Manufacturing Company, was born in Poland, Ohio, December 5, 1842, and spent his boyhood days there, receiving excellent educational advantages. In the summer of 1860, he took a trip to the mountains, remaining till fall. In October, 1861, he enlisted in Battery B, Ist Pennsylvania

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BIOGRAPHICAL.

Light Artillery, and held the position of First Lieutenant. Was with the Army of the Potomac through its most important battles, at Antietam, Gettysburg, bat- of the Wilderness, and others. At the close of the war, he returned to his home in Ohio, finishing his education, then came west, engaging in the drug business at Pleasant Hill, Mo., remaining eleven years. Then took a trip south and stopped a while in St. Joseph, where he married Miss Mary A. Long, a native of Baltimore, Md., born in 1856. They were married in October, 1875, and have two children : L. J. and Mary C. Soon after their marriage he came to Kansas City, and in April, 1878. took charge of the bag manufactory. He is in a responsible position, as this establishment does a very large business. By his strict business integrity, he has made many friends. Mrs. Rice is a member of the Catholic church.

A. RICHARDSON,

Of the firm of Richardson & Heins, manufacturers of doors, sash, blinds, mould- ings and stair material, was born at Dracutt, Middlesex connty, Mass., in 1835, and there was reared on a farm until seventeen, when he went to Lowell and learned the trade of wood turner. Leaving there in 1857, he went to Boston and worked in the Bay State Mills, and the mills of Curtis and McNutt, until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in Company D, 41st Regiment Massa- chusetts Volunteer Infantry, in which he served one year, when his regiment was transferred to the 3d Massachusetts Cavalry. In this he served during the war. After being mustered out, in 1865, he returned to Boston where he remained one year when he was pursuaded that there were better opportunities for employment in the west. He made a prospecting tour through Minnesota, Illinois and Mis- souri, and finally located in Osawatomie, Kansas, where he was engaged in the furniture business until 1868, then went to St. Louis and was employed in differ- ent manufacturing establishments, and in business for himself, until the fall of 1877, when he came to Kansas City, where he started the manufacturing estab- lishment of Richardson & Heins, taking in Mr. Heins as a partner in 1878. Al- though beginning on a small scale, they now own a large shop, on Main street, furnished with all the latest improved machinery, and their annual sales amount to from $25,000 to $30,000.

E. E. RICHARDSON,

Assistant secretary and treasurer of Kansas City Live Stock Exchange Company, was born in Buffalo, New York, April 29, 1847, and made that his home till 1869. He is a son of E. K. and Hannah L. (Martin), his father being a miller. E. E. was so reared till seventeen years of age. He was educated in the common schools of his native city and in the High school of Grand Rapids, Michigan. October 7, 1864, he accepted the position of book-keeper in Martin Comstock's wholesale store of feed, seeds and fruit, at that time the largest firm in the city. Resigning this position May. 1, 1868 he took charge of the wholesale produce store of Wallace Johnson, remaining one year, part of the time as traveling buyer and salesman. June 8, 1869, he went to Milwaukee and engaged as traveling salesman for Johnson & Thyng, soap and candle manufacturers. Not being satisfied with this position, he resigned July 27, 1869, shortly after going to Chicago, being on the Board of Trade with Wright & Beebe from August 16 till October 12, 1869. That day he accepted a position as book-keeper for Gregory, Strader & Co., live stock dealers, remaining with this firm till January 21, 1874, when he was appointed to the office which he now fills by the authority of J. M. Walker, who was at that time the president of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, and also of the Kansas City Stock Yards. He was married to Miss Anna M. Nevins December 21, 1868. She was born in New Orleans September 22, 1849. They have five children : Dwight N., Anna L., Clara Belle, Frances L. and Elliott K.

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DR. J. C. RIDDELL,

Proprietor of Opium Curative Institute, is a native of Indiana, born in Con- nersville, Fayette county. Graduating before he had attained to maturity, he at once devoted his attention to his chosen profession, associating himself with his father, Dr. G. W. Riddell, an eminent physician and operative surgeon. A writer of considerable ability, he subsequently became identified with the Indiana Citizen, a prominent and influential journal. His career as a member of the editorial staff of this paper was such as to give him much distinction as an able and logical writer. He was an earnest advocate for the preservation of the Union, being among the first who responded to the call for troops. He enlisted for three months, and subsequently for three years, as a member of the famous "Indiana Bracken Rangers," the first mounted company organized in the State. The brilliant exploits and grand achievements of this company in the field are familiar to all who have read the history of the rebellion. At the close of the war Dr. Riddell returned to his native State, and for some years devoted his attention alternately to his profession and editorial work, and, by his numerous writings, has attained to a high position among the medical fraternity. Although but a comparatively brief period in Kansas City, the doctor is well and favorably known, not only in the city and States of Missouri and Kansas, but throughout the country, enjoying the respect and confidence of all. He is a gentleman of good business capacity, suavity of manners and possessed of great courage and energy. Some years ago the doctor discovered a cure for the opium and mor- phine habit, and has recently devoted much attention to the treatment of cases of that class. In view of the fact that there are thousands of persons galling in the shackles of the tyrant opium, it will be of much interest to that unfortunate class to know that Dr. Riddell can deliver them from the gloom and torture into which they have been precipitated through the use of that potent and insidious drug.

ISAAC M. RIDGE,

Physician and Surgeon, is one of the oldest settlers of Kansas City, having re- sided here over thirty-three years, and is identified with the builders and founders of the city. He is a native of Kentucky, having been born in Adair county July 9th, 1825. He completed his education in the High school of Dover, Mis- souri, and studied medicine under Isaac S. Warren, M. D., of the same place, graduating from the Transylvania University at Lexington, Kentucky, in March, 1848. He then returned to Missouri, and immediately settled at Westport Land- ing, as Kansas City was then called. He soon had an extensive country practice, and many were the long and cheerless rides over the wilds and hills of Jackson county, and in what was then known as the Wyandott and Shawnee reservations, he having a large practice among the Indians. Having secured a competancy, he retired from practice in 1873, and since then has been improving his city property, located on Main and Walnut streets. February 12, 1850, he married Miss Eliza A. Smart, daughter of the late Hon. Thomas A. Smart, by whom he has three children : William E., Thomas S. (now attending the State University at Columbia, Missouri), and Sophia Lee (attending the Christian College at the same place). His wife died in July, 1878. She was a member of the Christian church of Kansas City.

WILLIAM E. RIDGE

Is a son of Isaac M. Ridge, one of the oldest settlers of Kansas City, and his mother was the daughter of the Hon. Thomas A. Smart, one of the very first proprietors of the city. He was born on a spot of ground that is now the south- east corner of Ninth and Main street, September 25, 1852. In his boyhood days he rambled over the hills and bluffs, and through woodlands and fields, all of which have disappeared and yielded to the improvements made by the city fathers.

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BIOGRAPHICAL.

He was partly educated in his home schools, but finished in Washington and Lee University, at Lexington, Virginia, during 1869-'70, the president of which, Rob- ert E. Lee, died while he was in attendance. Returning from school in 1870, he worked on his father's farm, a short distance from the city, continuing to do so up to 1879. In the meantime, in 1873, he married Miss Mollie C. Stone, of In- dependence, Mo. His mother dying in 1878, he left the farm and came to Kan- sas City and lived with his father until the following year, when he occupied his own residence. During the past year he has been busily engaged in superintend- ing the erection of the Ridge Block, on Main street-himself and a brother and sister being the proprietors, they inheriting the lots from their grandfather, Hon. Thomas A. Smart, and their father generously furnishing the capital to put up the buildings. He has four children : Isaac B., William Roy, Eliza Gray and Earl Stone. He was the first newsboy in the city, being employed to sell papers on the street by Matt. Foster.

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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 114

Author: Union Historical Company Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Kansas City, Mo. : Union historical company Number of Pages: 1068

Author: Union Historical Company
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Kansas City, Mo. : Union historical company
Number of Pages: 1068