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 120
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A. F. ANDERSON,
Lumber merchant. The subject of this sketch was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, in 1834. His parents died when he was a child, and when about ten years old he went to Wheeling, Va., where he spent about four years, then moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he learned the cabinet making trade, and pursued that as a vocation there, and in Louisville, Kentucky, until 1855, when he went to Kansas, locating at Leavenworth. There he learned the carpenter's trade, and, in the spring of 1857, came to Independence. In 1865, he engaged in the lumber business, and has since given it his entire attention. In 1868, he was married to Mrs Amanda Castleman, widow of William Castleman. Her maiden name was Johnson. Mr. A. is a man of public spirit and enterprise, and has done much for the advancement of this town. Has been successful as a business man, and is now doing a large trade in lumber, lath, shingles, etc.
M. W. ANDERSON,
Was born in Jackson county, Mo., December 20, 1836, and was there brought up and acquired an education. His time was employed in farming until 1859, when he was appointed deputy sheriff, holding that position for two years. In 1860, he was elected township constable, which position he held about one year and a half, then going to Mexico. He returned again in 1864, and again engaged in farming, in which he continued until 1868, again being appointed deputy sheriff. Filling this office about two years, in 1872, he was elected revenue collector of Jackson county, and held the position for four years. In 1875, he connected himself with the banking house now known as Anderson, Chiles & Co., and also embarked in the fine stock business. He was treasurer of the Jackson County Breeder's Association, and proprietor of the Glendale herd of short-horn cattle. Is the owner of a valuable farm comprising 320 acres, within two miles of this city. His marriage occurred in 1861, to Miss Julia, daughter of Robert Daniel. She is a native of Independence. They have a family of two children : Katie E. and Nellie. Have lost one, an infant.
D. BULLORD,
Ticket agent, of the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company, was born in Philadel- phia, Penn., October 21, 1855, and when quite young was taken by his parents to Niles, Michigan. He was there reared and educated, and when about fifteen years of age commenced learning the art of telegraphy. Worked at the trade there for a short time and then removed to Springfield, Mo., remaining two years, when he commenced traveling through the southwestern part of the State.
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He was employed at various places, but finally settled in St. Louis, where for three years he was engaged by the Missouri Pacific Company. First held the position of clerk to the superintendent, and afterward operator. January 6, 1879, he took charge of his present office, which requires considerable skill and energy as two roads arrive at this point.
CHARLTON E. BEATTY,
Editor of the National Crisis, was born in Independence, Mo., June 11th, 1851. His early youth was spent in acquiring an education which he completed in his native town. In 1866 he entered the printing office of the Independence Mes- senger where he was employed until 1868, and then became connected with the Independence Democrat, and continued about one year. Was engaged in work- ing on the Kansas City Evening News, where he remained until 1870, and then came to Independence and established the Independence Daily Herald. This he conducted for about three months, and next established the Daily Enterprise, and after about thirty days removed it to Moberly, Mo. There in connection with Messrs. G. B. Kelley, Robert Freeman and A. J. Knowles, he conducted it until 1876, and then returned to Independence and established the Indepen- dence Democrat. In 1877 it passed out of existence, and on the 16th of Au- gust of that year, he established the National Crisis, which he has conducted with an untiring zeal. He was married, December 22, 1874, in Independence, to Miss Cordelia F. Atkinson, a native of Independence. They have three child- ren living : Charlton A., William and Harvey.
D. I. CALDWELL,
County Commissioner of schools, was born in Madison county, Kentucky, on Nov. 7, 1811. His early youth was spent on a farm, but most of his time was devoted to acquiring an education, which he completed at Center College of Danville, graduating from that institution in 1832. He immediately took charge of a school in Jessamine county, Ky., and conducted it until 1834, when he came to Missouri, and settled at Loutre, Warren county. Here he taught a large private school, for about one year and six months, and then returned to his native county in Kentucky. On January 22, 1838, he was married to Miss Catherine B. Clark, a native of Jessamine county, Ky. Mr. Caldwell then went to Howard county, Mo., where he was engaged in farming for about two years, when he again devoted his time to school teaching. In 1847 he moved to Independence, and has since made it his home, devoting his entire time to the advancement of education. In November 1869 he was elected commissioner of schools, and with the exception of two years has held the office since. It was at the earnest solici- tation of the people that he allowed himself to become a candidate. That he has rendered much valuable service in the cause of education may be inferred from the fact that his elections to office were always brought about without any effort on his part. He has done much for Independence and Jackson county. Although advanced in years he still retains the vigor of his manhood, and continues to labor zealously for the welfare of his fellow men. His family consists of three children : Thomas C., James S. and Fannie.
HON. WILLIAM CHRISMAN
Was born in Fayette couuty, Ky., November 23, 1822, and is the son of Joseph and Elenor H. Chrisman. His father was a farmer in comfortable circumstances, who took great interest in his childrens' future welfare, in affording them means for a thorough education. When not attending school, the subject of our sketch was employed on the farm. His early education was received at a private school taught by Rev. Lyman W. Seeley, who afterward became a professor in George- town College, Kentucky. Young Chrisman became a student at that institution
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and graduated at Centre College, Kentucky, with the degree of A. B., and after- ward received the degree of A. M. in course. In addition to the regular classic course he learned to read with fluency several of the modern languages, and after leaving college, he taught school. He made choice of law as a profession, and after a thorough preparation was admitted to the bar in Kentucky in 1847. In 1848 he came to Jackson county, Missouri, and settled in Independence, which has since been his home. He formed a partnership with Abram Comingo, Esq., of Kentucky, and at once entered upon the practice of law, his profession, and such was the attention he gave to his business and the tireless interest manifested in the cause of his clients, that he soon built up a lucrative business, which con- tinued to increase up to the time he withdrew from the practice in 1869. His partnership with Mr. Comingo continued until early in the late War, when it was dissolved by mutual consent. He soon after formed a partnership with Hon. Samuel L. Sawyer, of Lexington, Mo., which existed until his withdrawal from the practice in 1869, to devote his time to his large private interests, particularly to banking, in connection with which he has devoted considerable attention to the improvement of his landed estate. He has never sought but studiously avoided office, but in 1874, without solicitation on his part, he was elected a del- egate to the Constitutional Convention in 1875, and in that assembly there was no one who inspired more confidence in his integrity, his ability and knowledge of constitutional law. In 1857 he, with a few others, organized a bank at Inde- pendence, known as the Independence Savings Institution, which has continued under different names until the present time, and is now known as the Chrisman-Sawyer Banking Company ; and in all of the changes the bank has undergone he has been one of its directors, and to his financial skill and manage- ment is to be attributed much of its present high character. He was one of the organizers of the first National Bank of Indepence, and from the first incorpora- tion has been a director and stock holder. In educational matters he has always been prominent and took an active part in founding and establishing the Inde- pendence Female College, and furnished most of the money for erecting the building. He contributed liberally to put in operation the Independence Library, and in making it a credit and benefit to the town and community. Scarcely a public enterprise calculated to advance the religious, social or commercial interests of the community for a quarter of a century, has failed to secure his sympathy or support; and he has been foremost in aiding every worthy cause with his influence and means. Few men have lived more quietly and unostentatiously or exerted a greater influence on the community than Mr. Chrisman; would we had more such men. He married Miss Lucie A. Lee, of Danville, Ky , May 10, 1848, a lady whose graces of mind and person have endeared her to all who enjoy her acquaintance. Their family consists of two children: George L. and Maggie, wife of Mr. Logan O. Swope. Their second son, James, died at the age of nine- teen, while attending Westminster College at Fulton, Mo.
C. C. CHILES,
Banker. Prominent among the pioneers of Jackson county, who are indentified with its growth and development, is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Clarke county, Kentucky, in 1831. His father brought him to Jackson county when a mere infant, settling in Fort Osage Township in the autumn of 1831. When about fifteen years of age, our subject engaged in the mercantile business, and continued it until 1854, when he commenced farming. In 1875 he engaged in the banking business in connection with his farming and stock business. Mr. Chiles is virtually self-made and self-educated, as he began business for himself with very limited capital. What he now has is the result of his own labor. He is in possession of several fine stock farms in different parts of Jackson county, and has taken quite an interest in the breeding of fine stock. He is a prominent member and a director of the Jackson County Breeders' Association. He has
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witnessed nearly the entire growth and prosperity of Jackson county; has always been identified with its interests, and has seen many changes come and go. He was married in this county in 1857, to Miss Anna M. Haller, a native of Penn- sylvania. They have three children : Lizzie G., Mamie C. and C. C.
CAPTAIN CORNELL CRYSLER,
Postmaster. The subject of this sketch was born in Auburn, New York, Septem- ber 27, 1829, and when about six years of age, his father moved to Syra- cuse, same State. There he made his home until 1868, receiving his education at Onondaga Academy, Monroe Collegiate Institute and the State University at Albany, and graduated from the law department of the latter in 1854. He immediately began the practice of his profession, and followed it until the break- ing out of the War. In 1862 he organized and was appointed captain of Company D, of the 122d New York Infantry, which position he held until resigning in 1863, at Fredricksburg, Virginia. He then returned to Syracuse, and asso- ciated himself with Judge Reigel, and continued the practice of law until his removal to Independence, in 1868. He was appointed postmaster in 1873, which office he has since held. He was married in the State of New York in 1852, to Miss Nancy W. Dunlap, a native of that State. They have two children : Franc, wife of John Sullivan, and Charles S., an attorney here. Mr. Crysler has held many offices and positions of public trust, and always to the en- tire satisfaction of his constituents. He was justice of the peace in the State of New York four years, county superintendent of schools for two terms; and was appointed assistant United States marshal for the census of 1870.
CHARLES S. CRYSLER,
Attorney, was born in Syracuse, New York, on the 21st day of September, 1856. When about eleven years of age he moved with his parents to Independence. His early youth was spent in the pursuits of agriculture, and he began the study of law when very young and has pursued it with an admirable zeal. In 1874 he entered the post-office as assistant. He attended the State University at Albany, New York, during its sessions of 1876-7 and 1877-8, graduating from the law de- partment in the spring of 1878. He then went to St. Louis and engaged in book-keeping for a commission firm until the spring of 1879. Also pursued his legal studies at the Washington University of that city. In the spring of 1879 he came to Independence and was admitted to the bar at Kansas City. In Sep- tember, 1880, he laid out an addition to Independence known as Cottage place. On the first day of October, 1879, he was married to Miss Harriet E. Child, a native of Vermont. As an attorney, Mr. Crysler stands near the head of his pro- fession, and has already distinguished himself in civil and criminal courts.
W. A. CUNNINGHAM,
Merchant, was born in Bath County, Kentucky, October 19, 1836, and was there educated and reared. He came to Independence in the spring of 1866 and in 1878 engaged in mercantile business and now carries on an extensive grocery business on the south side of the square; he is also engaged in the fine stock business, being in possession of a valuable farm of 150 acres, one mile south of Independence, which is devoted to stock raising. He has held many places of public trust in Jackson County, has been mayor of Independence. These duties he always discharged creditably. He was married September 1, 1864, in Bath Coun- ty, Kentucky, to Miss Annie Hughes, a native of that county. They have two children living : Sadie and Lawrence.
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D. C. ENTREKIN,
Retired farmer, was born in Ross County, Ohio, September 21, 1814, and spent his boyhood days on a farm, receiving a common school education. Was there engaged in farming until he came to this county in the fall of 1868, when he set- tled in Independence and engaged extensively in farming and stock raising. He now owns 750 acres of land in Clay County, Mo., and 350 in this county, all of which is well improved. He also owns considerable town property. Mr. Entre- kin was married in November, 1839, to Miss Jane Tarbert, a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, born May 9, 1816. They have three children : Nannie (now Mrs. Momyer), Mary and Jennie; one is deceased-Torbert. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is an elder.
FORBIS & WAIT.
It is a lamentable fact that few men get full credit for their deeds and acts, or are fully appreciated in the age in which they live. The rancor and turmoil of business strife warp the judgement and render impossible a true and impartial. verdict, which is only reached after a calm retrospective review of a life's strug- gle; yet the writer has found a man in whom is embodied these admirable qualities of energy, strict business integrity and an untiring zeal in advancing the business resources and social well-being of his town. Such a man is Mr. J. B. Forbis, Jr., of the above firm, who are to be found on the east side of the Public Square, occupying a handsome three-story building, 150x30 feet. We find it well filled with a large and carefully selected stock of Charter Oak cook stoves and ranges, Garland base burners, Denmark retorts, soft coal burners, Eagle cultivators, plows, hay rakes, stalk cutters, breaking plows, Champion corn planters, hay stacker and grain drills. They also handle the justly cele- brated Empire reapers and mowers, as well as the favorite Singer and Domestic sewing machines, and in fact a full line of shelf and heavy hardware. The house was established in February, 1880, and out of justice to the young firm we must say that no firm in Jackson county has a better reputation for honest, upright dealing and reliability of goods, and as they are endeavoring to win a reputation in the great struggle for prominence, they are fully alive to the interests of their patrons, and are willing to promote the well-being of them, even at a sacrifice of their own time and money.
GEORGE A. FRANKLIN,
Liveryman, is a native of the most popular county of Missouri, familiarly known as Jackson, and was born December 11, 1850. The population of said county was increased by one who, by the attentive care of its overseers, has grown into manhood, and is named as the subject of this sketch. He did not spend his time hunting and fishing during his days under fifteen years, but made use of his physical strength on his tather's farm. His early education was obtained in the common schools, and when fifteen years of age his father moved to Independ- ence, where he attended the High school two years. In 1867 he entered the William Jewell College of Liberty, Clay county, Missouri, where he was for three terms busily engaged in mental labor. He then returned to Independence and embarked in the hardware business with his father, it being conducted under the firm name of W. H. Franklin & Sons. In 1875 he disposed of the store and moved on a farm and was engaged in tilling the soil till September, 1879, when he removed to Independence and engaged in his present occupation. Miss Alice Wilson, of this county, became his wife May 3, 1871. Two children were the fruit of this union : one boy, William F., and one girl, Effie.
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D. F. HARTMAN,
Dealer in saddles and harness, was born in Indianapolis, Ind., January 31, 1837, and there spent his early youth. In 1840 he moved to Warsaw, Ind., and learned the trade of saddle and harness maker, following it as a vocation until 1863. He visited California, and after a stay of a few months returned to Indi- ana, where he remained until 1865, then coming to this county. Soon after, he embarked in the saddle and harness business, which he has continued with marked success. He carries a well-assorted stock, and being a superior work- man, finds a ready sale for his goods. Although commencing with nothing, he has now acquired a comfortable competency. In 1858 he was married to Miss A. L. Evans, a native of Indiana. Their family consists of six children : Lillie, Erastus, Winnie B., Charles M., Belle, and Jessie. Four died in infancy.
JONATHAN HILL,
Retired. His father, Isaac Hill, was a native of Pennsylvania, and of English descent, and his mother, Nancy Henry, a native of Virginia, and of English and German descent. The subject of this sketch was born in Brown county, Ohio, February 4, 1822, receiving the advantages of a limited common school educa- tion. In December, 1841, he drifted westward and located in Carroll county, Mo., at the point called Hill's Landing, his brother having located at the same place a year previous, from which originated the name. At this time he was in very meagre circumstances, and worked the first year for fifty cents a day, but by using good judgment, and being economical, he accumulated a sufficient amount of money to purchase a half interest in the Landing. This he retained till 1850, when he went to California and was there engaged in mining about six months. After returning to Carroll county, Mo., he followed painting for the next three years, when he went to Miles' Point, and until July, 1864, was engaged in the mercantile trade. On account of the war he removed his goods to Carrollton, and there disposed of them, after which he was engaged as book keeper till the close of the war. Afterward returned to Miles' Point, where he was engaged in farming and trading in real estate. Since November, 1870, he has been a mem- ber of the Carroll Exchange Bank, of Carrollton, Mo., owning a one-tenth con- trolling interest, of which the capital stock and surplus funds amount to over $100,000. Having no desire for further continuance in business, and being a great advocate of education, and feeling a great interest in the welfare of his fam- ily, he concluded to seek a home where might be found all the educational facili- ties required, and so located in Independence in 1874. He has been twice mar- ried. First to Miss Harriet Ridgell, of Kentucky November 22, 1860. She died June 7, 1863, leaving one child, Harriet A. Johanna B. Glasser, of Swit- zerland, became his second wife May 5, 1864. By this union they have five children : Anna V., Minnie M., Viola B., Bertie E., and May E.
BENJAMIN HOLMES,
County Treasurer, is the son of Silas and Nancy Holmes, and is a native of Jackson county, Missouri ; born August 8, 1846. He was here educated, receiv- ing his primary education in common schools, after which he completed this course in the High school of Kansas City. Was raised an agriculturist and stock raiser, and followed the same till 1877, when he moved to Kansas City, and immediately engaged in the live stock commission business, as one of the firm of Holmes & Lail. In December, 1878, he was elected to fill the office of county treasurer, and moved to Independence. Was re-elected in November, 1880. Mr. Holmes was married to Miss Emma E. Laws, October 18, 1869. She is also a native of this county, and was born January 15, 1849. They have one child, Mattie (born August 31, 1872).
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C. JACKSON,
Physician and surgeon. The subject of this sketch was born in Howard county, Missouri, in 1842, and when quite young entered the William Jewell College, at Liberty, Clay county. After receiving a liberal education there, he attended the Jefferson Medical College, during its session of 1866-7 and 1867-8, graduating in the spring of '68. Then moved to Kansas City, where he practiced until 1874. He assisted in organizing the Kansas City Medical College, where he devoted two years to the study of anatomy. In 1871 he was married in Platte county, Missouri, to Miss A. A. Perry, a native of that county. In 1874 he moved to Independence, where he has since resided. The doctor is of the alopathic persuasion, a close student and successful practitioner, and now enjoys a large practice. He is public spirited, and a zealous worker in forwarding all commend- able enterprises which might promote the well-being of the county.
S. K. KNOX,
Capitalist, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, March 16, 1837, and was there educated and resided until eighteen years of age. In 1855 he emi- grated to Illinois, and learned the art of telegraphy with the Ohio & Missouri Railroad, and took charge of an office at Sumner, Illinois, where he was also interested in manufacturing. Remained there about ten years, and, it not agreeing with his health, he came to Jackson county, and was engaged in farming for five years. Thence to Independence, where he embarked in the grain and also the mercantile business, the latter at Blue Springs. In the spring of 1879, he closed out his business here, and went to Colorado, and engaged in mining, in which he is still interested. His farm consists of 320 acres, and upon it are eleven springs, making it one of the finest stock, as well as grain, farms in the county. He has now in process of erection a residence in this city, which will be an ornament to the town. Previous to coming here, Mr. Knox employed a physician by the year, and since then, in a family of seven, has only called an outside physician about five times. His marriage was in December, 1861, to Miss Jennie Christy, a native of Illinois, born in April, 1839. They have a family of five children : Anna, Charles E., Mary A., Rodger C., and Andrew C. Mr. and Mrs. Knox and their eldest daughter are members of the Presbyterian Church. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity.
M. LARKIN,
Of the firm of Larkin & Son, proprietors of livery, feed and sale stable, and also of the 'bus line, was born in Brooklyn, Pennsylvania, May 28, 1848, and when but a small boy he, with his parents, moved to Canada, where they remained about three years. Then removed to Wisconsin, residing there nearly four years, and then came to Independence. He is an experienced man in the livery business, having followed it from boyhood.
JACOB LEADER.
Among the many pioneers of Jackson county is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of December, 1814. His early youth was spent in acquiring an education, and when he was about seventeen years of age he learned the wagon making trade, and has since made it his vocation. In November, 1834, he moved to Pittsburgh, where he remained until the following spring, when he went to St. Louis. Remained about six months and then went to Taswell county, Illinois, thence to Jackson county, settling in Independence where he remained about one year. Returned to Taswell county, where he was married in 1839 to Miss Effie J. Eades, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. In the summer of 1840 he came again to Inde- pendence, where he engaged in the pursuits of his trade. In 1849 he went to
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