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 121
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California, and in 1851 returned to Independence, and has since made it his home. Their family consists of one child living: Mary C., (wife of M. C. Masters, of Independence) ; have lost three. Mr. Leader has witnessed much of the growth of Jackson county, and has always taken a warm interest in its welfare. He has seen many changes come to Independence ; has seen it through its years of peace and prosperity, as well as its years of war and pestilence. Politically he was of the Democratic faith until the breaking out of the war, and since then he has been identified with the Republican party. In 1862 he was appointed to fill the office of county judge, by Governor Gamble, and afterward by Governor Fletcher. He has been elected to the city council for seven or eight terms. Was also a member of the first public school board for four years, and has held many other positions of public trust, and always with credit to himself and satis- faction to the public, and has attained the confidence and esteem of the citizens of the county. He is a man of continued industry, devoting his entire attention to the pursuits of his trade.
E. E. LEWIS,
Druggist. This enterprising young business man was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, May 24, 1861. He there spent his early youth in acquiring an education and prepairing himself for the drug business. In the spring of 1877 he went to Abiline, Kansas, where he engaged in the drug business, and also attended the Kansas State University, during the term of 1878-9, devoting his time to the study of chemistry and pharmacy, in which branches he is very proficient. In the autumn of 1880 he came to Independence and established his present business, and is now doing a good trade in drugs, medicines, fancy goods, etc.
CAPTAIN SCHUYLER LOWE,
Stock agent for the Missouri Pacific Railway Co., at Kansas City Stock Yards. The subject of this sketch is a native of Kentucky and was born in Washington county, January 30, 1834. Was reared on a farm in his native county. October 8, 1853, he arrived in Jackson county, Mo., and in the summer of 1854, began clerking in a drug store for James McClanaham, remaining with him until the fol- lowing spring. Then he accepted a position in the dry goods store of G. W. Arnold, retaining this position until the summer of 1857, when he purchased a half interest in a drug store, the firm name being Lowe & McMurry. He was in this business till the fall of 1858, when he disposed of his share and engaged in the insurance business till the spring of 1860. Then again embarked in the drug business, being sole proprietor, which he pursued until the beginning of the War. In June, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Ist Cavalry, Missouri State Guards of General Raines' division ; was sworn in as captain and acted as such until Feb. ruary, 1862, when he again enlisted in the regular Confederate service, 3rd Mis . souri Battery, known as Lowe's Battery, ranking as captain until the close of the war. He was taken prisoner at St. Joseph, La., in February, 1864, and was re- leased June 1, 1865. Was one of the 600 who were placed under fire at Charles- ton. While in service, he participated in the battles of Wilson's Creek, Lexington, Pea Ridge, second battle of Corinth, Iuka, Hatchie River, Oxford, Grand Gulf, Ft. Gibson, Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, siege of Vicksburg and other skirmishes. After being released from prison he returned to St. Louis, and accepted a position as clerk in a wholesale drug store. where he remained till fall. Then returned to Independence, where he engaged in the real estate business till 1868, when he moved on a farm and was engaged in agricultural pursuits till 1873. Then commenced in the live stock trade, continuing till April, 1877, at which time he accepted his present position. February 7, 1860, he was mar - ried to Miss Mary J. Parker, who was born in Independence, Mo., August, 1838. She is a daughter of John Parker, who came to Jackson county Mo., at an early day, and was for a long time engaged in the mercantile trade as one of
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the firm of Wilson & Parker. They have had eight children, five of whom are living : Lizzie, Parker L., Julia W., Susan W., and Jennie.
JOHN G. MCCURDY.
A history of Jackson county would not be complete without a few sketches of the lives of its prominent old settlers, as those men have proved themselves bene- factors to the towns throughout the county. The subject of this sketch was born in Rockbridge county, Va., on the 20th day of March, 1818. His early youth was spent on a farm in the pursuits of agriculture until about seventeen years of age, then went to Scottsville, in Albamarle County, and learned the trade of blacksmith. He was married in Albamarle County, on the 6th of April, 1848, to Miss Elizabeth R. Beal, a native of that State. Soon becoming impressed with the idea that the West offered superior inducements to men of energy and enter- prise, he came to Independence in the spring of 1848, and soon engaged in black- smithing, which line he has since followed with a marked degree of success. He has seen many changes come and go to Independence, and has witnessed much of the growth and development of Jackson County. But during all this time he pursued his legitimate pursuits, and labored zealously for the good of his fellow beings. In 1874, he was deprived of his wife by death. His family now con- sists of five children : Lizzie, widow of Wilson Powell; John Samuel, now in partnership with him; James William, engaged in railroad business in California ; Joseph A. and Henry L., who are in business with him in Independence. He is now conducting a large establishment in the manufacture of plows, farm imple- ments, buggies, etc. Mr. M. is a man of continued industry, and has done much for the development of the town in which he resides and is a much honored and esteemed citizen.
JOHN W. MODIE
Stands prominent among the pioneer business men of Independence. He was born in Mansfield, Richland county, Ohio, in 1827, and was there educated and developed to manhood. He learned the harness-making trade, commencing when about fifteen years of age, and has since devoted his attention to it. In 1848 he came to Jackson county and settled at Independence, where he has since made his home, and soon embarked in the harness and saddlery business. In 1849 he was married in Independence to Miss Levena McCarty, a native of this town. Their family consists of six children living : John, Charles, Rolland, Nellie, wife of Thomas Pendleton, of Independence; Bina, now Mrs. Frank Wyatt, of this place, and Lessie. Mr. Modie has filled many positions of trust since com - ing to Jackson county ; has been city councilman for several terms, and during the thirty-two years of his residence here, he has always retained the confidence and esteem of the people. He is now conducting a large business in harness and saddlery, carrying a large stock of goods, and is enjoying a trade which is the fruit of labor and careful management. He is closely identified with the social, moral and religious interests of the town, and has always taken an active part in forwarding all commendable enterprises.
DR. JOHN S. MOTT.
There are but few persons in Independence more highly esteemed than our sub- ject. He was born in St. Mary's, Ohio, May 2, 1844, and there remained until the age of seventeen, when he entered the ariny, serving until the fall of 1865. Then came West and traveled through New Mexico, engaging in mining, etc., and in 1872 began merchandising in Independence. His father and mother, Col. Samuel R. and Caroline (Pickerel]) were early settlers in north western Ohio. The former was colonel of the 118th Ohio Regiment during the War, and well known throughout the community in which he resided. Dr. Mott is pleasing in his man- ners and address, and to meet him is to wish for a more extended acquaintance.
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H. G. OWENS,
Ticket agent and telegraph operator at the Narrow Gauge depot, was born in Randolph county, Indiana, January 17, 1857, and there received his education. When fourteen years of age he removed to Bourbon county, Kansas, and was en- gaged in buying and selling stock until 1873. The panic in that year depressed business, and our subject went to Polk county, Iowa, and engaged in farming with his brother. After one year he came to Kansas City, and was employed as a shipping clerk in an agricultural implement house for three years. Then became connected with the Narrow Gauge Railroad Company at Kansas City, remain- ing until December, 1879; he then took charge of the office at Lexington, and afterward came to this place. He was married, May 1, 1879, to Miss E. A. Jaquiss, of Kansas City, who was born in New York City, December 2, 1852, and is of English origin. They have one child, Frances M., born May 16, 1880. Mrs. Owens is a member of the First Presbyterian church, of Kansas City, and he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal denomination.
B. F. PARKER,
Dentist, was born in Coles county, Illinois, on the 20th day of October, 1833, and is a son of Hon. Nathaniel Parker, who was born in Georgia, but located in Coles county at an early day, on a farm. He afterward served fourteen terms in Congress and the Legislature of that State. Our subject's early youth was spent in the pursuits of agriculture until 1857, when he began preparing for his present profession, under the tuition of a Dr. Bradley, of Charleston, Illinois. In the autumn of that year he entered the Ohio Dental College, at Cincinnati, and grad- uated from that institution in the spring of 1858. Then went to Fort Worth, Texas, where he pursued his professional labors until 1862. In 1863 he located in Salem, Illinois, where he practiced until 1865, when he moved to Independ- ence, and has since practiced, and is now enjoying a large and successful practice, which is the fruit of his many years persistent efforts. The doctor is a man of public spirit and enterprise, and has done much for the development of Jackson county. He is now engaged in fruit raising in connection with his professional labors, and is in possession of a beautiful farm of forty-five acres, one mile east of Independence. He was married in Warrensburg, Missouri, in 1866, to Miss Frances Draper, a native of Salem, Illinois. Their family consists of two chil- dren, living : Lillian O. and Fredrick. The doctor is a man of decided opinions, and is closely identified with the moral and religious interests of his town, and is a zealous worker for the cause of Christianity. He is a deep thinker, and is possessed of a strong and unpredjudiced mind.
J. E. PAYNE,
Editor. The subject of this sketch was born in Christian county, Ky., on the 2Ist day of January, 1840, When about six years of age his parents took him to Morgan county, Illinois, where his days were spent until 1852, when he re- turned to his native county. After about two years he went again to Illinois, locating in Maynard county. In 1857 came to Jackson county, arriving in Kan- sas City on the 7th of April, and was there engaged in mercantile business until the breaking out of the War. In October, 1861, he entered the State's service under command of General Price, and on the 23d of December joined the Con- federate service, and was appointed Third sergeant of Company A, 6th Infantry, and served to the close of the war. He was severely wounded at the battle of Cor- inth, Miss., but after about four months he again joined his command. Was also wounded at the battle of Champion's Hill, and during the siege of Vicks- burg he lost two fingers by a shell. He was then transferred to the quartermas- ter's department, and afterward to the ordnance department. Had charge of re- doubt No. 21. He was one of the parties who escaped on the magazine boat
.
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from Mobile to Gainsville, Ala., where he surrendered, and was soon paroled. He returned to Kansas City, and in the spring of 1866 received an appointment on the civil engineer corps. Was one of the parties who located the Fort Scott & Gulf Railroad. On the 3d of September, 1868, he was married to Miss Annie E. Hickman, daughter of Major E. A. Hickman, of Independence. He estab- lished the Cass County Courier, at Harrisonville, in September, 1871, which paper he conducted until the autumn of 1879, and in September of that year he became the editor of the Sentinel, of Independence. This he has since conducted with an admirable spirit. Politically he is of the Democratic faith, and is an able ad- vocate of its doctrines. He is a warm friend to all religious institutions, and has a large circle of friends in this and adjoining counties. His family consists of three children : Katie (born September 21, 1869), Hickman, and Robert Emmet (born September 19, 1875).
J. C. PENDLETON,
Druggist, was born in Lincoln county, Ky., in 1847. There his early youth was spent until he attained his thirteenth year, when he moved to Jackson county and located in Independence. Here he finished his education. In 1867 he en- gaged in the drug business at his present location, where he occupies a brick building 65x25 feet. He carries a large stock of drugs, medicines, paints, oils, fancy goods, etc., and is enjoying a large and profitable trade. He is a man of public spirit and enterprise, and devotes his entire attention to his legitimate pur- suits.
M. PENDLETON & BROTHER,
Merchants. This business was established in 1865, by Messrs. Wilson & Pendle- ton. In March, 1875, Mr. Wilson withdrew, leaving the business in charge of Mr. M. Pendleton, who conducted it until March, 1880. Then he became as- sociated with his brother, Mr. F. Pendleton. The firm is now doing a good business, occupying a large two-story brick building, 90x46 feet. They carry a large stock of clothing, dry goods, boots, shoes, notions, etc, employ four clerks, and are numbered among the solid firms of the town.
I. N. ROGERS
Was born in Pittsylvania county, Va., February 27, 1833, and there spent his days until 1847. Then he came to Jackson county, locating at Independence. In 1864 he went to Montana Territory where he remained until 1866, when he came to Independence, and was engaged in the First National Bank as book- keeper, until 1867. In 1877 was elected assistant cashier of the Chrisman-Saw- yer Banking Company, which office he now holds. He was married in Inde- pendence, in 1862, to Miss Natalia, daughter of John Wilson, of this city. Their family consists of four children : Julia V., Sallie W., John W., and Homer. They lost one, an infant, Willie R. Mr. Rogers is a man of public spirit, and occupies a high social position, and is esteemed by a large circle of friends. He is closely identified with the interests and growth of the town in which he resides.
THOMAS J. ROGERS
Was born in Pittsylvania county, Virginia, on the 9th of May, 1844. In 1847 his parents moved to Independence where our subject was educated and reared to manhood, and has since continued to make his home. When about the age of sixteen years he began to learn the tinner's trade under Mr. D. R. Laramour, and succeeded in fully mastering that industry. In 1867 he embarked in business for himself at Lee's Summit, this county, and continued successfully for five years. In 1874 he became impressed with the news of the West, and, actuated by a strong desire to travel, he spent three years through the Territory of Montana and surrounding country. He then returned to Independence, and in February, 1880,
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he opened his present business on South Main street. He occupies a neat store- room, which is well filled with a large stock of stoves and tinware. He is a man who devotes his entire attention to the pursuits of his trade, and should be classed among the first-class business men of the county.
MAJOR JOHN T. ROSS,
Carpenter and contractor, was born in Flemming county, Kentucky, September 20, 1829, and when about four years of age his parents moved to Shelbyville, Indiana. In 1832 he returned to Mason county, Kentucky, where he remained till 1847, and again returned to Shelbyville. In the spring of 1848 he enlisted in the Mexican War in Company E, 3rd Indiana, and at the end of one year re- enlisted in Company E, 5th Indiana, and remained in service till the close of the War. In 1857 he moved to St. Joseph, Missouri, and in 1861 enlisted in the late War in Company G, 16th Illinois, acting as a musician till May 9, 1862, when, by his own consent, he was discharged and returned to St. Joseph. He then enlisted in Company B, 11th Missouri Cavalry, and in the spring of 1863 was promoted to captain, which position he filled till August, 1863, when he was promoted to major, acting as same till the close of the War and then returned to Indiana. In 1867 he moved to Independence, Missouri. He has followed cabinet making and the carpenter's trade successfully during life. He was married October 23, 1851, to Miss Clarisa Kennedy, of Indiana. She died March, 1859, leaving four children, three living : Thomas, William and Katie. He was again married to Miss Martha A. Green, of Kentucky, in June, 1861. They have had five children, two now living : James and Vernon.
A. F. SAWYER,
Cashier, was born in Lexington, Lafayette county, Mo., July 16, 1849. There he spent his early youth, until 186 -. He entered Dr. Yantis' Academy at Sweet Springs, Saline county, of this State, and pursued his studies there about one year. Then entered the Westminster College at Fulton, Mo., where he remained a time and then went to St. Louis, and attended the Bryant & Stratton Commercial College for one term. Afterward entered the wholesale grocery house of Tutt & Baker, of that city, and remained with them until the spring of 1869, when he came to Independence. He became associated with the banking firm of Stone, Sawyer & Co., afterward changed to Chrisman-Sawyer Banking Company, and was elected cashier at its incorporation, which position he has since held. He was married in Independence October 31, 1877, to Miss Sallie W., daughter of Hon. S. H. Woodson. She is a native of Independence. They have one son living, Samuel W. Mr. Sawyer is a man who has scarce passed the meridian of life, but has won a reputation for financial ability and business integrity, and has gained the confidence and esteem of all who have had business or social relations with him.
L. M. SEA,
Real estate agent, was born in Nelson Co., Va., on the 5th of March, 1823. When about thirteen years of age his parents took him to Anderson County, Kentucky, where he made his home until 1840, when he moved to Jessamine County. His days were spent there until 1853, when he came to Jackson County and located in Independence, where he was engaged in mercantile business. In 1863 he removed to Howard County, this State, and remained until the spring of 1865, when he went to Mason county, Kentucky. In the spring of 1868 he returned to Independence. Here he has since resided, with the exception of about six years which he spent in Doniphan County, Kansas. In 1874 he engaged in the real estate business, and has since given it his entire attention, in connection with insurance business. In' 1848 he was married to Miss Mary, daughter of Col. John Moesly, of Jessamine County, Kentucky. They have one
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son, John A., attorney of Independence. Mr. Sea is an active member and liberal contributor to the Christian Church.
HORACE SHELEY,
Attorney, was born in Callaway County, Mo , December 30, 1846, and in 1852 he came to Jackson County. He received his primary education in the common schools and High school of Independence, and from 1864 to 1866 attended the State Presbyterian Synodical College at Fulton, Mo. In 1867 returned to Inde- pendence, where he pursued the study of his profession and in the spring of 1872 was admitted as a member of the Jackson County bar. He filled the office of Mayor in 1878.9, and from that time to the present has acted as justice of the peace. Was married to Miss Mary Williams, June 18, 1872.
A. T. SLACK,
Merchant, was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, on the 23rd day of April, 1833. When about four years of age his parents moved to Delaware County, Indiana, and settled near Muncie, where our subject was educated and reared to manhood. His early youth was spent on a farm, and he continued in the pursuits of agriculture until 1861. In 1866 he came to Independence, where he has since made his home. He was engaged in the hardware business until 1876, and then commenced the grocery trade. He now occupies a stone building 83x23 feet on the south side of the Square, which is well filled with a large stock of crockery, glassware, queensware and a full line of staple and fancy groceries. Mr. Slack is enjoying a large patronage, and is an active worker for the interests of his many patrons.
J. N. SOUTHERN,
Attorney, was born in Tazwell County, Tennesee, August 25, 1838, where he spent his days until his twentieth year. He began the study of law under the direction of Judge T. W. Turley, of Morristown, and was admitted to the bar in the spring of 1860. He acted as state's attorney for about twelve months, when he became connected with a supply camp on the Richmond & New Orleans Railroad, and in the spring of 1862 he enlisted in Company I, of a Tennessee regiment, Confederate States troops; was on detached duty until he went into active service. Was with General Bragg on his march into Kentucky, and after his retreat he was transferred to the department of the Mississippi, under General Pemberton ; was also with Generals Longstreet, Breckenridge, and others. In July, 1865, he came to Missouri, locating in Fayette County, where he was engaged in school-teaching for two years. Then came to Independence and soon became proprietor and editor of the Independence Sentinel, which he conducted with an admirable spirit for about twelve years. Then he disposed of it to its present proprietor, and has since devoted his attention to the pursuit of his profession. He is also engaged extensively in the fine stock business, and is in possession of some very valuable property. He was married December 20, 1860, to Miss Martha Allen, a native of Tennessee. Their family consists of six children : Willie M., Ethel, John N., Mattie, Mabel, and Allen.
H. M. SPRAGUE,
Train and roadmaster of the Kansas City & Eastern Division of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, was born in Serborn, Chenango County, New York, November 13, 1828, and when about eight years of age was taken by his parents to Geneva, Ontario County. Was there reared and educated, and learned to work on wood- work and agricultural implements. In 1852 he went to Elmira and was employed in the car shops, and in 1854 went to St. Louis, where he followed car repairing for four years. On account of ill health he was compelled to discontinue this,
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and then received the appointment of conductor on a work-train, remaining four years. Then was made division roadmaster on the Indiana & St. Louis Railroad, and held various positions after that until September, 1880, when he received his present office. Having followed railroading all his life he is well qualified for the position. Mr. Sprague has been twice married. First, in 1852, to Miss Catherine P. Dunham, who died August, 1866, leaving five children, one now living : James P. R. His second marriage was in 1869 to Alice M. Herbert. They have two children : George, and Mary A .; lost one. Mr. Sprague belongs to the Masonic fraternity. He is a member of the Episcopal Church, and his wife of the Catholic.
D. W. WALLACE,
Deputy recorder, is a son of Hon. B. F. Wallace, who was among the first settlers of Jackson county, having settled here in 1833. That he was highly respected by the people, is evinced from the fact that he held some position of trust from 1850, and at the time of his death - June 2, 1877, -was a member of the Legislature for Jackson County, from the First District. He married Virginia Willock, daughter of Major-General Willock, and she still resides in Independ- ence. The subject of our sketch was born June 15, 1860, and was educated in the common schools, afterward taking a thorough classical course at Finley's High school. In 1874 he accepted a position as assistant docket clerk of the State Senate, and in January, 1877, became assistant engrossing clerk. April 31, 1878, he was appointed to his present position, having charge of the office in Independence.
F. C. WARNKY,
Owner and proprietor of Warnky's Art Studio, was born in August, 1839, in Germany, and was there reared and educated. When twenty six years of age he commenced to learn the photographing trade, and in 1850 emigrated to the United States. He located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and from there went to San Francisco, California, remaining for fifteen years. Afterward moved to southeastern Colorado, where he lived for five years, and then took up his resi- dence in Denver, and opened an art studio. Two years later, he removed from there, and spent about four years in the southern part of the State, and in the fall of 1879 he came to Independence. He is the possessor of a nice residence property and considerable real estate. He was married December 19, 1865, to Miss Mary J. Brownell, a native of Sacramento, California, born in September, 1848. They have five children living: Melissa C., Harvey G., Mary C., Russell G., and Lester G. Four are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Warnky belong to the denomination of the Latter Day Saints.
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