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 131
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
944
BIOGRAPHICAL.
deserves great credit for the kind care he manifests for his aged mother and his two sisters. The mother is a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JOSEPH SHEPHERD,
Farmer and stock raiser, section 25, post-office Grain Valley, was born November 2, 1822, in Sangamon County, Illinois, and remained there until twenty-two years of age. He spent his boyhood days on a farm and also learned the car- penter trade. Took a trip through Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas, and settled in Illinois in 1833, and came to this county in 1844, and has made this his home since. He owns a fine farm of 265 acres, 180 of which are under fence. During the late War he enlisted in the Confederate Army, and served six months with General Price. In 1849 he married Miss Mary C. Clark, a native of Virginia, born in 1829. They have had eleven children, seven of whom are living : W. S., Priscilla C., J. S., M. S., J. D., J. G., and E. T. Mrs. Shepherd is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JOHN W. TATE,
Farmer and stock raiser, section 19. The subject of this sketch ranks among the old settlers in this part of Missouri. He was a native of Bourbon County, Ken- tucky, and born September 24, 1814. He was a son of George W. and Nancy Tate. His father, Major Tate, was a well-known soldier, commanding a battalion in Virginia during the War of 1812. His father was also a member of the Mis- souri Legislature for two terms. Our subject when three years of age moved with his parents to Montgomery County, Kentucky, where he remained about twenty years ; then in 1838 located in Jackson County, Missouri, at Westport, and lived there till 1847, then came to Lone Jack and engaged in the mercantile business till the beginning of the Civil War. He was also postmaster at Lone Jack for twenty-eight years. Being a southern man, his sympathies were with the southern cause, but he took no active part. Yet he was a heavy loser in prop- erty, consisting of stock, household goods and other personal property, to the amount of at least $15,000. While in Kentucky Mr. Tate was a military officer, holding the rank of major, and when he came to Missouri was elected colonel of the militia of Jackson County; he has held many other positions of trust and honor. He is a leading member of the Christian Church, and has always taken an active interest in everything pertaining to the best interests of his county. He now owns 1, 100 acres of land, all well improved and stocked. His father was one of the company that purchased the tract of land now occupied by Kan- sas City, and suggested the name of Kansas City for what is now the metropolis of the Missouri Valley.
Mr. Tate has been twice married; first, to Margaret Warren, February 12, 1852, she being a native of Lafayette County, Missouri, and born March 20, 1827; she was a daughter of John Warren, one of the oldest pioneers of Missouri. By this marriage four children were born : Frank W., born December 14, 1852; George W., born October 25, 1854; Jane McDora, born December 1, 1856, and John W., born January 24, 1859. Mrs. Tate died June 28, 1874, and he was married the second time June 24, 1875, to Julia Warren, a sister of his for- mer wife, she having been born October 30, 1844. His children have all re- ceived a liberal education, and his sons are fine business men and extensive deal- ers in stock. His daughter is married and living in Johnson County, and all are esteemed citizens of the community.
GEORGE M. THOMPSON,
Farmer and stock raiser, section 22, was born in Lincoln County, Kentucky, January 12, 1816, and was a son of Nelson A. Thompson who was a native of Virginia, and a direct descendent of Wattie Thompson, a noted politician of
.
945
VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP.
South Carolina. He lived in Kentucky until 1852, and then moved to Jackson County, Missouri, and located where he now lives in March, 1853, where he has ever since lived engaged, in farming. Was married November 24, 1840, to Susan A. Pemberton of Barren County, Kentucky, who was born July 29, 1822, and was a daughter of Charles Pemberton of same county. The children consisted of seven, only three of whom are now living : James C., born January 29, 1847, married and living near home ; David, born June 14, 1849, married to Bettie H. Robinson September 15, 1874, she being a native of Mercer County, Kentucky, and was born April 4, 1853 ; Lizzie H., born April 4, 1853, married and living in Saline County. Three children have been born to David and his wife, they being members of this family, to-wit: Susie M, born July 1, 1875; Charlie S., born February 25, 1877, and Robert M., born February 18, 1879. Mr. Thompson had no help when he began life for himself, but when the Civil War broke out, he was possessed of 300 acres of finely cultivated land and large herds of stock, but after the issuance of Order No. 11, he was obliged to leave a great deal of stock, grain and household goods, all of which was confiscated or destroyed. His fine large residence was burned in 1864, and all his fences and other improvements destroyed, and when he returned at the close of the War, he found nothing but the naked land. Before leaving he was terribly harrassed and persecuted and threatened by both parties, and he and his family had to endure many insults and indignities. Among his losses was one very fine race horse, valued at $1,000. Although Mr. Thompson and family have seen much of the ups and downs of life, yet he is a man of remarkable vigor for one of his age. 'He has a fine farm of 240 acres, and his family all live near him. They are all members of the Presbyterian Church.
WASHINGTON WHEAT,
Deceased, was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, February 4, 1809 and lived there and in Fayette County until 1878, then moved to Jackson County, Mis- souri, where he arrived March, 4, 1878 ; being then in failing health, he was sud- denly taken worse and died on the 10th of the same month. He was married August 15, 1837, to Elizabeth Kennedy, of Bourbon County, Kentucky, she having been born March 15, 1819. They began their married life with but little means, but by industry and thrift they accumulated property, and at one time owned 800 acres of choice land in Bourbon County, Kentucky, under a fine state of cultivation, and well stocked. But Mr. Wheat was a very liberal-hearted man, and one always ready to lend a helping hand; he became security for a number of people, and in large sums, and much of this he was obliged to pay. He never flinched under these misfortunes, but disposed of his large estates and personal property and paid up everything to the last, and moved to Missouri, and settled his family on a beautifully located tract of land of 320 acres in Prairie Township just six days before his decease. The family now consists of his widow, four sons and three daughters. Mr. Wheat was a member of the Christian Church, and a man of îne judgment and business ability, and one implicitly trusted by all. He not only managed to leave his family a comfortable home, but what was better, a christian example and an unsullied character. His son, John A., is now manager of the farm, and is a young man of great promise.
SAMUEL YANKEE,
Farmer and stock raiser, located on section 32, is a native of Cass County, Mis- souri, and born January 15, 1846 He was a son of Wesley Yankee, who was a native of Kentucky, but who immigrated to Missouri at an early day, and was one of the earliest pioneers. Mr. Samuel Yankee was reared in Cass County, and there received his education. In 1867 he located in VanBuren Township, Jack- son County, and has ever since lived there, engaged in farming. He is a young
60 --
946
BIOGRAPHICAL.
man of fine business ability, and one very highly respected and honored in the community. He owns a fine farm of 160 acres all under good cultivation, and well stocked. Few young men of his age have succeeded so well in life, and he is certainly one who will yet become a representative man of the county.
J. S. YANKEE AND Z. W. YANKEE,
Two brothers, engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 29. The elder of the two, and the subject of this sketch, is a native of Jackson County, Missouri, and was born August 25, 1854. He is the son of David and Orlena Yankee, his father is a native of Kentucky and his mother a native of Tennessee. Both were very early settlers in Missouri. Our subject was educated in the common schools, and at the High School at Lone Jack. He has spent most of his time in farming and dealing in stock, and is a young man of fine business abilities. He and his younger brother have the management of the David Yankee estate, and the care of their mother and the younger members of the family.
947
HISTORY OF LEE'S SUMMIT.
ADDITIONAL HISTORY OF LEE'S SUMMIT.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.
This lodge was organized on the 30th of January, 1872, with but nine mem- bers. The first officers were : C. A. Goshen, P. C. ; A. Hamilton, C. C. ; James A. Shaw, V. C .; J. G. Ocher, K. R. S. ; H. C. Miller, M. of Ex. ; A. G. Miller, M. A. ; P. J. Rogers, I. G. ; J. R. H. Davis, O. G. The present officers are : O. H. Lewis, P. C .; J. W. Nicholds, C C .; E. D. Whiting, V. C .; H. C. Williamson, M. of Ex .; W. F. Crane, M. F .; Joseph Martin, K. R. S. ; C. D. Whiting, M. A. ; John Proudfit, I. G. ; W. R. Caldwell, O. G. The names of those who have passed the chair are as follows: C. A. Goshen, James A. Shaw, J. G. Ocher, J. V. DeShon, S. G. Miller, G. N. Jones, John Proudfit, Barcla Jones, O. H. Lewis, Joseph Martin, W P. Anderson and D. F. Jones. The lodge has a present membership of forty-three, and is in fine condition and good working order. The members have provided themselves with fine uniforms. They own their furniture, in connection with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, both of which lodges meet in the same hall, and have among their membership some of the best men and citizens of the town and surrounding country. Taking all in all, the historian is of the opinion that the order is a very worthy one, and that the lodge at Lee's Summit is a desirable one in which to have a membership.
ANCIENT ORDER UNITED WORKMEN.
This society was organized on the twenty-fourth day of October, 1879, with the following officers : Y. W. Whitsett, W. M. ; H. C. Williamson, M. W. ; E. P. Holbert, G. F. ; E. F. Jones, R. ; J. N. Shrout, O. ; G. F. Jones, F .; J. C. Rog- ers, R. ; R. W. Caldwell, I W. ; E. D. Whiting, O. S. W. Trustees: E. Dun, H. F. Williams and J. G. Ocher. H. F. Williams was the first guide, and Dr. J. C. Rogers, examining physician. . The lodge was organized with fifteen mem- bers, and now has a membership of twenty-nine. Is in fine working order, and owns its furniture, in company with the Knights of Pythias, and is entirely out of debt. The present officers are : E. P. Holbert, W. M. ; E. F. Jones, G. F. ; R. W. Caldwell, O .; J. D. Adams, R. ; H. C. Williamson, R .; J. G. Ocher, F .; E. Whiting, G. ; M. A. Rider, I. S. W .; B. F. Nornal, O. S. W.
PURITY LODGE, No. 201, I. O. O. F.
This lodge was organized on the thirtieth day of December, 1868, with the following named officers, who were installed by W. S. Patrick, District Deputy G. M. : C. A. Goshen, N. G. ; H. C. Miller, V. G. ; J. A. Scruggs, Sec. ; G. W. Robaugh, Treas. The following are the names of those who have passed the chair of Noble Grand : C. A. Goshen, James A. Shaw, S. G. Miller, E. M. Han- lon, James A. Blair, Joseph Martin, J. A. Coy. The present officers are as fol- lows : J. A. Coy, P. G. ; Joseph Martin, N. G ; M. Enine, V. G. ; C. A. Goshen, H. R. S .; J. G. Ocher, Treas. This lodge is in good working order, and at present (1881), has a splendid corps of officers. Dr. Goshen, the present record- ing secretary, is a very enthusiastic Odd. Fellow, and has done much for his lodge, of which he was the real father and the first Noble Grand, and has now been the secretary for a number of years. The lodge own their furniture, and are out of debt.
948
BIOGRAPHICAL.
LEE'S SUMMIT.
D. T. ANDERSON,
Dentist, in the office of Mr. Gillespie, was born in Scotland, on the Clyde, in 1850, but while quite young his parents moved to England, where he was brought up and educated. He early learned the profession of dentistry, and came to this country in 1876, and first worked in Canada. He is a first-class workman, and has followed his business in most of the principal cities of the United States.
BLAIR BROTHERS,
Nurserymen. This firm consists of three brothers, James A., Robert H., and John C. James A., the eldest and principal business manager, was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, on the 6th day of April, 1836, where he was brought up on a farm and partly educated in the common schools. At the age of about twenty years he entered Elder Ridge Academy in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, which he attended about three years, and from which he graduated in the year 1859. Between the time when he left the common school and the time of entering the Academy he became engaged as salesman in a wholesale and retail store in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which position he accepted in order to secure a thorough business education. In the year 1860 he commenced the study of law with the Hon. Henry D. Foster, of Greensburg, Westmorland County, Pennsylvania, with whom he remained three years, and was admitted to the bar in 1863. In 1867 he came to Lee's Summit, Missouri, and entered into a partnership with the two brothers above mentioned, and engaged in the nursery business, at the same time opened a land and law office. The firm are known throughout the entire West as successful propagators, and at the same time careful and conscientious in their dealings with their customers, thereby winning for themselves a very high and enviable reputation and standing as reliable nursery- men. At the present time (1881), they are engaged in cultivating plants near Lee's Summit and near Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Blair was married on the 25th of January, 1865, to Miss Cecelia M. Smith, of New Albany, Indiana, who is still living, and by this union eight children were born, four sons and four daughters : John S., Andrew, Theodore, Rosa May, Robert W., Mattie B., Emily and Bertha. Andrew T., and Miss Rosa May, are attending school at St. Louis. Mr. Blair is a prominent member of both the Masonic and Odd Fellows Societies.
H. J. BOGGS,
Proprietor of meat market, is a native of Jackson County, and was born within four miles of where he now resides, June 19, 1842, and was brought up on a farm, and educated in the common schools. In 1861, owing to the force of circumstances, he enlisted in what was known as Shank's Regiment, in the Confederate Army, and served until the close of the War. He participated in some of the hotly contested engagements, among which were the battles of Prairie Grove, Cape Girardeau, and two or three engagements at Cane Hill. Was with Price, in his raid on Independence, and Westportjcand many minor skirmishes. He was discharged in 1865, at the surrender of Shreveport. The last two years of his service was both active and dangerous in the extreme. He was on detail as one of the escort of the body guard of General Shelby, in which position he had much scouting to do. After the War closed, he retired to his former home, and became engaged in the meat business at Lee's Summit, where he has been engaged
949
LEE'S SUMMIT
ever since ; and besides his meat business, he is engaged in buying and shipping stock, in company with Mr. G. L. Smith. He was married on the 22nd day of December, 1868, to Miss Mary L. Smith, of this county, who is still living, and by whom he has had three children : James H., Grace Mary, and Roger Thorn- ton.
JOHN BOGGS,
Justice of the peace and stock dealer, was born in Lee County, Virginia, October 30, 1819, and at an early age removed with his father to Lawrence County, Kentucky. There he was reared and educated in a country school, and in 1839 came to Missouri, arriving at Independence on November 2. Immediately came to this place, and labored until 1844, being too poor to buy land. Then com- menced farming, and in 1849 went to California. Engaged in stock dealing, and returned in 1850, having been successful. On the breaking out of the War, Mr. Boggs thought to stand aloof, but on account of numerous. depredations, joined the Confederate service, and was soon commissioned captain in the commissary department, remaining in service until the surrender at Shreveport.
In 1862 his house was destroyed and his wife compelled to flee to Kansas. She was bitterly persecuted, at one time being banished from the State, but the order was afterward revoked. Upon returning, Mr. Boggs found things in a dilapidated condition. He commenced farming, and in 1872 removed to this place; engaged in the stock business two or three years, and for three years was selling goods. He has been twice married. First, in 1855, to Mrs. Peace McGuire. She died on the 27th of March, 1876. He was married a second time, on the 7th of January, 1877, to Mrs. Crane widow of Dr. Crane, of Ashland, Ohio. Mr. Boggs is a member of the A. F. & A. M., having attained to the degree of a Master Mason.
JAMES B. CAMPBELL,
Postmaster, dealer in jewelry, toys etc., was born in Coles County, Illinois, March 22, 1838, where he was brought up to labor on the farm during the sum- mer, and allowed to attend school during the winter months. When twenty-two years of age he had obtained a very liberal education, and was among the first to enlist in the 8th Illinois Infantry, on April 19, 1861. He was mustered into the service at Springfield, and was first engaged in the battle of Fort Henry, Tennessee, and at Fort Donelson, where he was wounded in the right lung. He was thence removed to Mound City, Illinois, and placed in the hospital where he remained for thirty-one days. Was then sent to his home and remained until August 1862, when he returned to his regiment and was discharged on account of his wound. He soon learned the jewelry business and started at Charleston, Illinois, where he continued until May 1865, when he engaged in farming until 1867 and came to Lee's Summit, then in its infancy. Here he first engaged in the hardware business, and continued it until 1868, when he was appointed post- master, a position which he has since filled. About one year since he started the jewelry business. He was married in May 1865 to Miss Margaret A. Little, of Charleston, Illinois, who was born and brought up in the same neighborhood as himself. They have four children: Thomas A., Freddie B., Mabel L., and James E. Mr. Campbell is a prominent member of the Masonic order, and has been W. M., L. W. and Sec., and is now the treasurer of Summit Lodge No. 263.
EDMOND COWHERD,
Farmer and stock raiser, was born in Orange County, Virginia, July 21, 1816, and there was brought up to labor on the farm. In 1835 he came with his par- ents to Missouri, and settled ; first, in Callaway County, where they engaged in farming for one year, and in 1836 removed to Jackson County and settled about six miles south of Independence. By reason of Order No. 11, he was required
950
BIOGRAPHICAL.
to go north or south. He early became engaged in farming for himself and he was largely interested in raising stock, cattle and mules for the trade with Mexico, and also for the Government. At the breaking out of the late War, he had sev- eral fine farms, all well improved, most of which were destroyed. In 1864 while he was absent, the State militia burned his houses and out-buildings, and on his return home he found his land and but little of anything else. He has been twice married ; first, to Miss Elizabeth White, of Jackson County, March 2, 1841. By her he had one child, Mary E. who died in infancy. He married a second time Miss Martha A. Smott, on the 20th day of November 1853. They have two children : Neddie and Mattie; three are now deceased. Mr. Cowherd, his wife and daughter are all members of the Christian Church, in which he is an elder.
C. J. COWHERD,
Farmer and stock raiser, was born in Orange County, Virginia, July 10, 1827, and lived on the farm until 1835, when his father removed with the family to Callaway County, this State. In 1836 he came to this county and located on Little Blue, twelve miles from Independence. Here he labored on the farm, receiving no education, excepting from his brother, until the spring of 1849, when, in company with others, he went overland to California. Arriving there he became interested in mining, and also the stock business. In the fall of 1850 he returned home and then engaged in farming and stock raising, the following winter going to Texas. In 1860 he was engaged in shipping goods to Denver. During the War he suffered much loss, his home being destroyed and things ruined gen- erally. For safe keeping he took his family to Denver, where they remained till the close of the War. Upon returning, he engaged in the mercantile business, continuing until May, 1880. He has been twice married; first, July 7, 1847, to Miss A. E. Shanks, who died the following June. On May 2, 1853, he was married again to Miss Emily Sother, of Beardstown, Kentucky. They have three children : Sarah A., William S. and Frank A. Mr. Cowherd belongs to the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and his wife and eldest daughter are mem. bers of the Christian Church.
W. F. CRANE,
Liveryman, was born in Preston County, West Virginia, December 21, 1853, where he lived with his parents until the fall of 1866, then removing to Kansas City. There they lived for two years, and while there the subject of our sketch attended the public schools. He afterward entered Lincoln Institute, at Green . wood, Missouri, where he finished his education, and subsequently became engaged in the mercantile business, as salesman in the store of Mr. Williamson, with whom he remained one year. He then commenced the livery business at Lee's Summit, where he is still engaged. He was married in 1879 to Miss Clara Brown, of Hamilton, Ohio, a daughter of Rev. Brown; she died in April, 1880. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and belongs to Lee's Summit Lodge No. 17.
DR. C. A. GOSHEN,
Physician and surgeon, was born in Greenbrier County, Virginia, October 14, 1813, where he was brought up and educated, and in 1832 came to Missouri. The doctor is an enthusiastic member of the Masonic order, in which he has held important positions. He is perhaps the oldest Mason now living in Jackson County ; became a member of the organization in 1846, in Virginia. He has been eight times elected and filled the position of W. M., and has for years been, and is still, the member selected to lecture the order and the candidates, on the secret works of the order. He is also a chapter and council member, having received the chapter degree in Independence, Missouri, in 1849, and the council
951
LEE'S SUMMIT.
degree in Virginia, in 1853. He is a prominent member of I. O. O. F., which he joined in 1845, at Lexington, Missouri, and has frequently filled important offices in the order. Was the first N. G. of the lodge in this place, and was N. G. of the first Odd Fellows Lodge organized in Nebraska, and also S. W. of the second Masonic Lodge. He first commenced the study of medicine in Virginia, and continued for a number of years, and finished his studies in Missouri. He was engaged in practicing in Missouri and Nebraska for fifteen years, and accum- ulated considerable money, and in 1863 graduated from the Eclectic Medical University, at Cincinnati, Ohio. Since that time he has been practicing in dif- ferent parts of Missouri. He came to this place in 1868, and assisted in organ- izing the Masonic and Odd Fellows Lodges, and organized the first Sabbath School in this place. He and his wife are both members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He was married in the year 1836 to Miss Jane Stuart, of Virginia.
EDWARD M. HANLON,
Teacher, was born in Columbus, Ohio, January 6, 1844, and there lived with his parents until 1856, then removing to Huron County. Here he made his home for three years, although attending school at Milan the most of the time. For two years he went to a Presbyterian school and then entered Oberlin College and remained there three terms. In order to thus educate himself he was obliged to
teach school at odd times. He had charge of a graded school in Highland County, Ohio, and for two years thereafter was employed at Petersburg. He then came to this place, purchased a small farm, and the following spring taught a subscription school, the first in Lee's Summit. With the exception of one season Mr. Hanlon has taught constantly since he was eighteen years of age. He owns property near the town, and a farm two and a half miles east, besides a residence and five acres of land in Lee's Summit. He was married in 1872 to Miss Georgia Corlen, of this county. They have three children : Zella, Edna, and Charles C.
W. S. HECKARD,
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.