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 132

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 132

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Hedge-grower, was born in Knox County, Ohio, on the 28th day of September, 1842, where he resided with his parents until he was eleven years of age, when he removed with them to McLean County, Illinois, where he was brought up on a farm. In the fall of 1869 he came to this State, bringing 1,260 sheep, and stopping first near Marshall, in Saline County, where he continued to operate until the spring of 1870, when he came to Jackson County as the traveling represent- ative of J. P. Taylor & Co., in the hedge business, taking contracts, selling plants, collecting, etc. He continued in this business until the year 1872, when he became engaged in the wholesale nursery business for Mr. Balis, of Lee's Summit, and continued with him for one year, when he went into the boot and shoe business at Lee's Summit, and continued this business for one year when he traded his interest in the store for a farm near the town of Lee's Summit. Has now a nice hedge nursery near Lee's Summit, of about twelve acres. He was married on the 22nd of August, 1872, to Miss Mary A. Cass, of Jackson County.

·ELI P. HOLBERT,

Dealer in books, stationery, wall-paper, etc., was born in Marion County, West Virginia, January 6, 1840, where he resided with his parents until October, 1853, then removed to Columbus, Ohio. He was poorly educated in West Virginia, but finished his education in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. He engaged in teaching school most of the time in Franklin County until the breaking out of the War, when he enlisted in the 95th Ohio Volunteer Infantry and spent most of the tinie of his service in western Tennessee. He participated in some of the most im- portant engagements of the War, notable among which were Richmond, Ken-

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tucky, siege and capture of Vicksburg, and Guntown, Mississippi, Fort Spanish, near Mobile, Alabama, the battle at Nashville, Tennessee, between Thomas and Hood, and many minor skirmishes. He was mustered out of the service on the 14th of August, 1865, at Louisville, Kentucky, and returned to his home in Columbus, Ohio, where he became engaged as salesman in a dry goods store. There remained until 1868, when he came to his present home. He followed teaching for three years and opened a book and stationery store in con- nection with a news depot, and has since continued in the same place. He owns a farm of 120 acres two and a half miles southeast of Lee's Summit, and a nice residence property in the town. He was married on the 20th day of June, 1871, to Miss Mary A. Powell, of Franklin County, Ohio. They have two children : Florence and Harry. Mr. Holbert is a member of the Knights of Pythias and a prominent Odd Fellow, in which latter organization he has held the position of M. W.

JOHN E. HOUGH,

Barber, was born in York County, Pennsylvania, on the 24th of August, 1847, where he was reared and educated, and there resided until the year 1873. His early life was spent on a farm, where he labored during the summer months and attended school during the winter, and soon engaged in teaching. He taught for five years when he became engaged as a book keeper and continued until 1873. Then he came to Lee's Summit and was employed as salesman in the dry goods and grocery business for a short time. Then taught school for four months and again engaged in the grocery and produce business, in which he continued until March 1, 1880. Then began traveling as salesman for a wholesale house in Kansas City. He soon after embarked in his present business, insurance. He was married on the 22nd of April, 1873, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Miss Mary A. Miller, of Lee's Summit, by whom he has three children : Minnie, Hugh and Mabel. He is a member of the Masonic order, having attained to the degree of M. M.

WILLIAM B. HOWARD,

Farmer and stock raiser. The subject of this sketch stands among the foremost of the worthy and enterprising citizens. He was born in Jefferson County, Kentucky, March 10, 1821, and there resided until twenty-one years of age, being reared on a farm. He was educated in the common schools and in 1844 removed to this county, landing at Wayne City (now Independence) April 1, 1844. For six years he was engaged in farming, and in March, 1850, purchased the farm on which he now resides. During the War, he went to Kentucky, and while there his possessions were nearly all destroyed. The engagements which took place at his house and upon his premises, would fill a volume. It was impossible for a person to live peaceably during this time. October 24, 1862, he was taken prisoner, and brought to Independence, being confined for a month. He was finally released on a bond of $25,000. Then took his family, and removed to Kentucky, where his wife died. Afterward returned to this county, and engaged in farming. In 1865 he laid out the town of Lee's Summit, the original plat containing seventy acres. Two years afterward, he made his first addition, containing eighty acres more. In order to secure the depot at this place, he gave the railroad half of four blocks and grounds for the depot site. He has also given lots to churches, and donated two acres for a cemetery. The town was called by a different name at first, but it was afterward changed to its presen name. His second marriage was to Miss Mary C. Jones. They have five children: Maria, Robert, Mary, Thomas A. and Florence. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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J. D. HYLTON

Was born in 1844, in Patrick County, Virginia, and when two years of age was brought by his parents to Jackson County, Missouri, settling near Independence, where he resided until 1861. Then enlisted under Price, and in six months was taken prisoner at Springfield and paroled. After three months, he joined Quan- trell, and was wounded at Independence. For about six months, he was unable to travel, and then had to hide from place to place, to prevent being taken pris- oner, until able to join his regiment. He was in a fight at Hopkins, and after- ward went to Kentucky. Was in a terrible engagement, in which Quantrell was killed, and was near him when he fell. He served during the entire War. He was married to Elmira J. Young, by whom he has three children: Thomas W., May B. and Lucy A.

W. F. LEWIS,

Dry goods and groceries, was born in Caldwell County, Kentucky, on the 27th day of April, 1831, and there was brought up on a farm, and educated in the common schools. In 1850 he went to California, by the overland route, and became engaged in mining and remained until 1856, when he returned to Ken- tucky. After remaining one or two years, he went to Texas, where he remained but a short time, and then came to Jackson County, Missouri, where he became engaged in the mercantile business at Rose Hill. Was also engaged in farming and stock raising, and remained until the War broke out in 1861, when he espoused the confederate cause, and enlisted under General Price, for three years. At the close of the War, he returned to Jackson County, and entered into business, and is now one of the best citizens and most substantial business men. He was married on the 9th of June, 1859, to Miss Jane L. Compton, who was born, brought up and educated in Boyle County, Kentucky. They have four children : Buford T., Jane, Grace T. and Mary C. Buford T. is now in New Mexico, where he is engaged as book-keeper for a wholesale house. Mr. Lewis and his wife are members of the Baptist Church.

GEORGE McBRIDE,

Was born in Davis County, Indiana, on the Ist of April, 1868, where he lived with his parents until six years of age. They then removed to Harrison County, Missouri, where George was brought up and educated. When eighteen years of age he removed to Lafayette County, this State, and became engaged in farming and dealing in plants, which he continued until 1872, and then removed to this place, where he has been engaged in farming and raising hedge ever since. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and belongs to Lee's Summit Lodge, No. 17.

DR. W. W. MILLER,

Physician and surgeon, was born in Augusta County, Virginia on the 8th day of May, 1816, where he was brought up and educated, and remained until 1837; then he immigrated to Missouri, and spent the winter in Saline County, and during the summer traveled in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois, and in January, 1838, assisted in putting in operation the first line of four-horse stage coaches which was ever run from Jonesboro, in Saline County, to Independence, Jackson County. He then settled in New Franklin, and engaged in selling dry goods and in the study of medicine, which he has since so long and successfully practiced. He remained in this place for two years and then went to Louisiana with stock, and remained there one winter and returned to Saline County and engaged in the mercantile business. In 1841, he removed his store to Calhoun, Henry County, where he engaged in business until 1844, and during the winter of 1844-5, he attended lectures at the Medical College at Louisville, Kentucky,

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and in May, 1845, located at Sibley, in Jackson County Missouri. Here the doctor remained and continued his practice until the year 1857, when he removed to this neighborhood, and settled on a farm three miles from where Lee's Sum- mit is situated. Remained until the breaking out of the War, when, owing to the force of circumstances, he became connected with the Confederate Army at Lexington, under General Price, and was appointed assistant med cal director of the 8th Division of Missouri Troops, in which capacity he remained until his troops joined the Confederate Army after the battle of Pea Ridge. Then the doctor became a private, serving a short time, when, owing to failing health, he was granted a leave of absence for eight months. Was finally ordered to report to General Mccullough, commanding the sub-district of Kentucky, when he was appointed surgeon of Chalmer's Regiment, in which capacity he served until the the close of the War. Was then discharged and arrived at his home on the 12th, day of July, 1865. He built the first dwelling house in the town of Lee's Sum- mit which he had the misfortune to lose by fire within three days after completion. The doctor has a lucrative practice. He was married on the 29th of January, 1842, to Miss Julia Garth, who died on the 8th day of October, 1855. By this union they had five children, three daughters and two sons: Anna Elizabeth, Sarah K., Samuel G., Henry B., and Maria L .; all married except Anna E.

J. M. SHORT,

Marshal, is a native of Kentucky, and was born in Edmondson County, on the 20th day of January, 1841, and there resided until 1847, when his parents moved to Saline County, and engaged in farming; here the subject of our sketch was brought up to labor on the farm, and received a common school education. His father died in 1852, while living in Saline County. Mr. Short being the eldest of five children, the burden of the work very naturally fell upon him, and he labored hard to care for his mother and the younger children. In the year 1855 the family removed to Lawrence, Kansas; after remaining there for one year, they removed to Independence, Missouri, where the subject of our sketch con- tinued to live until 1865. During the late War he was a patriot, and spent eighteen months in the Missouri State Militia, in Company F., where he endured many hard- ships in the border War with Quantrell and his men, and did valiant service for his country. After his discharge in 1865, he sold his property near Independ- ence and removed to Leavenworth, Kansas, where he became engaged in agri- cultural pursuits ; he remained one year when he removed again to Jackson County, and engaged in farming until 1876 when he moved to Lee's Summit; since 1878 he has been the marshal, street commissioner, and collector. He has been twice married; first, to Miss J. Morris, January 31, 1861 ; she died in 1869. By this union they had two children : Lorenzo Dow, now deceased, and Mary A. He was married a second time May 25, 1871, to Miss Lucy J. Kerr, who is still living, and by whom he has three children : Early H., Lucetta M. and Grace.

JASPER N. SHROUT,

Hotel-keeper, was born in Bath County, Kentucky, June 8, 1839. In his younger days he engaged in school teaching, which he followed until the breaking out of the War, when he enlisted in the 5th Kentucky, Confederate Infantry, at Prestons- burg, for one year; served three months and then became engaged as recruit- ing officer the balance of the year. Then re-enlisted for three years in the 2nd Kentucky Mounted Riflemen, and served as body guard on the staff of General Humphrey Marshall, and continued to do duty wherever ordered until May, 1863, when he was captured at Triplet Bridge, Kentucky. He was engaged in battles and skirmishes too numerous to mention. He was taken prisoner at Crab Orchard, Kentucky, and taken to Mt. Sterling and thence to Lexington and from there to Cincinnati. He remained a prisoner for months in different

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places, and was appointed hospital steward. Was then imprisoned nine months at Lookout Mountain. Had charge of different hospitals, and, finally, after much maneuvering (an account of which it is impossible to insert in the brief space allotted us), was discharged. For a year he was engaged in the collecting and stock business, and also in clerking. After being employed in the butchering business, he commenced his present trade. He was married on the 17th day of Novem- ber, 1868, to Miss Josephine Clayton. They have four children : Thomas W., Chatles N., Pearl and an infant; three are deceased. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He is a charter member and a knight of high standing in the Knights of Pythias; also a charter member of the A. O. U. W. He and his wife are both members of the Christian Church.

E. H. SINCLAIR,

Sewing machine agent, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, on May 2, 1841, where he was reared and educated. In 1861 he enlisted in the 4th Ohio Volun- teer Infantry, Company I, with which he participated in many severe engage- ments of the late War, among which were Gettysburg, Fredericksburg, Battle of the Wilderness, Chancellorville, Rumley, Peninsula and many minor engage- ments. When he first enlisted he was made a corporal, and was regularly pro- moted to orderly, or first sergeant. He was honorably discharged in the summer of 1865, after having served over four years. Then became engaged in the rail- road business and followed it two years, and was then elected deputy marshal and deputy constable at Pleasant Hill, Missouri. This he continued for two years, and since then has been engaged in his present business. He was married in 1875 to Mrs. Lillian A. Darby, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri.

G. L. SMITH,

Was born in Madison County, Virginia, January 31, 1837, but when an infant his parents moved to Kentucky, where they remained one year, and then came to Missouri. They settled in Randolph County, and here our subject was brought up on a farm, and was educated in the common schools. In 1858 he came to Jackson County, and settled six miles east of Lee's Summit and engaged in farming, which he followed until 1878, when he became foreman for the fenc- ing department of the railroad company, which business he continued to follow for three years. November 27, 1880, he here engaged in the butchering busi- ness, in connection with H. J. Boggs, and, also, in buying and shipping stock, in which business he still continues. He was, for a short time, connected with the State Militia, and then enlisted in the 2nd Colorado Volunteers, and wasin Inde- pendence when Price made his memorable raid on that place. He served until the War closed, and was discharged. He was married, November 5, 1862, to Miss Josephine Smith, of Jackson County. She died in May, 1865, leaving two children, the eldest of whom died in infancy ; Estella Frances is living. He is a prominent member of the Masonic order, and is at present the junior warden of the Summit Lodge.

J. H. STINSON,

Mayor, is one of the best known citizens in this place, and is a native of this State, having been born in Cooper County, January 15, 1824. His parents were from Kentucky, his father having come West in 1819. J. H. was brought up on a farm, and attended the common schools, his education being necessarily limited, as his father was not in easy circumstances. When about twenty-one years old, our subject commenced business for himseif, and followed farming until 1860, when he learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. He then com- menced working at it, continuing constantly until about six years ago. In August, 1865, he came to Independence, and since then he has always lived in the county. After residing in Independence four years, he came to this place

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and embarked in the grocery business, and has since continued it. In 1878 he embarked in the grocery business, and has since continued it. In 1878 he was honored by the people, by being elected mayor, and again in 1880. Has also held the position of city marshal. In 1845, Mr. Stinson was married to Miss Mary A. Alexander. They have three children: Elizabeth, Francis and Charles A.

DR. THOMAS R. THORNTON,

Physician and surgeon, was born at Calhoun, Henry County, Missouri, on the 5th day of October, 1843, where he lived for several years with his parents, then removed to Jackson County, where he was principally reared, and was a student at the academy at Independence for four years. In 1862 he went to Kentucky, where he was engaged as a school teacher for five months, and then went to Col- orado and remained in the vicinity of Denver until the spring of 1864. He returned to Nebraska City, and was employed in a law office. In the spring of 1865 he took a course at Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College, at St. Joseph, after which he accepted a situation with S. A. Ingham & Co., of Nebraska City, which position he filled nutil the spring of 1866. Then came to Lee's Summit, where he commenced the study of medicine, which he had been pursuing for some time before. He continued his studies until fall, when he entered the St. Louis Medical College, and attended the terms of 1866-67, and then again in 1867-68, graduating in the spring of 1868. Between his terms of school he practiced as an under-graduate at Little Santa Fe, Missouri. After finishing his course he came to his old home and commenced to practice, in the spring of 1868, where he has remained ever since. He is a member of the Jackson County Medical Society, of the Kansas City District Medical Association, of which he was president in 1879, and also a member of the Missouri State Medical Associa- tion. He was married in May, 1872, to Miss Alice A. Arnold, of this county. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has filled the position of secretary for six years in Summit Lodge.

CAPTAIN H. C. WILLIAMS,

Merchant, was born in Westchester County, near New York City, December 8, 1838, and was brought up on a farm, until about fifteen years of age, attending school in winter ; also attended one year at the Wisconsin University at Madi- son. In 1853 he came West and was employed as clerk in a grocery store in Aurora, Illinois, and thus continued until 1861. £ Then he enlisted in Company C, 7th Illinois Infantry, served his term, and then re-enlisted in Company H, 52nd Illinois, for three years He participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Pittsburgh Landing, Shiloh, Siege of Corinth, Iuka, and was with Sherman on his March to the Sea, taking part in many battles and skirmishes. He was promoted first sergeant and then captain, for meritorous conduct. Was seriously wounded at the battle of Atlanta. Was actively engaged in the Carolina Campaign, until Washington was reached. He received a sword from his company as a token of regard. In 1869 he was married to Miss Emily Eldridge, of Chicago. They have three children : Ada E., Nellie A., and William H. Mr. Williams is a prominent member of the A. . O. U. W. ; has held various offices in the same, and is now recorder.

J. H. WILSON,

Principal of schools, is a son of a family who were early settlers of this county, he, himself, having been born in Prairie Township, September 26, 1850. He labored on a farm until about twenty years of age, attending private schools, and at that time entered the State University, at Columbia. There he was stu- diously employed for five years, and, July 4, 1876, graduated with the degree of A. B. Then engaged in teaching, and continued his post-graduate studies until

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1879, when there was conferred on him the degree of A. M. Soon went to Greenwood, taught one year there, and was then elected principal of the schools of that place, in which he has since continued, giving much satisfaction. Dur- ing three summers past, Mr. Wilson has been prosecuting the study of law with Judge Black, of Kansas City, and has been admitted to the bar. In 1880 he visited the eastern States for recreation. He is assisted in his school by one gentleman and two ladies.

PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP.

O. G. BARKLEY,

Farmer, section 28, was born in Somerset County, Maryland, July 12, 1841, and lived there about eighteen years; in 1859 came to Missouri, and located two miles south of Kansas City, on the Gillis Estate. Lived there until 1862, then went to New Mexico, engaged in milling and stock raising for ten years, and returned to Missouri in 1872. He lived in Independence for three years then located in Greenwood. Was married September 10, 1865, to Mary E. Conner, of Socorro, New Mexico, born August 27, 1844, in Henderson County, Illinois. The family consists of four children : Mary Ann, born December 19, 1868; Willie Lee, born November 8, 1870; George E., born February 6, 1874; Albert F., May 6, 1876 Mr. Barkley has a beautiful place of six acres, on the old town site of Greenwood. He is a nephew of William Gillis and Mary Ann Troost, his uncle having settled two miles south of Kansas City in 1826. The latter purchased a large tract of land from the French. His aunt was the wife of Dr. Troost, and came to the county in 1833. They were among the earliest settlers in Jackson County. At the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion, Mr. Barkley was quite well situated, financially, but lost everything. He has served as school director in Greenwood a number of terms, and when in New Mexico served for a long time as postmaster and notary public. He was second lieutenant in the enrolled State Militia for about nine months.

H. F. BARNES,

Farmer and stock raiser, section 10, post-office Lee's Summit, was born on the 3rd of April, 1850, in this county, near Independence. He spent his boy hood days on a farm, and in 1865 accompanied his parents to Kansas. Then went to Eureka, Illinois, and attended school two years, and thence to Lexington, Ken- tucky, and attended school some four years. He returned to this county, and engaged in farming. In 1876 he took a trip to Colorado, and remained there eight months, engaged in the mercantile business. He returned to this county, and again took up agricultural pursuits ; he owns 225 acres of fine land, most of which is in pasture. He gives his attention chiefly to stock-raising, and keeps on an average about fifty head of cattle. He married Miss Annie Ludeman, a native of Lexington, Kentucky, born on the 21st of October, 1852. Their marriage occurred on the 10th of May, 1870. They have one child, Mattie M.

WILLIAM BOON,

Farmer, section 32, was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, December 17, 1828, and lived there until 1867. Then came to Missouri, and located at Pleasant

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Hill, and remained there one year, when he settled in Prairie Township, Jackson County. His occupation has slways been that of farming. He was first married February 25, 1851, to Mary Fergus, of same county, she having been born May 12, 1827. By this marriage, four children were born : Hugh F., born March 30, 1852; John B., born November 20, 1856; William H. S., born December 26, 1860, and Ella J., born January 25, 1864. These children are all living, the two eldest in Kansas, and the other two at home. Mrs. Boon died June 12, 1875. He was again united in marriage May 21, 1878 to Belle M. Ferguson, of Har- rison County, Ohio, born November 9, 1847. Mr. Boon owns a farm of forty acres, well improved. They are active members of the Presbyterian Church, and energetic workers in the Sabbath-school. He is a radical on the temperance movement, and presents a bold front to the common enemy. He is well spoken of as a conscientious, upright man, and he and his family are well respected for their strict Christian deportment.

JOHN W. BUSH,

Farmer and stock dealer, section 34, was born in Livingston County, New York, September 9, 1822. Lived there till about twenty-one years of age, and received his education at the common schools, and was afterward a graduate of the High School, at Rochester. In 1843 he went to Sandusky County, Ohio, and was there married, January 9, 1848, to Margaret B. Chambers, who was born June 12, 1828. The family consists of six children: Lyman A., born October 27, 1848; Lydia A., born November 17, 1850; Benjamin W., born February 18, 1853; John W., Jr., born August 2, 1855; Mary E., born August 4, 1859, and Hattie E., born March 31, 1862; all living in Jackson County, Missouri, except Lydia, who is in Cass County. Mr. Bush was a successful teacher in Ohio for ten years. In 1853 he moved to Bureau County, Illinois, and there for sixteen years engaged in farming. He then came to Prairie Township, Jackson County, Missouri, where he has ever since resided, engaged in farming and as a stock dealer. He has a beautifully located farm of eighty acres, joining the town site of Greenwood, with one of the best frame houses in the county. The farm is finely stocked, and has good orchard and out-buildings. He and his family are active and consistent members of the Methodist Protestant Church, of which Mr. Bush is the class leader.

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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 132

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