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 138
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G. W. BRANNOCK,
Stock dealer, Westport, was born in Harrison County, Kentucky, April 3, 1831, and there was reared. After receiving his education he commenced railroading, and thus continued until the spring of 1855, when he came to Cass County, Mis- souri. There he was engaged in farming until 1861, when he enlisted in Com- pany B, under Captain Lowe, and served until 1862. He afterward went to Illi- nois, resumed farming, but in the fall of 1866, returned to Cass County. In March, 1876, he came to this county, and has since lived in Westport, dealing largely in stock. Mr. Brannock was married in Cass County, February 3, 1863, to Miss Mary E. Burnes. They have three children : William R., Annie B., and Nettie D.
JOHN CECINGER,
Farmer and stock raiser, section 28, post-office Kansas City, is a native of Ger- many, and was born November 1, 1816; was there reared and educated, after which he learned the cabinet-making trade, and in 1848 he came to America, landing in New Orleans, from there he went to St. Louis, where he worked at his trade, and soon after came to this county, locating at Westport. There was employed at his trade for two years, and then moved to Kansas City. Resumed his former occupation until 1852. From that time until 1879, he was engaged in the dairy business, and then commenced at his present vocation. He owns a farm of 225 acres, well improved. His marriage was in this county, in August, 1851, to Miss Nancy Hendricks. They had by this union seven children, five of whom are living. His second marriage was in May, 1879, to Miss Josephine Reake.
W. H. DAVIS,
Farmer and stock raiser, section 32, post-office Westport, was born in Washing- ton County, Missouri, in August, 1837, and when about ten years of age, removed with his parents to Lafayette County. In 1851 he took up his residence in this county, and is now the possessor of 200 acres of fine, improved land. His brick residence is situated two miles southeast of Westport, and his land is well adapted to the raising of stock. He is much esteemed in his neighborhood.
GRIFFITH DODSON,
Farmer, section 15, post-office Westport, was born May 15, 1839, in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, and was reared there as a farmer. He immigrated to this county in 1865, and settled on the land he now occupies, and he has been identi- fied with the interests of the county since. He owns a fine farm of eighty acres, most of which is under cultivation. He has been twice married ; first, to Har- riet Bernett, on the 9th of January, 1867. She was a native of this county, and died on the 9th of June, 1877, and left a family of three children : Benjamin, Rufus and Rosa. He was married again, to Miss Isabella Rule, on the 23rd of July, 1879. She is a native of Colorado, and was born in 1861. By this union they have one child, David.
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JOHN ENDRES,
Groceries and provisions, Westport, was born in New Orleans, June 13, 1843, and when two years of age, his parents came to Jackson County, Missouri, locat- ing in Westport, where John was partly educated. In 1858 he went to Rhor's Commercial College of St. Louis, and graduated in 1860; then returned to Westport, and at the commencement of the War became engaged in the sutler business, following the same until the spring of 1863. Then enlisted in Company I, 6th Kansas Cavalry, and served until the close of the War, and was mustered out at Duval Bluff, Arkansas. September 16, 1865, he commenced the grocery and provision business, and has continued it since. He was married in Westport, April 15, 1867, to Miss Frances Booth.
FREDERICK ESSLINGER,
Wine-grower, section 19, post-office Westport, is a native of Württemberg, Ger- many, born April 13, 1818, and there he was educated. After leaving school he learned the organ-manufacturing trade, and continued it until 1850, when he emigrated to America, landing in New York. From there he went to St. Louis, where he continued his trade until 1851, when he came to Jackson County, Mis- souri, locating in Kansas City. There he opened a watch-making and repairing shop, continuing until September 1851, when he moved to Westport. There he continued the same business until 1861, when he returned to Kansas City and stayed until 1866. He again moved where he now resides, owning one of the finest wine growing places in the township. He was married in Jackson County, Missouri, in February, 1853, to Miss C. Mettney, who died in May, 1855, leaving one child, Mollie. He was married the second time in Cincinnati, in August, 1856, to Louisa Huk. They had five children, four of whom are now living : Louise, William F., Gustave A. and Ernest E. ; one died, Albert. This wife died in August, 1868. He married his present wife, Mary Thers, in November, 1871.
THOMAS FERGUSON,
Stock raiser and breeder, section 3, post-office Westport, was born May 31, 1843, in County Down, Ireland, and was reared and educated in his native county. He commenced the mercantile business in 1860 and continued therein until he came to the United States in 1870. First settled in Pennsylvania and came from there to this county in 1873 and has made this his home since. He has been engaged in raising short-horn thoroughbreds, and keeps on an average thirty head of as good stock as can be found in the county. He has made the business a study and understands it thoroughly. In his manners he is much of a gentleman, and has won the respect of a large circle of friends, and stands among the leading citizens of the township. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
W. A. GOSNELL,
Fruit grower and stock dealer, section 22, post office Kansas City. The subject of this sketch was born in Rush County, Indiana, March 4, 1840, and was there reared, receiving his early education from the Highland Academy. He entered Bacon's Mercantile College in the summer of 1860, graduating the same year. Then returned to his place of birth and was employed at book keeping until 1861, when he became engaged in trading stock. February 25, 1863, he went to Boone County, Kentucky, and took charge of his father-in-law's plantation, remaining for two years when he returned to near Richland, Indiana. He superintended his father's place for two years, then sold his place and commenced the drug business at Rushville. This he disposed of to his partner in the spring of 1868 and came to this county where he is in possession of 100 acres of fine fruit-growing land ; also a large number of thoroughbred Cotswold sheep. Mr. Gosnell was married in Kentucky, February 25, 1863, to Miss A. E. Corbin. They have five
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children living : James C., Dora D., Nannie M., Lizzie M. and Mary L; one, Annie M., is deceased.
B. F. HAMILTON,
Dealer in groceries and provisions, Westport, was born in Jackson County, Mis- souri, where he was reared and educated. Then commenced clerking, continu- ing for three years, when he went into the general merchandise business with D. Meriwether, the firm being Meriwether & Hamilton. He remained a member of this firm about eighteen months, and in 1878 went to Colorado, where he became extensively engaged in sheep-raising. Also followed the livery business until September, 1880, when he returned to Westport. He was married in West- port, September 16, 1880, to Miss Laura Elmore. They have one child, Jessie.
CHRIST HELLMANN,
Farmer, section 21, post-office Kansas City, was born in Germany, October 20, 1829, and was there reared and educated. After leaving school he enlisted in the German Army and served for eighteen months. He soon commenced farming and in the fall of 1851 he emigrated to the United States, landing in New York. From there he went to St. Louis and thence to Illinois, where he followed farm- ing. In the spring of 1859 he came to this county and has since made this his home, owning a fine farm of fifty acres of well improved land; also has a fine brick residence. He was married in this county in March, 1862, to Miss Barbara Haman. They have four children, two sons and two daughters.
B. F. HOLLOWAY,
Dairyman, section 16, post-office Kansas City, was born in Jackson County, Missouri, January 22, 1841, and was here reared and educated. After leaving school, he commenced farming, and continued it until 1876, when he became engaged in his present business. He has a fine dairy, situated one and a half miles from the city, and is doing a good business. He was married in Cass County, August 10, 1871, to Miss Emma Lee, a native of Kentucky. They have two children : Nellie May and Mary T. Mr. Holloway owns twenty acres of land.
DR. D. W. HUNTER,
Physician and surgeon, Westport, is a native of Jackson County, Missouri, and was born October 22, 1832. Here he was educated, and in 1850 he went to Lebanon University, and graduated in his profession in 1853. Then returned to Jackson County, locating in Westport, where he followed his profession until the fall of 1854, when he went to Tecumseh, Kansas, on account of poor health. Remaining until 1858, he came to Kansas City, where he continued his practice until 1861, when he joined the 6th Missouri Infantry, as surgeon, serving in that capacity until the close of the War. Then returned to Kansas City, contin- uing his practice until 1873, when he returned to Westport, where he is doing a large and flourishing practice. The doctor is well known in every township, and the respect shown him is as wide as his acquaintance. He is kind to the poor, and has ridden hundreds of miles to administer to their necessities, without the expectation of pecuniary compensation. He was married in Montgomery, Alabama, December 3, 1863, to Miss Annie L. Elmore. They have two chil- dren : Warren and Mabel Ward.
HIRAM LEE,
Farmer and stock raiser, section 21, post-office Westport, was born in Kentucky, December 4. 1824, where he was reared and educated. Then commenced farm- ing, and continued the same until March, 1857, and in the fall of 1859 went to Kansas, where he remained until 1864. He soon came to Jackson County,
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Missouri, where he has a fine farm. He was married in Kentucky, September 7, 1849, to Miss Elizabeth Logan. They had eight children, of whom there are six living : Amanda, Casander, Lucy, Elizabeth, Edgar, and General R. E. Two are deceased; William and an infant.
R. J. LEWIS,
Fruit-grower, section 19, post-office Westport, is a native of Raclenshire, Wales, born August 24, 1831, and when about two years of age his parents came to America, and located in Michigan, where he was educated. He then com- menced reading law, and in 1857 was admitted to the bar, and practiced until 1858, when he went to southwest Missouri, and there followed his profession until May, 1861; thence to Fort Scott. August 24, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, 6th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, as first lieutenant, and served until December, 1864, when he was honorably discharged. He then went to Fort Leavenworth, where he continued his practice. In June, 1863, he was appointed judge advocate of the District of the Border, and held that office until the spring of 1864, when he was assigned to Major-General Curtis, at Fort Leavenworth, in same capacity. Remained there until he was mustered out, in December, 1864. In the spring of 1865, he came to Kansas City, where he continued the practice of law, his family living at Westport. He has on his place one of the finest sandstone quar- ries in the State. By going to the summit of what is now called Eagle's Bluff, one has a view of five counties. Mr. Lewis married in Ypsilanti, Michi- gan, December 24, 1860, to Miss Mary E. Allison. They have five children : Jennie M., Ettie R., Rus. J., Albert A., and Mary B.
D. MERIWETHER,
Dealer in general merchandise, Westport, is a native of Georgia. Was born February 24, 1842, and was there reared and educated. He enlisted in the Army and served three years when he returned to his place of birth. There he followed farming until February, 1868, when he came to Jackson County, Mis- souri, where he continued farming until the fall of 1877 when he located in West- port. Here he became engaged in the mercantile business and is doing a large and flourishing trade. He has a fine farm of 120 acres, situated six miles southeast of Westport, also some valuable property in the village. He was mar- ried in Georgia, December 5, 1865, to Miss M. J. Mastin. They had four children, three of whom are living : Ada M., William W., and Anna. Lizzie M. is deceased.
JOHN J. MOORE,
Farmer, section 10, post-office Westport, was born February 4, 1837, in this county, and has been reared here as a farmer. He partially learned the black- smith trade when a boy. In 1862, he went on the plains and spent three years trading. In 1869, he sold his farm and moved to Lee's Summit and started a blacksmith shop and a livery stable. Remained there some four years then turned his attention to farming and now cultivates 400 acres and raises considerable stock, etc. He is one of the sturdy, energetic farmers of this vicinity, that gives his attention to his business. He married Miss Maggie Bryant, May 6, 1858; she is a native of this State, and was born December 9, 1838. They have been blessed with a family of nine children : A. E., W. T., E. M., G. S., Edith, Vel- nia, John, Minnie, and Daisy. They are members of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church.
PETER MUEHLEBACH,
Westport, proprietor of Wine Garden, was born in Switzerland, October 1, 1835, and there grew to manhood. In the fall of 1852 he emigrated to America, landing in New York, and from there went to Indiana where he learned the shoe-
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maker's trade, following it until 1856. He came to Jackson County, and located in Westport where he continued the shoe-making business until 1857, when he went to Kansas, residing there until 1860. Then he went to Pike's Peak, Colo- rado, where he followed gold mining until 1863, and then was appointed post- master at Breckenridge by Abraham Lincoln, and held the office until 1864. He then resigned and went to Montana, where he was engaged in the grocery busi- ness until 1867, and then returned to Jackson County. He was married in Kan- sas City, December 29, 1867, to Miss Mary Hackmann. They have had six children, four of whom are living : Mary M., Rosa, Henry and John P. Two are deceased : Elizabeth and Peter.
CHRISTIAN MYER,
Farmer, section 5, post-office Westport, was born January 28, 1828, in the Province of Brunswick, Germany, and learned the weaver's trade in his youth and followed it while he resided there. He came to the United States in the spring of 1858 and settled in this township where he has since remained. He owns 200 acres of fine farm land, most of which is under cultivation. Mr. Myer is one of the sturdy, energetic farmers of this vicinity. He has been twice married : first, to Wilhelmina Walters in 1854; she died in 1870 and left a family of eight chil- dren : Augusta, Annie, Matilda, Charlie, William, Christ, Paulina and Minnie. He was married again, in 1876, to Mrs. Hefkamire. £ He is a member of the Church of New Jerusalem and his wife is a member of the Gospel Church.
SAMUEL POTEET,
Farmer, section 18, post-office Westport, was born February 22, 1820, in Lauder- dale County, Alabama, and spent his boyhood days on a farm. He came West in 1844 and settled in Greene County, Missouri, and remained there until 1848, when he came to this county and engaged in teaming across the plains. He finally became master of a train and afterward owned one of his own. He spent fifteen years at this business and then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He owns 600 acres of fine land, well improved. Mr. Poteet is entirely a self-made man. He married Miss Rebecca Majors, on the 14th of April, 1852. She is a native of Missouri and was born in 1837. They have had nine children : William A., John F., Charlie, Ambrose, Katie, Bessie, Gracie, Benny and Eva. They are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
DR. H. H. RUSSELL,
Westport, is a native of Grafton County, New Hampshire, and was born May 6, 1835. When an infant his parents went to Ohio where he grew to man- hood, and in 1860 entered the Starling Medical College of Columbus, Ohio, graduating February 24, 1863. He then went to Benton County, Iowa, where he followed his profession until 1864 when he enlisted in the 138th Home Na- tional Guards, as surgeon; in September, 1864, he was taken to Rock Island Prison Hospital, remaining there until March, 1865. Then he was commissioned ser- geant of the forst Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving until July, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. In September, 1865, he went to Illinois, where he continued his practice and in August, 1880, came to Jackson County, Missouri, locating in Westport. He was married in Harrisonville, Ohio, March 17, 1863, to Miss Lucretia A. Chase. By this marriage they have two children : Estella and Louis.
D. P. RYLEY,
Farmer, section 4, post-office Westport, was born June 17, 1819, in Woodford County, Kentucky, and was reared there on a farm. In 1828 he accompanied his parents to New York City, where his father engaged in the boot and shoe business. They returned to Kentucky in 1831, and D. P. resided there until
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1854. Then removed to Callaway County, Missouri, remaining one year and then came to this county. In 1856 he purchased a farm in Cass County and re- mained thereon until 1863, when he came back to this county and has remained here since; he owns a fine farm of 240 acres, well improved, and has a handsome residence. He married Miss Martha Coleman, at Versailles, Kentucky, in 1846. She was a native of Cincinnati and was born December 10, 1826. She died on the 17th of April, 1877, leaving two children : William and Mathis, now Mrs. J. W. Basy. Mr. Basy is in partnership with his father-in-law in the working of the farm ; he is an industrious young man. They are members of the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Ryley has been an elder in the church for some twenty years.
L. C. SAALBORN,
Physician and surgeon, Westport, was born in Germany, April 23, 1819, and was there reared and educated. In 1841 he entered the Grifswald University in Germany, remaining until 1843, when he went to the Bonn University, staying there until 1844. He then went to Halle University, where he graduated in 1845. In the fall of 1846 he emigrated to America, landing in New Orleans and from there went to St. Louis, remaining but a short time when he went to Illinois, locating in Centerville. He followed his profession until 1849, when he moved to Cooper County, Missouri, stopping until the fall of 1850, then coming to Jackson County, Missouri. He located in Independence and Westport, teaching music, continuing it until 1855, then went to Cass County, Missouri, where he practiced medicine until 1862, and afterward returned to Jackson County, locating in Kansas City. Here he continued his profession until 1863, when he went to New Mexico, and in 1864 again returned to this county, locating in Westport, where he opened a fine drug store, and is still following the same business. He was married in St. Louis to Mrs. E. M. Dixon.
HENRY SAGER,
Furniture dealer and undertaker, Westport, was born in Germany, November 26, 1815, and was there brought up. After completing his education he learned the cabinet-making trade and soon enlisted in the Prussian Army. In the spring of 1834 he came to America, landing at Baltimore, and from there went to Phila- delphia, where he followed his trade. In 1835 he removed to St. Louis, and in 1836 located in Westport, Jackson County. He was married in this county November 21, 1840, to Miss Mary Mateney; they had six children. Mrs. Sager died May 28, 1854.
DAVID S. SELF,
Farmer, section 8, post-office Westport, was born November 18, 1836, in this county, and was here reared and educated. He spent his boyhood days on a farm, and when eighteen years of age he commenced to trade on his own account, and since that time has been engaged in business for himself He now owns 280 acres of fine farming land, well improved, and has lately built one of the finest residences in the township. He has held the offices of school director and presi- dent of the board. In his manners he is much of a gentleman. Having been reared in this county he has noted the various changes that have taken place since this was a wilderness. In March, 1861, he married Miss Louisa Brumfield, who was a native of Johnson County, and was born October 22, 1839; she was partly reared in this county. They have five children : Emma J., Mary B., Cora B., Finis C., and David V. ; lost one. They are members of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church. Mr. Self has made several trips across the plains.
JOHN M. SELF,
Farmer, section 15, post-office Westport, was born May 13, 1848, in Morgan County, Missouri, and spent his boyhood days on a farm. He came to this county in the spring of 1866 ; has resided here since, and has made agricultural
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pursuits his business. He moved to the farm on which he now resides in the spring of 1880, and owns eighty acres. He is one of the sturdy, energetic, farm- ers of this township, that gives his attention to his business, and bids fair to make a success in life. He has been twice married; first, to R. A. Fitzwater, in 1873. She died October 11, 1878, leaving one child, Warren R. He was married again, January 25, 1880, to Miss Mary E. Wolf, a native of Ohio, born March 29, 1859.
RICHARD L. SHANKS,
Farmer, section 3, post-office Westport, was born January 14, 1842, in Stam- ford, Lincoln County, Kentucky, and came to this county with his parents when five years of age, and has been reared here as a farmer. During the late War he operated with General Rains, and carried the first Confederate dispatch that was carried in the State of Missouri. Since the War he has been engaged in farming. He is a correspondent for different papers, and takes a great interest in literary matters. He married Miss Mary H. Mckinney, August 18, 1859; she is a native of Callaway County, Missouri, and was born November 24, 1841. They have four children living : Ada L., Mary B., Charlie L., and Dixie L. ; lost seven. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has the honor of being a grandson of the first white child born in the State of Kentucky.
THOMAS SHEA,
Farmer, section 16, post-office Westport, was born in County Kerry, Ireland, and came to the United States in 1859 and settled in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Remained there four years and then removed to Springfield, Massachusetts, and resided there three years, learning the trade of stone-cutting. He went to Hart- ford, Connecticut, thence to Nashville, Tennessee, and from there to Lawrence, Kansas ; thence to St. Louis, and in 1867 he purchased the land he now owns. He came to Kansas City in 1869 and remained there until 1875, engaged at his trade ; then moved to Nevada, and remained there about two years ; returned to Kansas City, and removed from there to his farm in the spring of 1877. He owns eighty acres of land. He married Miss Ellen Moynihan in 1872; she is also a native of Ireland, and was born in 1848. They have two children : Ellen and Thomas P .; lost one. They are members of the Catholic Church.
S. I. SHUE,
Groceries and notions, Westport, was born in Virginia, February 18, 1835, and was there reared. After finishing his education he learned the painter's trade, and followed it until 1856, when he went to Council Bluffs, Iowa. In the fall of 1856 he went to Illinois, remaining until June, 1857; then returned to Council Bluffs, and in the fall went to Lafayette County, Missouri, where he remained until November, 1859. He returned to Virginia, the place of his birth, and in the spring of 1860 came again to Lafayette County, Missouri. In the spring of 1868, he came to Westport, where he is doing a large business. He was married in Lafayette County, Missouri, April 25, 1860, to Miss A. V. Cundiff. They have had six children, of whom there is one living, George N.
B. F. SIMPSON,
Farmer and stock raiser, section 32, post-office Westport, was born in Kentucky, and was reared and educated in his native State. After leaving school he engaged in farming, and followed this occupation until 1855, when he came to Jackson County and settled in Westport. In 1858 he was appointed postmaster, and held the office until 1861, and then accepted a situation in a large wagon manufactory. He owns a farm of 140 acres. He married Mrs. Kate McGee, of Westport, Missouri, March 7, 1864. Mrs. Simpson died October 7, 1867. They had one daughter, Katie.
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WILLIAM STEWART,
Farmer, section 21, post-office Westport, was born in Montgomery County, Kentucky, and lived there until 1836, when he came to Jackson County, Mis- souri, where he still resides, and is numbered among the successful agriculturalists of the county, and owns 100 acres where he lives, and seventy-nine acres in Blue Township. In 1856 he was appointed deputy sheriff, and served two terms, and collected the first railroad tax in this township. He married Miss Edith Stew- art, July 1I, 1843. She died in April, 1850. For his second wife, he married Narcissa Stewart, in 1852. By this union, they have one child living ; lost one.
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