USA > Missouri > Johnson County > The history of Johnson County, Missouri : including a reliable history of the townships, cities, and towns, together with a map of the county; a condensed history of Missouri; the state constitution; an abstract of the most important laws etc > Part 101
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
his early education from Amos H. Goodwin, a pioneer teacher. He set- tled here in 1855.
MRS. MARY A. PERRY,
P. O. Windsor, is an esteemed lady of Jefferson township. She was born in Rockingham county, North Carolina, August 2, 1832, and came to Missouri with her parents at an early day. She was a daughter of Mr. James Garrett, a prominent pioneer settler. On October 25, 1849, she was married to William S. Perry, Elder James Fewel officiating. Mr. Perry, her husband, was born in Christian county, Kentucky, February 25, 1827. He died in 1880. His father was William T. Perry. Twelve children were born; eleven are still living. They are: James W., Alpheus S., Ophelia A., Marcellus E., Susie A., (died when twenty-two years of age), Sallie E., Robert P., G. F., Everett M., Lee W. and Paul E. Five are married. James W. married Miss Dora L. Bowman, October 29, 1874, B. L. Lawler officiating; Ophelia, to William R. Douglass, April 5, 1876, Rev. B. F. Goodwin, officiating clergyman; Alpheus S. to Miss Tabitha Blewett, October 24, 1875, Rev. A. M. Cockrell officiating clergy- man ; Sallie E. to Lafyette M. McCraw, March 10, 1878,by the same clergy- man; Henry T. to Miss Lizzie Abington, July 20, 1881, Rev. B. F. Good- win officiating. Alpheus is a farmer in St. Clair county, Mo. Mrs. Perry is a sister of J. W. and P. G. Garrett, worthy citizens of the town- ship. She is a member of the Missionary Baptist church of High Point. She stands high in the community, and is connected with some of the best families of the state.
JOHN H. L. SCOTT,
P. O. Windsor. Born in Ohio, Dec. 9, 1822, of Scotch-Irish descent. He has a good academic education; otherwise he is a self-made man. His father, Wm. Scott, was born in 1796, and was a captain in the war of 1812. The subject of this sketch was left an orphan at the age of ten. His parents were natives of Kentucky, but the stock originally came from Virginia. He married, Sept. 26, 1847, Miss Eliza J. Prouty, daughter of Alva Prouty, a mechanic of Ohio. She was born March 3, 1830. Eleven children were born; four are dead. Those living are: Celeste E., Mary M., Wm. H., Chas. L., Bertha E., Estella G. and Annie G. Wm. H. and Hillis M. were twins, the latter died at four years of age. Miss Celeste has been engaged in teaching since the age of sixteen. She was partially educated in Simpson Centenary College, Indianola, Iowa, and sub- sequently graduated at Southwest Normal School, Lebanon, Ohio. Mary M. married Rev. Brenton H. Badley, and they are both missionaries of the. Cross in India. His educational career has been, very briefly, as fol- lows: he commenced teaching at the age of sixteen, in a deserted log
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
cabin, in the backwoods of Hardin county, Ohio. Taught common school some four years, and then went to Indiana, and was principal of a county seminary near Columbus, two years. He next went to Iowa, taught common school a short time, and was chosen principal of an academy, which position he held five years. He taught common school in Michi- gan two years, and then returned to Ohio. Was principal of a graded (union) school, at Rootstown, Ohio, also one at Marlborough, and the public schools of New Baltimore. He then went to Iowa, and taught some at Oskaloosa, and then located at Indianola, and established a high school. This was soon organized as a seminary, of which he was chosen the principal. This seminary finally culminated in Simpson Centenary College. In 1862, his health failed, and he went to California. Taught there two years and returned to Ohio. Taught two years in the Ohio. State Normal, but had to resign his position on account of failing health. Taught district schools a short time, and then took charge of the Jeffer- sonville graded school, for five years, where his health again broke down. He then emigrated to Missouri, and located in Johnson county, 1871. Taught school in the same district seven years, which closed a career in teaching, extending over forty years, (1838-78.) Other points in his educational career. He was a member of the Ohio State Teacher's Association, and with the pen, and on the platform, advocated the cause of free common schools. The labors of this association culminated in the new school law of Ohio, and in the establishment of her two State Normal Schools. As chairman of the committee on schools and school lands, he drafted the school law, and rendered efficient service in getting it through the house of representatives. Was county school examiner several years in Ohio. Was elected township school superintendent, three times (six years) in succession, in Iowa; was for several years a con- tributor to the leading educational journals; wrote and published a series of educational tracts, which were quite popular. He conducted several teachers' institutes in Ohio, Iowa, and other places, and gave regular courses of lectures on arithmetic, grammar, theory and practice, etc., etc., at such institutes. Prepared and delivered a number of popular lectures, among which were, Free Common Schools; Teaching as a Profession; Moral Training of Youth; etc. His political career is somewhat brief, as that of most professional teachers. He represented (as a Democrat) Clark county, in the General Assembly of Ohio, two terms. Was nom- inated by the Democratic congressional convention, of the then (1854,) nineteenth congressional district of Ohio, to represent said district, but declined the honor. Such in brief is the history of this worthy man.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
JAMES E. THOMPSON,
postoffice, Windsor, is among the worthy young men of the township. He was born in Jefferson township, Johnson county, Missouri, September 26, 1858. He was educated in the common schools of his neighborhood. His first teacher was Miss Emma Bresford, and the log school house was in the woods on Mr. Wall's land. His father, James N. Thompson, deceased, was among the most worthy citizens of his day. He was born in Rockingham county, North Carolina, near Thompsonville (which was named in honor of his father, Thomas Thompson), December 10, 1830. He was married to Miss Susan H. Garrett, June 18, 1857. He was mar- ried twice. His first wife was Miss Mary Brannock, and by her two children were born: Sallie A. and Henry T. Sallie married Willis Jerome. . The following is the list of children by the second wife, Mrs. Susan H. Thompson: James E., Nellie R., Robert H., Bettie G., Willie P., Mary M. and Nancy . M. Four are living, two of each sex. Mrs. Susan H. Thompson, nee Miss Garrett, was born April 21, 1837. She was a daughter of James Garrett, a noble and most excellent man. Her husband, James N. Thompson, the father of the subject of this sketch, died February 4, 1873, about forty-two years of age, cut down in the meridian of life. He was for many years known as one of the best music teachers of the country, and the children have inherited considerable of the father's talent. He taught in the schools with good success, and was well educated, and bore the name of being a ripe scholar of his time. He wrote an exquisitely beautiful hand. During the late war he served as a. true and brave soldier in the confederate army. In politics he was always a staunch democrat, and took great pride in the cause of his party. In belief he was a Methodist. He was of Scotch descent, and always sus- tained the true dignity of his good family. For several years he served as justice of the peace, and often bore the common epithet of 'squire. He was found foremost in the support of schools of his time. He was a Mason and Odd Fellow, and was loved and respected by his brethern. James E. Thompson, his son, is at present a single man of excellent traits. He uses neither tobacco nor ardent spirits, and is among the most promising citizens. He is engaged in farming in section 30, township 44, range 24. He has some excellent stock, and raises fine timothy hay. His farm is of the very fertile agricultural land on the southwestern slope of High Point of Tebo. Mr. Thompson is kind and sociable, and is of the very best families of Jefferson township.
JAMES M. WALL,
postoffice Windsor, stands prominent among the enterprising farmers and stock raisers of Jefferson township. He was born January 29, 1834, of 57
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
English ancestry, in Rockingham county, North Carolina, and emigrated here with his parents when only about six years of age. What education he has was received in the pioneer schools of the county, taught by sub- scription. February 16, 1859, he was united in holy wedlock to Miss Nannie B. Gray, daughter of Mr. S. C. Gray, a respectable farmer. She was born in Howard county, August 7, 1842. This conjugal union has been blessed with five children, three boys and two girls, as follows: B. F., was born January 31, 1860; S. J. was born February 8, 1867; Thos. E., May 2, 1872; Ona B., September 18, 1875; Erna E., September 21, 1879. The eldest son was admitted this year (1881) as a student in the agricultural department of the State University at Columbia. The sub- ject of this sketch became a convert to Christianity at the age of nineteen years. He and his wife are consistent and dutiful members of the High Point Baptist church, and are among its most liberal contributors and earnest supporters. Mr. Wall was chosen the first supervisor, and after- ward trustee under the township system, and gave entire satisfaction. He was one of the charter members of Cold Spring Lodge, 274, A. F. and A. M., and also one of the original members of High Point Grange. In the latter order he served several years as master. When the late civil war broke out he espoused the side of the south, and entered the military service in December, 1861, and stood faithfully to the cause through every vicissitude of the war, and returned home June 26, 1865. In agricultural interests he ranks foremost, and is one of the hearty sup- porters of farmers' conventions. He has some of the best stock of the county. In 1872 he commenced raising fine stock, and now owns a fine lot of blooded Cotswold sheep and short horn Durham cattle. Some of this stock cost considerable price, and Mr. Wall deserves praise for such enterprise. He owns 714 acres, constituting one of the finest agricultural farms of the county. He has 160 acres in fine blue-grass, 120 acres in timothy. About all of his land is under fence. He raises in connection with his other stock fine mules, which business pays well. His large, attractive residence was erected in 1874. It is in section 19, township 44, range 24. From this beautiful situation Mr. Wall has an extended hori- zon, overlooking portions of Henry, Pettis and Benton counties, beside considerable of this county. In politics he has always been an unswerv- ing democrat, firm and steadfast to principle and right under the standard of his party. \ At home he is a kind husband and quiet citizen, one who rules well his household, with due regard for the family circle. He is sociable and hospitable to friends, who always find him outspoken and just.
897
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
COL. B. F. WILLIAMSON,
postoffice, Windsor, one of the esteemed and prominent citizens of Jeffer- son township, was born in Maury county, Tennessee, August 21, 1819, of English-Welsh ancestry. His father, John S., was a soldier of 1812. The subject of this sketch came to Henry county in 1840, subsequently to Johnson, where he now resides, in 1850. When the civil war broke out, in 1861, he espoused the cause of the south, entered the Windsor guards, afterward served under Gen. Sterling Price, and was in the sur- render of Shreveport, Louisana. His son, John S., served faithfully and bravely as a cavalry soldier. He was slightly wounded at the battle of Pea Ridge. Col. Williamson was married in Kentucky, March 4, 1841, to Miss Martha J. Cross, a daughter of a prominent farmer of that state. Eight children were born, all living except John S., who was murdered, September 17, 1871. The following is a list of the names of the children, with dates of their births: Mary F., February 14, 1842; John S., April 2, 1845; Thomas B., January 3, 1847; Eliza C., June 11, 1849; Tennie A., September 14, 1851; Lucy J., July 6, 1855; George T., July 31, 1851; Mattie S., April 14, 1866. Mrs. B. F. Williamson, the wife of the subject of this sketch, was born August 11, 1825, of Irish ancestry. The. Col. entered the land where he now resides, in section 27, township 44, range 24, in the year 1851. His place is handsomely located on the southern brow of High Point, overlooking considerable country, containing some of the finest arable land of the state. Mr. Williamson opened the first coal mine of the vicinity, by sinking a shaft prior to the war. All of his fine, fertile, black limestone land is underlaid with excellent coal, varying in thickness from two to six feet. His farm consists of about 2872 acres of land, which will never wear out by cultivation. It is the very best corn-producing land. He is an enterprising agriculturist and stock raiser. At present he has on hand 500 head of Southdown and Shropshire blooded sheep, which are paying well. In politics the colonel has always been a true democrat. Although somewhat embarrassed by the late war, he submits nobly and honorably to the times. In religion he and his dutiful wife are consistent members of the Southern Methodist church, and are among its most zealous workers and supporters. The colonel is a reading, thinking gentleman, of the better class of citizens, who is always above stooping to injure even an enemy. At home he is devoted to his domestic duties, among friends pleasant and affable, and to strang- ers kind and hospitable.
MRS. MARY R. WINGFIELD,
P. O. Knobnoster, is prominent among the worthy pioneer ladies of Jeffer- son township. She was born in Callaway county, Missouri. Her father, William Coats, came here at an early day, from the state of Tennessee.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
Her husband, James C. Wingfield, was born in the state of Virginia, and died in 1870, being about fifty years of age. He was kind and dutiful as a husband. In politics, he always adhered to the Union, being strictly loyal and patriotic on the side of the government. Eleven children were born, seven of whom are now living. They are as follows: Charles W., John F., James C., Nannie E., Susan M., Joseph B., and Loudella. Three of the children are married. Mrs. Wingfield owns one of the richest and best places in the northern part of the township. The farming land is good, and blue-grass does well. Her place is upon a high elevation, near old High Point Baptist Church, and within the bounds of Valley Grove school district No. 1. The headwaters of Clear Fork on the southwest, and beautiful rolling prairie lands in the others quarters. Her residence is in section five, township forty-four, range twenty-four. In 1855 a vein of coal, about twenty-two inches thich, was discovered here, and worked successfully prior to the war. The coal being of very excellent quality. Sedalia, and towns that distance away, sought and prized this coal as superior for mechanical purposes. Many thousand bushels of coal have been taken from this mine, and it continues to be inexhaustible, and no doubt, some day will prove to be of great value.
JAMES. A. WOODS,
farmer, Jefferson township, was born in St. Clair county, Illinois, Octo- ber 17, 1837. He lived in his native county until his majority. "He then engaged in farming. He was married, in 1858, to Miss Julia H. Abason, of St. Clair county, Illinois, who died soon afterward. He was again mar- ried, in 1866, to Miss Margaret Tate, of St. Clair county, Illinois, by whom he has seven children, all living: Charley A., Lewis, Mauris, Richard, Katie, Lafayette, and Cora. Mr. Woods came to Missouri in 1868, and located in Pettis county. From there he moved to Vernon county, and from there he came to Johnson county, and settled near Knobnoster, where he remained for four years, then, in 1876, moved onto his present place, in Jefferson township, containing 224 acres.
GROVER TOWNSHIP.
M. F. ADCOCK.
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The subject of this sketch was born in 1830, in Logan county, Ken- tucky. He was there educated and raised until he attained his nineteenth year. He then moved to Morgan county, Missouri, in which place he lived four years. He then came to Johnson county, where he has since made his home, except a short time during the war, when he went to Kansas. He was married, in 1863, to Miss Mary T. T. Fuqua. She is a
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
native of Kentucky, and from this union they have nine children: Nancy, Mary A., Lizzie J., Hattie M., Nina F., George A., Judith M., John H., and Moses T. Lost two infants. Through his industry he now owns a fine farm of 228 acres in Johnson county, and 400 acres in Miller county, Missouri.
J. A. · BOBBITT,
postmaster at Sigel, was born October 9, 1831, in Kentucky, and when about twelve years of age his parents emigrated to Macon county, Mis- souri, where they remained for a short time; then moved to Howard county, remaining there but a short time; then came to Johnson. The subject of this sketch has lived in this county ever since, except one year that he lived in Platte county. He was married, March 19, 1854, to Miss Nancy Ferguson. Mr. B. is a man of continued industry, and now, as a reward, he owns a fine farm of 240 acres, all under cultivation, and a fine residence in Sigel. He was appointed postmaster in 1879, and has since held the office with credit to himself and satisfaction to the people. He is an active member of the Christian church, and is numbered among the successful business men of Johnson county.
JAMES P. BOYES,
farmer and coal-miner, P. O. Knobnoster. The subject of this sketch was born July 8, 1828, in Scotland. He here spent his early days in learning a trade-carpenter and joiner. He came to Kansas in 1864, where he remained for seven years, during which time he accumulated about $7,000, but on account of his health returned to Johnson county, Missouri, locat- ing where he is now, where he owns 100 acres of land, and sixty acres of it is underlaid with a vein of coal three feet four inches thick. He was married, in 1868, to Mrs. E. Paterson, and from this union they have two children living, Richard and Robert James. Lost two, Martha A. and E. James.
A. J. BOZARTH,
P. O. Knobnoster. The subject of this sketch is a native of Morgan county, Illinois, and was born August, 1823. Here he remained until about fif- teen years of age; then went to Wisconsin, where he engaged in different kinds of work for about four years. He then returned to his old home in Jacksonville, Ill., where he lived until 1846, when he enlisted in com- pany I, Illinois infantry, and served one year in the war with Mexico; was in the battle of Beuna Vista. He was married in 1847 to Miss O. P. Fickerson, and from this union they have five children. When our country was involved in war, Mr. Bozarth again offered his services and enlisted in company K, 27th Illinois infantry, and was chosen captain
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
of the company when they were 100 miles apart. He was in some of the most severe battles of the war. He was taken prisoner at Iuka, October 3, 1862. He was with Sherman on his march to the sea, and was in sev- eral battles on the way. In one engagement he was commanding the left of the regiment, when a shell exploded a few feet from him, killing his horse; the horse fell on him and fractured his left hip, May 23, 1864. He was then sent to the hospital, where he remained until the following August. He has since been lame from the effect of that hurt. His wife died December 29, 1864; he was again married, and from this union has one child: John R. In 1866 he came to Johnson county, and has since made his home here. He now has a farm of 340 acres. His grandfather, David Bozarth, built the first grist mill in Howard county, Missouri. He came to the territory of Missouri in 1816, and his father, Joseph Bozarth, built the first grist mill that was in Morgan county.
N. P. BRADLEY,
P. O. Knobnoster. The subject of this sketch was born March 30, 1841, in Grove township, Johnson county, Missouri. He was here educated and reared. When the dark clouds of war hovered over the country, and threat- ened its destruction, Mr. Bradley offered his services to the Union cause, June, 1861. He enlisted, and was in the battles of Marshall, Independence, Big Blue, Mine Creek, and many others. He was honorably dis- charged, March 23, 1865. He was married February 14, 1869, to Miss Alice A. Thompson; she is a daughter of Captain W. H. P. Thompson, one of the old settlers of Johnson county. Mr. Bradley now owns a fine farm of ninety-five acres. He is a member of the Christian church.
HENRY BRANT,
farmer and stock raiser; P. O. Knobnoster. The subject of this sketch is a native of Montgomery county, Ohio, and was born May 12, 1832; and when he was about six years of age his parents moved to another county, where he was educated, and lived until nineteen years of age. He then returned to his native county and learned the trade of wagon maker. He was married in Montgomery county, to Miss Lydia Kinsey, August, 1854. She was a native of Ohio; and from this union they have four children: Mary E., Mandie E., Lydia A., Bertha M. In 1859 he came to Johnson county, and since that time he has improved a fine farm of 120 acres, and has first-class buildings. When the war broke out he offered his services to the Union cause, and served nine months; then he returned to his old home in Ohio, and remained there until the war was over. He then returned to his farm in Johnson county. He is an active member in the M. E. church, and is always among its liberal contributors and supporters.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
W. E. CHESTER,
P. O. Knobnoster. The subject of this sketch was born December 2, 1839, in Green county, Illinois. He spent his early days obtaining an education, until he was about seventeen years of age, when he came to Knobnoster, Missouri, where he again attended school. He remained there until 1861, when he offered his services to the cause of his country. He was in the first company of Johnson county that was made up for the Union cause. He was first lieutenant, and was at the battle of Lexing- ton, and he was in many places of trust; and was mustered out of the service as captain. He was in the United States secret service for about two years. He was road commissioner in Johnson county for several years after the war, and notary public. He moved to where he now lives in 1868, where he owns a farm of. 240 acres. He was first married in 1860 to Miss Matilda Redfenn, and they have six children living: James C., Emma, Edda, John, William and Clarnis. His wife was called to her long home in 1877. He was again married December, 1880, to Miss Mary Budd; she is a lady of fine taste. Mr. Chester has seen many changes in life; he now owns a fine farm of eighty acres.
DR. B. F. DUNKLEY,
physician. Residence Sigel or Dunksburg. Among the many pioneers who have made comfortable homes in Johnson county, no one is deserv- ing of more special notice than the subject of this sketch. He was born Feb. 26, 1809, in London, England, and when but a mere boy, his parents came to this country, locating at Washington, D. C. Young Dunkley then went to school and studied medicine under Prof. Sewell. His parents died at Washington City; he then traded some property in Wash- ington for property in Ohio, Ashtabula county, where he engaged in farm- ing. He became impressed with the idea that Missouri offered superior inducements to men of energy. He came, and when he landed at St. Louis he had $1.50. He came to Johnson county in 1848, locating where he now lives. He was married in 1844, to Miss M. J. Porter, a native of Tennessee, and from this union there were born three children: Mary M., now living in Sigel; two have died. When he came to Sigel he began the practice of medicine, which he has followed ever since, and although at the ripe age of 72, he pursues it with great zeal and endures all . the hardships incident to the profession. During the war he was the only physician for miles around. The doctor has always been a hard working man, and now as his reward, he owns a farm of 1,000 acres of fine land, of which 720 acres are in Grover township, and the remainder in Pettis county; he also owns a fine grist mill in Sigel. He has seen much of the progress and development of Johnson county. Additional items relative to this worthy pioneer may be found on page 616.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
S. G. FEAGANS,
P. O. Sigel. The subject of this sketch is a native of Smith county, Tenn., and was born Jan. 18, 1844. When he was about 14 years of age, his parents moved to Pettis county, Mo. He came to Johnson county in 1866, and was married Feb. 18, 1866, to Miss Henrietta Hocker. She is a daughter of Larkin Hocker, one of Johnson county's pioneers, They have five children living: Alvin, Jennie, Charles, John, Larkin. Mr. Feagans is a member of the Christian church. He is a man of continued industry and good habits, and now as his reward he owns a fine farm of 200 acres, under cultivation.
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