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 102
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NATHAN FISHER,
farmer and stone and brick mason. P. O. Knobnoster. The subject of this sketch was born April 2, 1827, in Pettis county, Mo. His father came to Cooper county in 1821, and remained there during the winter. He then moved to Pettis county, and remained there until 1850, when he went to California in search of gold, and then came to Johnson county, where he lived until 1854, then he went to Texas, where he died in 1865. The subject of this sketch was married, Dec. 18, 1849, to Miss Martha Marshall, and this union has blessed them with four children: Lucy M., Harriet S., Benjamin F., Richard C. They lost two, Mary A. and George L. When our country was involved in war he joined the Union cause, and enlisted in 1862, company E., 7th Missouri cavalry, and served until Dec. 9, 1862, when he was discharged on account of inability to serve. . He has a farm of 40 acres, and is a consistent member of the M. E. church.
H. E. FORSYTHE,
farmer, P. O. Sigel, was born April 22, 1848, in Johnson county, Indiana; he was there educated and raised to manhood. He was married to Miss Josie Tylor, and from this union have two children: Ora Clinton, and Emra Thomas; the latter is now dead. He came to Johnson county, Mis- souri, 1869; located where he now lives. He now owns a fine farm of 240 acres, with fine, comfortable buildings. He is a member of the Bap- tist church.
THOMAS S. FOSTER,
farmer and stock raiser; P. O. Knobnoster. Among the many pioneers of Grover township, no one is more deserving of notice than the subject of this sketch. He was born in February, 1822, in Madison county, Ken- tucky, and there lived till he was about fifteen years of age. His parents then came to Johnson county, and remained a short time with relatives, then moved to Pettis county, where he remained a few years, then came
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
to Warrensburg, where his father was engaged in blacksmithing. The subject of this sketch then went to Lexington. He finally located where he now lives, in 1850. His mother died about the year 1840, at Warrensburg, and his father died while stopping with his son, Thomas S., in 1853-4. The subject of this sketch was married in 1848, to Miss Sarah Brown, and from this union had two children: James W., Joseph F., both now dead. His wife dying, he was again married, November 1856, and from this union they have seven children: Emma W., Jerry E., Lizzie M., Jacob V., Jesse W., John C. and Joseph M. His wife died October 19, 1874. When the dark cloud of war hovered over our country, Mr. Foster offered his help and enlisted in company B, 40th regiment of Missouri. He was in the service for about four years, and during this time he did many kind deeds for his fellowman when peace was declared, he returned to his quiet and peaceful home. He is a man of good habits and industry, and now has his reward. He owns a fine farm of 440 acres, all under fence, and good buildings.
JAMES GOIN,
P. O. Sigel; was born but a few steps from where he now lives, May 13, 1846. His parents came to this state early and located here. His father was a native of Kentucky, and died 1847, leaving his mother to provide for the family. His mother is a native of Virginia. She is still in good physical vigor. Mr. Goin is the youngest of his father's family. He now owns a fine farm of 120 acres, with first-class buildings, and everything around him has the appearance of good managemant.
LARKIN HOCKER,
P. O. Knobnoster; farmer and stock raiser. Among the many pioneers who have made comfortable homes in Johnson county, no one is deserv- ing of more favorable notice than the subject of this brief and imperfect sketch. He was a native of Lincoln county, Kentucky, and was born November 20, 1811; he was there educated and grew to manhood. He was married in his native county in 1834, to Miss Eliza J. Thornton. They have six children. Three are now living: Mary M., E. T. and Larkin. Hr. Hocker became impressed with the idea that Missouri offered inducements to men of energy, and although the county was new, he came in 1835 and located where he now lives. But by his continued industry he overcame all these trials, and now has his reward. He and his sons own a fine farm of 500 acres, with first-class improvements. Him- self and family are members of the Christian church.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
THOMAS HARFIELD,
P. O. Knobnoster. The subject of this sketch is a native of England, and was born on February 15, 1831. He was there educated and developed to manhood. In 1854 he came to New Orleans, and from there went to Cooper county, where he remained until the country was involved in war. He then went to St. Louis, where he engaged as coach driver. He was married in 1863 to Miss Catharine Carlon, a native of Ireland. Mr. Har- field came to Johnson county in 1866. He has overcome all obstacles and now owns a farm of 120 acres, and is in good circumstances.
J. C. HILL,
P. O. Knobnoster. This enterprising citizen is a native of Todd county, Kentucky, was born April 13, 1840. He was raised there until he was about fifteen years of age, then came to Saline county, Missouri, where he engaged in farming until 1868, when he came to Johnson county. He located then where he now lives. He was married in 1862 to Miss S. Bradley, and this union has blessed them with eleven children, seven liv- ing: John M., Mary E., Maggie, Walter, Lulu May, James and J. Arthur. The following four died: William W., Larkin, Kune and Benjamin. His success in life may be inferred from the fact, that he began business for himself with very limited means, but through his good habits, he now owns a fine farm of 145 acres, with first class buildings. He is a member of the Christian church and one of the deacons of the same.
TIPTON T. HUFF,
P. O. Knobnoster, was born in Tipton county, Tennessee, January 24,. 1824, of good parentage. His father's name was Thomas, and his mother's maiden name was Miss Lucinda Townsend. His grandfathers, on both sides, were named Thomas. The one on his father's side, was taken prisoner by the savage Indians and kept seven years. Tipton T. came to Missouri in 1836, at the age of twelve, with his widowed mother, and set- tled in Morgan county, where he attended the common schools, and soon began to work for himself. He married Mrs. Lucinda Lowery, nee Miss. Burch, whose former husband had been a prominent physician of George- town, Pettis county, Mo. By this union two children were born: John T. and William B. The former died at the age of two years, and the latter married Miss Mary E. Byler, of Cass county, and now they reside in Montana territory. Mr. Huff's first wife died in 1854. In 1862 he married Mrs. Louvici Callison, nee Miss Oglesbey; she had two children: John and Lena Callison. The former married Miss Wall, and is now a prominent farmer and stock-dealer of Henry county. The latter married Dr. Fewel and now resides in easy circumstances at Odessa. Mr. Huff
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
by this last marriage has three children, one boy and two girls: Thomas T., Lula and Lena. Mr. Huff went to the state of California in 1849, where he remained three years during the gold excitement. When the late war clouds arose, although a southern man, he chose to remain quiet and at home. In politics he is a straight democrat, and socially a kind and generous man, true to his convictions. Mrs. Huff is a devoted mem- ber of the County Line Baptist church. Mr. Huff owns a beautiful farm on the Knobnoster and Brownsville road.
J. P. HUGHES,
farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Sigel. This enterprising citizen is a native of Smith county, Tennessee, and was born August 5, 1833. In 1854 he located in Johnson county and worked by the month for about two years. He married Miss Holley W. Porter in 1857, a native of Tennessee. From this union they have four children: Mary E., William L., Martha F. and Jesse J. In 1858 he moved to his present location, where he has an improved and fine farm of 150 acres. He is a member of the M. E. church and is numbered among the enterprising citizens of Johnson county.
G. W. P. INGRAM,
farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Knobnoster. The subject of this sketch is a native of Knox county, Tennessee, and was born in April, 1837. His father, Thomas Ingram, was born December 10, 1803, and his mother was born May 12, 1805, in Knox county, Tennessee. His parents were mar- ried September 2, 1824, and to them were born nine children, of which five are living: John G., born June 26, 1825; Elizabeth Jane, born September 6, 1827; Sarah Ann, born December 2, 1829; Mary E., born August 22, 1832; Nancy C., born November 28, 1834; G. W. P., born May 25, 1837; Rachel A., born November 11, 1839, and died October 11, 1854; William T., born August 31, 1842, and died January 8, 1881; Martha E., born May 18, 1845, and died August 7, 1861. In 1840 his parents came to Moniteau county, Missouri, where his father died in July, 1847. His mother then returned to her native state, and remained there until 1854, when she returned to Missouri, locating in Johnson county, where she worked and strove to support her family. November 6, 1875, she was called to her last resting place, leaving her children with a good home. The subject of this sketch and his two sisters are now living on the old homestead, having about 500 acres of fine land, and are numbered among the worthy citizens of Johnson county.
JAMES T. MARSHAL,
farmer, P. O. Sigel. The subject of this short sketch was born December 26, 1832, in Grover township, Johnson county. In 1850 he went with his
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
father to California, where his father died shortly after their arrival, and the son experienced very poor health in that state. His father was one of the first white settlers in Johnson county. In 1854 Mr. Marshal returned to Johnson county. He was twice married; first, February 11, 1856, to Miss Elizabeth Taylor, who bore him three children, one dead and two living: Mary Jane and Sarah E. His wife died March 3, 1859. Mr. Marshal has a fine farm of 231 acres. He is a man who has seen many changes come and go in Johnson county, but he has always kept pace with its progress. He was again married, in 1860, to Miss Caroline Bradley. She is a native of Johnson county. This union has been blessed with seven children, one of whom is dead: John T .; and six living: Lucy A., Charles P., James, Cora, George R. and Etta.
WILEY MADDEX,
P. O. Grover, farmer and stock raiser. The subject of this sketch is a native of Morgan county, Kentucky, and was born June 22, 1826, and, when about eleven years of age his parents came to Cooper county, Mis- souri, in 1837. He lived there about three years, then moved to Morgan county, Missouri, where his parents lived about four years, then he came to Pettis county, then to Johnson county, where he has since lived. In 1850 he took a trip to California. He remained in the gold state about one year, then returned to his home by the way of Mexico. He was mar- ried February 28, 1852, to Miss Clara C. Barnett, and from this union they have two children: Mary Jane and James H. In 1858 he came to his present location, where he has improved 5172 acres of land, and is now among the most successful pioneers. He was a Union man during the war.
G. W. MARSHALL,
farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Sigel. The subject of this sketch is one of Johnson county's noble sons, and was born September 9, 1837. His father was one of the very first pioneers of Johnson county, and about the year 1850 he went to California, and died there shortly after his arrival. The subject of this sketch was married February 2, 1860, to Miss Nancy Ham- mond, a native of Illinois, and this union has been blessed with four chil- dren, two dead, and two living: Thomas and Richard. The latter is at school at Lexington, Kentucky. Mr. Marshall is a man who began busi- ness for himself with limited means, but, through his industry and good management, he now owns a fine farm of 292 acres, all in a good state of cultivation, with good buildings. But the dark messenger of death called at his home April 1, 1880, and took his wife to her last resting place. She was a member of the Christian church. Mr. Marshall and son, Thomas, are members of the same church, and are always among its liberal con- tributors and supporters.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
J. T. OGLESBY,
postoffice, Knobnoster. This enterprising citizen is one of Johnson county's noble sons. He was born February 26, 1840. His father was among the first settlers of Johnson, and he located on section 25, Grover township, and died in 1861. His mother, Mary H., died in 1875. The. subject of this sketch during the war was out of the county, but when peace was declared he returned to his old home, where he has since lived. He was married in 1869 to Miss Martha A. Brock, also a native of Mis- souri. This union has been blessed with three children: Alpha M., Samie E., Mary E. The subject of this sketch has seen many changes come and go to Johnson county. But he has been a hard working man and a good manager, and now as his reward he owns a fine farm of 190 acres in Johnson county, and 160 in Pettis county. He is now numbered among the successful men of Johnson county. His wife's mother, who has lived with him for some years, was called to her place of rest on the 8th day of October, 1881.
C. G. OGLESBY,
farmer and justice of the peace; postoffice, Knobnoster. The subject of this sketch is a native of Cooper county, Missouri; was born April 1, 1835, and when he was just six months old his father brought him to Johnson county, October 1, 1835, where the subject of this sketch was educated. He has never been out of the state except from January 25, 1865, to September 1, 1867, during which time he was in the state of Nebraska. His father-in-law, Mr. J. Cox, went with him. Mr. Cox is one of the pioneers of Johnson county, and one of her best citizens. The subject of this sketch was married in 1856 to Miss E. F. Cox, a native of Johnson county. Her father came to the state in 1831. This union has blessed them with three children: Mary M., Charles T., Jacob M. Mr. Oglesby is a man who stands high in thé community in which he lives.
C. T. OGLESBY,
farmer and stock raiser; postoffice, Knobnoster; was born April 23, 1834, in Cooper county, Missouri, and when he was quite young his father came to Johnson county. His father died in 1863; his mother died Nov. 20, 1855. The subject of this sketeh was first married November 23, 1854, to Miss Mary T. Jones, a native of Missouri, and from this union they have two children: Tarlton W. and William A. His wife departed this life December 23, 1862. He was again married, April 23, 1868, to Miss E. Rubey. They have three children: Fannie L., Charles T. and Henry R. He owns a fine farm of 300 acres, all under good cultivation, with fine, comfortable buildings. In all respects Mr. Oglesby is a worthy man.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
JOHN PARK,
farmer and stock raiser; postoffice, Sigel. The subject of this sketch is one of the pioneers of Grover township. Was born March 7, 1818, in Madison county, Kentucky. He was there educated, and grew to matur- ity. He came to Missouri in 1838, and located in Pettis county, where he lived until 1858, then he came to Johnson county, locating where he now lives. He was first married in 1846, to Miss L. Lewis, and from this union they have four children: Columbus, Sarah Ann, James G. and Mary E. His wife died, and he was again married in 1855, to Miss Bing- ham, and this union has blessed them with six children: William, Henry, David, Richard C., Ettie W. and Cora H. Mr. Park is a man who takes a pride in educating his children, and is always willing to help assist anything that will enhance the welfare of the county. Through his good habits and continued industry he now owns a fine farm of 440 acres, and he is now numbered among the successful business men of Johnson county.
JOHN E. ROBINSON,
farmer and stock-dealer, P. O. Knobnoster. The subject of this sketch is one of Missouri's noble sons. He was born August 23, 1841, in this county. In 1861, when the whole country was involved in war, he took up arms for the southern cause. He thought it was right, and enlisted in company A, Fifth Missouri regiment; after which he was changed to company I, Tenth Missouri cavalry. He was in the battles of Lexington, Pea Ridge, Wilson's Creek, Corinth, Port Gibson, and at one time he was in the saddle for fourteen days and nights. He owns a fine farm of 790 acres, with good, comfortable buildings, and is now one of the leading farmers of Johnson county. He was married, in May, 1867, to Miss Mary M. Hocker, daughter of Larkin Hocker, and from this union there are three children, two boys and one girl: J. F., Larkin H. and Lizzie.
JAMES C. ROTHWELL,
farmer and stock-raiser. This enterprising citizen was born November 14, 1814, in Virginia. He there spent his youth on a farm. He was married, in his native county, to Miss Mary S. Ramsey, February 7, 1836, and to this union have been born six children that are living: Mary C., Clayborne W., Anna J., Joseph H., Mattie B. and Nettie. He is a man who has taken a warm interest in the welfare of education. He began business for himself with very limited means, but, through his good man- agement and industry, he now owns a fine farm of 320 acres of good land. He is now numbered among the enterprising men of Johnson county. See page 617.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
MILTON SWOPE,
farmer and stock-raiser; postoffice, Sigel. The subject of this sketch is a native of Pettis county, and was born in August, 1823, where he was educated and raised to manhood. In 1847 he was married to Miss V. Sandridge, and this union has blessed them with a family of children. In 1848 he came to Johnson county, locating where he now lives, it then being wild prairie. His wife died in 1873. He improved and owns a fine farm of 280 acres with first-class improvements. He was again married, in August, 1880, to Miss Melia Sandridge. They are members of the Christian church, and always among its liberal contributors and sup- porters.
I. F. TANNER,
P. O. Knobnoster. The subject of this sketch is a native of Indiana, and was born October 15, 1848, where he lived until 1866, when he came to Johnson county. His father was in company H, Twenty-fifth Indiana infantry, and died while in the service, December 26, 1864. The subject of this sketch was married, January 24, 1869, to Miss Rebecca J. Mar- shall, daughter of R. Marshall, who was one of the pioneers of Johnson county, and this union has blessed them with three children: Mary E., Josie W., and Dellie May. Mr. Tanner now owns a fine farm of eighty acres, with a fine house. Mr. Tanner is now devoting part of his time to preaching. He was crdained in the Christian church, by Rev. C. A. Hedrick, in 1876. He is a zealous worker for Christianity.
T. J. TEDDER,
farmer and stock raiser. P. O. Sigel. The subject of this imperfect sketch is a native of Roane county, Tenn., born Feb. 18, 1822. He was married in his native county, Dec., 1847, to Miss Mary E. Wilson; she is a native of the same place. From this union there have been five children : John W., George W., William L., Martha, Louisa J. In 1859, he came to John- son county, where he has since resided. His success in life is evinced from the fact that he began business for himself with very limited capital, but through his continued industry and good management he now has a farm of 150 acres. He was in the home guards during the war, always remaining loyal to his country. His father was in the war of 1812, and died at a good old age in Tennessee.
R. THARRINGTON,
farmer. P. O. Knobnoster. The subject of this sketch is a native of North Carolina, and was born, August 9, 1829. In the year 1850, he immigrated to Wickley county, Tennessee, and in 1853 he came to John- son county, Missouri. He was married in 1856, to Miss Harriet Ann
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
Porter, a native of Tennessee, and from that union they have six children living: William J., Robert, Mary E., James M., Remah and John W. His success in life may be inferred from the fact that he began business for himself with very limited capital, but through his industry he now owns a fine farm of 163 acres of fine land.
WILLIAM G. THORNTON,.
P. O. Knobnoster. He was born Nov. 11, 1822, the second son of Wm. and Henrietta Thornton. His father's portrait and sketch will be found elsewhere. July 18, 1855, he married Miss Elizabeth A. Wiley. One child was born, Virginia L., in Christian county, Ky., Nov. 16, 1864. She was liberally educated at Woodland public school and Baptist Female College of Lexington, Mo. On the evening of September 27, 1881, was married to Jerome B. Greer, son of Alex Greer, when she was sixteen years of age. In 1879, he erected his elegant highland home, called " Thornton Heights," at a cost of about $3,000. The building is quite attractive and handsome, and is one of the finest in the county. Wm. G., in connection with his brother Vivian H. is doing a good business in farming and stock raising. They have some fine stock and take just pride in it. They own 1,460 acres of the best quality of agricultural land. The two brothers; in religion, follow the steps of their father, and are zealous supporters of County Line Baptist church. Mrs. Thornton is also a consistent member of that church.
WILLIAM THORNTON,
deceased, whose portrait appears elsewhere, was a native of Orange county, Va., born Aug. 30, 1795, where he resided until he married Mrs. Henrietta Rucker, nee Miss Standley, Jan. 19, 1819. This couple were cousins. After their union they soon became converts and were baptized into the fellowship of Salem Baptist church, Madison county, Ky., by Eld. Herndon. Three children were born, and in their childhood days lost their hearing, which rendered them mute also. Geo. A. was born Nov. 25, 1819, and married Jan. 18, 1865, Miss Nellie Lantz, and died Dec. 6, 1880, without offspring; Wm. G., whose biographical sketch is found elsewhere, was the second son; Vivion H. was born Dec. 11, 1824, and is living a happy bachelor's life with his brother William G. They inherited a large and handsome property from their father, which they have increased. His sons were liberally educated. William Thornton was a devoted christian and liberal supporter of his church. He moved to Boone county, Mo., in the fall of 1832, remaining one year; he settled permanently in the fall of 1833, near the present home of his sons, in Johnson county, where he remained until his death. He and his devoted wife joined Liberty Baptist church the first Sunday in March, 1844. They
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mayor.
WARRENSBURG
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
traveled a distance of about twelve miles to this church once a month until County Line Baptist church was organized. He was chosen the first deacon of the congregation and ordained by Eld. Thornton Rucker. He always lived a life consistent with his profession, loved and respected by all. He departed this life Sunday morning at ten o'clock, Feb. 18, 1872. He was buried with Masonic honors. His funeral discourse was preached by Eld. Wm. P. C. Caldwell. His remains now rest in the beautiful cemetery on the eminence northwest of the handsome residence , 4 built by his sons.
MILTON W. TYLOR,
section 15, P. O. Knobnoster. The subject of this sketch was born Feb. 28, 1812, in Jefferson county, Ky .; he there developed into manhood. He was married Maich 14, 1833, to Miss Mary Seaton. She was born Oct. 19, 1814, in Jefferson county, Ky. This union has blessed them with seven children, all of whom are living: James K., Lula J. T., Samuel L., Charles T., Josie, Milton W. and R. Seaton. In 1851 Mr. Tylor sold his farm in Jefferson county, Ky., and moved to Johnson county, Ind., where he bought a good farm, on which he built a fine residence, and not long after it was completed, it was destroyed by fire. During the war he lost much property. In 1869 he came to Johnson county, Mo., locating where he now lives. He now owns a good farm of 314 acres, with fine com- fortable buildings. He is a member of the Baptist church and among its. liberal supporters. He is a worthy and highly respected citizen.
DR. R. SEATON TYLER,
physician and surgeon, residence, Sigel. This enterprising citizen was born Dec. 3, 1855, in Johnson county, Ind. He was there raised until 1869, when his parents came to Johnson county, Mo. The subject of this sketch was a lover of good books, and at the age of nineteen he began to teach school. He taught four terms. He also attended the Normal at Warrensburg for one year. In 1877 he went to the St. Louis Medical College, where he studied for two years. He graduated in 1879 and returned to Johnson county, locating in Sigel, where he purchased a fine house and has built up a large trade and is now numbered among the successful physicians of the county. He was married Nov. 3, 1880, to Miss Florence Shanks, and from this union have one child: R. Seaton, Jr.
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