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 103

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Kansas City, Mo. : Kansas City Historical Company
Number of Pages: 1056


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 103


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CHARLES G. WORTHAM,


P. O. Knobnoster. The subject of this sketch is a native of Harden county, Ky., and was born Aug. 9, 1832. He was there educated and developed to manhood. He came to Johnson county, Mo., in 1854, where 58


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he has since lived. He was married March, 1858, to Miss Nancy T. Gillen, and from that union there were four children, two of which died infants and two now living: William G. and Norah D. His wife, died Nov. 17, 1873. When our country was involved in war Mr. Wortham favored the South and took up arms to defend what he thought was right, and while in the service was wounded three times. He was in some of the most severe battles of the war. He was married the second time Dec. 25, 1874, to Miss Mary E. Harrison, and by this union have two children: T. G. and Maggie Lee. He owns a farm of 120 acres.


SIMPSON TOWNSHIP. JOSEPH ALBIN,


P. O. Warrensburg. It was in Guernsey county, Ohio, where Joseph Albin first beheld the light of day. It was there also that he had attended the common schools and received his education. His ancestors came from Virginia. Early in the fall of 1857, he moved to Effingham county, Illi- nois, where he commenced life's struggles for himself, and the succeeding year, 1858, he married Miss Margaret Gillmore, a native of Illinois. Here he lived, farming until 1868, when he again emigrated west, his destination being Dodge county, Missouri, where he purchased a farm and lived until the time he located in Johnson county, Missouri, which occurred in 1879, where he now lives on one of the prettiest farms in Johnson county. During his life he has reared a family of eight children, only one of whom is married. The soil of Mr. Albin's farm is of the richest quality, which characterizes the township of which it is a part; also the yard surrounding his residence presents an appearence, fully in keeping up with the other surroundings, and shows what pluck and industry can attain.


JOHN BOWMAN,


P. O. Aullville, is a farmer, and lives on section 29, range 25, and was born in Brooks county, Virginia, January 3, 1812. When he was about fourteen years of age, he moved with his parents to Ohio and settled in Tuscarawus county, Ohio. Henry Bowman, his father, was a native of Vir- ginia, and was a farmer. His grandfather settled in Virginia in an early day, and bought his first farm of the King of England, in whose dominion he was born and raised. Henry Bowman, the father of John, turned his attention to milling for a few years, before he left Virginia; after coming to Ohio, he followed farming for a livlihood. Again he moved to New Cumberland, in same county, where he remained until his death. John's mother was a native of Virginia, whose name was Phebe Weeks, and who died soon after in the same county, on March 3, 1842. John Bow-


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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


man remained on the farm until he was twenty-one years of age, then he returned to Virginia, where he was married to Miss Mariam Brown, daughter of Andrew Brown, a native of Pennsylvania, and a prominent farmer. Mr. Bowman then moved to Missouri in 1844, and stopped a short time in Lafayette county. He then built his cabin and moved on to his present farm in Johnson county, which contains 159 acres, which is well improved with good substantial buildings. Raising wheat and other grain has been his main object. During the late war he suffered largely. One season soon after he had stacked a fine crop of wheat, several men came and threshed it out and hauled it away. While they were threshing it, he was compelled to feed them, which he says was the worst of all. His crop of wheat was 800 bushels, which was all taken. They have raised five daughters, all living and named as follows: Margarette J., Phebe M., Alwilda V., Elnora S. and Bertha P .; another died at the age of five years. His education was obtained only at the district schools. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman and family are all members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.


DR. Z. CASE,


was born in Carlisle, Illinois, in 1847. His father was born in Kentucky, and his mother was a native of Ohio. His father was a member of the legal fraternity, and while in the state of Illinois held several prominent county offices in the county of Clinton, Carlisle being the county seat of that county. Dr. Case had the advantages of a college course, and after graduating was employed as book-keeper in a large mercantile house in St. Louis, Missouri, where he remained for some time in this position. In the course of time, however, he made up his mind to study medicine, and immediately entered the St. Louis Medical College, where he graduated in medicine, March 12, 1875. The following month he visited his parents in his old home in Carlisle. In the fall of 1875 he came to Johnson county, Missouri, where he has made rapid strides in the profession of his choice, and to-day has a large and growing practice, and is known throughout Johnson county, as a careful and conscientious gentleman.


ALEXANDER GREER,


deceased, was among the old settlers of Johnson county, and resided in Simpson township, where he was long known as one of the most success- ful farmers and stock feeders of the county. He was born in Berkley county, Virginia, August 25, 1810, and departed this life, as will be noticed under the head of " Pioneers of Simpson Township," in the winter of 1881. He was partially educated in Frederick county, Virginia. His father, Johnson Greer, died when Alexander was only four years of age. His father was a native of Ireland, and emigrated to America and settled


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in Virginia in a very early day, and was counted among the F. F. V.'s in the " Old Dominion." Alexander's education was somewhat limited on account of his mother being a widow. He was brought up on the farm, and always loved to stick to the farm. In 1837 he married Miss Louisa Clary, daughter of Gerard Clary, who at that time kept a tannery at the foot of the Alleghany mountains, in Alleghany county, Maryland, now the city of Cumberland. Soon after his marriage Mr. Greer emigrated to Missouri, in 1838, and settled at what is now known as Kirkpatrick's Mill, on Black Water; where he and his brother, Jerome,B. Greer, estab- lished a country store, which they kept about three years. When he left the store he entered about 200 acres of government land, and began to improve a farm, which is now known as the Fitz Patrick farm. In 1842 he disposed of this place and purchased the present excellent farm, which is the old homestead. At his death his landed estate numbered 3,200 acres of land. Soon after he settled the old homestead he commenced to engage largely in farming, raising stock and dealing extensively in ship- ping stock to St. Louis. Prior to the railroad facilities he drove stock to the St. Louis market. During the late war (1861-5) he lost heavily, esti- mated about $30,000. He has always been an enterprising farmer of indomitable courage and energy. Commencing with nothing but a will- ingness to work, he rose step by step to his enviable prominence. Mrs. Greer has always been a true wife and most dutiful mother. Her wise plans and vigilant care over her children will never be forgotten by them. Fourteen children have been brought up, all liberally educated to busi- ness. During the trying times and struggles for a good share of this world's goods, Mr. Greer never neglected the paternal care of his family. Having a healthful wife and children, not one has been lost, and the fam- ily has formed but little acquaintance with physicians. The children are as follows: Mary R., now Mrs. James D. Dyer; Laura A., now Mrs. George W. Colbern; Rovilla M., now Mrs. R. M. Morrison; Sarah J., now Mrs. E. T. Smarr; Robert L., who married Miss Majors; Josephine V., now Mrs. George W. Collins; Jerome B., who married Miss Virginia L. Thornton; Ella L., now Mrs. Grove Youngs, of Lafayette county; Lillie L., now Mrs. George Youngs. The following are yet single: Wm. A., James A., John P., Minnie A. and Mattie J. The girls, Minnie and Mattie, are now students at the Central Methodist Female College, of Lexington, Missouri. A brief sketch of Wm. A. appears elsewhere. In politics Mr. Greer was an unswerving democrat, yet a prudent and wise thinker all his life.


JEROME B. GREER, ESQ.,


a farmer and stock raiser, was born in Johnson county, Missouri, Febru- ary, 1851. Reared and educated in his native county, and at the State University, located at Columbia. Commenced business for himself in


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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


1875, engaging in farming and stock raising. The latter he has found to be the most lucrative. His large farm of 768 acres of choice land, lying in Simpson township, Johnson county, is nearly all covered with blue grass. His fine residence, standing on a high elevation, from which nearly every acre of his beautiful farm can be seen. From his house a large portion of eastern Johnson county can be seen. The house is sub- stantial and two stories. Mr. Greer is a gentleman of fine business habits, moral, honest and accommodating. His eye is ever open to business, and his heart for suffering humanity. He raises cattle, mules and hogs, and does a large business in the way of shipping stock. Although a young man, he is favorably known in all the stock markets of the west as an honorable, upright and practical dealer. Mr. Greer was married Sep- tember 27, 1881, to Miss Virginia L. Thornton, of Grover township, the daughter of Wm. Thornton, Esq.She is a worthy and accomplished lady, fine taste and domestic habits. Mr. Greer is an influential member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Postoffice address, Aullville, Missouri.


WILLIAM A. GREER,


P. O. Fayetteville, is among the straight forward business young men of Simpson township. He was born in Johnson county, Missouri, near where he now resides, December 13, 1856, and received his early edu- cation at the common schools of his neighborhood. He attended the State University at Columbia, one session, which, with what knowledge he had already received in the common schools, eminently fitted him for business transactions and agricultural pursuits. When only eighteen years of age, he took charge of his father's farm, which he controlled while his father was living. His father died during the winter of 1881. His present landed estate numbers 230 acres of excellent agricultural land, all well improved, except thirty acres of timber. The farming land is in a high state of cultivation and produces excellent crops of corn, wheat and grass. At present he is erecting one of the most substantial residences in the township. He is of a good family, being the third son of Alexander and Louisa Greer, who are known over the northeastern part of the county. Wm. A. in politics, is a democrat. He is a prominent stock dealer of the township, and takes delight in the improvement of the farm and stock enterprise. He is yet a young man, who has not chosen a wife, and since the death of his father he has been very dutiful towards his aged mother. The biographical sketch of Alexander Greer, his father, will be found elsewhere, and also an elaborate notice under the head of the pioneers of Simpson township. The subject of this sketch is a young man of steady business habits, temperate and refined. He uses neither ardent spirits nor tobacco, and is one of those whom the public may rely upon as having a bright and prosperous future before him.


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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


WM. LAZENBY,


section 24, P. O. Knobnoster; farmer and stock raiser. The subject of this sketch was born July 15, 1841, in Morgan county, Illinois, where he was educated. When the dark cloud hovered over our country, Mr. Lazenby enlisted in company K, 27th Illinois infantry, and was in some of the most severe battles of the war: Belmont, Union City, seige of Corinth, Stone River, Chattanooga, Mission)Ridge, and several others. He was wounded at the battle of Chattanooga, shot through the hips, and he has not been a perfect man since that date. He was honorably discharged September, 1864. He then returned to his home in Illinois, and was married Decem- ber 7, 1864, to Miss M. Lacey, and from this union have six children living: Varazill A., Harvey, Ida A., Arthur, Charles W. and Clara; hav- ing lost two: Isabelle and George W. In 1866 he moved to Van Buren county, Iowa, where he lived for about five years. He then moved to Johnson county, Missouri, in 1871, locating where he now lives, where he owns a fine farm of 340 acres, with good buildings. He is a member of the M. E. church.


ROBERT M. MAXWELL,


farmer and stock raiser; P. O. Montserrat. Born in Madison county, Kentucky, April 6, 1821. His father, Thomas J. Maxwell, was a native of Virginia; born in 1777, and emigrated to Kentucky in an early day. In 1818 he made a trip to Missouri to see the country, and in 1826 moved here with his family, settling in Howard county, and died the following year. Robert's mother was also from Virginia; she continued to live in Howard county, Mo., after the death of her husband, till the spring of 1834, went to Cooper county, remaining two years; then in the spring of 1837, came to Johnson county, settling near Knobnoster; several years thereafter she went to live with her children in Howard county, and in 1857 she returned to Johnson; and in 1859 she died, at the age of eighty- one years. Robert M., the youngest of fourteen children, was married to Louisiana J. Tebbs, daughter of George Tebbs, in 1841. She died in 1857, leaving six children: Lucinda J., George T., Sarah E., James M., William T. and Robert F. George T. died January, 1862, and James died August 5, 1866. He married for his second wife, in 1857, Mrs. Mary A. Lyle, a native of Kentucky. She was born September 20, 1833, and when she married Mr. M., had four children: John L., George T., Charles S. L. and Joshua L. By this union they had nine children, (two of whom died in infancy:) Mary S., Isaac, Amanda C., Jefferson C., Anna, Lucy and Ernest. Mr. and Mrs. M. are members of the Cumberland Presby- terian church. Mr. M. has held important offices in his township, among which were constable and justice of the peace.


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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


JACOB L. NEFF,


P. O. Fayetteville; was born in Alleghany county, Maryland, May 15, 1822. His father, John Neff, was a native of Maryland, and was an exten- sive coal dealer, and resided in his native state until his death, in 1879. Jacob remained in his native state until 1843, when he came to Missouri, and purchased land, in what is now known as Simpson township, and then returned to Maryland, and was married to Miss A. Koontz, who died in 1851, leaving three children: John H., Harriet and Charles A. Mr. Neff was again married to Miss Catherine Atherton. By this union they have five children: George M., Sarah E., Elmore P., Emma A. and Gir- tie B. Mr. N. owns a farm, which contains 420 acres, 300 in cultivation, with a good, substantial residence. He is one of the largest wheat growers of the township. Mr. and Mrs Neff are both members of the M, E. church, South.


WM. A. POLLOCK,


P. O. Fayetteville. Was born in Lincoln county, Kentucky, February 25, 1818 His father was a cotton spinner by trade, and a native of Ire- land. At the age of twenty-seven, W. A. Pollock was married to Miss Margaret J. Davis, and reared a family consisting of five boys and four girls. He resided in Lincoln county, near Stanford, the county seat, until the fall of 1867, when he removed to Johnson county, Missouri, where he has since remained. His farm contains 327 acres of land, with 125 acres in cultivation. Mr. Pollock took no part in the civil war, but remained on his farm, pursuing his rustic occupation. The travelers who by chance stop under his hospitable roof, are entertained in a pleasant and lively manner by his reminiscences of his early days in old Kentucky. His high character for honesty and generosity are widely known.


SALATHIEL H. TAGGART,


Warrensburg, Mo. Born on the 8th day of April, 1822, in North Caro- lina. His father Jessie R. Taggart, and mother Rachel Davidson, were natives of the state of Maryland, and were of English extraction. His father died when the Captain was eighteen years of age, and his mother three years after. About one year and a half after the death of his father, the family moved to Missouri, and settled in Lafayette county, where the Captain remained for twenty years engaged in farming. For a few years after coming to Missouri, he worked out at very low wages. Being pos- sessed of more than ordinary energy and perseverence, he in three years time, secured at first eighty-five acres of native soil, and in a short time his farm contained 155 acres. At the age of twenty-seven he was married The fruit of this marriage was two daughters and one son, all of whom have been taken away bydeath. The son died in infancy, one daughter


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at the age of two years, and the other daughter at the age of twenty-one. The Captain sold out in Lafayette county, and moved into Johnson county, in 1865, purchased 24712 acres of good land, where he now resides. He has increased his farm to 320 acres, and has bought other farms, so that now Capt. Taggart is the lawful owner of 1027 acres of good prairie and timber land, and the valuation of his real and personal property amounts to nearly $35,000. Starting in life without anything, no help but a strong constitution and an indomitable will power, and without speculation of any kind, he has accumulated all in about thirty-five years. Mrs. Taggart, the mother, and his three children have all died, leaving him without heirs. In a short time he married Miss Deborah Day, the daughter of Richard and Sarah Day, who are living in Johnson county. They had five child- ren named as follows: Ameda R., who died in her third year, Geo. W., James A., Sammie D., (the next, not named, died very young,) Bessie S. and Frances W. Mr. Taggart was appointed the Captain of a company of the militia of the state, hence the title of Captain.


RICHARD H. WOOD,.


farmer, Simpson township. Was born in Johnson county, in February, 1841. He was married in Dec., 1867, to Sarah D. Pemberton, daughter of Thomas H. Pemberton, of Saline county, an early and prominent settler of that county. By this union they have five children living: Edward, Sarah, Richard, Tommie, and James M. The oldest died while young. Mr. Wood served three years in the Confederate army under Joe Shelby, and was in thirty engagements, and did not receive a scratch. He was also in Price's raid in 1864. He owns a magnificent farm of 200 acres, with a good substantial residence, and a fine barn. He has lived most of the time on the old homestead, and has been very successful. He is a sober, moral, hard-working, energetic man, and a scientific farmer. He is a hospitable and kind neighbor, never seeking notoriety.


HAZEL HILL TOWNSHIP.


WM. B. AMES,


farmer and stock raiser. P. O. Warrensburg. Was born Jan. 17, 1825, in Litchfield county, Conn. He resided at home on a farm till he was seventeen, then commenced teaching in the winter, and followed that pro- fession for twenty-five years. His success as an efficient teacher was excellent. He was married May 3, 1848, to Miss Clara L., daughter of Nobel Allen, Esq. They have six children: Olive S., Frank N., Wil- liam C., Nellie C., Herbert L. and Maud. Olive S. and Nellie C. are dead; the other children are living at home. Mr. A. has honorably filled


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several public offices both in Connecticut and since coming to Missouri. He was twice elected to the general assembly of Connecticut, was asses- sor for some time, and magistrate for twenty years, in his native state. In 1869, he located on his present farm, which is about seven miles north of Warrensburg. His land comprises a tract of about 350 acres. Since residing here he has been honored with the office of justice of the county court, and several other positions in the gift of his township and the county. His house with all its contents burned March 8, 1877. Mr. A. is an intelligent, sociable and generous citizen, well deserving the good name which he bears among all who know him.


CHARLES H. BALDWIN,


section 36, P. O. Warrensburg. The subject of this sketch was born Jan. 19, 1829, in Loudon county, Va., and in 1844, he moved to Kentucky, where he remained until 1859, when he came to Johnson county. He now owns a farm of 300 acres of fine land in Hazel Hill township. He is a consistent church member and upright citizen. The reward of his honest toil and frugal economy is seen in his wide cultivated lands and well stocked farm. He is well esteemed by his neighbors for his many manly qualities.


JOHN W. CLEAVELAND,


farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Fayetteville. Was born in Jefferson county, Ky., April 7, 1840, and received his early education at the com- mon schools. He was married to Miss Emma J. Dyer, daughter of M. Dyer, Esq., Nov. 14, 1858. Their family consists of Mary A., Virginia F., Lizzie, Nora, Martha A., Miles E., John W., George F., Berry H. and Maud M. In 1876, Mr. C. was elected township collector, which position he held with credit. The farm where he resides contains 205 acres, all of which is under cultivation. He also owns 200 acres in differ- ent parts of the county. Mr. and Mrs. C. are both faithful members of the Christian church. Mr. Cleaveland is a successful farmer, and a highly respected citizen.


JAMES D. DYER,


farmer and stock raiser, section 36, P. O. Fayetteville, Johnson county, Mo. Was born in Warren county, Ky., near Bowling Green, on the 20th day of August, 1837. At the age of seven he removed with his parents to Lafayette county, Mo., where he remained with his parents until the age of 23. His education was confined to the common schools of the county. His parents, who were natives of Kentucky, were honest, frugal and industrious, instilling the same spirit into their children, which was of great utility to them in after life. While living in Kentucky, the elder


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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


Dyer was engaged in farming and raising horses and mules, and driving them to Mobile and other southern markets, which was a very lucrative business. After moving to Missouri with his family, Mr. M. W. Dyer, the father of this sketch, continued the pursuit of farming and raising stock, until the present year. James Dyer, Esq., was married on the seventh day of August, 1860, to Miss Mary R. Greer, of Johnson county, Mo., the daughter of Alexander Greer, Esq. Mrs. Dyer possesses the integral characteristic of the Greer family, ever ready to assist in acts of kindness and charity. In 1861, he purchased 80 acres of land in section 36, town- ship 48, range 26, Johnson county, and moved on to it the same year, which was the commencement of the civil war. During the next few years he did nothing in the way of improvements, losing all he had in the way of stock, etc. In 1866, having left the state, he returned to his place to commence anew where he has lived ever since. Having been raised a farmer, he has followed that occupation until the present, adding farm to farm until his present possessions amount to 320 acres of good rich lands. In connection with farming, he has made stock raising a specialty, feeding and selling from 50 to 100 head of cattle each year .. They have eight living children, as follows: Alonzo M., Inez Z., Mattie M., Escobedo, Noah J., Alexander J., Miles A. and a son not named .. They have lost two boys and one daughter in infancy. The oldest daughter, with the parents are members of the church of Christ. Their Christian deportment and strict integrity make them useful citizens, and -their influence for good is felt in the community.


G. L. MOCK, M. D.,


Hazel Hill township, P. O. Fayetteville, was born in Washington town- ship, of this county, December 29, 1850. Son of Jacob M. and Ann O. Mock. When the subject of this sketch was a very small child, his. parents removed to North Carolina, where they resided till 1856, then removed to Pettis county, Missouri, and, in 1859, to Knobnoster, Johnson county. Dr. Mock commenced the study of medicine with Dr. L. H. Wil- liams, of Pettis county, in April, 1872, and graduated from the St. Louis. Medical College in 1874. He then went to Freedom township, Lafayette county, where he practiced medicine two years. In 1876 he came to Fay- etteville, where he has since pursued his profession. He was married, April 30, 1874, to Miss Ella Bigley. They have one child, Annie Myrtle .. Dr. Mock has the esteem and confidence of his neighbors, and proves him- self one of Johnson county's best physicians.


JASPER E. NEWTON,


P. O. Fayetteville, was born in Johnson county, Missouri, October 23, 1847. Son of John Newton, Esq., a resident of Warrensburg. The sub-


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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


ject of this sketch was educated at Prairie Home College, Cooper county,. Missouri. He was married to Miss Florence, daughter of James F. Parker, Esq., April 17, 1870. They have four children: James M., Stella M., Emmet P., Celetia A. The father and mother are both mem- bers of the C. P. church. Notwithstanding he was well educated for a business life, he chose farming as his occupation, in which he has been very successful. His farm contains about 408 acres, situated a few miles west of Fayetteville, and is nearly all under cultivation. Mr. Newton is always ready to assist in any educational cause, or other public enterprise .. He is an honest, industrious, and upright gentleman, surrounded by a pleasant family.




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