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 106

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 106


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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


JOHN E. LONG.


Among the most successful farmers and worthy citizens of Jackson township may be mentioned Mr. Long, who was born in Alleghany county, Maryland, November 4, 1821. His father and mother were both natives of Virginia. His father was born in 1792, and his mother in 1788. They raised a family of five children. His father died in 18-, and his mother June 30, 1881. John E. Long, the subject of this sketch, lived in his native state until grown to manhood. He received a very limited edu- cation at the subscription schools. He went to the state of Illinois in 1849, where he engaged to work at the carpenter's trade, which he followed for ten years, after which he engaged in farming, and worked at his trade at intervals. He was married to Miss Rebecca C. Peer, daughter of John Peer, Esq., in 1851. He continued to reside in Adams county, Illinois, until the spring of 1869, when he moved to Johnson county, Missouri, and stopped one year in the then thriving little town of Holden. On the fol- lowing year he purchased and moved onto his present farm, of 240 acres of choice land, of which 180 acres are under cultivation, and the balance in timber. He has erected on his farm a good residence and large barn, with all the necessary out-buildings. His shop, which stood near his resi- dence, with all his tools, was burned in 1881. He is one of the most active as well as one of the most liberal men of his township. He con- tributed largely in money and labor to his church building-Wesley Chapel-of which he is the architect. He and his wife are both members of the M. E. church. His family consists of five boys: Charles E., Harry W., Ora E. and Ira E., twins, and Willie H. Mr. Long is a good neighbor, an affectionate father, a true Christian, and an honest and hon- ored man.


PAUL McNEEL,


P. O. Odessa, who stands prominent among the citizens of this township, was born in Nicholas county, Virginia, May 27, 1840. Isaac McNeel, his father, who is also a Virginian by birth, and emigrated to Missouri in 1852, was born 1814. His mother was born in the same state, and died in this county, 1878. Paul's parents settled first in Davis county, this state, where they remained until the close of the war, when they moved to Lafayette county, and to this county in 1868. Paul, the subject of this notice, came to this county in 1869, and purchased his present farm, but did not move on to it until 1881. He has just built a neat and handsome residence on a sightly spot, with a very beautiful surrounding. His farm contains 140 acres of land, lying near Rock ford, on Black Water. In 1878 Mr. McNeel was married to Miss Minnie Yankee, daughter of David Yankee. They have one son, Otha. Mr. McNeel is a successful stock-


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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


dealer as well as a feeder. Mrs. McNeel is a worthy member of the Baptist church.


A. G. MAXWELL,


P. O. Pittsville, Jackson township; an enterprising farmer of this town- ship, was born in Rockingham county, North Carolina, February 27, 1824. Samuel Maxwell, his father, was a native of the same county and state. In 1844 he emigrated to Missouri, and settled in Lafayette county, and died the same year. A. G.'s mother was a native of North Carolina, and died in the same state, 1843. His grandfather, on his mother's side, was from Ireland. His grandfather on his father's side, was born in Pennsylvania, and was one of the pioneers of North Carolina. A. G., who is our subject, after the death of his father, set out in life for himself, engaging in farming, and was married to Miss Duley Harmon, daughter of Lewis Harmon, in 1857, in Lafayette county, where he remained until 1868, when he moved to Johnson county, and settled on his present farm of 200 acres of well improved land, with substantial buildings. Mrs. M. died in 1868, leaving four children: Cora A., Samuel L., Albert P. and Robert E. In 1878 Mr. M. again married Mrs. Susan F. Merrill, daughter of Joseph Smith. By this union were born two daughters: Minnie S: and Ethlene P. Mrs. M. had three children by her former husband: Joseph A., Flora A. and W. H. Merrill. Mr. Maxwell is a successful wheat grower, and among one of the best stock raisers in his township; is a man who has set a good example, and is much respected.


W. T. MILLER,


assistant postmaster of Pittsville, was born in Johnson county, August 24, 1850. He received a limited education at the common schools. W. E. Miller, his father, was a well-to-do farmer, born in Ray county, Ten- nessee. Emigrated to Missouri in 1840, and settled near Pittsville, on Black water. In 1858, moved on to the homestead now occupied by the widow and the family. Mr. Miller died in 1879. The farm contains 180 acres. Mr. Miller was for many years before his death, a prominent member of the M. E. church, South. W. T. Miller's mother was born in Lafayette county, this state, and was the daughter of Judge Emmons, who was one of the earliest settlers of Missouri. W. T.'s mother raised a family of nine children, all of whom are living: James A., Baxter M., J. H., J. E., C. C., John, Anna J., Ella and Wm. T., who is the eldest son, and our subject; he has charge of the farm; also has a clerkship at Holt Davis' store, which position he has held for several years in the same store. Mr. Miller is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge, and is a man of sterling integrity.


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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


J. A. O'BRYAN,


P. O. Holden; a prosperous and respectable farmer of this township, was born in Cooper county, Missouri, July, 1843. His father, J. T. O'Bryan, was a native of North Carolina, born in 1819. His parents emigrated to Missouri in 1838, and settled in Cooper county, where he remained until 1849, when he went to California, and was gone until 1859, when he returned. He moved to Johnson county in the spring of 1867, and died the following year, on the farm now owned by James A. The mother of the subject of this sketch was born in Missouri, and was the daughter of James A. Revis, one of the first settlers of Cooper county. James A, was educated in the county district school until eighteen years of age. when he went to Prof. Kemper's select school at Boonville, where he attended several terms. He then went to Eureka College, Illinois; after leaving this he read law, and soon after turned his attention to farming, which he has followed successfully ever since. He owns a fine farm near Whalebuck Ridge, of 320 acres, with a large and spacious residence. In 1877 he married Miss E. G. Lowery, daughter of Dr. Lowery, of Holden They have three children: Richard, Edith and Estell.


JACOB PFAUTZ.


Among the most wealthy, industrious and enterprising citizens of Jack- son township, may be mentiened Mr. Pfautz, born in the city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, January 1, 1824, of German and French extraction. His great-great-grandfather was Alesael, and belonged to the Huguenots, and came to Philadelphia in 1716. His grandfather on his father's side was from Switzerland, and spoke the German language, and came to Lancaster in 1720. Jacob's father was a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and was born in 1785. His mother was also a native of Lancaster county, and his father worked for and aided Gen. Washington. Jacob, our subject, was educated at Litiz, Pennsylvania. His father was a merchant, and failed in business, consequently Jacob was thrown on his own resources. Commencing life poor, he struggled with poverty and adversity, but with an iron will, backed by industry and great energy, he has succeeded in accumulating a large amount of this world's goods. He has a fine house near Lisbon, Iowa, where his son and daughter are living. He has a large amount in government bonds, also a fine farm in Jackson township, of 444 acres, and one of the choicest orchards in the county. He married, in 1855, Miss R. Hammer, a native of Maryland. She died in 1863, leaving two children: John M. and Mary E., who is a lady of rare accomplish- ments. Mr. Pfautz is a pleasant, affable gentleman.


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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


WILLIAM B. PEMBERTON.


Among the prominent and worthy citizens and successful farmers of Jackson township may be mentioned Mr. Pemberton, who was born in Barron county, Kentucky, January 30, 1843. His father and mother were both natives of New York, and emigrated to Missouri in 1846, when Wil- liam B. was only three years of age, and settled in Johnson county. They raised a family of three children, one older and one younger than William B., all of whom are still living. His father died September 27, 1879. His mother is still living and enjoys moderate health. William B. was married October 17, 1867, to Miss Margaret L. Renick, daughter of William Ren- ick, of this county. She was born October 4, 1844. From this union they


had four children: Martha J., Nellie A., Maggie L. and Johnson W. Mrs. Pemberton died April 7, 1877. She was a member of the M. E. church, south. Mr. Pemberton was married again, October 1, 1878, to Miss Price, daughter of Adam Price, of this county. She was born Sep- tember 22, 1844. Mr. Pemberton is a farmer by occupation; for the last ten years he has been a successful stock dealer and feeder. He has 260 acres of choice land, 240 in cultivation, with good dwelling house and out buildings. He enlisted in the Confederate army in the fall of 1861, and remained until the fall of 1863. He then went to Montana, and remained / until the fall of 1866. While there he was engaged in mining, and was very successful. He was educated at the common schools, and com- menced his career in meager circumstances. Mr. and Mrs. Pemberton are both members of the M. E. church, south.


MERIDETH RICE,


P. O. Pittsville. Among the enterprising citizens of Jackson township, , may be mentioned Merideth Rice, who was born in Madison county, Ky., April 11, 1825. His parents were both natives of Virginia. His father died in 1863. His mother died in 1862. Merideth, the subject of this sketch, came from Kentucky to Missouri in 1869, and settled in Johnson county, near where he lives at the present time. He was married Aug. 25, 1868, to Miss Catherine A. Nelson, daughter of Archibald Nelson, of Green county, East Tennessee. Mr. Rice has a family of six children, viz: Minnie B., Charles L., Beauregard, Joseph, Laura S. and Merideth. Mr. R. has 120 acres of good land. He is a successful stock raiser and dealer, and while in Kentucky he drove horses, cattle and mules from Kentucky into Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Ala- bama and Florida. He was elected assessor of Jackson township, and served one term, giving general satisfaction. He was appointed consta- ble for the same township in the spring of 1877, and was elected to the same office in 1878, and re-elected in 1880. Mr. R. commenced his edu- cation at the subscription schools, and finished with a two years' course at the Richmond Seminary, Ky. He commenced his career with small cap- ital. Mrs. R. is a member of the M. E. church, south.


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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


.


SAMUEL RICE,


P. O. Pittsville. Among the prominent men of this township, is Mr. Rice, who was born in Madison county, Ky., in 1830. James Rice, his father, was also a native of the same state, born in Fayetteville, and was an extensive stock dealer. He continued to reside in Kentucky till his death in 1863. His mother, who was the daughter of Thos. Turner, was also born in Kentucky. Samuel's grandfather was a prominent Presbyterian minister. Our subject, Mr. S. Rice, came to Missouri at the age of 23 years, to seek his fortune, and settled in the state in 1854, and stopped on Clear Fork. In the spring of 1856, he settled on his present farm, and has been quite successful as an agriculturist. In 1869, he married Miss Susan R. Easley, of Jackson county, Mo. The results of this union are four boys and two girls: Wm., Carrie, James, Mary, Thomas, and Mil- ler. Mr. Rice and his worthy wife are both members of the Baptist church. Mr. Rice owns a good farm of 356 acres, with good substantial buildings. In 1861, Mr. R. entered the confederate army, with Gen. Cockrell as captain, and served four years, and was in many fiercely fought battles, and was taken prisoner at Vicksburg. In politics he is a democrat. Is a man of strong convictions, is a good neighbor and an honorable citizen.


JOSEPH SLACK,


P. O. Chapel Hill, Mo. Among the most worthy citizens of Jackson township, is Mr. Joseph Slack, who was born in Kentucky, March 15, 1825. His father, John Slack, was a native of Kentucky; his mother was also a native of Kentucky. They immigrated to Illinois in 1827, when Joseph (the subject of this sketch) was only two years old. Joseph remained with his parents and moved with them to Iowa in 1851; they settled at Hartford, Warren county, at which place his parents both died; his mother in 1863, his father in 1871. Joseph was married, Nov. 13, 1851, to Miss Clarkey B. Taylor, daughter of Rev. David Taylor, a prominent Baptist minister, who came to Cass county, this state, in 1871, where he died, Oct. 22, 1881, at the advanced age of 85 years, having been a preacher of the gospel for 50 years. Joseph moved to Johnson county, Mo., in Aug., 1870, and settled in Jackson township. He has 148 acres of choice land, 120 acres in cultivation, with good substantial buildings. He is one of the successful farmers and stock raisers of his neighborhood. He is a worthy member of the Grange at Chapel Hill, No. 560. He commenced his career a poor boy. Mr. and Mrs. Slack have ten children living, viz: Mary E., John M., Sarah E., Jennie, Nancy. L., Joseph W., Cora C., Ida May, James F. and Thos. J. Mary E. was married Dec. 19, 1873, to Addison C. Ridings. Sarah E. was married Jan. 15, 1879, to B. B. Chambers. Mr. and Mrs. Slack and Jennie and Cora, are all members of the Baptist church. Mr. Slack is a cousin to Gen. Slack, who was killed in the battle of Pea Ridge.


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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


JOHN C. SPARKS,


P. O. Chapel Hill, Mo. Among the enterprising and successful farmers of Jackson township, may be mentioned Mr. John C. Sparks, who was born in Surry county, North Carolina, June 5, 1815. His father, Joel Sparks, and his mother were both natives of North Carolina. John C., the subject of this notice, went from his native state to Indiana in 1836; then to Missouri in 1842, stopping in Lafayette county. He was mar- ried July 9, to Miss Sarah M. Cobb, daughter of Maurice Cobb of this county. She was born, April 30, 1831, in Surry county, N. C. Mr. Sparks continued to reside in Lafayette county, until 1871, when he moved to this county, and settled in Jackson township. He has 257 acres of land, of which 165 acres are in cultivation, with good residence, barn and out buildings. He received his education at subscription schools in North Carolina. He commenced his career with no fortune except an untiring energy, and a pair of willing hands, and has never received any legacy. He (John C.) is father of thirteen children, all living, viz: Martha M., Maurice E., Arminda E., Joel W., Sarah C., Mira J., John R., Mary E., Hattie A., Rosa B., Samuel N., Charley W. and Walter W. Sarah C. was married March 3, 1875, to Frank Brannock. Mira J. was married Dec. 13, 1874, to Edward Hampton. Arminda A. was married March 4, 1880, to Frank Buelle. Hattie A. was married August 1, 1880, to David Sisk. Martha M. was married in the fall of 1865, to Aaron Col- lins. Maurice E. was married in 1875, to Miss Amanda Brooks. Joel W. was married in 1877, to Miss - John R. was married in 1879, to Miss Cassie Alambaw. Mr. John C. and wife are both members of the M. E. church.


CHARLES C. SMITH,


P. O. Pittsville. A prosperous farmer and stock dealer, was born in John- son county, Mo., January 6, 1838. His father, Joseph Smith, was origin- ally from Virginia, and born in 1810, and immigrated to Missouri in 1817, and was captain of a company of militia during the Mexican war. His mother, who is a native of Tennessee, was born in 1809, and her maiden name was Nancy Beck. Mr. Chas. Smith's father died in 1857. Chas. C. was raised and educated on a farm. When 19 years of age he com- menced business for himself, and has been very successful as a stock dealer. In 1861, he entered the confederate army, Gen. Shelby command- ing, and served until the close of the war, and participated in several bat- tles. In 1865, returned home and engaged in farming, and in 1871 was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie McNeel. The result of this union is two sons, Marlin P. and Charley S. Mr. S. owns a fine farm of 280 acres of land, 160 well improved with neat residence, a first class barn and other out buildings. Mr. Smith and his worthy wife are both members of the M. E. church, south.


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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


A. W. STARKEY,


was born in Washington county, Ohio, in May, 1830. His father, Stephen Starkey, was born in Hampton county, Virginia, and emigrated to Ohio in 1824, where he resided until 1854, when he emigrated to Missouri in the same fall, and settled on a farm on section 25, containing 300 acres, all well improved, and where he continued to live until a short time before his death in 1879. Mr. A. W. Starkey's mother was a native of Penn- sylvania. His grandfather on his mother side, was one of the children left after the Wyoming massacre, and his grandfather on his father's side was a volunteer soldier, who died in Mud Fort. A. W. Starkey, our sub- ject, came to Missouri in 1854, and in 1856 went to Mississippi wherehe engaged in teaching, and continued until 1861, when he returned to Mis- souri, and spent one year with his father. He has devoted a greater part of his life to teaching. He was principal of a school in. Quincy, Illinois, for twelve years, after which he spent some time in traveling through the western states. In 1859 he married Miss E. B. Bywater of Quincy, Illi- nois. By this union they have one son and daughter: Fannie M. and George S. Mr. Starkey is now occupying the old homestead.


HENRY C. VIOLETT,


P. O. Chapel Hill. He is a native of Johnson county, Missouri, and was born July 14, 1843. He is a son of Willis H. Violett, who is now living in Johnson county, and who settled in this county, near Pittsville, in the spring of 1839, and is a native of Kentucky. Henry's father married Miss Sallie Ann Windsor, also a native of Kentucky. Six children were born to them: Thomas E., Henry C., John H. and Mary E. are living. The two youngest died in infancy. He was born in 1818, and at the age of 15 commenced to learn the blacksmith's trade, which occupation he has followed up to the present time. Henry learned from his father, the art of shoeing horses, sharpening a plow, &c. He carries on farming in a systematic and practical manner, to which his neat farm and residence, and its pleasant surroundings, give abundant proof. He was married on Nov. 12, 1865, to Miss Mary J. Yankee, and their home has been gladdened with four children; two of them died in infancy. The other two, a son and a daughter, Willie and Annie E. are living. Mr. Violett's education is that of the common schools of the county. He served four months under J. V. Cockrell during the war, and was in the battle of Lexington in September, 1862. He is a member of the M. E. church, south.


L. M. WINDSOR,


farmer, Jackson township; postoffice, Holden, Missouri. Was born in Johnson county, Missouri, May, 1843. John Windsor, his father, was a native of North Carolina. At the age of sixteen he left his native state and went to Kentucky, where he lived until he came to Missouri, which was at an early day. He came to Johnson county the following year after the county was formed and named, and first settled near where Columbus now stands. Shortly afterward he moved to that part of the


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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


county now known as the Jackson and, Madison township line, and con- tinued to live on the old homestead until his death, which occurred on February 13, 1872. L. M. Windsor's mother was a native of Kentucky. Her maiden name was Elizabeth Barrett. She was married in Johnson county, and died February 26, 1874. L. M. spent his early youth on a farm. His early education was limited to the inferior schools of that day. At the age of cighteen he entered the union army and served until the close of the war, when he returned to his home in this county where he since. He was married in 1868 to Miss M. J. Givons, a native of Kentucky, and daughter of Alexander Givons. By this union they have three children: Robert A., John and Mary E. Mrs. Windsor is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.


JOHN WINFREY,


farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Pittsville. Mr. Winfrey was born in North Carolina, September 10, 1820. His father, Thomas Winfrey, died just before he was of age, in February, 1838. His mother died in February, 1840. There were brothers and sisters as follows: Nancy, John, Simon, Caleb, Eunice, Isaac and Thomas H. Three are dead: Simon, Isaac and Thomas. The other four are living in Missouri. John Winfrey, our subject, came to Missouri in April, 1851, and settled on a farm, a part of which he bought, and a part he entered, and has since resided there, and his intelligence, integrity, and generosity have secured to him the respect of all who know him. He was married, December 15, 1842, to Miss Jane A. Martin. They have no children of their own, but have generously opened their hearts and home to the care of orphan children, which admirable quality deserves special mention. During their stay in Missouri the following persons, once ophaned children, five in number, have been special objects of their care, all of whom they reared from youth up to manhood, respectability and woman's noblest sphere: Wil- liam Carlyle and his sister, Lydia, were the first. William was five years old when this good couple took him to their home. He is now a promi- nent and well-to-do farmer, near to his foster home. William Sparks and his sister, Mary R., were the next who went to live with them. William's education was not neglected. He attended the State Normal School at War- rensburg, and is now one of the prominent teachers of Jackson township, and also a member of the Baptist church, and worker in the Sunday school of that church at Elm Spring. Jessie Alexander was the fifth and last homeless orphan which this estimable couple cared for. He was quite young when they took him, and still lives with them. He is a relative of Gen. Morgan, of late war fame. Mr. Winfrey has been justice of the peace for twenty-one years. He was postmaster of Basin Knob postoffice for eleven years. He and his wife are both members of the Baptist denomination, and hold their membership with the Elm Spring congrega- tion. In politics he is one of the leading republicans of his township.


Constitution of the State of Missouri,


ADOPTED BY A VOTE OF THE PEOPLE, OCTOBER 30, 1875. WENT INTO OPERATION NOVEMBER 30, 1875.


PREAMBLE.


We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for his goodness, do, for the better government of the state, establish this constitution.


ARTICLE I .- BOUNDARIES.


SECTION 1. The boundaries of the state as heretofore established by law, are hereby ratified and confirmed. The state shall have concurrent jurisdiction on the river Mississippi, and every other river bordering on the state, so far as the said rivers shall form a common boundary to this state and any other state or states; and the river Mississippi and the navigable rivers and waters leading to the same, shall be common highways, and forever free to the citizens of this state and of the United States, without any tax, duty, import or toll therefor, imposed by this state.


ARTICLE II .- BILL OF RIGHTS.


In order to assert our rights, acknowledge our duties, and proclaim the principles on which our government is founded, we declare:


SECTION 1. That all political power is vested in, and derived from the people ; that all government of right originates from the people, is. founded upon their will only, and is instituted solely for the good of the whole.


SEC. 2. That the people of this state have the inherent, sole and exclu- sive right to regulate the internal government and police thereof, and to alter and abolish their constitution and form of government whenever they may deem it necessary to their safety and happiness: Provided, Such change be not repugnant to the constitution of the United States.


SEC. 3. That Missouri is a free and independent state, subject only to the constitution of the United States; and as the preservation of the states and the maintenance of their governments, are necessary to an indestructible Union, and were intended to co-exist with it, the legislature is not authorized to adopt, nor will the people of this state ever assent to any amendment or change of the constitution of the United States which may in any wise impair the right of local self-government belonging to the people of this state.




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