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 80

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 80

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

M. T. CLEMENT,

was born in Worcester county, Massachusetts, Sept. 1, 1818. His father was a native of the same State and died when W. T. was about 8 years of age. He was brought up on the farm and received a fair education at the common schools of that day. When about 20 years of age he removed to Michigan, near the city of Ann Harbor. He came to this county in 1868. He was married in 1849 to Nancy Tolbert of New York. They have 8 children living; Theodore, William, Charly, Josephine, Asa, Henry, Eliza and May. His farm is pretty well improved and consists of 220 acres. For several years he was connected with the Lumber interests in Pennsylvania, and was resident of that State for some time.

LOTT COFFMAN,

was born in Fayette county, Ohio, August, 1815. He was left an orphan, and after fifteen years of age was educated at Oxford College, Ohio, by his uncle, who lived in Kentucky. Was a graduate from that institution, and soon after taught school in Indiana; from there he came to Lexing- ton, Missouri, and studied law with Judge Ryland and Sawyer. Was judge of the court at Kansas City, and connty surveyor of Jackson county for a number of years. When Kansas was made a State he was the pub- lic surveyor; was one of the commissioners who accompanied the Shaw- nees to Washington as an agent. In 1865 came to Johnson county, and bought a farm near Centerview, and afterward bought the one Mrs. Coff- man now lives on near the city of Warrensburg. He was married to Miss Nancy Wade, a daughter of Samuel Wade, an old and respected citizen, now living in Jackson county; she is a native of Kentucky. They have four children living: Luther, Anna L., who is a teacher at Kansas City, Mittie and Early. Mr. Coffman died February 11, 1880. No man in the community was held in higher esteem, and his death was the occa- sion of sorrow among an extensive range of friends who had learned by long years of personal interview with him, that he was a man of worth and integrity. Mrs. Coffman has a fine home, the farm consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, well improved. She is a lady of fine social qualities and makes all who enter her dwelling feel grateful for her kind hospitality.

WILLIAM E. CRISSEY,

of the firm of Crissey & Hunt, abstractors; was born in Winchester county, New York, on the twenty-seventh day of February, 1840. His father, Theodore, was a native of Connecticut. He emigrated to Michi- gan in 1845, where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1867. The subject of this sketch spent his youth upon the farm; when quite young he began his course as a teacher, and followed this for several years. In

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

1866 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Dota, daughter of David C. Dota, of Bay county, Michigan. They have three children living: Maud D., Nellie D. and Mary E. Mr. Crissey became a resident of Warrensburg, Missouri, in 1865, and in 1871 engaged in the business of examining titles and abstracts. Personally Mr. Crissey is kind and affable, and as a neighbor is much respected. Mr. and Mrs. Crissey are acceptable members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has for many years been an official member.

H. A. CRESS,

dentist, Holden Street, Warrensburg. Dr. Cress established his pres- ent business here in 1870, and now, in connection with Dr. A. C. Griggs, does a good business. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in New Cas- tle, Lawrence county, and when about the age of six moved with his par- ents to Mahoning county, Ohio, where they resided till 1868, then came to Warrensburg. His professional training was obtained at Pittsburg, and in this city. His father, George Cress, a native of Virginia, at one time was a proprietor of the buckeye mowing machine. He died in Warrensburg, January, 1881. His mother, Diadamia Kirkpatrick, was a native of Pennsylvania, and died in this city January, 1880. Mr. Cress is a young man possessing high social attainments as well as uncommon skill in his profession.

JOHN DAVIS,

retired merchant and capitalist; born in Noble county, Kentucky, April 23, 1818. He continued in his native county until 1837, during which time he attended a private school, securing a good English education. In 1837 he emigrated to Missouri and stopped in what is now known as Cass county, his next move was to Johnson county where he has been a resi- dent ever since, with the exception of a few years. Soon after his arrival at this place he engaged in the mercantile business which he successfully followed until 1854, when he returned to Cass county. He did a large and successful business and established an enviable reputation for hon- esty and fair dealing, seldom, if ever, oppressing any one, it being always a pleasure to him to befriend those in pressing want. In 1856 he settled on a large tract of land, inclosing a large portion of his land with a good fence, he erected a fine and substantial residence and continued to live on his farm until the war broke out in 1861. In 1867 when times became more settled, Mr. Davis identified himself with the banking business, which he continues to the present time. On the seventeenth day of November, 1857, was united in marriage to Miss Sallie J. Colbern, the daughter of Henry Colbern, Esq. They have had three sons, all of whom are dead. Mr. Davis 'is a plain, unassuming man, one of those genial and noble-

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

hearted Kentuckians, and a citizen of whom Warrensburg has reason to be proud.

JOHN E. DODDS,

farmer; post-office, Warrensburg. Was born in Butler county, Pennsyl- vania, January 26, 1814, where he resided until he arrived at manhood. He was married in southern Illinois November 9, 1840, to Emily Winter. They have five children: E. E. Maxwell, Laura McDonald, William A. Dodds, Benton Dodds, and Josiah W. Dodds. · Mr. Dodds has been an office-holder in the church, and has taken an active part in church mat- ters, and is at present engaged in writing a work entitled, " A Key to the Revelation of St. John, The Divine." Mr. Dodds came to Johnson county in April, 1868, and now resides in Warrensburg township. He is an industrious and highly respected citizen.

PROF. C. H. DUTCHER,

occupying the chair of natural science in the state normal school for the second district of Missouri. Born in Pike county, Illinois, February 17, 1841; son of S. Q. Dutcher, who was a native of New York, and came to Illinois and settled upon the open prairie in 1839. Charles H. was raised on a farm, and after attending the common schools, among which was that taught by John Shasted in Barry, he went to the Christian uni- versity at Canton, Missouri, and then to Lexington, Kentucky, and pur- sued a thorough course of study at the university, graduating in June,

1864. Prof. Dutcher then commenced teaching in Kentucky, first at Danville, coming to Missouri in 1872. He was tendered the position as teacher of natural science and latin in the normal school at Kirksville. In 1877 he was elected principal of the normal school at Cape Girardeau, where he remained till November, 1880. He then went to Butler, Bates county, and with W. E. Walton started a private banking house, with a capital of $37,000. In October, 1881, it was changed to a national bank, capital, $50,000, with Mr. Dutcher president, and Mr. Walton cashier. In the fall of 1881, out of love for the profession, he accepted the position which he now holds with such credibility. In August 1872, he was mar- ried to Miss Laura Tucker, of Jefferson county, Kentucky. They were blessed with three children: Lydia May, Flora Belle, and Edwin T. Mrs. D. died February 20, 1880, and was buried at Butler.

L. D. EVERHART,

watch-maker and jeweller. Was born November, 1842, in Salem, For- syth county, North Carolina. His father, Lewis Ferdinand Everhart, was born in the same town April 28, 1804, and died in 1854, December 19. Our subject commenced his business life at the age of thirteen, learn-

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

ing his present business, which was acquired by years of practical work. His grandfather was born May 17, 1758, and came to this country in 1799. His great grandfather was born in Prussia, December 17, 1717. The subject of this sketch came to this county in 1866, engaging in his busi- ness for ten years at Knob Noster, and thence to Warrensburg. He married a niece of the famous Kit Carson, Mrs. Fannie Rider. They have four children: Mamie L., a step daughter, Lewis C., Katie, and Henry C. Mr. Everhart's pleasing manners and genial disposition have made him a host of friends, and while he is thorough in business, does not exclude everything else. He ranks among the artists in music, is a good shot with the rifle, of which sport he is very fond. At his business house on Holden street will be found a complete and full line of goods, second to none in the state, and his success is owing altogether to this fact. Himself and wife are members of the C. P. church.

SAMUEL K. FARR,

deputy county clerk, was born in St. Clair county, Missouri, October 13, 1843. His father, Judge James K., was born in Sumner county, Tennes- see, April 22, 1804, whose father, James, was a native of Virginia, emi- grating to Tennessee in an early day, and engaging as a planter, where he died in 1834. Judge Farr received his education in the log school house of his day in Tennessee. At the age of 17 years he went to Ala- bama, where he remained until he was married in 1827, to Miss Rhoda Craig, of that state, daughter of Samuel Craig, a prominent planter. He thence went to Kentucky, and to Missouri in 1842, settling in St. Clair county, remaining one year, and permanently settling in Johnson county. Here he has remained ever since, with the exception of one year, when he went to Texas. On his return from the Lone Star State he brought his wife, father and mother, making a trip of over one thousand miles in a wagon. He entered 1,300 acres of government land. In 1847 he was elected judge of Johnson county, and served till 1861. In the following fall he was elected probate judge, and by virtue of that office he was chair- man of the county court, which he held four years. He was also a large contractor on the Missouri Pacific railroad from Sedalia west. His family consisted of six children: Wm. B., James D., Mary J., Samuel K., Safronia F., and Finis C. The subject of this sketch spent his youth on his father's farm in Chilhowee township. In 1879 was appointed deputy clerk of this county, and has filled the office with ability, making an effic- ient clerk. In politics he is a democrat; in religion a Cumberland Pres- byterian.

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

ADAM FICKAS,

among the oldest living settlers of this county, and a name which is familiar to almost every one who has had any thing to do with its pro- gress, was born in Virginia, July 17, 1799. His father Adam, and mother Eve were natives of York county, Penn., and moved to Virginia at an early day. When Adam was about five years old they moved to Henderson county, Ky., taking him with them. His father died in 1816, and mother in 1814. In the fall of 1818, in company with his sister he came to the state of Missouri, on a pack horse and stopped in Boone county for five or six years. He married Miss Susan McDonald, a native of New York, but raised in Kentucky, up to the time of her marriage. She was a daughter of Joseph McDonald. Removed to Indiana and spent about a year. Again moved to this state. When he was married his possession all told would not exceed fifty dollars, and consisted of a gun, ax, and dog. He killed all the meat he used for three years, such as black bear, deer, wild turkeys etc. He had a great many adventures in his pioneer life, one of which we will mention. In an encounter with a bear, after he had wounded it, one of his dogs was being hugged to death by it when he slipped up with a knife and saved the dog's life. For the land on which he now lives he paid three dollars an acre, but some of his farm he entered at from 122 cents to 25 cents per acre. His landed estate at present consists of about thirteen hundred acres, a large portion of which is well improved. His wife died in 1875. They had thirteen children, eight of whom are living: Levi, Jacob, James, Martha, Ann, now Mrs. Prosser, Sarah, now Mrs. Sanders, Adam, Mary, now Mrs. Beard- sley, Melinda. Was married again Oct. 31, 1875, to Miss Elizabeth Bowman, a native of Indiana, and raised in Johnson county, Missouri. She is a member of the Dunkard church, and he of the Baptist to which he has belonged more than thirty years, and been a most liberal supporter. He furnished the, lot and built at his own expense a very neat structure costing about a thousand dollars, size 24x48. Mr. Fickas although past his eighty-second birthday is a man who entertains his friends in an agree- able manner, and the hours which are spent with him are full of profit and interest. His portrait is found in this work.

CAPT. HENRY C. FIKE,

is one of the leading men in the literary, educational and religious circles of the city. He was born in Illinois, St. Clair county, near the city of Belleville, on December 21, 1832. His father, Abel Fike, who was a native of North Carolina, emigrated to Illinois about the year 1812. In 1847, Henry C. entered M. Kendre College under the presidency of Rev. E. Wentworth, and continued in this institution till 1852, when he gradu-

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

ated with honors in the full college classical course. His father died in February, 1852. After this he engaged in teaching. He accepted a position in the public school of Highland, Madison county Illinois, holding this till 1854, when he took charge of a school at a place called Union, near Mascoutah, Illinois, which he held till the spring of 1855. During the following summer he was appointed by the county court as commis- sioner to take the state census of Illinois for St. Clair county. In the fall of 1855-6, taught in the schools of Mascoutah. During the fol- lowing year he engaged in the mercantile business. In 1857 he was elected by the board of education of the public schools of Mascoutah, as principal of the same, which position he held until 1862, when he was re-elected for the following year, but resigned in order to enlist in the service of his country (in defense of the union.) He was at once appointed regimental quartermaster of 117th regiment, Illinois volunteers. He was afterwards promoted to acting. assistant quarter master, and was in sev- eral closely contested battles. Soon after the war he located at Warrens- burg where he has made it his home ever since. Soon after coming here he engaged in milling, erecting buildings in 1867. . He was married near Trenton, Ill., December 25, 1855, to Miss Lucy C. Power, an estimable lady of rare intellectual culture, whose acquaintance he formed while teaching. She was educated at the female academy of Lebanon, Illinois. Her father, Pennington Power, Esq., was an extensive land holder and farmer of Illinois. This conjugal union has been blessed by two children, the oldest dying in infancy, the second, a daughter, Miss Ellie is still liv- ing under the parental roof. Her father has given her a thorough educa- tion. She graduated in the full Normal course in the summer of 1880, and is a lady of fine mental attainments. Mr. Fike is a member of the city council and secretary of the board of regents of the state normal school at Warrensburg, vice-president of the county Sunday school asso- ciation, and a leading man in all public enterprises for the public good. In politics he is a true republican, and honest in his convictions. He is a member of the M. E. church, and superintendent of the Sunday school, and one of the most liberal supporters of the cause of christianity. He is strictly temperate in his habits. He is social and happy at the fireside, prompt in business, and quick and impulsive to duty.

ROBERT A. FOSTER,

deceased, was born in the state of South Carolina, May 9, 1812. His father was a merchant. After obtaining a good English education, the subject of this sketch pursued teaching for ten years or more. In 1836 he married Miss Jane L. Headlee, of Maury county, Tennessee, and in the fall of the same year removed to Green county, Missouri. Here he remained some time, during which he was licensed to preach in the M.

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

E. Church. Mr. Foster was also a teacher. In 1861 he was made chap- lain of his home regiment, which fought so gallantly at Lexington, and was made chaplain of the Seventh Missouri cavalry, and served till the close of the war. His death occurred at Warrensburg, March 10, 1881. Rev. Foster reared a large and influential family, all of whom, including his estimable wife, were thoroughly imbued with that high patriotic feeling which caused them to sacrifice everything on the altar of their country. Marsh Foster, their oldest son, while advocating the union cause in the court house, was murdered by a rebel sympathizer, early in the spring of 1861. Emory S. was severely wounded at the battle of Lone Jack, while fighting for the union, and his youngest brother, C. Morris, was shot through the left lung at the same battle. Melville U. was wounded at Briar Creek skirmish. The names of the eight children are: Marshall M., Emery S., Arminus A., Melville U., C. Morris, Mary J., died at the age of ten; Maggie C., now wife of Geo. S. Grover; Mattie J., now wife of W. W. Gatewood. C. Morris died in 1865, soon after being mustered out of service. Mrs. Jane L. Foster now lives in Warrensburg, a highly respected lady.

REV. CHARLES FUELLER,

pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Warrensburg, Missouri. Was born in Germany, March 19, 1836, and at the age of twelve came to the United States. Spent two and a half years in Baltimore, two and a half years in New York, and two years in St. Louis. He graduated from Westmin- ster College, at Fulton, Missouri, in 1861, and from the Princeton Theo- logical Seminary in 1864. His first pastorate was four years at Hannibal, then four years at Mexico, two years at Oxford, Ohio, three years at Hills- boro, Illinois, and came to Warrensburg, December 21, 1877. He was married to Miss Ann R., daughter of Rev. F. B. McElroy, November 15, 1866, at Hannibal. They have three children: Nellie, Charlie, and Frank. As a scholarly Christian, Rev. Fueller stands high. His executive and financial ability is one element of his great success as a pastor. His ser- mons are prepared with care, and furnish varied instruction with convin- cing proofs of the claims of the gospel. The cause has greatly prospered in his hands. Two years since he erected a beautiful home on Grover street, where he now resides.

EDWARD L. DE GARMO,

stands prominent among the worthy citizens of Johnson county. Among the sucessful business men of this city, who have through all the trying vicissitudes of business depression and financial panic, sustained a reputa- tion for purity worthy of emulation, may be properly placed the subject of this sketch, now at the head of the Warrensburg Woolen Mills. (See

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

page 425.) He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 4, 1831. When about fifteen years of age, he moved with his parents to Louisville, Kentucky, which is now the home of his mother, who is still living. In June, 1856, he was married to Miss Schmidlap, an estimable lady, and moved to Warrensburg the same year. He was burned out in one of the early fires of the city, and lost heavily. He then purchased an interest in the Eureka Mills, which he retains to the present time. He has as partner in the woolen mills Wm. H. Hillis, whose home is in Illi- nois. Mr. De Garmo has filled a good many important positions, at the hands of his friends, who are numerous. While he is a person who does not want notoriety, nevertheless, has become very popular. In politics, he is a republican, quite liberal in his views and honest in his convictions. For years he has been one of the warmest advocates of education, and was for a long time a member of the school board. In the moral sphere there is no man better qualified to lead and instruct. In religion, he is a Presbyterian, and faithful to the church, a man zealous as a layman, and true to Christian duty. He is superintendent of the Presbyterian Sunday school of this city, and one of the earnest workers in all that tends toward the advancement of the work of Christianity. In May last (1881) he was

a delegate to the general assembly of the Presbyterian Church, held at Buffalo, New York. He has four children. . The eldest, a son, is in Col- orado. Miss Nellie is a graduate in the full course of study in the State Normal. She has assisted her father in the Sunday-school work. Frank assists in the woolen mill. The youngest child, a daughter, is now a stu- dent in the Normal. His wife is a true soul that never swerves from duty in the church or home circle. In business Mr. De Garmo has but few words, a model in this respect.

JOHN U. GATY,

dealer in real estate, Warrensburg. He was born in St. Charles county, Missouri, March 6, 1835. His father, Geo. M. was a native of the same place, and was one among the staunch farmers of that county, He died in 1876 and left an estate of over $100,000.00. John U. was brought up on the farm, much of the time having it under his care, where he observed all the phases of stockraising. He spent some time at St. Charles College and received a good English education. At the age of eighteen years, he commenced business for himself and has been one of the most extens- ive and successful stockdealers in his section. In 1865 he commenced in the stock business which he followed till a few years ago. In 1880 he engaged in the real estate business in Warrensburg, and he is master of the situation. He has given liberally of his own purse to encourage emi- gration to this county, perhaps more so than any other man of the county. He is doing a good business and holds himself in readiness at all times to

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

show immigrants the soil and resources of Johnson county. In 1868 he came to Johnson county, and settled on a farm ten miles south of War- rensburg, consisting of 1100 acres. He was married in St. Louis in 1865, to Miss Hattie Parke, daughter of Rev. J. C. Parke, a prominent minister in the M. E. church (south.) Four children are living, Henry L., George E., Ida P., and John U. jr., two children having died. Mr. Gaty is a social, generous man, and full of public enterprise.

DR. A. C. GRIGGS,

Dentist. Was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jan. 1842. When about eight years of age removed with parents to Missouri locating at Boonville, where he remained till 1865, then spent a short time in Neb- raska, after which he came to Warrensburg, where he has enjoyed a large and rapidly increasing practice, and the confidence of all his patrons. He was married in May, 1868, to Miss Alice Cress, daughter of George Cress Esq., of Warrensburg, and they have the following children: Ella D., Augusta V., and Lee F. Dr. Griggs is at present associated with H. A. Cress, and enjoys a good business widely known both in city and country. His residence situated on Grover Street is one of the finest in the city.

PHILIP GROSS,

proprietor of the Brewery. Was born Jan. 1st, 1821, in Germany. Emi- grated to the U. S. in 1849, and stopped in Boonville, Missouri. In 1865 came to Warrensburg and erected his brewery and established the present business, (see page 425). He married Miss Boller of Boonville in 1852, and has 7 children living. Julia, Matilda, Laura, Louisa, Hannah, Her- man and Emil.

HON. BENJ. W. GROVER,

(deceased), was for a long time one of the most public spirited men of Warrensburg. He was born in Xenia, Green county, Ohio, Oct. 27, 1811. His father, Joseph Grover, was a native of Baltimore county, Md. He was of Welsh descent. He emigrated to Kentucky, and thence to Ohio, settling on a farm near Xenia, where Benj. W. took his first lessons of Mr. John Steele, who was a thorough scholar and distinguished educa- tor. At the age of 15 years, he quit school and accepted a possition as clerk with a prominent merchant, which lasted five years, afterward he went to Madison, Indiana, where he was married at the age of 23 years, to Miss Letitia D. Sheets, of Madison, Indiana, Sept. 30th, 1834. He emigrated to St. Louis in 1840, and finally to Warrensburg in 1844. The names of the children are: John E., Sallie L, now Mrs. Barret, Courtland C., George S., Anna G., now Mrs. Harris, Lizzie F., Benjamin W., Mattie 45

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

C. and Robert J. John S. and Courtland are dead, the others are still living. Mrs. Grover is a daughter of John Sheets of Indiana, and she was born in Cincinnati, October 8, 1816, but raised and educated in Madison, Indiana. Mrs. Grover is a patriotic and christian woman, refined, edu- cated and possessed of those native qualities, without which the great life work that she has accomplished, would have been imperfect. At the death of her husband, which occurred immediately following the battle of Lexington, where he fell while fighting for his country, the whole care of the family and his property devolved upon her. A highly respected family of sons and daughters now bless the mother's hand that has direc- ted and sustained them. Col. Grover's name often occurs in this history, for particular mention see pages 610-611.

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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 80

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

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