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 81
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JUDGE HARVEY HARRISON,
was born March 7, 1806, in Blount county, east Tennessee. His parents, Joseph and Nancy Harrison, removed to Huntsville, Alabama, when Har-' vey was six months old, where they remained until he was about nine- teen years of age. He married Zilpha, daughter of Hugh and Margaret Bell, of Tennessee. They have had twelve children, ten sons and two daughters. His son, Alfred B., was killed by the falling of a brick store on Holden street, June 19, 1877. His father lived to see his fifth genera- tion, and was eighty-nine years old at the time of his death. Mr. Har- rison is one of the old and prominent settlers of this county. He has been county judge, justice of the peace, and in other ways stood before the people. Both himself and wife are members of the C. P. church, having united with that organization fifty-five years ago.
JNO. W. HARRISON,
son of Judge Harrison, is a native of this county, and was born February 28, 1838. He spent his youth on his father's farm, receiving a liberal education. When about twenty years of age he spent four or five years traveling over Colorado, Montana and many other of the western states and territories in search of the shining metal. In 1860 he returned to his old home and engaged in farming, which he followed for four years, after which he conducted a livery stable until May 1880, when he sold out. Mr. H. married in 1860 Miss Eliza C. Ovens, of this county, and a native of Tennessee. They have had four children, two of whom are dead. Mr. Harrison is a plain, unassuming gentleman.
R. B. HARWOOD,
clerk of Johnson county. Robert B. Harwood was born in St. Louis county, December 1, 1832; son of Wm. B. Harwood, who was a native of Fairfax, Virginia. He came to Missouri, settling at St. Louis, in 1829,
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and died there in 1863. Robert's mother is also a native of Virginia. She is still living in St. Louis county. He spent his youth on the farm and attending school, and at the age of fourteen entered Des Peres acad- emy. In 1851 he commenced teaching, which with few interruptions he followed till the breaking out of the civil war. Enlisting in the St. Louis battery he was commissioned captain under General Sterling Price, and served a faithful soldier in many a hotly contested battle, but, strange to say, he did not receive a scratch. He married Miss Rosa E. DesCombes, daughter of Frederick DesCombes, Jan. 19, 1869. The names of their children now living are: Rosa B., Willie and Ottaway B. Mr. Har- wood was first elected clerk in 1874, and re-elected in 1878. With marked ability and faithfulness he has discharged his duties to the great satisfaction of the people.
REV. W. H. D. HATTON.
In writing biographies of persons who are of a retired disposition it is seldom we gain the proper facts which should be brought out by an interview with the parties themselves; so if this sketch does not contain many good things which should have a place in it, the reader may know the reason. Mr. Hatton was born in Ireland, and came to the United States in 1848. Was a teacher in Pennsylvania for four years, also attended Alexandria seminary, Virginia, about three years. Spent nine months in Europe, returning home just as our civil war commenced, and was appointed chaplain of the 42d regiment, which position he filled for four years, or until the close of the war. He then went to Kansas and took charge of the Episcopal parish at Wyandotte. From Wyandotte to Jefferson City, Missouri, his next move, at which place he purchased a building and conducted a school for two years. Thence to Warrensburg, where we find him now located on a farm of eighty-eight acres, which he has improved. A part of his time has been devoted to grape culture, which first he manufactures into wine and finds ready sale for all over the state, as used for sacramental and medicinal purposes. His process of fermentation is very different from the ordinary ones, and he has a wine which has been very desirable for invalids or persons of a delicate consti- tution. His library contains many valuable and rare books. Rev. Hat- ton is a fine scholar, and fully up to the times on all important questions. The church should not lose so valuable a minister, but possibly he may need the retirement, which he now seems fully to enjoy, and in his later years return to the Master's work.
JOHN J. HATHWAY,
marble works, Warrensburg. Was born in Marion county, Illinois, May 1, 1849, living here till about fourteen years of age, then removed to
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
Vandalia, where he remained six years. He then went to Arcola, then to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he was engaged in delivering goods to the new railroad. He came to Missouri in 1870, and September 5, 1871, came to Johnson county, where he engaged in the stone cutter's trade. Comparatively of recent date he engaged in cutting marble, which busi- ness he is successfully carrying on at the present time. He was married at Sedalia in 1876, to Miss C. C. Neely, her father being one of the prominent brick manufacturers of that county. Their children are Syl- vester L. and John Ray.
DR. W. L. HEDGES,
physician and surgeon. Is a native of Kentucky, and was born in Bath county, December 17, 1842. When quite a small boy he moved with his parents to Indiana, and located at a point which was called Carpenters- ville, a town which his father laid out, and where he continued to live until 1853, when he removed to Scottsville, Illinois, where the subject of this sketch received his early education by attending the common schools, after which he attended an. academy, where he pursued his studies until 1862. He volunteered in the 122d Illinois infantry, and served during the war. In the fall of 1865 he entered Lombard University, located at Galesburg, Illinois, where he continued for a period of two years. He commenced the study of medicine with Dr. F. Jones, a very eminent physician, who has since died, and took his first course of lectures at a medical college in Chicago, and his second was taken at the homeopathic college of St. Louis, and graduated in February, 1869. He then at once entered upon his practice, and in 1871 he came to Warrensburg, Missouri. In 1875 the doctor was elected honorary member of the Kansas state hom- eopathic institute. In 1876 he became a member of the American institute, the oldest national medical society in the United States. He has also been a member of the Missouri homeopathic institute, and was president of this institute during the years of 1879 and '80. In 1878 he was elected mayor of the city of Warrensburg, and has held the office continuously ever since. In 1879 was appointed United States examining surgeon of pensions for Johnson county, which office he holds at present. He was married in 1877 to Miss Jennie A. Gilkerson, of Warrensburg. The doctor enjoys a large practice, as well as the confidence of the people; is a member of the Christian church, and has been one of its elders, stands high as a citizen, and is widely known and universally esteemed.
ANDREW J. HERD,
was born in Cocke county, Tennessee. January 8, 1815. His father, John J., was a native of Virginia, and one of the commissioners who laid off Lexington. His grandfather was burned out by the Indians, and received
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pay for the same from Government, in continental money. Andrew J. moved to Missouri to what was called Cooper's Fort, before there were any counties. This was a French trading post, and afterward became a part of Lafayette county. He was a farmer by occupation and with his father knew what pioneer life in the far west meant. They were good shots and had many a lively chase with the wild animals which were abundant at that time. Bear, deer, etc., were plenty and many a hunt was filled with exploits of daring worthy the mention in these pages, but space forbids. In 1858 he moved to Johnson county. In 1841 was mar- ried to Miss Deerking, a native of Germany. They have four children living: John H., Wm. H., Daniel H., Magdalene, now Mrs. Stokerburg, of Lafayette county. Mr. Herd is an extensive reader, and well informed on all the important topics of the day. A strong and ardent supporter of the Bible and its doctrines, and a man who has the respect of all who become personally acquainted with him.
JACOB HABERLING,
of the firm of Heberling Bros., was born in Germany, in 1841. He was the second son. His father was a wagon-maker, and died in his own country in 1855. Jacob received a common school education, and in 1868 emigrated to the United States. In 1870 in company with his brother, Fred, started their present business here, the manufacture of boots and shoes and selling the same. Starting in a small way they have succeeded in building up a large and remunerative trade, and are to-day among the substantial and creditable firms of the city. He married Miss Baron, a native of Pennsylvania, by whom they have four children: Willie, Jake, Julia and Robert.
FRED HEBERLING,
was born in Germany in 1834, coming to this city with his brother Jacob, and in 1870 went into the present business, manufacturing and selling boots and shoes. The firm of Heberling Bros., is one well known throughout Johnson county, and has been a success from the first. They are well established and the facilities they have for manufacturing enable them to fully compete with any houses in the state, by which they are able to do a large retail business and add much toward the drawing of trade from a long distance. As business men they are straightforward and honorable, and well calculated to steadily increase the already large number of customers. Fred married Miss Kate Simmons of Germany. They have six children: Fred, Otto, Amelia, Charles, Albert and Frank.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
W. H. HEBERLING.
The subject of this sketch has the principal meat market in the city. He is a native of Germany, and was born on March 2, 1851. In the year 1868 he embarked upon the steamer Hansa, which was a fine ocean steamer, carrying 1,200 passengers, and made the voyage in fifteen days landing at New York city; from this place he came immediately to Warrensburg, where he hired out to work on a farm a few months, after which he accepted a clerkship, in Mr. Rosenthawl's store, of this city, which position he held until the following spring, when he opened a meat market, with one of his brothers, which partnership existed until 1876, when Mr. H. bought out his brother's interest, since which time he has carried on the business himself, and to-day is well established. In 1876 he was married to Miss Caroline Volk, who is also a native of Ger- many, and came to this county when quite young. By this union they have one son, George Edward.
JUDGE W. L. HORNBUCKLE.
He is a native of this state and was born in Callaway county, Decem- ber 31, 1823. His father was a native of Kentucky and became one of the earliest settlers of Missouri, having come to the state in 1820. He became a resident of Johnson county, in 1839. William L. was at this time about sixteen years of age. He went back to his native county where he attended the Independent academy for one year, when he returned to Johnson connty and engaged in teaching school, following it for several years. He then engaged in farming. In the fall of 1854, he was elected to the office of justice of the peace, which he held continuously until 1861, and which office was rendered void at the outbreak of the war. In the fall of 1874 he was elected to the office of judge of the probate court, which he has continued to fill with much credit to himself and satisfaction to the citizens of the county till the pres- ent time. He is a member of the school board, and also its present treas- urer. Mr. Hornbuckle was married on the 1st of January, 1846, to Melinda Walker, a native of Kentucky, her father being among the early settlers of Johnson county. They have a family of seven children: Alexander, W. C., Jefferson, Turner, Elizabeth, Mattie and Sarah J. Judge Hornbuckle for many years has been a devoted member of the Baptist church, exhibiting the highest type of Christian principle and integrity.
G. WILL HOUTS,
born in Scott county, Missouri, March 27, 1832, son of Christopher G. Houts, a native of Pennsylvania, but principally raised in Kentucky. He came to Missouri about 1816, and settled near New Madrid, where he
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
became clerk of the courts and also a member of the convention that framed the first constitution of this state. He was a minister and school teacher; removed to White county, Illinois, in 1835, where he died Aug- ust 30, 1840. His first wife, Mrs. Letitia Lewis, bore him two children: John Gath and Christopher B. After the death of his first wife he mar- ried Miss Sarah Meyers, April 24, 1824; the following are the names of their children: Mary E., Margaret S., Thomas D., Mary L., G. Will, Davis K., I. W., and Green V. G. Will came with his mother to John- son county in 1842, and settled six miles northwest of Warrensburg. Mr. Houts was first married to Martha A. Farrar, January 25, 1855, by whom he had two children, Myra, (at present a teacher in Warrensburg,) and Ellen (who died when about eleven months old). Mrs. Houts died August 10, 1859. October 12, 1865, he married Anna Duffield, and the names of their children are: Wilelma, Charles and Uptonia; Wilelma died when about one and a half years old. Mr. Houts served in the union army dur- ing a greater part of the war, enlisting June 27, 1861. He was elected judge of the probate court in November, 1866, and January 1, 1867, by virtue of his office, became president of the county court, which he held four years. Judge Houts has been a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church for many years, and as a citizen and neighbor stands high.
T. W. HOUTS.
One of the substantial farmers of Warrensburg township, is the above- named gentleman. A native of this state, born August 21, 1838; he was raised a farmer and educated at the common country school which he had opportunity to attend only during the winter months, as his services were needed to assist in the work of his father's farm during the other portion of the year. His father, G. W., a resident also of Johnson county, was a Kentuckian by birth, and emigrated to Missouri in 1823, making one of the earliest settlers of Scott county. T. W. came to this county in 1839, being a young man. Commenced farming for himself when about twenty years old; was in business in Warrensburg at the outbreak of the war; was captain of company A, 7th Missouri ?cavalry, which was recruited at this city. Was promoted to major in 1863; served about three years in the western department and then returned to his farming, which he has followed'up to the present time. He has two hundred and eighty acres and very substantial improvements, fine home with pleasant surroundings. Was married in 1868 to Miss L. J. Thornton, a native of Westfort, Jack- son county, Missouri; they have an adopted daughter, Nellie. Mrs. Houts is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Houts has made farming a study and devotes much of his own labor to the work; has been very successful, and has the proof of the old adage, "that virtue
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has its reward." All who are personally acquainted with him speak of him as a good neighbor and honorable citizen.
REV. JAMES H. HOUX,
was born in Lafayette county, Missouri, April 7, 1827; his father, P. S. Houx, was a native of Kentucky, who came and settled in Howard county, Missouri, in 1817. When about eighteen years of age, the subject of this sketch entered Capel Hill College; after completing his four years college course he took charge of the C. P. church at Independence, for about four and a half years. He was then appointed to the mission work in Bates, Henry and St. Clair counties; from 1860 to 1867 he preached to different churches of his denomination, in Johnson county; from 1867 to 1875 Rev. Houx was pastor of the Warrensburg Cumberland Presbyter- ian church. He has grown up here and has become as highly respected as he is well known throughout the county. He was married in 1861 to Miss Mary Wilson, a native of Virginia; their family consists of Charles H:, Edwin W., Susie E., Mary M., Roberta M. and Samuel B. Rev. Houx has a good property and comfortable home on South Holden St, in Warrensburg. He is a man of talant and culture in his calling and highly esteemed.
J. HYER.
Perhaps no sketch in this work will be read with more interest than that of J. Hyer, who was born in Ross county, Ohio, September 18, 1818. His father and mother were both natives of Hardy county, Virginia, and died at advanced ages, one that of 86 years. Remained at home until he reached his twenty-sixth year, then started out for himself as a grain dealer and other pursuits. Was a director of the Marietta & Cincinnati railroad, and had charge of the real estate department of the same. In 1856 was elected to the Ohio Senate by the largest majority given in the state. In 1863 was appointed lieut-colonel of the 73d Ohio, and served in the Virginia campaign. Married a niece of Senator Harris of New York, in 1852, Miss Sayer; they have five children living. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are among the ones who are fully identified with its work and interest. The farm consists of three hundred and sixty-five acres, well improved, and the house is built on one of the finest locations to be found in this part of the county; stand- ing in the center of an elevation you can have an unobstructed view in all directions. Mr. Hyer, though advanced in years, has the appearance of a much younger man.
JOEL P. JOHNSTON,
born in Howard county, Missouri, November 13, 1824; son of Robert Johnston and Mary Ann nee Prewitt, both natives of Kentucky. Joel P.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
Johnston wrs educated for a teacher and spent about eighteen years in that profession. He had two own brothers and two half brothers, one own sister and six half sisters. He was married June 18, 1846, to Miss Virjane Reed of Howard county, this state, and they have been blessed with twelve children, six of whom have died; the names of those living, are: Sallie Ann (now wife of G. A. Lobban), Mollie J., (milliner in this city), James W. (editor in Plattsburg), Joseph P. (also at Plattsburg), Charles L. and Stella M., the two last living at home. Mr. Johnston came to Warrensburg in 1865, where he has become well known and universally respected. He is a harness maker by trade, in which success has attended his labors. Mr., Mrs. Johnston and all other members of the family, save the two youngest, are worthy communicants of the Christian church, of which Mr. Johnston has been clerk since 1866.
JOHN R. KELLEY,
Recorder of deeds of Johnson county. He was born in this county on the 29th day of June, 1833. His father, Capt. John Kelley, is a native of Tennessee, emigrated to Missouri in the year 1819, and stopped in Saline county. From thence he went to Lafayette county, where he remained until the fall of 1828, when he moved to Johnson county, and the following year he purchased the farm on which he is still living in Columbus town- ship. The farm contains sixty acres of very choice land. He is one of the sturdy pioneers of Missouri, a man of sterling integrity, and stands high in the estimation of his neighbors. He has attained the advanced age of 82 years, and is still in the enjoyment of all his faculties. John R.'s mother, who died early in life in this county, was a native of Maryland a lady of culture and possessed of noble and generous impulses. The sub- ject of this notice attended Chapel Hill College one term. After which be began his career as a teacher in the district school, and followed this successfully for two years, when he entered a dry goods store as clerk, and afterward engaged in the business for himself, which he continued to follow for a period of fifteen years. In the fall of 1874, Mr. Kelley was elected to the office of Recorder of Deeds by the handsome majority of 1168 votes. During his term of office, Mr. Kelley exhibited marked ability in the management of the affairs of the office and his manly, straight- forward course towards the citizens of the county secured to him not only the respect and confidence of his constituency but the people generally. In the fall of 1878, he was again called upon to fill the same responsible position by a much larger majority than before. In 1876, he was mar- riee to Miss Ella, daughter of Robert Shaw of Johnson county, an old settler and worthy citizen. The result of this union has been two sons, John R. and Luther P. Mr. Kelley politically, is a democrat, but rather conservative in his views.' Socially he is of that type of character that
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
commands respect generally. He has been a member of the school board for several years. He has taken great interest in public education and all other matters for the good of his fellow citizens.
EDWARD KELLEY,
nurseryman and florist, was born in Ireland and was raised and educated in his native country. After leaving Ireland he went to Scotland, where he was employed by R. B. Bowler, the merchant prince of the city of Edinburg as landscape gardener. Here he gained valuable knowledge and a wide reputation. In 1850 he came to New York city, spent some time in traveling through some of the principal cities and finally settled at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained until 1869, when he came to Mis- souri and settled in this county near the city of Holden, where he at once identified himself with the nursery business, which he followed successfully. In 1874 he came to Warrensburg and established the Spring Grove Nur- sery, which has enjoyed a wide reputation for the choice variety of fruits kept. Mr. Kelley had his brother associated with him, who died in the fall of 1880. This was a sad affair to Edward, as'his brother had taken charge of his affairs generally. Edward has always lived a life of single blessedness. His nursery contains about 48 acres of very choice lands with the best of bearing fruit trees with two good springs and 3 wells thus. affording never failing water.
THOMAS KING,
blacksmith and general repair shop for wagons and farm implements, three doors west of Holden on the north side of Culton street, Warrens- burg, Missouri. Thomas King, son of Leander King, was born in Ham- ilton county, Ohio, May 8, 1826, where he spent his boyhood days. At the age of fifteen, he removed to Preble county, Ohio, and lived there till 1854, when he took up his abode in Huntington county, Indiana. In the spring of 1868 he came with his family to Johnson county, Missouri, where he has since resided. In 1870 Mr. King purchased property on his present business site and commenced for himself the business in which he is still engaged. October 10, 1880, the lumber yard adjoining his shop took fire and in the conflagration which ensued, his entire shop with tools and implements was destroyed. He thereby sustained a loss of $1,500. He has rebult using the ground floor for repair shop and the second story for renting. His residence is situated in the southwest part of the city. He married Eliza Taylor, daughter of Enoch Taylor of Preble county, Ohio, Sept. 5, 1847. The names of the children are Enoch L., John H., Sarepta J., who died at the age of 7, Abraham, who died at the age of 17, Thomas B., Clara M. and Josie. John has removed to Indiana, the others live here. Mr. King and his wife have been members of the Christian church
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for twenty years and their position in the community is that of worthy people.
KINSLEY AND DONNELL,
dealers in Boots, Shoes, Clothing, and gentlemen's general furnishing goods. This new and enterprising firm came to Warrensburg in October, 1881, and opened out their stock of goods one door south of Eads Hotel. Martin C. Kinsley and R. C. Donnell, the proprietors of this firm, are experienced business men, well calculated to succeed in their undertaking. Mr. Donnell is a native of Illinois, where he was clerk and manager of a dry goods business for several years.
MARTIN C. KINSLEY,
of the firm of Kinsley & Donnell, was born in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1831, son of Martin Kinsley, who was a native of Massachusetts. The mother of our subject was Julia A. Kingsley, daughter of a family who were direct linneal descendents of those who came from England in the Mayflower. Mr. Kinsley has now in his possession an old deed, dated 1756, given from Ephraim Hix to Nathaniel Kingsley, Carpenter. Martin Kinsley died in 1878, but his wife is still living, an active old lady of 81 years. Martin C. Kinsley removed with his parents to Hillsboro, Illinois, when six years of age, and has until of recent date lived there. He married Frances M. Brown, daughter of John Brown in the year 1854. Her father was an early settler of Montgomery county, and died there about 1858. Their family consists of: L. Minerva, now wife of R. C. Montgomery, real estate dealer, Maryville, Missouri; Nellie K., now wife of A. Y. Brown, station agent, Butler, Missouri; Lizzie A., and Martin E. Mr. and Mrs. Kinsley are worthy members of the M. E. Church.
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