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 82

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 82


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J. H. KINSEL,


cashier of the Bank of Warrensburg. Born in Warren county, this state Dec. 25, 1837. His father, Edward Kinsel, was a native of Germany, born in Dresden, Saxony, and immigrated to the United States in 1832, settling in Warren county, Missouri, on the banks of the Missouri River, where at the time of his death, which occurred in 1853, he owned one thousand acres, a portion of which was in St. Charles county. He was married February, 1837, and died Oct, 18, 1851. His mother, Catharine Gohlinghorst was also born in Germany, in the vicinity of Bremen, but they were married in this country. She is still living. Mr. Kinsel spent his boyhood and school days in Warren and Franklin counties, going to Lafay- ette county in 1863, thence to Montana, where he spent about four years merchandising and mining. In 1867 he came to Warrensburg and engaged in the mercantile business with W. H. Bell. In 1869 he engaged


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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


in the lumber business on the Osage River, at Osceola and Roscoe and in 1871 established the lumber business in Warrensburg, which he has carried on with great credit, till the present time. Jan. 3, 1881, at the establishment of the Bank of Warrensburg, he was made cashier and under his efficient management the business has greatly prospered. His lumber yard including a large stock, was burned Oct. 10, 1880, but has since been reestablished. He was married in this city to Miss L. J. Ming, daughter of W. O. Ming, Esq., 1868. They have a bright family of three girls and one boy: William M., Katie May, Dora Augusta, Lillian E. As a reliable business man, his superior cannot be found in Johnson county, and doubtless the success and popularity of the bank of Warrensburg is more attributable to its cashier than to any other officer.


W. E. KNAPP,


was born the 23d of June, 1842, in Westchester county, New York. His father was a native of the same state, and with his mother, are now living . in Connecticut. W. E. was brought up on a farm, and had but few advantages in the way of an education. When seventeen years of age started out to battle for himself, and for a long term of years, was com- pelled to labor at the roughest kind of work, but with a will and energy succeeded in getting a start, and today is among the live business men of Warrensburg, to which city he emigrated in 1878, and engaged in ship- ping mules and horses. He was married to Miss Susan Jane Cressey, Nov. 8, 1863, a native of the same county, New York, in which he was born. They have two children, William and Carrie Jane. Mrs. Knapp is a member of the M. E. church. Mr. Knapp has one of the best Livery and feed stables in the county. His success is such as always follows hard work and careful economy, and to which he is justly entitled. He is a liberal minded and honest dealing man.


NATHAN LAND,


of the firm of. Land, Fike & Co., Eureka Mills, Warrensburg. Was born in St. Clair county, Illinois, May 4, 1817. His father was a Vir- ginian and his mother was a native of South Carolina. He received but a limited education, spending most of his early years on the farm, assist- ing his father, and remained with him up to his marriage, which occurred in 1845, to Sarah Curtis, a daughter of Thomas and Catharine Curtis, of Tennessee. His first wife died in March, 1853. He was mar- ried in 1858 to Minerva Prim, daughter of Joseph and Ellen Prim, of Kentucky. Went out as captain of company K, 117 Illinois, and resigned after two and a half years service, by reason of ill health. He came to Warrensburg and in 1865 went into dry goods business. Was burned out Christmas, 1866, and then went into the firm of Schmidlapp, Land &


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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


Co. Was member of town council, 1872. Mr. Land has been a mem- ber of the M. E. Church over 40 years. By his first wife he had three children: Garrett C., Elizabeth and Thomas. The elder son is now practicing law in this city, the other two dying young, were buried in Illinois. Mr. Land is one of the quiet but persevering men who is faith- ful in the performance of all known duties, and is held in high esteem as a business man and citizen.


GARRETT C. LAND,


attorney at law, Warrensburg. Was born in Mascoutah, St. Clair county, Illinois, August, 1846. His father, Nathan Land, now resides here. The subject of this sketch received his early education at the public schools of his native city, after which he entered McKendre College, at Lebanon, Illinois, where he remained till he graduated in 1868, receiving the degree of B. S. Soon after this he commenced the study of law and entered the law school of Ann Arbor in the following fall, (1868). After leaving this college he came to Warrensburg and entered the law office of Elliott & Blodgett, where he remained till 1871, when he entered the law school of Harvard College where he continued until 1872, and received the degree LL. B. After this he returned to Warrensburg, where he has continued to practice his profession. For some time he has been a law partner of S. P. Sparks. In his profession Mr. Land stands high. In politics he is a pure Republican, true and steadfast to his principles. He has an active brain, quick in thought and sincere in his motives. In his social relations there is no warmer-hearted and benevolent man living, always true to friends, even to the utmost degree. By proper application and deport- ment he has a bright future before him in the field of his chosen profes- sion.


LAUPHEIMER BROS.,


confectionery and restaurant, Holden street, Warrensburg, Missouri. The Laupheimer Bros., commenced business here December 1, 1880, and although it is comparatively a new enterprise they have secured the con- fidence and patronage of a large trade. Martin Laupheimer, under whose immediate care the restaurant is conducted, was born in the city of St. Louis, Missouri, October 10, 1861. His father, Joseph Laupheimer, is a native of Germany, and came to St. Louis about twenty-five years. ago, subsequently he removed to Sedalia, then to Warrensburg and again returned to St. Louis, where he now resides. Martin, when a mere boy, engaged as traveling salesman for J. I. Mayer & Bro., of St. Louis and. followed this business for several years. He has three brothers and one sister. William Laupheimer, traveling salesman for J. I. Mayer, is the other member of the foregoing firm. With close attention to business. and fair dealing with all, this firm stand high in the town and county.


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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


W. H. LEE,


dealer in agricultural implements. Is a native of Kentucky; born March 26, 1841. His father John H. Lee was a native of Kentucky, a farmer, and one of those sturdy pioneer settlers who give force and character so necessary in the development of a new country. He died in 1869. Wil- liam H. came to Missouri in 1869, and settled at Warrensburg. He com- menced the hardware trade and continued the same until 1881, when he disposed of the stock and engaged in the agricultural implement business, in which he has proved himself equal to the situation. In 1877 was elected to the office of city treasurer, also county collector, and has been a member of the school board for many years, which position he holds at the present. He married in Kentucky Miss Amanda Robertson, in the month of October 1865, daughter of W. H. Robertson, and the union has been blessed by two children: John H. and Julia.


REV. J. CAL LITTRELL,


born in Howard county, Mo., May 5, 1835, son of Robert and Matilda Littrell, nee Reed, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. When about four years old he went with his parents to Henry county, then came to Johnson county and settled near Chilhowee. He pursued a course of study at Chapel Hill college, then followed the mercantile business for a few years, after which he became a teacher, and following this profession till in 1867, he commenced to preach in the C. P. church. While wandering in the wilderness near the summit of the Rocky Mountains he obeyed the Master's call and resolved to enter the ministry. This was July 27, 1865, many years after his first impressions. He joined the Lexington Presbytery in the fall of 1866, and commenced preaching in the spring of 1867, first one year in Cass county, then two years in Bates, then eight years in Pueblo county, Colorado, where he was the first protestant missionary south of the Arkansas river, and became a charter member of the Rocky Mountain Presbytery. He returned to Johnson county in the fall of 1878, and entered upon the work of traveling evangelist through the surrounding region. In the spring of 1879 he took charge of the Montserrat and Mount Moriah churches when the former had 37 mem- bers and the latter 35. Now the former has 132 and the latter 121 mem- bers. His first marriage was to Miss Sue R. Hayes, and their children are: Jennie E. and Sudie C. Married a second time, to Martha L. Seawell, October 18, 1871. Her father, Robert H. Seawell, is a native of Tennessee, who came to Lafayette county, Mo., forty years ago. Rev. Mr. Littrell is a minister of native ability, and force of character · well qualified for his divine mission.


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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


G. A. LOBBAN,


was born in Albemarle county, Va., June 17, 1839. Received an educa- tion which he paid for by his own labors, and spent his time on the farm . until nineteen years of age. Removing to Warrensburg, Mo., in 1858 he continued the same occupation, and in addition carried the U. S. mail to Lexington on a contract for two years. Went into the U. S. Service, spending over three years in the quartermaster department, returning to Warrensburg again in 1864. Twelve years he worked as plasterer .- In 1876, he opened out the grocery business in which he is still engaged. Was married in 1863 to Mrs. Bratton, of this city, who died in 1874, leav- ing two children, Ida L. and James L. The daughter is a graduate of the normal school this year. Mr. Lobban's second marriage was to Sal- lie, daughter of Joel P. Johnson, an old settler of this state, and now a resident of Johnson county. Leora and Albert are the names of the chil- dren. Mr. Lobban and wife are members of the Christian church, and he has been an earnest and cheerful worker in the Sabbath school. As a business man he stands well in the county, and all who know him have good words to speak in his behalf.


BERNHARD LOEBENSTEIN,


was born in Germany, July 12, 1836, came to this country when about nineteen years of age, and to the state of Missouri in 1856. In 1866, he came to Warrensburg and opened his present business, that of ready made clothing. The firm was started with M. Frank as partner, under the style of Frank & Loebenstein, and continued till January 1878, when it was changed to B. Loebenstein, and April 1, 1881, again changed to its present name Loebenstein & Co. Mr. Loebenstein was married to Miss Sarah Aaron of St. Louis, daughter of Rudolph Aaron, a promi- nent stock dealer in Germany. They have four children: Rudolph, Bertha, Sammie and Flora. Mr. Loebenstein has built up an extensive business throughout this county, and stands among the first. His facilties for business are such as a long and careful experience have fitted him, and perhaps no one has contributed more to the growth and prosperity of the country; always ready to share in the work necessary for the building up of a community, and has at the same time been very success- ful in business. He is treasurer of the Board of Regents of the state normal school, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of the public gener- ally.


WILLIAM LOWE,


lumber dealer and builder. Was born in Henry county, Indiana, and lived in his native county until his majority. His education was obtained at the common schools of the day. In 1861 at the outbreak of the war he


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enlisted in company C, 36th Indiana, and was afterward transferred to the United States signal corps and served three years and twenty-one days and was honorably discharged in September, 1864, after which he returned home and in 1866 removed to Missouri and located in Warrens- burg. Soon after he commenced contracting and building, following. this until 1873, when he engaged in the lumber business. Although Mr. Lowe commenced life a poor boy he has by energy and genuine pluck, succeeded in building up a good trade, and has at the same time estab- lished a reputation for honesty and square dealing that many might well be proud of. He was married on the 25th day of October, 1866, to Miss Anna Peed, of Tippecanoe, Indiana, a lady of fine qualities. The names of the children are: Anna Mable and Mary Maud. Mr. Lowe has built more than three hundred houses in Johnson county, among them the M. E. church, Baptist, Cumberland Presbyterian church, finished the Nor- mal school, built Foster school, Mr. J. Brown's residence and others too numerous to mention, in fact, to leave out those he has built in Warrens- burg would be a serious loss to the town.


W. J. MANN,


was born October 16, 1837, in Mercer county, Kentucky. James B. and Mary, his father and mother, are both living in the same county in which he was born, and are now among the oldest living settlers of the same. His grandfather was a Virginian, and one among the colony who went to Kentucky, known as the Armstrong, McAfee and Adams colony. W. J. helped his father who was a prominent farmer and stock raiser, until he was twenty-six years of age. He was married in 1864. His wife died in 1868, leaving two children: Robert J. and Nannie L. His second marriage was to Mary Jane Overstreet, of Pettis county, Missouri. They have three children: Emma Maggie, Mary Alice and Walter Crittenden. Mr. M. is highly esteemed as a neighbor and citizen. His wife is a mem- ber of the Baptist church and he of the Cumberland Presbyterian. He has a farm of 360 acres about four miles south of Warrensburg, and his home is very pleasant, having many of the comforts and conveniences which are the result of hard work and well directed energy.


ROBERT McELFRESH,


a Kentuckian by birth, having been born in Mason county, November 5, 1844. Wesley, his father, was a native of Maryland and died in 1879. Robert was in the army, starting out in the 10th Kentucky, 1st rangers cavalry. Promoted to brigade commissary sergeant in 1864. Had four years service in all. Was under Gen. H. Morgan, as scout, up to his pro- motion. He married Miss Mary Jane Montgref, a native of Vernon county, Missouri. They have four children. He came to this county


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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


from Texas, in 1877, where he had spent two years. His wife is a mem- ber of the Baptist church.


JOHN MILLER,


son of Peter and Mary Miller, was born June 14, 1814, in Pleasant Val- ley, Washington county, Maryland. Had the advantages of a collegiate education. Was a lawyer by profession but did not practice. Is a farmer and stock raiser. Married, July 29, 1852, to Miss Sarah E. Gray, daugh- ter of Captain Alexander Gray, of Charles county, Maryland. Moved to Missouri in 1857. Stopped in St. Louis county for eighteen months. In 1858 moved to Warrensburg. Mr. Miller was opposed to the institution of slavery. Still he thought slaves were the constitutional property of the southern states. His father, Peter Miller, freed his slaves and sent them to Liberia. Mr. M. was a whig while that party existed, but when Gree- ley, Seward and others started the abolitionist party he went to the demo- cratic party. Mr. M. voted the union ticket when Lincoln, Bell and Everett were for the presidency. When Gov. Jackson sent out his call for troops he assisted in organizing a company in Warrensburg, but did not join them, being too old and infirm to follow the life of a soldier. When Gov. Jackson retreated south Mr. M. went in town and took the oath to become non-combatant and to not take up arms against the government, and was promised protection. He took no active part in the war but was robbed and persecuted the whole time. On Sunday, September 13, 1863, Mr. M. was at home, with his family, sick. Mr. Ogden and Mrs. Horn- buckle were present. During the day a union soldier rode up to the door and asked Mrs. Miller for John Miller. She told him that Mr. M. was sick and could not come out. The soldier then threatened to burn the house if he did not come. Mr. M. hearing the conversation got up and went to the door. The soldier commanded him to come and go with him. Mr. M. said he was not able. The soldier then took aim, shot him down, while his little boys were clinging about his knees. After committing the murder the villain rode off and joined several men on horseback, near the road in the cornfield in front of the house. Evidence was given in but no attention paid to it and the murderer was neither arrested nor tried. Mr. M. left at his death a widow and four sons. The oldest at that time was nine years old. The family returned to Maryland in 1863, where the children were educated. They returned to Johnson county, Missouri, in 1878. Mrs. Miller and three youngest sons still survive.


OLL MILLER,


house, sign, and ornamental painter, Warrensburg, Missouri. Born in Johnson county, Missouri, January 1, 1847, son of J. D. Miller. His


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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


father came to this county in an early day, and settled at what is now Knob Noster, where the subject of this sketch was born. Young Miller was reared in the family of J. G. Morrow, and attended the common school till the civil war broke out, which disorganized all schools. Mr. Miller was on the side of the union, and did some service in the federal army. From 1863 to 1870 he resided in Sedalia, where he learned the painter's trade. In 1870 he came to Warrensburg, and commenced business in his chosen occupation, where he has since resided. He married Miss Nannie E. Morrison, daughter of W. M. Morrison, of Wheeling, West Virginia, December 30, 1869. By this union they have two daughters, Ida B. and Nellie J. H. C. Mccullough is a partner with Mr. Miller, and the firm furnish the best work in their line, both for the city and the country. With careful attention to business he has acquired a good trade, accumulated property, and sustained business integrity among his neighbors. His place of business is on East Culton street, near the Eads Hotel, where skill and dispatch are employed to suit the public demand.


C. C. MORROW, ,


of Warrensburg, was born near the village of Columbus, in this county, April 14, 1842. His father, Rev. John B. Morrow, was a native of South Carolina, and emigrated to Missouri in 1819, settling in Cooper county, near Boonville, and subsequently came. to this county, in 1835, where he served as minister of the C. P. Church till his death, which occurred December 16, 1863. The subject of this sketch was the youngest of three brothers. He lived on a farm till sixteen years of age. His early educa- tion was obtained at the common schools; however, by perseverance and application he pursued the English branches until he obtained a good edu- cation. At the age of nineteen he embarked in the mercantile business, at Chilhowee, which he continued till 1861. During the war he remained loyal to the union. In 1865, and from that time until 1870, continued in business. In the fall of 1870, he was elected to the office of clerk of the circuit and common pleas court, which he filled for four years. In June, 1874, he bought the Democrat, the organ of the democratic party of the county, and in 1876 purchased the fournal, and consolidated them, and changed the name to fournal-Democrat, which name it still bears. Con- tinuing editor of this paper till 1879, he then sold to W. H. and J. R. Davis. In March, 1879, when the democrats organized the U. S. senate, he was appointed clerk of the senate committee on claims, which position he held till April 30, 1881. In May following he was appointed assistant engrossing clerk of the senate. He was married to Miss Mary J. Farr, eldest daughter of Judge James K. Farr, a prominent citizen of Johnson county. They have five children living: Lizzie, Jennie M., Rhoda L., Minnie A., and Effie H. One son, William H., is dead. Mr. Morrow is


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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


a courteous, kind-hearted gentleman. He has brought up his family in the best social circles, nearly all of whom are members of the C. P. Church, with himself. He writes an elegant hand, and is a good business man.


W. K. MORROW,


deputy clerk of the circuit court of Johnson county. Was born in John- son county, Missouri, January 1, 1837. His father, James G., was a native of Tennessee. He came to Missouri in a very early day, settling in Cooper county, subsequently in Johnson county, during 1835, where he died in 1875. The subject of this sketch was educated at the common schools of the pioneer days. His youth was spent on a farm when the forests of the country abounded with panthers, wolves, and bear. He was married to Miss James. In 1875 he was appointed to the position he now holds, which he has filled with much credit to himself, and satisfaction to the citizens of the county. In politics, he is a democrat; however, quite charitable in his views. In religion, is a Cumberland Presbyterian, and one of the most zealous workers of his church. He is superintendent of his Sunday school, which he has made one of the best in the town.


MAJOR HENRY NEILL,


was born in Lee county, Virginia, April 8, 1828, and was the son of Ste- phen T. Neill, who was born and raised in the same county. His grand- father was of revolutionary fame, and his father in the war of 1812. His father moved to Missouri in 1837, settling in Lafayette county. Was an extensive farmer and raiser of hemp. He died in 1861. Henry was the third son of five brothers. Entered school at Sweet Spring when 19 years of age and remained two years. Went to clerking, afterward read law under Judge Ryland, of Lexington. After the war, in 1867, he commenced the practice of law, having been admitted to the bar of Johnson county, under Judge Conklin, of common plea's court, was afterward licensed by Judge McGoffey; continuing the practice up to this time. Was city attorney three terms, dating from 1874. Was married in 1853 to Miss F. Elliott, of Fayette, Howard county, daughter of N. G. Elliott, a prominent railroad man. She died in 1870, leaving three children: H. G., Anna, now Mrs. Todhunter, of Lafayette county, and Steven T. His second marriage was in 1872, to Mrs. Pennock, of Allegany City, Pennsylvania, a brother of whom is now mayor of that city. Has a son and daughter by this marriage: Harry and Lydia. Major and wife have been members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for 27 years. The major is quite jocularly inclined, and well esteemed in the community in which he lives.


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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


J. R. NELSON.


Prominent among the business houses of Warrensburg, is the dry goods house of J. R. Nelson. He was born in Morgan county, Ohio, June 9, . 1848. His early years were spent in acquiring an education in a practi- cal way, and before he had reached the age of thirteen, knew what it was to earn his own living. He has been handling merchandise since. In 1879 he came to Warrensburg with a small capital and by his own efforts has built up a trade entirely by his own exertions. His business is done with a system which is worthy of mention, as it not only protects his own interests, but puts temptation out of reach of his working force. Each sale and transaction is recorded by the person making the same, and all the moneys are handled by a cashier, thus avoiding errors. Mr. Nelson is a live, wide-awake business man and devotes a large portion of his time behind the counter looking after the welfare of his customers, and study- ing to meet their wants. Success is his motto and square dealing his watchword.


E. T. PENNINGTON,


station agent, Missouri Pacific railroad. Was born in Franklin, Warren county, Ohio, August 21, 1843. His father, Ephraim Pennington, was a native of Maryland. The subject of this brief notice lived in Ohio till fif- teen years of age, then went to Ft. Madison, Iowa, where he lived till 1865. He came to Missouri at the latter named date, first stopping at Kirkwood, then Holden, and October 28, 1865, took charge of the tele- graph business at Warrensburg, where he has since resided. Mr. Pen- nington having been so long identified with the railroad traffic at this point, has become well-known, and his adaptability for the position and uniform courteousness to all, renders him highly respected and popular. He married Miss Georgie Pinkston, October 2, 1866, and this pair have four children: Mittie S., Lulie M., Willie E. and Clarence V. Mrs. Pennington is the daughter of Dr. W. D. Pinkston, who was born in Madison county, New York, March 30, 1817. A brief account of the establishment of the depot here and its administration by Mr. Pennington will be found on page 420.


ANTON PICKLE,


superintendent of the Pickle Bros, stone quarries. (For more particular mention see page 427.) Was born in Germany, April, 1854; came to this country when about fifteen years old, and spent about eight years in the city of St. Louis. Three years ago he came to Warrensburg, and took charge of the celebrated quarries of which frequent mention is given in this history. He was married to Miss Mary Dietrh, of St. Louis, Janu- ary, 1881. His education was confined principally to commercial col-




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