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 83

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 83

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

leges, his last course being that of Jones', located at St. Louis. Though comparatively a young man he has shown himself quite able to man- age and operate a large business, and is highly respected by all who labor under him, for his generous and thoughtful care over them.

JUDGE JOHN J. PRICE,

of Lexington, Missouri, formerly a resident and prominent office holder of this county; was born in Lancaster, Garrard county, Kentucky, Feb- ruary 21, 1807, of English-French extraction, of the line of Chevalier's and of the Huguenot families of France; he emigrated to St. Louis in 1828, where he was engaged as coal operator for six years; thence he went to St. Clair county, Illinois, where he married, and subsequently located in Jefferson City in 1836, where he became a successful farmer and stock-raiser. He settled in Johnson county, Missouri, in 1839, and in the following year, 1840, he was elected county judge, which office he filled with great satisfaction to his constituents; so great was his popu- larity that before his term of judgeship had expired the people made him their representative in the state legislature in the summer of 1842. In 1844 he was first elected sheriff of Johnson county, and his adminis- tration was so well executed that he received a second nomination and was elected again with but little opposition, in 1846. His term of office expired in 1848, after which he engaged alternately in farming, mer- chandising and keeping hotel until the war of 1861. During his public career as an officer he never lost the confinence of the people. When the clouds of war began to roll over the land he retired to the town of St. Charles to avoid the troubles; being a strong southern man he ren- dered material aid to the south, and as one of the prominent men of the county, he had political enemies who took advantage when the war asserted its animosities, and compelled him to seek an asylum in other places as an exile. He returned to Warrensburg in 1866, where he was actively engaged in farming till 1872, when he moved to Dover, Lafey- ette county, where he became an extensive farmer and stock-raiser, and remained there till 1878, when he located in Lexington, Missouri, where he now lives, in a comfortable home and in easy circumstances. In poli- tics he was always a democrat and voted no other ticket. He has always taken an active part in the campaign and still continues faithful to his political convictions. Was married twice; his first wife was Mrs. Mirinda Lemmon, daughter of a prominent citizen of St. Clair county, Illinois. Ed. M., Robt. L. and Huldah,-where their children. The elder son is an extensive trader in Pottawatamie county Kansas; the younger is in railroad business in St. Louis; the daughter married Fran- cis Begole, a prominent farmer of Lebanon, Illinois. His second wife, Miss Jane Marshall, was born in Burlington, Boone county, Kentucky;

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

her father was cousin to chief justice Marshall, and bother of Humphrey Marshall, United States Senator from Kentucky. She "was born Feb- ruary 16, 1816, and married March 18, 1841. Their children are: Jas. S., A. J., Josie, Virenda, John M., W. S., Almeda and Geo. B. M. the youngest. James S. is a Baptist minister, and resides in Lexington. A. J. died in 1874, in Sedalia, and was one of the brightest and most esteemed young men of that place; W. S. is also dead; J. M. is a law- yer in New Mexico; GEO. B. M. PRICE is a young attorney now resid- ing in Warrensburg; he was born January 11, 1861, in the city where he now lives; he has a liberal education and a fine command of lan- guage; he studied law three and one half years under one of the oldest and most eminent members of the bar of this state, Judge Eldridge Bur- den, of Lexington, Missouri; he was admitted to the bar August, 1881, and located in Warrensburg, where he now has a fair practice and a host of friends.

C. N. RAND,

of the firm of Cottrell & Rand, dealers in pianos, organs and musical merchandise, Warrensburg, Missouri. Professor Rand is also an instruc- tor in vocal culture of rare talent and success; he is a native of the empire state and when quite young removed with parents to Wisconsin, thence to Minnesota; he subsequently pursued a course of study at the Northwestern University, then engaged in musical merchandise in sev- eral of the northwestern states. Not long since he engaged in his present business with D. H. Cottrell in Holden, and in the summer of 1881 made his headquarters in Warrensburg. He is a young man of business and social qualities that make him a valuable acquisition to any community. His father, Solomon Rand, was born in Massachusetts, and resided in the east till 1866. He died in the village of Chatfield, Minnesota, August 2, 1874, aged seventy-six years, ten months. He had been a mason fifty-five years, and on the occasion of his death memorial resolutions of great res- pect were adopted by the lodge of which he was a member, and his fun- eral services were conducted by the order.

REV. S. R. REESE,

pastor of the M. E. Church, Warrensburg, was born in Morgan county, East Tennessee, Feby. 24th, 1839. His father well known as Dr. Reese, was one of the leading physicians of Morgan county, and was at one time possessed of a large amount of means, which was finally swept away by the payment of large security debts. He paid at one time forty-five thousand dollars, and later in life while traveling over the American bot- toms, opposit St. Louis, Missouri, he was attacked by some parties and robbed of a large amount of money. He died in 1863. Mr. Reese's

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

mother was a native of Virginia, but was raised in Tennessee. She was a lady possessed of many womanly virtues; she died in Lawrence county, Missouri, in 1859. S. R. Reese received his early education at the com- mon schools. He commenced the battle of life, when about 15 years of age, and owing to his father's financial embarrassment struggled amid poverty and reverses, but being determined to rise in the world he bore his burden manfully, took his first lessons in Latin under Prof. J. W. Matthias of Marshfield, Missouri. Although, when first starting out, he had but 75 cents in money and a broken arm, but being of that determined nature, he entered the ministry, and in 1866 in Greenfield, Missouri preached his first sermon, where he remained two years; then was stationed at Springfield and afterwards at Marshfield, then at Nevada City, thence to Pleasant Hill, Lee's Summit, and to Warrensburg, where he has charge of one of the best congregations in the county. Mr. Reese has been twice married, his first wife being Martha E. Reser, daughter of John Reser of Dallas county, Missouri. She died in 1859 leaving two children: John M., and James H. He married in 1876 for second wife, Miss Bell Reese, daughter of G. C. Reese, of Sedalia Mo. She is a lady of culture and refinment. The result of this union has been one son and daughter; Sherwood Vernår, and Lula C. Mr. Reese as a speaker is pro- found and eloquent, is warm and genial in his nature, a model christian, and most admirably fitted for the Gospel work, to which the Master has called him.

A. W. REESE M. D.,

prominent among physicians of Johnson county, is the subject of this sketch, born in Jefferson county, Indiana, Aug, 18, 1828. John Reese, his father, was a native of Kentucky, and was a missionary baptist preacher. A. W. was a graduate of Hanom College, Indiana. When 22 years of age he went to Lowell, Kentucky, and read medicine with Dr. S. B. Richards for three years, and was afterward a graduate of the Kentucky School of Medicine, In 1855 he came to Missouri and practiced in Cass county. He was married to Miss Ellen Cobb a native of this county. They had 2 children: Lissie and Gertrude. His wife died Nov. 25, 1865. In 1858 he moved to Elmwood, Saline county, and was there till the war, when he accepted the position of Surgeon of the 31st Missouri infantry, Col. Fletcher Ex-Governor. Was with the regiment through the Sherman Campaign. In 1864 he was ordered to Warrensburg, and had charge of the U. S. Military Hospital until August, 1865. Had an extensive practice at Warrensburg, and was Coroner for four years of the time. His second marriage was Oct. 22, 1867, to Susanna E. Baile of Preble county, Ohio. They have five children living: Sallie B., Effie Eugenia, Minnie V., Paul and Mark. The doctor is a minister of the German Baptist, or (Brethren)

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

church. His wife and oldest daughter are members of the same. They have a well improved farm of two hundred acres, where the doctor is found hard at work filling in the time on the farm, between the calls for his services in the medical profession. He is a man of culture and con- versant with all the matters of interest of the present day. As a neighbor and christian gentleman he stands well with all who are brought in con- tact with him, and no man has a larger number of friends.

GEORGE REITER,

proprietor of a Vineyard and Wine manufactory. Was born in Germany April 15, 1825. His father Justice Joseph, was a large farmer and George assisted him in the work. He came to the United States in 1848, when he was in his 23d year and learned a trade at Pittsburg. He traveled through a good many of the states as a journeyman, and in 1852 came to Johnson county, Missouri. He was married in May, 1852 to a native of Germany at Paducah, Ky. They have four children living: Louisa, May H., Emma J., Edward E. Mr. Reiter has been a member of the Masonic order for thirty three years. He has about four acres in Grapes and also has beautiful grounds about his residence.

RICHARD M. ROBERTSON,

Attorney at law, Warrensburg, Mo. Was born in Hickory county, Mis- souri, Nov. 29, 1853. After obtaining a good english education, he com- menced teaching, first in his own county, then in Illinois. In April, 1876, he came to Warrensburg and entered upon the study of law in the office of C. E. Moorman Esq. He was admitted to the bar in 1878 and com- menced at once upon the practice of his profession, which by close atten- tion to business has grown into a good practice. The esteem in which this young attorney is held by the citizens of the town and county, may be inferred from the fact that as an earnest republican, he was nominated in 1880 for prosecuting attorney, and beaten only by a majority of 81 votes, in a county which has a democratic majority of 600. At present he is city attorney and partner with A. B. Logan. Mr. Robertson has ability and energy which will raise him high in his profession.

JOHN L. ROBERTS,

dealer in agricultural implements and live stock, Warrensburg. The sub- ject of this sketch was born in Lafayette county, January 26, 1834. His father, John Roberts, was a native of North Carolina, moved to Ken- tucky, thence to Missouri in 1829, and settled near Lexington, where he remained till 1837, when he came to Johnson county and soon became a large land holder and stock dealer. He died in 1854, loved and respected by all. J. L. was three years of age when his father came to this county.

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

He received his education in the common schools. In 1858 he was mar- ried to Miss Almira Lemmon, of this county, after which he commenced farming, which he continued till the outbreak of the war, when he went to Illinois and engaged in the stock and grain trade. At the close of the strife he returned to Warrensburg and commenced business by opening out an agricultural and implement store, which he has carried on success- fully up to the present time. In 1870 Roberts & Redford became con- nected with the firm, and in 1873 Mr. Hale purchased an interest. Then the firm was styled, "Roberts, Redford & Hale." They have the best agricultural store of the city, and are known over the county for their fair dealing. The family of Mr. J. L. Roberts consists of three children, viz: Belle E., Benj. P. and Fannie. Two are dead, John W. and Muda L. In politics, although quite liberal, he votes with the democrats. He and his family attend the C. P. church, and are liberal supporters of the church and Sunday school. Miss Belle E. is a graduate of the full course of study in the normal school, and has been a very successful teacher. She is now teaching in the city schools. Benj. P. is also engaged in teaching. Mr. Roberts is a man whom everybody admires as a straightforward business man, quiet and attentive to his business under all circumstances.

JEHU ROBINSON,

farmer and stock raiser. Was born in Boone county, east Tennessee, March 26, 1812. His father, Joseph Robinson, was a native of Car- olina, born in 1766, January 28. Was married in 1792 and died in 1841. His grandfather was born in Ireland and came to this country when only an infant, and was of revolutionary fame; died in 1812, aged seventy-nine years. Joseph R., Jehu's father, was in the war of 1812, and rendered valuable services as a scout during the disturbances by the Indians in 1818. He came to the state of Missouri and settled within five miles of Glasgow for five years. Jehu is the only son, and remained on the farm with his father. His chances for a school education were very limited. In 1833 in company with his father and some black folks he came to this county and built a log house for their home, and is now one of the oldest living settlers. He lost about all he had during the war, but by careful management and hard work has again secured a good home. His farm consists of 452 acres, well improved, and he has it well stocked with cat- tle and hogs. The writer of this sketch visited him at his farm home and found him all that his friends, and they are without number, had recom- mended him to be, an open hearted, hospitable and kind neighbor, who is thoughtful of others than himself, and who has the confidence and esteem of all who know him. He was elected second lieutenant of the state militia at the time of the Blackhawk war, and showed a good rec- ord of service. His life has been one of hardships and privations, but his

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

strong physical form, reinforced by an iron will, has enabled him to over- come what would have discouraged most men. Now, in his closing years he has the enjoyment of knowing life has not been a failure. He and his wife are consistent christians, having been members of the Cum- berland Presbyterian church since 1842.

DANIEL ROSS,

was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, March 30, 1821. His father, John Ross, was a native of New Jersey. Daniel was brought up on a farm, and attended the common schools of that day. He started out for himself or rather went away from home when he was thirty-five years of age. His father dying when he was fifteen he was kept home on the old homestead until he reached this age, looking after the interests of the farm. In 1855 he came to Johnson county, Missouri, and worked for Major Holden. Carried the government proceeds of the land office from · Warsaw to St. Louis overland, depositing it in the sub-treasury. He went back to New York in 1857, and remained on the old homestead until the fall of 1868, when he returned to Missouri and settled on the " Poor Farm," after spending about a year in Warrensburg. Was mar- ried to Miss Matilda C. Holden, a native of New York. Himself and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.

WM. C. ROWLAND,

abstracts and insurance. In this sketch we have not a pioneer, but a cit- izen, of whom the people of Warrensburg have reason to be proud. He was born in Ashland county, Ohio, September, 1842. His father, Jacob Rowland, died when William was but six years old. After the death of his father he went to live with his grandfather, who resided at Hillsdale, Michigan. In the spring of 1852 he went to Fayette county, Iowa, where he remained until 1862, when he volunteered as a private in the 18th Iowa infantry, and served faithfully until 1863, when he was promoted to 1st lieutenant and also as acting adjutant of the regiment; in January, 1865, was promoted to captain. He participated in many hotly contested bat- tles. After the close of the war he returned to West Union, Iowa, and in November, 1865, he came to Missouri and located at Warrensburg. In 1869 he was appointed assessor of Johnson county, and in the fall of 1870 he was elected to the same office, which he filled with much credit to him- self. In 1861 Mr. Rowland studied law with the Hon. Wm. McClintock, of West Union, Iowa. For some time he has been engaged in the ab- stract and insurance business. At present Mr. Rowland is serving as town clerk and city collector. In December, 1867, he married Miss Matilda J. Bratton, of Warrensburg, a native of this county, and the daugh- ter of James M. Bratton. This union has been blessed by one son and

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

one daughter, Izora and William. Mr. R. is possessed of that warm, genial nature, which will always secure to him a host of friends. 1

WILLIAM E. SEAMANDS,

of the firm of W. E. Seamands & Co., was born in Fleming county Kentucky, in 1840. Isaac his father was a native of Virginia, born in 1800, a farmer, who removed to Kentucky in 1820, and to Johnson county, Missouri, in 1849. He died suddenly of heart disease in 1855. William, on his arrival here, was about nine years of age. His youth was spent - upon his father's farm. After attending school he engaged in teaching school and proved to be very efficient. Quitting this he entered Fleming's college, Kentucky, where he continued until his health failing he left school and again engaged in teaching, taking charge of a select school, of Poplar Plains, Kentucky, where he taught one year, during which he married Miss Bettie Christy, a native of Kentucky. He then went to Fayetteville, this county, where he engaged in the mercantile trade, which he followed two years. In March, 1871, moved to Warrensburg and went into the county clerk's office as deputy, with S. P. Sparks, and held that position for four years, and was afterwards employed as clerk in Mr. Christy's store, four years; then made an engagement as traveling sales- man with R. W. Atwood & Co., of St. Louis. Two years later he com- menced business in Warrensburg, with a former member of the firm. Mr. Seamands has two children, one son and a daughter, Freddie M. B, and Lida B.

G. H. SACK,

attorney at law, Warrensburg. Born in Greenburg, Decatur county, Indiana, November 5, 1841. When about three years of age removed with parents to Rush county. At the age of fifteen attended the Acton seminary, and remained there a little more than two years; then took a legal and collegiate course in the Indiana State University at Blooming- ton, graduating in both departments in 1865. The following year, June, 1866, came to Johnson county, Missouri and taught school at Centerview, two years, and a select school two years, at Warrensburg. Was then elected superintendent of schools for Johnson county, and held the office one term. Commenced the practice of law in 1865, and with only few interruptions continued in that profession till this date. Married Anna G. Briscoe, May 5, 1867. She died September 30, 1871. Married a second time to Alice C. Hickman, March 27, 1879. Mrs. S. is a native of Illinois, daughter of W. B. Hickman, who was a native of Kentucky. There were born of the last marriage two children, Effie and Roy H. Effie died December 27, 1880, aged one year and four days. Mr. S., besides a good house and other town property, has 585 acres of farming

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

lands. His careful attention to business and upright dealing has been rewarded by financial success and the highest respect of those who know him. Both Mr. and Mrs. S. are exemplary and consistent members of the church.

WALTER SAMS,

jeweler, and dealer in all kinds of watches, clocks, gold and silver ware, corner of Holden and Culton streets, Warrensburg, Missouri. This thrifty young business man commenced for himself, September 1, 1881, and the encouragement he has received up to the present time (January, 1882), is most flattering. He has a thorough and practical knowledge of his trade, having served six years under superior instruction, and being a young man of good morals and excellent business habits, a bright future, both in business and social circles, lies before him. He was born in Wash- ington, Franklin county, Missouri, and when but a few months old came with parents to Warrensburg, where he has been reared and become well known. His father, Edward Sams, and mother Jessey, nee Oxley, are natives of England, who came to America twenty-four years ago, and settled in Warrensburg about eighteen years ago. His father is proprie- tor of the market on Culton street, and the family consisting of five sons and one daughter, are highly respected.

ROBERT SHARP,

deceased, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, February 22, 1811. His father, George Sharp, was a native of Pennsylvania, and became a prom- inent lawyer in Belmont county, Ohio. Young Robert, at the age of twenty- two, commenced for himself, and engaged in different enterprises, among which was a contract for building a canal. In the year 1859 he came to Johnson county, Missouri, and soon took a contract to build twelve miles of the Missouri Pacific railroad. He established a store at Knob Noster; run a flouring-mill successfully up to his death, which occurred June 11, 1875. He was married November 9, 1842, to Miss Anna Nichol, of Marietta, Ohio. By this union they had nine children, seven of whom are still liv- ing. Mrs. Sharp remained here during the civil war, and was much trou- bled by marauding bands. Mrs. Sharp and family are among the most respected in the community.

S. H. SHUMAKER.

The subject of this sketch was born in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, . May 11, 1829. His youth was spent on the farm of which his father, Daniel, was owner. His parents were both natives of Virginia. His father was born in August, 1790, and died December 14, 1847; his mother was born in 1790, and died January 12, 1832. He started out for himself

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

upon the death of his father, when about seventeen years of age. Went to Mississippi about five years after. Came to Johnson county, Missouri, in 1867, settling in Warrensburg, where he spent five years, and then moved out on his farm where he now lives. Was married to Miss Eliza A. Watt, February 25, 1858, by whom he has five children, living: Frank, Herbert C., Mary L., Albert R., and George A. His home is a pleasant one, and his farm consists of 160 acres, and is nicely improved. Personally, Mr. Shumaker is a man who is held in high esteem by all who have made his acquaintance, and his word needs no corroboration in the community where he lives.

M. SHRYACK,

one of the leading grocery-dealers of this city. Was born in Kentucky, July 13, 1832. He left his native state and went to Illinois, where he resided for some time. In 1865 he came to Missouri, engaging in farm- ing, subsequently he came to Warrensburg, and engaged in mercantile business. He was married to Eliza S. Russell, daughter of Robert Rus- sell, in 1855, and they have four children: M. Josie, Millard C., Elmer G., and Annie E. Mr. Shryack is a worthy member of the Christian Church. His long experience in church and Sunday school work renders him peculiarly valuable in the Christian cause. He is superintendent of the Sunday school and leader of the choir, where his talent for singing is highly appreciated.

MRS. ELIZA S. SMITH,

was born in McMinn county, Tennessee, in 1826. She lived in her native county till about twenty-one years of age, she then married H. J. Smith, a native of the same county and state. In the fall of the same year, they removed to Georgia, and settled in Whitefield, where they remained twelve years, then removed to Missouri, and stopped in Henry county four years, after which they came to Johnson, and took up a resi- dence south of Warrensburg, where she has since lived. The family con- sists of eight children: Mary A., Amanda J., Sarah F., Margaret S., Wil- . liam R., Emma C., Lloyd J., and Robert L. Mrs. Smith is a consistent member of the Baptist Church. She has a fine farm of 130 acres, having reared a large and highly respected family.

JEHU H. SMITH,

of Warrensburg, formerly of the firm of Stone & Smith, liverymen. Born in Monroe county, Virginia, November 28, 1832. His father, Christo- pher Smith, was also a native of Virginia. He was one of the largest tobacco manufacturers of that state. He died in 1850. The subject of these notes came to Missouri in 1859, settling in Harrison county. In 1861

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

he entered the service on the side of the union, and ranked as captain. In 1863 he came to Warrensburg, and was appointed provost marshal of central Missouri, with head-quarters at Warrensburg. In 1866, was elected treasurer of Johnson county, and served with satisfaction. At the close of that office, in 1868, was appointed deputy sheriff, and in 1870, was elected sheriff, and served with ability for one term. In 1876 was elected mayor of Warrensburg. Was treasurer of the Warrensburg public school fund from 1866 to 1872. In 1876 he engaged in the livery business, which he continued till the fall of 1881. He married Miss M. J. Mckibben, of Jackson, Ohio, December 24, 1855. By this union four children are liv- ing: Sallie J., Josie, Joseph H., and Laura. His daughters stand in the best society. Miss Josie is a graduate in the full course of the State Nor- mal school, and is one of the best qualified young teachers of the county.

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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 83

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