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 84
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CHARLES SNOW,
retired merchant, was born in the city of Philadelphia, August 16, 1836. His father and mother were born in London, Eng., coming to the United States in 1832, and stopping near Philadelphia, where the subject of this sketch was born. His mother is still living. He removed to Louisville, Ky., thence to Greenfield, where his father finally located. In 1862, he came to Missouri, stopping a short time in Otterville, Cooper county, where he commenced in the boot and shoe business. In 1863, he removed to Warrensburg and formed a partnership with his brother, W. S. Snow, who had been recently mustered out of the army. Was elected as the first recorder of the county in 1867, and served two terms. He was married September 13, 1865, to Miss Jennie R. Grinstead, daughter of Dr. John Grinstead of Litchfield, Illinois. They have one child, a daughter fourteen years old, Nellie M. Mrs. Snow is a member of the Christian church. Mr. Snow made an efficient officer of the county, and has ever been identified with all enterprises tending to the good of the community.
SAMUEL P. SPARKS,
attorney at law, Warrensburg, is prominent in the legal profession. Was born in Surry county, North Carolina, Jan. 1, 1844, of Irish-English ancestry. His father, Wm. W. Sparks, was also a native of Surry county, N. C. He was a man of liberal education, strictly temperate, and a great economist. He was one of the pioneer teachers of Missouri. In - religion he was a Methodist, and in politics a democrat. He came to Missouri in 1844, soon after the subject of this sketch was born. Here his wife died leaving Samuel an orphan in infancy. Her maiden name was Miss Lucretia Pryor, a native of North Carolina, and a lady of taste and culture. Wm. W. owned some excellent land in Jackson township,
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where he pursued farming till his death. He died February 16, 1876, at his home. Samuel P. entered Chapel Hill college where he continued about one year when the war broke out, and he enlisted in the 5th Mis- souri cavalry, commanded by Col. Sigel, and served three years, after- wards on a non-commissioned regimental staff, and was in many hotly contested battles, in the Price raid of 1864. He was mustered out of service in May, 1865, and returned home and taught a term of school, and in the following fall entered McKendre college, Lebanon, Ill., where he continued to pursue his studies for five years, and graduated in the full classical college course in June, 1870. He then returned home and in the fall of the same year was elected to the office of county clerk of John- son county, which he acceptably filled for four years. In 1874, he entered the St. Louis law school, and graduated from this institution in the spring of 1875; returning home he commenced the practice of law. In the fall of that year he formed a partnership with Judge Russell Hicks, one among the best and most prominent lawyers of the state. This partner- ship continued till the death of Judge Hicks, which occurred April 19, 1876. In the fall of the following year he formed a partnership with Gar- rett C. Land, which still exists. They constitute a firm extensively known to the county, and have a good practice in all the courts, and a reputation as trustworthy lawyers. Mr. Sparks was married to Miss Myra Curtis, of Clinton, Mo., April 6, 1871. She was a daughter of Capt. Curtis, then sheriff of Henry county. She died in Jan., 1872. His second marriage occurred April 8, 1874, to Miss Nannie R. Cuningham, of Little Rock, Ark., a most estimable lady and daughter of Capt. Cun- ingham of that city. This union has been blessed by three children: Leonard F., Russell C., and Mary V. Mr. Sparks owns a handsome suburban brick residence just north of the city limits. He and his family attend the Episcopal church, where his wife is a leading member. In politics he is a true democrat. In business he is prompt and attentive and among his friends, social, kind and benevolent.
ANDREW J. SPARKS,
teacher and editor, Warrensburg, is a native Missourian. Born Sept. 10th, 1848, of English-German extraction, on a farm in Lafayette county. His father, Joel Sparks, was a native of North Carolina. George, his grandfather, was born in Devonshire, England, and was among the early adventurers to the new world, where he became an extensive planter and trader. When the British molested the southern colonies during the rev- olution, he left his work in defense of the colonies. Joel Sparks was a leading man in moral reforms, and worked in the Sunday schools of Caro- lina. He served in the war of 1812, came to Missouri in 1844, dying in 1861 at the age of 87 years. The subject of this sketch became a con-
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vert to christianity at the age of twelve, and since then has been faithful to his vow. He commenced teaching in his own neighborhood when in his teens, and has been at home in the school room much of the time ever since. In 1880 he was chosen statistical secretary of the Johnson county Sunday schools, and re-elected in the convention of 1881. By the co-op- eration of the ministers of the county, he was enabled to establish the Sunday School Record in January, 1881. He is five feet ten inches in height, and weighs one hundred and eighty pounds.
WILLIAM SPERLING,
was born in Prussia, November 21, 1826, and came to the United States in 1858, landing at New Orleans. He came to Warrensburg in about one year thereafter. He learned the barber's trade in his native country, and very successfully pursued the same occupation here. He is a prominent member of the masonic fraternity. In 1866 he joined the order, in 1867 became a master mason, and in September of the same year a royal arch mason, in 1872 a knight templar. In 1853 he married Miss Johana Jahrke, a native of the same country as her husband. The names of the children still living are: Walter W., Otto W., Anna R. and Minnie M., the other children having died in infancy or childhood. Mr. Sperling is a member of the Lutheran church. He is an industrious and careful man, possessed of considerable means.
ADOLPH SPIESS,
of the firm of Spiess & Brother, wholesale and retail grocers. Among the many young enterprising business men of Warrensburg, none are more worthy of mention than the subject of this sketch. Mr. A. Spiess is a native of Texas, born in Comal county, November 9, 1856, and came to Missouri in 1867, stopping at St. Louis for about six months, after which he moved to Johnson county, and located in Warrensburg. Soon after his arrival he engaged in the grocery business with his brother. The firm has always done a good business and had a steadily increasing trade. Their reputation for fair dealing is well established, and they are justly ranked as one of the fixtures of their prosperous city.
REV. DR. JOHN C. STEELE,
was born in Kentucky, Dec. 22, 1812. In 1817 he was taken to Xenia, Ohio, by his parents, where he received his education. He graduated at Miami University in 1832, after which he turned his attention to theology, and was licensed in 1837, and ordained in 1838. His health became so impaired by hard study and confinement, that it was with difficulty that he filled his appointments. In 1872 he came to Warrensburg and became pastor of the U. P. church, which position he filled ably for four years,
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
since which time he has preached occasionally. Mr. Steele was married in Pennsylvania to Miss Louisa J. Pressly, daughter of Rev. John T. Pressly, who was professor of Systematic Theology, in the Theological Seminary, located at Alleghany City, Pa. By this union they have three children, one son and two daughters, Walter C., Jennie L., and Annie M· Walter is now in business in Pittsburg. Rev. Steel's paternal grand- father was one of the first settlers, who came to Kentucky, after Daniel Boone. He was shot three times by the Indians, but recovered. His maternal grandfather was an officer under George Washington and served during the Revolutionary war.
D. L. STEWART,
of the firm of Stewart & Cheatam. Was born in Highland county, Ohio, March 28, 1842, At the age of 27 years he engaged in the boot and shoe business, after a time he came to this city and continued the same. In 1877 he started in the grocery trade in company with Mr. Redford. Mr. Cheatam buying out the interest of Mr. Redford in 1879, leaves the firm as stated above. Mr. Stewart married Mrs. M. W. Fisher of Tipton, this state, in 1876. She was a member of the Normal School faculty, a lady of culture and refinement. Both are members of the M. E. church, and are identified with the growth and prosperity of the same. Mr. Stewart has a good business experience and is a man well calculated to build up a substantial and honorable trade.
JOHN W. STONE,
liveryman, P. O. Warrensburg. Was born in Scott county, Kentucky, in February, 1840. He came to Missouri in 1865, and located at Lexing- ton where he remained until 1866, when he came to Johnson county, locating in Warrensburg, and engaged in the livery business, which he has followed about twenty years. He was married in 1871 to Miss Elizabeth Emery, daughter of A. Emery. By this union they have four children: Nellie, John W., Jessie B. and James E.
J. E. TALBOTT,
tailor. Was born in Harrison county, Ohio, October 1, 1830. He was raised and educated in Belmont county, Ohio, where he learned the tailor's trade, which he followed there about 4 years; then went to Washington county, where he worked at his trade for about 15 years; then to Fort Dodge, Iowa, until 1872; then to Sedalia, Missouri, about 5 years, then to Warrensburg, where he has been a resident since, and at the present is the oldest resident engaged in the tailoring business. In 1878, Mr. Tal- bott opened a shop and to-day is in the enjoyment of a large and growing
47
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
business. In 1855 Mr. Talbott married Miss E. VanChief a native of Washington county, Ohio. By this union they have four boys; Rodolph, Julian W., Ralph E. and William P.
GEN. WADDY THOMPSON,
an enterprising trader of Warrensburg, was born in Hart county, Ken- tucky, March 22, 1835. Came to Missouri in 1842, locating in Macon county, where he remained till 1854, thence to Adair county, in 1861, and to Johnson county in 1877. In the fall of 1877, he bought 300 convicts, whom he worked successfully in the coal mines at Montserrat for three years. He married in Howard county, Missouri, in 1858, to Miss Eliza- beth Wilkenson, an accomplished daughter of Chas. Wilkenson, Esq., a prominent farmer and stock-raiser. By this union there are five children: Fannie, John J., Sue, Gussie, and Waddy, jr. Two are dead. Mr. Thompson is largely engaged in farming and stock-trading. He is a clever gentleman and highly respectable. In politics, a Democrat.
JAMES K. TYLER.
Perhaps no sketch which this work contains will be read with greater interest, than that of James K. Tyler. He was born in Jefferson county, Kentucky, on the 30th day of Sept., 1834. His father was Milton W., and his mother, Miss Mary Leaton, both natives of the same state. Their family consisted of seven children; five boys and two girls. His grand- father, on the father's side, was named Moses and of Irish-English extrac- tion, and his grandfather on his mother's side was named James. The subject of this notice being the eldest, obtained his early education at the private schools of his neighborhood. When about twenty years of age he attended Franklin College, Indiana, which at that time was a Baptist institution. After attending this college one term, he taught a term of school and then went home and spent a short time on the farm. In 1856 he emigrated to Missouri, and first stopped at Knob Noster, this county, where he secured a position as clerk in the establishment of John A. Pigg & Co. After the termination of this clerkship, he was engaged in various enterprises until 1859, when he embarked in the mercantile business, which he carried on till the war broke out, in 1861. At this time he was a member of the State Guards, and was ordered out in June of the same year, in defense of his noble state, and served his country faithfully, and participated in several hotly contested battles, among which were Wilson Creek and Lexington. In the latter, his side captured three thousand prisoners. He finally was captured in the spring of 1862, in Grover township, and taken to Sedalia and held a short time, after which he was released and returned to his home, where he engaged in farming and stockraising. During the war he engaged in teaching school a few terms "
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
in the state of Indiana. In 1865, when matters had become settled, Mr. Tyler resumed his farming, and at the same time engaged in raising and dealing largely in the way of buying and shipping stock, which he success- fully followed until the fall of 1880, when he was elected by the demo- crats, to fill the responsible position as Treasurer of Johnson county, a position for which his mild and genial ways have peculiarly fitted him. He has filled the office with great acceptability. In 1860, April 17, he was married to. Miss Amanda J. Hocker, daughter of Larkin Hocker, Sr. a prominent pioneer and farmer, and stock-raiser of the eastern part of the county. The union was a happy one. Five children were born; one girl and four boys; Mallie M., Sterling P., Larkin M., James S., and Elmer H. Mrs. Tyler died Jan. 4, 1880. She was one of the best of mothers. Perhaps, none more dutiful and true. She had long been a faithful member of Mt. Zion Christian church, and was so at her death. In August, 1860, Mr. Tyler became a member of the Christian church, and is now one of its most liberal contributors. He is a friend of public schools. At his country home he served successfully as township clerk and school district clerk, for several years. He owns a handsome farm and residence in Grove township, called " Summit Home," (see page 614.) As a man, he is liberal and charitable, held in the highest estimation by all.
DAVID URIE,
A native of Pennsylvania, born in Washington county, March, 1829. He moved with his parents to Carroll county, Ohio, where he learned the trade of machinest, after which he went to Youngsville where he began the manufacture of threshing machines, and continued this enterprise until 1865, when he removed to Monmouth Ill., and made an engagement with the Weir Plow Company, remaining with these parties for about eighteen months. In the fall of 1867 he immigrated to Missouri, and located in Warrensburg. Soon after his arrival at this place he opened a foundry and machine shop, and commenced the manufacture of farm implements. Among the staple articles manufactured by this firm is a small, portable engine. They also make a speciality of sash-weights and all kinds of house and building castings, and many other useful articles. The estab- lishment may be ranked as one of the permanent industries of Johnson county. Mr. Urie was united in marriage to Miss Rose McIntire, of Youngsville, Ohio, in 1855. She was the daughter of William McIntire, a prominent farmer of Adams county, Ohio. They have four children living: William F., Rue, Eva and'D. A.
PIERRE VERNAZ,
proprietor of the vineyard denominated Over the Rhine, is a native of Switzerland, and born in the city of Bulle, in the State of Friburg, Decem-
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
ber 25, 1828. He was raised and educated in his native country until the age of eighteen years. When about fifteen years of age he went and served his time of learning the tailor's trade. After finishing this he spent some time traveling western France, Italy and many of her principal cities. In 1850 he married Miss Colette Pythoud, of the county as that of her hus- band. He then engaged in the tailoring business for himself, and his new wife engaged in the millinery business, which they continued successfully until 1854, when they emigrated to the United States. Arriving at New York they immediately went to St. Louis, Missouri, where he engaged in his former business, maklng a stay of about thirteen years. During this time he joined a company whose object was to go to Fort Laramie to trade with the Indians. While en route they were attacked by the Indians and he was shot through the hand, and beaten and bruised so that he was given up for dead. He was taken to the hospital at Fort Kerney, where he lay for a long time. After a partial recovery he was taken back to St. Louis where he continued to reside until 1867, when he moved with his family to Warrensburg and settled in Oldtown, where he remained until 1875. He then purchased five acres of land north of what is now known as New Town, on which he has grown the choicest varieties of fruits, including about two acres of grapes, consisting of eight varieties, from which he makes the best of wine. They have five children living: Eve, Adam, Mary A., Ida A. and Julius C.
A. J. V. WADELL,
photographer, born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, January 29, 1827. His father was a native of Virginia, and his mother of Maryland. They emigrated to Kentucky at a very early day and settled in a town known as Ruddles, her father building the celebrated Ruddles' Mills, of that place, and in which town the subject of this notice lived until his majority. He went from his native town to Carlysle,where he learned the saddler's trade and followed this ten years, after which he took music lessons under a very celebrated teacher by the name of Baldon, of Cincinnati, Ohio. He then engaged in teaching music, which he continued for twenty years. In 1854 he came to Missouri, stopping in Lafyette county, where he engaged in farming, and in 1857 he came to Warrensburg. In 1861 he opened a pho- tograph gallery, and is supposed to have made the first photograph in Johnson county. So popular was Mr. Wadell that he run his gallery the whole time during the war without being interrupted. He has built up for himself and worthy son a large business. In 1844 Mr. Wadell was united in marriage to Miss C. J. Dora, of Bracken county, Kentucky. They have seven children, four boys and three girls: Jennie, Mary B., Oscar, Laura, Robert, William and Frank. Mr. W. is a member of the
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
Masonic fraternity, also of the Odd Fellows. Mr. and Mrs. Wadell are worthy members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.
HON. AIKMAN WELCH,
deceased. Was a leading attorney of Warrensburg, in ante bellum days. Born in Warren county, Missouri, May 25, 1827. His father, James E., a Baptist minister, was a native of Kentucky. He was a prominent man among the Baptists, establishing churches in Missouri as early as- 1817, organized the first Baptist churches in St. Louis and Cape Girardeau, then French villages. He died in 1876. The subject of this sketch was liber- ally educated, and entered the law profession at an early age. In 1852 he moved to Warrensburg, and was a staunch advocate of the whig princi- ples, until 1860, when he was elected to represent the county in the state legislature. He was decidedly opposed to secession, and voted for the state to remain in the union. In 1862 he was appointed by the military governor, Gamble, to the office of attorney-general, which he held to his death, which occurred in July, 1864. In 1848 he was married to Miss Annie M. Hitch, of St. Charles county, Missouri, daughter of C. B. Hitch, Esq. By this union three children were born: Frankie A., Jennie A., and Aikman.
THOMAS E. WHITE,
was born in Warren county, Ohio, March 31, 1831. His father was a native of New Jersey, and moved to Ohio in 1805. Thomas helped his father, who was a carpenter. Received a common school education, and commenced for himself at the age of twenty. In 1851 he went to Indiana, and spent fourteen years, a part of it in the mercantile business. Came to Missouri, and this county, in 1857, and located his present home at War- rensburg. Is carrying on a farm and dairy, and has a fine improved place. He has been quite successful, as he has a home market for all his stock of dairy products; in fact, is not able to keep up with the demands. He married Miss Isabel Thompson, of Montgomery county, Indiana, a daughter of Matthew Thompson, a prominent farmer of that state. They have two sons, William W. and Charles G. Mr. White knows what hard work and persistent effort are, and has commenced to reap the ben- efit of the same, after a good many years of struggle and toil. His neigh- bors all speak of him in commendable terms, which is an index of his character as a citizen.
OLIVER D. WILLIAMS,
farmer and stock-raiser, Warrensburg township, P. O. Warrensburg. Was born in New York, Yates county, April 30, 1826. Moved to Mich- igan, with his father, when about five years of age, and some time after- wards to LaGrange county, Indiana, where his father died in 1840.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
When about nineteen years of age he went to Ft. Wayne, and learned the shoemaker's trade, and then took a trip through some of the southern cities, Memphis, Vicksburg, New Orleans, etc., and spending two years in Ala- bama. In 1849 he started to cross the plains, by the Santa Fe route, but the company getting broke, as it was called in those days, only reached Santa Fe that season. After getting his finances again in shape, by working at his old trade, he made another start for the city of gold, and landed in San Francisco, after a thirteen months' trip of hardships and peril, and with very little filthy lucre in his pockets. Here he remained for nearly four years, when he came to Warrensburg, Missouri, by way of New Orleans, and entered government land, the same upon which he now lives. He returned to California about a year after, and was there about two years, looking out for his former investments, after which he came back, and devoted his time to the 810 acres of land which he now owns, and has nicely improved, taking rank among the first in the county. Mr. Williams married a daughter of Philip Houx, in 1857. They have six children living-lost one: S. P., James R., Flora, Walter, Sarah Jane, Mary Margaret, and Frank Blair. His daughter Flora is the wife of C. S. Wetherspoon, deputy sheriff. Mr. Williams was sheriff of Johnson county from 1872 to 1876. He is one of the large, open-hearted farmers, who have made hosts of friends, and now stands among the best stock and grain-growers of the county.
JAMES WILLIAMS,
of the firm of Phelps & Williams, proprietors of the Simmons House. Was born in the town of Marion, Ohio, July 9, 1842. At the age of six years, he moved with his parents to Illinois, where he was sent to the common school for two years, after which he went to Indianapolis, Indi- ana, where he learned the printer's trade. Being deprived early in life of the care of a father and mother, he soon felt the responsibility of caring for himself. He continued in the printing business until 1861. When the civil war broke he entered the union army, when the call was made for three months' men. After the expiration of his term of service, he volun- teered in the three years' service, and was in many hotly contested battles. Was honorably discharged in the fall of 1864. After his return he resumed the printing business at Mattoon, Illinois, which he followed for nine years. Going from the case, he became editor-in-chief. He came to Warrensburg, and took charge of the Simmons House on the 1st day of May, 1881, at the same time forming a partnership with Jas. T. Phelps, a very worthy gentleman. They both are live men, and doing a good busi- ness. In December, 1865, Mr. Williams was married to Miss Jennie Cade, of Mattoon, Illinois, a lady well fitted for her responsible position.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
SELDEN P. WILLIAMS,
1
county collector, resides near Warrensburg. Born in Gates county, New York, February 12, 1828. His father, Selden Williams, was the youngest of four brothers, who were all of Revolutionary fame. Selden P., when only four years of age, moved with his parents to Michigan, and thence to Indiana, where he remained till eighteen years of age, then emigrated to Missouri in 1847, stopping at St. Louis, with only thirty cents in silver, which was all his wealth; there he volunteered and went as a soldier into the Mexican war, and served to the close, and was mustered out in November, 1848. He then returned to St. Louis, where he remained till the fall of 1850, and settled in Warrensburg, in February of the following year. Immediately on his arrival, he accepted a deputy clerkship in the office of the circuit and county clerk, which he held till 1852, when he was appointed deputy sheriff of Johnson county, and served four years. At the expiration of his office he engaged in farming. In 1861, he was appointed clerk of the circuit court, which he held till 1865, when he was relieved. In the fall of 1880, he was elected to the office of county collec- tor by the Democrats of Johnson county. In 1871, in organization of the Warrensburg Savings Bank, he was elected the first cashier, and served acceptably for a period of two years. He has been engaged extensively here and in Colorado, in the stock business. He has a beautiful country home two miles west of the city, where he owns 200 acres of fertile land. He was married in 1842, to Miss P. F. Roberts, a daughter of John Rob- erts, Esq. She was born in Lafayette county, Mo. Her father was among the pioneer citizens of the county, and a worthy christian man. This marital tie was blessed by seven children; Hellen, Bennett, John, George, Lucy, Mary, and Charles. This family of children have all been liberally educated. Mr. Williams is a member of the Cumberland Pres- byterian Church.
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