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 85
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H. S. WITHERSPOON,
clerk of the circuit and criminal court, Warrensburg. He was born in Hopkins county, Kentucky, June 10th, 1833. His father, Isaac, was a native of North Carolina. He was born in 1786, of Scotch-Irish extrac- tion. He engaged as a planter of his native state. He was nephew of the John Witherspoon, who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He came to Missouri in 1839, and died, in Henry county, in 1846. The subject of this sketch was mostly reared in rural districts, where he received his early education. To Mr. Buckner, a friend stop- ping in the family, he is indebted for considerable tutorage. He was the youngest of four brothers. At the age of sixteen years, he began busi- ness for hinself, engaging in the stock and farm business till the war broke out in 1861. In 1865, after peace was restored, he engaged as a clerk for
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Col. A. M. Coffey, of Knobnoster, which he continued for five years, when he engaged in business for hinself, which he continued till the spring of 1874, and in the fall of the same year, he was elected clerk of the cir- cuit court, which office he held four years, and in the fall of 1878, he was re-elected to the same office, which he still holds. In politics, he has always been a staunch Democrat. He was married twice. His first wife was Miss Margaret Pigg, of Knobnoster, she died in 1865, leaving three children, C. S., who is constable and deputy sheriff, M. C., now a jeweler, in Texas, and Laurena S., a student in the normal school. In Decem- ber, 1867, he was united in wedlock with Miss Kate Pigg, cousin of his former wife, and lived in Pettis county. By this conjugal union, four children were born, two of each sex; Laura T., John R., Fannie, and Weber W. In temperament, Mr. Witherspoon is social and clever to a marked degree, always insuring him a host of friends.
C. S. WITHERSPOON,
deputy sheriff and constable, was born in Henry county, Mo., September 11th, 1856. He spent his boyhood days at home, and at the age of thir- teen started out with a spurt of adventure, going to Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Old Mexico, California, and most of the western states. His trip was full of interest, and only a lack of space forbids our putting it in print. He returned to Warrensburg in 1877. He is a young man who makes friends by pleasant and gentlemanly conduct, and a disposition to do to others as he would have them do to him. He married Flora Williams, daughter of O. D. Williams.
WILLIAM W. WOOD,
attorney-at-law, and proprietor of real estate abstract office, Warrens- burg. Born in Johnson county, Mo., May 1, 1850. His early education was obtained at the common schools of Simpson township, after that he entered higher schools and received a good education. In 1870, he entered the law department of the State University of Kentucky, gradua- ting in February, 1871, and at once settled down to practice at Warrens- burg, where he has been in a successful business ever since, and in the highest estimation of the people. His youth was spent on the farm, with his mother, (now Mrs. Duvall) in Simpson township; his father having died while William was quite young. He was united in marriage, May 21, 1873, to Miss Eulala Cruce, a charming young lady, daughter of Lafayette Cruce, one of the oldest settlers of Henry county, where she was born. By this union they have two children living, Wm. A., and. Ralph E. In politics, Mr. Wood is a firm Democrat. He has served one term as Public Administrator. In religon is a member of the Christian Church, and one of the most studious workers in that Sunday school. Of
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
late he has formed a partnership with Chas. Snow, in real estate abstracts. He is a temperate, social gentleman.
JULIUS WOODFORD,
was born in Hartford county, Connecticut, April 12, 1816. Was raised on a farm. His father, Asaph, was a native of Connecticut, and was one of the most prominent farmers of that country. Julius remained on the farm assisting his father until he was of age, and then secured a position as collector for a clock manufactory, which he filled for sometime, and then stopped awhile in this state, following the same business for one of his brothers. Afterward sold clocks throughout this and other states, and was known as the Yankee clock peddler. In 1850, he went to Cali- fornia and spent two years, after which he returned to Missouri, and set- tled on a farm of 160 acres, which he has improved. Was married to Miss Martha Huff, a native of Kentucky, who died in 1869, leaving seven children, named as follows: Asaph, Thornton T., John F., Julius H., Benjamin G., Arthusa Elnora, and Martha B., now Mrs. Warnich of Post Oak township. His second marriage was in 1862, to Mrs. Marshall, of this county. Mr. Woodford is rather on the eccentric order and enjoys sociability. His experience and adventures in traveling through differ- ent states are very entertaining, and his liberal social way has gained him a host of friends.
J. B. WORDEN,
druggist, of the firm of Worden & Bryson, Holden Street Warrensburg, Mo. Mr. Worden was born in Licking county, Ohio, Dec. 9, 1840, son of John Worden, who was a native of New York. John Worden was born in October, 1800, and died in March 1879. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Polly Peck, also a native of New York; she is still living and resides with her son in this city. Mr. Worden was reared in Michigan, but in 1860 removed to Indiana, where in July, 1861, entered the Union army in 39th infantry, but subsequently the regiment was changed into 8th cavalry. He served in the army of the Cumber- land and was with Sherman on his march to the sea, and saw General Johnson present his sword to Gen. Sherman at the surrender of the con- federate forces near Raleigh, N. C. After the war had closed he returned to Indiana, where he resided till 1879, he became a practical druggist, and has carried on that business nearly all the time since. About five years he carried on a manufactory of stoves. He was married in December, 1865, to Emiline Reed, daughter of Dr. Evarts Reed, a leading physician of New Corydon, Ind. Their family consists of Frank V., Bertha E., Cora E. Mr. and Mrs. Worden are highly respected members of the Christian church. In February, 1879, he removed
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
to La Cygne, Kansas, and in January, 1880, to Kansas City. July 14, 1881, he commenced business with W. A. Bryson, at his ยท present stand, and the confidence and patronage which this new firm has secured is truly flattering. Both are worthy men, and do a square business.
MARCUS YOUNGS,
cashier of Johnson county savings bank. It is not age that makes men generous and valuable factors in social and business circles; it is not wealth and miserly hording of money, nor is it the fact of being reared in the community that makes an officer of a bank most efficient and trust- worthy. Enterprising young business men who seek to forward and encourage every project which is calculated to build up the town and county in which they live, are the hope of this republic, and those only who properly develop its resources. Marcus Youngs, for whom these few sentences are intended, is a young man highly respected, and pos- sessing the qualities of a good bank officer. He is the son of Edgar Youngs, who was a native of New York, and came to Lafayette county about the year 1832. Marcus' mother's maiden name was Mary Mock, a native of North Carolina. In March, 1877, Mr. Youngs took the posi- tion as book-keeper, and two years later. was elected cashier. He is well qualified for his responsible duties, having studied the science of practical business in colleges and schools. The names of his brothers and sisters are: George, (Marcus) Theodore, Emma R., Mollie, Annie, Mattie and Fannie.
MADISON TOWNSHIP. THOMAS J. ALLISON,
farmer, P. O. Holden, Missouri, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, June 12, 1825. He was a stone cutter and mason, and followed the business. until 1865. He came to Missouri in 1857, where he remained until 1860, when he returned to Ohio. In 1866 he again came to Missouri, and located in Cass county, where he had purchased land before his trip to Ohio. In 1869 he moved into Johnson county, locating near Holden. He owns 450 acres of well improved land all in cultivation. He was married in 1851 to Miss Mariah Davidson, of Ohio, who died in 1853, leaving one daughter, Mary. He was again married in 1860 to Susan Garnett, daughter of George T. Garnett. They have no children by this union. Mr. and Mrs. Allison are both members of the Baptist church, of which Mr. A. is a deacon.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
W. P. BAKER,
blacksmith and wagon manufacturer, Holden, Missouri, was born in Monroe county, Missouri, Nov. 20th, 1840. When he was about eight years of age he came to Johnson county with his parents. He then moved to St. Clair county, where he remained about ten years, during which time he worked with his father in a cabinet shop. He served three years in the union army, after which he opened a blacksmith and wagon shop in Henry county, where he remained about eight years. He then came to Johnson county and located in Holden, where he opened a shop and established his present business, which is manufacturing wagons and doing all kinds of repairing. He was first married to Miss Mary Christian of Warrensburg, in 1865, who died in January, 1873, leaving two children. He was again married to Miss Mary Quinly of Henry county, Missouri, by whom he had three children. Mr. Bakers' father was a native of Kentucky and came to Missouri when a young man, and now lives in Henry county, and is a cabinet workman. His mother was also a native of Kentucky and died in 1850 in St. Clair county, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are both members of the Christian church.
RICHARD BELL,
proprietor of the Bell House, Holden, Missouri, is a native of New York. In 1852 he was engaged on the Mo. P. R. R., and ran on the first engine from St. Louis to Holden. He ran a construction train until 1875, when he quit the road. In 1867 he built what is known as the Bell House, one of the best in the county. It is three stories high and 44x60 feet, with an ell 44x15 feet. He also built a brick business house on the main busi- ness street. He is somewhat retired now, but still looks after his interests here and in Kansas City, and watches important investments.
H. W. BOXMEYER,
Holden P. O. The subject of this sketch is the son of John H. Boxmeyer, and was born June 7, 1838, in Prussia, Germany. He received a liberal education in the schools of that country. When 19 years of age he emi- grated to the United States, landing at New Orleans in the fall of 1857, remaining in New Orleans but a short time; he then moved to Cass county, Illinois, where he was engaged in farming; when the war of the rebellion came on, he espoused the cause of the Union, and in the early fall of '61, enlisted in the 3d Illinois cavalry. He with his regiment parti- cipated in some of the hard fought battles of the war. At the battle of Guntown in June, '64, he was taken prisoner, and for five months was con- fined in the Andersonville prison. After peace was declared he returned to his Illinois home, where he remained about one year, when he removed
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
to St. Louis, where he remained for two years. In March, 1868, he moved to Johnson county, Missouri, settling at Holden, and engaged in the grain and grocery business; he remained in the grocery business about eleven years, disposing of this business, he and his partner Mr. Bluhm erected large grain elevators, and have been extensively engaged since that time, in the buying and shipping of all kinds of grain. July 2, 1875, Mr. Boxmeyer married Miss Sarah Huzzard, a most estimable and refined lady of this city. From this union, there are three children: Charles H., Bertram W. and Edith M. Mr. Boxmeyer can truly be called a domestic man, and with his interesting little family, he enjoys the pleasure and comforts of one of Holden's most beautiful homes. In his several business relations Mr. Boxmeyer is unostentatious, enjoying the confidence of all. In busi- ness Mr. Boxmeyer has been very successful; he owns a fine farm about two miles west of Holden, well improved, and under a high state of cultiva- tion. In this city, he owns the fine residence he occupies on Main street, and also a half interest in the large and extensive grain elevators, besides interests in other business buildings.
JAMES H. BRADLEY,
postoffice, Holden, Missouri, was born in Tennessee, in 1798. When fif- teen years old he moved to Kentucky, where he remained until 1830, when he came to the state of Missouri, and located near Columbus, then in Lafayette county, where he remained one year, and then moved into the neighborhood of what is now known as Rock Springs, and settled on and entered government land. His first house was made of logs, with a wooden chimney. In his early life he learned the saddler's trade. He was also engaged in the manufacture of tobacco, which he sold to the merchants of Warrensburg, and quite extensively through Kansas. He also run quite an extensive brick manufactory, selling brick to parties in Holden, and in the surrounding country. He afterwards engaged in farming and stock raising, and raising tobacco. In 1824 he was married to Miss Lucy S. Violett, by whom he had eight children, four of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. B. are both members of the M. E. church. James C. Bradley, the fourth son, was born March 1, 1847. At the age of seventeen he entered the confederate army under Gen. Marmaduke, and served fourteen months. He returned home after the summer of 1865, and engaged in farming. He was married October 7, 1875, to Miss Emma Stark, by whom he has three children: Leslie H., Edwin H. and Elma T. Mrs. B. is a member of the M. E. church south.
WM. T. BROWNLEE,
deceased. Was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Washington county, January 18, 1808. He lived in his native county until he arrived
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
at manhood. His early education was quite limited, and his mother being a widow, the care of the family fell upon him. In 1868 he came to Mis- souri and purchased land, and then returned and brought the family in 1869, and located two miles west of Centerview, Johnson county, where he remained about two years, after which he moved onto a farm on Black Water, where he remained until May 1, 1871, when he moved onto the farm on which his widow now lives, and where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred on the 29th day of December, 1879, caused by gun shot, fired by a man named Church. Mr. B. was an active and energetic farmer, and dealt largely in stock. He was first married to Miss Hester Brownlee, by whom he had two children, Rob- ert L. and Sada J., now Mrs. Albright. Robert is now in the wholesale grocery business in Steubenville, Ohio. Mr. Brownlee was again married to Miss Mattie A. McNeal, daughter of Joseph McNeal, of Ohio. Mrs. Brownlee is a lady of culture and refinement, and rare domestic habits. She has had two sons, Rolla C. and William B. Mr. B's. land estate consists of 677 acres, most of which is well improved, with good substan- tial buildings. Mr. and Mrs. B. were both members of the U. P. church, and at his death Mr. B. was an elder. He was always highly honored and respected as a neighbor, and always took a very active part in church and educational matters.
LOUIS BERTHOUD,
Holden city, watchmaker and jeweler. Was born in France in the year 1835, February 14. He learned his trade as above in that country under the supervision of a skilled workman, and at an early age was master of the same. He came to the United States when seventeen years of age, and followed his business in the following prominent cities: Richmond, Indiana, Cleveland, Ohio, Leavenworth, Kansas, coming to this state from the last named place in 1866, and starting his present business in this city. Mr. Berthoud has built up a good business in all the departments. His thorough knowledge as a practical workman has increased each year's business, and he stands at the head among the best workmen in the county. His store is made attractive with a varied stock of all goods per- taining to the line, and no house in the county enjoys a reputation for straightforward and honorable dealing ahead of this, and Johnson county has good reason to feel proud of him as one of her adopted citizens.
JOHN W. CAMPBELL,
farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Holden, Missouri, was born in North Caro- lina, March 8, 1828. His father was a native of that state, and was a farmer by occupation, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. He died in 1857. John W. spent his youth on a farm. His early education was very
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
limited; he, however, availed himself of every opportunity, and spent all his spare time in reading, and acquired a good English education in this way. When he was ten years of age, he moved with his parents to the state of Indiana, where he remained until 1853, when he removed to Mac- donough county, Illinois, and settled on a farm, where he remained until 1866, when he moved to Missouri, and settled in Johnson county, two and one-half miles northwest of Columbus, on a farm which he still owns, con- sisting of 240 acres of well-improved land. He commenced business for himself at the age of twenty-one, in very meagre circumstances. Soon after his arrival in Columbus township, he engaged in the stock business, and has been extensively engaged in carrying on his farm, and dealing in cattle and hogs. He has always been successful in his dealings, associat- ing experience with good judgment, and never engaging recklessly in any business. He was married to Miss Mary E. Payne in 1856. Miss Payne was'a native of Illinois, and the daughter of James M. Payne, a promi- nent farmer of that state. By this union they have had four children, three of whom are living: Martha E., Cora E., and Flora A .- the last two being twins. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell and one daughter are members of the Christian Church, and among its most liberal contributors. Mr. Campbell first moved to Holden in 1873, where he remained till 1874, when he moved back to the farm, where he remained two years, and again moved to Holden, where he has resided ever since.
WASHINGTON CARNEY,
farmer P. Holden, Missouri, was born in Kentucky in 1834. He lived in his native state until sixteen years of age, when he went to the state of Illinois, where he remained two years, and then came to Missouri, and located in Scotland county, in 1852. He came to Johnson county in 1866, and settled on his present farm, known as the Marion farm, containing 522 acres, 400 under fence, with good, substantial buildings. The main branch of Blackwater runs through his farm, affording plenty of water for the stock all the year around. He was married in Scotland county, Janu- ary 22, 1857, to Miss Sarah E. Fryrear, a native of Kentucky. By this union they have ten children: Sarah, Jefferson D., Robinson Lee, Joshua C., David P., Nora O., Lillie B., Gilbert, Charles S., and Vest.
GEORGE D. CARPENTER,
P. O. Holden, was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, September 29, 1844, but was principally raised in western New York. Received primary edu- cation in the common schools, and afterward attended the Randolf Acad- emy of New York. Ahaz F. Carpenter, his father, who is an attorney, and a citizen very highly respected for his ability, integrity, and high moral standing. Is a native of New York, and born in Chautauqua
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
county, January 15, 1819. He received a liberal education at the common and select schools of his county. He spent a part of his youth in a flour- ing-mill, and, learning the business thoroughly, he continued in milling until 1867, then engaged in the dry goods business, which he followed until 1869, when he moved to Holden, where he has resided ever since. He studied law in his native state. Soon after his arrival at Holden, he was appointed justice of the peace, and at the same time notary public, which office he has held continuously till the present time, with the excep- tion of justice of peace one term. He was elected again in the fall of 1880 to justice of peace; in the spring of 1881 was elected town attorney, which office he holds at present. In 1842, on the 7th day of July, he was married to Miss Mary Jackson, a native of Erie county, Pennsylvania. The result of this union is five children, all living: Mary A., George D. (our subject), Elizabeth S., Henry P., and Lotta C. Mr. and Mrs. Car- penter are worthy members of the Presbyterian Church. George D. Carpenter, who is our subject, came to Holden the same year his father did, and was identified with the insurance and real estate business, which he followed for some time, and at the same time carried on the dry goods business, which he continued until 1881, when he abandoned the insurance, but is still engaged in the sale of real estate. Mr. Carpenter was married, in 1871, to Miss Ella S. Barr, of Ohio, daughter of James Barr. By this union they have three children: Fred S., Charley P., and Clara. Mrs. Carpenter is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
C. L. CARTER,
physician, born in Ray county, March 1, 1832. His father, William Car- ter, was a native of Virginia, emigrating to Tennessee at a very early day. (Born in 1806). William's father moved to Ray county when he was quite small, and where he acquired a fair English education. His mother was a native of South Carolina, born July 15, 1808. C. L. Carter was ed- ucated at the common schools. His father had acquired a large estate, but at his death it was squandered by the administrators. Thus the youth was compelled to seek such employment as he could find. He began his career as a teacher, which he followed for a short time, then began the study of medicine, and in the spring of 1851 moved to Cass county and entered the St. Louis Medical College, and graduated with the honors of his class in 1857. In 1862 he entered the army as surgeon. On his return from the army he wrote a treatise on pathology, which was received with much favor by his alma mater as a text book. He came to this county in 1859 and has a fine residence in Holden. His landed estate numbers 1,200 acres, all in cultivation. The Doctor, aside from his extensive practice, devotes his spare time to the sciences, writing articles and corresponding with some of the leading medical journals of the day.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
W. L. CHRISTIAN,
of the firm of Starkey & Christian, Holden, Missouri, is a native of Pettis county, Missouri, where he was born in September, 1838. His parents were both natives of Kentucky. His father was a merchant and farmer, and came to Missouri about 1826. He moved his family to the state in 1835, and settled in eastern Missouri. He soon returned to Pettis county, where W. L. was born, whose youth was spent on a farm. His early ed- ucation was obtained in the common schools. He afterward attended the Chapel Hill College, and then went to Salt Lake City, Utah; returning in 1861, he entered the army and served until 1866, when he came to Holden and formed a partnership with J. Starkey and engaged in the lumber bus- iness. He was united in marriage to Miss Emma J. Walton, of Holden, on the 30th of September, 1872. Miss Walton was a daughter of Judge Walton. By this union they have four children: Bert W., Floy, Ode and W. Perry. Mr. and Mrs. Christian are both acceptable members of the Christian church, and are among its most liberal contributors.
HENRY C. CONNER,
of the firm of Conner & Smith, is a native of Ohio, and was bo ... in Hardin county, Ohio, on the nineteenth day of May, 1844. His father was a native of Delaware, and emigrated to Ohio at an early day and eng .ged in the business of farming. He died in Hardin county in the year 1853. Henry spent his boyhood days on the farm, and followed the business till he was about twenty-five years of age. In 1868 he came to Missouri and settled in the city of Holden, Johnson county, where he has resided ever since. Soon after his arrival in Holden he engaged in the grain business with J. G. Cope. The two remained together about four years, when Mr. Cope retired from the firm and engaged in the banking business. Mr. Conner continued alone in the grain business about four years longer, when he transferred his business to the grist mill, buying out the interest of William Starkey, and forming a partnership with J. H. Smith, which still exists. They are engaged in buying and shipping grain and manufactur- ing flour, most of which is shipped to St. Louis, Missouri. In 1876 he was elected to the office of councilman of the city of Holden. He was married in the city of Holden, in 1875, to Miss Emma Cheney, of that city, who is a native of Illinois. By this union they have one daughter: Hettie E. Mr. and Mrs. Conner are acceptable members of the M. E. church, and are among its most liberal contributors.
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