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 87

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 87


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112


THOMAS L. McMULLIN.


farmer, section 27, P. O. Holden, Mo. Was born in Lincoln county, Kentucky, August 3d, 1837, and came with his father to Missouri in 1840. His father, Dillord McMullin, was a native of Virginia. At an early day he emigrated to Kentucky, where he resided until he came to Missouri, and settled with his family in Ray county, where he now lives, and is a farmer and extensive grain raiser. Thomas L.'s early education was very limited, but he employed all his spare hours in reading, and storing his mind with useful knowledge. At the age of nineteen years he com- menced business for himself. He was married to Miss Martha Bailey, of Indiana, on July 7th, 1858. He then engaged in the raising of tobacco, corn, and hemp, in which he was quite successful, and which he contin- ued to follow until 1862, when he became a government employee, and crossed the plains as a teamster, where he was detained for two years, and then returned and volunteered in Co. B, 44th Mo. Infantry, and served about twelve months, and participated in several battles, among which were those of Rolla, and Franklin, and Cedar Point. He was honorably discharged in August, 1865, when he returned home and went to farming again, which he followed until February, 1873, when he removed to John- son county, and settled on a farm known as the old Johnny Windsor farm. He sold this and bought near Columbia; in two years he sold out, and bought a farm near Pittsville; selling this he bought another near Holden, known as the Fichlen farm; disposing of this he bought the place known as the Dan Hogan place, near Rock Spring church, and planted on it one of the oldest apple orchards in Johnson county. The farm consists. of 409 acres of land, well improved, with three springs of excellent water, and plenty of stone, coal, and rock quarries. Mr. McMullin has had nine


761


HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


children, eight of whom are living; Mary A. (now Mrs. Scritchfield,) John D., Thomas C., Gelina, Martha M., Wm. P., Geo. D., Lethe J., and James H. Mr. and Mrs. McMullin, and three of their children are mem- bers of the Missionary Baptist Church, and contribute liberally to its sup- port. Mr. McMullin commenced life in veay meagre circumstances, but by industry and perseverance, associated with good judgment has suc- ·ceeded well in his line, and is a good neighbor, and has set a good exam- ple of what can be done by energy and perseverance.


J. P. ORR,


attorney, Holden, Mo., is a native of Ohio, and was born in August, 1832. He attended the common schools, after which he entered an academy loca- ted in his native county. When he was about twenty-five years of age, he commenced the study of law, and was admitted to the bar in 1865, . after which he engaged in the practice of his profession. In 1865, he went to Illinois, and spent some time in traveling over the state. In 1868, he came to Kansas City, from there he removed to Leavenworth, Kansas, from there to Junction City. He then returned to Ohio, where he spent about six months, and then came to Holden, where he has resided ever since. Soon after his arrival, he opened a law office, and has been actively engaged since that time. He was elected City Attorney three times, in 1872, 1875, and 1879. He has been a stockholder and director in the bank of Holden, for a number of years. He was first married to Miss Elizabeth Smith, a native of Ohio, who died in 1862, leaving two children, John S., and Marshal F. He was again married in 1872, to Miss Utilla Galloday, of Holden, by whom he has one child, Laura C. , Mr. Orr iden- tified himself with the M. E. Church in 1852. He and his wife are both acceptable. members and liberal contributors. Mr. Orr owns a most beautiful residence, indicative of taste and comfort throughout, with exten- sive grounds, and exquisite surroundings.


JOSEPH POTTER,


farmer, sec. 3, P. O., Holden, was born in St. Clair county, Ill., on January 1, 1832. His father, Matthew Potter, was a native. of Maine, and was a sailor in his young days. He emigrated to Illinois in 1818, and was one of the early settlers of that state, and was a farmer by occupation, and lived in St. Clair county until a year or two before his death, which occurred in 1875. Joseph spent his youth on his father's farm, and received his early education in the com- mon schools of the day. He lived in his native county until 1860, when he removed to Missouri and settled in Johnson county, locating near Holden, where he has resided ever since. Soon after he arrived he went to farming and raising stock. He is at present turning his attention to


762


HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


the importing of fine cattle. He now owns a farm of 140 acres, well improved and with good substantial buildings. He hauled the lumber to build his first house, from Syracuse, which was then the terminus of the Missouri P. R. R., a distance of seventy miles. Mr. Potter has at differ- ent times held the office of road overseer. He was married in Illinois, May, 1858, to Miss E. J. Turner, a native of St. Clair county, by whom he has seven children, all living: Junius F., Hannah M., Mary E., Jessie, L. D., Frederick, and Laura M. Mr. and Mrs. Potter are both members of the M. E. church. Mr. Potter is also a member of the Mutual Protec- tive society.


I. P. RANDALL,


physician, Holden, Mo., was born near Auburn, Cayuga county, N. Y., September 19, 1821. He emigrated with his parents to Ohio, in 1833, and settled in Summit county. He took an academical course under the tutorship of John McGregor. His father was a native of Rhode Island. His great-grandfather came from England and was of the original family known as the Randolphs. He was also one of the original owners of the tract of land on which Providence now stands. Isaac P. chose the pro- fession of medicine, though his father desired him to study law. In 1839, he entered the Willoughby Medical College near Cleveland, which has been closed since 1841. He was married in 1841, to Miss Diana H. Clapp, daughter of Cela Clapp, of the city of Kent, Ohio. In 1842, he joined the Christian church, and in 1843 he commenced the practice of medicine in Ohio, where he resided till 1848, when he moved to the state of Wisconsin, locating in the city of Milwaukee, where he remained about two years, after which he removed to Waupun, Badge county, where he continued to practice until 1866, when he attended the Chicago Medical college and received the honorary degree of Doctor of Medicines. In the summer of 1866, he returned to his field of practice, where he remained until 1870. He then came to Missouri and located in Holden. He became a member of the Masonic fraternity in 1861, and was elected chaplain of the lodge. He has also been an elder of the Christian church. His youth was spent on a farm, and his early education was obtained in a little old log school house.


JOHN C. REED,


of the firm of Reed & Daniels, of the Holden city mills, was born in Alexandria, Va., which at that time belonged to the district of Columbia, June 23, 1818. Silas Reed, his father, was a native of Massachusetts, and was one of the early settlers of Alexandria, having emigrated to Vir- ginia in an early day, and was for many years a prominent merchant of that place; he afterwards moved to Scott county, Ill., where he continued


763.


HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


to reside until his death, which occurred in 1848. John C. his son spent a greater part of his youth as clerk in a dry goods store. In 1838, greater inducements being offered he went west and settled in Scott county, Ill., where he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and continued till 1848, when he engaged in merchandizing, and carried on this business for three years; quitting this, he again engaged in farming, after which he went to Litch- field, Montgomery county, Illinois, which place he engaged in the milling business, and burned out, and sustained a very heavy loss, having no insurance, but being a man of industrious habits and true courage, went to work, and in a few years had regained all that he had lossed, having pre- viously moved to Washville; he then moved to Lawrenceville, Illinois, and from this place moved to Holden, Johnson county, Mo., about the year 1868. Soon after his arrival at the place he built the Holden city flour- ing mill which was the first in this part of the county. Soon after its completion he took A. L. Daniels in as partner, which firm has continued the business up to the present time. The firm has always done a good business, and have established an enviable reputation for honest and fair dealing. Mr. Reed was married in 1841 to Miss Caroline Kinsey of Alex- andria, daughter of Zenas Kinsey, Esq. By this union they have had ten children, four of whom are living: John K., Kate E., now Mrs. G. W. McCabe, J. S. Reed and Carrie H. Mr. Reed is little above the average size, kind and affable in his manners. Being a decided Presbyterian he has always been much interested in the progress of his denomination, and he has been quite as much appreciated in the various departments of christian work as in his worldly matters. Mrs. Reed is also a worthy member of the same church.


T. J. ROBERTS,


P. O. Holden, Missouri, was born in Tennessee, December 21, 1843, and when about fifteen years 'of age he came to Missouri, with his parents. He served about two years in the confederate army, and participated in several important battles. At the close of the war he returned to his home, and was engaged in farming. In April, of 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah C. Hays, of Johnson county. By this union they have six children: Anna, Mary E., Adah, Minnie R., Maggie, and Bertie. He has held the office of school director in his district, and is at present clerk of the district. His farm consists of 130 acres of well-improved land, with good, substantial buildings.


FRANK RUSSELL,


minister in charge of Rock Spring Church, was born in Kentucky, March 18, 1847. He came to Missouri in 1856, with his parents. His father J. C. Russell, was a native of Kentucky, and came to Missouri and


764


HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


settled in Johnson county, on a farm, near Columbus. He now lives in Hazel Hill township. Frank attended a select school in Kentucky, and afterwards entered McGee College. Soon after leaving college he entered the ministry under the C. P. Church. He preached one year at West- port, and three years at Lee's Summit, during which time he occasion- ally preached at Rock Spring Church, and afterward devoted all his time to that church, where he has been for six years. Under his direction the church has advanced rapidly, and. they now contemplate erecting a new building, and turning the old one into a store. Mr. Russell was married in October, 1875, to Miss Mary J. Lauderdale. By this union they have two children, Albert H. and Walter L.


VALINTINE SCOTT,


stock-dealer, Holden, born in Cooper county, Missouri, April 18, 1835. Here he grew to manhood, working on his father's farm and going to school. When nineteen years of age he commenced buying and selling stock. In 1865 he came to Holden, where he has since resided. He married, soon after coming to this county, Miss Anna Hill, daughter of W. P. Hill, an old resident of Missouri. Their children are: Arthur M., Lillie B., Claud, Charlie T., and Scott, the youngest. Mr. Scott is a good business man, and highly respected by those who know him.


OBITUARY .- Died on the 4th day of July, 1859, at the residence of his son-in-law, Cornelius Edwards, Robert Scott, in the sixty-ninth year of his age. Thus has fallen another of her country's noblest sons. Mr. Scott was born September 29, 1790, in Baron county, Kentucky. Having just grown up at the time our country engaged a second time in hostilities with Great Britain, he marched with the Kentucky volunteers to the south, and was in the battle at New Orleans. Throughout the campaign he deported himself with commendable propriety and courage. While on guard the night after the battle, he captured a British soldier, and deliv- ered him over to the proper officers, as a prisoner of war. At the conclu- sion of the war he returned to his native county, and marrried. Soon after which he emigrated to Boonville, in 1817. Perhaps, few men have passed the trials and difficulties of an early settler with more patience and fortitude than did he. Possessed of a frank and mild disposition, of ster- ling integrity, of just and honorable principles, respectful of the rights and feelings of all humanity, and generous to the needy, gentle, kind, and attentive to the afflicted, affectionate and constant to his family, he passed through life receiving, even to the end, the respect and confidence of all who knew him. The writer is unacquainted with his religious views, but had good opportunity to observe the calm and quiet resignation with which he passed away. During a long illness he never murmured, and


765


HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


when reduced to utter helplessness, no impatience or dissatisfaction was ever manifested. About eighteen hours before his decease, he quietly and calmly asked the writer if anything cauld be done to relieve him, and being informed that he was, perhaps, beyond the reach of remedies, he sub- missively answered: "I thought so, too. I know I cannot last but a day or two." From this time he slowly declined, and died twenty minutes after one o'clock A. M., on the 4th day of July, 1859. Thus passed away a good citizen, a kind husband, a generous and affectionate father, and a man of great goodness and excellence of character .- D.


IRA B. SMITH,


farmer, P. O: Holden, Mo., was born in Green Co., Ill., Oct. 26th, 1838. . He lived in his native county until he arrived at manhood, during which time he acquired a good education. He commenced business for himself in 1861, when he left home and went to California and engaged in the stock business. In 1868 he came to Missouri and settled in Johnson county, three miles south-west of Holden. His farm being new he went to work to improve it himself, after which he engaged in the stock busi- ness, still continuing to raise wheat and corn. He has been one of the most successful farmers in his township. In 1876 he moved to Holden, where he lives most of the time, still carrying on his farm. He was mar- ried in Illinois in 1864 to Miss Nancy J. Barton, a native of Massachusetts, and a lady of culture and refinement. By this union they have three children: Belle I., Mary E. and Nellie. Mr. Smith's father was a native of Connecticut. His mother was a native of Massachusetts, and is still living and enjoys fair health, having attained the age of 83. Mr. Smith was once elected to the office of township supervisor and served one term.


JOHN H. SMITH,


of the firm of Conner & Smith, Holden, Mo., was born in Logan county, Kentucky, June, 1837. His father was a native of Kentucky, and his mother was a native of Virginia. His father was a miller and a mer- chant. John spent his youth in his father's mill. In 1839 he moved to St. Louis with his parents. He was educated in Lafayette Seminary. He came to Johnson county in 1854 and settled at Warrensburg, where his father resided until the time of his death, which occurred in the year 1872. John H. commenced business in 1855, engaging in the milling business and following this until the outbreak of the' war. In 1865 he engaged in farming and continued to farm until 1868, at which time he again engaged in the milling business. In 1876 he tore down his mill and moved it to Holden and established in his present business, taking into partnership Mr. H. C. Conner. He was married in 1861 to Miss Lucy E. Violett, of Jackson township, of this county, who is a native of Ken-


766


HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


tucky. By this union they have four children: Gracie F., Edward, Mamie K. and Julia B. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are acceptable members of the M. E. church South, and are among its most liberal contributors.


WM. C. SMITH,


son of Clark Smith, was born in the city of Newark, Ohio, October, 1843. He lived in his native city until his majority. At the outbreak of the war he enlisted in Co. D, 22d Ohio Infantry, serving three years, going as a private, and was mustered out as 1st lieutenant. He took part in the battles of Shiloh, Fort Donelson and others. During his whole term of service did not loose a day by sickness. He was taken prisoner and held two hours, and was recaptured by his own men. In 1864 he returned to his farm home. He then went to Illinois, thence to Jefferson City, Mo., and to Holden, this county. Here he engaged in the implement business and continued this two years, during which time. he was elected city alderman, and in 1874 was elected mavor of Holden, also in 1875, and held the office continuously until 1880, and 1881 was elected justice of the peace, which office he holds at the present. He was a candidate for State senator and came within 39 votes of being elected. In 1868 he joined the Masons, and 1867 the Odd Fellows; also is a mem- ber of Knights Templar, Knights of Honor, and belongs to the order of A. O. U. W. He married in 1868 Miss Elizabeth Wilson, of Licking county, Ohio. They have three sons and one daughter, viz .: Jennie, Wm. P., Clarence B. and Edward E. T. Mr. Smith has always been one ever active in any enterprise tending to the prosperity of his honored city.


H. D. SMITHSON,


merchant, Holden, Mo. Was born at Paris, Ky., Oct. 20th, 1845. His father removed to Illinois in 1858 and to Missouri in 1866. H. D. came to Missouri in 1868 and to Holden in 1872, and farmed one year, then engaged in the mercantile business which he has followed to the pres- ent time. Sept. 1, 1880, he became associated with M. T. Roberson in merchandising. He was married in Kentucky to Miss Catherine E. Fox, Jan. 16, 1868, who is a native of Kentucky. They have two children: Oliver D. and George E. The father and mother of Mr. Smithson were both natives of Kentucky; his father died in 1872, but his mother is still living. He has held the offices of city marshal and city collector. He is a member of the Masonic order, Knights of Honor, Knights of Pythias and the A. O. U. W. Mr. and Mrs. Smithson are worthy members of the Baptist church.


767


HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


INGHAM STARKEY,


lumber dealer; postoffice, Holden. Was born in Ohio, October 9, 1831, and spent his youth on a farm, and learned the carpenter's trade after twenty years of age. His father moved to Illinois in 1844, and came to Missouri in 1851. Ingham came to Holden, July, 1866, engaging in the lumber business. He served as town councilman for eight years. He has been one of the directors of the bank of holden since its organization, in 1872. He was elected vice president, and in 1880-1 he was elected president. Mr. S. is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has been master of the lodge. He was married in 1856 to Miss S. A. O'Neil, daughter of H. O'Neil. She is a native of Saline county, Missouri. By this union they have two children, Mattie W. and Charley E. Mr. and Mrs. S. are worthy members of the Presbyterian church.


WILLIAM STEELE,


president of Farmers' and Commercial bank, Holden, Mo. Was born in Scotland, February 10, 1846. He went to Canada in 1855, where he remained until he came to Missouri, in 1870, and located in Holden, where he arrived in May, and bought out a grocery store. He followed this for eight years, when he sold out and went into the grain business, and continued in this for two years. In 1881 he engaged in the Farmers' and Commercial bank of Holden. He has been a member of the school board for a number of years. He was married in 1873 to Miss Mary E. Kennedy, of Canada, by whom he has three children: E. K., Mary M. and James H. Mrs. Steele is a strict member of the Episcopal church.


JESSE C. STRANGE,


farmer and stock raiser, section 2; postoffice Holden, Missouri. The subject of this sketch was born in Lafayette county, Missouri, December 25, 1833. His father, S. K. Strange, was a native of Kentucky, and a farmer by occupation. He emigrated to Missouri in 1832, and settled in Lafayette county, where he lived until 1834, when he removed to Johnson county, and located at Columbus, where he remained until 1836, when he moved to Bear Creek, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1837. At the age of twenty Jesse C. went to California, and remained three years, during which time he was engaged in mining. He then returned to Johnson county. When the war broke out he was absent for four years, when he returned and bought the farm on which he now lives, consisting of about 500 acres, most of which is well improved, with sub- stantial buildings, and a good peach and apple orchard. His residence is neat and tasty, with all the modern improvements. During his residence


49


768


HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


on this farm he has been extensively engaged in farming and dealing in stock. He was married to Miss Dorathy J. Lee, of Howard county, Missouri, who died leaving one son, Charles L. He was again married to Miss Sarah C. Carmichael, a native of Kentucky. By this union they have two children: John W. and Tippie D. Mr. and Mrs. Strange are both members of the Christian church.


JOHN M. TAYLOR,


of the firm of Taylor & Bettes, hardware, was born in Pleasant county, West Virginia, November 24, 1854. He attended the state university of Missouri and received a good English education. In 1875 he entered the Ontario College of Pharmacy, and graduated in 1878. He then came to Holden and entered the drug business with Z. T. Miller. The style of the firm was Miller & Taylor. He remained in partnership with Mr. Miller until January, 1881, when he sold out and formed a partnership with A. O. Bettes, and bought out the firm of H. C. Bettes & Sons, hard- ware. The members of the present firm of Taylor & Bettes are both young men, but have the time and energy necessary to success. Their stock includes hardware, stoves, tinware and agricultural implements. Mr. Taylor is a member of the Knights of Honor, and is an acceptable member of the Presbyterian church. He came to Missouri in 1867, and located in Holden. Wm. C. Taylor, his father, was a native of old Vir- ginia. He was born in Tyler county (now Pleasant county), West Vir- ginia, March 18, 1822. His father (John M.'s grandfather), came from Hamphier county, east of the mountains, and was a farmer, and was also a distant relative of Zachary Taylor, and belonged to one of the first fam- ilies of Virginia. Wm. C. lived on a farm until he was seventeen years of age. He received a good common school education, and has since been a self-educator. In 1837 he went to Washington county, Ohio, and located at Marietta, one of the oldest towns in the state. Here he accep- ted a clerkship with Thos. W. Enoch, and held this position some twelve years. He afterward studied law and was admitted to the bar. He was appointed deputy clerk of the court of common pleas, which deputy was ex-officio clerk of the higher courts. He held the position by appointment for several years. In 1866 he removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he engaged in the commission business for one year. In 1867 he came to Missouri and located in Holden. In 1868 he was elected to the town council. He has also held the position of city school director for a term of years. During his stay in Holden he has been a conveyancer, and has given considerable attention to the settlement of estates in the county. He was first married in 1851 to Miss Margaret Y. McCracken, who was a graduate of Marietta female seminary She died leaving one son, John M. Mr. Taylor was again married to Miss Sarah Saxton, a native of


769


HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.


Canada, who came to Johnson county about the same time Mr. Taylor did. Mrs. Taylor was a member of the M. E. church in Canada.



HON. CHARLES C. TEVIS,


who for many years has been a prominent farmer and stock dealer of this county, was born in Madison county, Kentucky, March, 1845. Cyrus Tevis, his father, was also a native of Kentucky and was an enterprising farmer, but died when the subject of this notice was about one year old. Charles C. lived in his native county until nineteen years of age, during which time he received a liberal education in the common schools and entered Center college, then located at Danville, Kentucky, an old and well established institute, where he took a regular course and gradu- ated in 1867. After which he was engaged as tutor to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of one of the members of the faculty. In 1869 he removed to Johnson county, Mo., and located at Holden. About one year after his arrival he embarked in the grocery business which he fol- lowed eighteen months, when he disposed of this and engaged in the stock business, and at the same time farming extensively, in which business he had proved himself master of the situation. He has been twice called upon to fill the responsible position as representative of his county, and was elected in the fall of 1876, serving his people faithfully and filling the position with much credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He was again called on to serve the second time, and was again elected in the fall of 1878 by a handsome majority. He has served several years on the school board ; was also a candidate before the convention for State senator, and came within two votes of being nominated. He was married in Priceton, Kentucky, to Miss May Hawthorne, December 23d, 1868, daughter of the Rev. J. Hawthorne, a prominent minister of the Presby- terian church of Princeton, of which Mr. Tevis was a member. This union has been blessed by six children-Una, James, Ruth, Rose, Mary and Daniel. Mrs. Tevis died July 7, 1879, leaving the above named children. Mr. Tevis' landed estate numbers about 800 acres, the largest portion of which is well improved, Personally Mr. Tevis is of a retiring mind, medium size, mild and affable in his deportment, a liberal advocate of the common school system and of education generally, always ready and willing to help any enterprise tending to the public good. His resi- dence is a very substantial one, large, and of the modern improvements necessary for comfort and convenience; the spot on which it stands is sitely with all the shade and ornrmental trees to render it attractive and healthly.




Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.