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 88

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 88

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

ABNER VAN MATRE

was born in Indiana, May 14, 1837. His father, David Van Matre was a native of Ohio, and a farmer by occupation. Mr. Van Matre's early life was spent on his father's farm. He received a good liberal education from the common schools of his native county. When the war came on Mr. V. enlisted as a volunteer soldier in the Union army, serving until the close of the war. He was engaged in some of the hard fought battles of the war, among which was, the fight of Vicksburg, Fort Gibson, Jack- son, Champion Hill, Black River bridge, and at the final siege of Vicks- burg. He was mustered out of service September, 1864, then returned to his Indiana home. When about twenty years old Mr. V. married Miss Elizabeth A. Stewart, of his native county; from this union there are seven children, viz. : Lillian H., Peter C., Osee B., Minter T. S., James E. S., Maria D. A., and David J. In the year 1865, Mr. Van Matre moved his family to Missouri, settling at Holden, where he has since resided. ¿ Since Mr. V.'s residence in Missouri, he has been engaged in the practice of law, in which profession he stands well. In 1866, Mr. Van Matre was elected to the office of justice of the peace; after serving in this office for about three years, he then was elected city attorney, which office he filled for a number of years with credit to his constituents and honor to himself. At the spring elections of 1881, the citizens of Holden, appreciating his services in other offices, elected him to the responsible position of mayor of their city. To Mr. V.'s credit, it can be said, he has made as faithful and efficient officer as the city has ever had.

ANDREW WARD.

Among the successful business men of Holden, none are more worthy of mention than the subject of this notice. He is a native of Ireland, and born upon its virgin soil in the month of October, 1831. He came to the . United States in the year 1846, landing at New York city. He embarked next from this place to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where he remained about six years, then moved to the state of Missouri, stopping awhile at St. Louis, in which place he was employed by the Missouri Pacific Rail- road, and where he remained until 1866, when he moved to Holden, this county, and still was in the employ of the same company, and continued with this company for an unusually long term of years, during which time he acted as dispatcher, and continued until 1878 when he retired, having served the company faithfully for a period of over twenty-five years. After which he engaged in the ice business, which he is following at the present time. Mr. Ward purchased ten acres of land, most beautifully located, and on which he has erected a very substantial residence, surrounded with elegant shade trees, and extremely beautiful in appearance, and command-

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

ing in view. Here he intends making his permanent home, and has wisely chosen this beautiful spot on which to spend the remainder of his days. He married Miss Hannah McPhaden, of Williamsport, Penn., a most estima- ble lady, and by whom he has had three children born: James W., a very worthy and intelligent boy, who now holds a responsible position as clerk in the store of F. H. Miller; also Katie, a blooming young girl, and Han- nah, the pride of the family. Personally Mr. Ward is mild, and unas- sumi ng, of sterling integrity, and is universally esteemed by all who know him.

WILLLIAM WHITE,

president of Holden college, was born in Toronto, Canada, in 1850. He was educated in his native country, and attended the Toronto University. He afterwards turned his attention to music, and placed himself under the instruction of E. A. Robbins, the celebrated artist of Boston, under whom he graduated in 1877. His system of teaching exceeds everything yet presented. His object is to have thoroughness at every step. He was married November 9, 1832, to Miss M. H. Smith. By this union they have had three children, one of whom is now living: Ethel A.

GEORGE S. YOUNG,

Holden, Missouri, was born in Middletown, Maryland, in January, 1840 He emigrated to Missouri in 1866, locating at Holden, where he has lived ever since. He was a carpenter and builder, which occupation he foilowed for a short time, and then went into the wholesale and retail furniture busi- ness, in which he engaged extensively, shipping to Fort Scott and other im- portant points. At that time the county was almost a wilderness, the popu- lation not exceeding ten thousand, and the assessed valuation was one mil- lion dollars. Mr. Young sold out his furniture business in March, 1881, and was elected president of the Farmers' and Commercial bank, which position he declined, and accepted that of the vice-presidency of the bank. In 1876 he was elected a member of the board of education, and held the position continually until April, 1881, acquitting himself with great credit. He was elected a member of the council in 1868-70. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and also of the Presbyterian church. He has held a commission in, and represents that district in the grand lodge of Odd Fellows. He was married in Baltimore, Maryland, March 21, 1866, to Miss Estella V. Hyatt, a native of his own state. By this union they have had seven children, three of whom are living: Daisie L., Blanche E. and John H.

HENRY P. CARPENTER.

Among the enterprising business men of Holden, who was born in the state of New York, August 6, 1848, may be mentioned Mr. C. He

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

left his native state and came to Missouri in 1869, stopping in Cass county, where he remained two years. Then he moved to Johnson county, locating at Pittsville, where he engaged in the mercantile business, which he followed successfully until 1880, when he come to Holden and engaged in the retail grocery trade. On the 1st day of January, 1882, he moved into an elegantly fitted up room in the New Block, where he is doing a fine business. He was married in 1873 to Miss Martha E. Fine, daughter of B. H. Fine, Esq., who came to Missouri in 1829. From this union they have had three children, two of whom are living: Reuben A., and Freder- ick L. Lost one daughter four years old.

MILTON T. ROBERSON,

of the firm of Smithson & Roberson, Holden. Was born in Boyle county, Kentucky, Sept. 28, 1845. He was reared in his native county. Enter- ing Center College at the age of fourteen, pursued his studies until he was sixteen, when he entered the army, enlisting in the 4th Ky. U. S. troops and served twenty-one months, and was afterward transferred to the quarter- master's department, which position he held until the close of the war, after which he returned to his father's farm, where he remained until 1868, where he was married to Miss Mattie J. Bradshaw, daughter of Fredrick Bradshaw, Esq., of Kentucky. Mr. Roberson came to Missouri in 1869, and soon after located in Holden, where he accepted a clerkship with the firm of Morrison & Bro., holding this position for ten years. In 1880 he formed a co-partnership with Mr. H. D. Smithson, under the firm name of Smithson & Roberson. These gentlemen are now running the leading dry goods store of Holden. Mr. R. is a prominent Mason and is at present worshipful master of the Holden Lodge No. 262. His family consists of three boys: Cormilus B., Frank B., and Emmet B.

JOHN G. COPE,

prominent among the business men of Holden, none are more worthy or have contributed more largely for the development of the Queen City, than the subject of this notice. Mr. Cope was born in Harrison county, Ohio, April 9th, 1838. His boyhood days were spent on his father's farm, receiving his primary education at the common school, after which he attended a select one. He then began his career as a teacher, which he followed successfully for a period of eight years. In 1869 he came to Holden, Missouri, and soon after engaged in the grain trade, in which he dealt largely, and continued until 1872, when he dispossd of this and bought an interest in the Holden Bank, and shortly afterward became its cashier, which position he holds at present. . He has served one term as member of the city council, and also member of the school board. In 1859 Mr. Cope was married to Miss Lizzie H. Cary of Wyandotte, Ohio, daughter

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

of Geo. S. Cary, Esq. Mr. Cope has a large and substantial residence, beautiful grounds decorated with evergreens, and other shrubbery. His family consists of four children: Mary E., Frank C., Bertha E. and Charles.

J. D. GUNTER,

contractor and builder of the Holden College, is a native of Kentucky, born September 16, 1837, and principally raised in Ohio. He received a good English education; spending some time in pursuing his studies at the North University, Indianapolis, Indiana; quitting this school, he then went to the Delaware College, Ohio, where he continued several sessions; leaving this he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he learned the carpenter's trade and also acquired a good knowledge of architecture and building under the direction of Wm. Lilley. He then went south to New Orleans, where he carried on the carpenter and builder's business until the out- break of the civil war. In 1868 he came to Sedalia, Missouri, where he remained until the following year, when he moved to Holden, Missouri. Since which time he has been actively engaged in contracting and building. His fine work being the best evidence of his skill. In 1866 he was mar- ried to Miss Permelia Hockensmith of Indianapolis, Indiana, daughter of Benjamin Hockensmith.

R. L. BOLTON,

physician. .Prominent among the citizens of Holden is Dr. Bolton, who is a native of North Carolina, born Nov. 15th, 1830. After studying medicine he entered the Eclectic Medical School of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he graduated in 1861. He came to Missouri with his parents when but an infant in 1831. In 1860 he located at Holden, Mo., where he has been a resident since and where he has enjoyed a large practice. In 1865 he was married to Miss D. Bradley, daughter of R. D. Bradley, an old settler of this county. Socially the Dr. is a genial gentleman.

B. F. METZLER,

tradesman and speculator. Was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, June 23d, 1839. Received his first lessons at the common schools. When eighteen years of age he started to a graded school and then went to Iowa, where he attended the Collegiate Institute in Delaware county, at which place he pursued his studies for some years. In 1862 he entered the army, enlisting in Co. K, 21st Iowa Infantry, and served until 1865, participating in the following battles: Vicksburg, Spanish Fort, Fort Blakely, and many other important engagements. Being mustered out at Baton Rouge he returned to Ohio and soon after was appointed 2d lieu- tenant of the 85th Colored Infantry of New Orleans, where they did pro-

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

vost duty. On Oct. 5th, 1866, was mustered out and returned to Ohio, and in the fall of the same year moved to Holden, Mo., where he has been a resident ever since. Mr. Metzler is secretary of the building committee of the Holden College. He was married August 31st, 1866, to Miss Minerva Williams, a native of Ohio, born in Licking county. They have five children: Charley, O., Dora A., Eddie E., Lena and Clide.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. JOHN A. ADAMS,

eldest son of Daniel and Susan Adams, was born Oct. 16, 1841, in John- son county, on the old homestead. He received his early education in the common school. He does all his carpenter work on the farm. He mar- ried Miss D. Mack, daughter of Godfrey Mack, in 1866. Their family consists of seven children: Benjamin F., Maggie A., Sophronia J., Archie G., Jessie E., Daniel G. and Emma F. His farm consists of 80 acres, on which he has good buildings and a young orchard. He is a successful hog raiser. Mr. and Mrs. Adams are members of the M. E. church. In 1861 he entered the Union army, serving about four years. Mr. A. is a careful and systematic farmer, worthy and enterprising.

JUDGE DANIEL ADAMS.

Among the prominent pioneer farmers of this county we mention the name of Judge Adams; born in Wilkes county, N. C., on the south side of the Blue Ridge, Dec. 18, 1813. His father, John Adams, was also a native of the same State, and his grandfather was a native of Virginia and belonged to the celebrated Adams family of that State. Daniel's father was a planter, who emigrated to Missouri with his family of ten children and settled on Bear Creek in 1834. He resided here on his farm till he died in June, 1870. Daniel married Miss Susan McClary, daughter of Elijah McClary, Esq., one of the early settlers of Howard county, Mo. Their family consists of twelve children, eleven of whom are now living: John A., Anna E., Jane A., William P., Christina C., Elijah M., Susan E., Thomas R., Clara E., Robert H., Mary F., deceased, and James L. His present farm contains 280 acres, all under fence with good substantial buildings. In 1852 he was elected justice of the peace and served four years, and was re-elected and served two years. In 1866 he was elected county judge, serving three years, at the end of which time he resigned. He was township clerk several years and has held the office of school director since the free school system was established in this State. Mr. and Mrs. Adams are members of the C. P. church. Mr. Adams is one of those sterling pioneers whose force of character coupled with his indus-

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

try has wielded a powerful influence in his neighborhood for good; hospitable and generous in his nature, he has secured a large circle of friends.

D. H. DEARMAN,

of the firm of DeArman & Wells, dealers in dry goods. Was born in Knox county, Tennessee, December 27th, 1844, came to Missouri with his parents in 1851. His father, Wm. H., is a native of east Tennessee, born in Blount county, June 1st, 1811, was raised a farmer, and received his education at the common schools. In 1834, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Childres, daughter, of Stephen Childres, a prominent farmer of Blount county. She was born, January 4th, 1816. In the spring of 1838, Mr. DeArman moved on to what was then called the new purchase, previously occupied by the Cherokee Indians, and he was employed by the U. S. Government to collect the Indians, and was in the service twelve months. The Indians being moved on to the Arkansas reservation, Mr. DeArman continued to reside on the purchase until the year 1851, when he removed to Missouri, stopping in Jefferson county, until the following spring, when he moved to Johnson county, and settled on Black Water, where he remained two years, when he bought a farm on Bristle Ridge, and moved on to it, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits and raising stock, and improving his farm, where he lived until the spring of 1881, when he left the farm and moved to Knobnoster, where he will spend the remainder of his days. Although well advanced in years, his step is lively and firm as he goes about his business. Per- sonally, he is above the medium size, well proportioned, pleasing in his address, honorable in his dealings, a kind husband, and a good neighbor. He has raised a family of eight children, all of whom are living, viz: Mal- issa A., Margaret E., David H., Jane, Purnel B., Mary L., Wm. H., Mar- tha E. Mr. and Mrs. De Arman and three of the daughters, are mem- bers of the M. E. Church South; one daughter, Jane, is a Baptist. D. H., who is the eldest son, and the subject of this notice, spent his youth on a arm, and early acquired the habits of industry, which is the foundation of all successful men. When about sixteen years of age, he accepted a clerk- ship in a dry goods store, and soon after engaged in the same business for himself. He is now associated with Mr. J. H. Wills, one of Knobnoster's best business men, and the firm is doing a prosperous business. Mr. De- Arman was married to Miss E. A. Goodnight, January 26th, 1866. She is a lady possessed of many graces. They have three children, Alonzo L., Edgar L., and Lela Earl. Mr. DeArman is a man who has worked his way up in the world, and belongs to that noble army of the self-made.

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

ELIJAH R. BALES,

P. O., Montserrat, Mo. Was born in Pettis county, Mo., on January 14th, 1848, where he lived until he was about twenty-one years of age. Allen D. Bales, his father, was a native of Kentucky, and his mother a native of Missouri. They were married February 8th, 1844, and they lived in Pettis county until 1859, when they went to Johnson county, and settled in Grover township, where they lived until his father died, which was on the 27th of June, 1864. His mother also died the following year, on the. 17th day of May, 1865. Mr. Bales' father was born in 1817, ou the 18th of October, and his mother was born on the 21st of July, 1822. At the age of eighteen, the subject of this sketch started out for himself. For the next two years he worked a rented farm in Pettis county, then he returned to the old farm in Johnson county, which he farmed for two years, then rented and worked another farm one year. In the fall of that year, he married Miss Sarah Harter, of Johnson county, the daughter of Francis and Nancy Harter. Mrs. Bales' father was a native of Virginia, and her mother was a native of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Bales were educated in the common schools of the county. They were married on the 25th day of October, 1870. After they were married, they returned to Pettis county, where they remained one year, where he bought a small farm. He then sold his place, and returned to Johnson county in the spring of 1872, and rented another farm, which he worked four years, then he bought. 80 acres in Washington township, near where he now resides. A short time after he bought another 80 acres, and soon after 80 acres more was added to his present farm of 240 acres of splendid land. The soil is black loam, and mulatto soil, the buildings all good, and improvements substan- tial. They have two children living, a daughter, Herma A., and a son, Wm. H. Two have died, Curtis A., who died on the 28th of January, 1873, and another, Nov. 11, 1873.

CAPT. C. BONDURANT,

farmer, P. O. Knobnoster, Missouri, was born in Madison county, Ken- tucky, June 19, 1816. His father, Edward Bondurant, was a native of Buckingham county, Virginia, and emigrated to Kentucky at an early day and came from there to Missouri in 1830, and settled in Pike county, Missouri, where he remained ten years, and then went to Howard county, where he remained several years, and then moved to Johnson county, and settled on a farm, three and a half miles northwest of Knobnoster, where- he resided until his death, which occurred in 1855. Capt. C. was raised on a farm, which occupation he still follows. He was married, in 1842, to Miss Elizabeth Geery, of Howard county. He came to Missouri in the spring of 1850, and bought a farm of Robert M. Maxwell, on which he

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

has resided ever since. The farm contains 240 acres, most of which is well improved, with a good, substantial residence, and a good frame barn. He entered the Union army in 1861, and served three years as first lieu- tenant, after which he became captain, and served till the close of the war. His present family consists of four children. Mr. and Mrs. Bondurant and all their children are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

THOMAS H. BOYD.

Prominent among the business men, who, by his unaided efforts, has attained an enviable reputation, is the subject of our sketch, who was born in Scotland, September 17, 1838. In the spring of 1868 he came to the United States, making the voyage on the steamer "City of Brussels." On arriving at New York, he went to Canada; spent some time in traveling. Returning, he settled in Quincy, Illinois, where he remained about six years. After which he went to Ohio, and was there engaged in the coal mines for some time. From there he went to Pennsylvania, where he was employed by a wealthy firm to superintend their coal works, which position he held for a period of five years. In 1875 he came to Missouri, and located at Montserrat, and now has charge of mines owned by "South- western Coal Association," of which he is superintendent. The com- pany's business has flourished under his direction. His long experience gives him superior advantages as a coal operator. The company has bought and leased over five thousand acres of land lying near the present site of Montserrat. Mr. Boyd is also running a large store, consisting of a general stock. Mr. Boyd has been twice married; first to Miss Jane McIn- toish, a native of Scotland. She died in 1880, leaving six children: George M., Maggie, Thomas H., Susan, John, and Nettie. In 1881 Mr. Boyd married, for his second wife, Miss M. E. Clifford, a native of Missouri. Mr. Boyd is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

A. C. BRIDGES,

farmer and mechanic; postoffice Knobnoster, Missouri, was born in the state of Indiana, June 23, 1823, where he lived until he arrived at man- hood, and received a common school education. His father was born in Virginia, in 1789, was a farmer and mechanic, having learned the shoe- maker's trade in early life, and emigrated to Kentucky in 1799, where he was married to Miss Nancy Fitch, and continued to live until 1820, when he moved with his family to Wayne county, Indiana, where he resided about thirty years, and then moved to Clark county, Indiana, where he died in 1879. Alex. C. was married in Kentucky in 1848, to Miss Eliza- beth J. Thomas, and returned to Indiana and engaged in the dry goods business, which he followed for seven years, and then went to farmign

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

and working at the carpenter's trade. In the spring of 1866 he came to Missouri and settled in Knobnoster, where he has resided ever since. For some time after his arrival he worked at his trade, after which he planted a vineyard, and has devoted considerable time to grape culture and the manufacture of wine. He has one daughter, Laura F., now Mrs. John C. Miller, of Knobnoster. Mrs. Bridges is a member of the Chris- tian church.

GEORGE BRIM,

Knobnoster. Farmer, Washington township. Was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, August 19, 1848. His early education was received in his native county. He spent his youth on a farm, and at the age of twenty- one he left home to do for himself. His father was a native of England, and came to this country when about eighteen years of age. His mother was a native of Ohio. Her maiden name was Elizabeth Loop. His father died in 1874 in Sandusky county, Ohio. George came to Mis- souri in 1870, and spent one year in Pettis county. In January, 1872, he was married to Miss Rebecca E. Shoemaker., Mr. Brim has been a farmer all his life, and purchased the farm on which he now lives in the spring of 1881. It contains 168 acres, all in cultivation, with good, sub- stantial improvements. He also owns a steam thresher, which he runs during the fall of the year in connection with his farming. He has three living children: Tillie A., George and Walter. Mr. Brim is now serv- ing as school director and clerk.

JOHN D. BROUGH,

Knobnoster, farmer, Washington township. Was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, June 28, 1849. He left his native state when about three years of age, with his parents, who moved to the state of Illinois, where they remained for three years, and then came to Missouri in the spring of 1855, and settled in Henry county, where they remained eight years, and then went to Benton, where his father still lives. John D. came to Johnson county in 1877, and settled on Clear Fork, where he has run a saw mill, and still owns a half interest in it. In 1878 he purchased the farm on which he now lives, containing 157 acres, eighty of which are in cultivation, and the remainder in timber. He was married in 1872, to Miss Julia Bellisseme, daughter of Charles Bellisseme. She is a native of this state, and has had three children, two of whom are living: Gor don H. and Aubrey L. Mr. Brough owns a steam thresher, which he runs during the fall, and runs the saw mill during the winter.

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

WM. R. BROWN,

born in Franklin county, Missouri, August 31, 1829. His father, James Brown, is a native of Middlesex county, New Jersey. He was born March 24, 1802. When he was about twenty years of age he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he learned the brick mason's trade. He came to Washington county, Missouri, at a very early day. He married Miss Mary A., daughter of William Gragg. She was a native of Tennessee, and her father was a soldier in the revolution. James Brown moved to Johnson county in 1832. W. R. Brown, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the log school house. In 1850 he went to California, where he spent about three years. He was married in Johnson county, Mis- souri, in 1854, to Miss Sarah J. Higgins, who was born in Brown county, Ohio, September 6, 1829, daughter of James Higgins. Mr. Brown came to Knobnoster in 1866. Since about the year 1878 our subject has been clerking for De Arman & Wells. He was a member of the city council. They have been blessed with two children, but both have died: Mary A. and Samantha M. Mr. and Mrs. Brown joined the C. P. church at the same time, some twenty-five years ago.

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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 88

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