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 89
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JOHN V. CAMPBELL,
stock-dealer, Knobnoster, Missouri, was born in Johnson county, Missouri, April 6, 1857. His father, Dr. C. C. Campbell, was a native of Ohio. He attended a literary school in Pennsylvania for several terms, and then returned to Ohio and commenced the study of medicine. He took his first course of lectures at the St. Louis Medical College. In 1838 he came to Missouri and located in Reynolds county, where he commenced the practice, and continued the same for several years. In 1851 he moved to Johnson county, Missouri, and located in Knobnoster, where he imme- diately resumed his practice, and in a short time he built up an extensive business, extending many miles around. He was married in Fred- erickston, Missouri, in 1839, and died December 31, 1876. J. V. Camp- bell, the subject of this notice, spent the greater part of his youth on a farm. He was married in 1879 to Miss Nannie Robertson. Mr. C. com- menced business for himself at the age of twenty-one, by dealing in stock, buying, selling and shipping to the eastern markets. He has one daughter: Eula Maud. Mr. C. is now living on the old homestead, consisting of 140 acres, well improved, with good, substantial buildings.
ADAM CARPENTER,
P. O. Knobnoster, Missouri, was born in Kentucky, July 8, 1804. His father was a native of Virginia, and emigrated to Kentucky at an early day, where he was killed by the Indians. Mr. Carpenter was married, in 1834, to Miss Mary Jones. He remained in Kentucky until 1851, when
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
he came to Missouri, and settled within three miles of Knobnoster. His farm at one time contained 700 acres. Mr. Carpenter was also quite an extensive stock raiser. He died on the old homestead, September 14, 1877. His widow still lives on the old place and takes care of the family. Mrs. Carpenter has nine children: One son, William D., and eight daughters, seven of whom are married. They all belong to the Christian church.
WILLIAM D. CARPENTER,
P. O. Knobnoster, was born in Kentucky, June 25, 1847. He came to Missouri with his father's family in 1851. In 1864 he attended an acad- emy in Pettis county, and in 1866 he attended the State University. He afterwards engaged in stock dealing and farming, in which he was very successful. In 1872 he was married to Miss Emma Shanks, of Pettis county. By this union they have three children living. Mr. C. devotes considerable time to buying, selling and shipping stock. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter are both members of the Christian church.
ALONZO CASE,
of the firm of Case & Larkin, hardware merchants, was born in the state of New York, near Rochester, March 29, 1839. When quite a small boy he moved with his parents to Michigan, where he was educated and reared to manhood. He came to Missouri in 1866, and located at Knobnos- ter, having previously married Miss Emma Green, of Michigan, daughter of William Green, a wealthy and prominent farmer. Mr. Case, soon after his arrival at this place, identified himself with the hardware and imple- ment business, and associated with him Mr. Charles Larkin, a very worthy gentleman, as partner in the business, the style of the firm being Case & Larkin, which is still in existence. These gentlemen seem to have proved themselves masters of the situation. They are in the enjoyment of a large and extensive trade, and at the same time have the confidence of their pat- rons. They are enterprising men, and have contributed largely to the busi- ness interest of Knobnoster. Mr. Case is a man who delights in the pros- perity of his city, and is always ready and willing to assist in any enter- prise tending to the public good. He has two worthy sons: Earnest W. and Lewis F.
C. COBB,
postmaster. Prominent among the citizens of whom Knobnoster have rea- son to be proud is Mr. Cobb, who was born in the State of New York, March, 1834, receiving his education under the common school system of his native state. When about twenty years of age went to Illinois, where he engaged to work at the carpenter trade, which he followed for a period of thirteen years, during which time in December, 1859, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Stevens, of Beaver county, Illinois, daughter of
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
Thomas Stevens, Esq. He continued to reside in Illinois until 1866, when he moved to Missouri and located in Knobnoster, and on the 1st of April of the same year commenced business, forming a partnership with Mr. Samuel Workman, engaging in the furniture business; passed through the big fire, suffered a heavy loss, which occurred about 1869. In 1870, built the brick store house now occupied by DeArman & Wells. In the fall of 1881 was appointed postmaster of Knobnoster. He has filled the office of chairman of the board of trustees, also member of the school board. Has been a prominent member for many years of the Baptist church, of which he is a deacon. Is superintendent of S. S. school ; is one of the leading members of the Good Templars' association, which organization he has been very instrumental in keeping alive. In politics is a staunch republican. Is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being initiated in 1866. Mr. Cobb has been three times married, his first and second wives dying ; his present wife being a Mrs. Mildred J. Ford. The family being composed of the following named children : Nellie S., James M., Willis C. and Susie M. Mrs. Cobb is also a member of the Baptist church and one of its earnest supporters. Mr. Cobb at present is running a store at Lemont, Pettis county, with Mr. Z. T. Bailey, as business man- ager. Mr. Cobb always led an active life, is a kind husband, a good neighbor, and an upright gentleman.
A. M. COFFEY,
familiarly known as Colonel Coff, was born in Wilkes county, Kentucky, January, 1804. His father, Eli, was a native of Virginia, emigrating to North Carolina in a very early day, and in company with Daniel Boone, went to Kentucky. His mother was a native of New Jersey. Her father moved to North Carolina when she was quite young. A. M. Coffey was raised and educated in Kentucky. He is a graduate of Center college, located at Danville, now Boyle county. In 1826 he went to Tennessee, where he was married to Miss Mary Bradford, daughter of Colonel Henry Bradford, of McMinn county. Mr. Coffey's residence being at Athens, he continued to reside there until 1842, when he removed to Missouri and settled in Pettis county. Before coming to Missouri, however, he pur- chased land in Tennessee. In 1850 he was elected to the legislature from Pettis county. In 1851, was appointed by President Fillmore as Indian agent for the eastern border, of what is now known as Kansas. At that time it was very rare to see the face of a white man. In 1855-56 was a member of the council of the Kansas legislature, which was instituted by congress in 1854. Then followed the Kansas troubles. Colonel Coffey, however, was an unwilling participant in many of them. He came to the neighborhood of Knobnoster in 1859 and settled on a farm. In 1873 the State Grange met at this place, and he was elected secretary of the
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
State Grange, and has held the office ever since. He is also member of the school board, of which he has been president for several years. His family consists of three children-Mary C., Henry B. and Rachel, who is now living in Oregon. Personally, Mr. Coffey is above the average height, is pleasing in his manner, and is possessed of rare conversational powers.
JOSEPH F. CONNER,
a leading teacher of Johnson county; was born near his present residence January 16, 1848, of Irish-Dutch ancestors. His father, Wm. Conner emigrated from Kentucky and settled here in 1844. He was born March 5, 1805, and died April 15, 1878. In politics he was a republican. He entered land here in 1851, and owned and cultivated a handsome farm of 300 acres. He married in 1834 Miss Eliza Wolford, sister of Col. Frank Wolford of cavalry fame. She was born January 25, 1812. To them were born five sons: James, John, Cyrus, Thomas and Joseph F., the sub- ject of this sketch. John and James are dead. All married except John, who died in 1867. Thomas resides at Independence, Montgomery county, Kansas, and is a prominent attorney. The others reside near the old home place. Mrs. Eliza Conner, the mother of the subject of this sketch, is a devoted member of the Christian church. She is in fair health and resides with Joseph F. The subject of this sketch at the age of 17 years commenced to teach. He entered the State Normal School at Warrens- burg, as one of the first students and graduated with honors in his class in 1872. November 21, 1874, he was united in marriage in Clinton, Henry county, with Miss Jennie C. Budd, an estimable young lady, whose parents were formerly from New York, who emigrated to Wisconsin in an early day, and after the war came to Missouri and settled in Clinton. She was born about 1855. They have three boys and one girl: Charles L., Mary E., Frank D., and an infant. Mrs. Conner is a member of the C. P. church.
BENJAMIN M. COLE,
born on Long Island, April 2, 1832. He was reared and educated in the city of Brooklyn. In 1856 he came west to Wisconsin, stopping in Fond du Lac for about five years. He engaged in work upon the railroad, running trains as a conductor for several years. He first came to Knob- noster in 1865, when the Mo. P. R. R. was being built through Johnson county. In 1878 he engaged in farming and raising stock. He was married to Miss Shaffer, daughter of P. B. Shaffer, in 1867.
JOHN A. COLLINS,
merchant, P. O. Knobnoster, Missouri, is a native of Ohio, and was born in Fairfield county, May 17, 1837. His father, who was a native of Mary-
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
land, emigrated to Ohio in 1801, and settled in Fairfield county, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred in 1857. His mother was a native of Pennsylvania, and died in 1866. John A. spent his youth on a farm and received his early education in his native state. He came to Missouri in 1866 and settled on a farm near Knobnoster, where he remained eight years. He then moved to Knobnoster and was engaged for five years in the dry goods business. He then engaged in the hard- ware business. He was married in 1863 to Miss Mary Dervar, daughter of Wm. Dervar, Esq. They have six children living: William A., Fannie B., Eugene R., Frank T., Grace and Gertrude. Mr. and Mrs. Collins are both acceptable members of the M. E. church. Mr. Collins is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is at present secretary of the lodge. He has also held several other important offices.
CAPT. E. W. DAWSON,
farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Warrensburg; born in Lincoln county, Ky., Aug. 11, 1819. His father, Elijah Dawson, was a native of Virginia, having emigrated to Kentucky in a very early day. His mother was a native of Kentucky, and was a woman of remarkable ability. Her maiden name was Sallie Logan. In 1845, Mr. Dawson came to Missouri, and in 1846 returned and married Martha J. Bosley, daughter of a prom- inent farmer. With his young bride he came to Missouri and settled in the beautiful valley about five miles east of Warrensburg. He now owns several farms, which he conducts with intelligence and success. The family consists of four children: Kittie A., J. T., John W., and Susie K. Capt. Dawson delights in the chase, and now as well as in former days, the pursuit of wild game with dog and gun frequently claims his attention. His hospitality and kind treatment of strangers is proverbial.
WM. DOW,
carpenter and farmer, P. O., Knobnoster; was born in Scotland in 1841. He was raised and educated in his native country. His father was a farmer. In 1859, he came to the United States, landing in New York, and came directly west to Cincinnati, Ohio; from there he went to Ken- tucky, where he remained fifteen years, during which time he was engaged as carpenter and builder. He followed this until 1878, when he came to Missouri, and settled on a farm near Knobnoster, containing 120 acres, most of which is well improved, with good substantial build- ings. He was married in 1867, to Miss Sue V. Breckenridge, of Lexing- ton, Ky. By this union they have five children living: Julia, Willie, Katie, John and Lena May. Mrs. Dow is a member of the Christian church. Mr. Dow works at his trade and carries on his farm at the same time, and also raises some stock.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY. .
JOHN F. ELBERT,
P. O. Knobnoster; dealer in groceries. Born in the state of Kentucky, in Bracking county, January 18, 1826. His father was a native of Ken- tucky, and born in Scott county, and was a tanner by trade, and later in life became a farmer. Emigrated to Missouri in the fall of 1836, settling in the western part of Benton county, where he was elected to the office of county judge, and served ten or twelve years. Then moved to Pettis county, east of Sedalia, where he continued to reside until his death in 1863. His mother was born and raised in Kentucky; her maiden name being Eliza McDaniel. She died in Benton county, Missouri, 1848. John F., the subject of this sketch, was about nine years of age when he moved with his parents to Missouri; his youth being spent on a farm, he early acquired the habits of industry, and resided with his father until 24 years of age, when he commenced business for himself, engaging in agricul- tural pursuits, which he successfully carried on for ten years, when he embarked in the groceey business, which is his present business, having it well established, as well as an enviable reputation for honesty and fair dealing. He married in Henry county, Mo., Dec. 5, 1852, Miss A. M. Barrett, a native of Bourbon county, Ky. Her parents moved to Missouri about the same time of that of Elbert's parents. This union has been blessed with one daughter, Katie. Mr. E. has been connected with the Cumberland Presbyterian church many years, of which he is deacon. In 1862, he became a member of the Odd Fellows lodge, and has filled all of the chairs. Mrs E. and her daughter are both members of the Cumber- land Presbyterian church.
P. P. EMBREE,
farmer, P. O., Knobnoster; was born in Lincoln county, Ky., April 25, 1827. His father was a native of Kentucky, and came to Missouri in 1831, and located in Cooper county, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1837. His mother was also a native of Kentucky, and died in Cooper county in 1837. Being early deprived of both his parents, he was thrown on his own responsibility. In 1849, he was married to Miss Cynthia McFarland, daughter of Jessie and Ann McFarland. He' moved from Cooper county to Henry county, and then came to Johnson county, and settled on a farm three miles northeast of Knobnoster, where he remained three years, and then moved his family to Warrens- burg, where he could better educate his children. He remained there two years and then moved on to his present farm, containing 406 acres, 360 acres in cultivation. He has just erected a good substantial residence, and a new barn. He has three children: Mary A., now Mrs. W. S. McIntire, Wm. L., and Jessie, now Mrs. A. B. Francisco. Mr. E., wife and one daughter belong to the C. P. church.
785
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
MOSES V. FAIRCLOTH,
postoffice, Knobnoster, was born in Surry county, North Carolina, on the 14th day of July, 1838, and remained there until 1870. Wm. Fair- cloth, the father of Moses V., was born in England and emigrated to North Carolina in an early day, with his wife and a small family of chil- dren. They settled in the above named county, and on a farm, where he raised a family of twelve children, of whom Moses V. was the youngest. His father died when he was eight years of age. His mother died some years later. At fourteen years of age he became an apprentice to a bicklayer and plasterer; served until he was twenty-one. Then he set out for himself, which trade he followed until 1863, when he went into the war. He was appointed steward of hospital No. 12, situated at Greens- borough, North Carolina, which position he held until the close of the war. He was married on the 11th day of November, 1862, to Miss Eliz- abeth E. Grant, of Daviess county. Mrs. Faircloth lived until 1865, when she died, leaving one daughter named Fannie E. Mr. Faircloth engaged in the mercantile business, which he followed until 1869. Soon he emi- grated to Missouri and settled at Knobnoster, where he has remained since. He was married again in September, 1868, to Miss Augusta D. Sanders, the daughter of John Sanders, Esq., a merchant of fine ability. They have four living children: Eva M., Lena R., Harry W. and Ber- nard W. They lost two in infancy. Mr. Faircloth has continued to fol- low his trade since coming to Johnson county, and by honest dealing has made a large circle of warm friends. As a citizen, his reputation is equal to any in the county.
GEORGE T. GALLAHER,
postoffice, Knobnoster, Missouri. Was born in Johnson county, Mis- souri, July 6, 1840. His father was a native of Tennessee, and was born in 1799, and came to Missouri in the fall of 1833, and settled on a farm about two miles north of where Knobnoster now stands. He entered government land and improved it himself. In 1836 he was appointed county judge, to fill a vacancy, by the governor. He resided on the old homestead until his death, which occurred in 1876. George T. attended the common schools, and also a select school. During the war he served in the Union army, in company E, 27th Missouri infantry. In 1862 he came home and went to farming, and was elected county surveyor, November 4, 1862, and served six years. He also held various small offices. He was married on January 7, 1864, to Miss Mary C. Knaus, daughter of Judge Knaus. By this union they have three children living: Henry L., James T. and Fannie. Mr. and Mrs. Gallaher are both mem- .bers of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
JOHN A. GALLAHER,
was born in Monroe county, Tennessee, October 5, 1842. His father, James A. Gallaher, was a native of East Tennessee, and was born in Rone county, 1797. He became a merchant early in life, which he fol- lowed successfully until 1833, when he was married on the 5th of Sep- tember, 1834, to Miss Mary F., fourth daughter of Capt. Robert Wear, a government surveyor and prominent planter. In the fall of 1834 he started en route, with his new bride, in wagon, for Missouri. Arriving in the state, he settled on Clear Fork, in this county, where he at once estab- lished a mill, store and blacksmith shop, or properly a gunsmith shop. These improvements were the first in the county. Being possessed of means, and a man of great energy, he soon became known, and was very popular as a man, and soon was in the enjoyment of a fine trade, people coming from a long distance to trade with him. As his means accumu- lated, he purchased lands, until he owned large tracts. He then began to deal largely in mules, and shipping them to the southern market, until he became one of the most extensive traders in all this part of Missouri. He was a man of unusual executive ability, and did a great deal in way of the developing of the country. He might be said to be a true business man, embarking in enterprises which gave employment to scores of men, which was a source of their living, and at the same time was benefitted himself. In 1841 he disposed of his mill property and moved onto a farm, which at present is the town site of Montserrat, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred in February, 1844. He had five children, three of whom died in infancy: James R., who. died a few years since; John A., who is the second son, is the only one surviving. His mother, who at present is his housekeeper, is an aged lady, smart on foot, and well remembers the events on first coming to Missouri. She is quite intelligent, and in the full enjoyment of all her faculties. She is a kind neighbor, and universally esteemed by all who know her. John A., the subject of this sketch, spent his boyhood days on a farm, receiving his early education at the public school, afterward attending a select school at Knobnoster, then accepted a clerkship in a dry goods store and served one year. Soon after he made a visit south. Returning, he engaged in farming, which he followed successfully till 1861. When the war broke out he entered the confederate army, General Price command- ing, then General Van Dorn and General Horton, and served during the war, and belonged to the non-commissioned staff. At the close of the war he came home and entered the college of Christian Brothers, of St. Louis, after which he entered the Missouri Medical College, where he took a thorough course. He then returned to his home and was several years engaged in various enterprises, among the principal were merchandizing
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
lumber and mining. Mr. Gallaher was united in marriage to Miss Kate H. Gillum, October 5, 1875, a lady whose social virtues have made his home one of the happiest in the world. She died in December, 1879, leaving two promising boys, Leo and Victor. Their mother lies buried in the lawn beneath the summer house, with a very costly and elaborate carved monument marking her last resting place, her grave being decor- ated with flowers of every clime and of every hue. The spot, although sacred, is the most beautiful in the county, and one over which Mr. Gal- laher watches with the grestest care. Mr. G. is the owner of the cele- brated coal mines of Montserrat, and has been the manager of the com- pany ever since its organization. Personally Mr. G. is of medium size, with a very pleasing expression, as a rule, reticent upon all subjects, is well informed, is a good citizen and neighbor, and is highly respected.
J. T. GILLUM
was born in Albermarle county, Virginia, May 17th, 1826. His father, Henry L. Gillum, was a native of that state and county, and an extensive dealer in tobacco, in the State of Kentucky. He died in 1871. J. T. was brought up on a farm. His parents with him, moved to Kentucky when he was less than a year old. He started for himself in 1847, in Logan county, Kentucky. Was married to Miss Stark, a native of Ken- tucky ; she died September 20, 1850. In 1853 he moved to this state and county, settling on a farm. His second marriage was to Margaret Mayes, a Kentuckian. Have five children living : Robert F., Lina C. Addie M., Henry Lea and George M. His wife, himself and four of the children are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. His farm consists of two hundred acres under cultivation, and sixty acres of timber. Has a beautiful home, surrounded by a large yard and handsome shade. He is located about due north, one and a-half miles from Montserrat. His two little grandchildren, Leo and Victor, are now members of his family, their mother, Mrs. Kate Gallaher, having died December 13, 1879. She was the wife of John A. Gallaher. Mr. Gillum is one of the best farmers in the county, and has been successful in his efforts as such by a steady application of hard work and good financiering. He is an open hearted, whole souled man, and held in high esteem by all who know him.
W. T. GOUGH.
Among the worthy citizens of Knobnoster may be mentioned Mr. Gough, who is a native of Scotland, and born near the city of Edinburgh, April 12, 1843. When about three years of age was brought by his parents to the United States. His father, Robert, was educated for a Presbyterian minister, but never engaged in preaching. He afterwards became a merchant and died soon after coming to the United States.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
Walter T., who was raised and educated in the city of Lockport, in Niagara county, N. Y., and who attended the Union academy of Lock- port for several terms, and after quitting the academy, entered Bryant & Stratten's Commercial College of Buffalo, N. Y., where he took a regular course, and graduated in the year 1860, and soon after a position was secured for him, with a firm running the Black Fall line of steamers as their bookkeeper, which position he held for two years. In 1863 he came west to Dayton, Ohio, where he was in the employ of a nursery for a period of several years, during which he traveled over several states. In 1868 he came to. Missouri and soon after engaged in the drug trade, which he followed successfully until the spring of 1881, and moved on to his farm, immediately east of town, in a high state of cultivation, with a handsome residence with beautiful surroundings. He married Miss Emma T. Dodd, of Wayne county, Ohio, daughter of John H. Dodd, Esq., and by this union they have one son, Harry C. Mr. Gough is widely known and much esteemed, and a very affable gentleman.
WM. R. GUM,
proprietor of the City Hotel, Knobnoster, was born in Highland county, Virginia, October 22d, 1838. He was raised and educated in his native county. At the age of twenty-two years he spent some time in traveling over the western states, and finally located in Cooper county, Missouri, where he resided several years, and during which time he was married to Miss Mary H. Wade, daughter of William Wade. In 1871 he moved his family to Pettis county, Missouri, and located near Lamont, where he engaged in farming, which he continued until the 7th day of November, 1881, when he moved to Knobnoster and took charge of the City Hotel, which is the principal one in the place. His family consists of six girls and five boys. Mr. Gum's father was born and raised in Virginia, and is still living. His mother, who was the daughter of Nathan McCloud, was also a native of Virginia, and died in 1852.
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