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 90
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SILVESTER HALL,
P. O. Knobnoster, born in Kentucky, February 7, 1811. His father was a native of Maryland, and born in 1777, and emigrated to Kentucky in 1779, and came to Missouri in 1819, and settled near Boonville, where he remained a short time, and then moved to Boonville, where he lived five years, and then moved to Saline county, where he died in 1827. His mother died in 1860. In 1849, Silvester, started for California, and was gone four years. When he returned he located in Pettis county. In 1854 he was married to Miss Nancy E. Gallaher, after which he engaged in farming. In 1865 he came to Johnson county, and settled near Knob- noster, where he owns a large farm. He owns about 1500 acres in all,
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1200 in cultivation. £ He has one farm on Black Water containing 800 acres, all in one body. He has three children living: Alice C., George L., and Charles H. Mrs. H. and Alice are members of the Old School Presbyterian church.
ISAIAH HANNA,
farmer. Born in the state of Missouri in Cooper county, February 28, 1835. His father being a native of Kentucky. He learned the blacksmith trade in his native state, which he followed until 1838, when he emigrated to Missouri, first stopping at Boonville, where he remained for several years, after which he moved some ten miles south of Boonville, where he carried on his trade until 1839, when he went to California, where he died in about one year afterward. Mr. Hanna's mother is a native of Mary- land, who is still living and is residing with his brother, who is now living in the town of Knobnoster. Her maiden name was Mary Robinson; she has attained the advanced age 72 years. Isaiah, who is our subject, was educated at the public schools. Spending a greater portion of his time in working upon his father's farm, and at the age of twenty one had gained quite a knowledge of the business, and had at intervals worked out for other parties. In 1856 commenced business for himself, engaging in farming and stock-raising, and in the same year was married to Miss Mary Houx, a cousin of the Rev. J. H. Houx, of Warrensburg, and daughter of John Houx, Esq., with whom Mr. and Mrs. Hanna lived many years. In 1878 Mr. Hanna moved on to his present farm contain- ing in all 560 acres, most of which is well improved with a good substan- tial residence on a high sightly place, commanding a fine view of the sur- rounding country. Mr. Hanna feeds cattle and hogs quite extensively and is one of the thorough substantial men of his neighborhood. His family consists of eleven children, all living: John T., Anna B., Jennie, J. D. David P., Samuel E., Finas, Lee, George, Mamie and Isaiah. Mr. Hanna and his worthy lady are both members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, of which Mr. Hanna has been one of its prominent elders for over fifteen years, and united with the church some thirty years ago. In poli- tics he is a democrat and is strong in his convictions.
JOSIAH HARPER,
P. O. Montserrat, is among the respectable citizens of Washington town- ship. He was born in the State of Tennessee, Smith county, (then DeKalb), April 17, 1834, of German extraction. His father was also a native of Tennessee and his great-grandfather came from Germany. He + is of the well known family of Harper's Ferry stock. His father was an esteemed farmer of Tennessee. The subject of this sketch, very early in life, became an orphan and had to depend upon his own resources with-
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
out much material aid from others. His mother died when he was in childhood, and his father when Josiah was eleven years of age. His early education was limited and received in the log school houses of his time. He is, in the main, a self-made man. By his own exertions and honest industry he has accumulated a good living. He was married to Miss Serrena Whitley, daughter of a prominent farmer of Tennessee. She is of Irish descent and a lady of deep religious convictions and of social nature. She is a Baptist in faith and her husband a member of the Southern Methodist church. Annie Harper, the only child, was born July 1, 1875. She is a bright, intelligent girl, very studious in school, and kind and affectionate at home. A bright future lies before her, and her parents deserve great praise for thus bringing up a child to honor them in their old age. God will bless them as they deserve. During the civil war Mr. Harper served faithfully as a confederate soldier, till the close of the struggle, in company H, under Gen. Cockrell. In politics he has always been a true democrat. His handsome cottage residence is just east of . Gallaher's lawn. . Mr. Harper at home is quite sociable and sincere in conversation, and appreciates honest thought. He is hospitable and kind to friends and stands high among his neighbors and acquaintances.
WILLIAM HARVEY,
farmer, P. O. Knobnoster, Missouri, was born in Ashland county, Ohio, July 20, 1840. His father was a native of Pennsylvania. His mother was born in Ohio. William was reared and educated in his native county, and attended an institute in Hayesville for several terms, after which he entered the army, at the first three months call, and enlisted, in 1862, in company H, 15th Ohio infantry. He participated in several battles of note, and in 1864 he returned to Ashland county, where he remained until 1868, when he moved to Missouri, and settled on his present farm, con- taining 280 acres, most of which is under cultivation, and is well improved. He was married in 1871 to Miss Eva Fridley, daughter of Jacob Frid- ley. She is a lady of culture and refinement. By this union they have two children: Elsie H. and John. Mr. Harvey has held the office of school director.
GEORGE W. HARRISON,
farmer, P. O. Knobnoster, was born in Johnson county, Missouri, April 9, 1840. He was educated in his native county, and attended a select school at Hazel Hill for several terms. He entered the army in 1861, , answering the first three months call. He was afterward appointed by the government as wagon master on the plains, and served four years. In 1865 he was married to Miss Brunette Glars, a lady of culture and refine- ment. In 1866 he settled on his present farm, containing 200 acres of
.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
well improved land, situated in section thirteen, range twenty-four. In 1868 he commenced the study of law, and was admitted to the bar. He has two children: Belle and Addison M. Mr. and Mrs. H. are both mem- bers of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Mr. H. is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and'has taken all of the degrees, and at present holds the office of high priest of the chapter order at Knobnoster. He also belongs to the Odd Fellows order, and is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry.
JOHN F. HENSHAW,
farmer, P. O. Knobnoster, was born in Madison county, Virginia, Feb- ruary 3, 1821. His father, Thomas Henshaw, was a native of Virginia, and moved to Kentucky in 1831, where he remained one year. In 1832 he moved to Clay county, Missouri, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1840. His mother was also a native of Virginia, and died in Clay county in 1860. John F. was about eleven years of age when he came with his parents to Missouri. In 1845 he came to Johnson county, and purchased eighty acres of land in Washington township. In April, 1845, he was married to Miss Susan M. Adams, daughter of Spencer Adams, one of the early settlers of Johnson county. In 1865 Mr. Henshaw moved onto his present farm, containing 164 acres of prairie land and sev- enty acres of timber land, making 234 in all. Most of it is in a high state of cultivation, with good buildings. It is located on section sixteen, town- ship forty-five, range. twenty-four. His family is composed of the follow- ing children: Pascal, Levi, Nancy, Albert and Elizabeth. Mr. H. has served several years as school director. Mrs. H. and Elizabeth are mem- bers of the C. P. church. Levi, the second son, lives in Rich Hill, Bates county, and is a Cumberland Presbyterian minister, ordained in 1875.
WM. HOGAN,
P. O. Knobnoster, Mo .; was born in Kentucky in 1813. His father was a native of Kentucky. His grandfather was a native of North Carolina, and made his second trip to Kentucky in company with Daniel Boone. William's father was a farmer and lived in Kentucky till 1832, when he came to Missouri and settled in Howard county. He afterwards lived in Cooper county, then in Pettis county, and then moved back to Cooper county, where he died in 1867. William spent his youth on a farm. He attended the Western Theological Seminary for three years. In 1832 he came to Missouri with his parents, where he taught school for one year, and then engaged in the mercantile business, which he followed until 1844, when he went to Texas. He remained there until 1851, when he went to Washington, D. C., where he remained until 1861, during which time he held various responsible positions under government employ. In
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
1861 he returned to Missouri, and in 1868 he came to Johnson county and located near Knobnoster. He was married in 1845 to Miss C. V. Holmeade. His family consists of five children: Medora, James, Eugene, William and Alice S. James Hogan, son of .Wm. Hogan, was born in Texas, June, 24th, 1848. He went with.his father to Washington, D. C., in 1851. He commenced business for himself when 18 years of age. He was married in 1879 to Miss Maggie A. Fisher, of Illinois, a lady of cul- ture, who devoted much time to teaching. Mrs. H. is a member of the M. E. church.
VALOROUS HUGHES,
P. O. Knobnoster, Mo .; was born on Oct. 31st, 1833, in Nelson county, Ky. His father was a native of the same State and died in 1859. His mother was also a native of Kentucky, and is still living in Andrew county, Ky., where her husband died. She is now (1881) 73 years of age and is keeping house and in the enjoyment of good health and all her faculties. Valorous commenced to learn the blacksmith's trade at the age of 14, and worked five years for his board, clothes and washing. He was married Sept. 28th, 1854, to Miss Mary E. Terrell, daughter of H. H. and Nancy Terrell. In the spring of 1855 he moved to Indiana, where he engaged in farming until the fall of 1856, when he sold out and moved to Missouri, locating in Knobnoster. On the next day after his arrival he went to work at his trade at $1.25 per day, working fourteen days, and then formed a partnership with his employer, R. H. Rue, which lasted two years. He then conducted the business alone until 1860, when he engaged in farming. During the Jate war he served in the Confederate army. In 1866 he returned to Knobnoster and resumed his trade, which he fol- lowed until July, 1880, when he rented his shop and retired from the busi- ness. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes are both members of the Baptist church. Mr. H. is also a member of the Masonic fraternity and Odd Fellows.
GORDON HARDY.
Among the prominent merchants of Knobnoster may be mentioned Mr. Hardy, who was born in Henry county, Missouri, October 10, 1847. His father was a native of Maryland. He was a farmer by occupation .. Emigrated to Missouri in 1842, and settled in Clinton, Henry county, where he resided until 1861, during which time he was engaged in agri- cultural pursuits. During the war he moved to St. Louis, where he remained until 1866, when he moved to Johnson county, locating at Knob- noster, at which place he is still a resident. Gordon's mother was born in the state of New York, and moved with her parents to this state. Her name was Jane, daughter of Gordon Robinson. She died in St. Louis, Missouri, January, 1871. Gordon Hardy, the subject of whom we write,
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
was raised and educated in Henry county. Commencing his business career in 1863, accepting a clerkship in the dry goods trade in St. Louis, then came to Knobnoster in 1869, and at once opened a dry goods store, which he has conducted successfully. His purchases always have been very judicious, and has held several positions, of which his first being trus- tee of the city, nice president of the old national bank of this city, and then president of the bank of Knobnoster, which position he held for several years. Has dealt considerably in real estate, also largely in sheep, which business he is interested in at present. In 1870 he was united in marriage with Miss Minerva Lilly, of Greencastle, Indiana, a lady of culture and refinement. She died in 1875, leaving two children, Walter R. and Genevieve. In 1876 he was married to Miss Etta L., sister of his first wife. The result of this union is one son, Henry. Mr. H. and his estimable lady are both mem- bers of the Old School Presbyterian Church.
S. G. KELLY,
attorney, was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, May 27, 1840. He continued to reside in his native county, until arriving near his majority, where he was educated. When about twenty years of age he went to Ohio, in which state he spent some seven years in traveling over various portions of it. In the spring of 1868 he was married to Miss Bell, daughter of John A. Dodds, a prominent farmer residing near Cincinnati, Ohio, and in the same year he came to Missouri, and settled in Johnson county, and engaged in farming and feeding stock, and at the same time dealing in stock, in which he was very successful, and as a farmer and stock-dealer exhibited much ability, and continued to follow this until 1874, when he was admitted to the bar of Johnson county, and immediately came to Knobnoster, since which time he has been actively engaged in the prac- tice of his profession, and enjoys the reputation of being one among the best jurists in the county. He is a gentleman widely known, and is univer- sally esteemed. His happy little family is composed of four sons, viz. Charles M., Clarence C., George H., and Samuel G. Mr. Kelly has selected a beautiful site on which he has erected a stately mansion, to which he will soon move his family, and one in which he, doubtless, will spend the remainder of his days.
ELBERT KIDWELL,
druggist and grocer, was born in Clark county, Illinois, on the 11th day of March, 1837, and lived in the same county until 1854, receiving a common school education. His father, Mr. Delana Kidwell, was a native of Ken- tucky, and so was also his mother. They were married in Kentucky, where they remained for several years after, then they emigrated to Clark county, Illinois. They were the parents of a large and interesting family
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
of eleven children-six sons and five daughters. Elbert and his twin brother went to Texas in the year of 1854, where they staid one year, and emigrated to California, and remained until 1869. While in California they were very prosperous. They returned to Illinois, and bought lands in Clark county, and farmed five consecutive years. During this period of his life Elbert was married to Miss Mary, the daughter of William H. and Lydia Ann Clough, of the same county. In 1876 he emigrated to Missouri, and settled in Putnam county, where he remained until the fall of 1879, when he moved to Knobnoster, Johnson county, where he now lives. He purchased a drug and grocery house, and soon was doing a fine business. In a short time his business increased, and became very profitable. They have raised two sons and two daughters, named as fol- lows: Flora O., James A., Isaac A., Maggie A. All young and inter- esting children. Not members of any religious organization, yet they are good moral citizens.
JACOB KNAUS,
P. O. Knobnoster, Missouri. Was born in Mason county, Kentucky, October 27, 1810. His father and mother were both natives of Pennsyl- vania, and were married in 1791, after which they moved to Kentucky, and from there to Ohio, and came to. Missouri, in 1817, and settled in Howard county where his mother died. His father remained in Howard county one year, and then came to Johnson county, and settled near Knobnoster, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1851. Judge Knaus, the subject of this notice, was the sixth son of seven, and is the only one now living. He spent his youth partly on a farm, and partly in the blacksmith shop. His early education was quite limited, being confined to the subscription schools. He was married in his twenty- second year to Miss Catherine Maxwell, who died October, 1834, leaving one son, John. He was again married to Miss Sophia Prigmore, of Pet- tis county, Kentucky. By this union they had six children; Benjamin P., May C., Jacob H., Wm. C., Walter Y., and Geo. W. In 1839, he was appointed by the county court as magistrate for Washington township, and served a short term. In 1840, he was elected and served two terms, of four years each. In the general election in 1848, he was elected one of the county justices, and served four years. He has also held various small offices in his township. His last wife was a member of the Christian church, and died in 1870.
WM. W. KOONTZ,
farmer, Washingtan township, was born in Virginia, in 1832, and came to Missouri in 1839, and settled in Cooper county, where he arrived at manhood. He came to Johnson county, in 1858, and settled on the old
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
homestead, where he engaged in farming. He has also been engaged in feeding cattle, and is quite an extensive and successful farmer. He was married in September, 1878, to Mrs. W. T. Graham, widow of W. T. Graham, and daughter of Wm. Carter. She is a native of Washington county, Ind., where she was raised and educated. She has one child by her former husband. Mr. Koontz is a member of the Southern M. E. church.
JOHN LAY,
farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Knobnoster, Mo., was born in Clayborne county, Tenn., Dec. 3, 1823. His father, Lewis Lay, was a native of North Carolina, and came to Missouri, in 1840, and settled in Adair county, which was then a wild prairie. In 1878, he went to Montana, where he died in February of the same year. John Lay was about twenty years of age when he came to Missouri with his parents. Soon after his arrival he took a claim, and commenced improving it, farming and rais- ing stock, at the same time enjoying the sports of pioneer life. He was married in the fall of 1844, to Miss Catherine Capps, daughter of David Capps. She was born and raised in Granger county, Tenn. Mr. Lay resided in Adair county, until 1863, when he sold out and came to Wash- ington township, and settled on his present farm, containing about 560 acres, 500 of which are in cultivation and well improved, with good sub- stantial buildings. He is quite an extensive stock-raiser, and has raised many fine mules. He was elected one of the township judges, and served two terms, and was also elected justice of the peace. He has had seven children, five of whom are living; Lewis P., John T., King D., Barbary E., and Catherine M. The family are all members of the Baptist church.
CHARLES LARKIN.
In this sketch we have a man who is by nature happily constructed. He was born in Harrison county, Ohio, Nov. 19, 1826. When eight years old moved with his parents to Highland county, Ohio, where he was principally raised and educated. In 1853, he moved to Iowa, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he followed until 1865. At the close of the war he removed to Missouri, and selected Knobnoster for a location. Identifying himself with the livery business, which he followed successfully for three years, when he disposed of his livery- „stock and engaged in hardware and agricultural implements, asso- ciating himself with Alonzo Case, a very honorable gentlemen. The popularity of the firm may be inferred by the success attending their career. In 1849, Mr. Larkin married Miss H. A. Elliott, daughter of Wm. and Hannah Elliott. Mr. Larkin has for some time taken charge of the elevator, and the firm are handling grain extensively, and have con-
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
tributed largely to the business interests of Knobnoster. Mr. and Mrs. Larkin by their happy union have two children living: Hannah A. and Martha J.
J. L. LEA, M. D.,
P. O. Montserrat. Among the prominent men of this county, and one who has been represented in its growth and progress is Dr. J. L. Lea, of Montserrat; having moved to this county in 1844, and settling at the above named place. The Dr. was born in Cocke county, Tenn., March 2, 1820. His father, Rev. Robt. H. Lea, was a native of North Carolina, and is now living at the advanced age of 87 years. J. L. received a por- tion of his education at the pay schools of that day. Was brought up on the farm, and moved to Missouri when about twenty years of age. He was married to Miss Tandy, a daughter of Roger Tandy, of Virginia. Have three children living: Mary Jane, now Mrs. Tandy, A. J., now Mrs. W. J. Mayes, and A. M., now Mrs. John S. Mayes, all residents of this county. Himself and wife are members of the M. E. church, south The Dr. is a man of large experience, and has been a very. successful practitioner. He still attends to the calls of a physician, and is held in high esteem by a large circle of friends, which are hard to limit in num- ber. We found him in his office and ready to assist us in anything which would help the work or add to the history of his county, and we feel under obligation to him in this respect, as some important facts and dates were gathered through his efforts.
PETER C. LINK,
P. O. Knobnoster, Mo .; was born in Belmont county, Ohio, April 25, 1856. His parents were raised in Virginia. His mother is of Scotch descent. After their marriage they remained in Virginia for some time, then moved to Ohio, and settled in Belmont county. After living here for a year or two they moved to Morgan county, Mo. When Peter C. was two years of age, his mother died. The family remaining in Morgan county for 10 years, when they moved into Cooper county, Mo., where they lived about one year, when his father died leaving two daughters and a son, whose names are as follows: Addie who was born in Vir- ginia, Peter C., the subject of this sketch was born in Ohio, and Bina in Missouri. He was eleven years of age when his father died, hence their advantages for an education were limited to the common schools of the county, and one or two terms at Bethlehem college. Peter then went to farming, the occupation his father followed for a livelihood. He contin- ued farming until 1881. Mr. Link is of good morals, economical in habits, and a thorough Christian gentleman. He was married to Miss Julia C., the accomplished daughter of Geo. W. Lutz, Esq., of Knobnos-
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
ter, Mo. He has settled in Knobnoster, and is proprietor of an exten- sive grocery house .. He is a worthy member of the Cumberland Presby- terian church.
C. B. LITTLEFIELD,
cashier of the bank of Knobnoster; was born in Kentucky, January 23, 1855. Came with his parents to Missouri, when about three months old; his father locating about twelve miles south of Knobnoster, on a farm, where the subject of this sketch was raised and received his early educa- tion. He was attentive to his books, and made rapid progress in his studies, and entered William Jewel college, where he continued to pursue his studies for two years. . Leaving this institution he returned to Knob- noster, and «was elected cashier of the bank of Knobnoster, July 1, 1876; which position he has filled with much credit to himself, and to the
satisfaction of his patrons. Also has filled the office of town councilman, city clerk and treasurer. Mr. L. was married, Oct. 1, 1877, to Miss Theodosia Webb, of Pettis county, daughter of Rev. W. S. Webb, a prominent minister now living in Girard, Kansas. This union has been made happy by one daughter being born: Edith Grace. Mrs. L. is a lady possessed of many graces, and is a prominent member of the Baptist church. Mr. Littlefield is one of the foremost of the prominent men of eastern Johnson county.
GOE. W. LUTZ.
Mr. Lutz is a native of Virginia, and was born in the Shenandoah val- ley, May, 1822. He lived in his native state until about the year -, when he, in company with his family, moved to the state of Illinois, where he was raised and educated, and continued to reside until 1857. He was married October, 1844, to Miss Christina, daughter of Abraham Funk- houser, a prominent farmer of Virginia. In the fall of 1857 he moved with his family to Illinois, where he remained about ten months. In the fall of 1858, emigrated to Missouri and bought a farm in Pettis county, on which he settled; here he lived two years, then moved into the old town of Knobnoster, and when the war broke out he moved his family back on the farm in Pettis county, where they remained until after the close of the war. Soon after this Mr. Lutz entered the Union Home Guards, serving for some months, then was called into service by the militia in which ser- vice he spent three years and was mustered out in the fall of 1864; after which he retired to his home and engaged in farming. This not being suited to his taste, he disposed of his farm and moved to Knobnoster and embarked in the sewing machine and furniture business, establishing his business in the year 1875-76, which business he has conducted success- fully. Mr. Lutz has held various township offices: first as constable, in
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