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 92
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J. H. WELLS,
merchant and stock dealer. In this sketch we do not have a man who nherited a fortune, or received a finished education, but we do have one
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
who posesses true merit. He is a native Missourian, born in Saline county, June 23, 1842. He was reared on a farm, and when quite a small boy exhibited signs of being his own man, and when about 17 years of age started out in life without a dollar; his first agreement was to drive a team across the plains and to receive for his services $25.00 per month and expenses, which he followed for two years. In the fall of 1864 he settled on government lands in Montana territory, which at that time was a part of Idaho, where he engaged in farming and raising stock, and also worked at blacksmithing, also in government contracting, which he followed tilt 1877. Since which time he has been engaged in buying western cattle and shipping them to Chicago. In the year 1877 he also opened a dry goods store in Knobnoster, taking in Mr. D. H. De Arman as partner and business manager. He also is partner in the grocery store, the style of the firm being Collins & Wells. He was married in September, 1861, to Miss Jane Reese, a daughter of J. E. Reese, a prominent farmer and stock trader of Montana. The result of this union has been four children, viz: Gomer, Perry, Reese and Lena. Mr. Wells is a straightforward man in his dealings, his popularity may be inferred by the success which has attended his career.
A. W. WHEATLEY,
farmer, P. O. Knobnoster, was born in North Carolina, May 6, 1833. His father Wm. Wheatley was a native of North Carolina, and came to Missouri in 1857, and settled in Washington township, one mile west of Knobnoster, where he remained until 1861, when he entered the army and was taken sick and died in 1862. His mother was also a native of North Carolina, was born in 1811, and is still living with her son, Adolphus W., the subject of this sketch, who was about 24 years of age when he came to Missouri, with his parents. In 1865 he commenced farming for himself. In 1866 he moved on to his present farm, containing 70 acres, with good substantial improvements. He has a small apple orchard and many varieties of small fruit. He has served as school director in his district. His father's family was composed of nine children, five of whom are living: Adolphus W., Benjamin F., Amelia E., May C., Adelaide A. They have lost four, two of whom were killed in the war, one died in infancy and the other at 10 years.
HERMAN WILPERS,
farmer, P. O. Knobnoster, was born in Prussia, June 12, 1845. In 1846 his parents came to America, and stopped one year in Buffalo, New York, then came to Illinois, where he remained until 1869, when he moved to Nebraska, where he was engaged in farming for 8 years, when he was. eaten out by the grass-hoppers. In 1876 he came to Knobnoster and
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
rented a farm and went to work with a will. He afterwards moved on to his present farm, containing 118 acres. He also owns other land, and has been a very successful wheat-grower. He was married in Adams county, Illinois, in January, 1867, to Miss Catherine Nicwoohner, a native of Germany. By this union they have four children: Garret H., John B., Joseph H., and Mary C. Mr. W. is a member of the Catholic church. His father and mother were both natives of Germany.
SAMUEL WORKMAN,
retired farmer and capitalist, was born in Adams county, Penn., near Gettysburg, Sept. 14, 1811, and was principally raised in York county, in the town of Hanover, in which place he learned the tanner's trade, and some time after, saddletree-making, in which he exhibited much skill, and his work was in great demand. In 1836, he moved to Indiana and settled in Tippecanoe county, on the Wabash river, where he remained until 1839, when he moved to Missouri, and settled in Howard county, where he resided one year near New Franklin. In 1840, he removed to John- son county, and purchased the land which is the present site of the town of Knobnoster, entering his land from the government. Mr. Workman was the founder of the town, and has continued to reside here, and raised a family of seven children, all living, and all married. Two of his sons stud- ied medicine. Wm. J. served one term in the legislature of Missouri. James M., his youngest son studied medicine in Indiana and graduated from the St. Louis Medical college. They are both in the enjoyment of a lucrative practice, of whom their father may well be proud. The sub- ject of this notice was married to Miss Sarah Walter of Adams county, Penn., Feb. 11, 1834. She was the daughter of Jacob Walter, Esq. Mr. Workman after locating in Knobnoster, among the first things he did was to plant a good orchard, which in a few years afforded him an abundance of fruit. He then engaged in agricultural pursuits, at the same time making saddletrees; his work was first class, and of ready sale. Soon after he was elected justice of the peace, which office he held con- tinuously for a period of ten years. In 1866, he was engaged in the real estate business, and was also notary public. He is one of the stock hold- ers in Knobnoster bank, and also one of the directors. He is the owner of 280 acres of well improved land, and some 300 town lots. Has several good business houses, which affords him a handsome income. Has a fine substantial brick residence. He was instrumental in securing the present location of the depot by donating the lots to the railroad company, and giving them one thousand dollars in money. He has given great encour- agement to churches, donating the lots on which to build them; also has been liberal toward them by giving them money. He gave to the M. E. church, of which he is a prominent member, two thousand dollars. Mrs.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
Workman is also a worthy member of the same church. Was born in Adams county, Penn., Oct. 15, 1816. They have had eight children, seven of whom are living: Eliza A., Sarah J., Mary M., Walter A., Samuel I., Dr. William J., and Dr. James M. Mr. Workman has set a good example, is a good neighbor, is widely known and esteemed. He has always been on the side of temperance, law and order, and in politics · is a staunch republican, and has always been a firm believer in the sup- port of the government.
D. M. WYRICK,
farmer; P. O. Knobnoster, Mo., was born in Granger county, Tenn., Jan. 3, 1837. His father, Michael Wyrick, was a native of Virginia, and moved to Tennessee at an early day, and came to Missouri, about 1841, and settled in Miller county, where he died in 1878. His mother was also a native of Virginia, and died in 1877, in Miller county. D. M., the subject of this notice, was educated in Miller county, and was married in 1864, to Miss S. Mercersmith, of Miller county. In 1866, he came to Johnson county, and settled on or near Long Branch, and purchased his present farm of 244 acres. He now owns about 603 acres of choice land, 500 acres of which are in cultivation. He is one of the most extensive wheat growers of his neighborhood, and devotes considerable attention to raising fine cattle. He has five children, one son and four daughters: Arizona, Lizzie J., Daniel S., Ida, and Ninna. Mr. Wyrick is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having joined in 1868.
W. J. ZIMMERMAN,
farmer, P. O. Knobnoster, Missouri, was born in Johnson county, Iowa, November 29, 1855. He moved to Johnson county, Missouri, in 1868, and settled on his present farm, containing eighty acres, all well improved. He was married October 7, 1880, to Miss Laura Lutz, of Knobnoster,daughter of George W. Lutz, Esq. Mr. Zimmerman devotes the most of his time to growing grain. He is the youngest of a family of nine children.
THEODORE E. ZINK,
livery, was born in Bureau county, Illinois, September 11, 1856. He moved with his parents when about ten years of age to Missouri, in the year 1866. His father settling on a farm one and one-half miles east of Knobnoster, and where T. E. remained with his father and mother until thirteen years of age, when he set out in life for himself by engaging to work on a farm, and followed this about six years. Then he engaged in farming for himself, continuing in the business for four years, in which he was quite successful. He then quit farming, and embarked in the livery business, which is his present business, and which was purchased from
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
John Harper, his stable being the first livery stable established in Knobnoster. Mr. Zink is conducting the business on a good plan, and has established himself as the principal man in that enterprise, and his pop- ularity may be inferred from the success attending his efforts. Mr. Zink was married May 22, 1875, to Miss Georgia Blackmore, of Boone county, Missouri. The result of this union has been two children: Willie E. and Frank M. Mr. Zink is a kind, clever gentleman, and well fitted for his business.
DANIEL STEARNS,
hardware, etc., Holden, Missouri, was born in Waltham, Massachusetts, March, 1824. He lived in his native city until about thirty years of age. He received his early education at the common schools of that state. At eleven years of age he entered a cotton and woolen factory, where he remained engaged until about thirty-one years of age, when he went to Wisconsin, where he remained about ten years, during which time he was engaged in farming and mechanical work. In 1865 he removed to John- son county, living in Warrensburg about two years. He then removed to Holden, where he has been a resident ever since. Soon after his arrival in Holden he engaged in contracting and building, and followed this until 1873, when he engaged in his present business, hardware, and took into partnership Mr. J. S. Sherer, with whom he remained for several years, when he went into partnership with Mr. William H. Lindle, his present partner. Mr. Stearns was married in 1845, to Miss Nancy J. Emmerson, of Great Falls, New Hampshire, by whom he had six children, five of whom are now living: Frank, Nancy J., Laura M., J. H. and Lillian M. Mr. and Mrs. Stearns are both members of high standing in the Presby- terian church, and contribute liberally to its support. Mr. Stearns has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for thirty years.
KINGSVILLE TOWNSHIP.
W. H. CARPENTER,
physician, P. O. Kingsville. He was born in Fleming county, Ken- tucky, July 8, 1829. When he was about two years of age, he was taken · by his parents to Hamilton county, Ohio, where he was raised. His father, William, was a native of Kentucky, but died in Hardin county, Ohio. William H., the subject of this notice, entered a store as a clerk, after which he commenced the study of medicine, entering the Cincinnati Med- ical College in 1849, and the next year graduated, then entered upon the practice. About the year 1852 he removed to this county. From 1864 to 1868 he lived in Shelby county, then returned to Kingsville. He was
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
united in marriage to Miss Wilson in 1849, who was a native of Hamilton county, Ohio. She died in St. Louis, of that dreaded plague, the cholera. He was married a second time, to Mrs. Susan Lemmon, daughter of Gen. King. She died May, 1863, leaving three children: Charlie, Laura, and Willie. He married his present wife in 1867, and they have four children: Alonzo L., Walter, Nellie May, and Clara M. Mrs. Carpenter is a worthy member of the Baptist church.
MAURIS CONNELL,
Kingsville, Missouri, was born in Ireland. His father, Dennis Connell, was a native of Ireland, and died at the age of ninety; his mother died the the same year at the age of eighty-eight. He lived with his father on the farm until twenty-one years old; he then emigrated to America. He landed in the state of New York in 1853, remained there one year; he then removed to Illinois, and from there to Missouri. He engaged in railroading-had charge of the grading of the Missouri Pacific from Jefferson City to Kingsville. Was married, in 1857, to Miss Mary Murphy, a native of Ireland. They have four children: Dennis, Kate, James, and Joanna. Mr. Connell has 240 acres of well-improved land, located in Kingsville township. The family are members of the Catholic church.
THOMAS A. CONRAD,
originally a Pennsylvanian, was born in February, 1840. His father, James Conrad, was a native of Pennsylvania, a miller by trade, and fol- lowed that until his death, which occurred in 1879; age, sixty-eight years. The subject of this sketch received his early education in the common schools of his native county. Is a miller by trade, and worked in his father's mill until he came to Missouri, which was in 1868, and settled in Johnson county, on the farm where he now lives. His farm consists of 100 acres of land, well improved, and beautifully located. His house stands on an elevated spot, displaying the beauties of nature in the valleys below. In 1876 Mr. Conrad had the honor of being elected justice of the peace, and has attended to the duties of the office since that time. In 1861 he enlisted in the Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania volunteers, and served in this regiment two years. Re-enlisted in the Third Pennsylvania heavy artil- lery, and served during the war. Was married, in 1867, to Miss Caroline Tiley. By this union they have five children: Dessa, Edward, Luvenie, George, and Garretta. Mrs. C. is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. C. is liberal in his religious views.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
JAMES DOUGLAS,
Kingsville, was born in Missouri, August 29, 1829. His father, T. J. Douglas, is a native of Virginia. Moved to Missouri in 1828, and settled in Cooper county, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1852. The subject of this sketch received his education in the public schools. His early life was spent on his father's farm. Was married in 1856, to Miss Virginia Barr, a native of Cooper county, Missouri, and daughter of Henry Barr. After the death of Mrs. D. he was married to Jerda Fryer, a native of Cooper county, and daughter of James Fryer. By this union they have five children: Kelly D., Elvin, Burton, Mattie, and Frank. Moved to Johnson county in 1866, and bought 280 acres of land, where he now lives.
A. G. FRENCH,
postoffice, Kingsville. Was born in Cooper county, Missouri, March 21, 1841. His father, John R. French, is a native of Connecticut, moved to Missouri in 1840, and settled in Cooper county. A. G. moved to John- son county, where he engaged in real estate. In 1868 Mr. French went to Texas, where he dealt in cattle, afterward returning to Kingsville, and is now engaged in the mercantile business with his brother. He was married in 1867 to Miss Sallie Jones, daughter of John L. Jones. Mrs. F. is a native of Cooper county, Missouri. They have four children: Lucy A., Mary M., Nora C., John R. Mr. and Mrs. F. are members of the Christian church.
HON. ROBERT T. FRYER,
is a native of Missouri, born in Cooper county, April 23, 1835. His father, James H. Fryer, was born in Addison county, Kentucky, and emi- grated to Missouri in an early day. He married a daughter of Thos. Mccullough, who, with his family had moved from Albemarle county, Virginia. The father of our subject was a brick mason, who settled in the thriving town of Boonville, and many of the brick structures in that city are monuments of his skill and labor. During the California excite- ment, in 1850, he died of cholera on his journey home from the Golden State. The responsibility of the support of the family devolved upon Robert T., and he performed his duties well. He married the daughter of James G. Talliaferro in the year 1861. Mr. Talliaferro was a farmer well known in Cooper and Maniteau counties for his sterling worth and' integrity. In 1867 Mr. Fryer removed to Johnson county. He has a fine home, high and commanding a delightful view. In politics he is a democrat. In 1874 he was elected to the general assembly of Missouri. His family consists of: Bertie M., Lulu, James T., Lena, Maggie L. and Alice C.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
J. T. HIGGINS,
was born in St. Louis county, March, 1851. His father, W. W. Hig- gins, is a native of Maryland. The subject of this sketch grew up as the sons of most farmers do, working on the farm in summer and attending school in winter. He early evinced a taste for raising fine stock, and fol- lowed that until 1881, when he thought the western part of the state afforded better advantages, he, with his wife, moved to Johnson county, and settled in Kingsville township, on section 14, where he has 168 acres of well improved land. He was married in 1877 to Miss Nanna H. Blount, a native of Missouri, and daughter of James E. Blount, a native of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. H. are both members of the South Methodist church.
JOSEPHUS HOBBS,
a native of Missouri, born in Putnam county, November 13, 1843. His father, S. Hobbs, was a native of Kentucky, and emigrated to Missouri in 1841, and settled near the Chariton river, on what was called disputed grounds. He came and settled in Johnson county, settling on the Black Water, where he resided till his death, which occurred in 1873. Jose- phus Hobbs' mother was a native of Bourbon county, Kentucky. She still resides in Jackson township, this county. The subject of our sketch was educated in the common schools of Appanoose county, Iowa. He joined the federal army and served three years. He returned to the farm in 1865. By diligence in business and economy, he has accumulated some property, including eighty acres of land. He married Mary E. Jones, August 6, 1866. The names of the children are: Eunice A., Mary J., William W. and Andrew T. Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs are mem- bers of the Seventh Day Adventists.
PHILIP ISLEY,
farmer and stock raiser. Postoffice, Kingsville. Born in Gwinnett county, Georga, May 7, 1840. His father, George Isley, was a native of Orange county, North Carolina, and emigrated to Missouri in 1852, and settled on a farm near Kingsville. He died in 1864 at the advanced age of eighty-five years. In 1861 he entered the confederate army, and served four years, participating in many battles. He returned to his farm in the spring of 1866. He was married in 1864, himself and bride, each on horseback, dressed in martial array, with pistols and other offensive weapons girded to their belts. This occurred on the side of Boat Moun- tain, Arkansas. She was the daughter of General William King.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
RUFUS KING,
farmer and stock raiser, postoffice, Kingsville. Born in Jackson county, Alabama, March 26, 1822. His father, William King, was a native of Kingston, Tennessee, and his father was the first white settler in Kings- ton. The father of our subject was a public man, having been represen- tative several years. He came to Missouri in 1853, and settled on the lands where the town of Kingsville now stands, entering the lands from the government, and died about the year 1870 at a very advanced age. Rufus early engaged in the mercantile business, and followed it till the year 1850, when he came to Johnson county and settled on the land which constitutes his present farm. He followed farming and stock rais- ing till the outbreak of the war. He enlisted in the confederate service, and engaged in eleven hotly contested battles. He was shot through his clothes several times, but escaped without a wound. In 1867 he returned to his old home at Kingsville, and found only one gate post standing-his house and all other buildings were burned. His landed estate numbers about 700 hundred acres. He married Miss Mary A. Taylor, June, 1850, daughter of W. O. Taylor, a wealthy planter of Jackson county, Ala- bama. By this union they have five children: W. O., Lucilla T., Sallie E., Freddie and Clem Clay. Mrs. King and her three daughters are consistent members of the Christian church.
PLEASANT W. PAUL,
farmer and stock raiser. P. O. Kingsville. Born in Ray county, Ten- nessee, July 22, 1823. He came to Missouri with his parents in 1835; his- father, James Paul, was a native of South Carolina, and was an extensive planter. He died in 1853 on his farm here. Pleasant W. spent his youth- ful days on a farm and obtained his early education in the log school house. He was married to Miss Anna Longacre, June, 5, 1845; she was the daughter of John Longacre, who was a tanner in early life and later a wealthy farmer. The children are: Washington T., James H., John L., Archie D., William P., Robert K., Goodlett E., Thomas M. and Finis E. Mr. Paul has a fine farm of 160 acres. The house in which he first con- ducted his young bride, was 12x14 feet. Has now a good estate. Mrs. Paul is a member of the Christian church.
REV. R. G. THOMPSON,
is a native of Butler county, Penn. His father, John Thompson, was born in Huntington county, Penn. He moved to Grundy county, Ohio, in 1825, and in 1846 moved to Monroe county, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1847. The subject of this. sketch was born May 31,
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
1816; his boyhood school days were spent in the old log school houses, when they used oiled paper for window lights, and one end of the house was used for a fire place. When 14 years of age he entered a grammar school and finished this course in 1838; he then entered the U. P. Theo- logical Seminary at Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, and graduated in 1843. Was licensed in 1842, and in 1844 was ordained and installed in charge of three organizations : Auburn, DeKalb, and Eden, in the respective counties of Richmond, Crawford and Seneca, Ohio. In 1857, a Seminary being instituted in the village of DeKalb, and he being elected as principal, gave up the other two charges, and the one connected with the seminary. He continued the service there in regular order until 1863, when. he was appointed chaplain in the 64th Ohio infantry volunteers, and was in nineteen battles, was shot through the clothes several times, but never received a wound. 'He remained with his regiment until the close of the war, and after Lee's surrender his regiment was ordered to Texas, and stationed between Port Lavaca and Vicoria. Was mustered out in December, 1865, and dismissed at Columbus, Ohio, January 6, 1866. His health being somewhat impaired after the war, was advised by his physician to change climate, and he resolved to move to the west. Being well pleased with Missouri, he settled in Johnson county, Kingsville P. O., on sec. 30, where he bought 135 acres, and where he now lives. He was married in 1844, to Miss Sarah L. Brown, a native of Vermont, born April 24, 1817, daughter of Jos. Brown of Vermont. By this union they have seven children: Julia F., now Mrs. Skiles; John P., now in California; Mary, E., now Mrs. Wright, now in Otoco, Nebraska. Sarah M., now Mrs. Stiles, now in California; Maria G., now Mrs. Park, Johnson county; Samuel F., now in Colorado; Carry C., Mrs. Thompson, died in 1859, age 42 years. Mr. T. was married again in 1861 to Miss Martha T. Scott of Virginia, and by this union they have one child: Robert S. The family are acceptable members of the U. P. church.
WILLIAM H. ZION,
was born in Lee county, Virginia, September 11, 1844. When about twenty years of age he removed to Missouri with his parents in 1854. His father, John Zion, on coming to Missouri, located first in Cass county, where he remained till his death, which occurred in 1859. The mother of our subject was also a native of Virginia and now lives with her son Wil- liam. Mr. W. H. Zion was married to Miss Clara Reeves in 1874. Her native state is North Carolina, daughter of John Reeves, Esq. Their family consist of John A., and Eva L. Mr. Zion is a worthy member of the Baptist, and his wife is a member of the M. E. church. He has a neat little farm of eighty acres, well improved with good buildings. He devotes considerable attention to the raising of stock.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
CENTERVIEW TOWNSHIP.
O. R. ANDRUSS,
section thirteen, Centerview township, was born in east Tennessee in 1827. Moved from Tennessee to his present location in the year 1849. Was mar- ried to Miss Weltha Jane Coxin 1851. They have six children,four boys and two girls, all living. The boys' names are: William H. Andruss, James R. Andruss, George Andruss and Edward Andruss. The girls' names are: Mary Emma and Clara Lillie. Mr. Andruss came to this country a young man without any means, and has worked himself up to his present comfortable circumstances. He has now 330 acres of land in all, about 245 acres of which are under cultivation, and about eighty-five acres of wood land. Does a general farming business, raising grain and hogs mostly.
E. J. BURK,
was born in Johnson county, Missouri, August 19, 1840. His father, Wil- liam Burk, was a native of Virginia, and was born in 1809, and emigrated to Missouri in 1834, and located in Saline county. He came to Johnson county in 1838. Edward J. was educated in the common schools. He is a farmer, and devotes considerable time to feeding stock, and occasionally dealing in real estate, in which he has been quite successful. He remained with his parents until his marriage to Miss Zantippa Whitsett, daughter of John R. Whitsett, Esq., in April, 1872. By this union they have four children: Charles A., Sarah L., George G. and Maggie E. Mr. B. has held the office of school director for nine years. He and his wife are both members of the C. P. church, in which Mr. B. has been an elder for eleven years. Mr. Burk's farm contains 195 acres, and he also owns another farm of forty acres, making 235 acres in all.
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