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 94
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
WILLIAM C. KING, - P. O. Holden. Was born in Johnson county, Missouri, May 14, 1842. He was educated in the common schools and lived with his parents until 1862, when he entered the Union army in company C., 40th Missouri enrolled militia, and served two years. In 1864 he returned home and. went to farming. He then crossed the Plains, but returned in the follow- ing year, and went to Texas, and returned with 1640 head of Texas cattle. He was married in December, 1874, to Miss Annie E. Taggart, a native of Missouri. By this union they have four children: Agnes, Jennie, William A., and Ora Minta. Mrs. King is a member of the M. E. church, south. Mr. King has served as district clerk and school direc- tor for eight or nine years. His farm contains 145 acres, all in cultivation, except 25 acres of timber, with a new residence and good out buildings. Mr. King's father and mother were both natives of Tennessee, and came to Missouri in 1841. His father was born in 1813 and is still living, but his mother died when he was about 6 years of age.
AMOS MARKEY,
the subject of this sketch, for twenty six-years has been identified with the growth of Johnson county. He was born in Frederick 'county, Mary- land, in the year 1832, and moved with his parents to Preble county, Ohio, in the year 1839. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania. Ae was married in the state of Indiana, September 24, 1867, to Miss Nancy Frits. The children by this marriage are Edward Markey, born July 14, 1869, and Ellie Markey, born September 10, 1872. He came alone to Johnson county, stopping at Warrensburg on the 1st of April, 1855. He bought and improved a farm of 480 acres, which he afterward sold to Judge McClain. He commenced to improve his present farm in the year 1868; it contains 419 acres of beautiful rolling prairie land. During the past few years, he has turned his attention to improved grades of sheep, and has at present a fine flock of high grade Cotswolds. Taking a zealous interest in the moral and religious welfare of the community, he gave freely of his time and money to build up the church of his choice and became one of the first trustees of the German Baptist, or Dunkard church, which has a large membership in this township. In all his farm- ing enterprises he has been very successful, and is now enjoying the fruits of his labors in one of the pleasantest homes in the township.
REV. S. H. McELVAIN,
. pastor of the Cumberland Presbyterian church of Centerview, was born in Simpson county, Kentucky, near Franklin, November 16, 1846. His father, S. A. McElvain, is also a native of Kentucky, and emigrated to Missouri in 1857, and settled on a farm near Hazel Hill, where he is
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
still living. His mother, who is a native of the same state, is living in the full enjoyment of all her faculties. She raised a family of thirteen children, ten of whom are now living. S. H., who is the subject, received his pri- mary education at the common schools. He then entered McGee's College, where he pursued his studies and graduated in June, 1874. After which he engaged in teaching school in the town of Center- view, and in the fall of the same year was ordained and took charge of his present congregation. The church owes much of its prosperity to efforts put forth by its worthy pastor. In 1880 he was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Auld, daughter of A. T. Auld, Esq. She is a native of Henry county, Iowa, and was born near Mt. Pleasant. Mr. McElvain is a fine speaker, a clear reasoner, widely known and much respected.
MOSES G. MULLINS,
Sec. 2., Centerview P. O., was born in Clark county, Kentucky, in the year 1820. His father, Anthony Mullins, moved to Clark county, Ken- " tucky, at an early day. From thence, in 1826, he moved to Howard county, this state, near where Rochefort now is. He lived there about seven years, teaching school and farming until the spring of 1834, when he moved to Pettis county and located at a point twelve miles west of where Sedalia now is. At this place he died September 3, 1835. The subject of this sketch, Moses G. Mullins, was but fifteen years old, and the oldest of seven children, when his father died, and the care of the widowed mother and family devolved mainly upon him. He lived at this place and cared for his mother until he was twenty-six years of age, when he was married to Kesiah McFarland, a native of Missouri, and they moved to this county in 1847, and to his present residence in the spring of 1850. They had seven children, five daughters and two sons. One daughter died in infancy and one at about thirty years of age. Mr. Mullins lost his first wife April 6, 1876, and is now living with his second. He has been an influential member of the M. E. church since 1841, and has assisted in the organization of two churches. He has 173 acres of land, 100 acres improved and balance wood-land. His mother remained a widow and is still living, aged 77 years.
J. P. OZIAS,
the subject of this sketch is one of the most prominent and intelligent, as well as enterprising citizens of his township. He has erected a dwelling that is a credit to himself and neighborhood. It is situated upon a very beautiful and sightly spot, commanding a fine view of Warrensburg and surrounding country. He has a beautiful reservoir a few feet from his house, with living water from a never failing spring, elevated by means of wind pump, securing pure and fresh running water. The reservoir is
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
nicely cemented, in which abound the german carp in great numbers. His model farm contains 225 acres of choice land in a very high state of cultivation, with a splendid barn and numerous out-houses. His orchard is a choice one. Mr. Ozias is a native of Ohio, and was born in Preble county, September 6, 1838. He was educated in the common schools, and lived with his parents until 1861, when he married Miss S. Pretzingea, a native of Ohio, and who died in 1874, leaving three children : Charley O., Newel J. and Oscar E. Mr. O. came to Missouri in 1868, and settled on his present farm. As a farmer, stock raiser and feeder he has been a success. He married his present wife, who was Miss Sarah Conrad, in 1875. She is a native of Ohio. Mr. O.'s parents were originally from North Carolina, and were of French extraction. Mr. O. and his wife are prominent members of the Presbyterian church.
ALBERT OWINGS,
farmer, P. O. Centerview, born in Frederick county, Maryland, July 23, 1845. He came to Missouri with his parents in 1856. His father, H. N. Owings, was also a native of Maryland, and born June 8, 1799. He died in 1867, having been one of the leading Masons of Maryland. Albert's paternal great-grandfather came from Scotland, and his maternal grand- father came from Germany. The subject of this sketch was reared in this county, attending school here and at Prof. Kemper's school at Boonville. He clerked a short time in a store, then engaged in farming. He married April 5, 1866, Miss Narcissa Fitterling, daughter of Jacob Fitterling, a native of Maryland. She is a lady of estimable qualities. They have one son living: Charles A. Earnest died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Owings are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Mr. Owings is also a large and successful stock raiser. He has a fine residence and two large farms.'
NATHAN W. PERRY.
Prominent among the worthy and substantial farmers of Johnson county is the subject of this brief notice. His well stocked and cultivated farm is about three miles north of Centerview, in one of the most highly produc- tive regions in the state. Col. N. W. Perry, as he is usually called, was born in the sunny South, state of Tennessee, in the year 1830. In the year 1842 he went to Georgia, and at the age of eighteen he walked all the way
to Clermont county, Ohio, for the purpose of attending school. After spending one year at school he went to St. Louis, and thence to Lexing- ton, Missouri. When he came to this state he had but seventy-five cents in his pocket; this was his capital stock. He was first married to Miss Lizzie Houx, who lived but a short time thereafter. Two years after the death of his first wife he married Miss Bettie Rice, daughter of Pleasant
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
Rice, the first permanent settler of this county. They have one daughter, Lizzie, who is at home with her parents. Col. Perry has been one of the most successful school teachers in the county. He clerked in the United States Land Office about four years. He purchased his present farm of about 640 acres in the year 1858. He raises large numbers of cattle, sheep, horses, mules and hogs. During the war much of his personal property was lost. His front lawn is adorned with beautiful maples, which he planted twenty years ago. Mr. Perry is a staunch Democrat, which party he has rendered lasting service. He is independent and fearless in his strict adherance to those principles which he believes to be right, and for the good of humanity. He has long been a resident of this county, and stands high in the estimation of all who know him.
WILEY H. PHILLIPS,
P. O. Holden, farmer, was born in Illinois in 1836. He spent his youth on a farm, and came to Missouri in 1870, locating near Holden. He has been on his present farm about five years, and is one of the most successful wheat growers in his neighborhood. He was married in Kentucky, Sep- tember 28, 1873, to Miss Lydia Bise, daughter of Henry L. Bise. By this union they have four children: Mary E., Mattie B., Wiley H. and Nellie P. Mr. P. now owns 560 acres of land, all in cultivation and well improved.
JOHN PINKERTON,
section three, Centerview township, was born in Preble county, Ohio, in 1830. Moved from thence to Rush county when a boy. In 1849 moved to Peoria county, Illinois, and lived in Peoria and Henderson counties, Illi- lois, till 1871, and then moved to Clay county, Illinois, and in 1874 moved to his present residence in Centerview township. He was married about 1852 to Miss Sarah J. Leslie. They have had ten children, eight of whom are now living. Mr. Pinkerton has 367 acres of land, all under cultivation, except seventeen acres of wood-land. His residence is six miles from Hol- den, and about three miles from Centerview, and is pleasantly situated, commanding an extensive view of the surrounding country. From his house can be seen the four villages; Holden, Warrensburg, Centerview and Kingsville.
REV. JAMES S. POAGE,
pastor of the Presbyterian church of Centerview. Was born in Brown county, Ohio. July 13, 1821. He continued to reside in Brown county until attaining his majority. He spent his youth on a farm. Entered Ripley college, and took a regular college course, graduating in 1841, after which he entered the Lane Theological Seminary, and pursued his studies until
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
his health failed him, when he went south. On his return he studied med- icine, and took a course of lectures. Finding that his health was very much improved, he finished his theological course, when he was ordained at Felicity, Ohio, and preached in that place seven years. From this place he went to .West Alexander. In 1857 he went to Mercer county, Illinois, where he spent some eighteen years, and in 1875 came to Missouri, and took charge of his present congregation at Centerview, which, under his direction, has prospered ; having to-day a new church and out of debt.
E. B. REPP.
Among the practical farmers of this township, none are more worthy than the subject of this notice. He is a native of Maryland, and was born on March 12, 1820. He spent his youth on a farm. Received a limited education at the common schools. His father and mother were both natives of Maryland. He came to Missouri in 1866, purchased 160 acres of land and went in debt for part of it. In 1845 he was married to Miss Susan Wolf, daughter of H. Wolf, Esq. Mr. Repp has had wonderful success as a wheat raiser. His theory of growing wheat is based on actual practice. He has contributed much knowledge in this particular direc- tion. He now owns two large farms in a very high state of cultivation, withgood substantial buildings, which he has made by growing wheat. Mr. R. is a prominent member of the German Baptist church. He is quite suc- cessful as a cattle feeder, shipping his stock by the car load. He raised a family of seven children.
REV. J. A. SHERRARD,
minister of the U. P. church, was born in Ohio, on August 21, 1853. He received his primary education in the common schools, after which he went to the Cambridge Union school; leaving this, he taught for one year and then entered college, and graduated in 1876, after which he attended a theological seminary in Ohio, then went to the U. P. theological seminary at Alleghany City, Pennsylvania, and gradu- ated there in 1879, and came to Missouri in the following summer, locating in Centerview, where he became pastor of the U. P. church in the fall of 1880, which position he still holds. The church has been very prosperous under his direction. He was licensed in Bloomfield, Ohio, and preached his first sermon in Centerview. He was married in 1874 to Miss Alice A. Wallace, daughter of David Wallace, Esq. By this union they have three daughters: Clara B., May L. and Alice Maud, all born in Ohio. Mr. Sherrard's mother was a native of West Virginia, and is now in her seventy-third year. His father died in the fall of 1876, at the age of eighty-five.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
PETER SHAINHOLTZE,
was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1815. Although Mr. Shainholtze is well advanced in years, he still retains a great deal of vigor of mind and body. His father died while he was yet a child. He moved with his mother and family to Muskingum county, Ohio. He lived in Ohio forty-two years, following his occupa- tion of farmer and dealer in real estate. He traveled over this county, prospecting, in 1866, and bought the most of the farm he now owns in that year. Moved his family in the year 1868. He was married in the year 1850, in Ohio, to Mrs. Frances J. Connor. They have three living children, whose names are: John, Joseph L. and Surrah Emily. He owns in this township 600 acres of fine land, about 300 of which is in a high state of cultivation. During his long life he has constantly recog- nized his duty towards the rising generation, and has been active and liberal in support of the church of his choice, and other benevolent and progressive enterprises that tended to advance the moral and material interests of the neighborhood. He contributed liberally to build the O. S. Presbyterian church at Centerview and Warrensburg.
ROBERT SPILLMAN,
who is the subject of this sketch, was born in Medina county, Ohio, in the year 1818. When he was a young man he moved to the state of Indiana, in the year 1837, and while there was married to Miss Abigail Stoops, in the year 1840. They have had four children, three of whom are now living: G. W., E. T. and J. D. He moved back to Ohio and remained there a number of years, and then moved back to the state of Indiana, in the year 1847, where most of his children were born. After farming a number of years in that state, he came to look at the lands of Johnson county, in the year 1865; and after satisfying himself that the lands in this county were desirable, he bought some land in April of that year, but did not move his family until the month of August following, and has lived in Centerview township ever since. He has been school director of the township for ten years, and during his residence in the township has never known an entire failure of crops. In later years he has turned his attention more to raising stock. Being of decided literary taste and culture, he has gathered a fine miscellaneous library, which he intended for the instruction and thorough education of his children.
ABRAHAM STONER,
deceased. Few men have passed away, whose memory is more cherished than the subject of this notice. He was a native of Maryland, and was born in the year 1827. He spent his youth on a farm. He was educated
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
at Baker College, Maryland, and as a mathematician, had few equals. After leaving college he taught school for several years. In 1853 he married Miss Susan Roger, daughter of Jesse Roger. She was born and raised in Carroll county, Md. Mr. Stoner. continued to reside in Mary- land, until 1867, when he came to Missouri, and settled on the farm on which his family is now living; his landed estate numbering 550 acres. He erected a fine substantial brick residence, and died soon after, in 1875. He was a prominent member of the Brethren church at his death. His family consists of six children: Daniel P., Laroy, Susan L., Robert R., Jennie A. and Mary C. Mrs. Stoner is a lady of fine executive ability, taking charge of her beautiful home and fine farm. She is a member of the same church as that of her husband.
REV. JOSIAH THOMPSON,
minister of the Presbyterian church. Was born in Washington county, Pa., August 24, 1820. He graduated at Jefferson college, in 1845. He then entered the Theological Seminary of Alleghany City, attending two sessions, when he left school on account of ill health. In 1856, he was licensed, and was ordained, January 14, 1858. He continued to preach in his native state until 1867, when he came to Missouri. In 1873, he returned to Pennsylvania, where he remained until the spring of 1878, when he again came to Missouri, where he has resided ever since. He was mar- ried in Pennsylvania, October 14, 1847, to Miss Elizabeth G. George, daughter of Jacob George, and a fine estimable lady. By this union they have had three children: Jacob G., John A. and Ella M. Mr. T. owns a fine farm, well improved, with a fine residence and good barn. He has a fine young orchard and vineyard.
THOMAS E. TORBOT,
was born in Virginia, February 15, 1830. He came to Missouri with his parents in 1848. He first engaged in the mercantile business, as clerk at Boonville, Alasco, and other points, and afterwards at Waverly, Mo. He came to Johnson county, in 1859, and commenced dealing in stock, and followed this until 1872. Mr. T. is a brother of Dr. John S. Torbot, the celebrated physician, who now lives in Cass county, Mo. In 1862, Mr. T. was appointed justice of the peace, and served two years, after which he resigned, having moved out of the township. Mr. Torbot's father, Samuel Torbot, was a native of Virginia, and died in Missouri, in 1850. His mother was also a native of Virginia, and died in 1880.
HON. GEO. WASHINGTON,
who is the subject of this sketch, was born near Charlestown, West Vir- ginia, Dec. 9, 1830. He removed with a colony of friends and relatives,
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
to Johnson county Mo., in March 1856. From here he went to Califor- nia, in June, 1857. He was cashier of customs, under his brother, B. F. Washington, who was at that time U. S. collector of customs, for the port of San Francisco. He also edited the daily, and weekly National, during the year 1858, and in 1859, in conjunction with Geo. P. Johnson, he obtained a license to practice law in the supreme court of California. Resigning his position of cashier of customs, he returned to Missouri dur- ing the summer of 1861, and entered the Confederate service. He was wounded and captured, during one of Price's raids, near Fort Scott, Oct. 25, 1864, and was sent to Johnson Island, and remained there until the fall of Richmond. He was then tranferred to Cairo, from thence to New Orleans, and finally exchanged at the mouth of the Red River, May 4, 1865. He returned to St. Lonis, in the summer of 1865, and to John- son county, in the spring of 1866. He was married at Otterville, Cooper county, Mo., on the 11th of April, 1871, to Mary Virginia Dempsey, of Otterville, Mo. The children by this marriage are: Robert Washington, born, March 17, 1872, died in infancy; Vernon De Hertburn Washington, born, July 27, 1876, and Mary Virginia Washington, born, June 14, 1873. He has held the office of county judge, from 1872 to 1878, and at present holds the office of justice of the peace, and postmaster at this place. The fortunate possessor of this illustrious name has a very interesting gene- alogy, which fully identifies him as a collateral kinsman of the Washing- ton family. The genealogical tree and branches are as follows: Hon. Geo. Washington of Centerview, who is a son of John Thornton Augustine Washington, (ensign during the war,) who was the son of Samuel Wash- ington, the oldest full brother of Gen. Geo. Washington of hallowed memory.
JOHN J. WHARTON,
druggist and pharmacist; was born in Stevensburg, Va., Aug. 4, 1840. He spent his youth in his native state. He graduated at the Ohio school of pharmacy, about the year 1856, after which he came to Missouri, and located about three miles south of Centerview. In 1858, he was appointed deputy clerk, which position he held until 1861, when he joined the con- federate army, and participated in many hotly contested battles. After the war he went to Cooper county, where he remained until 1881, when he came to Centerview and opened a fine drug store, which he still con- ducts in an excellent manner, his store being filled with a complete stock of medicines. Mr. W.'s mother is a native of Virginia, and is still living in Cass county.
T. JEP. WHITSETT,
Sec. 36, P. O. Centerview; was born at Mount Hebron, Lafayette county, Missouri, Oct. 22, 1832. His father, Rev. John R. Whitsett, was a Cum-
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
berland Presbyterian preacher, was born in Kentucky, May 3, 1803, and moved to Old Franklin, Howard county, Mo., in 1818. He was one of the pioneer preachers, and did valiant service as one of the first settlers of the country. Not alone did he carry the glad news of salvation to those who had cabins away out on the borders of civilization, but helped the pioneer to drive back the bands of hostile Indians, who persistently opposed the progress of the white man, and he often in his travels as a preacher also had to confront the wild beasts of the forest, that some times slinked along the wild and lonely paths he was obliged to travel, . and disputed with him the passages in the wilderness. About the year 1824, he moved to what was then Lafayette county, which embraced also the present Johnson county, and located near where Columbus now is. In 1842, he moved to Centerview, and then died, Aug. 11, 1879, being 76 years old at his death. His son, T. J. Whitsett, with whose name this sketch commences, has lived in Centerview most of the time for the last 39 years. He is a farmer and stock dealer, and owns about 560 acres of land. He has been quite an extensive traveler in this and some in other lands.
GILBERT P. WHITSETT,
stock dealer. Among the enterprising citizens of Centerview, may be mentioned Mr. G. P. Whitsett, who was born in Johnson county, January, 1845. He is the second son of John R. Whitsett, a native of Kentucky. In 1874, Gilbert P. was married to Miss Georgia Mitchell, of Centerview, a native of Kentucky, and daughter of T. H. Mitchell, Esq. He then engaged in the grain and live stock business, and followed this until 1881, when he opened a livery stable, and is at present engaged in the livery business. He has three children living: Jeddie P., Mary M. and Birdie H. Mr. Whitsett's mother was a native of Tennessee, and was a daugh- ter of James Cull.
C. E. WILLIAMS,
farmer, was born in Lawrence county, April 4, 1845. He received his early education in his native county. He served in the Union army, and located in Jasper county, Iowa, at the close of the war, where he remained about three years, and then came to Missouri in January, 1868, locating on his present farm, where he has resided ever since. His farm contains 480 acres, the greater part in cultivation, with a good, substantial bank barn. He has here been engaged in farming and raising stock. He was married in 1871 to Miss Alice A. Huggins, daughter of widow Huggins, a native of Ohio. Mr. W. is a prominent member of the U. P. church, and has been one of its elders since 1877. He is at present the superin- tendent of the Sunday school. He has two children, Emma B. and How- ard N. Mrs. W.'s mother is still living.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
ROSE HILL TOWNSHIP.
F. H. ANDERSON.
Among the representative young men of this township, there are none more worthy of mention than the subject of this sketch. He is the son of R. M. Anderson, and was born in Johnson county, Missouri, April 28, 1856. He passed his boyhood days on his father's farm, engaged in farming and stock raising. January 1, 1880, Mr. Anderson married Miss Nannie C. Horn, a refined and accomplished lady, the daughter of the Rev. Horn. They have one child: Mabel F. Mr. A. owns a fine farm of 240 acres, which, for productiveness of soil, is not to be surpassed in Johnson county. He feeds quite a number of cattle each year. These he generally ships to the eastern markets. Mr. A., though a young man, yet possesses business ability, and in the course of time will make one of Johnson county's substantial, influential citizens.
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