A Memorial & Biographical Record of Kansas City and Jackson County, Missouri, Part 4
CAPTAIN JOHN R. WELLER
While it is true that some men inherit greatness and others have greatness thrust upon them, a large number are architects of their own fortunes. The man of this stamp, self-reliant and courageous, building on principle and not on the prestige of ancestry, starts out with the idea that Providence helps those who help themselves. He, who has self-reliance, is diligent in his calling and has his heart in his work, is on the road to success. By this direct route our subject has reached the high position he now occupies among the prominent businessmen of Kansas City.
Captain Weller was born in southern Illinois, on the 3rd day of May, 1825, and is a son of Christian and Mary (Rohr) Weller. When he was only 3 weeks old his parents returned to their old home in Logan county, Kentucky, where they soon after died within a few days of one another. Their little son then became an inmate of the home of his maternal grandfather, John Rohr, of Logan county, with whom he remained until about 15 years of age, when he began to learn the tailor's trade in Russellville, Kentucky, serving a 3 year apprenticeship, and in return for his labors receiving his board and clothes. He afterward worked as a journeyman with his old employer and others for 2-3 years, and then went to Waverly, Morgan county, Illinois, where he engaged in the tailoring business on his own account. Subsequently he began dealing in ready-made clothing, and finally added to his stock general merchandise. In this line of business he continued until 1854, when he removed to a farm in the southern part of Jackson county. There he engaged in the cultivation and improvement of his land, and also in selling goods for 1 year at Lone Jack.
Leaving that place, Captain Weller removed to Clay county, Missouri, and engaged in running the Randolph steam ferry, 4 miles below Kansas City, for 1 year. The business was then consolidated with that of the ferry line of Kansas City, and our subject became a member of the new company, and was the captain of the old boat that he had brought with him from Randolph to Independence. He was also captain of other ferryboats, including the Hattie Weller and the J. R. Weller, which were built at Jeffersonville, Indiana, by Colonel R. H. Nelson, and named in honor of the Captain and his daughter Hattie. Colonel Nelson was the father-in-law of Captain Weller, with whom he had come to Kansas City, and was also a member of the ferry company, in which business he continued a connection throughout his remaining days. He won his title during his service in the Black Hawk war. His death occurred in Kansas City September 12, 1884, when he had attained the age of 72 years.
For 17 years Captain Weller was in command of one of the ferryboats, and his trips were free from any serious accident. This was at the time when all freight for the Hannibal, St. Joseph & Northern Missouri Railroad had to be transported by ferry, and all passengers had to be taken across the river in that way, this continuing until the building of the bridge. The business grew to immense proportious, for it was at the time when this section of the country was rapidly being settled, and there was no steam ferry north of Leavenworth, 40 miles distant, and none to the east nearer than Lexington. The ferry privileges were granted to Colonel Nelson during his lifetime, and have now been transferred to his family.
After selling out that line of business, the Captain removed to Platte county, Missouri, locating on a farm 4 miles North of Parkville, where he remained for 4 years, and then returned to Kansas City, purchasing the property where he now makes his home, at 1001 Oak Street. In company with George R. Nelson, he erected the Nelson-Weller block, at the corner of Missouri avenue and Main street, a 6 story brick office building, erected at a cost of about $500,000. Its owners were in charge of the building until recently, when they exchanged it for ranch property in the state of Coahuila, old Mexico, 15 miles from Santa Rosa. This is a cattle ranch of 165,000 acres, and is enclosed within a wire fence. It is watered by 4 good rivers, rendering it specially adapted to stock-raising, and 50,000 acres are suitable for irrigation and tilling. The ranch is stocked with 5,000 head of cattle and 500 head of horses, and the ranch is personally superintended by the Captain's son, R. H. Weller. Some 4 years ago our subject suffered a stroke of paralysis and has since engaged in no active business.
On the 6th of April, 1850, in St. Louis, Missouri, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Weller and Miss T. J. Nelson, daughter of Colonel Nelson. She was born in Palmyra, Missouri, but her girlhood days were passed in Morgan county, Illinois. Their family numbers a daughter and son: Hattie, wife of J. K. Davidson, who is engaged in the grain and elevator business in Kansas City; and Richard H., who, as before stated, is superintendent of the Mexican ranch. He married Miss Lillie Pitts, daughter of Colonel John E. Pitts, of Platte county.
In politics the Captain is a Cleveland democrat, and has been a lifelong member of the Christian church. His career has been an honorable and upright one, commanding the respect of all. He is a man of broad sympathies and noble impulses, ever ready to extend a helping hand to those in need, generous in the true sense of the word. In disposition he is social and is possessed of those traits of character which draw men to him.
CAPTAIN HARRY G. HENLEY
Deputy clerk of the circuit court, Independence, Missouri, is one of the popular young men of the city. While it is too early in life to attempt a biography, yet, owing to the important position he occupies and the high esteem in which he is held, it is appropriate that some personal mention be made of him in this work.
Harry G. Henley was born in Independence, Missouri, and is the son of Andrew J. and Kate B. (Hobbs) Henley, residents of this city, where he was reared. At the age of 17 years he was employed as assistant in the office of the clerk of the circuit court in Kansas City, where he remained 4 years, or until 1887. During this time by his faithfulness and efficiency he earned the promotion that came at the end of 4 years. He was in 1887 appointed deputy clerk of the circuit court and took charge of the office in Independence, which position he still occupies, his service here, as in Kansas City, giving a high degree of satisfaction and reflecting much credit upon him as a young man of ability and business push.
Captain Henley was connected with the national guard for 10 years, and worked his way up from the ranks to the position of captain of his company, which was Company F, 3rd regiment national guards of Missouri. Under his captaincy the company became one of the best in the state.
The Captain is a self-made young man, and his future is promising.
J. PHILIP KNOCHE, M. D.
Who devotes his time and energies to the practice of medicine in Kansas City, is numbered among the native sons of Jackson county, his birth having occurred on a farm 3 miles from the city, July 25, 1859. The family is of German origin, and the paternal grandfather of our subject, John P. Knoche, spent his entire life in Germany, where he was killed by accident in his 65th year. He had 5 sons and 1 daughter. The maternal grandfather, John Frank Knoche, was also a native of Germany, and came to America in the winter of 1858, locating on a farm near New Santa Fe, Missouri, where he died in October, 1869, at the age of 69 years. In personal appearance he was 5 feet 10 inches tall, of heavy build, and was a warmhearted man, of kindly, generous nature. His family numbered 4 sons and 5 daughters.
The Doctor's parents were John P. and Florendina Knoche, and their family numbered only 2 children, 1 of whom died in infancy. The father was a farmer by occupation, and on emigrating to the new world took up his residence in Baltimore, in 1834, being employed there in John Wetter's distillery for 6 years. In 1839 he returned to Germany, and on again coming to the United States was accompanied by 3 brothers. They settled in Jackson county, Missouri, near Kansas City, in 1840. It was then known as West Landing. There were not near them a half-dozen houses; there was a grocery, etc. The country was wild and sparsely settled. He intended to establish a distillery, and had the building erected and a part of the machinery in when the flood of 1844 swept all away. John P. Knoche then removed to Santa Fe, Missouri, where he purchased and entered a large tract of land, engaging there in raising cattle for the Santa Fe traders. In this way he accumulated considerable wealth, but after a time disease broke out among the cattle in this section of the country, and he lost nearly all his stock, while his house and barns were destroyed by fire. Thus misfortune seemed to fall thick and fast around him. He was a man of much purpose, however, and returned to his farm in Jackson county, near Kansas City, but retained the ownership of his farm near Santa Fe, and operated both until after the war broke out. At that time he joined the home guards. His land lay between the territory occupied by Jennison's Kansas Redlegs and Price's raiders, who stole all his corn, hogs and hay. His wife was also frightened to death in 1861 by some of Jennison's troops! She was a member of the Lutheran church, a faithful helpmeet to her husband and a loving mother. In 1863 Mr. Knoche was again married, his second union being with Annie E. Knoche, a sister of his first wife. They had 9 children - 4 sons and 5 daughters, of whom the following-named are yet living: John H., Louis H., Joseph and Rosa A. The father died August 29, 1887, in his 75th year, but his 2nd wife is still living, on the old homestead.
The Doctor was reared on the farm in the East Bottom, near Kansas City, and acquired his early education in the country school, after which he attended the public schools of this city, and also Spaulding's Commerical College. He began the study of medicine in 1878, as a student in the Kansas City Medical College, where he was graduated in 1881. He then entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College, of New York, and after studying in special departments was graduated in that institution. For 3 years he successfully engaged in practice, when, wishing more thoroughly to fit himself for his chosen profession, he crossed the water to Vienna, Austria, and entered the university there, spending 2 years in the special study of dermatology and skin diseases. He then traveled in Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Holland, France, England, Scotland and Ireland. In July, 1886, he returned to his native land, and has since been successfully engaged in practice in Kansas City, making a specialty of dermatology and genito-urinary diseases. He is a member of the Kansas City Academy of Medicine and the State Medical Society.
In addition to attending to his large practice, the Doctor is now managing his father's estate, and is also president and general manager of the Mexican Colonization Land Company. Socially, he is connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Knights of Pythias, and is a member of the Theosophic Society.
GO. COFFIN, M. D.
No profession calls for more self-sacrificing efforts than the medical, no greater responsibility rests upon any man than upon the physician, no labors are more delicate, more arduous or require greater care than those that devolve upon him, and on his skill and ability hangs the issue of life and death. Dr. Coffin has gained a reputation as one of the most eminent members of the medical fraternity, and today is enjoying the fruits of his thorough prepartion is a large and lucrative practice. He is now serving as city physician of Kansas City, as chief of the staff of the city hospital and outdoor medical corps, and also as sanitary superintendent.
Conspicuous among the long roll of eminent names associated with the practice of medicine in Missouri is that of Dr. Coffin. He was born in Danielsville, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, August 4, 1858, and is a son of Samuel and Lavina (Seigenfoos) Coffin, also natives of the Keystone state. The father was a descendant of the Nantuckets who settled in the east in the 17th century and aided the colonies in their struggle for independence. His business was the manufacture of school slates, which he successfully carried on in Portland, Pennsylvania, for many years. He died in Colorado in 1891, but his widow is still living in that state, where they removed in 1889.
The Doctor is the eldest of a large family of children. He was reared under the parental roof, and acquired his early education in the common schools, after which he entered the Williamsburg Academy, of Mount Bethel. He began earning his livelihood as a salesman in a drugstore in Portland, Pennsylvania, where he remained for several years, and in the meantime he took up the study of medicine. He made his own way through college, and on the completion of the prescribed course was graduated at the Medical College in Philadelphia. Thinking the west furnished a better field of labor for young men, in the spring of 1879 he bade adieu to friends and home, removing to Marshall county, Kansas, where he opened an office and continued in the successful practice of his profession until 1885. He then went to Colorado, where he remained for 2 years, and in 1887 arrived in Kansas City, where he has since been located. He has now built up a large practice, which is constantly increasing.
While in Colorado, Dr. Coffin held the position of United States Pension Examiner, and in April, 1894, he was made house surgeon of the Kansas City Hospital, the appointment of Mayor Webster Davis being confirmed by the common council. On the 17th of April, 1895, he was appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council as city physician for a term of 2 years, and has since filled that position to the satisfaction of all concerned. The hospital is now being remodeled and the capacity doubled under his supervision. It was a master hand that took matters in charge when Dr. Coffin entered upon the duties of the office, and the reformation which he is working is one that reflects credit upon his skill and knowledge, as well as upon his medical and executive ability. The last named quality is illustrated in the wisdom of his appointments and his general efficiency. He studies men and methods as well as medicine, and thus is able to secure the best results. His resources have been carried forward until he is today one of the best informed men in the profession in the city. He belongs to the Missouri State Medical Society, and local medical societies and the Mississippi Valley Society. For 1 year he was lecturer on the subject of anatomy in the Western Dental College, also lecturer in the Kansas City Training School, and for 2 years he was demonstrator. Socially he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and other benevolent orders.
In 1882 Dr. Coffin was united in marriage with Miss Minnie A. Dean, of Frankfort, Kansas, a daughter of Colonel G. A. Dean, land commissioner of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad, also of the Fort Smith & Little Rock Railroad, his residence being in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have 2 children - Dean O. and Bertha M.
JAMES SCAMMON
Is the senior member of the prominent and well-known law firm of Scammon, Crosby & Stubenrauch. He is well read in the subtleties of his profession and keeps himself conversant with the current decisions of the courts of last resort. To a profound knowledge of the law he adds indefatigable industry, and is devoted to his profession, and has justly won a high place therein.
Mr. Scammon was born in Stratham, New Hampshire, June 10, 1844. His family, one of the oldest in the State, has for generations lived in New Hampshire, having settled there about 250 years ago. The paternal grandfather, James Scammon, was born and reared there, and engaged in farming in connection with the practice of medicine. He was a man of strong convictions and keen intellectual perceptions, and his upright life commanded the respect of all who knew him. He died at the age of 88 years.
Richard Scammon, father of our subject, a bright, scholarly, thoughtful man, was one of a family of 6 children, and was born in New Hampshire. Farming was his life work, and through that channel of industry he supported his family. He succeeded to the ancient homestead and gained a competence. He married Abigail Batchelder, a native of New Hampshire, and a genial, kindly woman of conservative judgment and sound, practical sense. Both the father and mother were trained in the old Puritan school, with its firm, rigid conceptions of duty. Mr. and Mrs. Scammon became the parents of 4 children, namely: Hezekiah, James, Sarah C. and Richard M. The father died in 1878, at the age of 69 years, and his wife passed away in 1875. They were members of the Christian church, in which the father served as trustee, and for years filled many offices of trust in his native community.
The subject of this review was reared at Stratham, New Hampshire, where the family had lived for 250 years. His youngest brother, a graduate of Cornell University, and an ex-member of the New Hampshire senate, now resides on the old homestead. James Scammon attended the common schools until 18 years of age, and entered Phillips Academy at Exeter, New Hampshire, where he pursued his studies for 3 years. He spent 6 weeks in private study, and passing through the freshman studies in that period, entered Brown University as a sophomore in 1865, and graduated in 1868. He was also elected a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. Mr. Scammon then received an appointment as principal of the River Point Classical Seminary, at River Point, Rhode Island, where he remained for 1 year. At the expiration of that period he resigned and entered the Albany Law School. After his graduation at that institution he was admitted to the bar in June, 1870, and began practicing at Mechanicsville, Iowa, in the firm of Scammon & Rackett. For a year he practiced there as a partner of his old college mate. He next removed to Dvenport, where he continued until December, 1872, when he came to Kansas City, and has since resided here.
On the 4th of March, 1876, Mr. Scammon married a daughter of Rev. J. S. Everingham, of Sandusky, New York. He has 1 son, Richard. Mr. Scammon is a member of All Souls Unitarian church and for 20 years has been president of the board of trustees of this church, which he aided very greatly in establishing. His pleasant home is located at 2460 Brooklyn avenue. He has one of the finest miscellaneous libraries in Missouri, which indicates the cultured taste of the owner. Socially, he is a kind, genial gentleman of large and generous culture and information, of firm purpose and resolute will.
Mr. Scammon has been prominently connected with various business interests of Kansas City. For several years he was general solicitor for the Kansas City & Eastern Railway Company. He has for years been one of the directors and a member of the executive committee of the Kansas City Electric Light Company, also of the Edison Electric Light and Power Company. He is the secretary and a member of the board of directors of the Kansas City Hay Press Company. He was president of the board of managers of the Jackson County Reform School, appointed by Governor Marmaduke. He was one of the originators of the Kansas City Humane Society and has since either served as its president or as chairman of the executive committee, and has been actively and enthusiastically interested in its work for a period of 10 years. He was president of the Franklin Savings Bank, and was one of the directors of the Chicago & Kansas Commission Company. It is one of his boats that he never held a political office in his life, though he always takes an active interest in public affairs. He was prominently concerned in obtaining for Kansas City its first reform charter from the legislature of the state in 1875.
J. S. WHITSETT
Among the pioneer settlers of Jackson county is numbered this gentleman, who for many years has been identified with the best interests of the locality, interested in all that pertains to its welfare and advancement. In all the relations of life he has been an esteemed and upright man, and today is ranked among the progressive agriculturists of the community.
The Whitsett family was of Scotch origin, and was founded in America in the early history of this country. The great-grandfather of our subject ser ed as sheriff of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. He was at one time a very wealthy man, but owing to his great generosity lost much of his property. He removed to Kentucky when his son, James Whitsett, the grandfather of our subject, was a lad of 12 years. The latter served as a soldier in the War of 1812, under General William Henry Harrison. The father of our subject, John Rankin Whitsett, was a native of Montgomery county, Kentucky, born May 28, 1805, and was reared on the family homestead in that state. He served as a soldier in the enrolled county militia. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eliza Leslie Oldham, was born in Kentucky, October 8, 1808, and was a daughter of Zera Oldham, also a native of Kentucky and a son of William Oldham, who had removed to that state from North Carolina. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, serving for 7 years, until the cause for which he had so valiantly striven was won and American independence was attained. Her parents were married in Kentucky, November 2, 1826, and lived in that state for 12 years, when, in 1838, they came to Missouri and settled on a farm near Independence. In 1840 they removed to a farm in Washington township, a mile north of Hickman Mills. The pioneer homes were widely scattered and this work of civilization had just begun. Mr. Whitsett secured a prairie farm on the edge of the timber and at once began its development, for previous to that time not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made. He built a log cabin, which was soon surrounded by waving fields of grain as he energetically subdued the wild land. He continued his residence there until 1873, after which he and his wife left the old home and resided with their children. The former died June 1, 1892, the latter April 25, 1883. They were active and consistent members of the Christian church, and Mr. Whittsett always took a leading part in promoting those enterprises which were calculated to improve the public welfare. During the war he was an advocate of the union cause.
In the family were 12 children, namely: Amanda B. and Anna D., now deceased; Eveline C. Oldham, who died, leaving 4 children; Mrs. Eliza Hall, who has 3 children; Mrs. Amelia A. Muir, deceased, who had 4 children; Joel A., who has also passed away; Mary E., deceased wife of John R Moore; Mrs. Catherine M. Palmer, who has 3 children; John N., deceased; James S.; one who died in infancy; and Sarah E., deceased.
Mr. Whitsett of this review, was born on the old farm in Washington township, March 19, 1845, and grew to manhood under the parental roof. He acquired his education in the district schools, and aided in the cultivation of the fields until after the breaking out of the civil war. Owing to the oppressive measures brought on through this strife he joined the army, and on the 12th of August, 1862, was enrolled as a member of Company E, second Missouri cavalry of the Confederate service, commanded by Colonel Upton Hayes, being attached to Shelby's division. He participated in the battle of Lone Jack, August 16, 1862, and Prairie Grove on the 7th of December. The following year he met the enemy in battle at Springfield on the 8th of January, and at Hartsville, on the 11th, and then went into winter quarters in Arkansas. In April he took part in the battles of Cape Girardeau and Helena. He then left General Shelby's brigade and returned to Missouri, where he joined Captain Todd's company and served until the death of that officer. He was then under Daniel Vaughn until the close of the war. He was never wounded or captured, yet for nearly 3 years was in active service.
In May, 1865, Mr. Whitsett went to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and crossed the plains to Fort Laramie as a teamster. Subsequently he returned to his home, which, however, had been desolated by the tramping armies that had invaded all the country round about, leaving desolation and ruin in their wake. He has since devoted his attention exclusively to agricultural pursuits and now has a valuable farm of 200 acres, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation.
In 1870 Mr. Whitsett was united in marriage with Miss Martha M. Hall, a native of Kentucky, and a daughter of Fielding M. Hall, who died in that state. The lady was born August 21, 1844, and died July 1, 1878. The children of that union are Mary L., deceased; Helen, and Annie E. On the 26th of February, 1880, Mr. Whitsett was again married, his 2nd union being with Lena Arnold, a native of Kentucky, born April 29, 1848, and a daughter of George B. Arnold, an early settler of Cass county, Missouri. By the second union have been born 3 children, -- Minnie B., Mary and John L. The parents are members of the Christian church, and in politics Mr. Whitsett is a populist. He keeps well informed on the issues of the day, and is an intelligent, broadminded man, whose well-spent life has gained him the esteem and confidence of his many friends.
HENRY M. BEARDSLEY
Of the firm of Beardsley, Gregory & Flannelly, attorneys at law, Kansas City, is a native of Knox county, Ohio, born October 20, 1858. He is a son of George F. and Martha Beardsley, the former also having been born in Knox county; the latter was born at Mr. Morris, New York. The Beardsley family were early settlers in Ohio, where the family vocation was farming. In November, 1867, Mr. Beardsley, Sr., removed with his family to Champaign, Illinois, where he engaged in operating in real estate and manufacturing enterprises. He is one of the prominent, well-to-do men of Champaign county, his executive ability and business acumen being so clearly manifest that he has been called upon to take many positions of honor and trust, as president of the school board, aldeman, city treasurer, president of the Fair Association, trustee of his church and superintendent of Sabbath-school. Of his 6 children 3 are living: Henry M., Anna and John. The deceased are Fannie, aged 19, and 2 who died in infancy.
Our subject finished his education in the State University of Illinois, having taken the post-graduate course and received the degree of Master of Literature, and for 2 years was tutor in chemistry. He subsequently read law under George W. Gere, and was admitted to the bar in September, 1882. He then entered into partnership with his preceptor for the practice of law, with whom he was associated till his removal to Kansas City, in October, 1886. The following January he became associated with Alfred Gregory, and in 1894 Thomas J. Flannelly was admitted to the firm.
As lawyers they rank with the ablest at the Jackson county bar, and they have a practice that bespeaks the confidence of a large clientage. In religious matters Mr. Beardsley is not only deeply interested, but takes an active part in the practical work of the church that of right should be performed by the laity. While living in Champaign he was president of the County Sunday-school Association. For 6 years past he has been superintendent of the Sabbath-school of the First Congregational church of Kansas City, of which he is a valuable member, and since 1892 he has been president of the Young Men's Christian Association. He is also one of the original or charter members of the Municipal Improvement Association. To all measures calculated to improve public conditions and elevate the standard of morals and citizenship, he gives hearty and unqualified support. As the champion of those interests he is sincere and enthusiastic, and his influence for good is great, especially among the young, with whom he is decidedly popular. It is, perhaps, in Christian work that his efforts produce the most noticeable results. Here he patiently and untiringly labors for the cause of God and humanity and his efforts have been most graciously rewarded.
Mr. Beardsley was united in marriage with Miss Marietta Davis, of Piatt county, Illinois, April 24, 1883. They have three children: Ella, born in 1884; George D., born in 1887; and Henry S., born in 1895.
W. B. HOWARD
Of Lee's Summit, has been to Jackson county a valued citizen who has played an important part in the development and upbuilding of his section. Educational, social and moral interests have been advanced through his generous aid, and the material welfare of the community has been largely promoted by his extensive business interests. From pioneer days up to the present time he has withheld his support from no enterprise that he believed would benefit the public good, and the enterprising town of Lee's Summit is a monument to his enterprising and progressive spirit. His name is inseparably connected with the county's history, and a volume of this kind would be incomplete without the record of his life.
A native of Jefferson county, Kentucky, Mr. Howard was born March 10, 1821, and is a son of John Howard, a native of Maryland. The paternal great-grandfather was the nearest heir to the Duke of Norfolk, of England, but forfeited his right to the property by emigrating to the Colonies. John Howard removed to Kentucky in 1800, and at that time was 30 years of age. He married Annie C. Buillitt, a native of Jefferson county, Kentucky, and a daughter of Colonel Alex S. Bullitt, of Virginia, who became a prominent citizen of Kentucky, and was president of the first constitutional convention of that state. He lived within 9 miles of Louisville. Mr. Howard had been previously married in his native state to Miss Lattimore, of that state, and removed on a flatboat from Pittsburg down the Ohio river to Louisville, where he arrived on the 1st of August, 1800. The city at that time contained only 4 brick houses. His wife died there. Six children of their family reached years of maturity, but all are now deceased. After the death of his first wife Mr. Howard married Miss Bullitt, and they always resided in Jefferson county, Kentucky, where he successfully carried on farming. Of their 4 children, 3 reached mature years: W. B.; Helen M., deceased; and Anna C. The last named is the widow of Robert G. Courtenay, of Louisville, Kentucky. She is still residing there, and has 2 sons and 2 daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Howard were members of the Presbyterian church, and took an active part in its work. He was a boy at the time of the Revolutionary war, and could well remember many of the scenes and incidents connected therewith.
W. B. Howard, whose name introduces this review, was educated in Jefferson county, Kentucky, and reared on the family farm, remaining at home most of the time until after his father's death. He had, however, previously visited Mission and purchased 220 acres of land in Jackson county, where on he made a location in 1842. By their marriage, which was celebrated February 8, 1844, he secured as a helpmeet on life's journey Maria D. Strother, of Bardstown, Kentucky, daughter of John D. Strother, who removed from that state to the Old Dominion, and was sheriff of Nelson county. Mrs. Howard was born November 22, 1825, and acquired her education in Bardstown. On the 1st of April, 1844, he located on his farm in Blue township, whereon stood a log house, somewhat more pretentious than its neighbors, as it was weather-boarded. It was surrounded by timber, which he began to clear away in order to make a farm. Six years later he removed to another farm in what is now Prairie township, but then formed a part of Blue township, 5 miles north of Lee's Summit. It was a tract of 833 acres, partly timber and partly prairie land, about 400 acres being under fence. He moved into a log cabin, but in 1854 this was replaced by an excellent frame residence, erected at a cost of $3,000. The energy and enterprise of the owner also soon made a vast difference in the appearance of the place which soon manifested the results of his care and cultivation. He lived upon the farm until October, 1862, when he was arrested by Colonel Pennock's command and taken to Independence, where he remained in jail for one month. He was then paroled under bond of $25,000 and permitted to go to Kentucky with his wife, who was at that time quite ill. She died February 16, 1865. In their family were 3 children: William Bullitt, who was born Mary 10, 1846, and died at the age of 5 years; Anna Strother, who was born February 18, 1848, and is the wife of George F. Lee, by whom she has one child living; and John, who was born August 6, 1849, and died at the age of 4 years and 4 months.
After his wife's death Mr. Howard returned to his farm in 1865. He found almost everything in the locality either burned or destroyed, and his own farm was despoiled of almost all of its improvements. The house had been set on fire by some of the soldiers, but the flames had been extinguished by 2 of the number, so he repaired the damage as well as he could and induced some of his neighbors to move into the place and keep house for him. He restocked and refenced the farm, and again soon had it under a high state of cultivation.
Mr. Howard was again married September 19, 1867, to Mary C. Jones, a native of Howard county, Missouri, and a daughter of William C. and Elizabeth (Jones) Jones, -- the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Tennessee. Her parents came to Missouri in 1840, and the mother died in 1849. Mr. Jones afterward married Miss Anna Moore, of Howard county, and both are now deceased. During the war he went with a company to Idaho, but died at Fort Laramie in 1863. His wife survived him until 1890. To them were born 3 children - Walter, Alphonzo and Mrs. Annie Carr. Mrs. Howard was the only child born of the 1st marriage. Her birth occurred November 3, 1845, and her education was acquired in Waverly, Missouri. She afterward taught a subscription school, and conducted the third school in Lee's Summit. Mr. and Mrs. Howard are the parents of 6 children: Maria E., now the wife of John R. Ransom, of Kansas City, by whom she has 3 children; Robert M., living on the old homestead; Mary Bullitt; Thomas C., a student; Florence C., who is now attending Central College; and William B. In the order named the dates of birth of the family are as follows: July 6, 1868, September 17, 1870, August 5, 1873, November 18, 1875, June 7, 1879, and May 26, 1887. The children have been provided with excellent educational privileges and the older children have all attended school away from home.
Mr. and Mrs. Howard are members of the Methodist church, south, and he has been steward for more than 40 years, while at various times he has served as trustee. He now teaches the Bible class in the Sunday school, and his wife is also active in church work. In politics, Mr. Howard has taken an active interest and staunchly advocated democratic principles; but has always refused office, save that in connection with schools, having been treasurer of the city school board. His time was devoted exclusively for many years to farming, and he lived on the old homestead until November 20, 1884, since which time he has resided in Lee's Summit. He now owns 2,300 acres of farm land and some valuable farm property, and is a director in the Bank of Lee's Summit.
In October, 1865, Mr. Howard laid out the town of Lee's Summit upon his own land, the original plat covering 70 acres. Of this 20 acres were divided into town lots, ½ of which were given to the Missouri Pacific Railroad. He gave to the town the name of Strother, but the name given it by the engineer was the one retained. He has taken a deep and abiding interest in the welfare and upbuilding of the town, and it is now the largest shipping point on the Missouri Pacific Railroad between here and St. Louis, except Sedalia. The commercial activity of the place has been largely promoted through his efforts, and Lee's Summit has proved of material benefit to the surrounding farming community. Howard Park was laid out by William B. Howard, and is still owned by him. It comprises 20 acres of land and contains a ½ mile track 60 feet wide and a ¼ of a mile track 40 feet wide, surrounding beautiful picnic grounds. It is located on the Harrisonville road. Mr. Howard has donated as many as 12 lots to the different Christian churches in Lee's Summit, and evidences of his generosity are seen on all sides enhancing public improvements. Imbued with the progressive spirit of the west, he has been most active in the upbuilding of this town, of which he was practically the founder, and it is to such men that Jackson county owes its prosperity and improvement.
HON. R. H. FIELD
Attorney at law, of Kansas City, ranking among the leading men of his profession, is a native of Cherokee county, Georgia, born December 27, 1853, and a son of Elijah M. and Cornelia (Harrison) Field, natives of South Carolina and of English and Irish descent. The paternal grandfather, Jeremiah Field, married a Miss Murphy in South Carolina, and at an early day emigrated to Georgia, where he carried on farming, cultivating his land by the aid of slaves. He died in Cherokee county, Georgia. The father of our subject was a farmer and capitalist. He removed from Cherokee county to Bartow county, Georgia, where he lived until the breaking out of the war, when he took up his residence in Jefferson county, Georgia, his death occurring there in October, 1864. He was a very prominent and influential citizen, and when a young man represented Cherokee county in the state legislature. He was a close personal and political friend of Senator Joseph E. Brown, the war governor of Georgia, and Mr. Field served as quartermaster in the Confederate service, with the rank of captain. Being a Douglas democrat, he disapproved of secession; but when the final die was cast he gave his allegiance to the section of the country which had always been his home.
Mrs. Field, the mother of our subject, still survives her husband, and is now living in Cartersville, Bartow county, Georgia. She is a descendant of the prominent Harrison family of Virginia, and the presidents of the same name were also descendants of the same ancestry. She is also a granddaughter of the well-known Chancellor Waddy Thompson of South Carolina, whose son served as minister to Mexico under President Pierce. In the family of Elijah M. and Cornelia Field were 7 children, 5 of whom are still living, namely: Richard H.; Jerre; James M.; Eliza, widow of James C. Tumlin; and Maxey, wife of Herbert A. Camp, of Lumberton, Mississippi.
The subject of this sketch, Hon. Richard H. Field, was educated in the common schools of Georgia, and was partially reared upon a farm. His father died when he was very young, and being thus left without paternal guidance he did not make much use of his educational privileges during his boyhood years, caring more to please and amuse himself according to his own inclinations; but the mother's hope that her boy would make something of himself remained firm and unshaken, and her belief in a true manliness underlying his tendency in his youth always continued, until now she has reason to be proud of the son who has added honor to the name. When about 19 years of age he became deeply interested in the law, occasioned by lawsuits brought against his mother by a brother-in-law. He began reading, and after a thorough preparation was admitted to the bar in March, 1875, at Cartersville, Georgia, being at that time 21 years of age. He opened an office in that place, where he continued for a year, and on the expiration of that period came to Kansas City, in May, 1876. He at once opened an office and had the experience of most practitioners. For 2 years his practice was small, but those 2 years were not wasted, for he devoted himself assiduously and untiringly to study, making up for the neglected opportunities of his youth; and he found that as his knowledge increased his practice increased, and he has since been a close student, not only of his profession, but also has been a broad and varied reader, and is today one of the best informed members of the bar of Kansas City. His clientage steadily increased, and he enjoyed an exceedingly prosperous business from 1878 until October, 1888, when he was appointed judge of the circuit court of Jackson county, being the youngest judge that ever sat on the bench in Jackson county up to that time. This honor came to him entirely unsought. He was first appointed by the governor, and was then elected for a term of 4 years. On his retirement from office he resumed the practice of law. Judge Field has been employed in some of the most noted and conspicuous cases that have been tried in the Missouri courts, and he today ranks among the ablest attorneys in the state. He has made judicious investments of his capital in real estate, and now owns considerable property in the city.
On the 23rd of March, 1880, Mr. Field was united in marriage with Miss Annie Camp, of Marietta, Georgia, daughter of G. H. Camp, and they now have 5 children: Annie M., Edna, Cornelia, Harrison and Kathryn.
J. H. WORTHEN
Attorney at law, Kansas City, Missouri, has been identified with this place for a period of 15 years, and is justly entitled to biographical mention among its leading citizens.
For the birthplace of Mr. Worthen we look to the Green Mountain state. There, in Orange county, September 12, 1847, he first saw the light of day, his parents being Joseph H. and Elizabeth (Chase) Worthen, natives of Vermont and of Welsh descent. The history of the family in this country is traced back to the War of 1745, in which war one of our subject's grandsires served as a lieutenant under Colonel Pepper at the siege of Lewisburg. The Worthens first made settlement in Massachusetts, and subsequently removed from there to Vermont, where they were pioneers, and where several generations of the family were born. They are now scattered over the various states of the union, and not a few who bear the name of Worthen have distinguished themselves in some of the departments of life. Amos H. Worthen was state geologist of Illinois for about 25 years, and gained great notoriety in this line of science. His collection of geological specimens was regarded the best one shown at the Columbian Exposition at Chicago in 1893. Harry N. Worthen, distinguished himself in the civil war. He went out as major of the first Vermont regiment, won promotion to the rank of lieutenant colonel of the 4th Vermont regiment, and served under General McClellan. Joseph H. Worthen, the father of our subject, was a farmer by occupation, and lived and died on the old homestead in Vermont, his life being characterized by honesty and industry. He and his wife had 4 sons and 2 daughters, their 2nd born being J. H., whose name graces this article.
J. H. Worthen was reared to farm life, and received his early education in the little red schoolhouse near his home. He prepared himself for college at Thetford Academy, and in due time entered Dartmouth College, at Hanover, New Hampshire, where he graduated in 1873. Immediately after his graduation he came west and accepted the position of principal of the high school and superintendent of city schools at Nebraska City, Nebraska, where he remained from 1873 until 1876, his service in this capacity being attended with marked success. He had entered this profession, however, not with the idea of making it his life work, but only as a stepping stone to another profession, the law. While teaching he spent his leisure moments and vacations in the study of law, and at the close of his 3rd year in the schoolroom was admitted to the bar. That same year, 1876, he went to Sidney, Iowa, where he opened an office, and where he practiced his profession until 1880, the time of his removal to Kansas City. Here he conducted a successful practice until 1885, at which time he was elected on the democratic ticket to the office of police judge. In 1886 he was re-elected and served 2 terms. In 1887 he was the democratic candidate for mayor of Kansas City, his opponent being Henry C. Krumpp, and although Mr. Worthen received a vote that was highly complimentary he was defeated. That same year he was appointed justice of the peace, and this office he filled until November, 1894, since which time he has given his entire attention to the practice of his profession.
Like the majority of our leading citizens all over the country, Mr. Worthen is identified with some of the popular secret organizations. He maintains a membership in both the Knights of Pythias and the Elks.
He was married in 1892 to Miss Jennie H. DuPage, of Kansas City, a most amiable and accomplished lady.
G. W. CORNELL, M. D.
One of the skilled and eminent representatives of the medical profession in Kansas City, Missouri, was born near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, March 16, 1844, and is a son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Corson) Cornell, natives of Bucks county, Pennsylvania. The family has long been connected with the Keystone state. The Doctor's grandfather, Jacob Cornell, was born there and was of German lineage, served as a soldier in the war of 1812 and was a farmer by occupation. Joshua Corson, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Holland, Pennsylvania, and was descended from Scotch ancestry. He too served in the second war with England, and carried on agricultural pursuits as a means of livelihood. He was a successful business man, an influential politician and a popular citizen. His death occurred at the advanced age of 90 years. The father of our subject was a contractor, builder and farmer, and spent the greater part of his life in his native county, where he died in 1858, at the age of 70 years. His wife passed away in 1852. They were members of the Presbyterian church, and Mr. Cornell served as elder. He also held various township offices, and was a valued citizen. The family numbered 8 children - 5 sons and 3 daughters - namely: Ann Eliza, wife of John Gill; Charles, deceased; Catherine; Richard; Hiram, deceased; David; Henrietta, wife of William Ardway; and the Doctor.
The last-named spent his youthful days on his father's farm in Bucks county, and his elementary education, acquired in the common schools, was supplemented by a course in the State Normal School. He afterward engaged in teaching and conducted a commercial college in Philadelphia for some time. Later he commenced the study of medicine. He is a graduate of the Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, and enjoyed a long and scientific training in the College of Physicians and Surgeons for the medical staff of the United States army and navy. He has had most thorough preparation for his life work, having continued his studies and researches at the Philadelphia Lying-in Hospital, where he studied obstetrics and diseases of women and children; Will's Ophthalmic and Aural Hospital, studying diseases of the eye and ear; the Philadelphia School of Laryngoscopy, studying catarrhal diseases; the Philadelphia School of Practical Anatony and Operative Surgery; the Philadelphia City Dispensary; and the Philadelphia City Hospital. He has put forth every effort in his power to perfect himself in his chosen calling and has gained high standing in his profession. While in Philadelphia, he was professor of obstetrics and diseases of women and children for 3 years in the Philadelphia Medical and Surgical Institute. He was also police surgeon, and professor and surgeon in the Philadelphia School of venereal and all genito-urinary diseases. He continued in general practice in Phildelphia for 15 years and then came to the west, locating first at Fort Scott, Kansas. After 5 years he removed to Joplin, Missouri and in 1894 came to Kansas City.
On the 4th of July, 1870, Dr. Cornell was united in marriage with Miss Lucretia Mott Good, daughter of Benjamin Good, of Buckingham, Pennsylvania. They had 5 children, but Harry, Lawrence and Edward are now deceased. Howard is studying for the ministry with the exception of becoming a missionary, and will graduate at Park College, Missouri, in 1897, and will finish his studies at Princeton Seminary, New Jersey; Luella is taking a classical course in the academy of Parkville, and will graduate in 1896.
The Doctor and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. During the civil war he was a member of George Hart's company of state militia, and among others participated in the battles of Antietam and Chambersburg. He has ever been a loyal citizen, interested in the general welfare of his country and resident community, but his attention is chiefly given to his profession, in which he has gained to enviable reputation.
WILLIAM H. MONTGALL
Was enrolled among the esteemed residents of Kansas City. The empire of public opinion, whose sway is dominant in America, freely granted him this position. Public opinion is seldom at fault, its judgment is unerring and its favors are never prompted by caprice or prejudice, but are given as the reward to true ability, and this faultless tribunal acknowledged his high standing in Jackson county. He was a highminded, liberal, progressive citizen, a worthy representative of an honored pioneer family, and the history of Jackson county would be incomplete without the record of his life.
Mr. Montgall was born in the suburbs of Kansas City, on the old Brush creek farm - the family homestead - March 20, 1850, and was the only son of Rufus and Nancy Montgall. The public schools of this metropolis of the west afforded him his educational privileges, and when he had arrived at years of maturity he married Miss Sallie Ford, a daughter of L. A. and Martha (Holmes) Ford. The latter was a sister of Robert Holmes, the well known pioneer who is still living at Blue Springs, Jackson county, with his daughter, Mrs. John Burrus. For many years he was a contractor and carpenter of Kansas City.
After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Montgall, they resided on a farm near Blue Springs, and to agricultural pursuits our subject devoted his energies for some years. His health failed him, however, and occasioned his removal into the city at the time of his mother's death. He then devoted his energies to the management of his various business interests. He became a stockholder in the Bank of Kansas City, and made judicious and extensive investments in real estate, owning many residences and valuable city property. He was a man of excellent business and executive ability, of sound judgment, and, like his father, his straight-forward dealing was above question. He was not less esteemed as a citizen than as a business man, and his kindly impulses and charming cordiality of manner rendered him exceedingly popular among all classes of people.
Mr. Montgall was a member of the Calvary Baptist church, but took no active part in clubs or lodges, his interest centering in his home, where he preferred to spend his leisure hours in the enjoyment of the society of his little family and of congenial friends. He was a man of scholarly attainments and broad general information, and in politics was a democrat, but had no ambition for personal advancement in public office. His favorite recreation was hunting and with his gun and his dog he frequently went on long hunting trips, being an able disciple of Nimrod. It would be difficult to name a citizen of Jackson county who had more warm personal friends or who more thoroughly merited the high esteem in which he was held.
After a 2-week illness, Mr. Montgall passed away, on the 20th of March, 1890, and was laid to rest by the side of his parents in the beautiful Elmwood cemetery. A little son survives the father, Rufus, who is now 8 years of age, and is attending school. If he follows in the footsteps of his illustrious father and grandfather, Kansas City will have another honored citizen of the name of Montgall. The mother's pride and interest now centers in her boy, whom she is carefully rearing, providing him with a training that will fit him for the practical and responsible duties of manhood. Mrs. Montgall also holds membership with the Calvary Baptist church, and is deeply interested in its growth and upbuilding. She is not alone the courteous, charming hostess who presides with graceful dignity over her home, but is also a woman of business affairs and business ability, who capably manages her own property interests and is thoroughly in touch with the advanced ides and methods of the day.
JOSEPH SHARP, M. D.
Who is engaged in the practice of medicine in Kansas City, is numbered among the worthy sons of the Buckeye State, his birth having occurred in Chauncey, Ohio, June 26, 1851. He is a representative of one of the old families of that state, his grandfather, Joseph Sharp, having been born in Ohio in 1800. He followed the occupation of farming, served as colonel of the state militia, and was quite prominent in public affairs. He represented Fairfield county in the state legislature in 1843, and was recognized leader in matters of public improvement. Mr. Sharp was a man of fine physique, six feet, two inches in height and weighing 210 pounds. He rounded the Psalmist's span of three-score years and ten, and was well preserved both physicially and mentally at the time of his death. His father was Joseph Sharp, who located in Belmont county, Ohio, in 1798, and served under General Morgan in the Revolutionary war, and was the second in command in the whiskey rebellion. He served in the first 13 sessions of the Ohio legislature, and took an active part in molding the history of the state, with which his name was inseparably connected. He died at the age of 65 years, and the loss of this valued citizen was deeply mourned. The Sharp family is of Scotch-Irish lineage.
The father of our subject was Dr. James Sharp, a physician, who wedded Mary Cutler, and is now living with his wife in Sugar Grove, Ohio. They had 2 children, Joseph and George C. Mrs. Sharp was a daughter of Charles Cutler, a native of the Buckeye state, who for many years followed merchandising in Chauncey. In 1849 he started for California, and on the way was stricken with cholera and died. He was a man of splendid constitution, noted for his even disposition and noble character. To the Puritans who located in this country in the days of its early history, he traced his early ancestry, and he was the possessor of some of the sterling traits of character of that worthy band.
Dr. Joseph Sharp resided at Logan, Ohio, until 18 years of age, and pursued his literary education in the public schools. He early became his father's assistant, and it may be said that from his boyhood he has been connected with the medical profession. After graduating at the William Jewell College, of Liberty, Missouri, in 1871, he took up the study of medicine in the Kansas City College of Physicians and Surgeons, at which he was graduated in March, 1873. He was then appointed house physician of the Kansas City Hospital, where he served for 1 year, and then engaged in practice in Sugar Grove, Ohio, for a term of 6 years. On the expiration of that period he came to Kansas City in 1880, and has since carried on business here, successfully engaged in general practice. He is also professor of the principles and practice of medicine in the Kansas City Medical College, and is a member of the Jackson County Medical Society, the Kansas City District Medical Soceity, Missouri State Medical Society, the Missouri Valley Society, the Tri-State and American Medical Associations, also the American Public Health Association. He was president of the Fairfield County Medical Society of Ohio in 1877, and was secretary of the Kansas City Medical Society from 1882 until 1885, also president of the Jackson County Society in 1887, treasurer of the Kansas City District Medical Society since 1889, and one of the secretaries of the State Medical Society in 1890. In 1893 he was president of the Kansas City Medical College, and is still secretary of the board of directors. Steadily has he worked his way upward, and is today a most able and eminent representative of the medical profession.
On the 5th of June, 1877, was consummated the marriage of Dr. Sharp and Miss Olive Beatty. They had 1 daughter, Nathlie M. On the 22nd of April, 1895, the Doctor married Mrs. Eugenia Boland, widow of Colonel Michael Boland, at one time a prominent attorney of Kansas City, and a daughter of Julius Mendel.
CAPT. HENRY C. BROOKING
Is a son of the distinguished pioneer in honor of whom Brooking township, Jackson county, was named, and is a man whose own life has been such that it entitles him to specific consideration in a work which has to do with the representative men and women of the locality in which he has lived so long.
The Brookings have long been residents of America. John Brooking, the grandfather of our subject, was a Virginian by birth, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and at an early period he and a brother came west with Daniel Boone to Kentucky. In Scott county, Kentucky, March 10, 1797, Judge Alvan Brooking, the captain's father, was born. There, September 18, 1817, he married Permelia Brooking, who was born and reared in Scott county, and who died there June 1, 1836. For his second wife he wedded, August 18, 1838, Frances Herndon, likewise a native of Scott county. That same year, 1838, he had his family removed to Missouri. They spent one year in Clay county, then came to Jackson county and settled on Section 32 of Brooking township, and here for nearly 20 years he lived a life of usefulness. There were many roving bands of Indians then in Jackson county, who often came to trade with the few white settlers. Mr. Brooking purchased his farm from James Kimsey, the first white man to locate in this community. Previous to the advent of churches here the Brooking residence was on frequent occasions used as a place of worship for the people for miles around, many a Baptist minister sharing its genial hospitality and holding services here. Judge Brooking had joined the church and been baptized in Kentucky as early as 1828. He was a man of deep piety, charity and kindness, was temperate in all things, public-spirited and enterprising, and was recognized as a leader among the people of this pioneer settlement. An old-line Whig and an enthusiastic politician, he represented Jackson and Cass counties in the state legislature of Missouri about 1850, and prior to that time served as county judge. He died November 30, 1857. His second wife had no issue. The children of his first marriage numbered eight, and of that number 5 grew to maturity. Their names are as follows: John, Mary, Wallace, Americus, Robert, Julia, Henry C., and Serena M. All have passed away except the 2 youngest. Serena M. is the wife of Logan Pendleton, of this township, and has 10 children. Mary, the deceased wife of John Campbell, left 8 children.
Henry C. Brooking was born in Scott county, Kentucky, April 24, 1832, and at the time of their removal to Missouri he was 6 years old. In Jackson county he was reared amid frontier scenes, his education being received in the common schools of that period and at Highland Academy. In this county he remained until 1849. That year he was a victim of the gold fever which originated in California and spread even to the most remote parts of the civilized world. The only cure for that disease was a trip to the Pacific coast. This journey he undertook and accomplished after long and tedious travel and many discouragements, including an encounter with the Cheyenne Indians, numbering about 800 warriors, who held them at bay for about 24 hours. Mr. Brooking and his party lost their oxen and all their goods by reason of the early snows in the Sierra Nevada mountains, and when he did finally reach his destination, the Lassen ranch, November 18, 1849, he was on foot and with no worldly goods save his rifle and his blanket. He commenced his mining experience on Feather river, and for 5 years he toiled in the mines, with the usual luck of the miner, and at the end of that time started homeward. June, 1854, found him back at the old home place in Jackson county, and here he followed farming until the outbreak of the civil war.
Loyal to his home, his friends and his native land, it was but natural, when the north and the south became involved in war, that he should ally himself with the Confederacy. In 1861 he joined Captain Thurston's company, Colonel Rosser's regiment. Later he was under Colonel Martin's command. A detailed account of his army life and many exploits would fill a volume. Suffice it to say in this connection that he was true to his colors, remained on active duty until the conflict was over, and for gallant service was promoted to the rank of captain. Among the engagements in which he participated were those of Rock creek and Lexington. The first winter he spent in Springfield, Missouri. On being mustered out of the state guards he went to Texas; a few weeks later he returned and became first lieutenant under Captain L. M. Lewis, of Company A, 16th Missouri infantry. He was in the engagement at Lone Jack, Missouri. His report of that battle was the only one ever made, and it was lost. He recalls that there were 105 federals killed, 33 Confederates killed, and 86 Confederates left wounded on the field. Other engagements in which he took part were the battles of Jenkins' Ferry, Prairie Grove and Helena, his service closing with disbandment of the troops at Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1865. At the battle of Prairie Grove he was wounded in the right leg by a minie ball and fell into federal hands.
About a year after the close of the war Captain Brooking returned to his former home in Missouri. Here, June 30, 1868, he was married to Miss Elvira F. Laws, who was born in Westport township, this county, August 19, 1843, daughter of Alfred and Permelia (Epperson) Laws, both natives of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Laws came to Missouri when young and it was in Jackson county that they met and married. They settled on Section 23, Westport township, where they resided until death. He died in 1863, and she in 1889. In their family were 5 children, namely: Eliza A. Allen, Mrs. Brooking, Wallace, Emily Holmes, and Horace. The last named is deceased. Mrs. Laws was a member of the Baptist church. Mrs. Brooking's district-school education was supplemented by a course in the Independence schools, and previous to her marriage she was for several years engaged in teaching in her home district. Ever since their marriage they have resided at their present home, with the exception, however, of 7 years when they were traveling for the benefit of Mrs. Brooking's health. They have no children.
Mr. Brooking's farm comprises 360 acres of choice land, well cultivated and improved, and his home is a model of comfort and convenience, being regarded as one of the most attractive and delightful rural places in the vicinity.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Brooking continue in the faith in which they were reared, that of the Baptist church, he being a deacon and moderator in the church and both being teachers in the Sunday school. Politically, his support has always been given to the democratic party, but he has never held office.
Thus briefly is narrated the life history of a worthy son of a honored father.
DR. B. C. HYDE
Police physician and surgeon, Kansas City, Missouri, is a young man who has but recently entered upon his professional career, and one whose prospects for a bright future are indeed flattering, as he is well equipped both by natural ability and education for the profession of his choice.
Dr. Hyde is a native of this state. He was born in Cooper county, May 6, 1872, and is a son of George W. Hyde, D. D., and Anna Hyde, nee Clark, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Missouri, both belonging to families who have figured prominently in the history of this country. The Hydes have been for many years represented in the various professions, lawyers, ministers and doctors. Dr. George W. Hyde accompanied his father at an early day from the old Dominion to Missouri and settled in Chariton county. He was ordained as a Baptist minister when a young man, later had conferred upon him the degree of D. D. and has spent many years in the work of the ministry, his labors being attended with great success. He is now a resident of St. Louis. During the late war he served as chaplain in Lee's army. His brother William was a colonel in the Confederate army, and was killed at the battle of Wilson creek.
The subject of our sketch is the only son in a family of 4 children. He was reared in Booneville and Lexington, Missouri, where he received his early education in the public schools. Then he took a course in military training at Wentworth Military Academy, at Lexington, graduating there in 1889. Next he attended William Jewell College, at Liberty, where he graduated with the class of 1892, and immediately thereafter took up the study of medicine. In the spring of 1895 he graduated at the University Medical College, of Kansas City, and it was in May after his graduation that he was appointed by the police commissioners to his present position, that of police physician and surgeon, for a term of three years. Dr. Hyde is a member of the Twin City Medical Society.
Later biographers will have other pages to add to the Doctor's history, for he will, without doubt, make his mark in the world.
WILLIAM J. SMITH
Was for many years prominently connected with the commercial interests of Kansas City, belonging to that class of enterprising, progressive men to whom the upbuilding of a community may always be attributed. The part he has taken in the development of this city has largely promoted its material prosperity and other interests.
The origin of the patronymic he bears is a matter of interest and of history. He can trace his ancestry directly back to Lammer Arianson, who was a blacksmith at a place now called Blauveltville, in New York, and hung up his sign, which read, Arianson Smith, and his family ultimately came to be called Smith instead of their own name. This Lammer Arianson was one of the first 16 settlers, farmers from Holland, who purchased from the Tappan Indians a tract of land in New York, bounded on the north by Greenbush swamp, on the east by the Nyack mountains, on the south by the Dues Kill or Cross creek (near the present Randall Station on the West Shore Railroad), then supposed to be the north line of the province of New Jersey, and on the west by the Hackensack creek. This tract of land was about 8 miles in length and from 2-5 miles in width. The purchase was confirmed during the governorship of Thomas Dougan, of the province of New York, by an instrument in writing under his hand, sealed with the seal of the province in the reign of James II, King of England, on the 24th of March, 1686.
Lammer Smith had 3 sons. The eldest, Garrett, was settled by his father south of the swamp; the second, Abraham, remained on the old homestead; and the third, Cornelus, built on what was then called the Ridge, just west of the present Erie Railroad. The eldest was the great-grandfather of the late Cornelius T. Smith, father of Mrs. John L. Salisbury, and also of Gerrit Smith, the celebrated abolitionist and philanthropist.
On the maternal side also has our subject descended from an old and honored family. His grandfather, James Wood, by an invention revolutionized one of the important industries of this country, brickmaking. He was the first man to establish successfully a brick manufactory at Haverstraw, New York, which made his town one of the most flourishing on the banks of the Hudson. He was a native of Colcheter, England, and came to this country in 1801. He was the first man to mix coal with the clay in the manufacture of bricks, which made then burn better. From the time of the Egyptian taskmasters down to the early part of the present century there had been no improvement in the process of brickmaking. During all that long period the clay had been trodden by human feet and molded by human hands without the aid of machinery. The man who gives to the world a practical and useful invention may well be termed a benefactor of his race.
The parents of our subject were James P. and Frances W. (Wood) Smith, both natives of New York. They had a family of 5 children, a son and 4 daughters, but the latter are now all deceased. The father was a farmer and died in the Empire state, in 1841, at the age of 38 years. His father was Cornelius Smith, who was born in New York of Holland ancestry and carried on farming to a ripe old age. His family numbered 3 children. Mrs. Smith, the mother of our subject, came to Kansas City in 1868, and died here in 1893, at the age of 83 years. The parents were both members of the Presbyterian church.
The gentleman whose name introduces this review was reared on his father's farm, and acquired the greater part of his education in the Irving Institute, of Tarrytown, New York, which was named in honor of Washington Irving, and was situated in the beautiful region made famous by him in his legend of Sleepy Hollow. At the age of 15 he left home and went to New York City, where he engaged in clerking in a dry-goods store. He then determined to try his fortune in the west and emigrated to Illinois, locating on a farm at Lawn Ridge, in Marshall county, not far from the city of Peoria. There he remained for about 8 years, when, in 1866, he came to Kansas City and embarked in business as a dealer in agricultural implements, carrying on operations along that line for 22 years, in connection with George J. Keating. They were progessive merchants, studying closely the signs of the times, and, realizing the tendeney toward combined effort and concentrated energy in the world of trade, after several years they organized a stock company known as the Smith & Keating Implement Company. This business was successfully and profitably carried on until 1887, when it was sold. A short time previous, Mr. Smith became interested in and was one of the organizers of the Kansas City Cable Railroad Company, of which he served as president until 1894, when he sold out, and is now living retired.
On the 27th of November, 1877, was celebrated the marriage of our subject and Miss Elizabeth D. Bussell, a daughter of George and Bethesda (Bryant) Bussell. Eight children have been born to them, namely: William F., Serena, Frances W., Elizabeth, Edward B., Alice E., Mabel and Marion. Their home is pleasantly located at No. 914 Locust street. In politics, Mr. Smith is a stalwart Republican, and has been an important factor in the upbuilding of the city and the promotion of its best interests. He started out in life for himself at an early age, and, wisely forseeing that the west was an advantageous field of labor for young men, he left his old home and in Missouri has gained a handsome property and the high regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
RUFUS MONTGALL
In all of Kansas City's history, from the founding of the town up to the present time, there has never resided within its borders a more honored or honorable man then he whose name introduces this review. When his life labors were ended there passed away one whose noble career furnished to his friends an example of the highest type of faithful citizenship, unquestioned integrity and devotion to principle, and his influence will remain for good as long as those who knew him are left to tell the story of his life.
Mr. Montgall was a native of Shelby county, Kentucky, born in 1817. The public schools afforded him his educational privileges, and he spent much of his childhood and youth in assisting in the cultivation and development of his father's farm. In 1840 he was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Bryan, a most estimable lady, whose force of character and kindliness made her not only a faithful helpmeet to her husband but also a friend in whom all rejoiced. In 1840 the young couple started westward, the journey being made with a team of horses and wagon, and their objective point was Kansas City, Missouri. The journey was long and tedious, and on reaching Louisiana, Missouri, on the bank of the Mississippi, Mr. Montgall was striken with rheumatism and forced to remain at that place for several weeks. His brother-in-law, William O. Shouse, who had come to Jackson county some years previous, hearing of Mr. Montgall's trouble, went to Louisiana and helped to bring him here.
In the southern part of Kaw township our subject made a location. Wild and primitive indeed was the region round, and the present site of Kansas City was covered with a dense forest in which the Indians often hunted deer and other game. With characteristic energy, Mr. Montgall began the development of a home. He cleared much of this land, transforming it into rich and fertile fields and meeting bravely and unflinchingly the many hardships and trials incident to frontier life. He continued his residence on Brush creek farm until 1857, when he removed to the old homestead on the corner of 19th street and Agnes avenue. There he resided until 1882, when he took up his residence in his elegant city home at the corner of 13th and Locust streets. Judicious investments in real estate and the rise in land values owing to the rapid increase of population brought to Mr. Montgall a handsome competence, making him a wealthy man. He was pre-eminently a business man, energetic, enterprising, persevering. Above all he was strictly honorable in everything, and naught has ever been said against his sterling integrity. He was just to the value of a cent and thereby won the highest respect of all with whom he was brought in contact. It is said that he possessed the sturdy uprightness and undeviating honesty of the Puritan, with none of the latter's bigotry. He hated all meanness, spurned the tricks of much of the business of the present day, and had a contempt for sham and pretence that he never feared to express.
For 40 years Mr. Montgall took a prominent part in the public affairs of Kansas City, yet had no ambition in the line of office-seeking, and in fact steadily refused to accept office, although often solicited to do so. During the war and at the time of the border troubles he was placed at the head of a militia company, and did gallant work in the protection of the homes of this vicinity. His early political support was given the whig party, but on its dissolution he became a stalwart democrat, and was one of the trusted counselors in the ranks of the democracy.
His private life was as pure as his public life was blameless. He was strictly temperate, never addicted to the use of either intoxicants or tobacco. Though plain spoken and fearless in his condemnation of wrong, he yet possessed a kindly and sympathetic nature that was manifest to the poor and needy in substantial deeds of charity, and in his family by an earnest and untiring desire to promote their happiness and prosperity. His friends always found him true, and no man in all Kansas City had more friends than Rufus Montgall. The relation between himself and his wife was an ideal one. A noble Christian woman, Mrs. Montgall passed away about a year previous to the death of her husband, and he then said he felt that he had nothing more to live for, for though his son and daughter survived, they had married and gone to homes of their own, and no place could again be home to him without the loved companion with whom he had traveled life's journey for more than 45 years. He spent the last year of his life in the home of his son, where he received all the loving care and attention possible,a nd he found happiness in his contributions to churches and charitable institutions, and many an unfortunate one has reason to bless him for timely aid in their hour of need. He was always unostentatious, however, in his gifts, which were frequently known only to the recipient and himself. He passed away November 14, 1888, and the entire community felt that it had suffered a severe loss. He was a pioneer to whom the county owed much of its development and progress, and his name is inseparably connected with its history. The world is better for his having lived, for the life of every upright man is a benediction to the community with which he was connected.
DR. J. L. ROBINSON
Is a native of Kansas, born near Oskaloosa, August 12, 1861, and is a son of Levi and Mary (Bradley) Robinson, natives of Indiana and Missouri respectively. Six children comprised their family, four of whom are now living, John Lincoln, Rettie, Georgie and Archie.
The father of our subject was a farmer by occupation and moved west with his parents in 1846, settling in Henry county, Missouri, where he grew to manhood and married. During the war he was enrolled in the state home guard. His death occurred February 15, 1895. Mrs. Robinson still survives and resides at Calhoun, Missouri. She is a zealous member of the Christian church, with which she has been connected for many years. Mr. Robinson also was connected with that church, of which he was for many years an elder. The paternal grandfather of our subject was J. W. Robinson, a native of Virginia and a miller by occupation, who erected the first stream mill built in Henry county, Missouri. He now resides in Nebraska, at an advanced age. His life has been one of great usefulness. For many years he officiated as a preacher of the Methodist church, and in the early settlement of Henry county, Missouri, he also practiced medicine. He is the author of several religious works of interest; was an extensive traveler, visiting England upon one occasion. The maternal grandfather of Dr. Robinson was R. D. Bradley, a native of Kentucky of Scotch descent, and a farmer by occupation, who removed to Howard county, Missouri, where he lived till his death, in 1887, at a ripe old age. He had 11 children, a number of whom are yet living.
The boyhood days of our subject were passed in Henry county on a farm and in the common schools and at the Warrensburg State Normal he received his education. Subsequently he took up teaching for several terms, when he decided upon medicine as a choice of professions. Accordingly, in 1881, he matriculated at the University Medical College, of Kansas City, at which he graduated in 1885. Immediately thereafter he accepted a call from the management of the railroad hospital at Fort Worth, Texas, where for 1 year he was in charge as house surgeon. Returning to Kansas City he was prevailed upon to accept a similar position in the Wabash Railroad hospital in this city, which after filling for 6 months he relinquished and went to the same company's hospital at Peru, Indiana, where he remained 18 months. He then went to New York City, where for a time he attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Polyclinic.
In 1888 he returned to Kansas City and entered into a partnership for the practice of medicine with Dr. J. W. Jackson, which continued for 2 years. Since 1890 Dr. Robinson has practiced alone. His practice is general in character and he has the confidence and esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. He is a member of the Jackson County Medical Society, and is assistant surgeon at the Outdoor Clinic of University Medical College. Fraternally, he is a member of A. O. U. W.
On the 16th of April, 1895, he was united in marriage with Miss Annie, daughter of William and Mary Sote.
Politically Dr. Robinson is in sympathy with the principles of the republican party.
CALVIN D. MCDONALD, M.D.
Is the senior member of the firm of C. D. McDonald & Sons, well-known practitioners of Kansas City, who are located at a pleasant office in the Rialto building. The Keystone state he claims as the place of his birth, which occurred in York county, on the 23rd of January, 1835.
His parents were John and Catherine (Wynant) McDonald, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Pennsylvania. They had 9 sons and 2 daughters, but only 5 of the children are now living, namely: James M., of York, Pennsylvania; Thomas B., who is also living in the same place; Dave A. and Calvin D., of Kansas City; and George W., of Palo Alto county, Iowa. The father was a shoemaker in his early days, but subsequently became a farmer. He died in York county, Pennsylvania, in 1880, when about 90 years of age. His wife passed away some 2 years previous, at the age of 86 years. They had traveled life's journey together as man and wife for 67 years, and their many excellencies of character won them high regard. They were members of the United Presbyterian church, in which the former served as elder. The paternal grandfather of our subject, James McDonald, was a native of Ireland, and the founder of the family in America. His death occurred in Pennsylvania. The maternal grandfather, John Winant, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and was of Holland lineage. He died at about the age of 80 years.
Dr. McDonald, of this review, was reared on the old home farm in the county of his birth, and acquired his literary education in the York Academy. Tiring of the routine of farm life and desiring to enter a professional field, he began the study of medicine about 1859, and met the expenses of his course with money he had saved from several years of teaching. He had also engaged in selling monuments, and in clerking in a country store. His first course of medical lectures was in the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and subsequently he entered the Starling Medical College, of Columbus, Ohio, where he graduated, and later began practice in Mount Blanchard, that state, where he remained for 5 years.
In 1868 he came to Carrollton, Missouri, where he engaged in practice until the winter of 1870, since which time he has been connected with the medical profession of Kansas City.
On the 8th of November, 1859, Dr. McDonald married Miss Mary Shields, a daughter of Joseph L and Meletha (Clayton) Shields. They have 3 sons and a daughter, namely: Park L., who married Mattie Forris, and is engaged in practice with his father; Chett, who is also a member of the firm; Letha, who is keeping house for the Doctor; and Jay, who died at the age of 5 years. The mother's death occurred April 26, 1895, at the age of 53 years.
During the civil war, Dr. McDonald became sergeant of Company F, 21 Ohio infantry, but served only a short time. He is a member of both the county and state medical societies, also the Kansas City Medical Club, and, socially, he is connected with the Masonic fraternity, the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of Honor, and the Grand Army of the Republic. In politics he is an ultra republican. He served as county coroner from 1884 until 1886. He is a progressive physician, who has always been a student, and has kept abreast with the advancement made in the profession.
RODERICK MAY
Is the proprietor of the only cooperage works in Independence, Missouri, and is a gentleman of sterling worth both as a business man and a citizen. He learned his trade in Stornowway, a fishing port in the northern part of Scotland, serving an apprenticeship of 3 years, and this trade he has followed all his life.
He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, September 15, 1850, and was reared in Stornowway. In 1870 he returned to Glasgow, where he made his home until March 15, 1873, when he embarked for America, believing that the opportunities for advancement were better on this side the Atlantic than in the crowded countries of Europe; and his hopes and aspirations in this direction have been realized. He came to this country without money. His first location in America was at London, Canada, where he resided until 1879. That year he came into the states and took up his abode at Wyandotte, Kansas, where he was employed in work at his trade until 1884, the time of his coming to Independence, and since then, as already stated, he has been at the head of the only cooperage works in this city and has been doing a thriving business. His present establishment had its inception in 1884, since which time he has been sole proprietor, carrying on an extensive business. In addition to his cooperage works in Independence, he has shops at Lee's Summit, Sedalia, and Golden City, all in Missouri, and has in his employ no less than 20 men.
Mr. May takes a commendable interest in the affairs of the town, and especially with church work is he prominently identified. He is a member of the church of the Latter Day Saints, is financial agent for the general church for the Independence district, of which district he is president. To this work he contributes freely of both his time and means.
While in London, Canada, September 27, 1877, Mr. May was married to Miss Sarah J. Lively, daughter of Joseph Lively, of Chatham, Ontario. They had had 6 children, of whom 4 sons and 1 daughter are living, namely: Nephi, John Charles, Alvin R., Elizabeth Pearl and William Henry. Their eldest, Barbara J., died in Wyandotte, Kansas, when 10 months of age.
LOUIS E. WYNE
An attorney at law and a member of the upper house of the city council of Kansas city, Missouri, has for over 15 years been identified with this place. A brief sketch of his life is as follows:
Louis E. Wyne was born in Macomb, McDonough county, Illinois, January 17, 1856, son of Joseph E. and Clarinda (Hayes) Wyne, both natives of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Wyne left their native state at an early day and made settlement in Illinois, and in McDonough county he was for many years engaged in mercantile pursuits. He served one term as clerk of the circuit court of McDonough county, and his whole life there has been one of prominence and great usefulness. At this writing he is retired. Louis E. is one of the 8 children composing their family. He was reared and educated in his native town, completing his highschool studies before he was 18, and at that early age he began the study of law. In 1877 he was admitted to the bar in Illinois, having passed a creditable examination before the supreme court of Illinois; but it was not until 1879 that he entered upon the practice of his profession.
In December of the latter year he came to Kansas City, and immediately after his location here began the practice of law. For several years he was in partnership with Colonel L. H. Waters, but for some time past has conducted his practice alone, having established a large and remunerative business. From the time he took up his residence in this city he has taken a deep interest in its affairs, and has served efficiently on its city board. He was a member of the board of freeholders, and drew the charter in the spring of 1889. This charter provides for 2 houses of the city council. That same spring, Mr. Wyne was elected a member of the new upper house, and served as such one term. In the spring of 1894 he was again elected to the same position, in which he is now ably serving. His political affiliations are with the republican party. He is yet unmarried.
ROBERT LEE POMEROY
Is engaged in the practice of medicine in Kansas City as a representative of the regular profession. He was born in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, February 14, 1859, and is a son of Daniel and Jane Ann (Aylesworth) Pomeroy, also natives of Ontario. Their family numbered 5 children: William M.; Alida, wife of George W. Rogers; John R., who is present practicing medicine in St. Louis, Missouri; Robert Lee, of this sketch; and Mary Maude, wife of George Edward Lee. The father is an Episcopal minister of Ontario, and is now in charge of a church of that denomination in Highgate, Canada.
The paternal grandfather of our subject, John Pomeroy, was also born in Ontario, and carried on business as a lumber merchant. He served as a British solder in the War of 1812, and his death occurred at the advanced age of 77 years. His family numbered 7 sons and 2 daughters. The maternal grandfather of the Doctor was Job Aylesworth, also a native of Canada and a farmer by occupation. His death occurred at the ripe old age of 88 years.
Dr. Pomeroy was reared in Addington county, and attended Newburg Academy, where he was graduated with the class of 1870. He afterward entered Albert College, at Belleville, subsequently pursued his studies in Manitoba for 2 years, and later attended the Upper Canada College, at Toronto, where in 2 years he completed the course that entitled him to the degree of B. A. Returning to his father's farm he engaged in its cultivation for 2 years, after which he entered the Detroit College of Medicine, and was graduated at that institution March 21, 1887. Immediately afterward Dr. Pomeroy removed to Illinois, locating in Cullom, where he remained from November, 1887, until June, 1889. In 1890 he came to Kansas City, where he has since engaged in general practice. He has built up a good business and is a member of the Kansas City Medical and Surgical Society. Socially, he is connected with the Independence Order of Foresters, the I. O. K. of P. and La Societe Franciaise.
ALPHONSO L. HUNT, M. D.
Is a common experience of the historical investigator to find that the most prominent and successful business men, in many instances, have been reared on farms. The cities are full of country-bred boys, who, with enterprising and adventurous spirits and restless intellects and praiseworthy ambitions, have entered commercial or professional life and won both wealth and fame. To this class belongs Dr. Hunt.
His birth occurred in Lawrence, Kansas, on the 7th of October, 1857, and his parents are Felix G. and Rebecca (Cartwright) Hunt. The grandfather, Thomas T. Hunt, was a native of Guilford county, North Carolina, but spent his last days in Henry county, Indiana, where he died at about the age of 60 years. He learned the tinner's trade, but carried on agricultural pursuits throughout the greater part of his business career. The maternal grandfather of the Doctor, John Cartwright, lived near Richmond, Indiana, where he also followed farming. His death occurred when he had reached the age of 75 years.
The father of our subject was a native of Guilford Court House, North Carolina, and for some years engaged in the practice of medicine in Emporia, Kansas. In early years, however, he followed the tanning business. His childhood was passed in the state of his nativity, but, being of the Quaker faith and opposed to slavery, he was driven from that state. He was one of the first hundred of free-state men to settle in Leavenworth, Kansas, taking up his residence there in 1856. At the breaking out of the civil war he was serving as United State district assessor for the counties of Morris, Chase, Lyon, Greenwood and Woodson, Kansas. He is now living retired at Patrick, Arkansas. While in Indiana he married Rebecca Cartwright, a native of Henry county, that state. Her death occurred in Patrick, Arkansas, in 1894, when about 64 years of age. They were the parents of 7 children, 6 sons and 1 daughter, namely: Alphonso L., Oliver W., Theodore Parker, Lawrence W., Maude, Jay Guy and Claude C.
We now turn our attention to one of Kansas City's best known and most capable physicians. He was reared on the old home farm, attended school until 14 years of age, and continued under the paternal roof until he had attained his majority. He then started out in life for himself, learning the barber's trade, which he followed for a short time, but the practice of medicine seemed to him a broader field of labor and of usefulness and be began its study in the University Medical College of Kansas City, at which institution he was graduated with the class of March, 1885.
Dr. Hunt entered upon practice in Armourdale, where he continued for 2 years, when he went to Pueblo, Coloardo, also spending 2 years there. On the expiration of that period he returned to Kansas City, where he has since successfully engaged in general practice. He makes a specialty, however, of diseases of the eye and in his treatment has been very successful. His skill and ability have been demonstrated by the excellent results which follow his efforts, and thus he has obtained a good business, although his professional career covers a period of only 10 years. He is a member of the Jackson County Medical Society.
On the 23rd of November, 1885, the Doctor was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Stokes, daughter of W. H. and Elizabeth Stokes. Three children have been born to this union; Kennth L., who died at the age of 3 years; Edith and Emory. Their home is located at No. 2901 Main street and is noted for its hospitality. Socially the Doctor is connected with the Royal Arcanum, and is one of the active and prominent members of the Labor Exchange, a benevolent institution organized under the laws of Missouri. He is a man of broad mind and kindly heart, very charitable, and his benevolence is entirely free of ostentation.
CHARLES E. WILSON
Of Kansas City, a physician of the regular profession, was born in Buter county, Iowa, November 25, 1863, and is a son of Robert H. and Mary (Chamberlin) Wilson. His father was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, April 19, 1818, and was a farmer by occupation. In his native state he was married, and in 1865 removed to LaFayette county, Missouri, where his death occurred in 1881, when he had attained the age of 67 years. He left 6 children , of whom the following are now living: Thomas C., a coal dealer of Mayview, LaFayette county, Missouri; Homer C., a banker at Waco, Texas; William B., a lawyer of Lexington, Missouri; and the Doctor.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was William Wilson, who was born in Kent county, Maryland, in 1762, and afterward removed to Ohio county, Virginia. He served as orderly sergeant under General Greene in the Revolutionary war, having enlisted at the age of 17. The maternal grandfather was John Chamberlin, a native of the Old Dominion who removed to the Buckeye state, where he carried on farming and freighting.
The Doctor came to LaFayette county, Missouri, when about 2 years of age, and when a young man of 17 accompanied his father to Texas, where he spent about 1 year, returning then to Lexington, Missouri, where he completed his education by a course in Wentworth Academy. After leaving school he served for 4 years as a clerk on a drug store, and in 1887 he came to Kansas City, taking up the study of medicine under the guidance of Dr. George Halley, with whom he is now associated. He attended lectures at the Kansas City Medical College, and was graduated in 1889. Shortly after completing his course he was appointed local surgeon for the Union Pacific Railroad Company at Kansas City, Kansas. In 1890 he was appointed assistant surgeon for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad Company, the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company, the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, an the Kansas City Cable Company, with headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1892 he resigned these positions and entered into partnership with Dr. George Halley, an eminent surgeon. The firm of which he is a member makes a specialty of surgery, and its reputation is unsurpassed by any business connection in western Missouri.
In 1893 Dr. Wilson was appointed demonstrator of anatomy in the University Medical College of Kansas City, and professor of anatomy in the Western Medical College, of Kansas City. He is a member of the Kansas City Medical Society, the Missouri State Medical Society, the Jackson County Medical Society, and the Association of American Railway Surgeons.
JAMES CRAWFORD HENNESSY
Who occupies the responsible position of superintendent of the terminals of the Missouri Pacific Railroad and makes his home in Kansas City, is numbered among the prominent and influential businessmen of western Missouri. He is known as a man of sterling integrity, decided character and untiring energy, a man of his word, strict in his adherence to those principles of honor and fair dealing that have secured to him the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has to do.
Mr. Hennessy was born in Painesville, Lake county, Ohio, September 7, 1853, and is a son of James D. and Catherine (Crawford) Hennessy. His father was a furniture dealer in Painsville, who by his business acquired a comfortable fortune. He died in that city, in 1874, at the age of 55 years, and his wife survived him but 4 years. Of the family there now remain William, a merchant of Painesville; Charles, who is in the service of the Missouri Pacific Railroad at Omaha, Nebraska; and James C., of this review.
Our subject was reared and educated in the city of his birth, and early manifested a taste for railroad work. This led him, at the age of 16 years, to take up the study of telegraphy in the office of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad in Painesville, and from that time forward he has continued his connection with railroad interests, steadily working his way upward step by step. In 1871 he came to Kansas City, where he entered the service of the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad Company, and finally was offered and accepted a position with the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company as night operator. His natural capabilities soon manifested themselves, and, added to his fidelity to duty, secured his rapid advancement through the various successive positions to that of superintendent of terminals of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, in which important capacity we now find him. He has also made a close study of the business, mastering it in every detail, and is thoroughly competent to act as manager, knowing fully the duties of every department and the ability required to perform these. That he has the unqualified confidence of the railroad officials is shown by this long continued service.
In 1891, in connection with F. W. Sears and other business man of Kansas City, Mr. Hennessy organized the National Reserve Association, a fraternal insurance company, of which he was chosen supreme secretary and treasurer. In that position he still serves, and although the duties of his railroad management necessarily demand much of his attention he still finds time to carefully look after his interests in the line of insurance. He possesses superior executive ability, sound judgment and diligence, and to these qualities owes his success.
In 1879 Mr. Hennessy was united in marriage with Miss Dixie Mears, daughter of David Mears, of Dixon, Missouri. Their family consists of 2 bright little daughters: Nellie, aged 13; and Mamie, aged 10 years. They have a pleasant home at No. 1510 E. 10th street, which is the abode of hospitality and a favorite resort with their many friends. The family are regular attendants of the Lydia Avenue Methodist church, and Mr. Hennessey is a member of the Masonic order.
A B. HARDIN, M. D.
A gentleman of much promise in his profession, being one who has had favorable opportunities for receiving a thorough classical and professional education, has availed himself of them to the utmost. The honors that have come to him are indeed well deserved, and the success he has achieved as a medical practitioner is the evidence of his proficiency.
Dr. Hardin is a native of LaFayette county, Missouri, born August 30, 1857. His parents, Daniel S. and Sallie (Buckner) Hardin, were natives of Kentucky. His father was a farmer by occupation, who now carries on agricultural pursuits in Jackson county, Missouri. The family numbered 5 children, of whom 4 are living, namely: Joel H., Dr. C. B., Louise and Lena.
Our subject was reared on a farm, and began his education in the public schools of the neighborhood. He afterward pursued a course in Woodland College, at Independence, Missouri, and subsequently matriculated in the Christian University, at Canton, Missouri, where he pursued the regular course. After leaving college he taught a term of school in Salem county, Missouri, and then took up the study of medicine, attended lectures in Kansas City, while in 1881 he was graduated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of this place. He began practice with his first preceptor, Dr. John Bryant, of Independence, but after three months located at Excelsior Springs, Missouri, where he remained until the fall of 1882, when he went to New York City and attended Bellevue Hospital Medical College. He was graduated there in the spring of 1883, and immediately thereafter located at Independence, where he practiced his profession until January, 1888. He has since resided in Kansas City. He was examiner for several insurance companies while practicing in Independence, being thus connected with the Bankers' Life Insurance Company, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Fraternal Guardians, the National Union and the Provident Life Insurance. He is a member of Trinity Lodge, No. 229, K. of P., and of the Woodmen of the World. In 1889 he was a candidate for the office of city physician, and was defeated by only one vote.
On the 19th of June, 1884, Dr. Hardin was joined in wedlock with Miss Lunette Mosby, of Liberty, Missouri. They have 2 children - Celeste and Samuel B. They are members of the Christian church, and in politics the Doctor is a democrat. He has not availed himself of the opportunities of taking public position, on account of his large practice. He is prepossessing in manner, retiring in disposition, and a more genial, courteous gentleman is seldom found.
JOHN DANIEL PEERSON
Is a progressive, enterprising merchant, dealing in general hardware and agricultural implements in Oak Grove. He is also engaged in general farming and stockraising.
He was born in Sniabar township, Jackson county, November 17, 1847, and is a son of James P. and Delilah F. (Meadows) Peerson. The father was a native of Tennessee and was brought to Missouri by his father, Daniel Peerson, who settled on a farm 3 ½ miles North of Oak Grove, and is numbered among the pioneer settlers of the county. The maternal grandfather, John Meadows, was also one of the early farmers and made his home 5 miles southeast of Oak Grove, in LaFayette county. The parents of our subject were therefore married here and located upon a farm which became the birthplace of our subject, making their home there until called to the final rest. The father, however, died in Ray county, whither he went in 1863 on account of the trouble occasioned by the war, and passed away a year later, at the age of 43. In the family were 8 children. Our subject is the eldest and was at that time only 16 years of age, and the youngest child was born after the father's death. The mother returned to the farm in Jackson county in the Fall of 1865 to find that the land had been sold for taxes and that all the improvements thereon had been destroyed.
Mr. Peerson, of this review, and his younger brothers, worked by the month as farm hands, also engaged in raising stock, and by their industry and frugality were soon able to redeem their old farm. John also worked at the carpenter's trade for about 10 years in connection with the labors which he bestowed upon the farm. The mother managed to keep her family together and saw her children grown and settled in life. At her husband's death she was left almost destitute. His long sickness had exhausted the funds of the family and the widow was left dependent upon the labor of the eldest children. They engaged in raising flax and cotton, and the mother spun and wove the clothes used by the family. The son John made some excellent improvements upon the old double hand cotton gin so it could be turned with one hand, and thus facilitated the work. Everything needed for the table was raised upon the farm, and thus the family managed to get along, though they had many hardships to endure and difficulties to surmount. Mrs. Peeson, however, was a lady of excellent business ability, who capably managed her affairs, and in later years the income from the farm placed her in easy circumstances. The farm has since been sold. Her last days were spent in Oak Grove, and her death occurred in 1890.
The early life of our subject seemed a hard one when viewed from the standpoint of comfortable circumstances, but the very difficulties which he experienced developed in him a strong and self-reliant character and a resolute spirit which have since been important factors in his success.
On the 11th of April, 1869, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Peerson and Miss Annie R. Bates, aged 18 years, 8 months and 28 days, a daughter of Theodore Bates, of LaFayette county, and a native of Warren county. They began their domestic life upon the farm which he had previously purchased, comprising an unimproved tract of 47 acres, on which not a furrow had been turned or any kind of improvement made. It was mostly covered with timber, but this he cleared away, and during the 10 years he spent there he placed a considerable portion of it under a high state of cultivation. He afterward purchased another farm near Oak Grove, whereon he has since resided. This contains 80 acres, which are now cultivated by his children, while he gives his attention to his mercantile interests. He established his present business January 1, 1887, and for 2 years was in partnership with his brother George, but since that time has been alone. He now carries a large and complete stock of hardware and agricultural implements, together with paints, oils and tin roofing. He is a natural mechanic, does all his own work, and now enjoys an extensive and lucrative trade. His home is one of the valuable farming properties in this section of the county, where he has made extensive improvements and erected substantial and commodious buildings. There is also a beautiful evergreen forest upon the place which he has raised from small trees that he himself planted. He usually feeds a car-load of cattle each year, and his farming interests are also a profitable source of income to him.
In 1893 Mr. Peerson was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 17th of April. The members of the family are as follows: Annie L., Mattie V., James Theodore, Lulu F., Charles L., Ethel B. and Ernest D. The children are all at home upon the farm with the exception of the eldest son, who married Lorena Kabrick, and is in the hardware business. Mr. Peerson was again married April 14, 1895, his second union being with Miss Minnie McGee, of Lawrence, Kansas, daughter of Thomas McGee, who formerly lived in Jackson county.
Our subject is a stalwart democrat in politics and a great admirer of Grover Cleveland. He and his wife and nearly all of his children are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, south, of Oak Grove. He is a trustee of the church, and for 9 years has been the superintendent of the Sunday school, proving a most efficient and capable officer. He is also active in the work of the Masonic fraternity, in which order he holds his membership in Christian Lodge, No. 392, at Oak Grove, Missouri.
EDWIN KENNEDTY WILSON, M. D.
Is numbered among the able members of the medical fraternity in Kansas City. A native of West Virginia, he was born near Darkesville, on the 1st of February, 1854, and is a son of James M. and Annie E. (Robinson) Wilson. The paternal grandfather, Samuel K. Wilson, was born on the 19th of May, 1788, in Virginia, and was the eldest son of William Wilson, who belonged to the famous Wilson family of southern Virginia. In Gerardstown, Virginia, Samuel Wilson carried on merchandising, and there, on the 27th of May, 1825, was born the father of our subject. He carried on farming as a means of livelihood for a number of years, but afterward engaged in the drug business. He is still living, making his home with his daughter, Mrs. A. F. Pancake, of Romney, West Virginia. His wife was called to her final rest in 1888, passing away at the age of 64 years. Their children were as follows: William A., now in El Paso, Texas, as a representative of the Armour Packing Company, of Kansas City; Charles M., engaged in the real-estate business of Kansas City; Albert C., a druggist, of Piqua, Ohio; Anna Virginia, wife of Andrew F. Pancake, of Romney, West Virginia; Edwin K., of this review; and one who died in infancy.
The maternal grandfather of the Doctor was Alexander Robinson, also a Virginian, living near Hedgesville, that state. He married a Miss Cunningham, whose mother belonged to the prominent Virginia family of Hedges, who were large landowners in the Old Dominion and were leading and influential people.
Dr. Wilson of this review was reared in Hedgesville, West Virginia, and was educated at the North Mountain Institute, graduating in 1873 with the degree of Master of Arts. He is a gentleman of scholarly attainments, liberal-minded and possessing broad, general information. On completing his literary education he took up the study of medicine in the office and under the direction of Dr. Samuel D. Marshall, of Philadelphia, and subsequently attended medical lectures at the Jefferson Medical College of that city, graduating at that institution in 1877 with the degree of M. D.
Dr. Wilson entered upon the practice of his chosen profession in Moorefield, West Virginia, remaining in that place for 6 years, and meeting with a good degree of success in his undertakings. He then determined to seek a broader field of usefulness, and in 1884 arrived in Kansas City, where he at once opened an office. In this profession particularly success is won through merit and ability, and the superior skill of Dr. Wilson is indicated by his large and constantly increasing practice. The fraternity as well as the general public recognizes his powers and accords him a high place in the ranks of the profession. As a business man he is thoroughly reliable, and has won the confidence and good will of all with whom he comes in contact. Socially the Doctor is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, and also with the National Union, both strong fraternities in Kansas City.
H. A. BARBER, M. D.
Was born in Fulton county, Illinois, November 23, 1841, and is a son of Austin J. and Mary E. (Stillman) Barber, natives of New York. On the mother's side he traces his ancestry back to Revolutionary heroes, and members of the family also served in the Indian wars. At a very early day the Stillmans removed from New York to Illinois and sold the first goods ever purchased by the Indians in Fulton county. For a few years they engaged in trading with the Indians, then took up land from the government, on which they lived until called from this life. Isaish Stillman was a general in the Indian war. Throughout his life the father of our subject was connected with educational work and was principal of various colleges and academies in Illinois. His ability as an inspector won him a wide reputation. He died at a comparatively early age, and his widow afterward married N. S. Barber, a brother of her first husband.
The Doctor is the only survivor in the family of 4 children. He was reared in his native state and educated at Knox College in Galesburg, leaving school in his junior year to enlist in the army as a defender of the union cause. In the summer of 1862 he joined Company A., 77th Illinois infantry, and served until the war happily ended with the restoration of the union. He entered the army as a private but served as corporal a part of that time. He enlisted with a company of college boys when but 20 years of age, and for 3 years carried a musket on southern battle-fields, participating in all the principal engagements of the western army. He was taken prisoner at Sabine Cross Roads, or Mansfield, Louisiana, and sent to Tyler, Texas, where he was held in captivity for about 8 months, and then paroled. After the close of hostilities he returned home and began preparations for the practice of medicine.
Dr. Barber pursued a course in the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was graduated with the class of 1868, and then began practice in Fairbury, Illinois. After a few months he went to Tecumseh, Illinois, remaining 3 years, after which he returned to Galesburg and practiced for 6 years. He next removed to western Kansas, where he continued for 2 years, and in 1880 came to Kansas City. He has built up an excellent practice, his skill and ability being evidenced by the success that has attended his efforts. Some years ago he studied homeopathy and has since been a practitioner of that school. For 2 years he held the chair of the diseases of children in the Homeopathic Medical College of Kansas City, and in 1895 was elected to the chair of obstetrics in the same college, which position he now occupies. He is a member of the Missouri Institute of Homeopathy, the Missouri Valley Medical Society, and the local Homeopathic Club, and is one of the leading homeopathic physicians of the city. His high reputation is justly deserved, for it would be difficult to find a more careful and painstaking physician, while his studies and his researches have given him standing among the more learned representatives of the calling.
Dr. Barber was married in 1868, the lady of his choice being Miss Clementine Russell, of Peoria county, Illinois, by whom he has 5 children living, namely: Henry A., Frank S., Arthur R., Oliver S., and Edwin L.
A. E. AXLINE
Is one of the most extensive and best known stock breeders of Western Missouri, making a specialty of the breeding of Poland-China hogs. He has one much to improve the grade of stock raised in this section of the country and in addition is a large shipper. He was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, September 24, 1852, and when only 3 years of age was brought to Missouri by his parents - Joseph E. and Amanda J. (Kalb) Axline. They settled a half mile east of where our subject now resides, and within his farm was comprised 20 acres of the old homestead. The father owned 190 acres and carried on agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in October, 1871, at the age of 43 years. He served as township clerk, and was a member of the school board from its organization until his death. He had been a school-teacher in his early life and was deeply interested in the cause of education, doing all in his power for its advancement. In the Axline family were 12 children, but only 2 passed the age of 12 years - our subject and his brother William M., who manages a part of the old farm. Mrs. Axline sill resides on the old homestead, which has been her place of abode for 40 years. Our subject was reared there and remained at home until his marriage, which occurred on the 17th of December, 1874, the lady of his choice being Miss Florence Woodward. She died May 16, 1886.
Upon his marriage, Mr. Axline bean farming on a small scale. He had inherited 60 acres of the old homestead and to this he has added from time to time as his financial resources have increased until he now owns 320 acres, all in one body, together with an 80 acre farm in LaFayette county, 3 miles distant. His specialty, however, has not been the raising of grain. He has given the greater part of his time and attention to stock dealing. For 20 years he has been extensively engaged in feeding cattle, and now has upon his farm 125 head. About 12 years ago he began the breeding of Poland-China hogs and now raises more than 100 a year, his sales extending all over the country. He is a member of the Missouri State Swine Breeders' Association, also of the Standard Poland-China Record Associations. His animals are all registered, and he has some of the finest specimens of the breed in the country. At the head of his drove is Roy U. S. 13,843, and Western Wilkes, 12,846. He has never been an exhibiter but sells exclusively by catalogue and advertising, and has been very successful in his business. He has one of the best equipped stock farms in this section of the country; has recently built a new feed barn, 40 x 100 feet and 16 feet high, which will accommodate about 100 head of cattle. He also has a general barn, 52 x 72 feet with a basement under the entire structure. He has also bought and shipped stock in company with some of his neighbors, sending out about 50 car loads annually, for 15 years, and has engaged to some extent in the breeding of mules, trotting and saddle horses, owning a number of very fine animals.
He is a man of excellent business ability, sagacious and far-sighted, straightforward and honorable in his dealings, enterprising and progressive in this methods, and his prosperity is the merited reward of his own labors.
The children of Mr. Axline's first marriage are Berta L., aged 19, and Joseph Ewing, aged 16. On the 3rd of May, 1888, Mr. Axline was again married, his second union being with Miss Tura A. Pallette, daughter of A. C. and Martha B. Pallette, pioneers of this community, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Virginia. Two children grace this union: Ivy Irene, age 6 years, and Ora Orene, a little maiden of 3 summers.
The parents are prominent and active members of the Methodist Episcopal church, south, of Pleasant Prairie, of which Mr. Axline has served for many years as steward. He has been district school clerk for 10 years, and a member of the board for 5 years, and in politics is a supporter of democratic principles.
THOMAS B. BUCKNER
Is the senior member of the firm of Buckner, Bird & Lake, attorneys at law of Kansas City, whose offices are in the New York Life building. This firm enjoys an excellent reputation and receives from the public a liberal patronage, such as is given only to those whose ability and standing at the bar enable them to handle successfully large legal interests.
Mr. Buckner was born in Callaway county, Missouri, September 8, 1854, descending from English and Irish ancestry. The paternal grandfather, Colonel Robert R. Buckner, was a native of Kentucky, and married a Miss Tate, who was of Irish and Scotch descent. He carried on business as a farmer, tobacco-raiser and trader, and later was a commission merchant in St. Louis. A man of considerable prominence, he served as a member of the state legislature of Kentucky at the time when Senator George G. Vest was a page in the house. He was a typical southern gentleman, of generous manner and kindly nature. On the occasion of his coming to Missouri in the early days on an Ohio steamer, his boat collided with another vessel, and he lost 8 slaves, 6 mules, 3 wagons and $1,800 in gold. His last days were spent in Missouri, where he died in 1877, at the age of 70 years.
The father of our subject, John T. Buckner, was born in Kentucky, and is now a retired farmer. He came to this state in 1840, locating in Callaway county with his father. He has since been a resident of that locality, and, having acquired a competence through his well managed business interests, is now spending his declining years in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former labor. He married Ellen M. Bernard, a native of Virginia, a sister of Judge William R. Bernard, of Westport, and a daughter of Major Thomas Bernard, who was of English linage, while his wife was of German descent. A farmer by occupation, he owned a large tract of land, and was an aristocratic southern gentleman in the truest sense of that term. From Virginia to Missouri he removed in the '40's and settled in Callaway county, where his death occurred when he had reached the age of 70 years. In religious belief he was a Methodist, and several of his brothers were ministers of that denomination, while his home was the place of entertainment for all of the preachers visiting that part of the county.
Mr. and Mrs. John Buckner, however, are members of the Presbyterian church, and in his political views he is a stalwart democrat. Their family numbered 6 children: Robert R.; Thomas B.; Mollie, wife of John S. Harrison; John E.; Joseph Frank; and William T., who died at the age of 21.
Thomas B. Buckner was reared in the county of his nativity, on a farm, working thereone in summer and attending the district school in winter. In 1875 he was graduated at Westminster College of Fulton, Missouri. After his graduation he followed surveying and teaching school, studying law at the same time, and subsequently pursued the law course in the Michigan University at Ann Arbor, where he graduated in 1877. When thorough preparation had fitted him for his chosen calling, he established an office in Mexico, Missouri, where he remained for 9 years in active practice. During that time he served as city attorney for 1 year, and was prosecuting attorney of the county for 4 years.
In 1886, attracted by the marvelous growth of this city and wishing a larger field of professional life, he came to Kansas City, where he has practiced continuously since. For 4 years he was attorney of the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company, and attorney for a number of the largest banks in the city, and now has an extensive and distinctively representative clientage. In his professional capacity he has been connected with many important cases, and that his ability and honorable methods are appreciated is shown in the large business that now engrosses his attention.
In January, 1880, Mr. Buckner married Effie Hendricks, a native of Harrison county, Texas, daughter of Colonel Sterling Brown Hendricks. They now have 4 children - James Tucker, Sterling Hendricks, Margaret and Thomas B., Jr.
Mr. Buckner is a member of the Central Presbyterian church, at Kansas City, and a member of the Odd Fellows and Masonic fraternities. He was knighted as a Knight Templar, in Kansas City commandery, No. 10, in 1888, with which commandery he still affiliates. In politics he is and always has been a pronounced democrat, and has taken a prominent part in the councils of his party since 1878. He was the youngest member of the state convention of his party which assembled that year, and he has been a prominent speaker on the stump in almost every campaign since that year. His acquaintance in the city and state is very extensive, extending to almost every prominent member of his party. Mr. Buckner never forgets a face, and but few forget him. His striking characteristics are absolute fidelity to friends and clients, and intense zeal in the espousal of any cause he advocates. His character is of that positive sort which never dissimulates. He never allows any one to treat him with more consideration than is given in return. No one has a greater contempt for the betrayer of a confidence and friendship than he.
As an orator and advocate, whether on the stump or in the forum, he carries his strong personality with him. His earnestness, his honesty, and his facility for putting things in the strongest and most trenchant and forcible manner has won for him the reputation of being a hard fighter and one of the strongest advocates at this bar.
He has an ardent love for family, home and friends. His home life, attended by his accomplished wife and 4 children, is his principal delight. He lives in a comfortable residence at 426 Prospect avenue, one of the most delightful locations in Kansas City. At this home a generous hospitality is dispensed, where all friends of the family are made welcome.
Mr. Buckner is a direct descendant of the Buckner family of Kentucky, whose fame extends to almost every household in that state. The history of that state would not be complete without mentioning the names of Judge Richard A. Buckner, Judge Benjamin F. Buckner, Alexander Buckner,, Aylette H. Buckner, and General Simon Bolivar Buckner, and many others high in the roll of honor. From these names she has selected her congressmen, her judges, her senators, her generals and her governors. These men are all relatives of the subject of this sketch, and with his strong personality, his industry, his courage, honesty and absolute fidelity to both right principles and friends, he will keep alive a name untarnished, already rendered illustrious by his distinguished ancestors in the service of their country.
NAPOLEON BOONE
Is an honored representative of a family of pioneers. His grandparents located in this state when it was under Spanish rule and he traces his ancestry in direct line back to Daniel Boone, who was his great-grandfather. This honored pioneer, who opened the way to civilization in Kentucky, was born October 22, 1734, in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and was a son of Squire and Sarah (Morgan) Boone. When 14 years of age he accompanied his father to North Carolina, the family locating within a short distancer of the mouth of Kanawha river. In that colony he was married, on the 14th of August, 1756, to Rebecca Bryan, who was born January 9, 1739. Soon afterward he made a settlement in southwestern Virginia, on the bank of the Holston river. He loved pioneer life with the freedom and experiences of the frontier, and took great pleasure in making his way into unexplored regions. In 1760 he hunted through Tennessee, where he left a record on a beech tree, as follows:
D Boone
cilled
a
bar
The following year he formed a party that started for Kentucky, but near the present site of the city of Abingdon the expedition disbanded. In 1764 he penetrated into the interior of the dark and bloody ground as far as Rock Castle branch of the Cumberland river. In 1769, in company with Findlay Stewart and others, he again started to explore Kentucky and lived the wild life of a hunter and pioneer in that state from 1769 until 1784. The record of his career there has largely become a matter of history, as it deals with the development and settlement of the state. He was connected with many stirring events, including a number of encounters with the Indians. Wild animals roamed through the forest and made it dangerous for one to venture out without firearms. Daniel Boone was frequently called upon for some prominent service. He was sent to negotiate a treaty with the Indians at Watauga and when the new state of Transylvania seemed on the eve of establishment he was chosen a delegate from one of the districts to the legislature at Boonesboro, where one of his first acts - characteristic of the thoughtfulness and kindness to man - was to offer a bill for the protection of game.
When the effort to establish the new state fell through and Virginia divided Kentucky into the three counties of Fayette, Jefferson and Lincoln, he was appointed lieutenant colonel of Fayette county, and was also elected to represent that county at the legislature at Richmond, Virginia. When Boonesboro was organized as a town he was made one of its trustees. In 1774 Lord Dunmore, an organizing his Shawnee campaign, placed Daniel Boone in command of three garrisons, -- one at Fort Union - now called Louisburg - and Donnelly's fort and Stewart's fort in Greenbrier county, Kentucky, to protect citizens in the rear of General Lewis' army. He removed his family to Kanawha, and was appointed lieutenant colonel and elected to the legislature at that place. About 1790 he settled in West Virginia, where he made his home until 1795, when he came to Missouri, taking up his residence in the territory that was then under Spanish rule. He died September 26, 1820, and his wife passed away March 18, 1813.
In their family were 9 children. This included Daniel Morgan Boone, grandfather of our subject, who was born in 1769, and was reared in Kentucky. He was married March 3, 1800, to Sarah Lewis, who was born January 29, 1786. They settled in St. Charles, Missouri, and subsequently removed to Kansas, where Mr. Boone was engaged in farming among the Kaw Indians for 5 years. He then returned to this state, locating first in Westport township, and then in Washington township, Jackson county, on Section 4, and later removing to Section 20. He served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and held the rank of colonel. His death occurred on the home farm in Washington township, July 13, 1837, and his wife passed away June 19, 1850. They had a family of 9 children: John W., Nathan, Daniel, Lindsey and Edward - all now deceased; Elizabeth Levice, who married Mr. White; and Alonzo, James and Morgan, who also have passed away.
Daniel Boone, father of our subject, was born in St. Charles county, Missouri, March 27, 1809, and came with his parents to Jackson county. He was married in January, 1832, to Marie Constance Philibert, a native of Canada and a daughter of Gabriel Philibert, of French descent. Her parents started from Canada to St. Louis, Missouri, and while on the way the wagon in which they were traveling was overturned, falling upon them, and both parents died from the effects of the injury! Their children were as follows: Gabriel, Mary Ann, John, Joseph, Jean Baptiste, Marie Constance and Peter. All are now deceased. Mrs. Boone was born March 13, 1812, and was therefore very young at the time of her parents' deaths. She was taken to St. Louis and was reared by a family who lived on the river bank at the foot of Washington street. Her brother Gabriel was a gunsmith with the Kaw Indian agency in Kansas, and while visiting him she became the wife of Daniel Boone, the marriage ceremony being performed by Rev. Thomas Johnson. They took up their residence on Section 4, Westport township, Jackson county, where Mr. Boone purchased a tract of land. This he afterward sold to Boone Hays, and removed to Section 20, Washington township, where he made his home for 60 years. His chief occupation was farming, but he was identified with many of the events that go to make up the history of the early development of Jackson county. He was also one of the California Argonauts of '49, who crossed the plains to the Pacific slope. Again during the war he visited California and Idaho. His death occurred February 22, 1880, but his widow yet survives. She can relate many interesting incidents of life on the frontier, for she has lived in Jackson county for 63 years, -- a record that is equaled by few.
To Daniel and Marie C. Boone were born 12 children, 11 of whom reached years of maturity. Elizabeth became the wife of John Stewart, but both are now deceased. Their children were Daniel, Jennie, Josephine and Leander. Delilah is the deceased wife of Samuel Stewart, and her children are Mary Jane, Amelia Belle, Theodore, David, William, May and Elizabeth. Mary Jane became the wife of Leonard Fuqua, and they have one son, John Bell. Alonzo Havington died unmarried. Napoleon is the gentleman whose name introduces this biographical account. Theodore W. is married and lives in Idaho, and has 11 children, namely: Ernest, Robert, Clara, James, Gertrude, Lou, May, Minnie, Grace, John and Florence. Daniel is married and resides in Washington township, and his family numbers 7 children, -- Claude, Maud, Daniel, Della, Earl, Leo and Stella. Cassandra is the wife of George Douglas, of Randolph county, Missouri and they have 6 children - Rosella, Nathan, Dollie, Elka, Rolla and Dee. Nathan resides in Washington township and is unmarried. Margaret is now the wife of Lemuel Stevenson, and by a former marriage had one son, Boone Gordon. John is married and lives in Washington township, and his family numbers 4 children - Arlie, Velma, Forest and an infant. James Harvey completes the family and resides with his mother. The father of this family was a member of the Methodist church, and a democrat in political views.
We now take up the personal history of Napoleon Boone, a well known and highly respected farmer of Westport township. He was born on the old homestead in Washington township, October 1, 1842, and remained there until 17 years of age, when he started out in life for himself. In 1859 he went to Colorado, crossing the plains with his father on a freighting expedition. He afterward drove a team from Kansas City to Fort Lyons, also from that point to Fort Union, to Albuquerque and to Santa Fe, New Mexico. He also engaged in freighting to Fort Laramie, and from Fort Atchison went to Fort Lyons, Colorado. As assistant wagon-master for Major Barr & Company, he went to Salt Lake City, thence to Virginia City, Montana, for Al Spottswood. Subsequently he returned to Salt Lake City for Mr. Jennings and had charge of the stockades there during the succeeding winter.
On the 6th of March, 1865, Mr. Boone purchased a horse and proceeded to Virginia City, Montana, where he engaged in mining during the summer. On the 28th of August he started on a return trip to Kansas City, and in the spring he went to Nebraska City, starting out as a teamster. On reaching Julesburg the train was turned over to him as wagon-master. He made three trips from the mountains to Fort Kearney, and during the winter had in charge a herd of cattle on the Bijou river, 65 miles east of Denver. The following summer he hauled grain on the stage line, then went to the Black Hills, and hauled railroad ties for the Union Pacific Railroad. In the autumn he returned home and in 1868 engaged in farming.
On the 14th of January, 1869, Mr. Boone married Miss Jennie Douglas, a native of Kentucky and a daughter of William and Emily (Dooley) Douglas, who came to Jackson county in 1850, and removed to the farm on which Mr. Boone is now living in 1851. Mr. Douglas died March 20, 1886, but his widow is now living with her daughter. They had 6 children: Albin, who is living in Washington township; Harriet Watts, deceased; George, of Randolph county, Missouri; Mrs. Boone; Joseph of Washington township; and Mrs. Lizzie Lee, of Cockrell, Missouri (named after the senator).
On their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Boone located on Section 20, Washington township, and there improved a good farm. In 1891 they removed to their present home, where he has erected a fine residence and made excellent improvements, having now one of the most valuable and desirable places in this locality. They have had 8 children, of whom 7 are now living, namely: William, who died at the age of 18 years; Benjamin F.; Flora; John Wallace; James; Albert D.; Rachel and Adlai Grover.
In his political views Mr. Boone has always been a stalwart democrat, and is unfaltering in his support of the principles of the party. He has served as a delegate to conventions, but has never been a politician in the sense of office-seeking. He served as school director for several terms, and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. He is a thoroughly reliable business man, energetic and enterprising, and his possessions have largely been acquired through his own efforts. As a representative of an honored pioneer family he stands prominently before the people today, and he has himself been largely connected with frontier life, having traveled all over the west during the days of its early history.
REV. JOHN EMERSON ROBERTS
Was born in Fredonia, Ohio, September 28, 1853, the 4th child of William S. and Henrietta (Skinner) Roberts. His father was a native of Ohio and his mother a native of New York state. William S. Roberts was a Baptist minister, having been educated at Grangeville, Ohio. Henrietta Skinner was a Presbyterian, but joined the Baptist church after marriage. In 1857 the family moved to Michigan and settled on a farm near Battle Creek, where the children attended the district school.
When 17 years of age, John E. Roberts left the farm and went to Upper Alton, Illinois, where he remained a student of Shurtleff College for 8 years, spending 2 years in the preparatory course, 4 in the collegiate, graduating from the latter in 1878, and 2 in the theological department, from which he received, in 1878, the degree of Bachelor of Divinity. He was ordained to the Baptist ministry in July, 1878, at Carrollton, Illinois, and remained in charge of the Baptist church at that place till February, 1881. He then accepted a call to the pastorate of the First Baptist church of Kansas City, Missouri, continuing in this capacity till the autumn of 1884.
At this time, having found himself unable to reconcile the orthodox doctrine with reason, he resigned the pastorate of this church and withdrew from the Baptist ministry. The following year he organized a liberal congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, continuing with them until October, 1887, at which time he became the minister of All Souls church of Kansas City. Their house of worship is located on 10th street just West of Broadway. The church exists for the purpose of helping to make the world better. It has no creed nor confession of faith, and bars no one on account of doctrinal opinion. It welcomes to its fellowship any who will unite to promote morality and intelligence, and ask no questions about what they believe. It teaches the duty of intellectual hospitality, the sacredness of freedom, and the saving power of intelligence and light. Acting upon the principle that religion is most helpful when most free, it has abandoned the ceremonies and sacraments as useful to neither God nor man. In this church the matter of belief is left to each individual, for whom there is no authority but his own reason. The scriptures recognized as inspired, and read at the regular service, are selections from the world's best literature without regard to sacred canons, so-called, the decrees of councils, or ecclesiastical traditions. It holds that reason is the highest authority, and justice is the whole duty of man.
J. M. SCOTT
Classed with the respected and representative farmers of Washington township, Jackson county, Missouri, we find the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch. His farm, located on Section 34, comprises 100 acres.
Mr. Scott's parents, Thomas and Mary (Merrin) Scott, were natives of England, the former born in 1799 and the latter in 1792. Their marriage was consummated in Nottingham, England, and that place continued to be their home until 1829, when they emigrated to America and located in Albany, New York. He was a carpenter by trade and followed that vocation in this country. In 1833 they removed to Michigan, first settled in Detroit, and 2 years later took up their abode in Ann Arbor, which continued their abiding place until 1866. That year they came to Missouri, and in Kansas City the residue of their lives was passed. Both died in Kansas City, in the year 1884. They were the parents of 6 children, viz: Mary, who died of cholera in Detroit, at the age of 7 years; J. M., the subject of this article; William, who married a Miss Leonard, lives at LaPorte, Indiana, and has 1 child; Theresa was twice married, first to Dr. Henry Dean, and secondly to Dr. S. S. Todd, and died without issue; Delia, wife of D. S. Twichell, an attorney of Kansas City, Missouri, died and left a husband and 2 sons; and Mary Elizabeth, who died in childhood. The parents of this family were members of the Society of Friends, and the father was active in church work.
John Scott, the father of Thomas and grandfather of our subject, was likewise of English birth. His father was a Scotchman. John was one of a family of 11 brothers who scattered to widely different parts of the earth. He died in Michigan in 1865, at the age of 86 years.
J. M. Scott was born in Albany, New York, July 29, 1829, and was reared and educated in Michigan, his educational advantages being limited to the common schools. In Michigan he learned the carpenter's trade, under his father's instructions, and worked at that trade until he was crippled in his right arm and left leg. After this he learned the business of photography, to which his attention was given for a period of 16 years in Ann Arbor. In the spring of 1865 he came to Missouri and settled on his present farm in Jackson county, it being then all wild land. Here he has labored earnestly and persistently and his efforts have been rewarded with success. His farm is now under a high state of cultivation, is nicely improved, and is one of the desirable places of the locality.
Mr. Scott was married in 1853 to Miss Louisa Collier, a native of New York City, born in 1833, daughter of Orin Collier, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Scott have 5 sons and 1 daughter, viz: George A., who married Miss Sallie Robertson and lives at Hickman Mills, this township, is the father of 3 daughters; Walter L., who married Miss Emma Price and has a son and daughter, lives in Vernon county, Missouri; Charles C., at home; William and his wife, formerly Miss Mary Faulkner, have one daughter; their home being in Washington township; Delia, at home; and Henry A., who married Miss Lillie R. Shaw and lives in this township.
For a period of 44 years Mr. Scott has been a member of the Baptist church, but Mrs. Scott has united with the Christian church at Hickman Mills. Of his political views, we would state that he has ever harmonized with the republican party, and to this party he has given his earnest support. For 15 years he has been school director of his district.
ABRAHAM CHRISMAN
A leading and influential farmer of Perry township, residing on Section 14, owns and operates 180 acres of valuable land, all of which is under a high state of cultivation and well improved. His home is a fine residence, which he erected in 1884. In 1879 he built a good barn; and these stand in the midst of well tilled fields. There is also a good bearing orchard upon the place. The principal crops which he raises are hay and grain; and in addition he is engaged to some extent in raising stock. He is recognized as one of the wide-wake and progressive agriculturists of the community, and certainly deserves great credit for his success, which has all been achieved through his own efforts.
Mr. Chrisman is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Jackson county. His father, Abraham Chrisman, was born in Lee county, Virginia, and having arrived at years of maturity, wedded Susanna Pendleton, a native of the same state. From the Old Dominion they emigrated to Missouri, and for a time were residents of Independence, then located in Prairie township, near Rocky Ford, on the east side of the Little Blue. It was all wild land; but the father at once began to clear and improve it, and continued its cultivation until 1849, when, attracted by the discovery of gold in California, he crossed the plains to the Pacific slope in company with Esquire John O. Boggs, of Lee's Summit. He died shortly after reaching his destination and was buried near Sacramento. Mrs. Chrisman spent her remaining days on the home farm, and was laid to rest within its boundaries. In the family were 9 children, 5 sons and 4 daughters, of whom 4 are now living, namely: John P., a resident of California; Edward P., who is living in Prairie township; Abraham, of this review; and Mrs. Martha Flanary, of Greenwood, Missouri.
After the death of the mother the father of our subject married Mrs. Phoebe Harris, a widow, who died in Texas. One child was born of this union, who yet survives - Lee, a resident of Tarrant county, Texas. The parents were both membes of the Baptist church, and were early pioneers of Jackson county. Our subject had one brother, George W., who entered the Confederate army during the civil war, and died while in the service, in Indian Territory.
The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch was born on the old family homestead in Prairie township, October 30, 1837, and was reared to manhood under the parental roof, while in the district schools of the neighborhood he acquired his education. He located upon his present farm in 1861, but spent a part of the time during the civil war in Kansas City, where he engaged in teaming. He then returned to his land and has continuously engaged in its cultivation since 1867. He follows the most progressive methods in his farming operations, and his well tilled fields give not only indications of good harvests but also indicate the thrift and enterprise of the owner.
In 1885 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Chrisman and Miss Florence Simpson. The lady is a native of Indiana, spent her girlhood days in that state and acquired a good education. In his political views, Mr. Chrisman is a democrat, but has never sought or desired public office, preferring to give his time and attention to his business interests, in which he is meeting with success. He has long been a resident of Jackson county - in fact has known no other home. He has therefore, witnessed the greater part of its upbuilding, has seen its wild lands transformed into beautiful homes and farms, has noted the growth of the cities, and in all the work of improvement has ever borne his part.
CALVIN THOMPSON
Deceased. On a farm in Section 36, 1 ½ miles West of Independence, Blue township, Jackson county, Missouri, once dwelt the late Calvin Thompson of this place.
He was born in Campbell county, Virginia, August 20, 1818. Mr. Thompson received his education at the New London (Campbell county) Academy. On finishing school, he worked as a clerk in a store for 5 years, by which he had become thoroughly acquainted with every department of mercantile business. Later he removed to Lynchburg, Virginia, where he carried on a store by himself for some time. The work, however, was very confining and trying to his health. Anxious to try his hand at a new venture, he disposed of his store and in 1848 removed to Carroll county, near Miles' Point, Missouri, where he engaged in the stock trade with great success until 1866, when he again opened a grocery store in Independence and continued thus for 11 years, after which he again sold out and bought a farm of 150 acres 1 ½ miles east of Independence. He was a natural farmer, and under his personal supervision the place soon gave token of superior management and yielded enormous crops. When the land boom struck the place about 1886 he sold the farm for $175 per acre. It was at once divided up into building lots and given the name of East Independence. The boom was ephemeral, however, and the place never grew to any size. Our subject then built a residence in Independence, where he passed the rest of his days.
Mr. Thompson was married in 1846 to Miss Catharine L. Gwatkin, of Campbell county, Virginia. Four children were born to them, the 2 eldest of whom died in infancy. Charles A., the 3rd child, is now a prosperous farmer in Jackson county, Missouri, and David L., the youngest, now resides on his farm 3 miles from Blue Springs. Mrs. Thompson died in 1883, and our subject in 1894, at the age of 76 years.
Mr. Thompson was a very peaceable man and had a great antipathy to going to law. If he could not settle a matter mostly by arbitration he would make concessions greatly to his disadvantage rather than take it into the courts. during his lifetime he amassed a handsome property, mostly in land, which is now in the possession of his 2 surviving sons.
David Leslie Thompson, youngest son of Calvin Thompson, was born April 17, 1849, at Miles' Point, Carroll county, Missouri. When still a young lad his parents removed to Independence, Missouri, where he attended school. At what is now Woodland College, his preceptor was Professor George S. Bryant.
March 22, 1877, Mr. Thompson was married, in Independence, to Miss Mary Alice Hymes, daughter of George and Martha (Badgley) Hymes, both natives of Fulton county, Pennsylvania. Mr. Hymes was a farmer there, and in 1869 came to Independence, Missouri. He died February 10, 1891, aged 79 years. He served 18 months in the rebellion, belonging to Company G., 186th volunteer infantry, of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Thompson was the only daughter and was also born in Pennsylvania.
After his marriage Mr. Thompson removed to his present farm, which his father had purchased the year previous. It is located 3 miles NW of Blue Springs, near Independence, and contains 100 acres of improved land in a high state of cultivation. His residence, of brick, is an ideal country house and is surrounded by spacious, well-kept grounds, which add greatly to the beauty of the place. (A view of this residence is given in this work) His out-building are all in good condition, denoting thrift and careful management. In 1895 he erected a tenant house on the place, which greatly lightens his expenses as well as adds to the convenience and comfort of his farm labor.
Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have had 4 children: Calvin Leslie, who died when 17 months old; Virgie M. C Thompson, now a young miss of 16 years, is at school; Archibald Arthur, a bright lad of 12 years; and Davie Crockett, the pet of the household, who has just reached his 7th year.
Charles A. Thompson, brother of our subject, married Kate Deardorff, a daughter of D. J. and Elizabeth Deardorff, of Sniabar township, Jackson county. They have had 4 children, one of whom died in infancy. The living are Pearl, Calvin and Frank.
O. H. GENTRY
Is the efficient superintendent of the Poor Farm and Insane Asylum, of Jackson county, and no more capable official could be found for the position. Fidelity to duty is one of his chief characteristics, and he has labored for the best interests of the institution which he controls with scrupulous care. Respected by all with whom he has been brought in contact, we feel assured that the record of his life will prove of interest to many of our readers, and gladly give it a place in this volume.
Mr. Gentry is a native of Lincoln county, Kentucky, born June 16, 1836. His parents were Joseph and Elizabeth (Tribble) Gentry. The grandfather ws one of the heroes of the Revolution, and 6 of his sons participated in the 2nd war with England as defenders of their native land. The parents of our subject died in Kentucky. They had a large family of 10 children, but only 2 are now living, namely: O. H., of this review; and William, who resides in Kentucky.
The former was reared and educated in the county of his nativity and in 1851 came to Missouri, taking up his residence in Independence, where he learned and followed the carpenter's trade. In 1858 he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Henley, by whom he has 1 daughter, Elizabeth. After the war he engaged in building towns along the line of the Union Pacific Railroad in Kansas, and selling goods in villages thus established.
On the 11th of January, 1895, Mr. Gentry took charge of the Poor Farm and Insane Asylum. This institution was established 37 years ago and is located on Sections 13 and 19, Prairie township. In the Fall of 1890 the large brick asylum was erected, at a cost of $45,000. This is divided into 5 buildings. In the insane department there are 135 inmates, and in the pauper department 60 inmates, including 34 colored persons. The farm contains 312 acres. At least 70% of the inmates are foreigners, over ½ of them being Irish. The remaining 30% are Americans, including Negroes. There are 15 persons on the payroll, including the superintendent, 3 stewards, 1 physician, 1 engineer, a farmer, 2 cooks, a librarian, a night watchman, 3 matrons and 1 laundryman. The payroll amounts to $482.50 per month. The farm is all under cultivation and is supplied with the necessary machinery. They keep 13 fine milk cows, 9 head of work mules, 260 good hogs and have an orchard and vineyard containing some excellent varieties of fruits. The officers of the institution are superintendent, O. H. Gentry; head of the house, Mrs. O. H. Gentry; stewards, John Johnson, C. M. Crandall and Robert Foree; physician, Dr. Z. Smith, and superintendent of the farm, Henry Shrank. For the 8 months ending September 1, 1895, the per caita cost, including all expenses, was 23 cents per day. The buildings are furnished with hot and cold water and heated by steam, and there are 5 miles of steam pipes and 4 miles of water pipes. Mr. Gentry has made a special effort to keep down expenses, and while supplying every need of the institution has been able to reduce the cost by his careful and systematic management. He oversees all departments of the institution, is familiar with its needs and wants, considers no detail too unimportant to be overlooked and is discharging his duties in a most satisfactory manner.
Mr. Gentry was nominated on an independent ticket for the office of county judge in the Fall of 1894. At this election he made a good run, reducing the democratic majority from 2,500 to 300. He believes in America for Americans, and is a pronounced A. P. A. man, being the first to advocate the principles of this organization from the platform in Independence. His wife and his daughter are members of the Christian church.
FREDERICK RIPPERDAN FIELDS
Has been a witness of much of the history of this republic, having living through every presidential administration since the 4th executive of the nation occupied the capital in Washington. He is now an honored and worthy citizen of Sniabar township, Jackson county, where for many years he has carried on agricultural pursuits. He was born in Bogle county, Kentucky, November 27, 1812, and was reared to manhood on a farm. His father, James Fields, was also a native of Kentucky, and was a son of William Fields, who was born on the Emerald Isle and came to the United States when a boy. He was one of the pioneers of Bogle county, Kentucky. James Fields served as a soldier in the War of 1812 under General Harrison. He married Sarah Ripperdan, and they had 8 children, but our subject is now the only survivor. One brother, William Fields, came to Jackson county, Missouri, at an early day and located near Independence, where he carried on farming until his death, which occurred in 1862. He was the father of Christopher Fields, of Sniabar.
The gentlemen whose name introduces this review spent the first 30 years of this life on the old homestead and managed the business interests of his father, who was an extensive farmer and slave owner. He afterward learned the carpenter's trade, in which, however, he was self-instructed, and in 1846 he came to Jackson county, where his brother already lived. For 13 years he was engaged in contracting and building, and erected a number of country churches, stores and residences. In 1865 he settled upon his present farm. He has 311 acres of land, all but 60 acres in the home farm, and his land is under a high state of cultivation. He engages in the raising of corn and wheat. He is also extensively engaged in the raising of hogs and has a good farm, well improved with modern machinery and equipments. He owes his success entirely to his own efforts, and is a self-made man, who, overcoming the obstacles and difficulties in his path, has climbed steadily upward step by step to a position of affluence.
On the 31st day of May, 1859, in Warrensburg, Johnson county, Mr. Fields was united in marriage with Miss Mary Duncan, a native of Bogle county, Kentucky, who came to Missouri in 1857. She has been a member of the Baptist church since her girlhood days and is a most estimable lady. Mr. Fields gives his political support to the democracy, but cast his first presidential vote for Henry Clay. His life has been a busy and useful one, and his genuine worth has won for him the esteem of many friends. He has witnessed the entire growth and upbuilding of this locality for the past half a century, and has taken an important part in the work of public improvement.
JESSE COLE
The farming industry of Jackson county, Missouri, is well represented by this gentleman, whose broad acres and comfortable home are located on Section 25 of Brooking township. He has resided here from his youth up, and is as much respected as he is well know.
Mr. Cole's parents, Alfred and Harriet (Blevins) Cole, were both natives of Carter county, East Tennessee, the birth of each occurring in the year 1814. Grandfather Jesse Cole was a captain in the War of 1812, lived for many years in Tennessee and died there. William Blevins, the maternal grandfather of our subject, also died in Tennessee. The parents were reared and married in east Tennessee and made that place their home until the Fall of 1842, when the spirit of emigration led them over into Missouri. Here they first settled in Gasconade county, a year later came to Jackson county, and, after 1 year spent where Raytown now is, came to the place now occupied by their son Jesse. It was then all wild land and covered with timber, there were few settlers here, and the face of the red man had not yet disappeared from this section of the country. Here Alfred Cole built a home and settled down to the work of clearing and improving his land, and in this frontier undertaking was aided and encouraged by his noble wife. He died here in 1854. She survived him some years and passed away about 1875. For many years she was a member of the Baptist church. In their family were 7 children, 5 of whom attained maturity, namely: Jackson, deceased; Jesse, the subject of this article; Elizabeth, wife of Rev. Martin White, Seattle, Washington; Celia, wife of A. P. Cole, Johnson county, Kansas; and Alfred H. Brooking township, Jackson county, Missouri.
Jesse Cole is the eldest of the family now living. He was born in Carter county, east Tennessee, March 5, 1840, and was 2 years old at the time of the removal of the family from Tennessee to Missouri. On his father's farm he was reared and in the district schools he received his education. After the death of his father and elder brother the farming operations and the care of the family devolved upon him. This duty he nobly assumed and faithfully discharged until the death of his mother, and in time came into possession of the home place. He now owns 400 acres of land, all nicely improved, the residence and all the other buildings now on the place having been put here by him, and here his whole life has been devoted to general farming.
Mr. Cole was married in 1886 to Mrs. Emma Samson, nee Basey, a native of Jackson county, Missouri, and a daughter of James D. Basey, who at an early day removed from Shelby county, Kentucky, to western Missouri and settled on a farm adjoining the one owned by the Cole family. She was born here in June, 1855, and was educated here and in the schools of Independence, and for some time was engaged in teaching. By her first husband, Mr. Samson, she had 2 children, and by Mr. Cole she has 1 child, Silas. Mrs. Cole is a member of the Christian church and an active worker in the same.
Politically Mr. Cole has always affiliated with the democratic party, has taken an interest in affairs locally, but has never sought official position for himself. He has, however, been chosen to fill various positions, and has ever discharged his duty in a manner creditable alike to himself and those he served. He has been delegate to conventions, served as road overseer, and for 12 years has been a member of the school board of his district. Fraternally, he is identified with the Masonic order at Raytown.
FREDERICK ESSLINGER
Among the men of Jackson county who have achieved success in their respective callings and thus attracted the attention of the general public are to be found representatives of nearly all the nationalities of the civilized world. This country has been the Eldorado of many who have felt that they had but meager opportunities in their own lands, and so crossing the Atlantic to America have adapted themselves to the ways and customs of the New World and secured success as the reward of diligent labor and persistent effort. To this class belongs Mr. Esslinger. He was born in the Black Forest of Wurtemberg, Germany, April 13, 1818, and came to the United States on a sailing vessel in 1850.
When a young man he had learned the trade of watchmaking, which he followed until 18 years of age, when he took up the manufacture of musical instruments, especially the orchestrion, an organ that is run with music on a cylinder. For 12 years he carried on business in this line and had succeeded in building up a good trade at the time of the outbreak of the revolution there. This, however, largely interfered with his business, and in 1850 he resolved to try his fortune in America. Landing at New York he came at once to St. Louis, where he engaged in repairing organs, especially the large organs used in churches. During this time he rebuilt the one in the cathedral. He is a lover of music and had made a through study of the piano, manufacturing those instruments in Germany as large as church organs. After several months thus passed in St. Louis, he took up watchmaking and in June, 1851, came to Kansas City, where he began watchmaking and watch-repairing, and followed that vocation while there was work to do. Kansas City, however, was at that time small, and his business after a time fell off. This led him in September, 1851, to come to Westport, where he opened a shop and in connection with watchmaking dealt in jewelry. He was meeting with fair success in his undertakings, had secured a home and a good store; but about the time of the outbreak of the civil war Jennison's bushwhackers made a raid on the town and attempted to break into his store. In the excitement 2 or 3 people were killed. On account of these troubles, Mr. Esslinger returned to Kansas City, where he worked at his trade until the close of the war.
Peace having been again restored our subject resumed his residence in Westport and purchased his present property. He is now the owner of fine vineyards and is engaged in the raising of grapes and the manufacture of wine, having about 3 acres planted to the purple fruit. He has erected in Westport a commodious house, under which are fine wine cellars, and he also has an improved wine garden. Just across the street from his home he also owns another 3 acres of land. His business has proved profitable, and his careful management, close application and diligence have brought to him prosperity.
Mr. Esslinger was married in Westport to Christina, daughter of William Metrie, of this place. She lived only 2 years, her death being occasioned by cholera in 1855. One daughter survives her, Mollie, now the wife of Boley Vogle, of Westport. In Cincinnati, Ohio, Mr. Esslinger married Louise Houck, also now deceased. By that union were born 5 children, namely: Louisa, wife of George H. Michaelis, a hatter of Kansas City; William, who died at the age of about 30 years; Gustave, a jeweler of Lexington, Illinois; Edward, at home; and Albert, deceased. For his third wife, Mr. Esslinger chose Miss Theresa Andre, a native of Germany, with whom he is now living. She is a cultured and highly esteemed lady.
During the time of the civil war, Mr. Esslinger served as a member of the home guards, carrying a musket, and assisted in building the entrenchments to keep out the rebels. He is a Royal Arch Mason and an Odd Fellow, and is a member of the Lutheran church. He is a wide-awake, progressive man, and it was a fortunate day for him when he determined to seek a home in America.
P. N. GRINTER
One does not have to pursue his investigations far into the history of Jackson county before he finds that this gentleman has been prominently connected with pioneer life in this locality. Since the days when its forests were uncut and its bottom lands uncultivated save by the Indians, he located within its borders and for 46 years has been numbered among its valued residents, taking an active and commendable interest in all that pertained to its upbuilding, its welfare and its advancement. Such is his known honesty and uprightness in all the walks of life that he has the unqualified confidence and respect of friends, neighbors and business associates. Certainly in the history of his adopted county he well deserves representative, and it is with pleasure that we present to our readers the following record of his career.
In early colonial days the Grinter family was founded in America. At the time when the attempt was made to throw off the yoke of British thralldom, the grandfather of our subject, John Grinter, joined the Colonial forces and served in the Revolutionary war for 6 years and 7 months. He was on board a vessel which was captured by the English and the crew made prisoners. At the battle of Brandywine he was severely wounded and left for dead on the field. A spear was thrust into his body, but he killed the man who wounded him and kept the spear as a relic of the encounter throughout his life. A native of Virginia, he removed it an early day to Kentucky, locating in Logan county, where his son John H. had previously secured a location for the family.
This son was the father of our subject. He too was born in the Old Dominion, but became one of the honored pioneers of Kentucky. He married Nancy Crewdson, a native of Virginia, as was her father, William Crewdson, who removed to Kentucky, where he spent his remaining days. The parents of our subject were married in Logan county and always lived in that locality upon a farm. The father served in the War of 1812 under General Harrison and gave his political support to the whig party. Both parents were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Their family numbered 10 children - 7 sons and 3 daughters, of whom 5 sons and 2 daughters are now living, namely: Mrs. Minerav Lasley, Mrs. Nancy Wood, Samuel A., P. N., John J., George W. and James. Thomas and James were both soldiers of the Union army during the civil war. The former, now deceased, was a member of a Kansas militia regiment. Thus in the 3 important wars of the nation the Grinter family was represented, and also as loyal and patriotic defenders of their country.
Mr. Grinter of this review was born on the old family homestead in Logan county, Kentucky, December 20, 1820, and was reared on the farm, spending his time at work in the fields and in attendance at the public schools of the neighborhood. In 1849 he bade adieu to the scenes of his boyhood and came to his present home in Jackson county, Missouri. The county was then but sparsely settled. There were no improvements upon his place but he built a log cabin and at once began clearing and planting his land. On the 10th of January, 1850, was celebrated the marriage which secured to him as a companion and helpmeet on life's journey Miss Sarah D. Moore, a native of Jackson county, and a daughter of Traverse G. Moore, a pioneer of this locality who died prior to the war. Mrs. Grinter was born June 2, 1832, and has always lived in Jackson county. By their marriage they became the parents of 2 children, but John Tacitus died March 5, 1877. Persifer Herschel, the honored mayor of Independence, is the surviving son. He wedded Mary L. Jones, and has 5 children.
Mr. Grinter has always carried on agricultural pursuits. During the war he was obliged to leave his farm and remove to Independence in obedience to Order No. 11. He belonged to the enrolled militia in Jackson county, in the Union service, and was sergeant of his company. For 43 consecutive years he has made his home upon his farm and all the improvements there have been secured through his efforts. He today has 300 acres of land, all improved, and the richly cultivated tract yields to him a handsome return for his labor.
In early life Mr. Grinter gave his political support to the whig party, but since the organization of the republican party has been one of its stalwart advocates. He cast the only vote for Abraham Lincoln in Independence in 1860, and has always stood loyally by his party. Even when party spirit ran high and he was surrounded by those who favored secession, his upright, manly course commanded their respect, and there is no more highly esteemed citizen in this locality then Mr. Grinter. He has served as a member of the School Board, but has never been an office-seeker, and he and his wife hold membership in the Cumberland Presbyterian church.
HENRY N. ESS
One of the prominent lawyers of Kansas City and a native of Audrain county, Missouri, was born March 23, 1840. He is a son of Henry and Katherine (Fall) Ess, the former a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, the latter of Virginia. Mr. Ess, Sr., emigrated to America about 1829, or 1830, unaccompanied by friends or relatives, and was a number of weeks in making the voyage. He landed at New Orleans and continued his journey into the western country. In 1839 he located in Audrain county, Missouri, in the western part of which he purchased a farm and entered other lands, in all about 600 acres. This section of Missouri at that time was almost in primeval condition, but little improvement having been made. Here he made a permanent home and improved his land. His death occurred in February, 1855. Mrs. Ess departed from this life in 1858.
Their only child, Henry N., was reared on the farm. He attended the common schools when a lad, and when old enough assisted his father in the work of the farm till the latter's death. He then attended Middle Grove Academy in Monroe county, Missouri, for 2 years. Subsequently he taught school at Milton, Missouri, for 2 years. In 1859 he entered the State University, and graduated in the academic course in August, 1863. He then became tutor in mathematics for 2 years at the same institution, and during this time read law under the direction of Bagle Gordin, Esquire.
In 1865 he came to Kansas City and entered into a partnership with J. V. C. Karnes, Esq., the firm name being Karens & Ess. This partnership proved an advantageous one in every way, and continued for 21 years, when Mr. Ess withdrew. In 1888 he received the nomination for circuit judge at the hands of the republican convention, but was defeated with the remainder of the ticket. In the practice of his profession and in his business undertakings he has been successful. As a lawyer he is the equal of any at the Jackson county bar.
He has been twice married - first to Miss Fannie C. Skinner, in December, 1872, who died in September, 1873. His 2nd marriage was consummated with Miss Phoebe Routt, in June, 1875, who has borne him 1 son and 2 daughters: Fannie L., Marion P. and Henry N., Jr. Mr. Ess and his estimable wife are members of the Unitarian church.
PROF. STEPHEN M. BARRETT
County school superintendent of Jackson county, Missouri, is a young man who has for some years given his whole time and attention to educational work, and was elected to his present position in the Spring of 1895.
He was born in Nebraska City, Nebraska, March 3, 1865, and a year later his parents returned to Jackson county, Missouri, where they had formerly resided. His father, the late Robert W. Barrett, was one of the respected farmers of this county; was a native of Tennessee and came when a boy to this state, locating near Independence, where he grew up and married Miss Julia Perry, a native of Franklin county, Missouri, who survives him. He died at his home near Independence, June 11, 1880. They were the parents of 12 children - 9 sons and 3 daughters, Stephen M. being their 6th born and 1 of the 6 who are living, the others having died in infancy. Two of the sons are ministers of the gospel.
Stephen M. Barrett was reared on his father's farm. He received his early education in the common schools and later was a student in the Normal School at Valparaiso, Indiana. Of a studious nature, his time even when not in school has been given chiefly to his books. In 1885 he began teaching, and since 1888 taught continuously up to the time he was elected superintendent of schools of Jackson county, in April, 1895. As a teacher he gave the best of satisfaction, and to his new position he brings the same untiring energy and zeal for the advancement of educational interests that characterized his labors elsewhere. Believing in keeping abreast with the times and the progress made in other parts of the country, he has already pushed out in lines of work new to the schools of this county. To him are the schools of Jackson county indebted for their first regular course of study, and in his earnest efforts to bring the common schools up to a higher standard of excellency, he has to a great extent the cooperation of the teachers throughout the county.
December 24, 1889, Professor Barrett was united in marriage with Miss Dolly S. Cassell, daughter of George W. Cassell, of Brooking township, this county. They have 2 children, Edith and Bertha.
Fraternally Mr. Barrett is identified with the Knights of Pythias. Religiously he is a Baptist, and both in church and Sabbath school work he takes a deep interest, at this writing being superintendent of the Sabbath school.
FRANK H. DEXTER
Of the firm of Dexter & Grider, attorneys at law, Kansas City, is a native of Owego, New York, born June 29, 1866, and was reared in the city, and in the public schools obtained a rudimentary English education. He then attended the Notre Dame College in Indiana, where he obtained a degree in science and letters. His predilection was for the law, and to that end he entered the State University at Columbia, Missouri, graduating in the law department of that institution in March, 1887. Immediately thereafter he became associated with Messrs. Johnson & Lucas in the practice of law at Kansas City. In 1888 he was appointed assistant prosecuting attorney, under Henry M. Withers, which position he resigned the following year.
In 1890 he was appointed assistant city counselor under R. S. Yeager, creditably filling the position 4 years, and during the time assisted materially in drafting the amendments, which were subsequently incorporated in the city charter, radically changing the manner of collecting special taxes. He has made a special study of municipal law.
RALPH E. SCOFIELD
One of the younger, but also one of the prominent, members of the bar of Kansas City, became connected with the professian here in 1888, and almost from the beginning has occupied a foremost place in legal ranks. He is rich in the special qualities that insure success, qualities that money cannot command and that influence cannot gain, but that labor and energy may largely acquire. Endowed by nature with a well-balanced mind, he has added to this a thorough and scholarly knowledge, enterprise and resolute purpose, and is undoubtedly destined to achieve still further successes in his chosen calling.
Mr. Scofield was born in Carthage, Illinois, November 5, 1866, and is a son of Bryant T. and Sarah (Collins) Scofield, natives of New York. The father was a lawyer of high prominence in Carthage, having for many years the largest practice in Hancock county. He removed to that place at an early day and practiced there until his death, which occurred in 1881, when he had reached the age of 57 years. He served as a member of the Illinois senate and was one of the leading citizens of his locality. His widow is now living in Fairfield, Iowa, a member of the Episcopal church. In their family were 6 children, 5 of whom are now living, namely: Glenn W.; Hattie, wife of Rev. J. M. Cromer; Julia, wife of J. S. McKemy; Edward B. and Ralph E.
The last named spent his boyhood days in his native city, and completed his literary course by his graduation at Carthage College in 1885. He entered this college at the age of 12 years, after going through the public school course. While in college he decided to study law, and during vacation and in his leisure times he studied law in the office of Harvey Schofield, and was admitted to the bar on examination before the supreme court of Illinois. He then began practice in Carthage, but in a few months came to Kansas City, where he has since made his home.
On the 27th of June, 1889, he was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Ferris, daughter of Hiram G. and Julia E. (Holden) Ferris. They now have 2 children - Miriam and Harriet. The parents are members of the First English Lutheran church, and at 1010 Belfontaine avenue they have a pleasant home.
In his social relations, Mr. Scofield is a Mason, and in his political views is a democrat. He comes of a family of lawyers. His father, as before stated, was a prominent legal practitioner, and several other representatives of the name have attained eminence in the calling. He is also a cousin of Judge Charles J. Scofield, of Carthage, a celebrated lawyer, also a minister of high degree in the Christian church. Few men have as spotless a reputation, and he was at one time the youngest circuit judge in the United States. A characteristic of the family is uprightness in all dealings, and early learnng such lessons in youth Mr. Scofield, of this review, has modeled his own life after those teachings. He has excellent ability as a lawyer, and his genial disposition and affable manners have won for him the confidence, friendship and high esteem of a large acquaintance.
JOHN TEVIS HARWOOD
The senior member of the firm of Harwood & Meredith, is one of the younger representatives of the bar of Kansas City. His youthfulness, however, seems to have been no detriment to him in reaching the prominent position that he now occupies - a position which has been won by superior merit, energy, and resolute purpose. He is widely recognized as one of the leading members of the legal fraternity of Kansas City, and his identification therewith has been most honorable.
Mr. Harwood is a native of Kentucky, born April 9, 1862, being a son of Charles and Lavina (Winchester) Harwood, and is related to many well-known families of that old commonwealth, such as the Hardins, McHenrys, Wickliffes, etc. His father was born in Nashville, Tennessee, and when a child removed with his parents to Kentucky, where he was reared to manhood, took up the study of law and became one of the most eminent members of the bar of that state. He was also a leader in political affairs, supported the democratic party, and on its ticket was elected to the state legislature, where he served with distinguished honor. His death occurred in 1882, at the age of 47 years, and the community lost one of its most prominent and valued citizens. He was married in 1859 to Lavina Winchester and they became parents of 8 children, 7 of whom are now living.
In this family John Tevis Harwood was the second born. His preliminary literary education was obtained in private and high schools, and at the age of 17 he matriculated in the University of Virginia, where he continued his studies for 3 years. The death of his father then compelled his return home, and for some time thereafter he was engaged in settling up the estate. In 1883 he once more entered the university, where he pursued a partial course in the law department, and successfully passed the B. L. examination. Immediately afterward he returned home and was admitted to the bar.
To decide which is cause and which is effect in many cases is as much a matter of serious difficulty as to discern the boundary between what is hereditary and what is suggested to us from circumstances of our early life. Many a man has no doubt taken up a course of life from mere outside suggestions received during the years of his youth, while others have naturally gravitated toward a certain course from the mere force of inherited tastes and mental tendencies. Sometimes, no doubt, these two combine to influence certain careers, and it would be difficult to decide whether to credit it to one or te other, or both. Such seems to have been the case in the life of the well-known member of the Kansas City bar whose name heads this article. He may have inherited from his father a love for his chosen calling, but his fitness for it has certainly been demonstrated in the excellent success which has crowed his efforts.
He began practice in his native state, and in 1885 came to Kansas City, where he soon entered into partnership with the late John S. Harbison, under the firm name of Harbison & Harwood; but after 2 months the connection was terminated by the death of the senior partner. Mr. Harwood was then alone in practice, and thus, without the aid of one already established in business or the assistance of influential friends, he entered upon his work. His strong mentality, his keen perceptive powers, his clear analysis of a case and his careful choice of those points which will bear most strongly on his case were soon manifest in the handling of the business which was placed in his charge, and brought to him an increased patronage. In 1888 he entered into partnership with John C. Meredith, and under the firm style of Harwood & Meredith these gentlemen have since conducted a large legal business, which ranks them among the foremost legal practitioners in the city. Their specialty is real estate law, which department occupies the greater part of their time, and they are now counsel for a number of loan companies and foreign investors in Kansas City and western securities. In connection with his other interests Mr. Harwood is the vice president and treasurer of the South Joplin Lead & Zinc Mining Company.
On the 21st of November, 1888, was consummated the marriage of Mr. Harwood and Miss Charlotte, daughter of William B. Grimes, first president of the Kansas City Board of Trade. They have one child, Bradford, who is now 5 years of age.
The political support of our subject is given the democracy, but the pressing cares of his extensive legal business leave no time for political work, even though he cared to engage in such. Socially he is connected with the Kansas City club and the Missouri chapter, Sons of the Revolution. In social and legal circles he is very popular, his magnetic nature and his many excellent characteristics winning him a host of warm personal friends.
JAMES G. STREAN
Is the cashier of the Metropolitan National Bank of Kansas City and a young man of superior business ability. He was born in Washington, Pennsylvania, October 13, 1859, and is a son of Robert and Maria (Greenleaf) Strean, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Massachusetts. The Strean family is of Scotch-Irish origin, and the paternal grandfather of our subject was James G. Strean, a native of Virginia. Throughout life he carried on agricultural pursuits and stock-raising, and took the prize for the finest wool exhibited at the world's fair held in London. He was very enterprising and progressive, and kept abreast with the times - in fact was one of the leaders in improvement in his community. In personal appearance he was a man of 5 feet 10 inches, fine looking, of rather commanding disposition, yet possessed of generous and sterling qualities. He had passed the 80th milestone on life's journey when death ended his labors. He married Miss Lavenia Johnston, who descended from a prominent family that was founded in Pennsylvania at a very early day, and whose brothers fought in the Revolution.
The father of our subject was reared in the state of his nativity, and a graduate of Harvard, and after he had arrived at years of maturity he wedded Miss Greenleaf, daughter of John Greenleaf, and a native of Boston, descended from English ancestry. He was a lawyer by profession, and lived and died in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His religious faith was that of the Baptist church, of which he was a strict adherent. Robert Stean engaged in merchandising, as a dealer in hardware, in both Washington and Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He now makes his home in the former city, but his wife died in 1867. Both were members of the Presbyterian church, and he served in the state militia at an early day. In their family were 5 children, 2 sons and 3 daughters, of whom 4 are now living, namely: James G.; Helen, wife of E. A. Shepherd, of Boston; Lizzie, wife of H. D. Dunlap, of Kansas City; Maria; and Herbert, deceased.
Our subject spent his boyhood days in Washington, Pennsylvania, and was educated in the Washington and Jefferson College, at which institution he was graduated in the Class of 1881. He then assumed the management of his grandfather's stock farm, and carried on that business for about 2 years, when he became engaged in the banking business as clerk. He continued that for about 4 years, during the greater part of this time in the banking house of Samuel Hazlett. Mr. Stean has been a resident of Kansas City since October, 1886, at which time he became bookkeeper in the Citizens' National Bank, but held that position little less than a year, resigning to accept the position of teller in the German National Bank, but in less than 1 year was chosen assistant cashier and in 9 month became cashier of the bank. He was in the last named institution as cashier until the organization of the Metropolitan National Bank, in November, 1890, when he became the assistant cashier. Of the latter he was most instrumental in organizing. In that capacity he served until January, 1892, when he was made cashier. He is a very popular cashier and very reliable, his business and executive ability being of a high order, and is regarded as a very conservative and able banker.
On the 13th of October, 1891, Mr. Strean was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Thomas, of Pittsburg, PA., daughter of J. D. Thomas, one of the oldest families of Pittsburg. They became the parents of 2 children, Marguerite and Catherine, but the latter died at the age of 11 months. Our subject and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church, and their pleasant home at Harrison street and Commonwealth avenue is the abode of hospitality and a favorite resort for their many friends. In politics Mr. Strean is a stanch supporter of the republican party and its principles.
ROBERT M. SNYDER
President of the Mechanics' Bank of Kansas City, and also of the Missouri Gas Company, has a reputation in business circles that might well be envied. His name is a synonym for honorable dealing, and his career is all the more creditable from the fact that his success has been achieved through his own efforts. Kansas City numbers him among its progressive and enterprising residents who in the midst of his own pressing business cares has ever found time to devote to the public welfare.
Mr. Snyder was born in Columbus, Indiana, March 10, 1852, and is a son of John and Sarah (Pence) Snyder, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Tennessee. The paternal grandfather, John Snyder, was a Virginian, and by occupation a miller. He met his death by accident in the mill when in the prime of life. His family numbered 8 children. The maternal grandfather, Jacob Pence, was also born in the Old Dominion, and was a manufacturer of fine cutlery and guns. In personal appearance, he was a man of commanding presence, 6 feet in height and well proportioned; in manner was a genial, quiet and unpretentious man. He was well informed on all of the issues and questions of the day, became a great student in his latter years and could speak fluently several languages. He had reached the advanced age of four-score years when called to his final rest. The father of our subject became a prominent merchant of Louisville, Kentucky, where he died, in 1875, at the age of 48 years. His wife still survives him and is living in Independence, Missouri. They were members of the Christian church and Mr. Snyder served as deacon for some years. In their family were 8 children, namely: Robert M., John J., George P., William D., Ella, wife of William E. Garrett; Lillian, wife of A. L. McBride; Mattie K.; and Lulu, wife of Edward Kirchmaier.
Mr. Snyder, whose name initiates this biographical review, was reared and educated in Louisville, Kentucky, and remained with his father until he had attained his majority. He was fortunate in his home surroundings and influences and the sterling lessons which he learned in boyhood have done much to mold his manhood's career. After passing his 21st birthday he became clerk in the Louisville Rolling Mill Company, and a few months later was promoted to the position of bookkeeper, in which capacity he served for a year. He was then made cashier and afterward served as cashier and bookkeeper for a wholesale grocery house of Louisville. In 1876, Mr. Snyder left that place and removed to St. Louis, Missouri, where he did business as a merchandise broker for 4 years. In t he undertaking he won success, and after accumulating a few thousand dollars he came to Kansas City, and for nearly 4 years did business here as a dealer in fancy groceries, selling to the wholesale trade. Again success attended his energetic and well directed efforts, and he invested a portion of his capital in a cattle ranch, which he still owns, also began loaning money on real estate and dealing in high-grade investment securities. Out of this grew the Mechanics' Bank, which was organized and opened for business in January, 1891. From the beginning he has served as president, and has made it one of the solid financial institutions of the county. In May, 1895, on the organization of the Missouri Gas Company, he became president of that concern. This company, supplying gas to consumers at a great reduction, has won thousands of friends and already has very liberal support.
On the 17th of January, 1876, Mr. Snyder was united in marriage with Miss Fannie M. Hord, a daughter of James B. and Mamie Hord. She died in 1876, leaving 1 child, Robert M. Mr. Snyder was again married in 1880, his 2nd union being with Miss Mary L. Dawson, daughter of George W. and Georgia A. (McCann) Dawson. They have 4 children: Mattie C., who died in infancy; Cary D., Roy J., and Kenneth W. The parents are members of the Christian church, and Mr. Snyder is now serving as deacon. In politics he is a democrat and socially is a 30 second degree Scottish-rite Mason.
Mr. Snyder is noted for this kindness and generosity and the poor and needy find in him a friend, yet his giving is always quiet and unostentatious, and his charities are frequently known only to himself and the recipient. He is a man of remarkable symmetry of character, whose judgement in commercial affairs and upon general matters is singularly wise and sagacious, and who is always loyal to a high sense of moral obligation. He is a gentleman of unvarying courtesy, highminded and scrupulously faithful to every trust committed to his care. Quiet and unpretentious in his demeanor, with not the slightest trace of affection, he bears himself with a becoming graceful dignity and acts with deliberation and the approval of his conscience in the discharge of his responsibilities. In him are blended in rare and attractive symmetry firmness, gentleness, kindness and an unswerving devotion to his loftiest ideals.
ROBERT A. HARRA
One of the enterprising and well-to-do farmers of Fort Osage township, although a native of this state, is of purely German origin, and in his mental constitution are found many of the sterling characteristics which distinguished his forefathers and their countrymen.
George H. Harra, the father of Robert A., was born in Hanover, Germany, July 4, 1817, and was married there to Miss Louisa Miller. By trade he was a cabinet-maker, which he followed in the old country. In 1848 he emigrated to America, crossing the Atlantic in a sail vessel, and being 8 weeks in making the ocean voyage to New Orleans, and thence up to Missouri, stopping first in St. Louis, and then Wellington, Lafayette county. Soon afterward he purchased a farm in Fort Osage township, this county, and from that time forward gave his attention chiefly to farming, now and then working some at the carpenter's trade, for himself and sons. He maintained his residence on the farm above referred to until August, 1890, when he sold out, and his closing years were spent with his children. He died September 16, 1894; his widow survives. They had 10 children, namely: Augustus, a resident of Fort Osage township; George, who died January 9, 1880; Christian, a farmer in this township; Margaret, wife of Joseph Campbell, Sniabar township, this county: Robert A., whose name heads this sketch: Frank L., a farmer of Fort Osage township; Amos E., a farmer of Fort Osage township; William, also engaged in farming in this township; Julia, wife of M. L. Cox, Sniabar township; and Elizabeth, wife of C. H. Latimer, of Kansas City, who maintains a farm near Blue Springs.
Robert A. Harra was born in Fort Osage township, March 5, 1852. He was reared on his father's farm and remained a member of the home circle until he attained his 23rd year. Then he rented a farm and subsequently purchased land, at first only 50 acres, and from time to time as he was able added to it until now his farm comprises 316 acres, nearly all of which is improved and much of it under cultivation, the rest being utilized for stock purposes. The buildings and other improvements upon this place are the result of his well directed efforts.
Mr. Harra was married in Sniabar township, near Blue Springs, February 26, 1880, to Miss Sallie Dillingham, daughter of Vachel and Nancy J. (Gibson) Dillingham, early settlers of Sniabar township. Her father was a soldier in the Confederate army and perished during the war. Her mother died in Sniabar township, October 4, 1881. Mrs. Harra is the youngest of their family of 7 children, and was born September 15, 1862. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Harra are 3 in number and as follows: Thruston L., born March 20, 1881; Pearl E., July 3, 1884; and Louisa L., March 24, 1887.
In his political views Mr. Harra is independent, voting for the man rather than the party, and in all local affairs takes an active interest. In matters of a religious nature he is especially interested. He united with the Methodist Church, South, in 1876, has been a steward in the church since 1877, and has all these years been an active worker in and a liberal supporter of the same. Mrs. Harra also is a member of the Methodist church South.
CHARLES HAWLEY NEARING
Among the native sons of the Empire State, who have sought homes in the West and become prominent in the various lines of business to which they have turned their attention, is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch.
Mr. Nearing was born in New York, on the 20th of December, 1857, and is a representative of one of the old New England families, his ancestors having sailed from Germany to America and taken up their residence in Connecticut in colonial days. The name of the family was originally spelled Nehring. The parents of our subject were Wait Garrett and Ester Jane (Hawley) Nearing, the former a native of New Milford, Connecticut , and the latter of Delaware, N. Y., although descended from one of the old families of the Nutmeg State. Mr. Nearing met his death in 1880, at the age of 55 years, being struck by a tree which he was chopping down. In the family were 2 children - Czar Lamont and our subject.
The latter acquired his education in the district schools near his home until 15 years of age. When a youth of 16 he was employed as teacher of the school where he first began his studies, and after the completion of that engagement he matriculated in Fairfield Academy, of Fairfield, New York, where he pursued a classical course and was graduated in 1879. Immediately thereafter he went to Cooperstown, New York, and entered the law office of Hon. Samuel S. Edick, under whose direction he continued his reading for a few months. In the winter following he returned to his old home and secured a position as teacher in a district school in the adjoining township. The succeeding spring he resumed his studies in Judge Edick's office in Cooperstown, and while he was thus engaged his father died. Not long afterward the home farm was sold and Mr. Nearing wisely used his share of the estate to secure an education. He entered the Columbia Law School in New York city and was graduated at that institution in 1882, with high honors. It was not long after this that he was admitted to the bar and secured a position in the office of Pratt, Geard & Powers, noted attorneys of New York. Here he obtained that experience so necessary as a foundation to successful practice. He was given charge of a large portion of the Rhinelander estate, one of the largest estates in New York, and comprising some of the most valuable property in that locality. To this work he devoted his energies until the spring of 1884, when on account of failing health he was forced to abandon this and took the management of some valuable property in Texas. He remained in the South until the following fall and then came to Kansas City, where he hired desk room in the office of Thomlinson & Dew, and announced to the public that he had come to practice law. For a year he was employed as attorney of the Equitable Mortgage Company, and then abandoned the position to engage in general practice.
In the Fall of 1886 he entered into partnership with W. C. Barry, under the firm name of Nearing & Barry, which connection was continued until the spring of 1890. His next partner was John W. Wofford, and their relation was discontinued on the election of Mr. Wofford as judge of the criminal court. In November, 1893, he entered into partnership with F. W. Griffin, with whom he remained until the 1st of January, 1895, after which time he was alone until March, when he formed a partnership with Hon. Almerin Gillett, under the firm name of Gillett & Nearing.
He is a man of high legal attainments and pronounced business ability. He certainly deserves to be ranked among the foremost lawyers in this part of the state. He is a good judge of law, and, what is of almost equal importance, a good judge of men; and it was this quality, together with his earnestness and ability as a speaker that has given him marked success in many jury cases. At the bar he has attained success, and among all with whom he has come in contact he has made many warm personal friends. He is a Master Mason and in politics is an active republican.
Mr. Nearing has been twice married. In August, 1889, he wedded Miss Elba Reese, daughter of Morgan Reese, of New York. She was a most cultured lady, a fine scholar and skilled musician, and her many graces of character made her loved by all who knew her. She died on the 7th of August, 1890, leaving an infant son. On the 20th of September, 1893, Mr. Nearing led to the marriage altar Miss Anna Atwill, daughter of Bishop Edward R. Atwill, a most eminent divine of the Protestant Episcopal church, and bishop of the diocese of West Missouri. Mrs. Nearing is a lady of charming personality, and with her little son is a most welcome addition to the Nearing household.
HENRY BERNAUER
Who occupies the position of boiler inspector in Kansas City, has been identified with this place for a period of 15 years. He dates his birth in Monmouth county, New Jersey, February 18, 1854, and has in his veins a mixture of French and German blood.
His father, George Bernauer, a Frenchman, went from France to Germany, where he married Louisa File, a native of Germany, and after their marriage they emigrated to America, landing here in 1852 and making settlement in New Jersey. Monmouth county, New Jersey, continued their abiding place until 1868, when they removed to Springfield, Illinois, and some time later located in Chicago. Mr. Bernauer died in Chicago, in 1888. His widow is yet a resident of that city. Five sons and 3 daughters composed their family. In New Jersey, Henry spent his boyhood days, and, as his parents were poor, he had limited advantages for an education. He, however, made the best of his opportunities, studied at night and whenever he had a leisure moment, and by home study and close observation has acquired a large fund of useful information. From 1868 to 1871 he lived in Springfield, Illinois, where he was a portion of that time an employee in a woolen mill. In 1871 we find him in Texas engaged in railroading, as an employee of the Texas Central. In this way he was occupied up to the spring of 1874, when he returned to Springfield and learned the trade of boiler-maker, at which trade he worked in that city until the spring of 1880. Since 1880 he has been a resident of Kansas City, Missouri. He followed his trade here until the spring of 1888, when he established the Kansas City Steam Boiler Works, which he sold out in the spring of 1889. About that time he was appointed boiler inspector by Mayor Davenport, and served 1 year under him and 1 year under his successor, Mayor Holmes. After this he resumed work at his trade and continued the same until the spring of 1894, when he was again appointed boiler inspector, this time by Mayor Webster Davis. Being an expert mechanic and having had a number of years' experience in this line of work, Inspector Bernauer is thoroughly qualified for the duties of this responsible position, and his record thus far has been without a blemish. Both as an official and citizen is he entitled to the high esteem in which he is held. Fraternally he is identified with the Junior Order of United American mechanics, the A. O. U. W. and the Knights of Pythias. His political affiliations have always been with the republican party.
Mr. Bernauer was married in 1879 to Miss Sarah Helton, of Springfield, Illinois, and they have one son, Earl.
ROBERT ORR CROSS
Is numbered among the younger members of the medical fraternity of Kansas City, but years have not hindered his progress, which has been both steady and rapid, until today he is recognized as one of the prominent representatives of the medical fraternity in this section, and is enjoying a business which many an older practitioner might well envy.
Dr. Cross was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, December 7, 1865, and is a son of Ralph E. and Elizabeth (Orr) Cross. The father was born near Lockport, Pennsylvania, in 1828, and was professor of geology in Alfred University, of Rochester, New York. He acquired his education in Yale College, and was graduated with the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science. He is at present retired from professional life, and makes his home in Rochester, New York. His wife is also living and has attained the age of 65 years. Their family originally numbered 11 children, 10 of whom are now living, namely: Ralph, a commercial traveler residing in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Bryron, superintendent of bridges and bridge-building for the Santa Fe Railroad Company, with headquarters in Wichita, Kansas; Frank, who was accidentally killed at the age of 39; Volney, also a bridge-builder, living in Madison, Iowa; William, a merchant of Wyandotte, Kansas; Covert, who is engaged in business as a shoe dealer in Rochester, New York; Mrs. Esther Brown, of Brown's Valley, Wisconsin; Mrs. Chloe Hudspeth, who is living in Topeka, Kansas; Mrs. Elizabeth Long, also a resident of that city; and the Doctor.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was Alfred Cross, a native of Pennsylvania, and owner of coal mines in that state. He died at the advanced age of 80 years. His father, one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war, was a native of Philadelphia, where he lived and died. The maternal grandfather of the Doctor, Robert Orr, was born in southern France in 1871, and was of Irish lineage, his father having been a native of Belfast, Ireland, whence he emigrated to France. Robert Orr has spent his entire life in the latter country, where he is now living, at an advanced age.
Dr. Cross, although born in the Keystone state, was reared and educated near Seneca lake, New York. He attended school until 18 years of age and then became identified with the interests of the west, emigrating to Missouri. He has since been a resident of Kansas City. He took up the study of medicine with Dr. Leonard, and subsequently attended medical lectures at the Kansas City Medical College, at which institution he was graduated with the class of 1889. Ambitious to attain a degree of perfection that would place him among the most able members of the medical fraternity in this city, he went to the east and pursued a course of study in Bellevue College, New York City, being graduated in 1890. The Doctor then returned to Kansas City, where he has since made his home; and although his professional career has covered a period of but 5 years he has won a high reputation, which is justly merited. He continues his investigations in the line of his professional labors and devotes himself to extensive reading and study. He is a member of the Academy Medical Society and the Jackson County Medical Society. He is yet a young man, and the future undoubtedly holds in store for him brilliant successes which he will gain by his characteristic energy and application.
In 1893 was solemnized the marriage of Dr. Cross and Miss Alice Burkhart, of Sedalia, Missouri, daughter of John Burkhart, of that city. He and his family are members of the Methodist church. The Doctor is a genial, companionable gentleman, of sunny temperament and pleasant manner, and his cheering presence in the sick-room well supplements his medical efforts.
FRANK D. HUMMER
Who is acting as private secretary to Kansas City's mayor, is a well-known and popular man who claims Ohio as the state of his nativity, his birth having occurred there in the town of Middleport, April 5, 1854. When 16 years of age he came to Missouri, arriving in Gallatin, on the 15th of April, 1870. His father, David Hummer, afterward removed to Washington county, Kansas, and still later to Washington, D. C., where he is now living.
The subject of this sketch had learned the tinner's trade while in Ohio, and followed that pursuit and carpentering in Gallatin for a period of 6 years. He was married on the 13th of August, 1876, in that city, the lady of his choice being Miss Emma A. McGee, daughter of Judge Owen H. McGee, a prominent citizen of Gallatin. They had 1 daughter, Ona Cloy, who died at the age of 4 years. Soon after their marriage Mr. Hummer removed with this wife to Kansas and engaged in the hardware trade in Gaylord, Smith county. He continued his residence there for 3 years, when the excessive hot winds of that region undermined his health. During his residence there he lost all that he had, and in 1880 he returned to Gallatin, where he made his home through the succeeding 8 years. In 1888 he came to Kansas City, where for 2 years he was employed as county bridge inspector. In 1890 he accepted the position as traveling collector for the Lombard Investment Company, of which James L. Lombard was the head, and for 3 years represented that concern on the road, his territory embracing Kansas and Nebraska. He served as general manager for northern Kansas and southern Nebraska, visiting the various local agencies and attending to loans, collections, etc. In June, 1894, he became a bookkeeper in the street department of Kansas City, and served in that capacity until appointed by Mayor Webster Davis as his private secretary. The two gentlemen were boys together in Gallatin and have always been fast friends.
Socially, Mr. Hummer is connected with the Knights of Pythias fraternity; is a Royal Arch Mason, and is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Traveling Men's Association of Columbus, Ohio. He is a gentleman of genuine worth, who has many warm personal friends and the high regard of all who know him.
H. C. SCHWITZGEBEL
One of Kansas City's favorite sons, prominent in business and social circles, is now the honored vice president of the Citizen's National Bank. He was born here on the 4th of January, 1857, and is a son of Peter and Minnie (Hoehle) Schwitzgebel, natives of Germany. In early life his parents had come to America and in St. Louis they became acquainted and were married. In 1853 they removed to Kansas City, but after a short time left this place, returning, however, in 1855, to become permanent residents. Here the father established a brewery and became a very prominent man both in social and political circles, although he was never an office-seeker. He accumulated considerable wealth, but lost his property in the financial panic which swept over the country in 1872. His wife also died that year, but he survived until 1882. He afterward married again and his family numbered 9 children. Those of the first union were Otto, Henry C., Katie, Robert, Louis and Adolph. Those of the 2nd marriage were Mollie, Lizzie and Minnie.
In the public schools of Kansas City our subject acquired his literary education and afterward pursued a course in Spaulding's Commercial College, at which he graduated with the class of 1870. Almost his entire business career has been in connection with banking. He first secured a position as messenger boy with the German Savings Association in 1870 and later was employed in the same capacity with the Union German Savings Bank. In 1875 he obtained a position in the brewery of Frank Kump, with whome he remained until 1878, when he became bookkeeper for the Kansas City Savings Association, and filled almost every position in connection with that bank and its successor, the National Bank of Commerce, up to that of assistant cashier. He resigned that office in January, 1895, to accept the vice-presidency of the Citizens' National Bank. He has been connected with the banking business nearly all his life and is well known in both banking and social circles. He is thoroughly well informed on all matters pertaining to the business, his ability is widely recognized and he is known as a most capable financier.
In 1883 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Schwitzgebel and Miss Carolyn Mintun, a native of Iowa. They have 2 children, Jack and Carl.
Our subject is a member of several commercial clubs and ranks among the best citizens of this place. In manner he is a courteous and genial gentleman, and a friend once gained by him is always kept.
CHARLES S. CRYSLER
Nature endowed Charles Sumner Crysler with 2 of the prime requisites for a good lawyer - a marked taste for the law and a splendid constitution. The last he no doubt inherited from his mother, since her father was a man of marvelous physique, as well as of the most genial, kindly disposition. This maternal grandfather, George W. Dunlap, and his wife came of fine old families living in the north of Ireland, Protestant in their form of faith. The young couple sailed to America in 1825, locating in Marcellus, Onondago county, New York, where Mr. Dunlap became one of the large landowners and valued citizens of his county. He reared 3 sons and 4 daughters, and died at the advanced age of 84 years.
Philip Crysler, who was of German lineage, although born in New York, is still remembered in the Empire state as a man of great usefulness and saintly character. His long life was devoted to the ministry in the Methodist church, and he died at his home in Navarino, at the age of 89.
His son ?Cornell was graduated at the Albany Law School, and soon afterward married Miss Nancy Dunlap, a beautiful girl and amiable as she was fair. Housekeeping and the practice of law began in Marcellus. Three children were born - Fanny, the eldest; Charles (August 21, 1856), and Cornell, a lad of great promise, who died at 16. The family soon removed to Syracuse, where Cornell Crysler built up a large, lucrative practice. He was intimately connected with educational matters, and took a leading part in all progressive movements that would benefit his city or state, but declined political honors. He numbered among his associates Roscoe Conkling, Horace Greeley and Andrew D. White. The latter, who was at that time president of Cornell University, offered Mr. Crysler scholarships for his sons, and promised his personal oversight during the years they would spent in college. Charles was in the meantime receiving elementary training in the public schools of Syracuse and at Onondaga Academy.
When the war began patriotism impelled Cornell Crysler to set aside every personal interest for that of his country. He raised inteest for that of his country. He raised volunteer Company D, New York infantry, and joined the 122nd regiment. He served as captain through all campaigns until after the battle of Antietam, and was with Sheridan on his famous ride to Winchester! Whether in military, public or private life, he has always discharged his duties with a promptness and fidelity that won him the highest commendation. His health being badly impaired by army life, the climate of his native state proved too severe. In 1868 he moved with his family to Independence, Missouri, where he resided over 20 years, and was mayor of the town when he left it for his present home of El Dorado Springs.
Charles Crysler finished his school days in Missouri, for the sudden death of his brother made it impossible for him to leave his parents to carry out the plan of spending 4 years at Cornell University. He began to read law in 1875, and was admitted to the bar June 1, 1879.
In October of the same year he married Miss Harriet E. Child, daughter of John Adams and Sarah (Drake) Child, of Weybridge, Vermont. Mrs. Crysler traces her Puritan ancestry back to William Brewster, of the Mayflower. She has some taste in literary and artistic directions.
Mr. Crysler has been a stanch republican from childhood, but has not sought political office for himself.
Personally he is a man of distinguished appearance. Affable in manner and buoyant in temperament. Although of a social disposition, he is especially fond of reading, and spends most of his leisure moments among his books. When a boy he liked to hunt, and his unerring shot stopped the flight of many a quail and duck. In late years fly-fishing has been his favorite sport. Numerous shining pike and bass from northern and New England lakes could bear witness to his skill. Mr. Crysler has an unusual fund of energy, perseverance and reserve force. With him hard work, discouragemens and great fatigue count for nothing, and this enables him to surmount obstacles that would appall most men.
The measure of success he has attained is largely due to a natural aptitude for his profession and to ceaseless labor for his clients. His opinions are carefully formed, but maintained with confidence and firmness. Each case receives thorough preparation, so that he meets his opponent amply fortified with authorities and precedents. He is a good counselor, and as an advocate clear and earnest. He is now in partnership with Messrs. James H. Harkless and John O'Grady - a firm who se popularity brings liberal patronage.
CALVIN V. LOWE
Who for many years was prominently connected with the agricultural interests of Jackson county, now practically living retired, is a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of this locality. For half a century he has lived in this community, has witnessed the greater part of its growth and development, has seen its wild lands transformed into beautiful homes and farms, and has ever borne his part in the work of advancement.
He was born in Monroe county, Virginia, near Richmond, on the 5th of December, 1832, and descends from one of the Revolutionary heroes. His parents were John and Margaret (Summers) Lowe, also natives of Monroe county, whence in 1844 they came to Missouri by way of the Ohio, Mississippi and Missouri rivers, leaving the boat at Blue Mill Landing, near Independence. The father had previously come to the west, selected the site of his future home, and purchased 120 acres of land on what is now Section 14, Sniabar township, 3 miles north of Blue Springs. There he spent his remaining days and devoted the greater part of his time and attention to the development and cultivation of his farm. He also extended its boundaries until he became the owner of 250 acres, and owned a number of slaves up to the time of the war. During the war he had to remove from Jackson county under order No. 11, and spent 2 years in Pike county, then returned to find his farm in a very dilapidated condition, it having been crossed and recrosed by both armies, for it lay in a contested section. Mr. Lowe was a progressive, enterprising and industrious man, and accumulated a handsome competence as a reward for his labors. He died in June, 1881, at the age of 80 years, and his wife passed away soon after the close of the war. They had a family of 11 children, 5 of whom are now living. Mr. Lowe lived to see all of his children reach mature years, and assisted most of them in getting a start in life. At the last family reunion which he attended there were 42 of his descendants present.
The family has long been connected with the Cumberland Presbyterian church, the parents aided in organizing the society of that denomination at Little Blue, and contributed liberally to the building of the house of worship, while in religious work they took an active part. All his life the father was a Jackson democrat, but took no active part in political affairs. In early life he accumulated considerable money by raising hemp, but after the war gave his attention solely to the raising of grain and cattle, and was known as a leading farmer of Jackson county. He now rests in the family cemetery at Little Blue, and all of his surviving children are residents of Jackson county.
Calvin V. Lowe, whose name begins this sketch, spent his boyhood days on the old home farm, where he remained until 21 years of age, when he started out in life for himself. He and his brother, A. W. Lowe, purchased a tract of land near the farmstead and together continued its operation for 2 years, when our subject bought another piece in the same vicinity. For 28 years he resided on his 2nd property, which comprised 300 acres of valuable land. A part of this, however, he afterward sold until he owned only 148 acres. He engaged in the raising of wheat and hogs and had a large and very fine orchard upon his place, containing both the small and the large fruit plants. Ten years ago he sold that farm and came to his present home, a ½ mile West of Blue Springs, where he has 91 acres. This is a beautiful and pleasant country home, where he has mainly lived retired. Other interests have to a degree engrossed his attention and he is at present one of the incorporators of the Blue Springs Bank, and a director and stockholder. He also owns considerable stock in Blue Springs Mill, and is treasurer of the company.
On the 20th of March, 1856, Mr. Lowe was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Moore, a daughter of John Moore, of Blue township, Jackson county. She was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, and came to Missouri with her parents, her father dying in this state soon after the war. Mr. and Mrs. Lowe have the following children: Sarah, the eldest, became the wife of Joshua Dudley Dillingham, of Sniabar, and died in September, 1886, leaving 3 children, 2 girls and 1 boy. One daughter, Lucy, the eldest, is now a young lady of 18, and is living with her grandfather, her father having gone to Virgil, Kansas. John Lewis is a farmer of Sniabar township; William Andrew carries on agricultural pursuits near the old homestead. Calvin Davis operates the home farm. Richard J. is connected with the Union store of Blue Springs. Maggied died September 20, 1892, at the age of 20 years. Edward died at the age of 6 years. Samuel Lee is attending school. The parents are both prominent and faithful members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, with which Mr. Lowe has been connected since 1848, having for 20 years served as deacon. In his political views he is a democrat.
JOHN F. SHANNON
City comptroller, Kansas City, is a native of this city, born April 1, 1858, son of John and Felicite (Padron) Shannon, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of New Orleans, of French parentage. Mr. Shannon, Sr., left his native land and came to this country when a young man, and was for some years connected with a retail drygoods house in New York City. Subsequently he went to New Orleans, where he became acquainted with and wedded his wife. He came to Kansas City before the outbreak of the late civil war. His business capacity was great, and led by a commendable ambition his aspirations were for success in mercantile transactions.
Immediately upon arriving here, in company with his brother, Mr. P. Shannon, a large retail and wholesale dry goods house was opened up, under the firm name of J. & P. Shannon. The venture proved a fortunate one in a financial way, the trade of the house during the war period being of immense proportions, notably larger than any other house in the southwest at that time. His prospects were indeed bright for a prosperous future, and all was too soon cut off by his premature death, which occurred in the city of New York, in 1865, while there purchasing goods. His remains lie buried in Kansas City. Mrs. Shannon, the mother and widow, is living, her residence being at Bonner Springs, Kansas. This worthy couple had 4 children: Felicite, wife of George E Kinser; Mary E., wife of William Sutherland, of Denver, Colorado; John F. and Ferdinand.
Our subject was brought up in Kansas City, receiving his education in the Christian Brother's School, at St. Louis, which he attended 5 years, graduating in 1870. At his father's death, the financial situation of the family was easy, as the estate was quite large, but it was gradually absorbed by litigation. This threw our subject on his own resources. He was equal to the emergency, however, and secured a clerkship under Nathaniel Grant in the city comptroller's office, which he retained 7 years. Since his entrance into this office, he has been absent from it only 2 years. In April, 1893, he was appointed to the city comptrollership, of which important place he is the present incumbent. He has never been an aspirant for political honors, preferring t pursue the even tenor of a life as nearly devoid of changes as possible.
In the transaction of his official business he hews to the line of duty, his definite accuracy and deferential manners having won for him a deserving popularity in the city. He has been the builder of his own fortune, the achitect of his own career. Although reared in luxury the reverses of fortune a few years later caused no feeling of discouragement to his stout heart. A willingness to work and work well has been rewarded by the people, who have implicit confidence in his unassailable integrity.
He was united in marriage in February, 1882, with Miss Sallie Streett, of St. Louis, who has borne him 3 children: Marie, Joseph S., and John F., Jr. Mr. Shannon is a zealous member of the Catholic church.
ROBERT J. INGRAHAM
It is especially noticeable in this latter part of the 19th century that one seldom wins prominence or success along more than one line of endeavor. It is the tendency of the age to devote one's entire energies to a certain work, continually concentrating his efforts in a certain direction and toward a certain end; yet in the case of the gentleman whose name commences this record it is demonstrated that not only a leading position but also prosperity may be gained in more than a single line of action. Mr. Ingraham is an eminent lawyer and is no less successful or no less widely known as a stock dealer, and while his extensive law practice in Kansas City attests his professional abilities, his fine stock and fruit farm also indicates a most able management on the part of its owner.
A native of Coshocton, Ohio, Mr. Ingraham was born on the 24th of January, 1864, and is a son of James B. and Sarah Elizabeth (Guthrie) Ingraham, the former a native of Harrison county, Virginia, and the latter of Georgetown, District of Columbia. The Ingraham family is of English origin, and was founded in America many year ago by ancestors who settled in Virginia. The father of our subject was a physician by profession and a graduate of the Starling Medical College, of Columbus, Ohio. His death occurred in 1887, at the age of 67 years.
Robert J. Ingraham is the youngest of a family of 9 children. His elementary education, afforded by the common schools, was supplemented by a high school course, which was completed by his graduation in 1879. He afterward engaged in teaching school for 4 years and then came to Kansas City, here entering the office of C. O. Tichnor, a prominent and very able attorney, under whose direction he began and prosecuted the study of law until his thorough preparation had fitted him for admission to the bar. Successfully passing an examination, he was admitted in 1886, but remained in his preceptor's office until 1889, when he entered into partnership with Messrs. Teasdale and Cowherd, under the firm style of Teasdale, Ingraham & Cowherd. This has become one of the foremost law firms of Kansas City, and is now in the enjoyment of a large general practice. Theirs is a distinctive clientage and their business interests they capably handle.
Our subject possesses the essential qualifications of a successful lawyer, and his devotion to his clients' interests, his keen perceptive powers and analytical turn of mind have been the means of bringing to his prosperity in his professional career. As before stated, however, his efforts have not been confined alone to the law. He has a valuable and extensive ranch of 6,000 acres in southern Missouri, where he raises fine Jersey cows, standard-bred trotting horses and blooded hogs. His place is known as the Wallace Pratt Stock and Fruit Ranch. He owns some very fine horses, including Jerome Enbank, sired by Manbrino Chief, with a record of 2:30; Combine, sired by Combination, record 2:16 ½; Rob Racine, by Old Wagner; also a very fine registered saddle stallion. His hogs are of the Jersey-Duroc and the Poland-China breeds. He has also 4 standard-bred jacks. The appointments of the farm, its barns and other buildings for the care of his stock are models of convenience, and the equipment is all that could be desired.
Mr. Ingraham has been twice married. He first wedded Elizabeth Wallace Powers, who died in 1889. In 1891 he was joined in wedlock with Miss Margaret Nelon, and they have 1 child, a daughter. Their pleasant home, which is noted for its hospitality, is located in Westport, and of that beautiful and enterprising suburban town Mr. Ingraham is the present efficient and honored mayor. In his political proclivities he is an active democrat.
ROBERT ROSS JAMISON
The subject of this sketch, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, on the 10th day of May, 1866. In 1869 he came westward with his parents and settled in Jackson county, Missouri. Here he attended the public schools until he was 14 years of age. He then entered Lincoln College at Greenwood, Missouri, where he pursued a course of study for several years, preparing himself for the study of his chosen profession. Shortly after leaving college, he entered the law office of the Hon. O. J. Houts, of Warrensburg, Missouri, where he remained for some time. Foreseeing, however, that a broad and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the theory and principles of the law was necessary for a successful manipulation of the machinery of its practice, he resolved to take a professional course at the University of Michigan. This he did, graduating with distinguished honor in the law class of 1892. After employing a few months of well earned rest, Mr. Jamison located in Kansas City, in February, 1893, entering the office of the Hon. R. H. Field, with whom he has since been associated.
Marked ability is always sure of an early recognition, and although yet a young man Mr. Jamison is already enjoying the benefits of a lucrative and steadily increasing practice. He is especially able as a trial lawyer. Tested as a master of the points in his cause, in quick perception and close discrimination in examination of witnesses, and the gift of exposition to the court and jury of the law and facts involved, he is pre-eminent. In argument, he is given more to the ponderous, the logical and the convincing than to the ornate and the elaborate. His style is simple and direct, his vocabulary copious and Anglo-Saxon, his argument inductive, and thought clear; and back of this is the discrimination and taste of a trained literary mind.
While possessing a splendid education, Mr. Jamison is of the broad and generous mold, attaching less importance to the technicalities of exact scholarship than to the great system of education which makes man the study and the world the college. His positions and reasonings are always based not upon the rippling ideas of the surface but upon the strong current of principle underneath. This method makes the study of law an inspiration and pleasure; pursued otherwise, it is dry, precise, and preeminently unpoetic.
It has been said that the spirit of prophecy dwells no more with men; but if the past is a criterion by which we may judge the future, we may safely predict for Mr. Jamison a career which will realize the promise and expand the reputation already won.
WYLEY WYATT
A member of a large family, thrust upon his own resources early in life, a sufferer of untold hardships during the Civil war, in which he was a participant, a man who has risen above adversities, and one who ranks today both in wealth and influence with the leading citizens of his community - this is Wyley Wyatt. The above outline affords ample material for the biographer to enlarge upon, and if space were no consideration he might go on indefinitely. In a work of this character, however, only the most succinct review can be presented.
Wyley Wyatt was born in Alleghany county, North Carolina, October 12, 1839, youngest son and child of William and Mary (Landreth) Wyatt, both natives of Ashe county, North Carolina, the former born in 1782 and the latter in 1792. His parents were married in their native county, now known as Alleghany county, February 11, 1808, and made it their home until 1851, when they emigrated to Missouri, their journey hither being made by wagon. Arrived in Jackson county, Missouri, they settled on a rented farm on Section 11, Washington township, and the next year removed to Section 26 of the same township. In the county the closing years of their lives were passed and here they died, his death occurring August 25, 1856, and hers February 21, 1861. They were the parents of 15 children, and besides rearing their own family they brought up two grandchildren. The names of their children are as follows: Solomon, Zebedee, Burgess, Louis, John L., Nathaniel, William, Jonathan, Calvin, Jane Williams, Catharine Williams, Mary Maxwell, Nancy O'Brien, Eveline and Wyley. All are deceased except the eldest and the youngest! The former, Solomon, was born June 1, 1809, and is a resident of Washington township, Jackson county, and the latter is the subject of this article.
At the time of the removal of the Wyatt family to this state Wyley was a youth of 12 years. Jackson county was then inhabited chiefly by Indians and wild animals, wolves being in abundance here, and life on the frontier had many attractions for him. But the family were poor, and the children as soon as they were old enough had to scatter and do for themselves. Wyley, being the youngest, remained with his mother after his father's death and took care of her as long as she lived.
He was married December 21, 1859, to Miss Sarah Maxwell, a native of Clay county, Illinois, and a daughter of Alexander and Susannah (Tolliver) Maxwell. Her father was a brother of E. C. Maxwell, a well-known citizen of this county. Her parents were married in Lawrence county, Indiana, and from there moved to Illinois on horseback. Her father died in the latter state August 18, 1853, and her mother survived him until February 27, 1893. They had 4 children that grew to maturity, viz.: Mrs. Wyatt, born October 11, 1842; William, born February 21, 1847, is a resident of Clay county, Illinois; Rebecca Ann, born November 17, 1848, is deceased; and James R., born March 10, 1850, is deceased. A record of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt is as follows: Mary Susan, born November 11, 1860, is the widow of M. T. Sharp and has 3 children: William G., born January 3, 1863, married Miss Jessie McPherson, and has 3 children; Sarah Elizabeth, born December 9, 1864, died June 10, 1889; Robert E., born August 30, 1866, married Miss Jennie Shelton, and has 1 child; Anna M., born August 17, 1870; Lorena E., born December 22, 1872, is the wife of Dr. A. M. Harrison; Ada M., born July 4, 1876; Lettie C., born Feburary 21, 1879; George W., born May 5, 1881; Joseph C., born November 9, 1883; and Stella J., born November 27,1886.
After his marriage Mr. Wyatt settled in Johnson county, Kansas, where he bought 80 acres of wild land on time, and on it made his home until 1861, when he had to leave because of war. During the civil war his family were without a home and lived about from place to place where they could find convenient shelter. He was among the first to enter the Confederate ranks. Indeen, necessity almost compelled him to take this course, and valiantly did he fight for the southern cause. He joined the command of Colonel Upton Hayes in General Shelby's army. The first engagement in which he participated was a skirmish on his brother's farm in this township. Then followed numerous other engagements, prominent among which were the following: Springfield, Missouri; Cross Hollows, Arkansas; Pea Ridge, White Oak, Rock Ford, Lone Jack, Hickory Grove, the three battles of Newtonia, the three of Cane Hill, Prairie Grove and others. In the spring of 1864 he returned from Arkansas to Missouri, and was a participant in the battle of Springfield. After this he was one of a scouting party that started out on a 90 days reconnoitering expedition, and with only a peck of parched corn as rations for each man. He took part in the Marshfield engagement, after which he returned to his family and kept himself in hiding.
When Order No. 11 was issued his wife secreted him in a wagon box and drove to Clay county. From there they went to Caldwell county, where they remained 2 years. During that time he rented what was known as the Solomon Young farm. People in general, and Mr. Wyatt in particular, saw some pretty hard times then - times that can better be imagined than described. At the end of the 2 years, knowing that a move could not make his condition any worse than it was, and hoping to better himself, he went back to Johnson county, Kansas, where he built a little shanty, 12 x 14 feet, and where he continued to abide until 1879. That year he came to his present location on Section 22, Washington township, Jackson county, Missouri, and here he has since resided. His persistent efforts and good management, together with the dawn of better days, have brought about a marvelous change in his financial condition. Now he is the owner of 351 acres of choice land, 300 of which are under a high state of cultivation. He has a comfortable residence, good barn and other improvements, and the stock in his broad pastures and his well tilled fields all give evidence of prosperity. He has given his children good educational advantages, has both a piano and organ for his daughters, and has a home and a family in which he has every reason to take a just pride. He and his family are identified with the Methodist church, south, at Martin City, he being a trustee and steward in the same. Politically, his influence and vote have ever gone to the support of the democratic party, and in all public issues, and especially those of a local nature, he takes a laudable interest. Thus in financial, political and religious circles, he occupies a prominent place, and he stands high in the estimation of his neighbors and many friends.
