Biographical Sketches
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.
This page was last updated August 2, 2006.