THE HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, MISSOURI- Biographies for Jackson Township, Pages 931-947 Kansas City Historical Co. 1881 *********************************************************************** Transcribed by Bill Pennington *********************************************************************** BENJ. A. BRADLEY, P.O. Holden. Retired farmer; whose name is inseparably associated with Jackson township, was born in Johnson county, Mo., Jan. 9, 1832. He was raised a farmer; was first instructed in the common school, then attended a select school taught by Jasper Ferguson. Mr. Bradley's father was a native of Georgia, born Feb. 19, 1790, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. He immigrated to Missouri in 1830, and settled in Jackson township, where he continued to reside until his death in 1870. Mr. Benj. A. Bradley's mother was a native of Kentucky, and died in Holden about 1873. The subject, Benj. A., after leaving school engaged in teaching, which he followed ten years, during which time he taught in different counties in this state. In March, 1861, he was married to Miss Martha R. Briggs, daughter of John Briggs. Mr. Bradley has been one of the enterprising farmers and stock dealers of his township; he owns a fine farm of 275 acres, all in cultivation, with a good residence and barn; also owns a good residence in Holden. He is a prominent member of the M.E. church, south. Mrs. Bradley is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Their family consists of the following named children: Seth B., John D., Clara B., Edgar and Charley A. F.M. BRADLEY, was born in Logan county, Kentucky, December 10, 1827. His father, R. D. Bradley, was a native of Florida, and was of English extraction, and a soldier under Gen. Jackson. His grandfather was a soldier of the revolution. F.M's mother was born in Kentucky, and was the daughter of Jonathan Baker. His father emigrated to Missouri in 1830, and settled in what is now Jackson township, entering his land from the Government and became one of the most enterprising farmers and stock dealers of his neighborhood. He died in 1868. His mother died in 1873. F.M., who is the subject of this sketch, was raised on a farm, and received a limited education at the schools of that day. He lived with his parents until his majority. In 1858 he married Miss Ellen, daughter of Reuben Fulkinson, Esq. They have three children: Alice S., Richard Dicky and Reuben J. Mr. Bradley owns a fine farm of 400 acres, and is one of the prominent stock dealers of his township, and has a good coal vein on his farm. Mr. B. is a member of the M.E. church, south. CHARLES D. BOISSEAU, was born in Johnson county, Missouri, April 18, 1845. He has always lived in Johnson county, and is a farmer and stock raiser. He was married to Miss Jane Gilliland on January 13, 1867. His wife is also a native of Missouri. By this union three children were born: Benjamin W., Jessie and Mary. At the commencement of the war of the rebellion, he enlisted in company A, of the first Battalion of the 7th M.S.M., of which Emery S. Foster was Major. Mr. Benjamin W. Boisseau, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Simpson county, Kentucky, in 1802. He was married in 1828 to Miss Sarah A. Fuquey, a native of Logan county, Kentucky. The names of children by this union were as follows: John, who died when two years of age, Mary A., Nancy C., Susan and Judith. Soon after his marriage he moved to Johnson county, Missouri and settled near Columbus, the oldest post office in the county. His principal occupation while there was farming. He then moved five miles farther west, where he lived until his death. Here his first wife died, and he again married, this time, Miss Syble Duncan was the object of his choice. By this union their household was blessed with six children: Sarah J., John Oscar, Charlie D., Lucy M., Daniel T. and Robert. The last dying in infancy, and John Oscar, when 17 years of age, in 1861. He died in the spring of 1863, being 61 years of age. Mrs. Boisseau, the second, and mother of Charlie D., was born in 1809, in Virginia, and moved with her parents to Kentucky, and lived there several years, then came to Johnson county, Missouri, where she married Mr. Boisseau. She still lives in Johnson county, Jackson township, at the advanced age of 72 years. ISAAC N. BRIGGS, JR., is the third son of Isaac Briggs, Sr. He was born in Bridgeport, Addison county, Vermont, May 31, 1827. At the age of ten he moved with his parents to Ticonderoga county, New York, in the immediate vicinity of old Ticonderoga Fort, situated at the mouth of Lake George. From thence they moved to Middleburg, New York, the county seat of Addison county. Here Isaac was apprenticed to learn the painter's trade. When he was 16 years old his father died, leaving a wife and a younger son than Isaac. Mr. Alvin Briggs is now a resident of Kansas. In the year 1849, Isaac, with his mother and brother, emigrated to Jackson county, Ohio, and in 1851 to Eight Mile Island, on the Ohio river, in Scioto county, Ohio. He married Miss Epalonia Sisler on April 27, 1852, and the union was blessed with five children, three daughters and two sons: Mahalia, Edith, Sarah, Orville and Edson. In the year 1860 he moved with his family to St. Louis, Missouri, his mother having died some two years previous at Kigersville, Gallia county, Ohio. Early in the commencement of the rebellion, he secured a position on the police force of St. Louis, in which capacity he served, until the close of the war. In December, 1863, his wife died and was buried in the beautiful cemetery of St. Peters. The three daughters remained in St. Louis, and were educated in a female seminary of that city. The eldest son died in infancy and Edson, the youngest, in 1863, was left to be cared for, with a Mrs. Shepherd, at the corner of 21st street and Franklin Avenue, St. Louis. Sometime in the year 1866, Mrs. Shepherd mysteriously disappeared with young Edson in her possession and no clue to her or the boy has yet been obtained, although vigilant search has been made. In February, 1865, Mr. Briggs came to Holden, Johnson county, Missouri, where he married his second wife, Miss Sallie W. Denney, of Kingsville township, July 30, 1865. To this union eight daughters were born: Maggie, Florence, Laura E., Theresia E. and Minnie, are living in Johnson county. Estelle Ruth and two infant twins are dead, and sleep beside their mother who died on December 12, 1877, and was buried in the Bluff Spring cemetery, one half mile northwest of the town of Kingsville. Mrs. John Wear the first daughter of the first union resides in Johnson county. The second daughter, Sarah, now Mrs. Peters, lives at Troy, 16 miles from East St. Louis, in Illinois. Mrs. Borches, the third daughter, is living in St. Louis. Mr. Briggs is now located at Kingsville, Johnson county, Missouri. He still uses the brush as a means of livelihood, and is admitted to be classed in the ranks of his art, as a painter of no mean ability. J.P. CRAIG, born in Augusta county, Virginia, near Stanton, February 14, 1823. His father, Robert, was also a native of Virginia, and born in the same county, and emigrated to Missouri in 1829, and in 1830 he moved his family and settled near Columbus, on a farm, where he remained until his death in 1847. J.P. Craig's mother was also a native of Virginia, and died on the same farm as that of his father, in 1849. J.P., who was principally a resident in this county, began to trade in stock when quite young, and today is one of the leading stock dealers of his township. He married in 1850, Miss Catherine J. Baker, daughter of Peter Baker. She died, leaving one child, Jennie. In 1857, Mr. C. married Miss Anna Phillips of this county, for his second wife. She is a native of Indiana. Soon after his marriage he moved on his present farm, containing 230 acres, 120 acres lying in Centerview township, with a good vein of coal. His present family consists of two sons, James P. and John W. Mrs. C. is an acceptable member of the M.E. Church South. M. POLK CRISP, was born in Johnson county, January 8, 1845. He was the son of Granville Crisp, a native of Alabama, who moved in an early day to Tennessee, where he remained a short time, and then removed to Missouri with his father, and when he was nineteen years of age went with a trapping company to California. He stayed in California engaged in the fur business, about four years, when by this time he had accumulated large sums of money, and returned to Missouri, and married a young lady, cousin of Hon. F.M. Cockrell. By this union ten children were born, viz: John F., James C., Reddin, Pemelia R., Polk M., Louisa S., Martha E., Mary S. and Granville. The youngest died in infancy. He went to Texas during the war, and there died, Dec. 20, 1865, near Georgetown. M. Polk, the subject of this sketch, was married Dec. 5, 1872, to Miss Jane M. Tate. She was born Dec. 1, 1856, and was a native of Lone Jack, Jackson county, Mo. She was living at Lone Jack when the noted battle occurred there. One incident she distinctly remembers, that of a shell passing through the building in which she was. By their marriage they have had six children, named as follows: Bessie, Granville, John Tate and George, the other two, (twins,) are not yet christened. At the commencement of the war, our hero went to Texas with his father, where he attended school a part of the time, and also assisted his father in taking care of his stock, of which his father was a large dealer. He enlisted under Joe Shelby's command at Camp John C. Moore, in the winter of 1863, and was in Price's raid, and Steele's invasion of Arkansas. He was a volunteer under Gen. Price at the battle of Lexington, and was in the battles of Okolona, West Point, and several skirmishes. After the war he attended the State University at Columbia, about five months, and about the same length of time at Christian Brothers' College at St. Louis. He returned to Johnson county and married, where he has ever since lived in section 23, a farmer and large stock dealer. SAMUEL DANIELSON, physician. Was born in Licking county, Ohio, Dec., 1852. He was educated in his native county, and commenced the study of medicine with H.C. Dicus of Martinsville, Ohio. He took his first course of lectures at the Phyomedical Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, and in 1875, commenced his practice, and in 1880, he completed his course of lectures, when he graduated. He practiced several years at Swan Creek, Ills., and, in 1877, came to Missouri, and located at Pittsville, where he enjoys a good practice. The Doctor married Miss Minnie Day, sister of Dr. Day, a prominent physician of Holden. By this union they have two children, Alva E. and Bertha Z. HOLT DAVIS. Mr. Davis, one of the most successful business men of this township, was born Nov. 28, 1847, in Johnson county, Missouri. His parents are both natives of Tennessee. They emigrated to Illinois, about the year 1843 and remained there until the year 1846, when they moved to Johnson county, Missouri. They raised a family of seven children, five of whom are still living. Holt was married, March 19, 1873, to Miss Julia Warford, daughter of Wm. and Martha Warford, of this township. Mr. Davis entered the Confederate army in October, 1864, when he was only sixteen years of age, and remained until the close of the war. Since the war he has dealt largely in stock, making two trips to Texas, and three to Colorado. He embarked in the mercantile business at Pittsville, this township, in February, 1881, and is doing well; he was also appointed postmaster at Pittsville, in February of the same year. Holt was educated at the common schools in this county. He commenced his career in meagre circumstances. He and his wife are both worthy members of the Baptist church. MICHAEL DAVIS, postoffice, Pittsville. Was born in Morgan county, East Tennessee, November 23, 1819. His father and mother were both of southern families--his father of North Carolina, his mother born in Tennessee. Her maiden name was Rebecca Curtis. His father, Abraham Davis, emigrated to Missouri in 1843, and stopped in the southern part of the state and died soon after. Michael Davis, who is our subject, came to Missouri in 1846, and settled on his present farm in Jackson township, in 1849, consisting of 200 acres, most of which is in cultivation. Mr. Davis commenced life in meagre circumstances, but as a farmer he has been a success. He married Miss Marsha Riggle, in October, 1838, daughter of George Riggle, Esq., and they have raised a family of twelve children: Isaac B., Holt F., Lizzie, Jonathan F. and Catherine C. Lost seven. Mr. Davis is a good neighbor, widely known and much esteemed. JASPER N. FERGUSON, county surveyor; section 3, Jackson township; postoffice, Kingsville. Mr. Ferguson is a self-made man, having battled on to success, an honored and highly respectable citizen, through his own unaided abilities, and what he is he owes to his unerring perseverance. He was born April 15, 1823, in Ray county, East Tennessee. When but six years of age he moved with his parents to Lafayette county, Missouri. In I830, some four years prior to the organization of Johnson county, his father moved into the territory now known by that name, and settled in the region then termed the Blackwater county. His father, John C. Ferguson, in 1830, erected what he said was the twelfth house in the county. In 1854 he moved eight or nine miles farther westward to a farm known as the old James farm, of 180 acres, which he bought, and lived there until his death, which occurred August 10, 1857. His wife died September, 1861. He was born, June 21, 1797; his wife January, 1798. They were both natives of North Carolina, Lincoln county. Her maiden name was Sarah Falls, and they were married in 1820. They had ten children, of which our subject was the second, and their births respectively occurred in regular alternate order, commencing with the year 1821 and continuing to 1839. Our hero commenced life for himself about the year 1844, when he was twenty years of age. He commenced by learning carpentry and wagon making. In 1846 he took a trip on horseback with his father to East Tennessee, and extended the trip to Lincoln county, North Carolina, his father's birth place. When he came back he attended the common schools for a time, and after attending a grammar school taught by Rev. David Hogan, of the C.P. church, at Blackwatertown, he commenced the career of teacher. He taught both in Johnson and Lafayette counties. In 1848 he attended Goshen's male and female academy, at Pleasant Hill, Cass county, Missouri. In 1850 he attended a high school, at Chapel Hill, taught by A.W. Ridings. Thus he continued going to school and teaching until 1852, when he married Miss Mary E. Cheatham, a native of Adair county, Kentucky. She was born January 15, 1829. By this union seven children were born, as follows: Emma A., Sarah J., Thomas E., Alice M., Mary E., John B. and Nanna. In 1852 Mr. Ferguson was appointed surveyor of Johnson county by the governor, to fill a vacancy in that office, caused by the resignation of John Givens, surveyor elect. Served as deputy surveyor under A.M. Perry from 1856 to 1860; also served as deputy under John J. Craig, who died in 1861, and George T. Gallaher was his successor, under whom Mr. Ferguson served as deputy surveyor. In 1872 Mr. Ferguson was elected by the democratic party surveyor of Johnson county, and re-elected by the same party in 1876 and 1880, which office he now holds in connection with that of ex-officio road and bridge commissioner. R.A. HAMPTON, postoffice, Pittsville, a prosperous and respectable farmer of this township, was born in Wilkes county, North Carolina, May 26, 1839. His father, Micageor Hampton, was a native of South Carolina, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. His mother was born in North Carolina, and was the daughter of David Mikel. His parents were married in North Carolina, and emigrated to Missouri in 1855, and settled in Johnson county, near Chapel Hill, and became one of the active farmers and stock dealers of his neighborhood. He continued on his farm until his death, in August, 1874. His mother is still living and making her home with R. A., who is the subject of this sketch, and who is the youngest, except one, of nine brothers. In all his father's family consisted of thirteen children, ten of whom lived to be grown men and women. Mr. R.A. Hampton was married to Miss Nancy Wagoner in 1859, daughter of Amos H. Wagoner. Mr. H. has been one of the most active and enterprising, as well as successful, stock dealers of his part of his township. He moved onto his present farm in 1867, containing 145 acres, including thirty acres of timber, 115 acres of choice land and good substantial buildings. His family is composed of the following named children: James P., Mary I., Albert M., Fannie M., Nally S. and Ella L. Mr. and Mrs. Hampton are both members of the M.E. church, south. Mr. H., as well as a dealer in hogs and cattle, is one among the prominent feeders. He is a good neighbor, is widely known, and is universally esteemed. JAS. HOWARD, was born in North Carolina, Aug. 11, 1816. His father, Jessie Howard, was a native of North Carolina. Jas. Howard is a miller; he learned this business when a boy and followed it through life. In October, 1837, he moved to Missouri and settled in Johnson county. His farm consists of 648 acres. Mr. H. is the oldest settler now living in Jackson township. He has a fine grist and saw mill just down the slope from his residence. His house is situated on a beautiful hill; in looking off to the south and east it forms a beautiful picturesque scene of all that is grand in the beauties of nature. He was married in North Carolina in 1836, to Miss Caron Denny, daughter of Jorden Denny, a well- to-do farmer. They have three children: Martha M., Jessie J. and Jas. P. Mrs. H. died in 1842. Mr. H. was married again in 1843 to Miss Amanda W. Suncox, daughter of Thomas Suncox; by this union they have seven children: Ephraim D., Thomas B., Columbus F., Sarah S., McDaniel, Wm. P. and Andrew J. Mr. and Mrs. H. are acceptable members of the S. M.E. church, and liberally contribute to the same. WILLIAM HOPPER. Mr. Hopper is one of the oldest settlers; is a native of Hamilton county, East Tennessee; was born October 27, 1820. He lived in his place of nativity until twenty years of age, then moved with his father, John Hopper, to Missouri, in the spring of 1840; stopped a short time in Lafayette county, then moved, and settled in Johnson county, about midway between Chapel Hill, in Lafayette county, and Pittsville, in Johnson county, then known as Brushy Knob district. Here his father died, January 18, 1842. Excepting four years during the war, Wm. has always lived on the farm his father settled here. He was married to Miss Lettie M. Cobb, January 4, 1844, and six children have been born to them, as follows: Elizabeth J., Martha S., Meredeth W., Mandaville L., Sarah A.M. and Mary Rebecca, four of whom are living, the other two are dead. The son and two eldest daughters are married. His early education was not neglected, receiving for the most part his early training in the schools of Tennessee. His occupation has always been that of farmer and stock raiser. Prior to the war he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South; since the war he has held no membership with any denomination. During the war he belonged to the M. S.M., and was under Colonel Nugent's command. He was in the noted battle of Lone Jack, August 16, 1862. At this battle, Mr. Hopper was struck by three bullets; one seared the back part of his hand, the second struck him squarely on the knuckles, but being a spent ball, it did him little injury. The third played a freak by striking and glancing from the side of a building, near to which he was, in the act of loading his gun, and struck him on the back part his head, knocking him sprawling on the face to the ground. However he had nothing to do but get up again, though he was considerably shook up. He had a large cord tie round his hat, and singular as it may seem, this cord in this last shot, undoubtedly saved his life. It was tied in a knot behind, and the ball struck squarely upon the large knot; thus he received its force more as a blow, with the result already related. He was mustered out of the service in 1863. Staid in Ray county until the close of the war, then came back to the old homestead in Johnson county, where he has ever since resided. John Hopper, his father, was native of North Carolina; was born 1789; was married to Miss Mary Davenport, a native of the same state, who was born 1793. They had nine children: Jane, Sarah, Elizabeth, James, William, John, David, and Robert; the last died in infancy, John Hopper died January 1842, and his wife March 3, 1876, at the extremely old age of eighty-three. She died in Johnson county, and at the time was one of the oldest women living in it. HARDIN LONG. The subject of this sketch was born in Jackson county, Alabama, October 6, 1820. He married Miss Amanda McFarland, February 12, 1846. She was born, December 18, 1825. Was the daughter of A. McFarland, a native of Virginia, who settled in Alabama in an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Long have eight children, as follows: William, Washington, Susan F., married William Hughes, a native of Alabama; Thomas G., James P., Arthur, Alexander and Malinda Jane. He was a farmer and stock-dealer until the war came on. Then reverses beset him on every hand, and from a prosperous and happy man, he was soon brought to penury and want, having lost nearly all his possessions in that dark time of war. At the outbreak he volunteered his services in the Forty-second Tennessee regiment, company E., of which he was captain for a time, but resigned October 18, 1862, having filled the position about one year. His resignation was accepted and acknowledged, by Brig.-Gen. Lloyd Tilgman. He was among those who surrendered at Fort Donelson, and was confined a prisoner six months. The war over, he came to Johnson county, Missouri, November 14, 1868, where he settled in Jackson township, section one, township forty-six. Under the township organization, he was elected township trustee, which office he held two years. He and his wife are members of the Christian church. His wife was born December 18, 1825. Since coming to Missouri, Mr. Long has, in a great measure, repaired the losses he sustained during the war, by farming as all successful farmers do, and by dealing liberally in live stock in a prudent and safe way. He is now acknowledged to be one of the first and best farmers in the township. His father, Arthur Long, married Miss Jane Williams; both emigrated to Alabama in 1818, and lived in Jackson county, that state, until they died; he in 1863, and she in 1867. His father was of Irish descent, and his children numbered ten, as follows: Elizabeth, Hardin, Kizziah, John C., Lemuel G., William, Martha M., Parilee, Peter B. and Thomas Benton. JOHN E. LONG. Among the most successful farmers and worthy citizens of Jackson township may be mentioned Mr. Long, who was born in Alleghany county, Maryland, November 4, 1821. His father and mother were both natives of Virginia. His father was born in 1792, and his mother in 1788. They raised a family of five children. His father died in 18--, and his mother June 30, 1881. John E. Long, the subject of this sketch, lived in his native state until grown to manhood. He received a very limited education at the subscription schools. He went to the state of Illinois in 1849, where he engaged to work at the carpenter's trade, which he followed for ten years, after which he engaged in farming, and worked at his trade at intervals. He was married to Miss Rebecca C. Peer, daughter of John Peer, Esq., in 1851. He continued to reside in Adams county, Illinois until the spring of 1869, when he moved to Johnson county, Missouri, and stopped one year in the then thriving little town of Holden. On the following year he purchased and moved onto his present farm, of 240 acres of choice land, of which 180 acres are under cultivation, and the balance in timber. He has erected on his farm a good residence and large barn, with all the necessary out- buildings. His shop, which stood near his residence, with all his tools, was burned in 1881. He is one of the most active as well as one of the most liberal men of his township. He contributed largely in money and labor to his church building--Wesley Chapel--of which he is the architect. He and his wife are both members of the M.E. church. His family consists of five boys: Charles E., Harry W., Ora E. and Ira E., twins, and Willie H. Mr. Long is a good neighbor, an affectionate father, a true Christian, and an honest and honored man. PAUL McNEEL, P.O. Odessa, who stands prominent among the citizens of this township, was born in Nicholas county, Virginia, May 27, 1840. Isaac McNeel, his father, who is also a Virginian by birth, and emigrated to Missouri in 1852, was born 1814. His mother was born in the same state, and died in this county, 1878. Paul's parents settled first in Davis county, this state, where they remained until the close of the war, when they moved to Lafayette county, and to this county in 1868. Paul, the subject of this notice, came to this county in l869, and purchased his present farm, but did not move on to it until 1881. He has just built a neat and handsome residence on a sightly spot, with a very beautiful surrounding. His farm contains 140 acres of land, lying near Rock ford, on Black Water. In 1878 Mr. McNeel was married to Miss Minnie Yankee, daughter of David Yankee. They have one son, Otha. Mr. McNeel is a successful stock dealer as well as a feeder. Mrs. McNeel is a worthy member of the Baptist church. A.G. MAXWELL, P.O. Pittsville, Jackson township; an enterprising farmer of this township, was born in Rockingham county, North Carolina, February 27, 1824. Samuel Maxwell, his father, was a native of the same county and state. In 1844 he emigrated to Missouri, and settled in Lafayette county, and died the same year. A.G.'s mother was a native of North Carolina, and died in the same state, 1843. His grandfather, on his mother's side, was from Ireland. His grandfather on his father's side, was born in Pennsylvania, and was one of the pioneers of North Carolina. A.G., who is our subject, after the death of his father, set out in life for himself, engaging in farming, and was married to Miss Duley Harmon, daughter of Lewis Harmon, in 1857, in Lafayette county, where he remained until 1868, when he moved to Johnson county, and settled on his present farm of 200 acres of well improved land, with substantial buildings. Mrs. M. died in 1868, leaving four children: Cora A., Samuel L., Albert P. and Robert E. In 1878 Mr. M. again married Mrs. Susan F. Merrill, daughter of Joseph Smith. By this union were born two daughters: Minnie S. and Ethlene P. Mrs. M. had three children by her former husband: Joseph A., Flora A. and W.H. Merrill. Mr. Maxwell is a successful wheat grower, and among one of the best stock raisers in his township; is a man who has set a good example, and is much respected. W.T. MILLER, assistant postmaster of Pittsville, was born in Johnson county, August 24, 1850. He received a limited education at the common schools. W. E. Miller, his father, was a well-to-do farmer, born in Ray county, Tennessee. Emigrated to Missouri in 1840, and settled near Pittsville, on Blackwater. In 1858, moved on to the homestead now occupied by the widow and the family. Mr. Miller died in 1879. The farm contains 180 acres. Mr. Miller was for many years before his death, a prominent member of the M.E. church, South. W.T. Miller's mother was born in Lafayette county, this state, and was the daughter of Judge Emmons, who was one of the earliest settlers of Missouri. W.T.'s mother raised a family of nine children, all of whom are living: James A., Baxter M., J. H., J.E., C.C., John, Anna J., Ella and Wm. T., who is the eldest son, and our subject; he has charge of the farm; also has a clerkship at Holt Davis' store, which position he has held for several years in the same store. Mr. Miller is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge, and is a man of sterling integrity. J.A. O'BRYAN, P.O. Holden; a prosperous and respectable farmer of this township, was born in Cooper county, Missouri, July, 1843. His father, J.T. O'Bryan, was a native of North Carolina, born in 1819. His parents emigrated to Missouri in 1838, and settled in Cooper county, where he remained until 1849, when he went to California, and was gone until 1859, when he returned. He moved to Johnson county in the spring of 1867, and died the following year, on the farm now owned by James A. The mother of the subject of this sketch was born in Missouri, and was the daughter of James A. Revis, one of the first settlers of Cooper county. James A, was educated in the county district school until eighteen years of age, when he went to Prof. Kemper's select school at Boonville, where he attended several terms. He then went to Eureka College, Illinois; after leaving this he read law, and soon after turned his attention to farming, which he has followed successfully ever since. He owns a fine farm near Whalebuck Ridge, of 320 acres, with a large and spacious residence. In 1877 he married Miss E.G. Lowery, daughter of Dr. Lowery, of Holden. They have three children: Richard, Edith and Estell. JACOB PFAUTZ. Among the most wealthy, industrious and enterprising citizens of Jackson township, may be mentioned Mr. Pfautz, born in the city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, January 1, 1824, of German and French extraction. great-great-grandfather was Alesael, and belonged to the Huguenots, and came to Philadelphia in 1716. His grandfather on his father's side was from Switzerland, and spoke the German language, and came to Lancaster in 1720. Jacob's father was a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and was born in 1785. His mother was also a native of Lancaster county, and his father worked for and aided Gen. Washington. Jacob, our subject was educated at Litiz, Pennsylvania. His father was a merchant, failed in business, consequently Jacob was thrown on his own resources. Commencing life poor, he struggled with poverty and adversity, but with an iron will, backed by industry and great energy, he has succeeded in accumulating a large amount of this world's goods. He has a fine house near Lisbon, Iowa, where his son and daughter are living. He has a large amount in government bonds, also a fine farm in Jackson township, of 444 acres, and one of the choicest orchards in the county. He married, in 1855, Miss R. Hammer, a native of Maryland. She died in 1863, leaving two children: John M. and Mary E., who is a lady of rare accomplishments. Mr. Pfautz is a pleasant, affable gentleman. WILLIAM B. PEMBERTON. Among the prominent and worthy citizens and successful farmers of Jackson township may be mentioned Mr. Pemberton, who was born in Barren county, Kentucky, January 30, 1843. His father and mother were both natives of New York, and emigrated to Missouri in 1846, when William B. was only three years of age, and settled in Johnson county. They raised a family of three children, one older and one younger than William B., all of whom are still living. His father died September 27, 1879. His mother is still living and enjoys moderate health. William B. was married October 17, 1867, to Miss Margaret L. Renick, daughter of William Renick, of this county. She was born October 4, 1844. From this union they had four children: Martha J., Nellie A., Maggie L. and Johnson W. Mrs. Pemberton died April 7, 1877. She was a member of the M.E. church, south. Mr. Pemberton was married again, October 1, 1878, to Miss Price, daughter of Adam Price, of this county. She was born September 22, 1844. Mr. Pemberton is a farmer by occupation; for the last ten years he has been a successful stock dealer and feeder. He has 260 acres of choice land, 240 in cultivation, with good dwelling house and out buildings. He enlisted in the Confederate army in the fall of 1861, and remained until the fall of 1863. He then went to Montana, and remained until the fall of 1866. While there he was engaged in mining, and was very successful. He was educated at the common schools, and commenced his career in meager circumstances. Mr. and Mrs. Pemberton are both members of the M.E. church, south. MERIDETH RICE, P.O. Pittsville. Among the enterprising citizens of Jackson township, may be mentioned Merideth Rice, who was born in Madison county, Ky., April 11, 1825. His parents were both natives of Virginia. His father died in 1863. His mother died in 1862. Merideth, the subject of this sketch, came from Kentucky to Missouri in 1869, and settled in Johnson county, near where he lives at the present time. He was married August 25, 1868, to Miss Catherine A. Nelson, daughter of Archibald Nelson, of Green county, East Tennessee. Mr. Rice has a family of six children, viz: Minnie B., Charles L., Beauregard, Joseph, Laura S. and Merideth. Mr. R. has 120 acres of good land. He is a successful stock raiser and dealer, and while in Kentucky he drove horses, cattle and mules from Kentucky into Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida. He was elected assessor of Jackson township, and served one term, giving general satisfaction. He was appointed constable for the same township in the spring of 1877, and was elected to the same office in 1878, and re-elected in 1880. Mr. R. commenced his education at the subscription schools, and finished with a two years' course at the Richmond Seminary, Ky. He commenced his career with small capital. Mrs. R. is a member of the M.E, church, south. SAMUEL RICE, P.O. Pittsville. Among the prominent men of this township, is Mr. Rice, who was born in Madison county, Ky., in 1830. James Rice, his father, was also a native of the same state, born in Fayetteville, and was an extensive stock dealer. He continued to reside in Kentucky till his death in 1863. His mother, who was the daughter of Thos. Turner, was also born in Kentucky. Samuel's grandfather was a prominent Presbyterian minister. Our subject, Mr. S. Rice, came to Missouri at the age of 23 years, to seek his fortune, and settled in the state in 1854, and stopped on Clear Fork. In the spring of 1856, he settled on his present farm, and has been quite successful as an agriculturist. In 1869, he married Miss Susan R. Easley, of Jackson county, Mo. The results of this union are four boys and two girls: Wm., Carrie, James, Mary, Thomas, and Miller. Mr. Rice and his worthy wife are both members of the Baptist church. Mr. Rice owns a good farm of 356 acres, with good substantial buildings. In 1861, Mr. R. entered the confederate army, with Gen. Cockrell as captain, and served four years, and was in many fiercely fought battles, and was taken prisoner at Vicksburg. In politics he is a democrat. Is a man of strong convictions, is a good neighbor and an honorable citizen. JOSEPH SLACK, P.O. Chapel Hill, Mo. Among the most worthy citizens of Jackson township, is Mr. Joseph Slack, who was born in Kentucky, March 15, 1825. His father, John Slack, was a native of Kentucky; his mother was also a native of Kentucky. They immigrated to Illinois in 1827, when Joseph (the subject of this sketch) was only two years old. Joseph remained with his parents and moved with them to Iowa in 1851; they settled at Hartford, Warren county, at which place his parents both died; his mother in 1863, his father in 1871. Joseph was married, Nov. 13, 1851, to Miss Clarkey B. Taylor, daughter of Rev. David Taylor, a prominent Baptist minister, who came to Cass county, this state, in 1871, where he died, Oct. 22, 1881, at the advanced age of 85 years, having been a preacher of the gospel for 50 years. Joseph moved to Johnson county, Mo., in Aug., 1870, and settled in Jackson township. He has 148 acres of choice land, 120 acres in cultivation, with good substantial buildings. He is one of the successful farmers and stock raisers of his neighborhood. He is a worthy member of the Grange at Chapel Hill, No. 560. He commenced his career a poor boy. Mr. and Mrs. Slack have ten children living, viz: Mary E., John M., Sarah E., Jennie, Nancy L., Joseph W., Cora C., Ida May, James F. and Thos. J. Mary E. was married Dec. 19, 1873, to Addison C. Ridings. Sarah E. was married Jan. 15, 1879, to B.B. Chambers. Mr. and Mrs. Slack and Jennie and Cora, are all members of the Baptist church. Mr. Slack is a cousin to Gen. Slack, who was killed in the battle of Pea Ridge. JOHN C. SPARKS, P.O. Chapel Hill, Mo. Among the enterprising and successful farmers of Jackson township, may be mentioned Mr. John C. Sparks, who was born in Surry county, North Carolina, June 5, 1815. His father, Joel Sparks, and his mother were both natives of North Carolina. John C., the subject of this notice, went from his native state to Indiana in 1836; then to Missouri in 1842, stopping in Lafayette county. He was married July 9, to Miss Sarah M. Cobb, daughter of Maurice Cobb of this county. She was born, April 30, 1831, in Surry county, N.C. Mr. Sparks continued to reside in Lafayette county, until 1871, when he moved to this county, and settled in Jackson township. He has 257 acres of land, of which 165 acres are in cultivation, with good residence, barn and out buildings. He received his education at subscription schools in North Carolina. He commenced his career with no fortune except an untiring energy, and a pair of willing hands, and has never received any legacy. He (John C.) is father of thirteen children, all living, viz: Martha M., Maurice E., Arminda E., Joel W., Sarah C., Mira J., John R., Mary E., Hattie A., Rosa B., Samuel N., Charley W. and Walter W. Sarah C. was married March 3, 1875, to Frank Brannock. Mira J. was married Dec. 13, 1874, to Edward Hampton. Arminda A. was married March 4, 1880, to Frank Buelle. Hattie A. was married August 1, 1880, to David Sisk. Martha M. was married in the fall of 1865, to Aaron Collins. Maurice E. was married in 1875, to Miss Amanda Brooks. Joel W. was married in 1877, to Miss --. John R. was married in 1879, Miss Cassie Alambaw. Mr. John C. and wife are both members of the M.E. church. CHARLES C. SMITH, P.O. Pittsville. A prosperous farmer and stock dealer, was born in Johnson county, Mo., January 6, 1838. His father, Joseph Smith, was originally from Virginia, and born in 1810, and immigrated to Missouri in 1817, and was captain of a company of militia during the Mexican war. His mother, who is a native of Tennessee, was born in 1809, and her maiden name was Nancy Beck. Mr. Chas. Smith's father died in 1857. Chas. C. was raised and educated on a farm. When 19 years of age he commenced business for himself, and has been very successful as a stock dealer. In 1861, he entered the confederate army, Gen. Shelby commanding and served until the close of the war, and participated in several battles. In 1865, returned home and engaged in farming, and in 1871 was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie McNeel. The result of this union is two sons, Marlin P. and Charley S. Mr. S. owns a fine farm of 280 acres of land, 160 well improved with neat residence, a first class barn and other out buildings. Mr. Smith and his worthy wife are both members of the M.E. church, south. A.W. STARKEY, was born in Washington county, Ohio, in May, 1830. His father, Stephen, Starkey, was born in Hampton county, Virginia, and emigrated to Ohio in 1824, where he resided until 1854, when he emigrated to Missouri in the same fall, and settled on a farm on section 25, containing 300 acres, all well improved, and where he continued to live until a short time before his death in 1879. Mr. A.W. Starkey's mother was a native of Pennsylvania. His grandfather on his mother side, was one of the children left after the Wyoming massacre, and his grandfather on his father's side was a volunteer soldier, who died in Mud Fort. A.W. Starkey, our subject, came to Missouri in 1854, and in 1856 went to Mississippi where he engaged in teaching, and continued until 1861, when he returned to Missouri, and spent one year with his father. He has devoted a greater part of his life to teaching. He was principal of a school in Quincy, Illinois, for twelve years, after which he spent some time in traveling through the western states. In 1859 he married Miss E.B. Bywater of Quincy, Illinois. By this union they have one son and daughter: Fannie M. and George S. Mr. Starkey is now occupying the old homestead. HENRY C. VIOLETT, P.O. Chapel Hill. He is a native of Johnson county, Missouri, and was born July 14, 1843. He is a son of Willis H. Violett, who is now living in Johnson county, and who settled in this county, near Pittsville, in the spring of 1839, and is a native of Kentucky. Henry's father married Miss Sallie Ann Windsor, also a native of Kentucky. Six children were born to them: Thomas E., Henry C., John H. and Mary E. are living. The two youngest died in infancy. He was born in 1818, and at the age of 15 commenced to learn the blacksmith's trade, which occupation he has followed up to the present time. Henry learned from his father, the art of shoeing horses, sharpening a plow, &c. He carries on farming in a systematic and practical manner, to which his neat farm and residence, and its pleasant surroundings, give abundant proof. He was married on Nov. 12, 1865, to Miss Mary J. Yankee, and their home has been gladdened with four children; two of them died in infancy. The other two, a son and a daughter, Willie and Annie E. are living. Mr. Violett's education is that of the common schools of the county. He served four months under J.V. Cockrell during the war, and was in the battle of Lexington in September, 1862. He is a member of the M.E. church, south. L.M. WINDS0R, farmer, Jackson township; postoffice, Holden, Missouri. Was born in Johnson county, Missouri, May, 1843. John Windsor, his father, was a native of North Carolina. At the age of sixteen he left his native state and went to Kentucky, where he lived until he came to Missouri, which was at an early day. He came to Johnson county the following year after the county was formed and named, and first settled near where Columbus now stands. Shortly afterward he moved to that part of the county now known as the Jackson and Madison township line, and continued to live on the old homestead until his death, which occurred on February 13, 1872. L.M. Windsor's mother was a native of Kentucky. Her maiden name was Elizabeth Barrett. She was married in Johnson county, and died February 26, 1874. L.M. spent his early youth on farm. His early education was limited to the inferior schools of that day. At the age of eighteen he entered the union army and served until the close of the war, when he returned to his home in this county where he has resided ever since. He was married in 1868 to Miss M.J. Givons, a native of Kentucky, and daughter of Alexander Givons. By this union they have three children: Robert A., John and Mary E. Mrs. Windsor is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. JOHN WINFREY, farmer and stock-raiser, P.O. Pittsville. Mr. Winfrey was born in North Carolina, September 10, 1820. His father, Thomas Winfrey, died just before he was of age, in February, 1838. His mother died in February, 1840. There were brothers and sisters as follows: Nancy, John, Simon, Caleb, Eunice, Isaac and Thomas H. Three are dead: Simon, Isaac and Thomas. The other four are living in Missouri. John Winfrey, our subject, came to Missouri in April, 1851, and settled on a farm, a part of which he bought, and a part he entered, and has since resided there, and his intelligence, integrity, and generosity have secured to him the respect of all who know him. He was married, December 15, 1842, to Miss Jane A. Martin. They have no children of their own, but have generously opened their hearts and home to the care of orphan children, which admirable quality deserves special mention. During their stay in Missouri the following persons, once orphaned children, five in number, have been special objects of their care, all of whom they reared from youth up to manhood, respectability and woman's noblest sphere: William Carlyle and his sister, Lydia, were the first. William was five years old when this good couple took him to their home. He is now a prominent and well-to-do farmer, near to his foster home. William Sparks and his sister, Mary R., were the next who went to live with them. William's education was not neglected. He attended the State Normal School at Warrensburg, and is now one of the prominent teachers of Jackson township, and also a member of the Baptist church, and worker in the Sunday school of that church at Elm Spring. Jessie Alexander was the fifth and last homeless orphan which this estimable couple cared for. He was quite young when they took him, and still lives with them. He is a relative of Gen. Morgan, of late war fame. Mr. Winfrey has been justice of the peace for twenty-one years. He was postmaster of Basin Knob postoffice for eleven years. He and his wife are both members of the Baptist denomination, and hold their membership with the Elm Spring congregation. In politics he is one of the leading republicans of his township.