Biographical Sketches
WILLIAM HUDSPETH
Of the pioneer families that have long been connected with Jackson county none are more deserving of mention in this volume than the one of which our subject is a member.
His father, Thomas Hudspeth, was a native of Kentucky, born February 17, 1805, and came to Jackson county in 1828, locating in Fort Osage township, where he engaged in farming until 1849. Attracted by the discovery of gold in California, he then crossed the plains to the Pacific slope for the purpose of mining, but died November 16, of the same year. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Cynthia Hambright, was a native of Simpson county, Kentucky. They were married March 29, 1829. She died in Fort Osage township, January 29, 1883. They had a family of 6 children, 2 sons and 4 daughters, of whom our subject was the 4th in order of birth.
William Hudspeth was born on the old family homestead in Fort Osage township, July 6, 1844, and in that locality was reared to manhood, making his home with his mother until his marriage, which was celebrated on the 20th of December, 1870, the lady of his choice being Miss Mattie Rogers, a native of Blue township, Jackson county, born August 31, 1850. She is a daughter of Winslow and Nancy (Webb) Rogers, honored early settler of Blue township, where they are yet living, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Tennessee. Their family numbered 8 children, 4 sons and 4 daughters, of whom Mrs. Hudspeth is the 5th. To our subject and his wife have now been born 4 children, 3 of whom are now living, Thomas W., Clifton and Hency C. The other child died in infancy. Mrs. Hudspeth is a member of the Christian church.
In March, 1871, Mr. Hudspeth located upon his present farm and has since devoted his attention to the cultivation of land and to the rising of stock. He now owns 261 acres of highly cultivated land, and the well-tilled fields yield to him a golden tribute in return for his care and labor. He is also one of the directors in the Bank of Buckner. During the war he was engaged in freighting to Colorado and New Mexico, mostly hauling provisions for the soldiers. After his return he went to Leavenworth, Kansas, in January, 1865. He walked to Missouri City, carrying his clothes in a flour sack, and proceeded on to Ray county, Missouri, near Richmond, where his mother was then living. In March, 1865, she returned with her family to Jackson county, and again took up her abode in Fort Osage township.
In politics, Mr. Hudspeth is a sturdy democrat, and socially is connected with Buckner lodge, No. 501, F. & A. M. Straightforward and honorable in all his business dealings, he has carefully and systematically conducted his affairs, and today is the owner of a valuable and desirable property.
This page was last updated August 2, 2006.