Biographical Sketches
NATHAN LIPSCOMB
It is now our privilege to take briefly under review the life history of one who was born and reared in Jackson county, Missouri, and who has for years figured prominently among the leading farmers of this country; who, when the north and south were in the throes of war, went out in the strength of his young manhood and valiantly fought for the cause he believed to be just and right; and whose history in an ancestral way touches the early pioneer days of Kentucky and goes back to South Carolina.
Nathan Lipscomb, the grandfather of this gentleman, was born in South Carolina and at an early day emigrated to Kentucky, established his home on the frontier and did well his part in helping to fight the Indiana. In Kentucky he passed the rest of his life and died. It was in Madison county, that state, October 21, 1813, that his son Joel, the father of our subject, was born. Joel Lipscomb remained in Kentucky until 1839, when he came to Missouri and settled on Section 6, Washington township, Jackson county. His wife, whose maiden name was Henrietta S. Harris, was a native of Kentucky and a daughter of John Harris. She had 5 sisters: Mrs. W. R. Bernard, Mrs. Seth E. Ward, Mrs. Col. C. E. Kearney, Mrs. Thomas H. Mastin and Mrs. J. J. Mastin, and 1 brother, John Harris. At the time the Lipscombs settled in this county the Indiana were much more plentiful here than white men. Indeed, the cabins of the latter were few and far apart. Mr. Lipscomb devoted his energies to the work of improving his land, got on peacefully with the Indians, reared his family, and thus passed the years until the great war-cloud gathered and deluged our land. He himself served during a part of the war, as a member of the state troops, and 2 of his sons were in the Confederate army. Like many other residents of this part of Missouri, he suffered greatly from depredations committed by the Jayhawkers, having his house burned and much of his property destroyed. He and his wife were the parents of 10 children, 7 of whom grew to maturity, and 6 of that number are still living. Brief record of them is as follows: William S., 2nd lieutenant of Company A, 6th Missouri infantry, Confederate States of America, and was killed at the siege of Vicksburg, June 25, 1863; Nathan, whose name introduces this article; Louisa S., widow of Dr. John E. Watson, lives in New Santa Fe, and is the mother of 3 children; Frances M., wife of W. Z. Hickman, of LaFayette county, Missouri, has 4 children; John Harris, Kansas City; R. Bernard and James, both unmarried and residing at the old homestead. The mother of this family passed away in March, 1859; the father survived her a number of years, living to a good old age, and dying December 27, 1893. Both were members of the Christian church, he being active in the same. In politics also he took a prominent and active part, first affiliating with the whigs and in later years with the democrats.
Nathan Lipscomb, the immediate subject of this article, was born on his father's farm in this county, July 3, 1843, was reared to farm life, and was educated in the schools near his home and at Independence. When the civil war came on he joined Colonel Holloway's command, state troops, and took part in the fight at Independence. After this he returned home and at once went to Texas, taking with him the Negroes and horses belonging to his father, and remained in Texas during that winter. In the Spring he again joined the Confederate ranks, this time at Van Buren, Arkansas, and under Captain McKinney and Colonel Rosser. Among the engagements in which he participated were those of Corinth, Iuka, Port Gibson, and the siege of Vicksburg. Subsequently he was under Captain Robert Adams and Colonel Shanks, and near the close of the war was detailed to smuggle goods from Arkansas. While thus occupied he was shot through the left foot at Jenkins' ferry, when Steele was retreating from Camden, Arkansas, which disabled him for a period of 4 months, and 4 weeks of this time he was inside the enemy's lines and hid himself in the woods. Afterward he took part in no less than dozen fierce skirmishes. He continued in the ranks until the close of the conflict, surrendered at Little Rock, Arkansas, and from there went to Texas, remaining until Christmas, 1865, when he returned home.
In the Spring of 1866, Mr. Lipscomb, in company with Mr. Reuben Mastin, went to Texas for cattle, and on his return he set out for Nebraska City, where he was employed as wagon-master for S. E. Ward in a freighting business. In 1868 he came home, and the following year purchased the farm, of 135 acres, in Section 19, Washington township, where he has since lived. At the time of purchase this land was all in its primitive state. To the work of improving and cultivating his farm he has given his close attention, has added to his original holdings, and at this writing has under cultivation 187 acres.
Mr. Lipscomb was married April 25, 1877, to Miss Letitia Cantrell, a native of this township and a daughter of D. H. Cantrell. Mr. Cantrell came from Tennessee to Jackson county, Missouri, in the year 1834, and made this his home until 1853, when he crossed the plains to California, and in the Golden State maintained his residence until his death, October 22, 1894. Mrs. Lipscomb's mother was by maiden name Miss Hanna Kerby. She was a native of Tennessee, born in 1823, daughter of Jesse Kerby, who came to Jackson county in 1832, and died here in 1853. She died in 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Cantrell were the parents of 6 children, 4 of whom are living, Mrs. Lipscomb, Mrs. Sarah Spaulding, Mrs. Mary Oppenheim and C. H. Cantrell, all residents of California except Mrs. Lipscomb. She was born December 5, 1844, went to the Pacific coast with her parents and was educated there. Mr. and Mrs. Lipscomb have an only child, Darby Cantrell, born December 7, 1881.
In public and political affairs Mr. Lipscomb has ever evinced a lively and commendable interest, acting with the democratic party. He has been school director for many years, has frequently served as delegate to conventions, and in 1892 made the race for the nomination of sheriff, being defeated, however, in this race. Mrs. Lipscomb is an active member of the Christian church.
This page was last updated August 2, 2006.