THE HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY, MISSOURI- Biographies for Post Oak Township, Pages 866-880 Kansas City Historical Co. 1881 *********************************************************************** Transcribed by Bill Pennington *********************************************************************** W.T. BAKER, postmaster at Cornelia, was born in Schuyler county, Missouri, February 17, 1856. He followed agricultural pursuits until within the past year. In 1876 he moved to Johnson county and settled at Burnett Station. He lived two years in Henry county, then returned to Johnson county in 1879, and in the fall of 1881 he engaged in the mercantile business at Cornelia, and was appointed postmaster. Mr. Baker is a gentlemanly and efficient postmaster, also an enterprising business man. He has an interest in the blacksmith shop of the village. Was married November 28, 1876, in Chariton county, Missouri, to Miss Burellia G. Lewis. W.R. BOWEN, county assessor and farmer. The subject of this sketch was born October 25, 1835, in the state of South Carolina, where he was reared to manhood. He came to his present location in 1868. Was married January 16, 1872, to Miss E.E. Wilson, and from this union they have these children: Mary Ella, John, Robert, Hattie May, Lula Viola. In the fall of 1879 he was elected to the office of county assessor, served two years, and was re-elected. He now owns a farm of eighty acres. Is a member of the Baptist church. CHARLES S. BRYSON, son of Rev. John C. Bryson, was born June 29, 1856. This enterprising young business man lives in Post Oak township, on his father's homestead, one mile southwest of Burnett Station. The bright future which lies before this young man will doubtless bring wealth and honor, and fit him for a prominent place among his fellow-citizens. The father of the subject of this sketch was born January 19, 1821, in the state of Pennsylvania. He studied for the ministry, graduating from Bethany college, Virginia, July 4, 1847, and from the Theological seminary three years after. He was married in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1850, to Miss Nancy Chambers, daughter of Alexander Chambers. The names of the children are: William A., John C., Emma J., Charles S., George M., Harry B., Maria McDowell, David K., Joseph M., Julius W., deceased, and Anna S., deceased. Rev. John C. Bryson came to Johnson county in 1867, where he has since resided, officiating as a United Presbyterian minister a portion of the time. WILLIAM H. BURFORD, farmer, stock raiser and stock buyer, one of the oldest stock dealers now in Johnson county, is the subject of this brief sketch. Was born August 7, 1832, in the state of Virginia, and in 1839 his parents came to St. Clair county, Missouri. In 1844 he went to California, where he engaged in the grain business, and in about three years he returned to St. Clair county, Missouri, and in 1858 he came to Johnson county, and brought a drove of cattle to feed. He has driven cattle from here to St. Louis, and has been engaged in the stock trade in Johnson county since 1858. He, at one time, owned 2,20O acres of fine land, but, as the hard times came on, land reduced in price. He now owns 490 acres of fine land, with comfortable buildings. He was married March 27, 1859, to Miss Elizabeth Williams, and from this union they have eleven children, eight of whom are now living: Umphry M., Sallie A., William H., Belle, Daniel, James Thomas, Charles E., M.D. He lost three: Akeman, Mary E. and Archibald. Mr. Burford is a man who is highly honored by all of his neighbors. THOMAS J. CALDWELL. Among the most worthy citizens of this township, none stands higher than the subject of this sketch. He was born in Caldwell county, Kentucky, April 7, 1833. Is a son of Elder William P.C. Caldwell, who came with his family to Missouri, when Thomas was about twelve years of age. He received his education in the common schools of those early days. Among his early teachers were the Harringtons, Drapers, Herefords, Barnes and Johnsons. January 24, 1856, he married Miss Martha Holmes, daughter of Benjamin A. Holmes, a prominent farmer and stock raiser of this township. She was born July 27, 1838. Eight children have been born to this worthy pair, seven of whom are living: Lulu M., William A., John J., Ida B., Earnest L.; Rosseau L., Eddie B. and Myrtle W. Miss Lulu M. was educated at the Normal School, and is a successful and efficient teacher. Mr. Caldwell is the eldest of ten children, six boys and four girls. In 1862 he entered the Confederate army, in company F, sixteenth Missouri infantry, and stood bravely to his post until the surrender of Shreveport, Louisiana. The following are some of the engagements in which he took a part: Prairie Grove, Helena, Little Rock, Camden, Pleasant Hill (Louisiana). He owns about 500 acres of good land, beautifully situated, near the head of Clear Fork. In 1873 Mr. Caldwell was chosen a member of the county court, and subsequently served as township trustee. In politics he is a straight-forward Democrat, and in religion a Baptist, and holds membership with the Harmony church, where he stands among its most earnest workers and liberal supporters. He takes a deep interest in public schools and all other enterprises that are calculated to promote the public good, for which the coming generations will be grateful. As a worthy citizen he exhibits a hospitable and generous feeling towards all. JOSEPH W. CALDWELL, farmer and stock-raiser, P.O. Cornelia. The son of Rev. W.P.C. Caldwell; born December 10, 1841, in Caldwell county, Kentucky. When his parents removed from Kentucky to Johnson county, Missouri, the subject of our sketch was about five years of age. He attended school in his own neighborhood, at High Point; also, at Warrensburg and Calhoun. Soon after the war broke out he enlisted in the confederate service, and did much service under Gen. F.M. Cockrell's command, in various parts of Missouri, and the southern states. He was married to Miss Martha Ann Townsley, daughter of James and Sarah Townsley, March 7, 1872. Their children are: Mary F., George T., Sarah J., and Joseph W. Mr. Caldwell has a good farm of 160 acres, all under cultivation. He feeds cattle as well as carrying on farming in a very intelligent manner. He has a genial and social bearing, which wins him many friends. CHARLES CARTER, born in Scotland county, Missouri, March 27, 1848. Daniel Carter, his father, was a native of Ohio, and carried on farming in all its branches. He removed from Missouri to Illinois when a small boy, settling in Stark county. In 1870 he returned to Missouri, settling on a farm in Johnson county. Was married to Miss Eugenia Irwin, daughter of J.H. Irwin, a native of this county. She died May 6, 1881. He has two children living: Freddie and Charles L. Mr. Carter is the road- overseer of his district and has been a member of the school board for three terms. Himself and wife were both members of the C.P. church; he holding the office of deacon at the same. His farm consists of 165 acres. FREDERICK CULP, farmer, P.0. Burnett Station, was born in Logan county, Ohio, July 29, 1842. He has pursued the pleasant and reliable occupation of a farmer. He was married, in 1866, to Caroline Roof, of Rockingham county, Virginia, and three children have blessed their household. In the spring of 1870 he came to Johnson county, and settled on his present farm, which consists of eighty acres of excellent land. He has a fine and comfortable dwelling, and barn of more than ordinary capacity and convenience, designed and constructed by himself. He has fine stock, which, together with his farm, are well tended and improved. He is an elder in the Brethren church, of which himself and wife are faithful members. CHARLES L. DES COMBES, The world furnishes men of every type and character. Some have breadth and liberality of mind, others never perceive that which is beyond their own narrow sphere of operations, and they never go beyond the neighborhood in which they were born. To the mind that never experiences the educating influences of new and strange surroundings a great part of life's joy and satisfaction is lost. Few men, indeed, among the quiet farmers of our rural districts, have passed through the perils by land and the perils by sea, the joys and sorrows, the success and adversity, which has fallen to the lot of Charles L. Des Combes. He was born January 6, 1806, in the Canton of Neuchattel, Switzerland, the son of David L. Des Combes, who died in St. Louis county, this state. At the age of fourteen he came with his parents to America, embarking from Holland, and touching on the south shore of Greenland, thence through Hudson's Bay to the mouth of Nelson river. Here they disembarked and proceeded up the river by means of boats until they reached lake Winnepeg, thence proceeding up the Red River of the North, sometimes rowing up the current of streams and across lakes, then hauling the boat after them across a "carry" to the next body of water, and thus proceeding until they were far in the wilds of the northern wilderness. Here the family remained one summer and two frozen winters, subsisting a portion of the time on dried buffalo meat procured from the savages, and fish which they took from the river after having cut through ice from six to eight feet in thickness. Dissatisfied, they determined to proceed south into the United States. Accordingly, in the spring of 1823, they started on their perilous journey through the trackless forest, sometimes by river and sometimes by land, till they reached the source of St. Peter's river. At this point the father cut down a large tree and made a canoe in which the family proceeded until they reached Fort Snelling, destitute of the necessaries of life. When the youthful Des Combes was presented a loaf of bread by the garrison of the fort, he threw up his arms in joyful glee and exclaimed: "Thank the Lord, here is bread once more." They proceeded down the Mississippi River and settled at St. Louis when the great metropolis was scarcely larger than Warrensburg. He married Martha A. Wash on the sixth day of April, 1837, and the following are the names of the children, five of whom are still living: Thomas L., Mary L., Adelia A., Charles E., William F., Virginia E., Rachel R., Martha Day, John N., Susan Rand, Eugene. When Mr. Des Combes first came to Post Oak township, in 1856, his present well cultivated farm was an open prairie, without tree or fence. His farm consists of about 500 acres of fine land, well fenced, with orchards and groves, large and elegant house and barns, all of which have been the result of his own labor and enterprise. Mr. and Mrs. Des Combes, though well advanced in years, enjoy reasonable good health, and have the satisfaction of seeing their children grow up to honor and usefulness. To give one-half of the history of this eventful life would require a volume in itself, and to do justice to such a subject would overstep the limits of time and space intended in this work. We cannot, however, refrain from recording the facts that C.L. Des Combes became a member of the Old School Presbyterian church before he left Switzerland, and has been a member since that date. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church south, having been received into that religious organization in September, 1832, while living in Virginia. One of his sons, Charles E., lives in Georgia; he was a soldier in the confederate army, and served under Gen. F.M. Cockrell. The vessel which brought the Des Combes family from Europe to America was three months on the voyage to the mouth of Nelson river, and three months more were consumed in the journey up the river to their first settlement, on the Red River of the North. Mr. Des Combes, in 1850, made a trip to California, crossing the plains, and returning by way of the isthmus and New York city. During fifty-two years of ceaseless activity, as a man delighting in manual labor, he knew not a day's sickness, though the weight of years is perceptible in his weakening frame. LEE D. EWING, M.D., postoffice, Cornelia. Where there are so many good citizens and worthy men as this township contains, it would be hardly probable in our brief sketches that full justice would be done, but we should feel our task was not complete without special mention of Dr. Lee D. Ewing. He is a native of Lafayette county, this state, born at Lexington, July 24, 1848. W.P. Ewing, his father, was a native of Kentucky, and a gentleman who was prominently connected with many of the large interests of that earlier day. He was a Santa Fe trader, and was the person who settled the Geyser Springs of California, about 1857. His grandfather was also a Kentuckian, and his great-grandfather on his mother's side was of revolutionary fame. Lee was with his father in California during his early years, and went with him to Texas in 1860. Joined the 32d Texas volunteers in 1862, and served until the close of the war. Was with Col. Wood, of the 1st regiment, for about a year. After the war he attended school, and was a graduate of St. Louis Medical College in 1870. Was married to Miss Bettie Harris, of Lafayette county, daughter of Duke Harris, a prominent citizen of that county. They have four children: Delman H., Finis Waldo, Duke and Lee B. Dr. Ewing moved to Johnson county in 1871, and practiced medicine at Rose Hill for a year, and then removed to his present home in Post Oak township, nine miles south and one and a half miles east of Warrensburg. The doctor is now Worshipful Master of Cold Spring Lodge, A.F. & A.M., and a man whose gentlemanly demeanor toward strangers soon places them among his friends. Post Oak township fully appreciates the firm of Ward & Ewing as medical men, whose practice is not even confined to this county. CAPT. JOHN W. GREENLEE, was born in Lincoln county, Kentucky, September 23, 1839. When about three years of age, he came with his mother to Johnson county. His father was a native of Virginia, and his mother of Maryland. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted, April 15, 1861, in the confederate service, and continued till the very close, engaging in many of the most important battles and campaigns in Missouri, Arkansas, and other western states. He received two severe wounds, from which he afterwards entirely recovered. He was commissioned lieutenant, and before he was discharged, commissioned captain, in which office he had acted for a long time. He was married, in 1870, to Miss Mary C. Divers, daughter of F.A. Divers, one of the first settlers of Johnson county. They have three children. His home farm consists of 140 acres, and his farm on Clear Fork of 112 acres. He is a generous, high-minded, honest citizen. ABNER GRINSTEAD. Among the enterprising farmers and public-spirited citizens of Post Oak township is Mr. Abner Grinstead. He is a man of individuality and generous impulses towards all persons with whom he associates. Reared in Missouri, he may well be taken as a fair representative of that character so much admired in public and private life. On February 26, 1829, Madison county, Kentucky, he was born; but his parents removed to Callaway county, Missouri, when he was only eighteen months old. In about three years thereafter they removed to Pettis county, where most of young Grinstead's boyhood days were spent, during a small portion of which time he attended the district school in his own neighborhood. He was married to Miss Charity A. Wells, daughter of Col. Ransom Wells, November 17, 1853. The names of their children are as follows: Mary Alice, now wife of Paschal Henshaw, living in Vernon county; Jesse Ransom, and Abner Rector. By industry and economy Mr. Grinstead has accumulated a good property. He owns 260 acres of land, 205 of which are under excellent cultivation. An orchard of about three acres of bearing apple and peach trees, a fine house with barn and adjacent buildings, a flock of fifty to one hundred sheep, sixty head of hogs, 110 acres of corn, a large herd of cattle, and every facility for operating his farm, are among the resources which contribute to his wealth and enjoyment. When Mr. Grinstead first came to this township, he purchased land near the present site of Cornelia, but soon after removed to his present residence. Newton Chrisman entered the eighty acres of government land where Mr. G. now lives. The father of our subject, Jesse C. Grinstead, was born in December, 1798, near Richmond, Virginia. Although a mere boy he served in the last war with Great Britain, being stationed for a time at Norfolk. He now draws pension as a veteran soldier of that war. The wife of this aged pioneer is also living with her husband, in Pettis county. It is remarkable how they have withstood the toil and experience of so many years, and still live to see their descendants respected, prosperous and happy. O.B. HARWOOD, farmer and stock-raiser, P.O. Burnett Station. The subject of this short sketch was born in St. Louis county, near St. Louis, May 31, 1842. Attending school a portion of the time, he remained at home till the great civil war broke out, when he enlisted from the state of Mississippi, in the confederate army, and served three years in a company of artillery. When the war closed he returned to his home, near St. Louis. The year 1867 was spent in Texas. January 9, 1873, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Des Combes, daughter of Frederick Des Combes. The interesting family consists of three children: Mattie C., Rosa, and Charles H. Mr. Harwood's father, William B., was a native of Virginia. His farm consists of 240 acres of excellent prairie land, capable of sustaining immense crops of corn, wheat, and other grain. Besides cultivating the soil, he raises sheep, cattle, horses, and mules. Mr. Harwood is an intelligent, enterprising, and liberal-minded farmer, ever ready to lend a willing hand to every project calculated to build up the township and Johnson county. ROBERT H. HOLMES, one of the prosperous farmers of Post Oak township, was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, June 15, 1834. He came to Johnson county with his parents, in 1849. When he was about twenty-two years of age, he engaged in freighting goods across the plains, from Kansas City to the west. After spending three years in this employment, he returned home, and was married, on the 14th day of September, 1860, to Miss Adelia Jane Caldwell. She was born in Kentucky. In June, 1862, Mr. H. enlisted in the confederate service, and served until the close of the war. He is now in possession of a valuable farm of 224 acres of well- improved land, and a tract of 200 acres of timber. He is largely interested in stock raising, and is comfortably situated. Himself and family are members of the Baptist church, and are among its warm supporters and advocates. WILEY F. JAMES, farmer and stock-raiser, P.O. Cornelia. He was born in Monroe county, Tennessee, August 16, 1829. Son of John James, also a native of Tennessee. John James was born in 1805, and died since the civil war. In 1837 the subject of this sketch came with his parents to Missouri, and settled on the Warrensburg and Clinton road, about eleven miles south of Warrensburg. Young James attended the first school taught at Shiloh, by Alexander Marrs. He lived there on his father's farm till 1855, when imbued the spirit of adventure, he made a journey to the Golden State. He soon returned to Johnson county, but in 1860 he again went to California, where he remained till the war had closed. After again returning to Post Oak township, he married Mary Runner, daughter of Michael Runner. The names of the children are: John B., Lee W., and Hattie. His farm consists of 292 acres, most of which is tillable, possessing the advantages of timber and creek. He also buys and ships considerable stock. During the civil war Mrs. James, then a young woman, witnessed some of the most heart-rending ferocities of blood-thirsty men. One day her brother was shot down, before her eyes, in their door- yard, and while the neighbors were burying his remains, her father was shot dead upon his door steps. While no blame is laid upon any particular citizen of this state, it may be said, without fear of contradiction, that for such conduct, on the part of any man or body of men, no sufficient cause ever existed. SANDY E. JONES, farmer and stock raiser, P.O. Cornelia. He is the son of the late John S. Jones, and was born August 30, 1834, in Casey county, Kentucky. In 1836 he came with his parents to Johnson county, Missouri, and settled in Washington township. John S. died in February, 1857, leaving the estate in the care of his son. He was married June 19, 1876, to Mrs. Rebecca A. Phillips a native of Ohio. Four children were born to this household, three of whom are living: Lee Dunn, Christina E., deceased, Calvin Sandy and Margaret Ellen. Christina and Calvin were twins. His farm consists of 160 acres of well cultivated land, besides 40 acres of timber. Mr. Jones is an enterprising farmer highly esteemed for his worth as a man. E.S. KATHERMAN, farmer and stock raiser. Born in Darke county, Ohio, June 9, 1855. Here he was educated and raised on a farm. In the autumn of 1876 he came to Johnson county, and on the 15th of October, 1877, was united in marriage to Miss Sallie Miller, a daughter of A. Miller of this county. She is a native of Allen county, Ohio. Mr. Katherman is now conducting a farm of 274 acres, as well as doing a good business in stock raising. He is also engaged in dealing in building stone, lime and coal, which is all found in abundance on his farm, and meets with ready sale in consequence of superior quality of these productions. He is a stirring business man, and is fast becoming identified with the leading men of his township. His family consists of three children, all of whom are living: Anna Belle, Leroy and Pearl(twins). REV. S. FINIS KING. The history of the King family may be commenced by making a brief mention of Rev. Samuel King, who was born in Iredell county, North Carolina, on April 19, 1775. In 1791 he moved to Cumberland county, Tenn. In 1795 he was married to Miss Anna Dixon of Wilson county. In 1824 or '25 he came to Missouri, and made his home in Clay county; then in 1833 came to Johnson county. In 1801 he was licensed a minister of the Presbyterian denomination, and in 1804 assisted in organizing the Cumberland Presbytery. During most of his life Mr. King was identified with the spreading of the gospel in newly settled countries, and had seen an active, toilsome life. He died in 1842. He was the paternal grandfather of our subject, Rev. S. Finis King, who is a son of Richard M. King, who was the fourth son of Rev. Samuel K. Rev. Richard M. was killed by guerrillas, May 22, 1864. Rev. S. Finis was born Sept. 29, 1848, and when about 20 years of age, began preparing for the ministry, and has since been actively engaged in ministerial labors, in the C.P. church. He was married in 1867, to Miss Mary A. Burton, a native of North Carolina. Three children have been born unto them, Lizzie A., Robert M. and Mary A. Mr. King is a gentleman, highly respected and esteemed by the people for his many genial qualities and sterling Christian virtues. JOHN J. LEE, postmaster and merchant at Burnett Station. Mr. Lee was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, December 27, 1842, the son of John N. Lee, a native of Virginia. His youthful days were principally spent at home until the war of the rebellion, and his country's call for patriotic men to defend the stars and stripes. He enlisted August 5, 1862, in company F. 97th regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry. After remaining for a short time in camp at Zanesville, they were ordered to Covington, Kentucky, to check the invading forces of Gen. Kirby Smith, thence to Louisville, and drove Gen. Bragg to Murfresboro and engaged him in the battle of Stone River, thence to Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Nashville, and Huntsville, Alabama. Finally after the surrender of the Confederate forces, he was mustered out of the service at Nashville, having been a faithful soldier in the cause of his country. Soon after the war closed he went to Iowa, and acted as civil engineer on the Chicago and North Western R.R., which was then being located through to Council Bluffs. He aided in laying out the town of Missouri Valley Junction, and locating the line of railroad from that point to Sioux City. In the year 1867 he came and purchased eighty acres of land in Johnson county, where he still resides. On June 14, 1869, was united in marriage to Bella J. Wylie, daughter of Joseph and Margaret Wylie, both natives of Pennsylvania. Three bright and interesting children shed joy and sunshine into this household: Vinnie L., Charles A. and William H. A neat and comfortable house and barn, together with a large and elegant new store and eighty acres of good land, besides 20 acres of timber, furnish profitable and agreeable employment for our subject. The store cost $1100, and is just now completed and filled with a good stock of general merchandise. The first store of Burnett Station was built by S.D. Wherry, and J.W. Wall put in the first stock of goods. Mr. Lee, the present merchant, took the store after it had been run about one year. The first store stood about one-half mile east of Mr. Lee's present place of business. In February, 1881, the old store was burned, and the new one has been erected on the south-west quarter of the southeast quarter of section 21, township 44, range 25. Mr. Lee is a liberal and kind hearted neighbor, highly respected for his business qualities, integrity and fair dealing. S.S. MOHLER, farmer and nurseryman, P.O. Cornelia; born in Miama county, Ohio, September 22, 1832. His early youth was spent on a farm, and this has been his principal occupation. He was married in his native county, in 1853, to Miss Mary Ann Deeter. In the spring of 1862 he removed to Darke county, and in 1869 he came to his present location, where he is pleasantly situated on a farm of eighty acres. In 1874 he established a nursery, which is becoming more and more popular as it becomes known among the farmers of this and adjoining counties. In this nursery, Mr. Mohler takes great care to have the best varieties of fruit trees grown in this latitude. When about twenty-two years of age, he united with the Brethren church, and has since become an elder, and now is a highly respected leader in his church. He has a pleasant family of nine children. FOUNTAIN STACY, postoffice, Cornelia. Fountain Stacy was born in Pulaski county, Kentucky, in the year 1833; son of James Stacy, of Irish parentage, who was also a native of Kentucky. Young Fountain, when about three years of age, came with his parents to Macon county, Missouri, where, they remained till the fall of 1865. Although they came to Post Oak township immediately after the war, he did not settle on his present farm until 1869. He was married to Ettie Runner, daughter of Sarah and Michael Runner, February 17, 1869. The family consists of three children: Hattie, Walter and Delmer, three having died while very young. Mr. Stacy has five good farms, including 670 acres of some of the best land in the township or county. Besides farming, he buys and sells considerable stock. He is a straight democrat, a good neighbor and upright business man. His farms are well watered, provided with sufficient timber and admirably adapted for agricultural purposes. N.U. TOWNSLEY. Prominent among the pioneer settlers of Johnson county, should be mentioned the name of N.U. Townsley. He was born in 1826, in Monroe county, Tennessee, September 9. His father, John Townsley, was a native of Ohio, but came to Tennessee at an early day. In the fall of 1833, he removed west with his family, locating in Johson county, on the present farm of our subject. Improvements were soon commenced, and a log cabin was soon built, and a small farm soon opened. In the spring of 1850, his father, with two oldest sons, started for the gold fields of California, and remained about two years, when he returned, and was soon afterwards called to that home above. Our subject was left in charge the farm and family. In 1866 he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Marr. She was the daughter of the late John Marr, and was born in this county. She was a lady highly beloved by all who knew her, for her many Christian and lovely traits of character. She died January 12, 1875. She left two children, Arthur and Madora Belle. His success in life has been very marked, as he commenced life for himself a poor boy, and through hard work and careful management, he has succeeded in making a comfortable home and snug fortune. He has always devoted his attention entirely to his business, and has never bothered himself with political affairs, as he deems a man's principles his most important qualities. He is giving his children the advantages of a liberal education, and bringing them up in an exemplary manner. He is a consistent member of the Christian church. B.F. WALL, was born in North Carolina, Rockingham county, March 3, 1828. His father, Benjamin F., was a native of the same state; born November 11, 1803, died February 25, 1868. When B.F. was about six years of age, he moved to Johnson county, Missouri, and settled on a farm. His mother, Susan F., was born September 30, 1806. Mr. Wall was married to Miss Eliza Jane Dudley, a native of this county. Her father was a Virginian, and died in 1860, at the age of forty-one years. Their family consists of three children: Henry J., who lately graduated at the Normal School, Warrensburg, Cora, and Julius Ezra. Mr. Wall is a man of determination and highly respected by all who know him. No one has larger scope of friends and neighbors than the Wall family; and nothing but kind and hospitable treatment is received from their hands. Himself, wife and daughter, are members of the Baptist church. His lands consist of 920 acres, a larger part of it well improved; he has one of the best dwellings in the county, situated in a beautiful location, surrounded by all modern improvements. With the rich blessing of Providence showered upon the work of his hands, Mr. Wall may well be termed a lord of the soil. S.E. WALL. The subject of this brief sketch was born in this county, Nov. 21, 1844, son of B.F. Wall, one of the first settlers in this neighborhood. S.E. Wall was married in Pettis county Oct. 2, 1869, to Miss Alice Gray, daughter of John T. Gray; she was born in that county in 1847. In 1869, he commenced farming for himself, and in the spring of 1871, came to his present farm. His home is beautifully located on his farm of 151 acres, the house costing about $3,000, is one of the finest in Post Oak township. He is a faithful member of the Baptist church, an intelligent, energetic and generous hearted worker in every good cause. DR. J.M. WARD, physician and surgeon. P.O. Cornelia. Among the prominent and worthy citizens of Johnson county, Dr. Ward stands high. He is a native of New York, born near the city of Utica, March 21, 1829. In his youth he attended the Collegiate Institute at Clinton, then entered a drug store and commenced the study of medicine, and the following year took a course of lectures in Harvard University. He soon received an appointment in the U.S. navy, which he held two years. After this he attended full course of lectures at the St. Louis Medical College, graduating in 1856. He then came and settled on what was wild unfenced land, but now highly improved, and adorned with fields of grain, convenient and substantial buildings and stock of all kinds. His residence and the adjoining grounds are exquisitely beautiful. "West Lawn," as it termed, is set with many varieties of deciduous and evergreen trees, presenting the appearance of an eastern villa. As a physician, Dr. Ward been very successful, not only enjoying an extensive practice, but also the esteem and confidence of his patrons. In the spring of 1856, he married Miss Harriet Hamilton, of St. Louis, by whom he had one son, J. Mason. She dying, he married for his second wife, Miss Julina Divers, daughter of Stephen Divers, of this county. Ellen their first child died when about two years of age, and S. Russell is still living at home. J. Mason married Haidee Pattison, of Sedalia, Jan. 4, 1882, and resides at the homestead. About twelve years ago, Dr. Ward became partner with Dr. James T. Hill, for about two years, then formed a partnership with Dr. Lee D. Ewing, which still exists. Dr. Ward's farm consists of 300 acres of superior land. Mr. and Mrs. Ward and James are worthy members of the Christian church. Personally Dr. Ward is a kind neighbor, liberal spirited and highly exemplary. Maj. JAMES WARNICK. The worthy subject of this sketch was born Aug. 2, 1799. He married Siny P. Payton, daughter of John Payton, in Wilson county, Tenn., Nov. 13, 1823. For about two years after marriage they resided in Rutherford county, then removed to Henry county, where they remained about three years, and then returned to Wilson county, where they resided five years. In the spring of 1833, Mr. Warnick, with his family, started on the 16th day of April, for the state of Missouri, and arrived near Lexington in May. In the fall of the same year, he made a permanent settlement near the head waters of Post Oak Creek, about two miles southwest of the present village of Cornelia. Soon after settling here, the Osage Indians committed frequent depredations in the vicinity, and the militia were called out to drive the savages back upon their reservation. There were only three companies in Johnson county, and the captains were, James Warnick, John Ramsey and Capt. McCarty. The Indians were captured and removed beyond the settlements, after which the militia were disbanded. Going to mill in those early days was a difficult task, necessitating a journey to Grand River, twenty miles, or to Lexington, forty miles away, and then perhaps being compelled to wait from one to three days for his turn. During his prime of physical manhood Mr. Warnick not only made an imposing soldierly appearance, but possessed the qualities of a good officer; accordingly at one of the general musters held under the old militia law, he was elected Major of the regiment, and this was the origin of his present title. Maj. Warnick was called at one time into north Missouri, to aid in driving the troublesome Mormons from the state. The names of his eight children are: Robert N., Nancy Elizabeth, John P., William S., Margaret F., Matilda Jane, James H. and Siny E. Every member of this large and highly respected family is still living, the four sons living in the immediate neighborhood of their father, in the north part of Post Oak township. His wife departed this life Dec. 28, 1876, at the ripe age of 71 years. She was in many respects a remarkable woman, having shared with her husband all the privations and toils of a pioneer life, reared a large and useful family, was the sunshine and joy of the household, a kind mother, loving wife, and an exemplary Christian. Maj. W. has been a consistent member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church for upwards of sixty years, and what is remarkable, his children and their children as soon as they have advanced to maturity, have united with the same Christian denomination. The direct lineal descendants of this worthy pair have reached the number of one hundred, and what is a source of greatest satisfaction in his declining years, is that they have become among the most respected and worthy citizens of the township and county. Maj. Warnick is now living with his son James H., and although his bodily vigor is somewhat impaired by many years of active labor and usefulness, his mental faculties are still strong, and he enjoys the society of friends and fluently converses upon the scenes of early days in Post Oak and Johnson county. Under his observation, and to a great extent under his care and influence, has grown up the Christian community, the social and political standing of his own township, and the county at large. May the worthy example which this sturdy Christian pioneer character of more than four score years has left, be the attainment of all who shall follow him. Probably no man has been more thoroughly identified with, or more generally known in the early affairs of Post Oak township, than Maj. Warnick, and no family of greater influence than the Warnick family. R.N. WARNICK, born in Tennessee, December 3, 1824, son of Major James Warnick, whose biography is given here. When about nine years of age R.N. came with his parents to Missouri. At the age of twenty-one he commenced business for himself in raising stock. In the year 1846 he married Amanda J., daughter of Tarlton Oglesby, a prominent old settler of this county. Mr. Warnick has held several important civil offices. In 1874 he was elected a justice of the peace, and holds the same office still. Mr. and Mrs. Warnick are faithful members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. GEORGE W. WATKINS, was born in Madison county, New York. His father, Caleb Warren Watkins, was born in 1812, in the same state. George remained at home, clerking in his father's store, until he reached the age of nineteen years, when he came west, stopping first in Illinois for about two years, then he went to Arkansas. Returned to Illinois in 1873, and was married to Miss A. Johnson, who was born in Johnson county, Missouri. By this union they have three children living: Clifton, Rettie and Claude. In 1877 they moved to Kansas, and in 1880 to Missouri, settling on a farm in Post Oak township. SAMUEL D. WHERRY, farmer and stock raiser, P.O. Burnett Station, born in Beaver county Pennsylvania, April 6, 1843. Son of Samuel Wherry, who was also a native of Pennsylvania. Our subject attended school in his native county after which he removed to Ohio, residing for a short time in Delaware county, eighteen miles from Columbus. After living in Ohio about two years he came direct to Johnson county, Missouri, where he has ever since resided. Mr. Wherry's farm consists of 320 acres of land in one tract, and forty acres of timber in another. His farm is adorned with fruitful orchards, good buildings, fertile soil, green pastures and meadows, and, in fact, all the necessary appliances usually found on a well ordered farm. His average acres of corn is about 160, besides some wheat and other crops. About 100 head of cattle and 500 head of hogs are yearly bought, fatted and sold by this enterprising stock dealer. Mr. Wherry is, perhaps, the most extensive stock man in Johnson county. He has a pair of eight-ton scales for the purpose of weighing stock. His farm is well inclosed with about three miles of hedge fence, besides board and wire fence. The names of his three children in order of age, are: Ira, Samuel and Della. They are all small, the oldest being seven years of age. The respect and confidence with which he is held among his neighbors, is the well deserved tribute his earnest business qualities and sterling integrity so richly merit.