A Memorial & Biographical Record of Kansas City and Jackson County, Missouri
This is only an Index. There are 671 pages.
A
Adams, C. W.
Adams, J. M.
Adams, Washington
Adams, William C.
Alch, George H.
Allen, T. J.
Anderson, M. W.
Anderson, S. H.
Austin, J. H.
Axline, E. E.
B
Baird, F. J.
Bales, Walter
Barber, H. A.
Barrett, S. M.
Bartholomew, George
Beardsley, Henry M.
Bedford, T. D.
Bell, Harmon
Bell, S. B.
Berger, L. A.
Bernard, W. R.
Bernauer, Henry
Black, F. M.
Blackwell, J. R.
Blair, E. G.
Boggs, John O.
Bogie, M. A.
Boland, J. T.
Boone, Daniel
Boone, Morgan
Boone, Napoleon
Botsford, J. S.
Bovard, J. H.
Bower, C. J.
Bowker, S. D.
Bowlin, J. R.
Bowman, J. W.
Branaman, G. M.
Brant, Alf
Breunert, August
Briant, G. W.
Brooking, H. C.
Broughton, C. P.
Brown, Marcy K.
Brownlee, J. C.
Brumback, J.
Bryant, John, Jr.
Buckner, T. B.
Burnett, E. A.
Burnham, C. E.
Burrus, John R.
C
Caldwell, J. W.
Canfield, Pauline E.
Carter, C. M.
Cartlich, J. W.
Cassell, G. W.
Chandler, E.
Chapman, C.
Chappell, P. E.
Chappell, Wm. E.
Childs, A. J.
Chiles, S. H.
Chrisman, A.
Chrisman, Wm.
Clark, C. E.
Clements, J. A.
Coffin, G. O.
Cole, Jesse
Collier, L. T.
Collins, Ancel
Coombs, J. T.
Cooper, z. G.
Cornell, G. W.
Cowherd, Wm. S.
Cox, John
Craig, J. T.
Cross, Robert O.
Crowell, H. C.
Crysler, C. S.
D
Dahl, Oscar
Dallin, Wm. J.
Dalton, J. G.
Davenport, J. S.
Davis, F. N.
Davis, Webster
Deardorff, F. M.
Deardorff, Lewis
Dexter, F. H.
Dibble, Leroy
Dickerson, D. E.
Dodds, T. A.
Douglass, J. H.
Dryden, T. G.
E
Eaton, T. J.
Edgerton, Mary
Elliott, Georgie N.
Ess, Henry N.
Esslinger, F.
F
Ferree, C. M.
Field, R. H.
Fields, F. R.
Flahive, T. P.
Ford, L. W.
Ford, T. J.
Forster, Wm. A.
Foster, Wm. D.
Fox, John M.
Franklin, J. L. H.
Freeman, F. A.
Freeman, R. Y
French, Paul D.
G
Gentry, O. H.
German, C. W.
Gossett, E. B.
Greene, R. L.
Gregory, Alfred
Grider, J. L.
Griffin, F. W.
Grinter, P. H.
Grinter, P. N.
Gross, George P.
H
Hale, George C.
Hall, C. L.
Hall, T. G.
Halley, George
Hamilton, C. C.
Hamilton, C. G.
Hamilton, Wm.
Hampton, G. S.
Hardin, Ben T.
Hardin, C. B.
Hardin, D. S.
Harkless, J. H.
Harnish, M. W.
Harra, R. A.
Harris, J. H.
Harris, S. B.
Harrison, John S.
Harvey, William
Harwood, J. T.
Hayes, Linville
Hayward, F. M.
Heath, E. R.
Hedges, J. P.
Heitman, N. F.
Henderson, D. B.
Henley, H. G.
Hennessy, J. C.
Henry, J. P.
Henry, J. W.
Herrold, Maud M.
Holmes, D. B.
Holmes, U. R.
Hornbuckle, W. D.
Howard, Wm. B.
Hudson, S. W.
Hudson, T. H.
Hudspeth, William
Hulse, Melville
Hummer, F. D.
Hunt, A. L.
Hyde, B. C.
I
Ingalls, Ralph
Ingraham, R. J.
Irwin, L. E.
J
Jaccard, D.C.
Jaccard, E. G. E.
Jackson, J. N.
Jackson, J. P.
James, S. C.
Jamison, R. R.
Jamison, Wm. T.
Johnson, F. G.
Johnson, Thomas
Johnson, Wm. A.
Johnson, W. M.
Jones, B. F.
Jones, Brummell
Jones, James M.
Jones, John R.
Jones, P. C.
Jones, Wm. S.
Joyce, M. H.
Judy, J. W.
Julian, H. S.
K
Karnes, J. V. C.
Keefer, J. W.
Kelly, W. A.
Keshlear, J. B.
Kidwell, J. W.
King, W. P.
Kinley, I. H.
Kirshner, C. H.
Knoche, Henry
Knoche, J. P.
Kyger, John W.
L
Langhorne, M. M.
Lester, C. H.
Lester, T. B.
Lewis, John H.
Lewis, John R.
Lilly, G. W.
Lipscomb, N.
Love, G. W.
Lowe, A. W.
Lowe, Calvin V.
Lowe, J. M.
Lyman, A. S.
M
Mann, Ambrose
Markham, J. H.
Marley, A. S.
Maxwell, E. C.
May, Roderick
McAuley, T. B.
McCune, H. L.
McCurdy, J. W.
McDonald, C. D.
McDonald, C. L.
McElroy, Hugh L.
McGee, A. B. H.
McMillen, D. J.
McNeil, T. H.
McVey, Newton
Meador, W. I.
Mefford, W. T.
Mercer, J. W.
Meriwether, D.
Meriwether, H. M.
Merriman, C. S.
Meservey, E. C.
Metcalf, E. M.
Michaels, A. L.
Millard, A. C.
Mills, H. S.
Montgall, Rufus
Montgall, Wm. H.
Mooney, J. A.
Moore, John R.
Morrison, H. C.
Mosher, George C.
Moulton, C. F.
Muir, John S.
Mulkey, Wm.
Muse, J. M.
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Neal, G. A.
Nearing, C. H.
Noel, J. W.
Norris, E. L.
Northup, E. S.
O
O'Grady, John
P
Payne, M. J.
Peace, George E.
Peerson, J. D.
Peet, P. F.
Pemberton, T. C.
Phelps, J. L.
Pittenger, W. H.
Pomeroy, R. L.
Prewitt, G. W.
Price, Wm. G.
Procter, Alexander
Pryor, John S.
Punton, John
Q
Quarles, R. W.
Quast, E. von
R
Randall, Wm. M.
Rathbone, F. W.
Records, Benj. F.
Reed, Homer
Reed, James A.
Renick, John T.
Rice, Benjamin
Ridge, I. M.
Rieger, James C.
Ringolsky, I. J.
Roberts, J. E.
Robinson, J. L.
Rosenwald, Leon
Roten, Thompson
Rule, W. A.
S
Scammon, James
Schaefer, George
Schwitzgebel, H. C.
Scofield, R. E.
Scott, J. M.
Scriven, D. M.
Sears, F. W.
Sechrest, J. R.
Senter, D. B.
Shannon, J. F.
Sharp, Joseph
Slaughter, E. F.
Sloan, A. B.
Smith, A. E.
Smith, E. O.
Smith, Jabez
Smith, P. C.
Smith, Wm. J.
Snider, A. J.
Snider, C. A.
Snyder, R. M.
Southern, W. N.
Stanwood, J. H.
Steele, R. O.
Stolte, L. C.
Stone, J. B.
Strean, James G.
Strother, Wm. D.
T
Tainter, H.
Tait, D. M.
Tatum, D. F.
Tatum, J. W.
Tenney, Rachel S.
Thompson, Calvin
Thompson, D. L.
Thomson, J. H.
Tiffany, F. B.
Todd, Someon S.
Topping, Henry
Trimble, J. M. D.
Twichell, Jerome
Twiss, S. P.
Tyer, John W.
U
Ussher, C. D.
V
Van Scoyoc, L. G.
Vaughn, Newton
Von Quast, E.
W
Wainright, C. F.
Ward, H. C.
Ward, S. E.
Ware, A. M.
Waring, R. P.
Waters, L. H.
Watts, Stubbins
Webb, W. L.
Weller, J. R.
Wells, Joel
Western Dental College
Wheeler, W. S.
White, Alson A.
White, C. J.
Whitsett, J. S.
Whittaker, Wm.
Wilkins, Wm. F.
Williams, A. G.
Williams, N. G.
Wilson, C. E.
Wilson, E. K.
Winants, W. H.
Winfrey, J. G.
Wofford, John W.
Wolf, I. J.
Wollman, Henry
Wood, J. D.
Wood, M. G.
Wood, N. P.
Woods, W. S.
Woodson, B. L.
Worthen, J. H.
Wyatt, Wyley
Wyne, Louis E.
Y
Yeager, R. L.
Young, S. V
Yost, Charles C.
Memorial Record
J. V. C. Karnes
Among the residents of Kansas City who have through their achievements been brought into more than local prominence none has attained more eminent distinction than he whose name heads this sketch. Mr. Karnes is widely recognized as one of the most able lawyers of the State of Missouri. With a keen, analytical mind, strong powers of comprehension and mental attainments of a high order, he has risen step by step through his own merit until he has attained an enviable position at the bar of his native state.
Mr. Karens was born in Boone county, Missouri, February 11, 1841, and is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Payne) Karnes, both of whom were natives of Virginia, and were of German and Holland descent. Their respective families were founded in America during early colonial days. The maternal grandfather, Joseph Payne, was an ensign in the Revolutionary War. His entire life was spent in the Old Dominion, and the paternal grandfather also lived and died in Virginia. The father of our subject emigrated from Virginia to Missouri in 1836, making the journey by team and reaching his destination after some weeks of travel. He located in Boone county, where he entered land from the government and developed a good farm, on which he reared his family. The country was wild at that time being situated on the frontier, and for some years their home was a rude log house. The experiences and difficulties of pioneer life came to them, but as the years passed the comforts of civilization were added and Mr. Kernes became the possessor of an excellent farm, which was their home until called to their final rest. Their family numbered four sons: Harvey, who resides in Eureka Springs, Arkansas; Robert, who is located in Centralia, Missouri; John, a resident of Mexico, Missouri; and J. V. C., of this review.
The last name is the youngest. He was reared on the old home farm and early became familiar with all its labors, performing the work of the meadows and fields, from the time of the earliest planting of crops until the harvests were gathered, when he entered the subscription school of the neighborhood, there pursuing his studies until at the opening of Spring, when his work in the fields was renewed. He managed to acquire a good English education, and in the autumn of 1857 entered the Missouri State University, and having completed the classical course, was graduated in 1862. He had determined to enter the legal profession, and in the Fall of that year became a student in the Harvard Law School. While there pursuing his studies he was elected tutor of Greek and Latin in the Missouri State University, and, returning home, filled that position until 1865, keeping up his law studies in the meantime, his preceptor being Hon. Boyle Gordon, of Boone county, Missouri. Henry N. Ess, who was also teaching in the University, as Professor of Mathematics, pursued the study of law in connection with Mr. Karnes, and together they came to Kansas City, in 1865, just at the close of the war.
On the 1st of August, of that year, the firm of Karnes & Ess opened a law office and with mutual pleasure and profit continued in general practice until 1886, when Mr. Ess retired from the firm and Mr. Karnes entered into partnership with L. C. Krauthoff. This relation was sustained until January 1, 1889, when Daniel B. Holmes was admitted to an interest in the business under the firm name of Karnes, Holmes & Krauthoff. With the greater part of the important cases that have been tried in Kansas City this firm has been connected, and its reputation is second to none. Mr. Karnes is a man of superior ability, an able advocate, thoroughly versed in authorities, and his masterly handling of a case indicates thorough and painstaking preparation. He loses sight of not a single detail that may aid in winning success for his client, and in argument is logical and convincing, forceful and earnest. His oratory is often eloquent, always telling and seldom fails to convince.
In 1869 Mr. Karnes became a member of the board of education of Kansas City, and served in that capacity continuously until 1882, when he resigned. During that time he was for three years its treasurer, one year secretary and seven years president. In 1893 he was appointed to fill a vacancy on the board of election, in 1894 was again elected to fill a term of six years, and is now vice-president. There is no man in the city or county who has been more deeply interested in education matters, who has done more for the advancement of the cause than Mr. Karnes, and his name will forever be connected with the history of Kansas City's schools, which largely stand as a monument to his progressive efforts. Another source of education he has been deeply interested in is the Kansas City public library, introducing the resolution, which caused its establishment. He is pre-eminently public-spirited, and with unswerving purpose and fidelity he has aided in all that pertains to the city's welfare, and for many years has been recognized as a leader among those men who have most largely assisted in advancing the material and educational interests of the city. His political support is given the Republican Party.
On the 3rd of December, 1863, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Karnes, and Miss Mary A. Crumbaugh, of Columbia, Missouri, daughter of Henry Crumbaugh, and honored pioneer, and the granddaughter of Colonel Dick Gentry, who commanded the Missouri troops and was killed in the Florida war. Mr. & Mrs. Karnes have 3 children - John L., Josephine V. C. and Mary G. The elder daughter is now the wife of Alfred Gregory, of the law firm of Beardsley & Gregory, and they have a little son, the idol of all the family.
Mr. Karnes is one of the oldest practitioners in Kansas City and has seen its development from a town of six thousand to its present metropolitan proportions. He has been very successful in his profession, is now enjoying one of the most lucrative practices in the city, and in social life and the warm regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
T. J. Allen
Thomas Jefferson Allen, one of the largest stock-growers and stock-dealers in Kansas City, was born at Mount Vernon, Illinois, December 28, 1841. His father, John R. Allen, a native of Sumner county, Tennessee, settled on a farm in Illinois in 1822. He served as a volunteer officer in the Black Hawk war, and in 1831-2 was stationed at Fort Leavenworth. He visited the western country, going as far South as New Mexico. In 1856 his name was presented as a candidate for congress from Illinois, which was at that time and place equal to an election, but he firmly declined to run, preferring to work for his friend, John A. Logan, who was elected. His farm in Illinois was devoted to the raising of fine stock, and was one of the largest and finest of its kind in Jefferson county.
Our subject remained on his father's farm until of age; then he began to deal in stock on his own account. Thanks to the years of experience under the supervision of his father, and keen judgment, he had developed a sagacity and intelligence in the selection of animals that would have done credit to an older head. Going to Texas, he bought 1,000 head of cattle, which he collected at Abilene, Kansas, and from there shipped to Chicago. This venture proving successful, he decided to engage in the business on a larger scale, and noting the advantages that were offered in the West he removed in 1870 to Kansas City, when the stock trade was still in its infancy. As one of the pioneers in the business at this place he has perhaps done as much as any man to develop this industry throughout the west.
In 1872, Mr. Allen went to Colorado, where he made his record as the first man to ship Colorado stock over the first railroad from Denver. His business increased rapidly and that very fall he was enabled to fill 308 cars from Denver. This transaction in its immensity made his fellow dealers in trade open their eyes and inclined them to dub him a reckless speculator. They changed their opinion, however, when the returns registered him a handsome profit. Two years later he went to Virginia City and Helena. Montana, where he bought 1,200 head of cattle, drove them to Ham's Fork on the Union Pacific, where the road built switches and loaded them on. Mr. Allen was also the first man to ship from Montana to the east. He drove 800 miles to the railroad before the stock reached transportation. The Oregon short line now leaves the Union Pacific and branching off goes North over his old trail.
In 1875 our subject went to Texas, where be bought cattle and shipped them to St. Louis, handling about 10,000 head in all. Returning to Kansas City, he bought and shipped cattle to Chicago and New York. At that time there were but two packinghouses in Kansas City. Two years later he bought the first drove, ever driven from Oregon. They numbered 2,000 head, and were the heaviest lot of cattle which had ever passed through the western markets. After being driven so long a distance they were shipped from near Cheyenne to Kansas City. The lot was purchased in Idaho, for $75,000, thus bringing a larger piece than any other Oregon cattle ever brought.
In 1878, Mr. Allen formed a partnership with Wilson and Fenlon, of Leavenworth, Kansas, and took a contract to furnish government beef and stock cattle to the Indians. The firm, under the name of Wilson, Fenlon & Company, furnished to the Kiowas, Comanches, Wichitas, Cheyennes, Arapahoes, Osages, Pawnees, Poncas, and several other tribes of the Indian Territory. The contracts required about 20,000 head within Indian Territory, and at Rosebush agency, Dakota, 11,000 Most of the cattle were driven from South of the Red River. Mr. Allen did the greatest part of the actual work, driving the stock and delivering them to their respective destinations. For 6 years, Mr. Allen gave to this contract his exclusive attention. This connection being severed in 1884, our subject went to New York and sold for E. B. Herold and E. J. Ikard, a ranch in Greer county, Texas, containing 68,000 head of cattle, with horses, etc., at $22.50 per head, amounting to $1,400,000. The sale was made to the Franklin Land and Cattle Company, of New York, controlled by Charles Franklin, executor of the late Edwin Cunard, of the Cunard line of steamers. This was the largest sale made up to that time and resulted in a handsome commission for Mr. Allen.
In 1885 our subject invested in a 500-acre farm 12 miles South of Kansas City and stocked it with a superior breed of shorthorns. These he cared for exclusively, and at the end of three years sold them at a handsome profit. In 1887 he sold his farm, having two years previously taken another Indian contract, furnishing to the Apaches at San Carlos and Fort Apache, of Arizona, 4,000 head of cattle.
On the first of June, 1887, Mr. Allen was married to Miss Mary Lee Arkins, daughter of Judge R. S. Adkins, ex-county judge and ex-postmaster of Kansas City. The remainder of the summer Mr. and Mrs. Allen spent in Europe, visiting all the places of interest, which struck their fancy. Mr. Allen has traveled extensively in the United States, especially in the South and West, where he went in the interests of the Kansas City stockyards.
In politics he is a republican, though formerly a democrat. The tariff question, to which he has given thought and attention, and, as he says the incompetency of the democratic party, have changed his opinion and made him a republican on that issue. He takes an active interest in city affairs, but avoids holding office, preferring rather to use his influence in establishing men in office whose capabilities he modestly considers superior to his own. He has one son, John Robert Allen, a lad of seven years, whose education he has decided shall be of a practical character. He wisely argues that the most finished education, if not adapted to use, is worse than none at all, and he intends to avoid any such contingency in the molding of his son's future.
Alfred Gregory
Of the firm of Beardsley, Gregory & Flannelly, attorneys at law, Kansas City, is a native of the Peninsular state, born in the classic city of Ann Arbor, August 17, 1858. He is a son of John M. Gregory, who was born in Sand Lake, New York. John M. Gregory went to Michigan in the early settlement of that state, and was for a number of years the state superintendent of public instruction. Later he moved to Illinois and became president of the University of Illinois, which important position he efficiently filled for a number of years. During President Arthur's administration he was a civil service commissioner. At the present time he resides in Washington, District of Columbia, and is president of the civic federation of that city. To him and his estimable wife seven children were born, five of who are now living.
Alfred Gregory, the subject of this brief review, was educated in the University of Illinois at Champaign, and was graduated in 1878. He then secured an appointment as private secretary to the commissioners sent by the State of Illinois to the world's fair in Paris, and spent five months in France, assisting in the preparation of the commissioner's report upon the industries of that country.
He returned to Illinois and went into a wholesale house as salesman, where he remained over a year. The life of a merchant was distasteful to him, and he began the study of the law; this, however, was interrupted by a trip to New Mexico and Arizona, which, as chance would have it, lengthened out into a two-years stay. His collegiate course had been full of mathematics, and one or two vacations had been spent on the lake survey and with railroad surveyors, so that he was invited to go out to New Mexico first as assistant to the bridge engineer of the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad, an old college friend, and soon afterward “inherited” from this friend his position as engineer. For two happy and vigorous years, under canvas by night and in the saddle by day, the young man enjoyed the exciting life of the frontier.
His law studies were resumed in 1881, when he took a course in Columbia Law School in New York City. Immediately after this he went to Atlanta, Georgia, where he was admitted to the bar. He became associated there with Benj. H. Hill, Jr., and remained in Atlanta till January, 1887, when he removed again to his native west, and made his home in Kansas City. Upon his arrival here he entered into a partnership with Henry M. Beardsley, with whom his friendship dated back to boyhood and college days. In his profession he has already won a commendable degree of success, and is one of the busy men and safe counselors of the Kansas City bar. He finds time to do his share of public work when called upon, and is a director of the Art Association and of the Street Boys' Club, and a member of the First Congregational church.
He was married to Josephine Karnes in 1892, and they have one child, a boy named Joseph Van Clief.
Alexander Procter
Pastor of the Christian Church in Independence, Missouri, has spent nearly half a century in the work of the ministry, and, although he has passed his three-score and ten years, he is still on the sunny side of life, his genial presence giving evidence of the fact that he has mastered the art of growing old gracefully.
Mr. Procter was born in Fayette county, Kentucky, April 1, 1825, son of Rowland T. Procter and grandson of George Procter, the former born in Fayette county, Kentucky, in June 1800, and the latter a native of Culpeper county, Virginia. George Procter immigrated with his family from the Old Dominion to Kentucky at an early day and made settlement in Fayette county, where he passed the residue of his life and died. He was a veteran of the Revolutionary war, was under General LaFayette, and was a participant in the battle of Yorktown. When General LaFayette visited this country in 1825 and stopped in Kentucky, his greeting to George, as he called him, was most cordial. The mother of our subject was before her marriage Miss Diana Chapman. She was born in Cumberland county, Kentucky, about 1803, and died in Randolph county, Missouri in 1861. In their family were eleven children, seven sons and 4 daughters, all of whom reached maturity. Alexander was their second son.
On his father's farm in Kentucky, Alexander Proctor spent the first 11 years of his life. Then the family removed to Randolph county, Missouri, and settled near Moberly, where the father entered government land. Here young Proctor assisted in the clearing and improving of two farms, one of 380 acres and the other comprising 120 acres. Thus was his time occupied until his 19th year, and his educational advantages during that time were necessarily limited. He was then sent East to Bethany College, in Virginia, where he spent four years and graduated in 1848.
After his graduation he returned to his home in Missouri, and in the Fall of that same year was called to the pastorate of the South Street Christian church, in Lexington, Missouri, where he remained for 2 years, or until the Fall of 1850, the church prospering greatly under his ministrations. In 1850 he resigned his charge there and accepted a call to the Christian church in Glasgow, Missouri, where he labored most efficiently and acceptably until the Fall of 1856, during this period also doing a large amount of outside work, such as preaching and organizing churches in various places throughout the country. In the Fall of 1856, in answer to a call of the Christian church in St. Louis (there being only one Christian church in that city then), he went there. His duties, however, as pastor of that large congregation were too heavy for one of his constitution, and on account of failing heath he resigned his charge, in the Fall of 1860, after a successful pastorate of 4 years. His next charge was at Independence. Ever since 1860 (with the exception of 2 years during the war, on account of General Schofield's famous order “No. 11”), he has labored in the vineyard of the Lord at this place, choosing to remain here notwithstanding the fact that he has had flattering calls from New York, Cincinnati and other places, and offered handsome salaries. His whole ministerial career has been characterized by deep earnestness and incessant toil, and a love for the work of the Master, and his labors have been crowned with substantial success. He is well known throughout Jackson and adjoining counties, not only in his own denomination but also in all Christian churches regardless of creed. Out of his church in Independence there have been 4 churches organized in adjacent territory. The church over which he presides has a membership of 600. As the work has grown too arduous for one pastor, and especially for one of his advanced years, an associated pastor was engaged in the Fall of 1895 to assist Mr. Proctor. Thus, with work lightened, this worthy divine remains to minister to the people he has learned to love, and in whose hearts he has a warm place.
Mr. Proctor was married in St. Francois county, Missouri, August 29, 1859, to Mrs. Caroline (Shaw) Prewitt, a native of that county, born February 10, 1829. She was the widow of Mr. Joel Prewitt and a daughter of William Shaw, one of the old settlers of St. Francois county, his located here being as early as 1812. Mr. Shaw lived to be 96 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Procter are the parents of 4 children, Mary S., wife of C. R. Thompson, an attorney of Astoria, Oregon; Rowland T., a civil engineer and surveyor; Stella, wife of J. H. Montague, Independence; and Emma, wife of W. N. Southern, Jr.
HON. JOSEPH WAYNE MERCER
Biographical history teaches us that a great many men have lived to whom obstacles seemed to be a help rather than a hindrance. The greater the barriers, the stronger their resolutions and the more earnestly they struggle on to success. Just such men live now and the lesson of their lives cannot be put too early or too prominently before the world. Unforseen emergencies have developed their character, tested their pluck, inventive resources and judicious endurance. The accounts of the careers of such men grace the annals of every state. The subject of this sketch is a conspicuous example of this class. He has built for himself - built nobly and broadly. A native son of Missouri, he has always been deeply interested in the progress and upbuilding of his state and belongs to that class who while advancing their individual prosperity have aided in the material welfare of the community.
Mr. Mercer, whose home is now in Independence, was born in Platte City, Missouri, February 25, 1845, and is a son of Thomas W. Mercer, a native of Washington county, Tennessee, who in that state married Miss Henrietta Dukes, a native of Washington county, Virginia. By occupation he was a contractor and builder. In 1838 he came with his family to Missouri, locating near Lee's Summit, Jackson county, where he followed farming and contracting. His last days were spent in Independence, where he passed away in 1876. In December, 1883, his wife departed this life, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. L. N. Brunswig, of Fort Worth, Texas.
Mr. Mercer of this review was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, early becoming familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist and acquiring his preliminary education in the ordinary schools of Prairie township, Jackson county. Desiring a more advanced eduation, however, in 1858 he entered the collage at Chapel Hill, LaFayette county, Missouri, and pursued a regular course until the breaking out of the civil war. He then enlisted in Colonel Elliott's battalion of the state guards, and participated in the battle of Lexington, when Colonel Mulligan of the United States forces surrendered to Major General Price. In this engagement he was wounded in the leg and was incapacitated for active service for several months. Recovering from the effects of his wound he rejoined his battalion and was made first sergeant of his company. He saw active duty in Arkansas and Tennessee, and while at Memphis was taken so seriously ill that he was detained there for a considerable time. Regaining his health he joined company G, 10th Missouri cavalry, as a private, and in the battle that occurred at Pine Bluff, October 25, 1863, he was placed in the front as a sharpshooter, and while gallantly engaging the enemy was very severely wounded, in consequence of which he was obliged to submit to the amputation of his right arm. A vigorous constitution and a resolute will soon restored him to his wonted health, but he was physically disabled for further active service in the field. His gallantry was recognized by the government and he was placed in the commissary department with the rank of captain, which position he held until the war closed.
In 1865, Captain Mercer returned to Independence. Being then but 20 years of age he reviewed his studies, under Professor George S. Brant, and became a student in Jones' Commercial College, of St. Louis, where he completed the regular course and was graduated. For a short time he taught in a public near Independence, and at the same time instructed an evening class in bookkeeping and commercial law. During his short experience as a teacher he acquired an excellent reputation as well as making a financial success, for within 1 year he saved $600, which formed the nucleus of his present comfortable fortune. His next venture was in the real estate and insurance business, and prosperity again attended his efforts. He made judicious investments in real estate, and his sound judgment and foresight enabled him to place his capital so as to yield good returns.
There is a tide in the affairs of men
Which taken at the flood leads on to fortune.
Mr. Mercer probably did not take his business cue in life from Brutus, but it is safe to say that he possessed so keen and intuitive sense of the ebb and flow of life's currents that he took them “at the flood.” So, in the full power and bright zenith of self-reliant manhood, he occupies today a proud place among the eminent and popular business men of Missouri.
His real estate speculations were continued with success, and in 1876 he became one of the banking firm of Anderson, Hughes & Company. Early in 1878, however, he disposed of his interests, and about 2 years later became a member of the wholesale grocery house of Kansas City, conducted under the name of Beckham, Mercer & Company, in which concern he is still a partner. In 1891, when the First National Bank of Independence was organized, he was elected its vice-president, and is also largely interested in real estate, not only in Independence and Kansas City, but also is the owner of several fine farms in Jackson County.
On the 18th of May, 1870, Mr. Mercer was united in marriage with Miss Laura, daughter of Beal and Corrinne (Ratcliffe) Greene, natives of Kentucky, who became residents of Jackson county in 1837. Mr. and Mrs. Mercer have had 6 children, 4 of whom are living: Annie, now the wife of B. A. Bartlett, the present assistant prosecuting attorney; Etta V.; Mary H.; Katie L., and Alice R.; Corrinne is deceased.
Mr. Mercer has always been connected with the democratic party, but is not strictly partisan, and has been honored with various political offices. In the summer of 1872 he was a member of the Independence city council, and in November of the same year was elected county treasurer. In 1873 he became a candidate for the democratic nomination for state treasurer. He made a thorough canvass of the state, and had to contend against several recognized leaders of his party. He labored under more than one disadvantage. He was living on the western border of Missouri and had been little known as a political aspirant in the state; was not 30 years old; had held no position of prominence except that of treasurer of his county, and not being a public speaker had not attended state political conventions. Yet with all these difficulties he successfully contended, and was nominated and elected by the democratic party to the office of state treasurer, being the youngest man who ever held that position in Missouri. He, however, discharged his duties with fidelity and success for two years, and during that period the bonds of the state advanced from 95 to 107. He won the approval of members of his own and the opposing parties by his able management of affairs, and retired from the office with an honorable record. He then devoted his energies alone to the pursuits of private life until 1892, when he was chosen Mayor of Independence and acceptably served in that position for 2 years. In all the relations of life he has proven himself faithful to the trusts reposed in him, and no taint of dishonor shadows his record. He now resides at his beautiful estate, surrounded by an interesting family and the refinements of an elegant home, enjoying the confidence of his fellow citizens to a marked degree.
ISAAC M. RIDGE, M.D.
In the history of Kansas City no one has borne a more creditable part then the gentleman whose name introduces this review. For almost half a century he has lived in this locality. From the days when this region, now occupied by substantial buildings, magnificent homes and churches, large industries and fine mercantile houses, was a wild forest, rough and heavily timbered, through which the Indians yet frequently traveled and camped on begging tours, the Doctor located here, and from that hour to this has taken an advanced stand in favor of development and improvement. Educational, social and moral interests have been promoted through his efforts, and the material welfare of the city owes much to him. Loyal to every duty, he is a valued citizen, and an upright, honorable man, whose career demonstrates what can be accomplished by persistent effort, energy and earnest endeavor.
The Doctor was born in Adair county, Kentucky, on the 9th of July, 1825. His father was of Welsh and Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry. The great-grandfather of our subject removed from Wales, his native land, on account of his religious views, and, crossing the Atlantic to America in the latter part of the 17th or early part of the 18th century, he landed either in North Carolina or Virginia, in which region many of his descendants are yet living. The grandfather, William Ridge, was probably a soldier in the Revolutionary war. In pioneer days he removed to Kentucky, where for some years he carried on farming. His family numbered 6 sons, and after his death, 3 of the number were bound out to trades. The maternal grandfather of the Doctor was Champ Dillingham, a native of North Carolina, who on the paternal side descended from a Highland Scotch family. He aided in driving the Indians from Kentucky, and was indentified with much of the pioneer history of that state. In manner he was very reserved and quiet, a great lover of books and a very hightly educated man. His father was a Scotch Baptist preacher, and his wife, a Miss Bailey, came of French Huguenot stock.
In 1834, Dr. Ridge accompanied his parents on their removal to Missouri, where the Doctor's boyhood days were in part spent on the farm and in the blacksmith shop. He went to a private school six months in the year, and the remainder of his time was spent at hard labor. He became familiar with the modes of farming, and also a good mechanic; and even after beginning practice he could as readily shoe a horse as set a limb, or sharpen a plow as well as a surgeon's knife, and even did so after coming to Kansas City. After attending the common schools he completed the high school course in Dover, this state. He then took up the study of medicine under the instructions of Dr. Il S. Warren, of that town, and subsequently entered Transylvania University, at Lexington, Kentucky, in the medical department of which institution he graduated in 1848, with the honors of his class.
Soon afterward he came to Kansas City. The Indians that visited and traded at the little hamlet far outnumbered the white settlers, and it was indeed the western frontier - wild and unimproved. With wonderful foresight, however, he believed that the future would bring a development that would transform the rude hamlet into a place of importance. Accordingly he opened an office at what is now the corner of Main street and the levee, and entered upon the practice of his chosen profession. The demands for his services were by no means frequent in those early days, for the population was yet too limited, and the Indians preferred to take their own remedies. But he watched and waited for the time when business would increase, and such was his treatment of the Wyandotte Indians that he won their warm friendship, and was by them given the name of “Little Thunder,” an honor conferred upon but few white settlers in that day. He gained a powerful influence over them, which also extended to other bands of savages who ranged over western Missouri and eastern Kansas.
In June, 1849, Dr. Ridge suffered an attack of cholera, and it was thought that he could not live. A messenger was dispatched on a very fleet horse for Dr. Robinson, and the distance of 110 miles was covered in about 12 hours. The doctor at once hastened to the bedside of his fellow practitioner, with whom he remained for 36 hours, at the end of which time he left him, saying that there was no chance of his recovery!
During the gold fever in California, Dr. Robinson went to the Pacific slope, and after his return to Kansas in the later part of 1853 was elected the first governor of that state. In 1861, during the progress of the war, he made a trip to his old home in Massachusetts, and on again coming to the West made the trip up the river from St. Louis. The boat on which he had taken passage was captured near Napoleon, some miles below Kansas City, and the governor was made a prisoner. News of the capture was telegraphed to Dr. Ridge, who, not forgetting the kindness that he had received at the hands of Dr. Robinson during the cholera epidemic, saddled his horse and rode all night, arriving just in time to save Governor Robinson from an untimely death by hanging at the hands of some of the desperadoes of the South! Thus after several years he was able to return the kindness which had formerly been rendered him.
An era of westward emigration began in 1849 in this locality, and during the next 6 years the city grew with almost phenomenal rapidity, while the land was entered as claims and transformed into farms. It was now that the Doctor's business began to assume extensive proportions and calls for his services came from a wide area, so that he was often compelled to ride from 100 to 150 miles on horseback in 24 hours! His financial resources therefore increased, and he became the possessor of a handsome competence. His travels also made him familiar with the best location of valuable land, and from time to time he made judicious investments, which as the years have passed have brought to him a fortune. Every variety of practice came to him in connection with his professional life, and the excellent successes which attended his efforts gave evidence of a skill and ability that have won him a place among the most eminent practitioners west of the Mississippi river. He was numbered among the most expert surgeons in the West, and has also been very successful in general practice, especially in the treatment of pneumonia.
No section of the country was more involved in the troubles that preceded and attended the opening of the civil war than Kansas. Through these trying periods the doctor was frequently compelled to occupy peculiar and often dangerous positions, yet he frequently assumed the role of “mutual friend” and healed mental as well as physical wounds, smoothing over personal difficulties between old-time acquaintances. This arose purely from an unselfish desire to do away with the wrong and evil that was often too pronounced; but he made innumerable friends, and in consequence his patronage greatly increased until he was at the head of a very extensive and lucrative business. In 1860 trouble again broke out afresh, and he was a second time forced into the position of mediator, this time both as friend and adviser for each side, the union and Confederate. In 1861 there was no other practicing physician in this section, and many a time at the risk of his own life he has given aid to assist a helpless one, extending his kindness to both the wearer of the blue and the gray. On other occasions, such was the lawless condition of the country, he was forced to give his medical service by those who would go to his home and with assumed or real military authority demand his aid for their friends. He has been blindfolded and the bandages not removed from his eyes until he would go to administer the needed medicine. He has been taken from and returned to his home blindfolded, having no clew whatever as to where he had been except from the knowledge of faces when his blind was taken off. The scenes through which he passed at that time if graphically told in detail would be as interesting and thrilling as any which are found upon the pages of “dime novel” literature, and furthermore would be fact instead of fiction!
At length the troublous period was over and the doctor was free to give his time and attention as he willed to his business interests. He made extensive purchases of real estate, and the rapid rise in land values consequent on the rapidly developing population brought him a handsome income. He erected his first residence in front of the custom-house, and it was then considered one of the finest in the city. He at one time owned 84 acres of land bounded on the West by Woodlawn avenue, on the North by 19th street, on the East by Wabash avenue and on the South by 22nd street. This he has inpart divided among the children and it is today a very valuable property. He still, however, owns the West half of the original 84 acres, upon which is situated his magnificent residence, known as “Castle Ridge.” This commands a beautiful view of the city and surrounding country in every direction. Near by are the lovely homes that he has erected for his children. His own palatial abode is in the form of a Greek cross, in architecture combines the Tuscan and Corinthian styles. It is one of the finest residences in the city, richly and tastefully furnished and adorned with all the beautiful works that wealth can procure and art can devise.
The doctor is a man of domestic tastes and find his greatest enjoyment in the midst of his family. In 1850 he was happily married to Miss Eliza A. Smart, daughter of Judge T. A. Smart, of Kansas City, now deceased. She was a lady of rate domestic accomplishments and charitably inclined; and her kindness, benevolence and many other excellencies of character, won her the love and esteem of all. She died a number of years ago, and three of her five children are yet living, namely: William E. and Thomas S., both prominent businessmen of Kansas City; and Mrs. Sophie Lee Lakeman. In 1882, Dr. Ridge was joined in wedlock with Miss May D. Campbell, daughter of Bartley Campbell, a pioneer commercial man of Cincinnati. He was the first man to put on a night force in his packing-house in that city, and the first machinery used in the slaughtering department, and was also the originator of sugar-cured hams. Mrs. Ridge possesses superior musical talent, both as a vocalist and pianist, and for two years sang frequently in the prisons of Ohio and Pennsylvania, where, to those men shut off from all the pleasures of life, her singing was a rare treat, as indeed it is in any gathering. Her rare musical talent has gained her a wide reputation and made her a great favorite both in this city and Cincinnati, and she is known from ocean to ocean on account of her musical powers. She was appointed by the state of Missouri as one of the directors of music at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893. For some years she was an educator in both vocal and instrumental music, for two and a half years was a vocal teacher in the Christian College at Columbia, Missouri, and was also director of music in the State University at Columbia. She has no superior in the west as a high soprano singer, and her services have been sought by some of the best educational institutions and finest churches in the country. When some charity makes these calls she frequently responds.
The doctor has long been actively identified with the interests of the city, and among the latest improvements that he has added is the new Ridge building, which is recognized as one of the best office buildings west of the Mississippi. In 1891 he began the erection of a large building fronting both on Walnut and Main streets. The section fronting on Main street, however, was not commenced until the summer of 1893. The Walnut street building contains about 100 rooms, and the 2nd story is used for office purposes, but the 3rd and 4th floors are devoted to the Masonic fraternity. The Main street building is 6 stories in height and has about 200 office rooms, besides 6 large stores with basements. In the construction of this building the features considered most important were the lighting and ventilation of the rooms, and this has been accomplished. You see no dark, dingy or ill ventilated rooms in the entire building. The desirable location and the excellent appointments and equipments have made space in this building in great demand, and since its erection business activity in this locality has been greatly accelerated. The doctor has also established an electric plant which furnishes light and power for nearly the entire block as well as his own building. The beautiful new Ridge building stands as a monument to the enterprise of one who is recognized as a most progessive and public-spirited citizen.
Dr. Ridge is an enthusiastic and zealous Freemason, and has taken all the degrees in Scottish and York rite Masonry excepting the thirty-third degree in the southern jurisdiction in Scottish rite Masonry. He is also a member of the Mystic Shrine, and his life typifies the underlying spirit of the order - benevolence. During the trying times preceding the war, the doctor was twice saved from death by the fact that he was a Mason. Though he took sides with neither political faction engaged in carrying on the war, such was the bitterness of feeling that if a man was not pronounced in his support of one faction he was supposed to be in league with the other, and on two different occasions the doctor owed his life to Masonic brethren. Both incidents were remarkable and deserving of preservation in this history. On one occasion a Prussian with a band of 30 followers went to the doctor's home with the intention of taking his life. It was about 10:00 at night and the doctor was milking in the barnyard when 4-5 of the crowd jumped over the fence and ordered him to arise. The doctor coolly replied, “It seems you are in a great hurry.” The men responded, “You had better be preparing for something else,” and again ordered him to arise. He obeyed and they marched him to the yard where a sight met his gaze that made his blood run cold with horror. He saw his wife and son, clad only in the night robes, standing surrounded by the villainous crowd which was eager to take the lives of their victims. The doctor comprehended the situation at a glance and immediately gave the grand hailing sign of distress of the Masons, which was answered by the little Prussian who could scarcely speak English. Being in command of the force, he then drew his sword from its scabbard, gave it a flourish and said, “This is not the man to kill,” The doctor was then given a chance to defend himself against his accusers, who had falsely informed on him. The result was that he was allowed to finish his milking and go to bed in peace.
The second time his life was saved through Masonry was by the intervention of a man of probably more humble origin than the other, a colored barber, -- Louis Henderson - who was a native of Ohio and had never been a slave. For 5 years previous he had followed his calling in Kansas City. One day 2 men entered his shop to get shaved and there discussed a plot to kill a certain doctor. The barber was a Mason and recognized his customer as such. Therefore, before shaving him, he asked, “Who is this doctor you are going to kill?” The man replied, “It is Dr. Ridge. He can't live here any longer.” In answer Henderson responded, “Colonel -----, I can't shave you till you take back all you have said about Dr. Ridge; for he is a better Mason than you or I or any one else in this country, and has done more for the order than any man; and until you take back what you have said I can't shave you, sir.” Quite a protracted discussion followed, and at length the colonel gave his word of honor not to molest Dr. Ridge or to allow any of his company to do so; and from that time forward the colonel and his men were always friendly to the doctor.
Dr. Ridge once served as councilman of Kansas City, and for several years was city physician, but has been in no way a politician. He retired from active practice about 1875 to give his attention to numerous other interests, and now, surrounded by all the comforts of life, he is spending his declining years in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. He has rounded the Psalmist's span of three-score years and ten, but such a man can never grow old. His hair may whiten, and his frame weaken, but his generosity, his kindliness, his many noble qualities remain unchanged as the years pass. He has ever been a man of broad and liberal views, believing that honesty and uprightness is the indication of true Christianity, regardless of church creeds.
SAMUEL C. JAMES, M.D.
Among those who are engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Kansas City and who have gained for themselves a prominent place in the ranks of the fraternity, is this gentleman, whose reputation extends throughout the state. He was born in Franklin county, Virginia, June 16, 1854, and is one of the 8 children of Dr. Pyrant T. and Emma R. (Woods) James, also natives of Virginia. His paternal grandfather, Catlett James, was a native of the Old Dominion and of English descent. He cultivated a large plantation and died at an advanced age. The maternal grandfather, Samuel H. Woods, was also born in Virginia and was of English lineage. A well-known planter, by his capable management, enterprise and business ability be became wealthy. He also was a devout Christian and died at the age of 76 years.
The father of our subject was a physician, and on leaving the state of his nativity in 1855 removed to Versailles, Missouri, where he engaged in the practice of medicine until 1861. He also served as a surgeon in the Confederate army from 1861 to 1864. In the year of 1864 he removed to Litchfield, Illinois, where he engaged in the practice of medicine until 1888, when he located in Holden, Missouri, his death occurring there in 1892, when he was aged 62 years. His wife still survives him, and now spends her winters in Florida, and the summer months at her home in Versailles, Missouri. Both were members of the Methodist church. Of their family of 5 sons and 3 daughters, 6 are yet living, namely: Percy C.; Samuel C.; May, wife of Green Lilly; Lena, wife of Lewis Farquhar, of Litchfield, Illinois; Sterling Price and Robert L. Ida, the third of the family, and the wife of Frank Hayden, is now deceased; also Willie, who was the youngest.
Dr. Samuel C. James was brought to Missouri during his infancy, and at the age of 10 years accompanied his parents on their removal to Litchfield, Illinois, where he pursued his early education. He took up the study of medicine under the direction of his father and Dr. P. G. Woods, and subsequently entered the Missouri Medical College, of St. Louis. Later he was a student in the Rush Medical College, of Chicago, at which he was graduated in the class of 1882. Previous to that time, however, he had engaged in practice for several years. On leaving Chicago, he returned to Versailles, Missouri, where he made his home for a few months and then removed to Holden, Missouri, where he practiced until 1888. In that year he visited several of the hospitals of New York City, pursuing his investigations therein, and also took a course of lectures in the New York Polyclinic. In 1889 he opened an office in the Times building on Main street, Kansas City, where he has practiced continuously since.
On the 2nd of October, 1883, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. James and Miss Lula Doran, daughter of B. F. Doran, of Cooper county, Missouri. Her mother bore the maiden name of Lucy Daniels. One child has been born of this union - a son, Percy. They have a beautiful home at No. 400 Wabash, which is the abode of hospitality and a favorite resort with their many friends. The doctor is a consistent member of the Methodist church, in which he has served as steward for ten years. In politics he is a democrat. A valued member of the Masonic fraternity, he belongs to Royal Arch chapter No. 28; Kansas City commandery, No. 10, K. T., and also Ararat Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He has received all the degrees in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, and held the office of coroner of Johnson county, but resigning in 1888, before removing to Kansas City.
The doctor is a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, a member of the county and the state medical societies, and is professor of theory and practice in the University Medical College, of Kansas City. He is also professor of general medicine in Scarritt Bible and Training School, is on the medical staff of the Scarritt Hospital and All Saints Hospital, and of the University Medical Dispensary Clinic, and is consulting physician for the Fort Scott & Memphis Railroad. The public and the profession both accorded him high rank as a physician. He has treated successfully some of the most difficult cases known to the profession, with most excellent results, and his reputation has been won solely through ability and merit. He wears his honors with graceful and becoming modesty, and is not given to boasting of his accomplishments. He is genial and pleasant in manner, of amiable disposition, broadminded and true, and altogether worthy of the high regard in which he is universally held.
(The writer of the above article has known Dr. James from boyhood, and it is with great pleasure that he gives the above facts to the public).
JUDGE LUTHER T. COLLIER
There are few men who have attained the age of three-score years and ten who can claim the honor of being a native son of Missouri, but our subject was born in old Franklin, Howard county, December 16, 1825. Through a long and useful career he has aided in the development and upbuilding of his native state, and today he is numbered among the most honored residents of Kansas City.
The Collier family originated in France, whence several of its members removed to England and tgheir descendants later came to the United States, locating in Virginia. From the Old Dominion there removed to Kentucky John Collier, who became one of the pioneers of the “dark and bloody ground.” The paternal grandfather of our subject, James Collier, was a native of Kentucky, and died when Lewis Collier, father of the judge, was only about 8 years of age. Later the son was apprenticed to a tanner at Richmond, Kentucky. Subsequently he went to Missouri, and afterward engaged in lead-mining at Galena, Illinois, selling his ore in St. Louis. Prior to that time, however, he made several trips across the plains to New Mexico with several wagon loads of goods. After working in the lead mines for a time, Mr. Collier removed to Randolph county, Missouri, in 1829, carrying on a tan-yard there and making considerable money. As opportunity offered he made judicious investments in land, until he became the owner of several large farms which he operated with slave labor, raising tobacco, which he shipped to the city markets. He was a man of robust constitution and of a very energetic and industrious nature. In 1852 he purchased a large tract of land in Livingston county, 7 miles East of Chillicothe, where he erected an extensive saw and grist mill, carrying on business there up to the time of his death, which occurred March 12, 1881, in the 79th year of his age. The mother of our subject, who was a faithful member of the Baptist church, died October 15, 1865, in her 64th year. The father afterward married Esther Wheeler, who is now living in Wheeler, Missouri.
On the maternal side the Judge is also descended from an old Kentucky family. His maternal grandfather, Abner Cornelius, was a native of North Carolina, and at an early day went to Madison county, Kentucky. He married a Miss Richardson, and there spent his remaining days, his death occurring at the age of 70 years. One of his children still survives - Mrs. Mary Basket - who in her 96th year is now living in Callao, Missouri.
Judge Collier, of this review, was reared in Randolph county, Missouri, acquired his early education in the common schools, and worked as a farm hard, also aided in the labors of the tannery. Subsequently he attended the State university at Columbia, Missouri. He pursued a 4 year course and was graduated in the summer of 1846, being the valedictorian of his class. While in college he won the friendship and respect of both teachers and pupils, and was a favorite of all with whom he came in social contact.
Having determined to devote his energies to the practice of law, Judge Collier was found as a law student in the office of Judge William T. Wood, of Lexington, Missouri. Late in the fall of 1847 he went to St. Louis, Missouri, and entered the office of Gamble & Bates, a law firm composed of Hamilton R. Gamble, war governor of Missouri, and Ed. Bates, attorney general during the first term of President Lincoln's administration. After thorough preparation he was admitted to the bar, in St. Louis, in 1851. Judge Collier began practice in St. Louis, but his health failed there and he returned to his old home in Huntsville, Randolph county, where he practiced for a year. He then removed to Chillicothe, Missouri, where he remained until coming to Kansas City, on the 1st of October, 1887. Here he has since made his home and is an honored citizen of t
he community.
On the 13th of June, 1856, Judge Collier was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Fuqua, daughter of Captain Samuel Fuqua, of Logan county, Kentucky. Her death occurred in October, 1884. She was a most estimable lady, highly esteemed for her many excellencies of charactger, and her circle of friends was extensive. The Judge holds membership in the Cumberland Presbyterian church of Westport. In early life he was a whig in politics, but is now a supporter of the democracy. He was a member of the school board of Chillicothe, serving one term, and was a member of the board of curators of the State University, to which position he was appointed by Governor Hardin, and the appointment was confirmed by the senate before Mr. Collier had any knowledge of it. In the Fall of 1882 he was elected a member of the legislature of Missouri from Livingston county and served in the 32nd general assembly.
While the Judge was a boy at school and at college he was always a close student and thorough in his work, and the same characteristic has marked his public and professional career. He has lived in Missouri all his life, and has seen it developed from a wilderness to its present glorious civilization and wonderful magnitude, beauty and power. He is a kindhearted and social gentleman, belonging to the old school, where men were measured by their real worth and manly character rather than the length of their purse. He now has a competency, which supplies him with the comforts of life and is very vigorous and active for one of his years. His disposition is a cheerful and happy one and his soul is full of sunshine.
HON. FRANCIS MARION BLACK
Who for 10 years sat upon the supreme bench of Missouri, stands conspicuously high among the most able members of the bar of the state. No citizen in the commonwealth has retired from office with a cleaner record or higher respect that Judge Black. His splendid success has been achieved entirely through his own efforts. He wears his honors modestly. The salient characteristics by which he is recognized in his unswerving fidelity to duty.
He was born on a farm in Champaign county, Ohio, July 24, 1836, the son of Peter and Marie (Hilliard) Black, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Vermont. At an early day his parents emigrated westward, locating in Champaign county, Ohio, where the father purchased and developed a tract of land. In their family were 4 sons and 3 daughters, and of his number 3 are now living, namely: Lydia, wife of Thomas Archer, who resides in Ohio; Elias, who owns and manages the old Ohio homestead, and Francis M., of this sketch.
The future Judge began his education in the district schools near his home, the schoolhouse being a rude structure built of logs and furnished with primitive equipments. There he pursued his studies until 18 years of age. Vacations were spent in work on the farm. Two sons of the family died in infancy, and as the remaining brother was in ill health the greater part of the time, much of the labor and responsibility of the farm devolved upon Francis. His taste, however, was not for agricultural pursuits. He possessed a strong desire to secure further educational privileges and gladly pursued a one year's course in a high school of Urbana, Ohio. After attaining his majority he entered Farmers' College, of College Hill, Ohio, where he remained three years, pursuing a full course in mathematics, natural science, mental and moral philosophy, and a limited course in Latin. He paid his tuition and other expenses at thie institution from the sale of wheat raised on 10 acres of ground donated by his father for this purpose, planting and harvesting the wheat himself during his vacations, and thus made his college education possible. During his college course the president called upon him to take charge of a class in Olmsted's philosophy. The study was completed with credit to the instructor and with credit to the college.
It was the intention of Judge Black's father, when his son finished his college course that he should become a farmer, and offered to assist him in the purchase of a farm. Francis, however, had fully determined to enter upon the study of law. His father became very much enraged at this opposition to his own plans and predicted Francis would make a failure in the law. The result, assuredly, has proved otherwise. Nature evidently intended Francis Black for the legal profession. It was a wise choise he made when he entered upon the preparation for this calling. He began the study of law under the direction of General John H. Young, of Urbana, Ohio, and was admitted to the bar by the supreme court of that state in 1864. Believing the west would prove a better field for his labors he removed to Kansas City, Missouri, in the same year, -- a young man full of energy and with a laudable ambition and courageous spirit. Since that time his fortunes have been identified with this city. The building up of a practice by a young lawyer is generally slow, but merit and hard work were rewarded, and, in the course of a few years, he became recognized as one of the most able members of the bar of Missouri.
While in full practice he was called to the circuit judgeship in 1880, and was confessedly one of the ablest circuit judges in the state. In 1884, before the end of his term, he was elected to the supreme bench for a ten-year term, and during 1893-4 was chief justice of Missouri. He was re-nominated for the same position, without solicitation and without a competitor for the place - the first instance of the kind in the history of this state. No higher testimonial of his ability could be given, or of the appreciation of the public for his services. His decisions are models of judicial soundness and will rank among the best ever delivered in any state. It may be justly said without disparagement to others, that in mental endowment and in legal equipment he has rarely had a equal. Some of the most difficult cases ever before a supreme court for decision were brought to trial during his term upon the bench. These included the famous land cases in the city of St. Louis, one of which had been pending in the courts for a period of 40 years, and had been 3 times reversed by the supreme court. The titles involved in these cases extended back into the Spanish and French times and involved the ownership of a large amount of property now embraced within the most popular residence district in St. Louis. The title on one side was Spanish and French concessions, and on the other New Madrid earthquake certificates.
Judge Black's practice at the bar covered a wide range, embracing commercial, corporation and land law and all the departments of equity, in all of which he ranked among the first lawyers in the state. His characteristics as a lawyer are thorough and exhaustive learning, acute and wide-reaching perception, sound and accurate judgment and absolute integrity of purpose and conduct in life. His intellectual powers are of the highest order, allied with a practical judgment and the soundest of common sense, -- a manhood that is ideal in the independence of its character and the courageousness of its convictions. As a judge he earned the appellation which was given to Aristides, which with his other qualifications make his official career a model for his successors. Take him in combinatgion, he has hardly had his equal in the state, either as a lawyer or judge, and as a man his character has always been above reproach. In public trusts and in private station alike he has always had the respect, confidence and reverence of all whose opinions are of value.
Judge Black was married in 1867, to Miss Susan Barnes Geiger, the accomplished and culture daughter of Dr. Albertus Geiger, formerly a well-known physician of Dayton, Ohio. In social life Judge Black lays aside the dignity of the bench, the ceremonious formality of the courtroom, and becomes a courteous, genial gentleman, with the faculty of placing at their ease those who approach him.
JUDGE S. P. TWISS
The book of life which registers every occurrence in the career of Judge Stephen Prince Twiss, is replete with the history of nearly 70 years of honorable usefulness. The opening pages state that he was born in Charlton, Massachusetts, May 2, 1827, his parents being James J. and Elsie (Prince) Twiss, of Worcester county, Massachusetts. One brother, Amos Freeman, died December 25, 1895, at Worcester, Massachsetts; and 1 sister, Abbie Davis, now Mrs. George H. Brewer, of Ashton, Illinois, completed, with himself, the family circle.
James Twiss, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was of English parentage, but was born in the Bay state. He followed agricultural pursuits throughout his life and died at his old home, at the advanced age of 80 years. He had 5 children, one of whom was our subject's father. On the maternal side of the house the grandfather was Stephen Prince, and active, energetic farmer and a great student of the Bible. He took much much interest in the public affairs of the town of Oxford, Worcester county, where he lived over half a century. He too was almost 80 years of age at the time of his demise.
Reared on a farm and surrounded by deeply religious influences the Judge passed his childhood. At 15 years of age he began to work for neighboring farmers in the summer and attended school in the winter. At 18 years of age he learned the carpenter's trade, and by following this occupation through the summer he was enabled to spend 5 terms in study at the Leicester Academy. At 21 years of age he secured a position in a produce commission store in Boston, which belonged to his uncle, Stephen Prince, and during the winters of 1848, 1849 and 1850 he taught in a country school. While still a lad a prophetic shadow of his future greatness cast itself before his friends' visions and awakened to activity a longing to reach out and grasp the honors which he felt someday would be granted him. The law seemed a great attraction to him, as he grew older he became convinced that in that direction lay his best chances for working out his career. From the time that this decision was made he lost no opportunity to read of legal matters and kept his eyes open for any information which might be dropped in his presence. In May, 1850, he entered the Dane Law school, of Harvard University, and in March 1853, was duly admitted to practice. In Worcester he began the practice of his chosen profession, remaining there until November, 1865. His ability was recognized at once, and in December, 1862, he was elected to the city council. This position he resigned in January, on being elected city solicitor, the law being such that he could not hold both offices at once. Fortune favored him, and a number of most important cases for the city were disposed of, to the people's entire satisfaction. He was re-elected to this office, and, it is needless to say, discharged his duties with markedfidelity. In November, 1856, Mr. Twiss had been elected to the legislature of Massachusetts, serving in the session of 1857, when he embraced the opportunity to vote for Charles Sumner, who was at that time re-elected to the United States senate.
In the Fall of 1861, John A. Andrew, governor of Massachusetts, offered Mr. Twiss the command of a company to go to the war, which offer he accepted; but before arrangements were completed for raising the regiment the order was changed, as no more soldiers were then needed. He subsequently accepted a similar offer from the city government and was proceeding to raise his company when the adjutant general of the state informed the mayor of Worcester that there had been some mistake as to the number of men already raised by the city, and that it had already furnished 8 more men than its allotted portion; and upon the receipt of this information to further efforts were made. Later on, when Jackson's threatened invasion of Washington was causing considerable fear in the north, Judge Twiss was one of the 300 men raised in 2 days in Worcester, Massachusetts. They started to Washington and had proceeded as far as Boston when the news reached them that their services were not necessary, for the alarm of the threatened invasion was passed and the men were sent home. Although never going to the front, our subject had fully demonstrated his loyalty to the government and his willingness to serve his country.
Believing the west would be the most favorable quarter for rapid advancement in his profession, Mr. Twiss removed to Kansas City in November, 1865, and has since been identified with its interests. Young men with more than ordinary cleverness and efficiency were held at a premium, and Mr. Twiss was not long in proving his ability. In November, 1872, he was elected to the lower house of the state legislature of Missouri, and so creditably did he perform his duties that he was twice re-elected, serving six years in all. In the spring of 1878, George M. Shelly was elected mayor of Kansas City, with a democratic council, Mr. Shelly being a democrat. Nevertheless, although Mr. Twiss is a republican, he was appointed by the mayor as city counselor and the appointment was confirmed by the council. During the time he held that office a large number of damage cases against the city were tried and only two verdicts were rendered against him. Some of these cases involved many thousands of dollars, and those he lost altogether cost the city only about $900.00
During the presidential campaign of 1880, Mr. Twiss was appointed associate justice of the supreme court of the territory of Utah, his term beginning January 1, 1881. He held the office for a little more than 4 years. After President Cleveland was elected, in 1884, and before he took office, the democratic territorial committee of Utah told our subject that if he would accept the re-appointment to the same office he was holding they would use their influence to see that he was not removed under a democratic administration. Soon after the expiration of his term he returned to Kansas City and resumed general law practice. To give an idea of his standing in the profession, his ability and the favorable judgment passed upon it, we copy from the Salt Lake Tribune a part of the report of the court proceedings of 1882:
“His honor then delivered his charge to the grand jury, the general instructions being very explicit as to the specific duties and obligations imposed by law upon a jury of that class, defining every point in a very lucid manner. One of the points emphasized was their duty to inquire into willfully corrupt misconduct in office of the public officers of every description. He then adverted to the Edmunds bill, making use of the following language:
“ 'Within the last year congress has legislated with special reference to this territory. It is my duty to call your attention to some of this legislation. The first section of the act of congress, approved March 22, 1882, known a the Edmunds bill, defines who is guilty of polygamy as follows: 'Every person who has a husband or wife living, who hereafter marries another, whether married or single, and any man who hereafter simultaneously or on the same day marries more than one woman, is guilty of polygamy, and prescribes the punishment for this odious crime. The third section provides that if any male person hereafter cohabits with more than one woman he shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and prescribes punishment for this office.'
“ 'It is as much your duty to investigate violations of these provisions of law as any other. Your belief as to the injustice or justice of this law has nothing to do with your duties as grand jurors. You cannot violate the oaths you have taken simply because you may not believe the law is just or proper. The congress of the United States is a law-making power which you and I, court and jury alike, are bound under the sacred obligations of our official oaths to respect. The constitution of the United States and the acts of congress duly passed in pursuance thereof are the paramount laws of the land, and when we are required in pursuance of official duties, in due form of law imposed upon us, under the obligations of the oaths we have taken, to execute them, we cannot, as good citizens, true to our country, 'attached to the principles of the constitution of the United States and well disposed to the peace and good order of the same,' refuse to perform plain and well defined duties simply because we may not approve or are opposed to such laws. Your duties are of the utmost importance, and at times you may find them difficult. You stand between the people, the government on one side and the accused on the other, and you are required to act with fairness to all; you have not only a power, but a trust is given you which you cannot afford to abuse. It may be your duty to refuse to fnd an indictment against an enemy; it may be your duty to indict a friend; but be it friend or foe whose case you are investigating, you will not, I trust, be governed by personal feeling or inclinations of any kind whatever, either for or against any person. That you will enter upon and perform the duties before you guided by an intelligent conscience in the performance of all that the law and your oaths require of you, is my desire and expectation.' “
As there were some men on the jury who were naturalized citizens the reference to attachment to the principles of the constitution of the United States, etc., was apt and timely, as it was a part of the oath which such person took at the time they became citizens, and it undoubtedly had some effect with some of the jurors.
The case of Cannon vs. Thomas was one of great interest to the people of the territory and especially to the people of Salt Lake City. It was a mandamus in which Cannon, the relator, claimed that he had been elected delegate to congress by a large majority and that the governor had refused to give him a certificate of election, praying for a peremptory writ of mandamus directing the governor to give the certificate of election to Cannon. It was thoroughly argued and the excitement of the people of Salt Lake City was at fever heat. The court denied the writ, and in the somewhat lengthy opinion he used the following language: “If the duty of the governor in determining who has the greatest number of votes thrown by the qualified voters of the territory is not a judicial act, it is far from being ministerial; it is at least an executive duty of a political character which may at times require the best and soundest discretion.”
This opinion was, of couse, fiercely attacked by the Mormon press and many of the people of that faith. On the other side it was faithfully defended by the Gentile press, and the Salt Lake Tribune said: “Of the decision itself too much praise cannot be given. It shows with what a conscientious desire to do exact justice Judge Twiss undertook to perform his duty and with what masterful ability he reached his conclusions. While the friends of Mr. Cannon are disappointed at the result we do not see how any one who will read the conclusions of his Honor can fail to realize their absolute correctness. It takes a higher plane than ordinary decisions. It gives to even the ordinary reader an idea that the law is an exact science and furnishes an example of a problem that could have but one solution.”
Judge Twiss' bearing while on the bench was always dignified and pleasing to the bar and all parties in court. He was always patient with others and painstaking and explicit in the routine duties of this position, and in the investigation of the facts sometimes almost inextricably involved with error.
Judge Twiss was married February 16, 1870, at Somerset, Massachusetts, to Miss Louisa Woodbury Clark, daughter of Rev. Nelson and Elizabeth (Gillman) Clark. Her father was then pastor of the Congregational church at Somerset, Massachusetts. Mrs. Twiss died at Kansas City about five months after her marriage. The Judge was again married August 5, 1873, his second union being with Mrs. Emeline Bidwell, widow of Alonzo F. Bidwell and a daughter of Samuel Conklin, of Tecumseh, Michigan. One child was born to the Judge by his second wife, but died in infancy.
In social circles and as a promoter of education, Judge Twiss has ever held a prominent place. He is a member of Kansas City commandery, No. 10, K. T., and with his estimable wife belongs to the Congregational church. He is president of the board of trustees of Kidder Academy, of Caldwell county, and also a trustee of Drury College. Whatever he has conscientiously attempted Judge Twiss has not failed to accomplish. His tenacity of purpose, strict integrity and varied capabilities command the admiration and respect of all who known him. His office is in the Rialto Building, where he is always found ready to give his professional services to his old friends, although he has no sign out as a lawyer. At 425 Gladstone avenue is a spacious mansion to which the Judge retires after the day's work is done. There Mrs. Twiss resides and together they entertain their friends or enjoy the quiet of each other's society.
REV. GEORGE W. LOVE, M. D.
Rev. George W. Love, M. D., of Westport, Missouri has devoted his entire life to the 2 most noble professions to which man gives his attention - the ministerial and the medical. Thus he has labored for his fellow men through a long and useful career, and all who know him hold him in the highest regard in recognition of his genuine worth.
Dr. Love was born in Rhea county, Tennessee, August 8, 1818, and attended the common schools near his home. In his 17th year, accompanied by his widowed mother and twin brother, Dr. B. F. Love, he came to Missouri, locating near Columbus, Johnson county, in the Fall of 1835. Possessed of a deeply religious nature, and feeling that his services should be given to the human race, he entered the broadest field of ministerial labor - the missionary - and in the Fall of 1837 was employed as assistant missionary to the Peoria Indians. In 1839 he was sent to take the place of Rev. E. T. Peery among the Pottawattamie Indians. In the Fall of 1839 he joined the Missouri conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, and was appointed to the Clinton circuit. The next year he went to the Lexington circuit, the following year to the Hillsboro circuit, and the succeeding year was sent as a missionary to the Kaw Indiana, and spent the latter part of the year in Christian work among the Delaware tribes.
On the 25th of July, 1843, George W. Love was united in marriage with Ann E. Munday, and afterward served as pastor of the churches in Richmond, Liberty, St. Joseph, Weston and Booneville, Missouri. In the Fall of 1848 he became the pastor of the First Methodist Church in New Madrid City, and for the two succeeding years was presiding elder of the Potosi district. He then filled the pastorate of a church in St. Louis for a year, and was afterward at Lexington, Missouri. While engaged in ministerial work then his left lung failed to perform its functions, and he was compelled to retire from the ministry. This led him to take up the study of medicine, and he attended a course of lectures in what is now the Missouri Medical College, but was then McDowell's College. He received his diploma from Pope's Medical College, now the St. Louis Medical College, in March, 1861, and began practice in 1852, at Pink Hill, 18 miles East of Independence. He built up that town, and was a prominent factor in its social, business and material welfare. In 1857 he removed to Wellington, Missouri, where he remained until 1862, and then spent two years in Lexington. After Price's last raid he left that place and removed to Nebraska City, where he continued for 3 years. His next place of residence was Kansas City, whence he came to Westport, where he has since remained, with the exception of 7 years spent in Joplin, Missouri, where he removed on account of his wife's health.
Mrs. Love died on the 20th of August, 1890. They were the parents of 9 children, 4 of whom reached mature years, namely: Dr. Lewis; R. A.,; Annabel, wife of John March, of Kansas City; and C. H. who is engaged in the drug business in St. Louis. The family is connected with the Methodist church, and the Doctor is a local preacher in the same. Socially he is connected with several organizations. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, holds a membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was noble grand of the lodge at Wellington at the time of the breaking out of the civil war. In his political views he was in early life a whig, but on the dissolution of that party he joined the ranks of the democracy, and has since been one of its champions, although he has never sought or desired political preferment. He is the oldest practicing physician in Westport, and has a liberal patronage. Few men are more familiar with the early history of this state than the Doctor, and he will deserves mention among its honored pioneers.
HON. LOUIS HENRY WATERS
In the history of the bar of Missouri the name of this gentleman deserves honorable mention. In the profession where one must rise by superior merit or remain in the ranks of mediocrity he as attained an eminent position that ranks him among the leading lawyers of Kansas City. He was born December 22, 1828, and when a lad of ten summers accompanied his parents on their removal from Campbell county, Kentucky, to Fort Madison, Iowa. This was during the territorial days of the state and Mr. Waters largely became familiar with the experiences of frontier life. When he had attained a sufficient age he began reading law in the office of Miller & Williams, of Fort Madison, and after his admission to the bar he began teaching school, merely, however, as a temporary expedient.
Mr. Waters accepted the position as teacher in the schools of La Harpe, Hancock county, Illinois, and subsequently removed to Macomb, that state, where he taught school and practiced law for a year or more. In 1854, he was elected to the legislature from McDonough county, Illinois, as the representative of the whig party, and while a member of the general assembly supported Abraham Lincoln for United States senator. When the name of Mr. Lincoln was dropped and the whig members gave their support to Lyman Trumbull, he voted for Archibald Williams, of Quincy, Illinois. In 1858 he was appointed by Governor Bissell as prosecuting attorney for the judicial circuit, composed of McDonough, Fulton, Schuyler, Brown and Pike counties.
With the year 1861 came the opening of the civil war, and, prompted by a patriotic ardor that was not quelled while the struggle lasted, he offered his services to the government. Now that the story of the war of the rebellion has passed into history, the records of the soldiers of Illinois are as rich in deeds of daring and heroism as any page in the annals of the revolution, and their names will live in the affections of their countrymen “to the last syllable of recorded time.” With the names of Grant, Logan and Yates, that of General Waters has found its place on the roll of honor as a loyal defender of the stars and stripes which now float so proudly over the united nation, emblem of an unbroken union and of peace and good will. When the county became involved in civil war, Mr. Waters raised a company of volunteers, which was mustered into the service of company D of the 28th Illinois infantry, and when the organization of the regiment was effected he was commissioned lieutenant colonel by Governor Yates. In the spring of 1862 he was authorized to raise a regiment and was assigned to the command of the camp in Quincy, Illinois, where were organized the 78th, 84th and 119th regiments of Illinois infantry. He was commissioned as colonel of the 84th, and served as its commander until the close of the war, when he was commissioned by the president as brigadier general by brevet. He led his men in many a gallant charge, encouraging and inspiring them to put forth their best efforts, and the boys in blue of the 84th won a renown that reflected credit upon the leadership of their colonel. All through that sanguinary struggle he was found at the front, faithfully discharging his duties, and among Illinois' honored warriors he well deserves mention.
In 1866 General Waters was appointed by Governor Oglesby as prosecuting attorney of his circuit to fill out an unexpired term, and in that position he acceptably served until 1869, when he removed to Carollton, Carroll county, Missouri, and resumed the practice of his profession. In 1876 he entered into partnership with Judge C. A. Winslow, of Chariton county, Missouri, and located in Jefferson City. The firm of Waters & Winslow was dissolved in 1878 by the appointment of the colonel to the position of United States attorney for the western district of Missouri. While he was the incumbent of that office, by an act of congress, the district was divided into two divisions, which required sessions of the district and circuit courts to be held at Kansas City; and upon the passage of that act General Waters and District Judge Krebel removed to Kansas City, where he has since resided. In January, 1895, he was appointed county counselor by the county court of Jackson county, and is discharging its duties with the same promptness and fidelity that have always marked his career both in public and private life. He is an able advocate, a conscientious and painstaking lawyer, logical in argument and possessing high oratorical powers. His addresses before judge and jury or on the bench have a substratum of sound sense and legal knowledge that is undisputable and yet is adorned and beautified by figures of speech as a stream is bordered by flowers.
The Colonel has been twice married. In 1850 he wedded Miss Cordelia T. Pearson, and in January, 1880, he wedded Mrs. Annie E. Wylie. In politics he was a whig until the dissolution of that party, when he joined the ranks of the republican party. He devotes most of his time to the law, in which he has met with signal success, but gives enough attention to politics to keep in touch with the republican party of Missouri.
HON. WEBSTER DAVIS
To a student of human nature there is nothing of more interest than to examine into the record and history of a self-made man and to analyze those principles that have enabled him to pass on the highway of life many who started out before him and attain a position of prominence in the community. He of whom we write is one who has forced aside the barriers that obstruct the way until now he stands within that charmed circle, rich in honor and fame, a devoted son of his adopted city. Kansas City honors him as her mayor, and the honor is justly bestowed. From a humble position he has risen to one of eminence. As a jurist he stands among the most prominent in the state of Missouri, and as an orator has attained a brilliant reputation that places him among the most fluent, able and eloquent speakers of the west. The life history of such a man is a source of inspiration and encouragement, and demonstrates to what heights one may climb where his progress is not barred by the unsurmountable difficulties of caste or class.
Webster Davis was born in Ebensburg, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, on the 1st of June, 1861, but since a very age has lived in Missouri, his father locating in this state about the time of the close of the war. On the old home farm Webster worked until the family's removal to Chillicothe in 1884. He then became familiar with commercial life by a year's service as a clerk in a hardware store. The father again removed in 1875, locating in that year removed in 1875, locating in that year in Gallatin, Daviess county, Missouri, where, under the instruction of his father, our subject learned the trade of shoemaking, which he continuously followed until 1881. It was his earnest desire, however, to acquire an education. Previous to this time he had attended the common schools to a very limited extent. He resolved to secure further advancement along this line, and with this end in view went to Lake Forest University near Chicago, where he arrived with less than $15.00 in his pocket. The young man of ambition and energy, however, is not deterred by obstacles, and he obtained the situation of attending to the street lamps of the town. This work he performed throughout the year, and not only paid for his tuition, board and clothing out of his earnings, but actually sent money back to his Missouri home to assist his father in support of the family. But the parents and children were having a hard tgime to get along, and he felt it was his duty to aid them to a greater extent. In consequence, returning to his old home he assisted his father in the shop and worked in a store, but ambition pointed the young man ahead to the time when he would be a lawyer, prominent among his professional brethren. He bent every energy toward the accomplishment of this purpose, and in 1882 entered the office of the widely known law firm of Shanklin, Low & McDougal, where, to pay for the instruction he received, he engaged in keeping books, and did their copying. He often “burned the midnight oil,” continuing his legal studies far into the night.
The life of Mayor Davis has fully demonstrated the truth of the old adage that where there's a will there's a way. During 1884 and 1885 he was a student in the Kansas State University at Lawrence, and assisted in keeping boarders to raise the money to pay his tuition and other expenses. He was admitted to the bar in Garden City, Kansas, where he practiced for a time, but not satisfied with his legal learning, he went to Ann Arbor, Michigan, entering the law department of the famed university there, and graduating in the class of 1887. He was one of the youngest members of his class, numbering nearly 200, and had neither wealth, position nor friends of influence to advance him, but merit won an honor for him that the other attributes could not have done and he was honored by being selected to deliver the oration at the semi-centennial of the university in June, 1887.
Mr. Davis now returned to his home in Kansas City, Missouri, but his mother was failing in health and he took her to Pueblo, Colorado, where for nearly a year he engaged in practice. On the expiration of that period he returned to Kansas City, and accepted the position of chief deputy in the office of surveyor of customs for the western district of Missouri and Kansas. In 1892 he was nominated for congress by the republican party of the 5th district of Missouri, entirely without his solicitation, but with the remainder of the ticket he met defeat. His energies were all then devoted to his legal practice, with the result that he wa acknowledged to be one of the most able members of the bar. In the preparation of his cases he manifested a care and thoroughness that made him master of the subject. He marshaled his evidence with the precision of a general, and while each detail was brought to bear with its full weight upon the case, he never for an instant lost sight of the important fact upon which the decision of a case finally turns. In argument he is logical and forceful, his repartee is telling, and his oratorical powers have made him known far and wide as a public speaker.
In April, 1894, Mr. Davis was elected to the office of Mayor. Kansas City has always been considered a democratic stronghold; but, nominated by the republican party, of which he is an unswerving advocate, he carried its standard onward and upward until the word Victory was added to its banner, and the news spread that he had won the election by a majority of 7,000! One who had heard him in the delivery of one of his masterly addresses said, “We do not wonder now that Mr. Davis, an ardent republican, was a few months ago elected mayor of Kansas City, a stronghold of democracy.” When he became the standard-bearer of his party he resolved that the issue should terminate successfully if such a result could be secured by honorable, straightforward means. He stooped to none of the assiduous wiles so often employed by modern politicians, but he went into every voting precinct and spoke to the people, convincing them by his logic, his earnestness and his oratory until he won a following that seemed phenomenal. He entered upon the duties of his office, and the reins of city government have never been in more capable hands than they are at the present time. He has studied closely the situation, and his policy is a most commendable one. He is on the side of reform, improvement and all that is calculated to advance the educational, moral and material welfare of the city.
Mr. Davis is today known as one of the most able speakers of the west. He is an orator who ability equals that of many of the best known statesmen of the country. His style is both unique and attractive, and in some points might be said to resemble that of the gifted statesman whose name he bears and who said, “True eloquence does not consist in words alone.” Mr. Davis could never be said to belong to that class of speakers who thrill and interest their auditors at the moment of utterance but leave no lasting impression, and sow no seeds of thought that will develop and ripen in time. He is earnest, eloquent, instructive and entertaining. He is master of the art of rhetoric and figures of speech adorn his addresses as the flowers that border a stream. A friend speaking of him said, “Mr. Davis has all the graces of an orator. He is a young man of remarkably fine appearance, tall and commanding, with great grace of manner and a voice that never fails in a 2 hour talk, yet that is capable, seemingtly, of infinite modulation at the will of the speaker. Mr. Davis is not simply an orator. He is an actor, as consummate and keen in his perceptions as ever appeared before the footlights of the stage. He has the scholarly tastes and literary culture, the eleocutionary skill of some of the best known orators of the west, and combines with it massive force and sledge-hammer logic, together with an case and grace of delivery that is seldom equaled. He has the power of holding his audiences entranced.” Mr. Davis is an illustrious prototype of a self-made man, and having in his young manhood already risen to such heights it is safe in predicting for him a most brilliant future.
JUDGE M. H. JOYCE
Who is now serving as Justice of the Peace in Kansas City, was born in Troy, Miami county, Ohio, November 11, 1854, descending from Irish ancestry. His paternal grandfather, a farmer in the Emerald Isle, died there at an advanced age. His parents, Henry Michael and Mary (McDonnell) Joyce, were both natives of Ireland, and came to America in the '40's, locating in Ohio, where the father followed farming. He died there in 1867, at the age of 48, and his wife passed away in 1856. Both were members of the Catholic church, and he served as a soldier in the Union army during the civil war. Their family numbered 3 children: Mary, wife of David McHale, of Piqua, Ohio; Annie, also living in Piqua; and Michael H., of this review.
During his boyhood Judge Joyce was engaged to ride race horses until becoming too heavy for that purpose, when he engaged in training horses. He was about 18 years of age when he left Ohio. John Scullin, taking a great interest in the young man, kindly afforded him the means of acquiring an education, and he attended Manhattan College, at which he was graduated in 1880. He next went to St. Louis, where for a year he was employed in the officers of the Scullin Street Railway, having charge of the ticket accounting. His health then failing, he went to Colorado, where he remained for 9 months. In 1881 he arrived in Kansas City on a visit, but here his health improved so rapidly that he removed to this place to remain, and has since been a resident of this locality. He secured employment with the St. Joseph, Kansas City & Council Bluffs Railway as yard clerk, and occupied that position for 7 years, when his faithful service and ability won him promotion to the position of assistant yardmaster, in which capacity he served until November 7, 1890, when, on his election to the office of justice of the peace, he resigned. After a 4 year term he was reelected, in 1894, and when his present term expires will have filled the position for 8 years.
On the 26th of December, 1883, Mr. Joyce was united in marriage with Miss Nora Carroll, daughter of Michael and Ellen Carroll. They have 4 children, -- Grover, Charles, Annie and Marguerite. The Judge and his family are members of the Catholic church, and he belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, the Independent Order of Foresters, the Improved Order of Heptasophs, also the Ancient Order of Hibernians. In politics he is a stalwart democrat. With few advantages in his youth, Judge Joyce has, by this own efforts and the kindly assistance of one friend, worked his way steadily upward, and his career commands the esteem and confidence of all who know him.
JUDGE JOHN BESTOR STONE
Is the highest type of American citizenship, loyal and faithful to every trust. He is now judge of the county court, and in the discharge of his duties there is but one thing that he takes into consideration, and that is justice. Nothing can swerve him from the path which he believes to be right, and the predominant trait of his character is his absolute honesty and fidelity.
A native of Alabama, the Judge was born in Marion, Perry county, December 5, 1842, and is a son of John M. and Permelia Caroline (Roberts) Stone. Two centuries and a half ago there came to the shores of America an English vessel, aboard which were 5 brothers of the name of Stone, who had come to find homes in the new world. They were of English birth, but allied their interests with the adopted land. Four of the number located in the northern colonies, while the remaining brother found a home in Virginia. From the last mentioned the Judge descended. His grandfather, the Judge descended. His grandfather, Robert Stone, was born in the Old Dominion and became the owner of a large plantation there. John M. Stone, the father of our subject, was born in South Carolina, and became a cabinet-maker by trade. He married Miss Roberts, a native of Alabama, and for many years they resided in that state. For a considerable period they were residents of Selma, and Mr. Stone was very prominent in public affairs there, serving as alderman and taking an active part in everything that pertained to the prosperity of the community. His wife died when the Judge was only 15 years of age, and his death occurred in Florida, June 27, 1890, at the age of 77 years and 10 months. They were both members of the Christian church, and had the high regard of all who knew them. Mrs. Stone was a daughter of Reuben Roberts, a native of South Carolina, who removed to Alabama, where he became a large planter. His death occurred there at an advanced age.
In the family to which our subject belongs were 8 children - five sons and 3 daughters, of whom 3 are now living, namely: John B.; Melissa, wife of Walter E. Robbins, of Palatka, Florida; and Fannie G., who makes her home with her brother.
When a lad of 9 years, Judge Stone accompanied his parents on their removal to Selma, Alabama, where he made his home until 1873, and then went to Texas. He was educated in the former city, but his literary studies were ninterrupted by his service in the Confederate army. He was reared in the south, and true to its institutions and beliefs he joined Company A, 4th Alabama infantry, when 19 years of age. In his second engagement - the battle of Manassas - his thigh bone was broken. At the battle of Chickamauga, September 20, 1864, he was wounded, and also in the seven days' fight near Richmond, and in the battle of the Wilderness on the 6th of May. At Fort Blakely he was captured and imprisoned on Ship Island until the close of the war. He participated in a number of the most hotly contested engagements of that long struggle, including the first and second battle of Manassas, Chickamauga, the 7 days battle in the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House, and a number of heavy skirmishes. He entered the service as a private, but was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant. In his military career he exhibited that ardor and enthusiasm, valor and impetuosity characteristic of the true soldier.
When the war was over Judge Stone returned to his old home in Selma, and for 2 years engaged in merchandising. He then removed to Shelby county, Alabama, where he carried on farming for a time, after which he returned to Selma, and was elected city clerk and tax collector. In 1873 he removed to Dallas, Texas, where he engaged in the real-estate business, following that pursuit for some years. During that time he erected the federal government building there and gave it to the state for 10 years free of charge. He also erected many other large buildings in that city. In 1879 he was elected alderman of Dallas, but soon after resigned and removed to Colorado, where he was engaged in mining for 3 years. Returning then to Texas, he made his home in the Lone Star State until 1885, when he came to Kansas City, where he engaged in the real-estate business for several years. He is a practical, thorough-going business man, perfectly reliable in all things, energetic and honorable, and no one has the confidence of the public to a greater degree that Mr. Stone.
This fact was signally demonstrated in November, 1894, by his election to the office of presiding county judge. He was first spoken of for that position by the “reformed democratic” party, but such is his known ability and fidelity to duty that he was indorsed by the republicans and the populists, and also ran as an A.P.A. candidate, being the first man elected to that office in 25 years who was not elected on the regular democratic ticket. Those whose opposition he had to meet in the campaign were mostly professional politicians who place party above everything else and desire personal aggrandizement rather than the good of the country. The Judge has taken quite an active part in political affairs, but devotion to country is to him above party or personal preferment. He has been strongly talked of as the candidate for governor of Missouri in 1896, and the attitude of the loyal American element in the state as opposed to the party element was shown by an article which appeared in one of the leading journals of Missouri and read as follows:
“What Missouri wants is a man in the gubernatorial chair; and it makes little difference whether he calls himself republican, democrat, populist or whatnot, so he is competent, a Christian gentleman and a patriot; and all these we believe Judge Stone to be. We have tried republican rule in Missouri and we have tried democratic; now let us try being ruled by American patriotism and let us put at the head of our ticket one who loves country more than party and Americanism more than personal aggrandizement.”
The Judge is a man of strong convictions, fearless in expressing them under all proper circumstances, but always ready to hear and weigh the views of those who differ from him. He is unswerving in his support of what he believes to be right, no matter at what personal cost to himself. On the bench it is his aim to be absolutely impartial, and no personal feeling is allowed to interfere with the even-handed administration of justice.
On the 18th of June, 1881, Mr. Stone was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary M. Kester, widow of John H. Kester, and a daughter of Joel and Mary Boile (Earles) Haley, both natives of North Carolina. Joel Haley was a union soldier, a member of Company I, third Arkansas infantry, and died in the service. Mrs. Stone was born in Steelville, Crawford county, Missouri, and by her marriage has become the mother of one daughter, -- Calla G. The Judge and his wife have a handsome brick residence at No. 3032 Prospect avenue, and in social circles are highly esteemed. They are members of Trinity Episcopal church, and the Judge belongs to the Masonic and Knights of Pythias fraternities and the American protective Association. In manner he is an affable, genial gentleman, of unvarying courtesy, highminded and scrupulously faithful to every trust. He numbers among his friends people of all classes and no man in Kansas City is more generally esteemed than Judge Stone.
HON. JAMES S. BOTSFORD
It has been said by a well-known writer that “some men are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them;” and when in any department of life a man attains signal success the thinking world is wont to pause and inquire through which of these methods did his eminence come. In regard to the marked success attained by the Hon. James S. Botsford, one of the prominent lawyers of Kansas City, a review of his life will answer the above question.
James S. Botsford was born in Waukesha county, Wisconsin, June 10, 1844, son of John Sherman Botsford and Rhoda nee Look, natives of Oneida county, New York, and of Scotch-Irish descent. The Botsford family were among the early settlers of the Empire state. Seymour Botsford, a brother of our subject's father, was a participant in the war for the independence of Texas and was killed at the battle of San Jacinto. John S. Botsford, the father of James S., was a farmer. Sometime in the 30's he left New York and emigrated to Wisconsin, which was then on the frontier, and in the midst of the dense forest of Waukesha county he purchased 160 acres of Government land, at $1.25 per acre, and at once devoted his energies to the work of clearing and improving his farm. This land is now very valuable. Here he died in 1851. The mother still survives and resides near Waukesha. Sometime after Mr. Botsford's death she became the wife of a Mr. Rodgers, and by him has 2 children, -- Anna and John. The children of her first marriage are 5 in number, named: James S., Clara, Mattie, Charles and Phoebe. Charles is an attorney of Oklahoma.
It was on his father's farm that James S., was born, and amid frontier scenes that his boyhood days were passed. He attended the country schools for some years and when he grew older was sent to high school at Lisbon, Illinois. The breaking out of the war interrupted his studies, as it did those of many other patriotic young men, and in May, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company F, 5th Wisconsin infantry. With this command he was identified until September, 1864, when he was honorably discharged, having participated in all the principal engagements of his regiment up to that time. At the battle of the Wilderness, May 5, 1864, he was wounded by a gunshot through the right shoulder, after which he was taken to Armory Square hospital, Washington, DC, where he remained 3 months. It was at the end of this time that he received his discharge and returned home. On his return hom he at once resumed his studies, giving especial attention to law, and in due time passed a creditable examination before the supreme court at Ottawa, Illinois. That was in 1866. The same year he entered upon the practice of his profession at Sedalia, Missouri, at which place he maintained his residence until 1872, having served one year, 1870, as city attorney. In 1872 he removed to Jefferson City, Missouri, where he practiced until 1879. He was United States attorney for the western district of Missouri from 1871 to 1877, or 2 terms. In 1879 he located in Kansas City, Missouri, and since that date has practiced here, having established at this place a large and lucrative business. He is now a member of the popular law firm of Botsford, Deatherage & Young. Both as a speaker and lawyer, he has few equals.
Mr. Botsford has for years been identified with the Masonic fraternity, has received the higher degrees of the order, and has been honored by official position in the same. He is past high priest of the chapter, and past eminent commander of Kansas City commandery, K. T., No. 10; also he is a member of the George H. Thomas post, G. A. R.
Mt. Botsford was married in November, 1871, to Miss Sallie, daughter of Colonel W. A. Warner, and granddaughter of General Leslie Combs, of Kentucky. Their only child, Georgia, is the wife of B. F. Deatherage, a prominent lawyer of Kansas City.
HON. WILLIAM C. ADAMS
One of the prominent and influential citizens of Jackson county, who has been an important factor in public affairs and an esteemed representative of agricultural interests, was born on the 13th of March, 1836, in the county where he yet makes his home. His parents, Lynchburg and Elizabeth (Drake) Adams, were numbered among the earliest settlers of Jackson county, and for more than 65 years the family has been prominently connected with the history of this state. William is the youngest in a family of 5 children, and amid the wild scenes of the frontier he was reared to manhood, early becoming familiar with the development of wild land and the labors necessary upon a farm. His primary education was acquired in the common schools and later he was for 8 months a student in Chapel Hill College, and for 3 months pursued his studies in William Jewell College.
Mr. Adams remained at home until the breaking out of the war, when he offered his services to the South. He became second lieutenant in the Missouri state guards, in which he served for 6 months and participated in the battle of Lexington. He was afterward commissioned first lieutenant of Company G, 3rd Missouri infantry, commanded by Colonel Reeves, under General Sterling Price. In the Fall of 1862 his captain was killed and he assumed command of his company, thus serving until the close of the war. At the battle of Lexington he was slightly wounded, and again at the battle of Corinth he was slightly wounded and taken prisoner, but was soon after paroled. Near Vicksburg he was again captured and held for about 10 months on Johnson's island in Lake Erie, when he was exchanged. The war having closed Mr. Adams returned to Jackson county and engaged in agricultural pursuits in Blue township.
On the 9th of April, 1868, he was united in marriage with Sarah J. Herd, who was born in Jackson county, Missouri, a daughter of Jesse Herd, deceased. Of their union, 5 children have been born, 4 now living, namely: Edmund L.; Susan E.; wife of T. C. Horan; Dora M.; and Charles L. Francis S. died in California when about 17 years of age, and the mother died in Blue township, October 21, 1883. On the 26th of February, 1884, Mr. Adams was again married, his 2nd union being with Mrs. Fannie Jepson, widow of Jesse W. Jepson and a daughter of C. J. Samples. She was born in Kentucky, but was reared in Clay County, Missouri. Of this marriage have been born 5 children, namely: Jessie A., James W.; Mary H.; John Q.; and Pauline Ruth.
Mr. Adams has taken an active part in public affairs and has several times been called to office, wherein he has discharged his duties in such a prompt and capable manner that he has won the commendation of all concerned. He was at one time nominated on the greenback ticket for the office of state senator. In the Fall of 1879 he was elected on that ticket to the lower house of the legislature, and during his term served as a member of the committee on agriculture, retrenchment and reform and other important committees. For 16 years he has served as school director and has done effective service in the cause of education. He is a progressive, wide-awake citizen who favors all interests calculated to benefit his native county. Of recent years he has taken a very active part in advocating the building of macadam roads, being largely instrumental in having several road conventions held in his county. Chiefly through his exertions a permanent good roads association was formed for Jackson county, of which he is president. He is also vice-president of the Missouri Roads Improvement Association, a state organization which meets annually. He has served as chairman of the county committee of the populist party and is very prominent in public affairs. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, south, and take an active interest in church work. For many years he has served as superintendent of the Sunday school, and does all in his power to advance the cause of Christianity. His home place is a valuable farm of 460 acres, richly cultivated and hightly improved, and he is now successfully carrying on farming and stock raising.
HON. MILTON J. PAYNE
The most interesting feature of biographical history is that which deals with the lives and characters of men who have through their own exertions risen to high positions. He whose name heads this sketch is an example of what can be attained through steady application, perserverance and industry, coupled with inherent ability. Hardship is the native soil of manhood and self-reliance, and the earnest desire of succeeding is almost always a prognostic of success. While Mr. Payne has steadily and persistently worked his way upward to a position of wealth, he has also been an important factor in the upbuilding of Kansas City and aided largely in promoting her material welfare. The benefactors of a city are those who advance her commercial activity, and with many of the leading business enterprises of Missouri's western metropolis he has been identified.
He is a native of Kentucky. He was born in Christian county, on the 29th of October, 1829, and is a son of Edward Payne, and a grandson of Rev. James Payne, who was a prominent minister of the Baptist church. The father died in 1840, leaving a family of 7 children to the care of the widowed mother who had but little for their support, the estate which her husband left being small. Milton was the second in order of birth. Realizing at the early age of 13 that his mother could not well provide for all her family he resolved to earn his own livelihood and sought her consent to enter a printing office in Hopkinsville, the county seat of Christian county. The permission being finally granted, he entered courgeously upon the work, and, with a resolute purpose that difficulties have failed to quell and upon which obstacles have had little effect, he pursued his labors in the daytime and in the evening gave his hours to study, under the direction of one of the school teachers of the town, who took a deep interest in the young lad thus trying to secure an education. Soon afterward he was offered a position in dry goods house, and, feeling that it would be more to his taste, and would offer wider fields for the development of business capabilities, he gladly accepted it. Here he quickly developed such business tact and energy that his services were eagerly sought by the other leading merchants of Hopkinsville, and for several years he was in the employ of A. Gant & Sons, the most extensive dry goods dealers of that town.
The discovery of gold in California, however, and the reports which he heard of the wonderful riches there to be secured, awakened in Mr. Payne a desire to try his fortune on the Pacific slope. Accordingly, in March, 1849, after visiting his mother, who had married again and removed to Illinois, he started for St. Louis, where he was to meet and join a part of friends from his old home who were also bound for the “new Eldorado.” Arriving at St. Louis he sought entertainment at the City Hotel, of which the well known and popular Theron Barnum was the proprietor, and the hose, taking a deep interest in the young stranger, on learning his destination, persuaded him to abandon his California trip, assuring him profitable employment if he would remain in St. Louis. He fulfilled his promise and obtained for Mr. Payne a position in one of the largest dry goods houses in the city, where he remained until October, 1850, when he relinquished it to accept a partnership in a dry goods and clothing house to be opened in Kansas City, which was then a frontier town, but was becoming a place of considerable importance as a trading point for the Indians and the residents of New Mexico and the southwest. The new venture, however, proved unprofitable, and the business was closed the following spring. Mr. Payne who had invested all his capital, was thus forced to begin business left anew, which he did as a salesman in the extensive dry goods house of Walker, Boyd & Chick, of Kansas City. For several years he remained with that firm, a most trusted and faithful employee, demonstrating beyond a doubt his superior business ability.
His worth was now being widely recognized, and in 1855 the reins of city government were placed in his hands. In June, 1855, he had been elected mayor, and so acceptably did he serve that by re-election he was continued in that office until 1862, with the exception of the years 1860 and 1861. The city was then in its early stages of development, and a capable business man at its head did more to direct and shape its policy and promote its growth than anything else could have done. Mr. Payne devoted his entire attention to its welfare, and made a close study of its growth, promoting every enterprise and interest which he believed calculated to improve it. Under his administration streets were first graded and macadamized, public buildings were erected and railway projects were kept constantly in view. It was during these years that the magnificent railway system now operated in the city had its origin. The city officials and the chamber of commerce were cooperating in splendid unity to advance the railroad projects, and he had the support of the people who recognized the efficiency of his practical and progressive administration conducted on straightforward and honorable business principles.
The political support of Mr. Payne has always been given to the democratic party. In early years he took an active part in politics, taking rank as a leader of ability and popularity. He was a great admirer of Stephen A. Douglas, and was a supporter of the war for the union. Ever loyal to his party, he has been prominent in advancing its interests, yet a strong opponent of the intrigues and wiles that are frequently practiced by modern politicians. In 1862, while serving as mayor, he was elected to the state legislature from Jackson county, and re-elected in 1864.
Two years later he went to the East in behalf of the railroad interests in this section of the country, and during his absence was nominated by his party for the office of state senator, and undoubtedly was elected, receiving a majority of the votes cast, but for alleged informality the returns from a township in Jackson county, which gave him a large majority, were thrown out by the canvassing board, which was politically opposed to him, and the certificate of election was given his opponent. Mr. Payne continued to take a lively part in politics after he was defeated by the canvassing board, but never again became a candidate for political office. At those congressional conventions of which he was a member he was solicited to accept the nomination as a compromise candidate. In each of these instances he was in the convention as the chosen manager of the interests of one of the candidates for nomination, and would not consent to the sacrifice of his friends, and by his steadfast loyalty was twice successful in procuring for his friends the nomination which he refused. As a member of the house of representatives he was active, successful and popular. To his efforts and ability are largely due the passage of a bill for the construction of the Missouri Pacific railroad to Kansas City. He was also champion of the bill which secured the building, to this city, of the western branch of the North Missouri Railroad, now the St. Louis, Kansas City & Wabash road. Realizing the importance of these “iron highways,” Mr. Payne has labored actively and efficiently in securing the establishment of various railroads through this section of the country. He has been the incorporator of several, and with time and money promoted these. He became one of the incorporators and stockholders of the Kansas City, Fort Scott & Gulf Railroad, and successfully canvassed the border counties of Kansas, delivering many public addresses in favor of county subscriptions to its stock. He has witnessed a great transformation in the transportation lines of the country, and the public recognize the important part he has played in bringing this about.
In 1865 Mr. Payne was appointed one of the delegates to represent Kansas City at a conference held by the United States government with the southern Indians at Fort Smith, Arkansas, the purpose of which was to procure a clause in a proposed treaty for the restoration of governmental relations with those tribes and thus obtain the right of way through the Indian territory for the Kansas City, Fort Scott & Gulf Railway.
Other business enterprises which have largely promoted the upbuilding of the city and its material welfare, have received the support of Mr. Payne. On the organization of the Kansas City Gas Light & Coke Company in 1867, of which he was a promoter, and which supplied a want much felt by the progressive city, he became its president, and continued to serve in that capacity until the expiration of its charter in 1895. The Kansas City Gas Company then succeeded to its business and he is president of the latter. He occupies a similar position with the Union Cemetery Association. As his financial resources increased, he has made judicious investments in real estate, and now owns considerable valuable property. All has been acquired through his own efforts. Perseverance, honorable dealing, sound judgment and enterprise are the qualities which have entered into his success.
In 1852 Mr. Payne was united in marriage with Mary Adeline Prudhomme, the youngest child of Gabriel Prudhomme, who entered from the government the original side of Kansas City. Of their marriage were born 6 children, 4 yet living, Mrs. Payne, a very charitable lady, modest in manner, but possessed of very attractive qualities, died November 10, 1867. In February, 1892, our subject was again married, this union being with Mrs. Jeannie Chamberlin, widow of John C. Chamberlin, of Cincinnati, Ohio, who for many years was a prominent railroad man. The lady is a native of the sunny south, her father having been an extensive sugar planter of Louisiana. She was educated in one of the leading academies of that state, and is a most estimable, accomplished and lovable lady of fine literary attainments, who for some years has been a contributor to literary publications. She has a wide circle of friends through the south and in Kansas City, and presides with graceful dignity over the hospitable family mansion. She is liberal both in mind and purse, and her many works of charity have been a source of gratitude to numerous humble families of this city. Mr. Payne has also the faculty of readily winning friends, as he is an interesting and entertaining converationalist, a fluent and forcible talker. Holding an honored place in the ranks of Kansas City's prominent residents and upbuilders, this volume would be incomplete without the record of his life.
LEWIS DEARDORFF
Was for many years one of the most prominent and honored business men of Kansas City. His life history most happily illustrates what may be attained by faithful and continued effort in carrying out an honest purpose. It is the story of a life whose success is measured by its usefulness - a life that has made the world better and brighter. There was no man who did more for the upbuilding of the city and the promotion of its commercial interests; and the welfare of every community depends almost entirely upon its commercial activity. There is no task which falls to the lot of the historian more difficult than that of the portrayal of character, the reasoning back from effect to cause, the analyzation of the principles and motives which enter into action and result either in success or failure; but in the life of such men as Mr. Deardorff there are some traits that stand forth with startling clearness. Among these were an unfaltering perserverance, a laudable ambition, determined energy and above these an honesty of purpose that was never questioned.
In the history of Kansas City no one is more deserving of prominent mention than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He was born February 14, 1830, near Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, and there spent the days of his childhood. He learned the trade of carpentering in Philadelphia, serving a regular apprenticeship, and when about twenty years of age removed to Springfield, Ohio, where he followed that vocation in connection with an elder brother, a contractor there. After he had accumulated some capital he emigrated to Tipton, Iowa, where he purchased land and engaged in the manufacture of brick. In 1856, he came to Kansas City, where he engaged in the general contracting business until 1860.
In that year began his connection with the lumber trade. He entered into partnership with Mr. Smith, of Leavenworth, Kansas, where they established a large lumber-yard and built up a good business. Mr. Deardorff, however, continued his residence in Kansas City and the outbreak of the war disposed of his interest, once more turning his attention to contracting and building in this place. In 1865, however, he resumed the lumber business, in connection with his brother, John Deardorff, with whom he had entered upon his business career in Springfield, Ohio, and who invested capital in the new enterprise, while Lewis assumed the active management. The firm of Deardorff Brothers continued until 1866, when our subject bought out his partner. He had established a yard at the corner of Eleventh and Main streets, and his constantly increasing trade caused him to frequently enlarge his facilities. There were two other small yards in the city at the time he established business. He was one of the most important factors in the establishment of this line of endeavor, his own business growing rapidly until he was at the head of the largest enterprise of the kind in Kansas City, and one of the largest west of the Mississippi. His trade assumed very extensive proportions, and the boundaries of the yard were continually enlarged and the stock increased. At the time of his death he was also the oldest lumber merchant of this place. Through his well directed efforts, his capable management, sound judgment and honorable dealing, he won a high degree of prosperity, and as success came to him he also made judicious investments in other lines. He became the owner of a large cattle ranch near Dodge City, Kansas, where he had a numerous herd, retaining his ownership of that property until his death. He was also to some extent a cattle shipper.
Mr. Deardorff became interested in the banking business as one of the stockholders in the old Mechanics' Bank, one of the first institutions of the kind in Kansas City. It was succeeded by the Bank of Kansas City, and he served as one of its directors. His real-estate holdings were quite large. Besides his ranch in Kansas he owned 212 acres of valuable farming land just outside the corporation limits of this city, together with a large, double brick 5 story business block which he erected at Nos. 1216 and 1218 Union avenue.
Mr. Deardorff was married in Kansas City to Miss Carrie W. Shouse, daughter of Judge William O. and Harriet (Bryan) Shouse, natives of Shelby county, Kentucky. They were numbered among the pioneers of Jackson county, where they located in 1837. The judge became the owner of 2 farms, the old homestead lying just outside the present city limits on the East. This was sold in 1883, at a good price. He continued to live on that farm until 1863, when on account of the border troubles during the war he removed to the city, where he made his home from that time, and for several years was engaged in the grocery business. His death occurred in August, 1892, at the age of 80 years, and his wife passed away the following year. In politics he was a democrat, and at an early day acceptably served as county judge. He was a fair representative of the old Kentucky stock, dignified, decided and courteous. The members of the Shouse family yet surviving are Mattie V., wife of J. C. Morgan, of Kansas City; J. A., of Dade county, Missouri; and Mrs. Deardorff.
The last named was born on the old farm in the suburbs of Kansas City, here spent her maidenhood days, and acquired her education in Liberty, Missouri. She still survives her husband. Her children are Martha S; Lewis J.; Harvey L.; Frank M.; and Myrtle L., now the wife of Thomas J. Brodnax, of Kansas City.
In the early days of his residence here Mr. Deardorff served as a member of the city council, but had no desire for political preferment. His support was given the democratic party. He attended the First Baptist church, of which his wife is a member and made liberal contributions to the cause. He was a man whose integrity and honor were above question, and whose well spent life commanded the confidence and gained him the esteem of all with whom he was brought in contact. His life's labors were suddenly ended by an attack of erysipelas, and he was laid to rest in Grand Avenue cemetery. Thus one by one the pioneers are passing away, but the memory of such a man will remain green in the hearts of all who knew him for years to come. The old family homestead still stands at the corner of Twelfth and Central streets, but Mrs. Deardorff has removed to Troost avenue. She has also erected a 3 story double brick dwelling at the southwest corner of 11th and Pennsylvania streets, and the family still holds the realty of the estate, nearly all of which is of an improved character.
ALFRED BAXTGER SLOAN, M.D.
Has not only been prominently connected with professional interests in Kansas City, but is also numbered among the honored pioneers of Jackson county. He has seen much of the wild land transformed into beautiful homes and farms, has watched the growth and development of this place, and has ever given a hearty support to those interests calculated to promote the county's welfare. Here he attained an enviable reputation as a medical practitioner, and now, after a useful business career is living retired, enjoying a rest which he richly merits.
Dr. Sloan is numbered among the native sons of Missouri, his birth having occurred at Cole Neck, Cooper county, September 24, 1827. The family comes from the Emerald Isle, his grandfather, Alexander Sloan, having been a native of Belfast, Ireland, whence he came to America at the age of 15 and settled in the colony of Pennsylvania, for it was before the days of American independence. When the colonies, no longer able to withstand the oppressive measures heaped upon them, sought to obtain independence in the long and bloody war of the Revolution, he loyally joined the army of his adopted country. When success had crowned the American arms and the British troops had returned to their native land, he located in Virginia, where he was married. Near the close of the century he became one of the pioneers of Tennessee, sharing the hardships of frontier life, and later removed to Christian county, Kentucky. In 1819 he brought his family to Missouri, and after residing in Howard county for a time, went to Cooper county. His last days were spent in LaFayette county, where he died, at the age of 84.
Rev. Robert Sloan, father of our subject, was born in Tennessee in 1801, and accompanied his parents on their various removals. He entered the ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian church when a young man, and for 40 years he devoted his life to that calling. His death occurred in Cass County, Missouri in 1869. In 1826 he had married Margaret Davidson Ewing, a native of Todd county, Kentucky, born in 1807. They became the parents of 12 children, 9 of whom reached adult age, namely: Alfred B.; Mrs. Fannie K. Jones, of Kansas City, wife of Greenup J. Jones; E. MacGready, of St. Louis, grand secretary of the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Missouri; Alexander Thompson, a farmer of Cass county, Missouri; and Hon. Charles William, of Harrisonville, who has served as judge of the circuit court of Cass and Johnson counties; the others have passed away.
On the maternal side also has the Doctor descended from honored ancestry. His grandfather, Rev. Finis Ewing, was a Virginian and a distinguished minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, which he helped to found. For many years he resided in Missouri, and was noted for his conspicuous talents and abilities, and became active and influential in the public affairs of his adopted state. Several of his children became prominent in political and professional circles, and the name is one that is honored throughout the South.
When the Doctor was a child of 6 years his parents removed to LaFayette county, and in 1845 located near Lee's Summit, Jackson county. In these counties his childhood days were passed, the family living on a farm. He began his education in the district schools, and when 20 years of age continued his studies under the direction of Dr. Boggs, of Independence. He afterward pursued a course in the medical department of the Transylvania University, of Lexington, Kentucky, at which institution he was graduated in 1849. He began practice in Bates county in 1848. It was then a frontier region; but slightly improved, and there were but 3 physicians in the entire county. A year later he came to Jackson county, and in 1850 started overland to California, attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific slope. He remained there for 2 years engaged in farming and mining, and in 1852 he located in Harrisonville, Cass county, where his father had settled in 1851, and he practiced there until the outbreak of the war.
In 1862, Dr. Sloan joined the army of General Price at Osceola as a surgeon, and served with the 16th Missouri infantry in Missouri and Arkansas. Later he became quartermaster for that section of the army stationed along the Arkansas river. He thus served until the close of the war, when, at Shreveport, Louisiana, he surrendered.
Immediately afterward the doctor returned to Missouri, and in 1865 came to Kansas City, where he was actively engaged in the prosecution of his chosen profession until failing health caused him to abandon this work. Dr. I. M. Ridge is the only physician now in Kansas City who was practicing here at the time of Dr. Sloan's arrival. He has not only been a pioneer in the work here, but while in active practice occupied a foremost position in the ranks of the medical fraternity. He has been an honored member of the local, state and national medical associations, was one of the founders of the Kansas City Medical Society, and for 12 years its president. He was treasurer and vice-president of the State Medical Society, for 6 years one of the judicial council of the American Medical Association, and was a member of the International Medical Congress of 1887 held in Washington. To the medical literature of the country he has made many valuable contributions, and his articles have appeared in many of the standard magazines of the country.
On the 20th of December, 1855, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Sloan and Miss Mary A. Raly, of Harrisonville, Missouri. She was born in Kentucky, and died in Cass county, Missouri, April 9, 1887, at the age of 49 years. Her life was a noble one, characterized by deeds of kindness and mercy, by devotion to her family, and to the cause of right. To the Doctor and his wife were born 6 children, namely: Charles, a farmer of Knox county, Tennessee; Sallie, wife of William Hoggsitt, of Kansas City, Robert T., who is engaged in the practice of medicine in Kansas City; Roland, a fruit farmer of Howell county, Missouri; Alfred, also a fruit grower of Howell county; and Alice, at home.
In his social relations the Doctor is a Mason. He joined that order in Harrisonville in 1855, and has since been active in the work of the lodge and chapter of Kansas City. His life has been marked by conscientious fidelity to duty, by devotion to what he believed to be right, and both in social and professional circles he occupies a most enviable position.
A. LOUIS MICHAELS, A.M., M.D.
A physician and surgeon of 15 years' successful practice in Kansas City, was born in LaSalle county, Illinois, August 25, 1854. His parents, Newton and Evaline (Mathis) Michaels, were born in Ohio, of German ancestry. The father was a stock dealer and farmer who was very successful in business and a prominent man of his county. He was a pioneer in Illinois, settling in LaSalle county in 1830, previous to the Indian troubles that broke out soon after and led by the noted chieftain, Black Hawk. Subsequently he removed to Kansas, where he died in 1881. Of his family of 8 children, our subject is the eldest.
He was reared in his native county till 14 years of age, receiving elementary instruction in the common schools and later in a private school at home. He subsequently attended the normal school at Valparaiso, Indiana, where he graduated in 1872, becoming at once an adjunct professor of natural sciences, which position he filled for 2 years. He then entered medical college at Louisville, Kentucky, where he took a course of study; and subsequently he entered the Starling Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio, at which he graduated in 1881. Proceeding to Kansas City, he began practicing, and became police surgeon - a position he filled 3 years. In 1894 he was appointed professor of diseases of women and electro-therapeutics in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of Kansas City, Kansas, being also a trustee of said college. He enjoys a large general practice and has an acknowledged standing in the profession. He is a surgeon of Company A, Veterans, and examiner for the Provident Bankers' Association.
In Masonry he has reached the 32 degree. His reading has been wide of scope and great thoroughness, not altogether in the line of his profession but embracing a careful research into the various sciences, literature, etc. In mineralogy he is practically interested, and among his treasures is a large cabinet of carefully selected ore specimens, which he has been years in collecting.
His marriage to Miss Z. L. Grayson, a native of Alabama, was consummated in 1882. they have 2 children: Emma E. and A. Louis, Jr. He and his estimable wife are members of the Episcopal church, and take a prominent part in the social and charitable work of the church.
Doctor Michaels ably represents what may be accomplished in getting on in the world with no other aid than one's own efforts. At the age of 14 years he became dependent upon his own resources, and with the assistance of a dollar he persistently worked his way through school and college, defraying his expenses with money earned by performing odd jobs at intervals. Courage and a willingness to do with all his might whatever his hand found to do has carried him to success and fortune. He is a gentleman of perfect physical development and sound health, is of courteous manner and address and of a pleasing, striking personality.
HENRY TOPPING
A retired attorney and civil engineer, who is numbered among Kansas City's leading residents, was born in Rochester, New York, October 30, 1835. His childhood and youth, however, were passed in Ohio, his early boyhood being spent in Ravenna, while later he lived in Cleveland. His father, Alexander Topping, was reared on a farm in Dutchess county, New York, but, being possessed of natural mechanical ability, upon his removal to Rochester he took up the carpenter's trade and afterward that of gunsmith. He married Lucy Cleveland Ward, a native of Poultney, Vermont. Henry attended the common schools for a time, but afterward entered a private school and took a course in civil engineering in Cleveland. Subsequently he engaged in railroad work - except the summer of 1855 spent in mining engineering in the copper mines on Lake Superior - from 1853 until 1858. He assisted in the original survey and in the construction of the river division of the Cleveland & Pittsburg railroad, having charge of a portion of this line.
Mr. Topping started out in this line of business when a boy of 17 in the humble position of rodman, but his ability won him rapid promotion until he was advanced to the position of assistant engineer, and as such he had superintendence of the construction of 14 miles of road. He had at this time not yet passed his 20th birthday. He was a close student and lover of mathematics and the sciences, and was especially proficient along those lines. This naturally led him to engage in the work of civil engineering. After his marriage in 1857, and partly owing to the panic of that year and the consequent stoppage of public works, he took up the study of law in St. Clairsville, Ohio. His thorough research and steady application fitted him for admission to the bar in 1859, and he at once entered into practice, in connection with his former preceptor, with whom he remained for 2 years, or until the outbreak of the war, which changed the current of his life like that of many others.
In October, 1861, Mr. Topping was appointed by Governor Dennison, of Ohio, as adjutant of the 3rd battalion, first Ohio cavalry. Later he was made regimental adjutant, and served with General Buell's army in Kentucky and Tennessee, and was in General Thomas' division, which acted as reserve for General Buell's army at Shiloh. He remained with his command until after the occupation of Corinth, when General Halleck, who was in command, ordered all staff officers to the cavalry and artillery not company lieutenants, -- holding such appointments unauthorized by the army regulations, -- to be mustered out. This order included Lieutenant Topping, and in June, 1862, at Paducah, Kentucky, he was honorably discharged. He was at once, however, attached to the engineers' corps as a civilian assistant engineer on topographical work. He was at first connected with General Rosecrans' command, and later was sent to the Shenandoah valley, in Virginia, where he was maily engaged in making surveys for military maps. In the summer and fall of 1862 he was with Rosecrans at the battles of Iuka and Corinth, and in the winter of 1862-3 was with Grant's army in Mississippi and Tennessee. He accompanied Colonel Dickey, Grant's chief of cavalry, in the raid on the Mobile & Ohio Railroad, and afterward served in West Virginia, participating in Crook's and Averell's raids and engagements in that state, receiving special mention for valuable service at the battles of Droop mountain, Moorfield and on Averells' raid on the Virginia & Tennessee railroad in the winter of 1863-4. When the war closed he was in the Kanawha Valley, in West Virginia.
During the year succeeding Mr. Topping was employed as engineer by the Averell Coal & Oil Company of New York, opening coal mines, building railroads, etc., in the Kanawha valley. In the spring of 1866 he came to Kansas City, and has since been prominently identified with its interests. Here he embarked in the grocery trade, which he carried on for 2 years, when he removed to his present farm, a mile and a quarter East of the corporation limits. Since 1869 he has been extensively and successfully engaged in fruit growing. In connection with his brother-in-law, W. H. Tallman, of Wheeling, Virginia, he purchased the farm of Judge Boarman, who had largely planted it with fruit. It comprised 80 acres and was bound on the North by 12th street and South by 18th street. After cultivating the entire amount for 17 years, in 1886, Mr. Topping sold a portion of the place, and has platted the remainder, calling it “Belmont Heights.” He has opened streets and made other improvements, and this is now a desirable building site.
In his political views, Mr. Topping is a stalwart republican, who maintains a deep interest in all public affairs, and is thoroughly well informed on all question of the day. He has made a special study of one of the most engrossing questions of the present, -- the money question, -- and an open letter from his pen, published in the New York Tribune, sets forth the question in a somewhat new light, and ably demonstrates the result of his careful investigation. Mr. Topping wrote:
“I have just read Mr. Horr's article entitled 'Honest Dollars' in the Tribune. Like everything from his pen, it is earnest, honest, clear, concise and convincing, and I agree with every word except those paragraphs conceding the quality of honesty to the 'greenback dollar.”
“That the government had the right to compel the people to take such dollars, however much depreciated in time of national peril, is conceded by every one, and I agree with Mr. Horr when he says, 'Such a law in time of peace would be thoroughly dishonest.' But when he says, 'I do not believe any nation on the face of the earth ever resorted to such legislation except in time of great national distress and as the only means of preserving national existence,” I think he is not sustained by the facts of our own recent history.
“Thirteen years after the close of the war, by the act of May 31, 1878, forbidding the retirment of greenbacks, the government re-asserted the power to stamp the flat value inherent in the legal-tender quality upon its circulating notes, and the supreme court decision of March 3, 1884, fully upholds the act and the power.
“I believe the legal tender acts, thus upheld in time of peace as well as in time of war by the supreme court, have introduced a principal as hurtful to sound national finance as the doctrines of the Dred Scott decision were demoralizing to the national conscience. I believe the decisions of 1870 and 1872 to be 'good law' and that of 1884 'bad law;' but so long as the latter stands unreversed the advocates of flat money have a 'standing in court.”
“True, the court only affirms the power and leaves the expediency to the discretion of congress; but when the power is so broadly asserted the expediency is likely to be inferred. I believe that a decision ought to be reviewed and reversed in the court of conscience, as the Dred Scott decision was, or, better still, overruled by a constitutional amendment.”
“We will never get rid of financial heresies so long as congress is supposed to have the power and right to compel the people in time of peace to accept for their labor or other think of value a piece of paper having no value.”
Mr. Topping was married on the 1st of October, 1857, in Bridgeport, Ohio, to Mary R. Tallman, daughter of John C. Tallman, of Bridgeport, Ohio, a well-known banker. Mrs. Topping still has considerable interests there in manufacturing concerns. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a most estimable lady. To Mr. and Mrs. Topping have been born the following children: George, a farmer of Chase county, Kansas, who married Miss Louise Grinnell, of Cedar Rapids, Michigan, whose paternal ancestors came over in the Mayflower; John, secretary of the Aetna Standard Iron and Steel Works at Bridgeport, Ohio. He married Miss Minnie Junkins, a merchant of Bridgeport. Wilbur, secretary and general manager of the Bellaire Stamping Company, of Harvey, Illinois, manufacturers of the Columbian Enamel Ware, gold and enameled signs, etc. He married Clara Taylor, daughter of Elder John Z. Taylor, formerly a Christian minister of Kansas City; Albert, who is in the office of the Aetna Standard Company, in Bridgeport, Ohio; Ellen, wife of Samuel Hazlett, teller in the People's Bank of Wheeling, West Virginia, and a son of Dr. Hazlett, of that city; Lucy, who became the wife of John M. Wilfley, who was for a number of years with the Kansas City National Bank, and afterward removed to Kokomo, Colorado; and Cornelia, who is now attending the high school. Mrs. Wilfley died in Leadville, Colorado, in February, 1895, and was buried in the Elmwood cemetery of Kansas City.
In 1886 Mr. Topping erected his fine residence. It is a beautiful and commodious surbuban home, 1 ¼ miles East of the city limits, and stands on a commanding eminence surrounded by a beautiful lawn, while within it is supplied with all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.
BENJAMIN F. RECORDS, M.D.
A physician of the regular profession, was born January 6, 1834, in Bracken county, Kentucky, and is descended from one of the honored pioneer families of that state. He traces his ancestry back to England, where in 1700 was born John Records, the founder of the family in America. Braving the dangers that attended an ocean voyage in the early part of the 18th century, he crossed the Atlantic and became a resident of Sussex county, Delaware, where occurred the birth of his son, Josiah Records, the great-grandfather of the Doctor, on the 1st of December, 1741, O. S.
His grandfather, Laban Records, was born in the same county in 1765, and by occupation was a farmer. He went to Kentucky in 1775, and afterward rendered efficient service to the government during the Indian war as a scout. He was one of the pioneers of the state, when forests stood in their native grandeur, and the famous blue-grass region was an uninhabited tract. The Doctor's father, Laban S. Records, was born in Kentucky, May 11, 1807, and in his early life followed the profession of school teaching, but subsequently devoted his energies to merchandising. He was united in marriage with Martha Stites, a daughter of Samuel Stites, who was born in New Jersey, in 1760, made farming his life work, and died at the advanced age of 88. His father, William Stites, was a native of Wales and came to America in 1740. Laban S. Records and his wife removed to Illinois in 1840. Both died in Liberty, Missouri, the former at the age of 68 years, leaving a family of 5 surviving children, namely: Mrs. Sarah J. Brown, of Junction City, Kansas; William P.; who is living in Leadville, Colorado; Mrs. M. E. Long, of Kansas City; James M., of this place; and the Doctor.
During his early boyhood, in 1840, Dr. Records accompanied his father's family on their removal from his native place near Augusta, Kentucky to Illinois, when they located near Paris, that state; and Benjamin attended the public schools of the neighborhood. Thoroughly mastering the branches therein taught, at the age of 19 he began teaching school, and while thus engaged he devoted his leisure hours to the study of medicine under the direction of the well known firm of Drs. Herrick & Mills, of Midway, Illinois. Subsequently he entered the St. Louis Medical college, and was graduated from that institution.
Having now fitted himself for his chosen calling, Dr. Records opened an office and began practice in Paradise, Missouri, where he met with good success, but removed to Liberty, Missouri, in 1878, and to Kansas City in the Spring of 1889. Not long after his arrival he was appointed to the position of assistant city physician - unsolicited on his part, -- in which capacity he served until March 1891, when he resigned and opened an office for private practice, and is now at the head of a large and constantly increasing business, which is a tribute to his ability and professional skill.
Dr. Records has been married 2 times, his second wife having been Miss Mattie B. Williams, of Platte county, Missouri. He has a family of 4 living children: John W.; who is now acting as general foreman of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe shops, Argentine, Kansas; James L., who is superintendent of postal station “A”, in Kansas City; and Lucy McC., wife of James L. Reikerd, engineer, Kansas City, Missouri; and W. C., the youngest, clerk in Hammer Brothers' grocery.
The Doctor is prominently connected with medical societies, and is a valued member of the Kansas City District Medical Society, the Kansas City Medical Club, and the State Medical Society of Missouri. The Doctor is a close student and devotes his time exclusively to his professional interests, taking no part in politics aside from casting his vote in support of the men and measures of the democracy. He and family are members of the Baptist church, and in social circles hold an enviable position. Success comes as the result of earnest application, unfaltering determination and the exercise of those powers with which nature has endowed him, and that Dr. Records has made the most of his opportunities is shown by his large and well merited practice.
He was made a Mason in 1866, exalted a Royal Arch Mason in 1867, and has filled all the leading offices in lodge and chapter, and served 4 years as district deputy grand master; is a member now of Temple Lodge, No. 299, and Orient Chapter No. 102, of this city.
DAVID MERIWETHER
Is a prominent merchant of Westport and a recognized leader in business circles in this place. He has been a resident of Jackson county for more than a quarter of a century, and while he has never sought prominence in political or public life, he belongs to that class of citizens who always faithfully perform each day's duty as it comes and are the elements of true strength and stability of any community.
Our subject was born on the 24th of February 1842, in Monticello, Jasper county, Georgia, and comes of one of the old and honored families of that state. His great-grandfather, Frank Meriwether, was one of the pioneers of Georgia, locating in Oglethorpe county in 1784. Though many years the family was honorably and prominently connected with the history of that state. The grandfather, Thomas Meriwether, had accompanied his father on the removal in 1784, their home having formerly been in Virginia.
The father of our subject also bore the name of David and was a native of Georgia. He was married 4 times, his 4th union being with Mrs. Matilda A. Young, nee Pearson, who was born in the “Cracker” state. From the age of 18 years he was a resident of Jasper county, where his death occurred in January, 1867. His wife afterward came to Missouri and in 1875 departed this life. By their marriage they had 7 children, 6 of whom reached mature years, while 3 sons and 2 daughters are yet living, namely: Thomas, a resident of Monticello, Georgia, who married Miss Walker and has 3 living children; David, of this review; Sarah, wife of Clark Bailey, of Sandtown, Georgia; Charles Matthews, who was named in honor of his grandmother, a daughter of Governor Matthews, of Georgia, and is now living with his family in Social Circle, that state; and Lucy M., wife of John W. Lewis, of Marietta, Georgia, by whom she has 2 children. Her husband's father reared and educated Governor Brown and James Brown, of Georgia, 2 of the most prominent characters in that state.
Mr. Meriwether, of this review, the 3rd in order of birth, was reared in the county of his nativity and remained at home until after the civil war was inaugurated, when, true to the principles and interests among which he was reared he offered his services to the southern cause and became a member of company D, 10th Confederate cavalry, which he joined on its organization. The regiment was commanded by Colonel C. C. Good and operated principally in east Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia. For 3 years he followed the standard to which he had pledged his loyal service, experiencing all the difficulties and hardships of war, and demonstrating his bravery on many a battlefield. He was within a few feet of Major General Walker when he was shot from his horse near Atlanta, Georgia, July 22, 1864, and was present at the surrender of General Joseph E. Johnston in North Carolina.
The war having ended Mr. Meriwether returned home and resumed the quiet pursuits of the farm, his time being thus passed through the 2 succeeding years. His residence in Jackson county, Missouri, dates from 1868, at which time he located on a farm in Westport township. With characteristic energy he began the cultivation and development of his land, which, owing to his perservering efforts, was soon highly improved and yielded to him a golden tribute in return for the care and labor he bestowed upon it. In 1877 he came to Westport and effected the purchase of the store formerly owned by William Riley. He has since been numbered amojng the successful merchants of the city, his progressive methods, his energy and his enterprise well entitling him to be thus accounted. He carries a large and complete stock of staple and fancy groceries, flour and feed, and his courteous treatment of his patrons, his earnest desire to please them and his honorable efforts have secured to him a liberal and constantly increasing patronage.
On the 5th of December, 1865, Mr. Meriwether was united in marriage with Miss Martha J. Mastin, an estimable lady, whose social nature has made her many warm friends. She is a native of Athens, Tennessee, and a daughter of Thomas W. Mastin, now deceased, who was a very prominent man in that state. Mr. and Mrs. Meriwether now have 3 children, namely: Ada May, wife of H. F. Anderson, of Westport, by whom she has 2 children, Harry Forester and Lois; William Wheeler, who is his father's partner in business and married Miriam Klock, a native of Oneida, New York, by whom he has two children, Francis Miriam and Martha; and Lucy Anna, at home. They also lost one child, Elizabeth Mastin, who died at the age of 5 years. The family is widely and favorably know in Westport society circles and their home is a favorite resort for many friends.
In his political views Mr. Meriwether has been a long-life democrat and has been elected on that ticket to the city council of Westport, where, while serving, he acted as chairman of the public improvement committee and did much to advance the city's interests. He also served for 11 consecutive years as city treasurer and his long continuance in office as custodian of the public funds well indicates his fidelity to duty and the confidence reposed in him. He has also been a member of the school board of Westport township, and the cause of education finds in him a true and tried friend. He is a valued member of the Masonic fraternity of Westport. His name is a synonym of honorable business dealing, and in all the relations of life he has proved himself faithful to the trust committed to him, while upon his record there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. His success is attributable to his own energy and perseverance and he is esteemed by all who know him.
AVIS ELIDA SMITH, M.D.
In no country in the world are the advantages offered to women that America affords. Almost every avenue of business which she chooses to enter has been open to her, and the world acknowledges that her progress equals that of man. She no longer has to seek a justification for her entrance into business life, for her power, ability and usefulness are now universally recognized. Especially in the medical profession has she won a place and name that reflect credit upon the sex. When a woman gives her time and energy to this work, she has not only the thorough knowledge of theory to which all may attain, but in practice she also possesses a sympathy and intuitive comprehension which her brothers of the fraternity often lack. Dr. Smith today stands in the front rank among the members of the medical profession in Kansas City, and is enjoying a large and lucrative practice.
She was born in Winnebago county, Illinois, October 17, 1851, and is a daughter of James H. and Huldah (Howland) Smith. Her father was a native of Delaware county, New York, born August 28, 1821, and by occupation was a farmer. He died in 1893, at the age of 71 years, and his widow is still living, at the age of 73. In the family were but 2 children, Avis E. and Dana R.
Dr. Smith's paternal grandfather, Elijah Cleveland Smith, was born in Chatham county, New York, May 20, 1788, and died in Delaware county, same state, in 1873. Through his mother, Abigail Cleveland, he traced his ancestry back through Elijah, Joseph and Samuel to Moses Cleveland, who came in 1635 to Massachusetts from Suffolk county, England. He was the founder of the Cleveland family in this country. His father, Peter Smith, was born in Connecticut, in 1742, and died in Delaware county, New York, in 1843, at the age of 100 years. The family was early founded in America, though by whom it is not known.
The Doctor's maternal grandfather, George Howland, was also a native of the Empire State, his birth having occurred at Hamden, Delaware county, August 1, 1793. By occupation he was a farmer, and during the War of 1812 he served as a member of the colonial army, doing valiant duty. He died in 1873, at the age of 79 years. He was a man of sterling integrity of character and highly esteemed by all who knew him. Six months after his death occurred that of his wife, when she had attained about the same age. His father, Joseph Howland, was born in 1767, in Rhode Island, was an officer in the Revolutionary War, barely escaping starvation, having at one time to kill a horse for food. He died in 1849, at the age of 81 years. He married Miss Avis Chase and had a large number of children. Of his father, Gershom Howland, little is known. He was born in 1734 and served with credit in the French and Indian war. Of his father, Joshua Howland, nothing is known except that he was born in Freetown, Massachusetts, married twice and had 13 children, who were hardy, upright men and women, prominent in church and state. Samuel, the father of Joshua and son of Henry, the founder of his branch of the family in America, was one of the original proprietors of Freetown, Massachusetts. He was a selectman of the town and assessor of the same in 1694. Henry, one of 3 brothers founding the family in America, arrived at Plymouth from England before the year 1625. The early records of Plymouth say that none have a better record for integrity, thrift, uprightness and piety than he. Many of the early members of this family were Quakers and were subjected to much persecution on account of this fact. Henry, in particular, was fined again and again for attending their meetings and harboring the despised sect. The usual penalty was fine of 5 Lira or a whipping. The high moral and religious element which was a characteristic of the early members of the family has largely entered into the lives of their posterity. Though possessing a fair share of public favor, they have never possessed an inordinate desire for social or political favor.
Dr. Smith passed her girlhood days in McHenry county, Illinois. On completing a high school course she began teaching, which profession she followed for several years, when she determined to devote her life to the medical profession. She wished, however, to have as a foundation for her medical studies a broader general culture, and to this end entered the Illinois State university at Champaign, at which institution she graduated in the class of 1877, with the degree of Bachelor of Science. Next she resumed teaching, continuing therein for 3 years in Champaign, after which she began reading medicine under the instructions of Dr. H. C. Howard, of that city. Later she entered the Woman's Medical College at Chicago, now a department of the Northwestern university, of Evanston, Illinois, and was graduated in 1883, with the degree of M. D. Not content, however, with the knowledge she had already gained, she went to Boston and pursued a course of study and training in the New England Hospital for Women and Children.
She arrived here in Kansas City in 1884 and immediately commenced the practice of her chosen profession; and while she is engaged in general practice she makes a specialty of the diseases of woman and children. For several years after her arrival here she had charge of the medical department of the Woman's Refuge and Maternity Hospital, and in 1893 became connected with the Scarritt Bible and Training School for Nurses, holding the chair of obstetrics, in connection with Dr. R. T. Sloan. She is now connected with the Woman's Medical College, of Kansas City, where she is professor of the diseases of children.
She is a very successful physician, and her thorough knowledge of the science of medicine and her adaptation of it to the ills of the human system is shown in the excellent results which follow her practice. She is a lady of great force of character, broad and high ideals, and could never be content with mediocrity in her calling. Therefore she has worked her way steadily upward to the high position she now occupies. She is a member of the Jackson County Medical Society and the American Medical Association. In 1891 the University of Illinois conferred upon her the degree of Master of Science.
As to her religious relations, she is a member of the Congregational church, of Kansas City.
WILLIAM HAMILTON
In the early history of Jackson county the name of this gentleman finds conspicuous mention. The Hamilton home was long a familiar landmark in this section of the state. A typical country tavern, its hospitality and good cheer were ever extended to its guests, whether friends or strangers, by the genial, kindly, loving couple, known throughout all the surrounding country as “Uncle” William and “Aunt” Eliza Hamilton, whose memory is still cherished in the hearts of those who knew them, although the snows of many winters have fallen upon their graves, and the birds with their joyous carols have announced the approach of returning spring for almost 20 years. The familiar faces of loved ones may be seen no more, but their memory remains as a blessed benediction to those with whom their lives were closely interwoven. Through almost a century William Hamilton watched the passing of time and the change that the years brought; and through the long period his own honorable, upright life, marked by fidelity to every manly principle, won him the love and confidence of all with whom he was brought in contact.
The first decade after the signing of the Declaration of Independence was not yet completed when he opened his eyes on the light of this world. He was born in Virginia on the 21st of April 1786, and was the eldest son in a family of 8 children, whose parents were William and Ruth (Wilson) Hamilton. As far back as the ancestry can be traced it is seen that the eldest son of each generation has borne the name of William. The paternal grandfather of our subject, William Hamilton, was born in Dublin, Ireland and married a Scotch lady whose family name was Alse. Shortly afterward he emigrated with his bride to the new world, becoming the founder of the family on American soil. For a short time they resided in Pennsylvania, and then removed to Virginia, where they reared a family of 4 children, the eldest of whom was William, the father of our subject, and also a native of Old Dominion. When 40 years of age he was joined in wedlock with Miss Ruth Wilson, then 22 years of age. During the struggle for independence he joined the colonial army and valiantly aided in that warfare which resulted in the establishment of this republic. His wife was a granddaughter of Colonel Francis Moore, a warm personal friend of George Washington.
It is with a high degree of gratification that the biographer enters upon the task of perpetuating by written record the life of one so worthily connected and whose own career was so well worthy of emulation as that of William Hamilton, of Jackson county, Missouri. His childhood and youth were marked by no events of special importance. He was married on the 10th of February, 1819, to Eliza Lillard, the wedding ceremony begin performed in Kentucky, after which the young couple took up their residence in Boyle county, that state, where they remained until 1849.
In that year Jackson county gained 2 of its best citizens. Mr. Hamilton brought his family to Missouri, and from that time until his death was prominently connected with the best interests of the community. He located in Sibley, now Fort Osage township, and purchasing a house opened the country tavern before mentioned, which he conducted until just before the breaking out of the civil war. Selling his property he then removed to a farm in Fort Osage township, which continued to be his place of residence until he was called to the eternal home. His residence was ever noted for its hospitality, and both he and his wife extended to all who came beneath their roof that good cheer and kindliness to characteristic of the pioneer homes. He was a man of strict honor and unquestioned integrity, straightforward in business, social in home life and reliable at all times. Although he was a slaveholder at the time the civil war was inaugurated, he did not believe in the dissolution of the union, but hoped that the stars and stripes might float over an unbroken country. Reared in the South, his sympathies were with his own section of the country, but he was true nevertheless in his allegiance to the national government. He never turned from his door either a confederate or union man who sought food, and the respect in which he was held by both armies is shown by the fact that his home ws the only one that stood for miles around, undestroyed by fire. His wife shared with him all his hopes and desires, and the love of the entire community was given to “Aunt” Eliza Hamilton, whose great warm heart had a sympathy for all mankind, and as especial tenderness for those in need or distress.
For 58 years this worthy couple traveled life's journey together, sharing its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity. They celebrated the 50th anniversary of their marriage in 1869, at which time were present all their living children and grandchildren. It was a happy occasion, not only for the old people, but also for their many friends who gathered with words of congratulation and best wishes to commemorate the day when young in years they started out together to meet whatever the future had in store for them. 8 sons and 2 daughters came to bless their home, of which number of children 8 reached years of maturity, namely: Joseph W., John T., William A., James A., Artimesia, Mary E., Andrew and Charles G. James and Abraham died in infancy.
Mrs. Hamilton, who was born June 9, 1804, passed away on the 18th of July, 1877, at the age of 73 years. On the 15th of September of the same year, Mr. Hamilton closed his eyes in death, being then 91 years of age; and the two, who were so long loving companions on this earth, were united once more in the home beyond, where all separations are over. They were members of the pioneer Baptist church at Buckner, their names appearing on the church charter, and in the work of the congregation they were most active and faithful.
CHARLES G. HAMILTON
It is interesting to know that the old Hamilton homestead is still in possession of a member of the family and that the representative who occupies the place wears worthily the honored name he bears and is accounted one of the leading and most esteemed citizens of the community. Only 5 years of age when he came to Jackson county, his entire life, almost, has been passed here, and with its agricultural interests he is prominently identified.
Charles G. Hamilton was born in Boyle county, Kentucky, on the 15th of July, 1844, and in 1849 was brought by his parents to Fort Osage township. He was reared to the labors of farm life and has always been engaged in the tilling of the soil and the other duties which fall to those who follow this honorable calling. He acquired his education in the common schools of the neighborhood and assisted his father in the cultivation of the fields until after he had attained his majority. He lived here through the period of the civil war, and retains a vivid impression of the horrors inseparable from warfare.
On the 12th of October, 1869, Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage to Miss Mollie Hall, a daughter of T. G. Hall, of Fort Osage township, and a lady of many excellencies of character that endeared her to a large circle of friends. They began their domestic life on the old home place, dear to our subject from the associations of his boyhood and the abode of his parents; but after a few years, thinking to improve his financial condition, Mr. Hamilton removed with his family to Texas, where for 3 years he engaged in stock raising. He afterward followed the same pursuit in Dade county, Missouri, for 2 years, and then returned to his present farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton became the parents of 2 children: Christine, who was born December 30, 1871; and is now the wife of Cornelius Childs; and Andrew M., born May 25, 1874. The son is still with his father, whom he ably assists in the work of the farm. A dark and heavy shadow fell over the household in 1876, for on the first of September the wife and mother departed this life. She was a woman of many noble qualities, a member of the Baptist church, and to those who knew her best, especially to husband and children, her loss was irreparable.
Mr. Hamilton still resides on the farm, which is one of the best in the county. His home is a large brick residence situated on a hill and thus commanding an excellent view of the surrounding country. His barns and outbuildings are models of convenience and the neat and thrifty appearance of everything about the place indicates the careful and intelligent supervision of the owner. He also raises a high grade of stock and his excellent business ability and enterprise have brought to him success in his undertakings. This place is indeed “home, sweet home” to Mr. Hamilton. Here he worked and played as a boy, to this abode he brought his bride and now it is hallowed to him on account of the many memories which cluster around it, memories of his kind parents, his loved wife of his children.
Religiously he is connected with the Baptist church of Buckner, while in politics he is a stalwart democrat. Those who know him best are numbered among his warmest friends, -- a fact which indicates a well spent life; and the name of Charles G. Hamilton, like that of his parents, is well deserving a place on the pages of the history of his adopted county.
WESTERN DENTAL COLLEGE
In 1890 the Western Dental College was established, beginning its existence with a faculty that included some of the foremost dentists and physicians of Kansas City. There is probably not a school of the kind in the country that is a parallel for its successful career. It entered upon its first year with 60 students and in 1895 228 students matriculated! All of the modern appliances of dentistry are used in the lectures and the courses of study. The management of the college is now completing a chemical lab to accommodate 100 students, and is establishing a dental library to be used for purposes of reference by the students and dentists in general. There is now at the college a valuable and interesting collection of specimens, showing the diseases to which the teeth are subject and also many nteresting specimens of dental work done by students, demonstrating their proficiency in the mechanical part of the professional labor.
The rapid growth of this school has necessitated a change of quarters, and plans are now being perfected for the construction of a larger college building to accommodate the increasing membership. The course of study is such that whether in lectures, operatives or medical dentistry, the student has every advantage known to modern dental science to fully equip him for practice, and the diploma of this school enables the graduates to practice anywhere in America. The Western Dental College became a member of the National Association of Dental Faculties in the United States in 1894. This school is conducted under the coeducational system, and many ladies are included among its students.
The faculty for the year 1895 is as follows: D. J. McMillen, DDS, Dean and Professor of Operative Dentistry, crown and bridge work; George Halley, MD, Professor of Oral Surgery; Robert L. Green, MD and C. E. Wilson, MD, Associate Professors of Anatomy; J. M. Allen, AB, MD, and A. M. Wilson, AM, MD., Associate Professors of Materia Medica, General Pathology and Therapeutics; R. R. Hunter, MD, PHG, Professor of Chemistry; W. F. Kuhn, AM, MD., Professor of Physiology; J. H. Thompson, MD., Professor of Histology; John Punton, MD., Professor of Neurology; John H. Johnson, MD., Professor of Hygiene and Clinical Professor of the Eye and Ear; J. M. Gross, DDS., and T. H. Cunningham, DDS., Associate Professors of Dental Pathology and Therapeutics; K. P. Ashely, DDS., Professor of Prosthetic Dentistry; Edward Bumgardner, DDS., Professor of Metallurgy and Demonstrator of Histology; and William J. Brady, DDS., Professor of Orthodontia and Dental Technics. In addition there is a large corps of special lecturers and demonstrators on the clinical staff.
To Dr. McMillen, who has served as dean of the institution from the beginning, the success of the college is largely due, and he certainly deserves great credit for the establishment of a school in the West that is the peer of any long established dental college in the East.
MATTHEW WILLIAM ANDERSON
President of the First National Bank, of Independence, Missouri, is a familiar figure on the streets of this city and has long been a prominent factor in its affairs. A sketch of his life cannot fail to be of interest here; indeed, without more than a passing mention of him a work which purported to review the lives of the representative men and women of Jackson county, would be incomplete.
Mr. Anderson is a native of the “Pennsylvania of the West” being born in Jackson county, Missouri, December 20, 1836, son of Mr. & Mrs. George W. Anderson, one of a family of 8 children - four sons and four daughters - he being the eldest son. His family, who was a carpenter by trade, but whose chief occupation was that of farming, died in Blue township, this county, in the year 1859. His mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Stewart , survived her husband some years, her death occurring early in the 80's.
Matthew W. continued to reside on the home farm with his parents until he attained his 22 years. His educational advantages were limited to those of the common schools. He, however, made the best of his early opportunities and by reading and close observation in later years has acquired a range of knowledge equal to, if not surpassing that of the majority of business men. While yet a member of the home circle he served 2 years as deputy tax collector. In 1860 he was elected township constable and held that position about 1 ½ year, after which he went to Mexico, remaining there until 1864. That year he returned to his native place and engaged in farming, to which occupation he gave his attention until 1868, when he was appointed deputy sheriff of Jackson County, under Charles Doughterty, and held that position 4 years. In 1872 he was elected revenue collector of the county, and the next 4 years he spent as the incumbent of this office, performing faithful and efficient service. About this time he became interested in the banking house of Brown, Hughes and Company, which was later incorporated under the name of Anderson, Chiles & Company, he being chosen its president. Still later it was changed to the First National Bank, and again he was honored with the presidency of the institution, which position he still ably and acceptably fills.
Mr. Anderson has always taken a deep interest in political affairs and especially those of a local nature, and has ever exerted an influence that has been felt for good. He has been a member of the city council of Independence for many years, has been a stanch advocate of all substantial public improvements, and is highly appreciated as a citizen of sterling worth. He is the owner of valuable farms in Jackson county, comprising some 1,000 acres, and has for years been largely interested in agricultural pursuits; and he has also been engaged in the cattle business for some years, not only in this county but also in Colorado and Texas.
Mr. Anderson is a man of family. He was first married in the year 1861 to Miss Julia Daniels, by whom he had two children, Katie B., now the wife of Robert Turner; and Miss Nellie. Mrs. Julia Anderson departed this life in August, 1886. The present Mrs. Anderson was formerly Miss Mary W. Erwin. Her father, Colonel Eugene Erwin, was an officer in the Confederate army and was killed in the engagement at Vicksburg. Colonel Erwin's mother was a daughter of the Hon. Henry Clay, the distinguished statesman. By his union with Miss Erwin, Mr. Anderson has two sons, Henry Clay and Matthew William, Jr.
Not only in business and political circles, but also in those fraternal and religious, do we find Mr. Anderson an honored and influential member. He has been identified with the Masonic order since he was initiated into its mysteries in 1865, and is a charter member of McDonough Lodge, of Independence. Also he is a Knight of Pythias and a member of the grand lodge of the state of Missouri. The church of his choice is the Episcopal, of which he is a staunch and consistent member.
LINVILLE HAYES
Has for 53 years resided upon his farm in Westport township, Jackson county. The family located in Missouri when it was a wild and desolate region, there being few settlements west of St. Louis. For miles stretched uncultivated prairies and unbroken forests, which served as hunting grounds for the Indians, while the timbered regions were the haunts of many wild animals, native to this clime.
Mr. Hayes is a descendant from a family of pioneers. His paternal grandmother was a daughter of Daniel Boone, the explorer who first made his way into the wilderness of Kentucky, traveling over the “dark and bloody ground” before another white man had set foot upon the soil of that now rich and populous state. His daughter and 2 girls of the name of Calloway were captured by the Indians, but a party soon started in pursuit and they were retaken. The grandparents were married in Kentucky, and the grandfather was killed there. A large family was born of their union, including Boone Hayes, father of our subject, who was the oldest. After the death of his father, he went to live with his grandfather, Daniel Boone, and with him came to Missouri, locating in St. Charles county.
After he had arrived at man's estate he returned to Kentucky, where he married Lydia Shull, a native of that state and a representative of one of its old families. He then took his bride to his home in St. Charles county, and about 1820 removed to Callaway county. In March 1837, he became a resident of Jackson county, where he purchased 160 acres of land owned by Daniel Boone, Jr. 12 acres of this tract was fenced, while the remainder was in its primitive condition. The locality was indeed sparsely settled, the Indians being far more in numbers than their white neighbors. The father also purchased 120 acres of land from Governor Boggs and improved his property, transforming it into a fine farm. In 1849, after the discovery of gold on the Pacific slope, he crossed the plains to California, accompanied by his 3 sons, Amazon, Linville and Upton. After a 3 month journey with ox teams they reached Sacramento. At Weaverville, California, then called Hangtown, the father established a boarding house, which he conducted for several years. His death occurred there, while his wife died in this county, about 1840, and was laid to rest in the family cemetery. He was a typical pioneer, fearless and undaunted and honorable in all things. Before moving to Missouri he served in an Indian war.
Boone and Lydia Hayes were the parents of 10 children who grew to maturity. Alfred, the eldest, died in 1838. Louisa became the wife of Thomas Krump, and both are now deceased. They had 3 sons: Henry, of Independence, Missouri; Richard, who is living in Clay county, Texas; and Daniel, a resident of Saline county, Missouri. Shrelda became the wife of James McMurtrie and they also have passed away. Their children were Levi, who is living in Wichita Falls, Texas; James, of California, and Samuel, who was killed in the civil war. Eleanor married Francis Chick, and they also have departed this life, leaving 2 living children: Martha, of Callaway county, and Lydia, who is living in northern Missouri. Fannie Robinson, living in western Kansas. Amazon married Agnes McMurtrie, who died leaving 1 son, James, who is now county judge of Bates county, Missouri. After the death of his first wife he wedded Mary Berry, and they have 3 daughers: Sophie, widow of John Booth, who is serving as postmistress of Westport; Fannie, wife of Teson Howell, of Paola, Kansas; and Anna, wife of Green Bates, also of Paola. Linville is the next in order of birth. Samuel, deceased, married Rebecca Berry, who has also passed away, and the members of their family are as follows: Mary Lob; Robert, of California, who married Miss Muir, now deceased; Jennie, wife of Foster Asbury, of Westport township, by whom she has one daughter, Mary Agnes; Lou, deceased; Fred, the wife of William Smith, of Independence, Missouri; R. F. Hayes, who is living in Las Vegas, New Mexico; Amazon, of California; Upton, who resides in Las Vegas, New Mexico; and Ella, deceased. Miriam, the 8th member of the Hayes family, became the wife of David McMurtrie, and both have passed away. They had 2 children: Mary Agnes Utz, of California; and Calvin, of Callaway county, Missouri, who married Lizzie McCubbin. Mary wedded Amstead Hughes, and they died living 3 children: Reece, of Callaway county, Missouri; Linville and Laura Peters, who were also living in the same place. Upton, now deceased, married Miss Margaret Watts, and had 4 children: John N., who married Lillie Mills and lives in California; Bettie, wife of Thomas Mutrey, of California; Fleeda, wife of Tim Eppeson, of California; and Jenup, wife of Joseph Whitesides, of California. Two sons of this family were soldiers in the civil war.
Upton raised a regiment for the Confederate service and was commissioned colonel. His command was attached to the army of General Joseph Shelby, and he was a brave and able officer, beloved throughout the regiment. He was shot through the head at the battle of Newtonia, and was buried on the field. His remains were afterward transferred to the Confederate cemetery in Kansas City in 1871, and now rest in Forest Hill cemetery. His memory is still green in the hearts of those who knew him.
Linville Hayes, whose name introduces this review, was born in Callaway county, Missouri, October 20, 1821, and was a youth of 16 years when he came with his father to Jackson county. He remained under the parental roof until 21 years of age, and in 1842, having married, located on the farm which is still his home. It was covered with a dense growth of timber, but entering the forest he cut down the trees, prepared the material and built a hewed-log cabin. There was no one then between him and the vast Indian country to the west. Tree after tree fell before his ax and the bright sun streamed down upon the cleared land, ripening the grain planted there. Mr. Hayes continued to improve and cultivate his farm until 1849, when he went to the gold mines of California, in connection with his father and others, and after spending 20 months there arrived at his home on the 28th of December, 1850.
In June, 1842, Mr. Hayes was united in marriage with Miss Lorinda W. Halloway, a native of Kentucky and a daughter of James A. Halloway, one of the early settlers of the county. She was born April 21, 1827, and died August 13, 1890, after a happy married life of nearly half a century. To her husband she has been a faithful companion and helpmate, ably seconding his efforts in all possible ways. By her marriage she became the mother of 11 children, and in their youth surrounded them with loving care and attention. Eliza Ann, the eldest, born September 12, 1844, became the wife of Henry c. Rout, who was killed during the war. They had one child, James H., now of Westport. Mrs. Rout afterward became the wife of Joel Franklin Thomas, now deceased, who served as a lieutenant in Colonel Hayes' regiment. She died March 24, 1881, leaving one child, Effie, wife of Charles Ellis, of Westport. Alfred, the second of the family, born September 11, 1846, now lives in California. He married Mattie Collins, and their children were Barbara, Oletta, Maggie, William and James. Fannie E., born October 22, 1848, died 4 days later. Isaac T., born September 22, 1851, died April 5, 1852. Van D., born January 20, 1853, lives in Texas. Temperance J., born January 20, 1856, is the wife of James Foster, and their children are Lillie, Benjamin, Edwin, Harry, Carrie and John. Eugene E., born March 11, 1858, died February 1, 1861. Henry Upton, born August 14, 1860, died August 14, 1866. Linville Wiley, born January 7, 1862, is married and lives in Texas, and has one child, Harry. Benjamin T., born October 23, 1868, died October 6, 1869. James M., born May 19, 1871, completes the family.
After his return from California, Mr. Hayes engaged in freighting across the plains for the government, making trips from Kansas City and Leavenworth to Fort Union, Fort Laramie and Fort Craig on the Rio Grande river. In 1864 he joined the army, was elected first lieutenant of Captain Milton Shull's company and commanded the company until the close of the war. He went with Colonel Williams' regiment to Texas and Louisiana and participated in a number of engagements, including those at Little Blue, Big Blue, and Byram Ford. He was the first to cross the Big Blue in the face of the federals and acted as guide to General Shull all through that district of the country.
Mr. Hayes remained in Texas until the Fall of 1865, and after the war resumed freighting. He served as wagonmaster of a train going from Kansas City to old Fort Kearney and to Julesburg. Their route lay by way of Fort Laramie, Fort Reno and Fort Smith, and on the way they had a battle with the Indiana and remained at Fort Smith until a company of United States soldiers arrived to guard them on their trip. Mr. Hayes afterward made another trip to Fort Craig on the Rio Grande. His life since has been devoted to the more quiet pursuits of agriculture, and he still makes his home upon the farm which has been his place of abode for 53 years. In politics he is a democrat and since 1856 has been a member of the Baptist church of Westport. A worthy representative of one of the most honored pioneer families of Jackson county, no one is more worthy of representation in this volume than Linville Hayes.
ANCEL COLLINS
Is numbered among the progressive real estate dealers of Kansas City. He now resides at No. 4800 Independence Avenue, on what was a part of the old family homestead. Here he has lived for more than 60 years, and has therefore witnessed the entire growth and development of Kansas City, watching its transformation from a mere hamlet to one of the important cities of the West. He well deserves mention among the honored class that opened the way to civilization in this region and made its development and progress possible.
Mr. Collins was born in Estill county, Kentucky, October 26, 1826, and was only in his 8th year when, in April, 1834, his parents came to Missouri. His father, Michael Collins, was a native of Virginia, and his mother, who bore the maiden name of Rebecca Noland, was born in Kentucky. They settled on a farm which embraced the present home of our subject, 61 years ago, and at different times Mr. Collins entered land from the government until he had become the owner of 300 acres. He was a general farmer, an industrious man and extensively carried on that business, cultivating his land with the aid of slave labor. The old family homestead was located on what is now 12th street, and near by he erected a mill, which was operated by horse power, and which was one of the first built in this section of the state. He was prominently identified with the pioneer history of Jackson county, and largely aided in its early development. His death occurred on the 12th of May, 1850, at the age of 58 years, and his wife survived him about 12 years.
In the family of this worthy couple were 9 children, 4 of whom are living at this writing, namely: Sarah, the widow of Miletus Brown, of Kansas City; John, who resides in Oregon county, Missouri; Gabriel F., who is living with Mrs. Brown on the old farm; and Ancel, of this review.
Few residents of Kansas City can boast of having so long made their home here as our subject. In the days when all the region round about was a wild and unimproved tract of land, he aided his father in the development of the farm. The family had many of the usual experiences and hardships of pioneer life, but as the years passed their labors were crowned with prosperity, and the rapidly increasing population of Kansas City caused a corresponding rise in land values. Mr. Collins continued to work on the farm until 1857, when he began business on his own account, having inherited a part of the old homestead, and for some years did an excellent business as a market gardener and general farmer. He still owns about 68 acres of the old homestead. Of this about ½ has been platted, and, lying just outside the city limits, forms an excellent suburban property. For several years he has been engaged in the real estate business, buying and selling property, much of which he has highly improved. He now owns realty of various descriptions in the various sections of the city, and by his foresight, well directed efforts, sagacity and sound business judgment has succeeded in accumulating a handsome property.
On the 12th of June, 1850, in Kansas City, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Collins and Miss Sarah Ann Williams, daughter of John Williams, of Clay county, Missouri. For almost 42 years they traveled life's journey together, and then the wife was called to the home beyond this life April 10, 1892. Their family numbered the following members: Lizzie, wife of Arland Wimsett, of Bates county, Missouri; Ann Eliza, wife of George Greenwood, who is living near Independence, Missouri; Minerva, wife of John Clemons, a gardener of Kansas City; Jeff D., who married Ianthe Corder, daughter of Nathan Corder, of Kansas city, and is engaged in gardening on the old home place; Rebecca, Lorena and Mattie. The last 3 are at home. The deceased are: Asenath, who died at the age of 12 years; Almeda, who died at the age of 10 years; and Ancel, the last born, died in infancy. In 1887 Mr. Collins erected his present fine residence. He belongs to the Central Methodist Episcopal church, at the corner of 9th and Lydia St., and was one of its first members. He is an honored and valued citizen, and the history of his adopted county would be incomplete without mention of this worthy family.
HENRY SAMUEL MILLS
In the death of this gentleman one more name was added to the list of those whose life's labors were ended and whose record was closed with the words “well done.” A man whom to know was to honor, true, gentlemanly, companionable, he commanded the respect and admiration of all and won the friendship of many. He was an illustrious prototype of a self made man. Success is not measured by the heights which one holds, but by the depths from which he has climbed; and Mr. Mills worked his way upward from a very humble position, pushing aside the barriers which obstructed his path and surmounting all obstacles until he reached the mountain top of prosperity.
His life history is as follows: born in Jefferson county, New York, on the 25th of July, 1820, he was a son of Samuel and Sallie (Smith) Mills, representatives of old New York and Connecticut families. The father died when Henry was but 5 years of age, leaving the family in very limited circumstances. After 2 years the mother took her little son, then a lad of 7, and made her way to Salem, Illinois, where her only daughter, who was married, was then living. She provided for herself and child until he was able to care for her, when he repaid her by his loving attention for all that she had done for him. As soon as old enough he began to earn his own living, and was ever faithful to the duties devolving upon him. When hardly more than a boy he was made postmaster of Salem, Illinois. Subsequently he established a little store. He lived 75 miles from St. Louis and walked to that place in order to purchase goods, after which he hauled his merchandise home in a wagon that he had borrowed from a friend. Much of his goods he disposed of from the sidewalk, for he had no store building. He met with only fair success in this undertaking, and resolved to try his fortune beyond the Mississippi. Accordingly, in 1844, he removed to Saline county, Missouri, locating in Arrow Rock, where he opened a store. His mother accompanied him, and always found a home with him until her death.
Mr. Mills had but little capital, but he possessed a resolute purpose and indefatigable energy, and succeeded in working up a large business. During this time he was married. On the 29th of January, 1852, he wedded Miss Dorothy P. Scott, daughter of Ezekiel F. Scott, an extensive pioneer of Saline county and a native of Kentucky. He gave to each of his children 400 acres of land; but Mr. Mills, not being in a very good health at that time, sold the property which his wife inherited. His entire time and attention was given to his mercantile interests, and in this undertaking he prospered, building up a large trade. Later he extended his efforts into other fields of labor, purchased farms and began dealing in cattle. From that time forward he was prominently connected with the agricultural and stock raising interests of Missouri.
Another line of endeavor claimed his attention - the banking business. He established a bank at Arrow Rock, which he conducted throughout the war. This state, situated on the border between the 2 sections, was always a region of danger. On one occasion, fearing for the safety of his deposits and determined that no one should lose through him, he buried his money. At the same time he shipped by rail several kegs filled with nails, the public supposing that these contained the money. Union officers were detailed to guard the kegs until they were placed on a boat was saved and not a single cent was lost to the depositors and the doors were closed only during the time the money was buried!
In 1880 Mr. Mills closed out his banking business at Arrow Rock and sought a broader field of labor and usefulness in Kansas City. The following day after his arrival here he opened the banking house of H. S. Mills, arrangements having previously been made by his son, Scott Mills, who was then a young man in his minority. The new establishment was opened for business on the 1st of September, 1880, and was called the Bank of the State of Missouri. To this he gave his personal attention. Some time afterward this bank was closed and a new one established by the firm of H. S. Mills & Son, which was successfully conducted until the death of the junior partner, on the 6th of April, 1886. A short time before H. S. Mills passed away, he foresaw the closing of his business in case of his own demise, and hence incorporated under the name of the bank of H. S. Mills. He was a most capable financier, who studied closely the attitude of the country on the money question and was most thoroughly informed concerning it. In his own banking institution he received a liberal patronage, for the thorough reliability of Mr. Mills was well known and his integrity and honor above question. In connection with his other enterprises he was largely interested in farming in Saline and Pettis counties, holding large tracts of valuable land. His reliable judgment of human nature always enabled him to secure good men to operate his land, and from this branch of his business he secured a handsome income. His relations with tenants were always pleasant, and many of them remained on his farms for a number of years. At the present time one of his farms is being operated by a man who has lived upon it for 18 years.
Scott Mills devoted his service entirely to the bank, and became a most capable banker. As a boy he had learned the printer's trade, and edited a small paper at Arrow Rock. He was interested in journalistic work, but decided to remain with his father, whose judgment he held in great esteem. He was closely attached to his parents, and his death came as a stunning blow to them. He was taken ill on the 1st of April, 1886, and on the 6th of that month passed away.
Both the father and mother felt his loss very keenly. He stood not alone in the relationship of son to the former, but they were also companions, friends and business associates, and the death of the son no doubt hastened that of Mr. Mills. The latter gave his attention untiringly to his business until his own health compelled him to seek a change. In the family there were also two daughters, -- Zella and Emma. The former became the wife of Joseph Field, of Slater, Missouri, and died at the age of 39, leaving 3 children, Henry W., Percy C. and Lucile Mills, who now reside with their grandmother. Emma is the wife of E. B. Field, cashier of the bank which was founded by her father.
Entirely without capital save a courageous spirit, determined purpose and enterprise, Mr. Mills started out in life for himself. His success seemed almost phenomenal, but it came not as the result of a combination of fortunate circumstances, but as the reward of earnest and persistent labor, sagacity and laudable ambition. The history of his business life is somewhat familiar to the public, and the lessons contained in his private career are none the less exemplary. He was a prominent member of the Calvary Baptist church, to which his wife also belongs, and took an active part in erecting the new house of worship. He was deeply interested in the welfare of his fellow men, and often extended the right-hand of fellowship and aid to those less fortunate than himself. He seemed imbued with the benevolent spirit that underlies the Masonic fraternity, of which he was a lifelong and active member, joining the organization soon after attaining his majority. While in Kansas City he served as high priest or Orient chapter. He was also a member of the Commercial club, and took an interest in its advancement. It was probably in his home, however, that his true life was manifest. He was devoted to his wife and children, and did all in his power to promote their welfare. He erected a handsome residence at No. 1118 E. 8th Street, and supplied it with all the comforts that wealth could secure and art devise. A library of choice books indicates the literary taste of the family. Mr. Mills was himself a great reader, and even when a poor boy he purchased and eagerly perused a number of standard volumes which are still in the bookcases. He was very familiar with the best literature of the world, and was especially fond of history and poetry. He frequently would write little poems which contained beautiful thoughts and displayed considerable poetic ability, but his attention was given to his business. He was also a deep lover of music, and heard some of the finest performers of the present day. In the Fall of 1890 Mr. Mills went to the East, where he spent several months in rest in New York City and at Ocean Grove. In November he started homeward, but died in Chicago, on the 9th of that month. His remains were brought back to Kansas City, and with Masonic honors were interred in Elmwood cemetery.
ISSIE J. RIMGOLSKY
Attorney at Law, Kansas City, is a native of Leavenworth, Kansas, born September 24, 1864, of Jewish descent, and a son of Joseph and Rachel Ringolsky, who emigrated to America in 1844. They had been married a short time before embarking. At the breaking out of the gold excitement in California he made an overland journey to that distant coast. He engaged in mining there and was finally successful, remaining 3 years. He returned to the states by the way of the Panama route and rejoined his wife at St. Louis, and immediately proceeded to Leavenworth, settling there in 1853, where they now reside. For many subsequent years he followed merchandising in Leavenworth, and is now living in retirement, enjoying the accumulations of a well spent life. To them were born 9 children, of whom 5 are now living.
The early educational discipline of our subject was secured in the public schools. In 1881 he entered the University of Michigan, where he took the full literary and law courses and graduated in 1886. Following his graduation, he opened a law office in Kansas City, of which place he has since been a resident and practiced his profession. His success in the law is attested by a large clientage and the prominent position he occupies at the bar of Jackson county. He is a speaker of good ability, and is thoroughly informed in the law. Although but 36 years of age, Mr. Ringolsky has made a remarkable career as a lawyer. When 25, he made a fee of $5,000 in the famous case of Rector against Anderson, and in November, 1895, made a fee of $12,000, in the famous Nickells-Graham case, which was in litigation for 15 months. The former case was in court 82 days.
Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Knights of Pythias and several popular college fraternities. Mr. Ringolsky has never sought office, his ambition and aspirations being to rise in his profession. In politicial sentiment he is democratic, and warmly espouses the principles of his party.
In 1889 was consummated his marriage to Miss Josie Lowen, of St. Louis, who has borne him one child, Sidney I. He and his estimable wife are members of Temple church.
REV. THOMAS JOHNSON
On The pages of western history this name stands prominently forth. Its wearer was a man of influence, accomplishing a work for good during the early days of this section of the country that cannot be estimated. He was ever the champion of the oppressed, the advocate of progress, and his name will descend to future generations as a benefactor of the Indian race.
Mr. Johnson was a native of Nelson county, Virginia, born July 11, 1802, and was reared in the Old Dominion. His school privileges altogether would not cover a period of more than 13 months, and he walked to and from school, a distance of 5 miles, at the same time doing the chores on the farm. In 1820, when a young man of 18 years, he accompanied his father's family on their removal to Howard county, Missouri. He was of an earnest nature and deeply religious turn of mind, and when about 16 years of age began preaching. As a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church he preached upon a circuit in Texas during his early manhood, and received his pay in raw cotton, which he hauled 20 miles to have ginned. Subsequently he had charge of a Missouri circuit, and in 1828, as one of the pioneer ministers on the frontier, he established a mission between the present towns of Argentine and Turner, in what is now the State of Kansas but then formed a part of the Indian Territory. It was called the Shawnee Mission and was carried on for about 5 years. It included an Indian manual-labor school, where the children of the tribes in that locality were taught not alone to read and write but were also instructed in useful occupations, which would make them self-supporting citizens and materially benefit their condition. This mission was under the auspices of the United States government and the Methodist Episcopal church missionary board, with headquarters at Nashville, Tennessee, each bearing half the expense.
Rev. Mr. Johnson had full charge of this mission from its inception until 1873, and its privileges were enjoyed by the Shawnees, Wyandottes, Delawares and Ottawas. In addition to these there were some few members of the Miama, Sac and Fox tribes and a few Sioux and Flatheads. Mr. Johnson put up all the necessary buildings and had the entire care and management of the mission. There were from 100 to 150 children who attended the school and worked on the farm. Between 600 and 1,000 acres of land were thus cultivated. There was a blacksmith shop in which the repair work was done. A mill ground the grain for the needed bread stuffs and a store supplied the other necessary commodities. The Indian maidens did the spinning and weaving and made the clothes, and almost everything used by the mission was either raised or manufactured by the members except shoes, and even they were partially made by them. During a large portion of the time Mr. Johnson had charge of 3 missions - the Shawnee, the Delaware, about 15 miles from the first, and the Kaw mission at Council Grove. He was a close student of the different tribes, their habits, methods and needs, and no man on the western frontier did more for the betterment and upbuilding of the Indian race.
Mr. Johnson was ably assisted in all his labors by his estimable wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah T. Davis, and was a native of Bourbon county, Kentucky. She was born June 22, 1810, and was a daughter of George Davis, of Kentucky. Some of her relatives were taken prisoners by Indians at Ruddle's mills, in that state. Her father came to Pike county, Missouri, at a very early day, and there was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Johnson and Miss Davis, on the 7th of September, 1830. They at once went to the mission, and Mrs. Johnson assumed charge of the indoor work, nursing the sick, preparing and administering the different medicines, and acting as counselor and guide to all the women of the tribes, many of whom gave her their warm friendship. That Mr. Johnson won the confidence and the regard of the Indians, who when once their friendship is given never falter in their allegiance, is evidenced by the fact that he was always given a seat in their councils and stood especially high with the Shawnee tribe. These worthy people continued their labors among the red race until 1843, when the ill health of Mr. Johnson forced him to leave the frontier, and he returned to Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1844 a split occurred in the church, and our subject took the stand for the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
After preaching there for 1 year, Mr. Johnson returned with his family to Howard county, Missouri, and purchased a farm about 1 mile from Fayette, where he lived for 3 years. In 1847, he returned to the Shawnee Mission, of which he was again given charge and continued to faithfully labor among them for some time. The tribe gave 2 sections of land to the missionary board of the Methodist Episcopal church, south, and the board then transferred it to the Rev. Thomas Johnson, condition that he bear all expenses of the mission, including board, clothes and tuition. These terms were agreed upon, but the church afterward claimed the land and the heirs of Mr. Johnson had to establish their prior claim in the department of the interior, at a cost of over $20,000. When the Shawnees ceded their land to the government they gave to Mr. Johnson 1 section in return for a beef, which he provided them for their annual feast, and these 3 sections eventually become the property of his heirs.
About 1858 he removed his family to a farm which he owned 2 ½ miles East of Westport, but still retained control of the mission, although he left his son, Alex S. Johnson, in charge. On the 3rd of January, 1865, he received $1,000 in money, but paid it out the same day.
This latter fact, however, was not known by a band of 8 robbers who came to his house at 12:00p that night with the intention of securing the money. At their first call he opened the door and answered some of their inquiries. They then dismounted and were passing around the house ostensibly to get a drink of water. As they neared the door they made a rush for him, but he succeeded in closing it. They then fired through the panels and a ball struck him in the abdomen. He fell and never spoke again. As he was falling it is thought that he turned the key and locked the door. His wife was at his side in an instant, and soon aroused her son, William, who was sleeping upstairs, and a hired man. She carried up a shot gun and a small pistol. William stepped to a porch in front of a window and attempted to fire on upon the crowd, but the gun would not go off. He then found that the hired man had a musket and 3 charges. He directed the man to open fire upon the men, but the fellow was so frightened that he shot one charge into the air. Mr. Johnson then leveled the pistol at him and told him to surrender the gun or he would be instantly killed. Peering out into the dense darkness Mr. Johnson saw an object which he supposed to be a man and fired at it, but the next morning it proved to be a large black kettle. Next, seeing an object move, he fired and later found that he had shot a man through the leg. His ammunition was then exhausted. He heard one of the men say, “Look out, boys! Will is at home!” then they left. When he first stepped out upon the porch a ball from one of their guns pass through his beard close to his throat. Before the robbers left they set fire to the rear porch of the house, but the mother stepped outside the door and extinguished the fire with a few pails of water near by. The father was buried on the 5th of January, and the funeral was the largest ever attended in this locality. From far and near came friends to pay their last tribute of respect to one whom they had loved and honored, whose noble life was ever a source of inspiration, help and encouragement to them. Though he is gone his memory remains to those who knew him as a blessed benediction, and his influence for good is still seen in the lives of those with whom he came in contact.
Mrs. Johnson remained at the mission until the year following the death of her husband and then removed to Kansas City, making her home at the corner of 9th and Main streets, and afterward removing to Walnut streets. In 1869 she built a resident on 9th between Locust and Cherry streets, and her death occurred at the residence of Judge Holmes, September 26, 1873. Her family numbered 13 children, 7 of whom reached maturity, namely: Alex S., who was born July 11, 1832, the first white child born in what is now the State of Kansas, married Prudence Funk, October 7, 1852. She died leaving 1 child, who survives her - Mrs. Nellie Fargo, of Chicago. Alex S. Johnson afterward married Zippa Tewksbury. For many years he was the land commissioner of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad Company, but is now living retired in Topeka, Kansas. Eliza S., the second child, born April 20, 1836, was married September 20, 1854, to John B. Wornall, now deceased. She passed away July 5, 1865, leaving 2 children - F. C. and Thomas J. A. M. and W. M. were the 3rd and 4th member of the family. Laura L., born July 22, 1847, was the wife of Frank Waterman, and died in 1883, leaving 2 children - William H. and Avis. Cora E., born August 22, 1849, is the wife of Harry W. Fuller, general passenger agent of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad. They have 2 daughters - Nellie and Louise, and reside in Washington, DC. Edna, born June 6, 1853, is the wife of W.J. Anderson, a stock broker of Kansas City, and has 2 children - Sadie and Jamie.
Rev. Mr. Johnson and wife were life long members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He was a pro slavery man, but did not believe in the overthrow of the union. In the political affairs of Kansas he took a very prominent part. He presided over the house during the first session of the first general assembly of Kansas, that noted body convening in his home. His son, Alex, was a member of the Senate at the same time. The father was the first delegate to congress from Kansas, and Johnson county was named in his honor. He was president of the Union Bank, the First State Bank in Kansas City, and educational, social, political, moral and material interests are all indebted to him for his efforts in their behalf.
William M. Johnson, who like his honored father has been prominent in the public life of the West, was born July 6, 1845, in Howard county, Missouri, and was reared at the Shawnee Mission, his playmates being the Indian children. He began his education there under his father's instruction, and afterward attended the Emery and Henry College, of Washington county, Virginia, where he was a student at the breaking out of the Civil War. He was then only 15 years of age, but he joined the Washington mounted rifles and served during the Virginia campaign in the 1st year of the war. He then returned home and started out again with Colonel Upton Hayes and served throughout the struggle, participating in many engagements. He received a sabre cut in his hand and a bullet wound in his head. After the war he became a resident of the suburbs of Kansas City. Few men are more familiar with the history and development of the West. He has engaged in freighting across the plains, is familiar with the experiences of the frontier, and has many times journeyed across the Rocky mountains.
On the 25th of November, 1869, was consummated the marriage of William Johnson, and Miss Lizzie Price, daughter of Richard M. G. Price, who was killed at Wakarusa, Kansas in 1856, an officer in a company from Clay county, Missouri. Mrs. Johnson was born in that county, March 4, 1849, acquired her preliminary education there and completed her studies in Lexington, Missouri. 3 children were born of this union, but all are not deceased. After the war, Mr. Johnson lived for 2 years in Kansas City, and then removed to Clay county. In October, 183, he located on his present farm, where he owns 55 acres of very valuable land, all highly cultivated and improved.
He is a prominent Mason, holding his membership in the Blue Lodge and Chapter of Kansas City, and Kansas City commandery, No. 10, K. T. In politics he is a democrat. His wife belongs to the Baptist church of Westport, and in social circles they occupy a most enviable position, while throughout the community their circle of friends is very extensive.
MAJOR B. F. JONES
Probably no one in Kansas City is more widely known than this gentleman; and during one of the most trying periods of its history, when the city was divided into two factions, he has won a host of friends who hold him in the highest regard for his honorable course, his straightforward business policy and his uniform courteousness. As secretary and general manager of the Water Works Company he has so conducted affairs that differences between the company and the city have been in great measure obliterated, and yet without swerving in the least degree from his fidelity to the company that reposes in him the utmost confidence and respect.
Major Jones was born in Gwinett county, Georgia, on the 20th of June, 1831, and in the common schools acquired his education, after which he entered upon his business career as clerk in a country store near his home. With a young man's desire to see something of the world and seek a wider sphere of usefulness and activity, he left home at the age of 20 years and went to New York City. With most commendatory letters he carried with him he found no difficulty in obtaining employment, securing a situation in a dry-goods and carpet house on Cortlandt street. A year later he entered the service of Whitlock, Nichols & Company, a noted grocery firm, which was afterward succeeded by B. M. & E. A. Whitlock & Company. In the service of this house he traveled all over the south and was its representative at the time of the breaking out of the civil war.
He utilized the information and experience that he had acquired through travel and business knowledge to the advantage of the newly organized Confederate government in some papers containing suggestions on the tariff, export duties, etc., which may be found among the proceedings of the first Confederate congress. He was a southern man by birth and training, and, true to the principles and teaching in which he had always been trained, when the war was inaugurated he hastened to Rome, Georgia, and in April, 1862, joined the Cherokee artillery, and company already organized, in which his brother was serving as a non-commissioned officer. This company went into the camp of instruction, and was shortly afterward organized into a battalion, of which, on account of his previous business training and special fitness for the position, he was made quartermaster. Until the Fall of 1861 this battalion did service in the vicinity of Richmond, Virginia, and Weldon, North Carolina. During the winter of that and the succeeding year it was engaged in Tennessee, and afterward in detachments did service between Knoxville and Bristol, its labors being to keep in order the discontented elements of east Tennessee. Finally they were sent to hold the mountain pass of Cumberland Gap. In June, 1862, Mr. Jones was promoted to the position of brigade quartermaster, and ordered to take charge of the post at Chattanooga; where devolved upon him all the important work of that post, and in addition he had to superintend the purchase of horses, the manufacture of wagons and the preparation of all goods to be transported for General Braxton Bragg's army. Upon the evacuation of Chattanooga, in September 1863, Major Jones was temporarily sent to organize the post at LaGrange, Georgia, and in May, 1864, was ordered by the secretary of war to report for inspection duty to General Bragg, who then occupied the position of commander-in-chief, under the president, of the armies of the Confederate states. He had his headquarters in Richmond, and instituted a most rigid investigation into the irregularities of the various departments of the government, and especially the quartermaster and commissary departments. Major Jones was selected as one of the confidential inspectors for this important work, and with characteristic energy entered upon his duties, traveling as far west as the Mississippi river and examining and reporting on every quartermaster and commissary along his line. In many places he found great evidences of demoralization, and his reports were so full and comprehensive, and showed such perfect knowledge of the subject matter in hand, that he was highly complimented by those in authority, who seldom complimented any one.
When the war was over Major Jones took up his residence in Rome, Georgia, where he engaged in merchandising, building up a large and lucrative trade; but the approach of hard times, the shrinkage of values and the low price of cotton impoverished the people and caused him, as it did a great many others, to withdraw from the business. His next undertaking was the manufacture of pig iron, which he continued from 1871 until 1873, but the panic of the latter year again demoralized trade and he was forced to abandon this industry also.
About this time the Kansas City Water Works were built by a private corporation, which entered into a contract to furnish water for the city; but trouble ensured and the difficulty was augmented as time went on. When the works were completed and the company had to select some one to take charge of their affairs, the choice fell upon Major Jones, who accepted the position of secretary and general manager of the company, removing with his family to Kansas City.
He might well be called the apostle of peace. His position was a difficult one and it required the touch of a skilled and difficult hand to amicably adjust and carry on affairs. By this time a very bitter feeling existed between the company, the city government and the citizens, and matters had been carried so far that the acceptance or rejection of the works by the city was made an issue in municipal politics to the exclusion of every other subject. To pour oil upon the troubled waters was a work which Major Jones undertook to perform. Largely through his efforts the bad feeling that existed was allayed, obstructions to a better understanding were removed, explanations on both sides were made that cleared away difficulties, and his uniform courtesy transformed enemies into friends. The result of his conciliatory measures was that the city authorities and officers of the company met together in an amicable conference, the difficulties were removed one by one, the basis for a compromise of conflicting interests was laid point by point, and finally an understanding was reached that was satisfactory to all concerned, and Major Jones was the man who brought about this state of affairs. He knew how to handle and manage both parties, for his far-sighted dealing and extreme fairness enabled him to plan and arrange with superior skill, and both sides recognized and appreciated his justice and honor.
Owing to his efforts the comparatively harmonious relations existed between the city and the company from 1877 until 1889; but in the latter year troubles broke out anew. The claim was made that the company had not complied with the terms of the contract in the construction of the plant; that it had also violated the contract in operating the system, and in consequence the city was absolved from all obligations to the company. This led to much correspondence and negotiation, in which the diplomacy in which the Mayor is an adept parried every blow with consummate skill. He answered question after question with the readiness and power of a lawyer, and met the opposition of the city with unanswerable logic and argument. In 1891 the city authorities undertook to ignore the contract and build an independent system of water works. In consequence, in December of that year, the company commenced proceeding in the United States circuit court to enjoin the city; and that litigation, in varied forms and shapes, has since been continued, and is now about reaching a conclusion with a decree that the city must buy the works of the company at a valuation of $3,000,000, which was consummated September 1, 1895, and is now in possession of the city. During all this long contest every feature of the system, its construction, operation, efficiency and earnings have been under consideration, and in all these matters almost daily demands have been made upon Major Jones for information regarding these various points; and he has been constantly on guard, watching every movement of the enemy.
To no one is greater credit due for the splendid results obtained than to the Major. The fight has been made splendid results obtained than to the Major. The fight has been made in the face of the most intense prejudice on the part of the people, and yet so great has been his tact that he has scarcely a personal enemy in the city, and has many friends among the opposition who admire and respect him for his straightforward course. He has been unflinching in his loyalty to the company, the officers placing in him unbounded confidence; but, with his urbanity of manner and uniform kindness to all, the people have only manifested an increased admiration for the man who can so conduct affairs under such trying circumstances.
The Major possesses in an uncommon degree that indispensable quality known as common sense. He is a man of superior and executive ability, possessing a sagacity and perseverance that are essential qualities in success. He is a man of liberal views and broad general information, very familiar with the wide field of literature, and is an accomplished conversationalist, a companionable gentleman and an unswerving friend, his uniform kindness and courtesy arising from a kindly feeling and genuine sympathy for others. He is a member of the Central Presbyterian Church, and is now serving on its board of deacons.
PHILIP E. CHAPPELL
A retired banker and one of Kansas City's capitalists, has for many years been prominently connected with the business and political history of Missouri, and his name is an honored one in commercial and social circles. The fitting reward of every well-spent life is an honored retirement from business care. When an individual has devoted the best efforts of his manhood to a chosen calling and by his honorable dealing gained the confidence of the public and a liberal competence, he should have a season of rest in which to enjoy the fruits of his former toil. The career of this gentleman has been a worthy one, and he ranks foremost among the prominent business men of his native state.
When William the Conqueror, in 1066, sailed from Normandy to England and succeeded in subjugating that isle, there was numbered among his followers one Chapelle, who became the founder of the family in that country. The name was afterward anglicized by dropping the final “e”. History tells of Robert Chappell, who lived in England about 1550, and his son, William. The latter was a profound scholar, becoming a bishop of the church of England, and was stationed over the diocese of Cork, Ireland. William lived about 1580. Another son, Captain John Chapell, became a sailor and commanded the ship Speedwell, a trading vessel, sailing between England and the colony of Virginia. On one of his voyages he was accompanied by his son Thomas, a native of Southhampton, England. The son took up his residence in Warwick county, Virginia, at the mouth of the James River, where they landed May 28, 1635. He became the father of 3 sons - Robert, Thomas and Samuel. The last named is numbered among the direct ancestors of our subject. He became the father of Thomas Chappell, who lived in Charles City county, Virginia, from 1660 until about 1710. Then about 1690 was born his son Thomas, who, having attained his majority, removed across the river to Prince George county and settled in the city of Petersburg, where he was engaged in business as an Indian trader, from about 1720 until 1740. He married Sarah, daughter of John Jones, and they had a family of 6 children, 3 sons and 3 daughters. This number included John Chapell, who was born in Amelia county, Virginia, in 1722, and died in that county in March, 1775. He was an extensive tobacco planter and became a wealthy man. He married Prudence Tucker, who belonged to a renowned family.
It was their son, John, who was the paternal grandfather of our subject. He was born in Amelia county, Virginia, in 1752, and removed to Halifax county in 1782, carrying on business there as a farmer and tobacco planter, becoming very wealthy. He was twice married and had a large family. His death occurred in 1812, when he was aged 60 years. The father of our subject also bore the name of John Chapell and was a native of the Old Dominion, a farmer and planter. In 1836 he removed from Virginia to Missouri, locating in Callaway county, where he developed a fine farm and became an extensive land owner. He was joined in wedlock with Mary F. Adams, daughter of Philip Adams, a native of Virginia and a granddaughter of John Adams, who had three sons - John, Philip and Sylvester, who located in Fluvanna and Pittsylvania counties, Virginia, about 1740. John Adams emigrated from Wales to America in the early part of the 18th century and spent his remaining days there. As before stated, his sons removed to Virginia, but John is the only one who had a family. He became the father of 6 sons and 2 daughters - William, Richard, Sylvester, John, Philip, Benjamin, Elizabeth and Martha. Their descendants are scattered throughout the South and West. The grandfather of our subject, Philip Adams, was an extensive tobacco planter and served as a soldier in the War of 1812. His family numbered 4 children.
Mr. & Mrs. John Chappell had 5 children - 2 sons and 3 daughters, namely: Sarah, wife of Dr. Lenoir, of Columbia, Missouri; Philip E.; Henry, deceased; Fannie W., wife of Judge J. L. Smith, of Kansas City, Missouri; and Martha, wife of Colonel Henry W. Ewing, of Jefferson City, Missouri. The father was a man of considerable prominence in Virginia, serving for many years as county surveyor and also as collector of revenue. He died on his farm in Callaway county, Missouri, in 1860, at age 73 years, and his wife passed away in 1869, at the age of 58. They were both members of the Methodist church, South.
Philip E. Chappell, whose name introduces this sketch, was born in Callaway county, Missouri, August 18, 1837, and under the parental roof spent his boyhood days. He acquired his education in the University of Missouri, at Columbia, and afterward engaged in steamboating on the Mississippi river until the breaking out of the civil war. About 1865 he embarked in the banking business in Jefferson City, Missouri, and for 20 years was connected with one of the leading financial institutions of that section of the state, -- the National Exchange Bank. In 1872 he was elected mayor of Jefferson City, and its interests were materially promoted during his administration of the municipal affairs of that city. In 1881 he entered upon a four-year term as state treasurer, and in 1885 retired from office as he had entered it, with the good will, confidence and regard of the general public. Immediately afterward he removed to Kansas City and accepted the presidency of the Citizens' National bank, serving in that position until 1891, when he resigned. He now owns extensive cattle interests and much valuable property. He served as a member of the first board of public works of Kansas City, and has given an active and liberal support to the various interests that have had for their object the advancement of the community.
On the 3rd of July, 1861, Mr. Chappell married Miss Teresa E. Tarlton, daughter of Colonel M. R. and Mary (Locke) Tarlton. They have had 5 children - 2 sons and 3 daughters - namely: Claudia, who became the wife of L. C. Krauthoff, and died leaving one son, Philip Chappell; Logan, who is engaged in farming and cattle raising, and married Rena Corder, by whom he has 2 children, Teresa and Hazel; Mary, wife of Hal Gaylord, by whom she has one child, Claudia; John, deceased; and Alice, at home.
In politics Mr. Chappell is a democrat, and in his social relations is a Mason.
THOMAS GLENN HALL
President of the Bank of Buckner, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, October 6, 1821. His father, Joseph Hall, died about 1836, and his mother, who bore the maiden name of Polly Glenn, died in 1830. They left 2 sons and 3 daughters, of whom our subject is the eldest. Upon his mother's death he went to live with his maternal grandfather, Thomas Glenn, who resided in Jefferson county, Ohio, and was a farmer by occupation. He resided there until 27 years of age and became familiar with farm work in all its departments. For 6 years he operated a threshing machine and in this way he secured the money with which he made his first purchase of land.
While living in Ohio, Mr. Hall was united in marriage, on the 16th of January, 1849, to Miss Nancy Martin, who was born near Wellsville, Columbiana county, Ohio, October 26, 1826. On leaving Jefferson county he removed with his wife to Wyandot county, Ohio, where he purchased a farm, clearing the land and making his home thereon for 5 ½ years. He then sold and removed to Butler county, Iowa, thinking that he might secure a better home farther west. There he entered 400 acres of land, improved the property, and continued to make it his residence until July, 1866, when, selling out, he came to Jackson county. He now took up his residence in Fort Osage township, and has since engaged in the cultivation of its rich lands. He is today the owner of a valuable and highly improved farm of 425 acres, and derives from this an excellent income. In the midst of well tilled fields stands a comfortable residence and good outbuildings, and the neat and thrifty appearance of the place indicates his careful supervision. In the spring of 1892 he aided in the organization of the Bank of Buciner, and was chosen its president. This bank is now in a prosperous condition and ably conducted.
Mr. and Mrs. Hall have become the parents of 5 children, but the only one now living is Maggie, wife of Nathaniel McCune, of Fort Osage. Mary became the wife of Charles G. Hamilton and died in Fort Osage township, at the age of 26 years; and Ella died at the age of 10 years.
The parents are supporters of the Presbyterian church, of which Mrs. Hall is a member. In politics he has always voted with the Republican party. Success has crowned his efforts, and today he is enjoying a prosperity that is a just reward for his well-directed and energetic labors.
SIMEON SEYMOUR TODD, M.D.
One of the most progressive physicians of Kansas City, is a native of Indiana. He was born in Vevay, March 10, 1826. The West has been settled up by a class of men who came to this section of the country to secure homes and who have bent every energy to this undertaking. The entire section of the country therefore has become imbued with the spirit of enterprise and progress, producing a phenomenal development that could not be accomplished by the conservative East. Amid such surroundings the Doctor was reared and has naturally partaken of the spirit of the times, and this has characterized his entire professional career.
He traces his parental ancestry to this country to John Todd, a native of Lanarkshire, Scotland, who with his parents fled to Ireland under the persecutions of the reign of Charles II, and in 1736 accompanied his son Robert and 2 other sons and a daughter to America, making his home near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. David Todd, son of Robert, born in the county of Down, Ireland, came with the family to America, and soon afterward married Hannah Owen, of Welsh parentage. Both died at Lexington, Kentucky. Their son, Owen Todd, was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, in 1762, and in early life took up the study of law, but coming West afterward entered the employ of the government as a surveyor of bounty land reserves in Kentucky and southwestern Ohio. He served as a soldier in the war of 1812, holding the rank of captain under General Wayne in the battle of “Fallen Timbers,” and was the first presiding judge of the court of quarter sessions of Clermont county, Ohio. “Todd's fork,” of the Little Miami river was named for him. He was reared in the Presbyterian faith, and died in Vevay, Indiana, at the age of 55 years. One of his 11 children was David Andrew Todd, father of the Doctor. He was born in Clermont county, Ohio, October 7, 1799, and for many years engaged in merchandising. He became a pioneer settler of Indiana, and erected one of the first brick houses in Madison, that state. His last years were spent at his home in Vernon, Indiana. He wedded Mary Ogle, born March 27, 1802, a native of Montgomery, now Carroll county, Virginia, and a daughter of Hiram Ogle, who was born in Randolph county, North Carolina, and married Sarah Richardson, of Grayson, nor Carroll county, Virginia. Later he made his home near Vevay, Indiana, where he carried on farming and milling. He was of English descent, and died in 1845. David A. and Mary Todd became the parents of 10 children, 7 sons and 3 daughters, of whom 6 are now living, namely: Hiram H., Simeon S., Owen W., Elhanan P., Robert S. and Catharine M., widow of Alexander Lattimore, of Washington, District of Columbia. Those who have passed away are John H., Marion D., Sarah J., and Mary B. Marion D. Todd was a prominent minister of the Christian church, preaching for some time in Chester, and in Liverpool, England, and was a warm personal friend of Spurgeon, the great Baptist divine. He died at Los Gatos, California. The parents were both members of the Christian church and the father, David Todd, was for many years an elder in that church. In early life he served as justice of the peace for many years. His death occurred in 1864, when he was aged 65, and his wife in 1865, at the age of 63. Both are buried at Vernon, Jennings county, Indiana.
The Doctor was reared in Madison, Indiana, and acquired his education in the common schools, studying the classics under private tutorship. He took up the study of medicine at the age of 18, under the direction of Dr. William Davidson, of Madison, Indiana, a Scotch physician of considerable repute, but before he had completed his course he enlisted for service as a private in the Mexican war. On his return he entered the Indiana Medical College at LaPorte, Indiana, and was graduated at that institution in the class of February, 1849. Immediately afterward he began practice, opening an office in the autumn in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where he continued until 1854. In that year he emigrated to California, practicing his profession in Plumas county, where he remained for 2 years. In 1857 he removed to Santa Rosa, Sonoma county, where he continued the practice of his profession till the breaking out of the civil war. In 1861 he opened an office in San Francisco, and soon after was commissioned surgeon of the 4th California volunteer infantry, and served until after the South had laid down its arms and the preservation of the union was an assured fact.
Dr. Todd then returned to “the states” and settled in Kansas City, where he has since continuously engaged in practice. Up to 1885 he engaged in general practice, but since that time has made a specialty of the diseases of women. He was the projector and prime mover in the establishment of the Kansas City Medical College, and for many years was dean of the facility, and for 27 years has been a teacher of the diseases of women, to which chair he was appointed on the organization of the school. He now holds the chair of emeritus professor of obstetrics and diseases of women - an honorary position - and continues to deliver lectures occasionally. He belongs to the Jackson County Medical Society, the Kansas City District Medical Society, the Kansas City District Medical Society, the State Medical Society, of which he has been vice-president and president, and the Missouri State Medical Association, of which he is an honorary member. He is also an honorary member of the Kansas State Medical Society, and other organizations of his profession. He was the pioneer west of the Mississippi in introducing surgery in women's diseases, and his superior skill and ability has given him a foremost place in the ranks of the fraternity.
On the 10th of October, 1850, Doctor Todd was united in marriage with Miss Judith Ann, daughter of Jeremiah Ridgway, of LaPorte, Indiana. Her mother bore the maiden name of Sarah Ann Willetts. 4 children were born of this union, but 2 died in infancy. Rush B. and Frank S. are now residents of California, and the latter married Miss Nannie E. Mann, by whom he has 4 children. The mother of this family died in 1861. She was a member of the Society of Friends, and a most estimable lady. On January 21, 1867, the Doctor married Mrs. Thirza F. Dean, widow of Dr. William H. Dean, and daughter of Thomas Scott, of Ann Arbor, Michigan. She also was reared a Quaker, and was called to the home beyond this life March 14, 1888. On the 7th of November, 1889, the Doctor was joined in wedlock with Miss Frances Williams, of Lucas county, Iowa, daughter of Alonzo and Rachel Williams. They are both members of the Unitarian church, and the Doctor is a Master Mason, also belongs to the Loyal Legion, and to George H. Thomas post, G. A. R. In politics he is a republican.
JOHN M. FOX
Of the popular law firm of Lathrop, Morrow, Fox & Moore, Kansas City, Missouri, is a gentleman of eastern birth and education. He was born in East Lyme, Connecticut, September 9, 1853, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Beckwith) Fox, natives of Connecticut and representatives of families long resident in New England. Their remote ancestors came to this country from England, and some of them were participants in the Revolutionary War. Mrs. Fox's father, the grandfather of our subject, was a veteran of the War of 1812, having served as a lieutenant in that war. Henry Fox was in early life a teacher, but later settled down to farming, and was thus occupied for a number of years. He held various local offices of prominence and trust, and was regarded as one of the most worthy citizens of his community. He died in 1884. The widowed mother is still a resident of Connecticut. Their family was composed of three children, John M. being the 2nd born.
John M. Fox spent his early life on his father's farm, and the first school he attended was the country school near his home. Later he was a student at the Connecticut State Normal School, where he graduated with the class of 1874. Then he entered Yale College, graduated at that noted institution in 1879, and in 1881 received a diploma from the Columbia College Law School. Yale College conferred on him the degree of Bachelor of Arts; the Columbia College Law School, Bachelor of Laws; and the University of Kansas, Master of Arts. Immediately after his graduation at the law school in 1881, Mr. Fox came west and located in Kansas City, where he has since been successfully engaged in the practice of his profession. At first he was employed as clerk for the firm of Lathrop & Smith, prominent attorneys, and subsequently he formed a partnership with T. A. F. Jones. In the Fall of 1884, by invitation of his old employers, Mr. Fox returned to them, and in January of the following year became a partner of the firm, which is now one of the best known law firms in the city. They are attorneys for a large number of corporations, railroads, banks, etc., and conduct a most extensive general practice. Mr. Fox is not only well posted in law, and an active, energetic business man, but he has the happy faculty of ingratiating himself with all with whom he has dealings, and thus by being able to adapt himself to all kinds and classes of people he is a valued member of the firm.
He was married in 1885 to Miss Nettie Fuller, like himself, a native of Connecticut. They have 2 daughters - Anna E. and Marion L.
Mr. and Mrs. Fox are members of the First Congregational church of Kansas City, in which he is now a deacon.