Physician and surgeon, post-office Lone Jack.
The subject of our sketch is not only one of the old settlers, but has been one of the most useful and honored citizens of Van Buren Township. Born in Bedford County, Tennessee, July 30, 1836. He was a son of Edward and Sarah Raggsdale, both natives of Tennessee. When he was but an infant, his mother died, and when he was but eighteen months old, his father moved to Lexington, Missouri, and lived there till 1842; then moved to Lone Jack, Jackson County. Remained there but a short time, then went to Texas, but soon returned to Lone Jack, and lived there till 1851; then in Lafayette and Hold Counties till 1854, when his father died.
He received his education at Chapel Hill College, and graduated in the class of 1856. He then engaged in teaching for six years. He afterward took a course of medical lectures at St. Louis, and subsequently was a member of Jefferson Medical College, in Philadelphia, and graduated from there in 1868. He began the practice of medicine before attending college in Philadelphia, and during the War was steadily engaged in practice at Lone Jack and Chapel Hill, and rendered valuable service to the wounded at the battle of Lone Jack; here he has ever since remained, actively and successfully engaged in his profession.
He has been twice married. First, on March 3, 1861, to Elizabeth Easley, of Jackson County, who was born December 3, 1840, and who died August 7, 1875. By this union, five children were born: Luetta, May 2, 1862; William Lee, February 9, 1864; Ann Eliza, April 12, 1866; Edward W., December 29, 1870, and Thomas, December 3, 1873. He was again united in marriage, March 29, 1876, to Virginia W. Easley, a sister of his first wife, and who was born March 11, 1844.
His present wife was a personal but unwilling spectator of the terrible carnage at the battle of Lone Jack. She was a guest at the hotel, which the Federals occupied during the battle, and was standing in the front door when the battle began; several balls passed through the door while she was there. She was obliged to get what shelter she could, by lying on the floor among the dead and wounded, till the close of the battle. Although a lady of refinement, she was also one of compassion and tenderness, and at the end of the battle rendered great aid in caring for the wounded.