Biographies

Biographies of Lone Jack Men & Women from The History of Jackson County, Missouri: Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, Etc., Biographical Sketches of Its Citizens, Jackson County in the Late War… History of Missouri, Map of Jackson County

W. H. ADAMS, Farmer and stock raiser, section 8, was born in Lafayette County, Missouri, July 8, 1837, and was a son of Spencer and Rachel Adams, natives of Tennessee, but very early settlers in Missouri; now both dead. He moved to #Jackson County in 1864, and has ever since been engaged in farming. He had no help in starting in life, and at the close of the War, all the property he possessed was one old pony. But, with a good constitution and a determined will, he went to work, and by industry and perseverance, he has secured a fine home of ninety- two and one-half acres, well improved and stocked. He enlisted as a member of Colonel Hays’ Regiment, under General Price, and served with him till after the battle of Lone Jack, where he was severely wounded. He is known as the king of fox hunters, having within the last year, captured twenty-two foxes. At the beginning of the War, he lost everything he had, besides having been security for others, which debts he afterward had to pay. He was married February 16, 1859, to Mary Ann Cantrell, who was born in Lafayette County, August 21, 1840; she was a daughter of Christopher and Narcissa Cantrell. There have been seven children born, to-wit: Martha Jane, born December 20, 1869, married and living in Jackson County; Willie Ann, born July 20, 1862; Mary Ellen, April 16, 1867; Rachel Narcissa, September 15, 1870; Sarah C., February 1, 1872; Minnie Belle, March 21, 1874; and Lilly May, October 13, 1876.

EASTHAM ALLEN, Farmer and stock raiser, section 9, was born in Garrard County, Kentucky. March 11, 1825, and was a son of Erasmus and Lucy Allen, both natives of Kentucky. Our subject received his education in Kentucky, and lived there until 1856, then located in Missouri, where he has since lived, engaged in farming. At the beginning of the War, he enlisted as a member of Colonel Hays’ Regiment, under General Price, and served four years with his regiment in the many engagements in which it participated, serving as orderly sergeant. He has served the public in many official capacities, as postmaster, assessor, school officer, and justice of the peace, which office he still fills He is an earnest advocate of good schools and a liberal education. At the beginning of the War, he had accumulated considerable property, but, like many others, lost nearly all of it. He now has a comfortable and pleasant home, well improved; also some fine stock. He and his wife are consistent members of the Christian Church. He was married September 16, 1852, to Margaret Jane Arnold, a daughter of Isaac and Jane Arnold. She was born in Garrard County, Kentucky, January 1, 1827. By this union four children have been born, to-wit: Isaac, born October 7, 1853, married and living in Carroll County; Erasmus, born June 18, 1855, now a miner in Leadville; John, born January 26, 1858, married on December 19, 1880. to Miranda Jane Bailey, a native of Jackson County, and born September 13, 1863. This son and his wife are living with his parents, and managing the farm. Lucy Jane, born November 24, 1861, married and living in Johnson County. A. E. BAIRD, Farmer, and stock dealer. The subject of this sketch is a native of Brown County, Ohio, and was born December 19, 1835. He was reared and educated in Brown County till eleven years of age, then removed to Putnam County, Illinois, and remained there about nineteen years ; then located in Jackson County, Missouri in March 1866. While in Illinois he attended, for a number of years, the South Salem Academy in Ross County, Ohio, and there received a very liberal education. He was married March 28, 1861, to Margaret E. Dysart who was born in Putnam County, Illinois, January 23, 1843. By this marriage eight children have been born, seven of whom are still living: Leslie E. born May 12, 1862; William A, born November 6, 1864; Frank D., born September 11, 1867; Leola J., born October 29, 1868; Archibald S., born August 29, 187 1; Ida May, born April 29, 1874; John C., born April 14, 1877, and Helen, born May 18, 1880, who died in infancy. He had but little help to start in life, but by energy, and perseverance has secured a beautiful and fertile farm of 170 acres, and he is noted as the model farmer in the township. Although he carries on his farm in such an excellent manner, yet he makes a specialty of buying and shipping stock. Besides his very arduous labors in managing his farm and his other business, he finds time not only to cultivate his own mind, but takes an active interest in the education of his children. His wife is a lady of refinement and education. They are both members of the Presbyterian Church. Surrounded by a pleasant family and in an excellent neighborhood, well esteemed by all, they have rea son to be, as they are, thankful and happy.

JACOB BENNETT, Farmer, stock raiser and carpenter. The subject of this sketch is a native of the State of Ohio, and was born May 12 1833. He lived there till 1853, and there received his education, and learned his trade in Cleveland, Ohio. He then came to Missouri and located in Van Buren Township, and has ever since lived here, except two years during the War, and has been engaged in farming and as a carpenter and joiner. He owns a farm of sixty acres, with fine buildings and orchard, and well stocked. He has served for a number of years as school officer, and takes a great interest in educational matters. Both he and his estimable wife are con sistent members of the Christian Church. He is a man of fine business qualifications, and is held in high esteem by his neighbors. He was married October 4, 1857, to Elizabeth Cave of Jackson County, who was born August 31, 1837. Six children have been born, five of whom are still living: George born July 24, 1858, now a member of Warrensburg Normal School; Price born July 17, 1861, now salesman in Kansas City; Ella W. born September 4, 1864, and died November 16, 1874; Gius born February 24, 1868; Charles born March 10, 1872, and Frank born February 10, 1875.

JOHN BYNUM, Farmer and stock raiser. In this sketch we have to speak of one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of Van Buren Township. He was born in Rutherford County, North Carolina, July 17, 1822. At the age of fourteen he came with his parents, and a company of seventy-five others, to Missouri, and located at Lone Jack. Here his father owned 520 acres of land where the town of Lone Jack now stands. They landed here in May, 1836, and out of the entire company that then came, there are only four or five now living. He only had the opportunity of going to school a few weeks in his life, yet he is one who has gathered up a great deal of useful information, and is often consulted by those who have had better opportunities to store their minds with knowledge. He is a son of Pumphrey Bynum, a native of South Carolina, but one of the pioneers of Jackson County, Missouri. His father lived here until 1846. There were nine children in his father’s family, only three of whom are now living: the subject of our sketch and his brother, Thomas, now in Oregon, and his sister Catharine, now the wife of George Oldham of Benton County, Missouri. Few men enjoy so much of the public confidence and so many warm friends as our subject. He was married September 29, 1842, to Charlotte Cave, of Jackson County, but formerly of Surry County, North Carolina, and born October 6, 1818. She is a daughter of Bartlett Cave, one of Jackson County’s old pioneers. The fruits of this marriage have been six children, three of whom are still living: Robert, born March 24, 1845, living near home; William, August 22, 1847, died at the age of eight years; Galen C., September 20, 1849, died at the age of twenty-four years; James P., January 8, 1852, living near home; Bettie, October 6, 1855, died in infancy; John W., November 3, 1859, living at home. Mr. Bynum owns a finely cultivated farm of 156 acres, with good improvements and an excellent orchard.

WILLIAM CASH, Farmer and hotel-keeper, Lone Jack, Missouri, was born in Wilkes County, North Carolina, April 16, 1815, and was a son of Lewis and Mary Cash. At an early age he moved with his parents to Lincoln County, Kentucky. Lived in Lincoln County till about seventeen years of age, then learned the blacksmith trade and went to Lexington, and remained for three years working at his trade; thence to Bracken County, Kentucky, and worked at his trade for about seven years. He was married July 7, 1840, to Miss Elizabeth Duncan, who was born in Pendleton County, Kentucky, October 3, 1823, she being a daughter of Thornton and Mary Duncan. This couple then moved to Harrison County, and remained there till they moved to Missouri, in 1856, when they settled in Benton County, and lived there eight years; thence to Cooper County, Missouri, and remained there until 1877, when they located in Lone Jack. To this family eleven children have been born, six of whom are still living : Thornton, born October 10, 1843, now a blacksmith in Lone Jack; Oscar, October 13, 1845, also a blacksmith in Lone Jack ; Mary E. , November 10, 1847, now married and living in Benton County, Missouri; Milton, May 4, 1853, married and living in Lone Jack, and has charge of the drug store of George T. Shawhan; Ellen, April 29, 1858, living at home, and John H., January 8, 1861, living in New Mexico. At the beginning of the War he was possessed of considerable property, but, like many others, he lost it all, and at the close of the War had to begin anew. But by care he has again secured a comfortable home in the village of Lone Jack.

THORNTON CASH, Lone Jack, Missouri, was born in Harrison County, Kentucky, October 10, 1843; lived there till 1856, then moved with his parents to Benton County, Missouri. When but a child he was continually in the blacksmith shop with his father, who was an excellent mechanic, and he would work on the anvil when he had to have a large block to stand upon. He, in this way, intuitively learned the trade which he has ever since followed, and he is an artisan of good ability and skill. At the beginning of the War, although but a boy, he enlisted in the Con federate Service and served faithfully and well during the War. He participated in the battles of Pea Ridge. Helena, Prairie Grove, Lone Jack, and a number of other engagements and skirmishes. He was taken prisoner at Fort Smith, Arkansas, and kept for a short time. After the close of the War, he went to the mountains and remained there for some time, and then returned to Missouri, and on February 5, 1866, was married to Miss Mary Dawson, who was born in Benton County, Missouri, May 24, 1846. He has been blessed in his family, eight children having been born, and all of them are now living, viz : Oscar J., born October 31, 1866; Jennie A., August 14, 1867; William, January 1, 1870; Talitha M., December 28, 1871 ; Mary Alice, January 25, 1873; Wallace L, September 23, 1875; Daniel L., May 3, 1878, and Georgia E., May 5, 1880. Mrs. Cash is a member of the Baptist Church, and a noble christian wife and mother. Mr. Cash is yet a young man, but has won the confidence and esteem of many warm friends. MARTIN CORN, Farmer, section 25, post-office Lone Jack, was born May 27, 1813, in Patrick County, Virginia, and resided there on a farm till twenty years of age. He accompanied his parents to this county in 1833, having previously entered the land on which he now resides. He resided some two years in Lafayette County, during the time of Order No. 11. He owns a fine farm of 260 acres, about half of which is under cultivation. He has filled the offices of school director and road overseer In his manners he is pleasant and agreeable, and has the respect of a large circle of friends. He married Miss Martha Cummings, in 1840. She is a native of this State and was born in 1823. They have had eleven children, six of whom are living: Samuel, George W. , Susan F. , now Mrs. Brown; Nancy E. , now Mrs. Temple; John S., and Louisa, now Mrs. Bale. Himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church.

C. M. DIMMITT, Of the firm of Dimmitt & Arnold, proprietors of steam sawmills on section 24, was born on the 22nd of March 1841, in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, and was reared there and in Iowa. He came to this county in 1869, and has been engaged in threshing and the saw-mill business since. He owns a fine farm of thirty- six acres. During the late War, in 1862, he enlisted in the 65th Illinois, Company E, and served for eighteen months, then re enlisted in the 7th Tennessee, Mounted Infantry, and served about eighteen months; took part in the battles of Antietam, Harper’s Ferry, Nashville, and many other minor engagements, serving under McClellan and Thomas. He married Miss Nancy L. Markham in 1860. She is a native of East Tennessee and was born on the 2nd of June, 1840. They have had eight children, six of whom are living: Mary T., Sarah J., William W.. Ida O., Albert F., and Louisa E. STEPHEN H. EASLEY, Farmer and stock raiser, section 20, was born and reared on the farm on which he now lives and is a son of Miller and America Easley; his father was a native of North Carolina, and his mother a native of Virginia. His parents were very old settlers, having located on the place now occupied by the heirs, in 1837, and here they lived till they died. The father died April 17, 1868, and the mother December 30, 1879. They left a family of nine children, five of whom are still on the old homestead: Stephen H., the subject of this sketch, born January 18, 1854; Mary, born July 23, 1850; Laura, born May 17, 1852; Achilles, born February 2, 1856; and Albert, born November 14, 1859. The other four children are named and located as follows: Parthenia, wife of Mr. Ragsdale, at Chapel Hill; Susan, wife of Mr. Rice, in Johnson County; Virginia, wife of Dr. Ragsdale, at Lone Jack; Leonidas, now living in New Mexico. These have all received fine educations, and are persons of refinement and taste. Several members of the family have been very successful teachers. The estate is one of the finest in this part of the country, and consists of 390 acres, well improved and stocked. The family are church members and highly esteemed citizens.

FRED EDMONDSON, Farmer and stock raiser, section 25, is a native of Jackson County, Missouri, and was born January 23, 1849. He is a son of Julius Edmondson, who was the first white child born in Van Buren Township. His grandfather, Frederick Edmondson, was one of the very earliest settlers of this part of Missouri. Our subject was reared on a farm, and received his education in this township. At the age of fifteen years, he enlisted in the Confederate service, in Williams’ Regiment, Missouri Cavalry, and served with his regiment till their surrender at Shreveport at the close of the War. He was with his regiment in many engagements and scouts, and has endured many of the hardships and trials of a soldier’s life; at one time riding three days and three nights without rest or food. After the close of the War, he returned to Missouri, but being sick and completely worn out he lay for some time at the point of death, at Waverly, Missouri, but under the care of Dr. McReynolds, of Cass County, (a man who deserves great praise for his kindness in caring for returned soldiers) he finally recovered and the good doctor only charged $i for fifteen days medical treatment. Mr. Edmondson came to Jackson County and remained a short time, then crossed the plains from Nebraska City to Fort Laramie, and by the way of Fort Fetterman and Fort C. S. Smith. He endured many hardships during this nine months’ trip, as it was the only train that dared to venture so far that season. He was married on December 20, 1869, to Miss Serilda Edmondson, a native of Andrew County, Missouri, born April 16, 1848, she being a daughter of John Edmondson, one of the pioneers of Missouri. In the spring of 1873, he together with his young wife and at that time his only child, made a trip to the Green Horn Mountains in Colorado, and there remained for about one year en gaged in the stock business, and then retuned to Jackson County. He has been an extensive traveler and a close observer, having visited nearly all of the west ern and southwestern States and Territories for the purpose of selecting a place for a permanent home ; yet, after all, he has returned to his “first love,” and thinks the home farm in Van Buren Township the best; and he certainly ought to be satisfied, for he owns 220 acres that cannot be excelled for beauty of loca tion and fertility of soil, and is surrounded by good neighbors and a happy family. Two children have been born to this family, to-wit: Julius C., July 24. 1871, and Julia, June 3, 1874.

AMBERS GRAHAM, Farmer and stock raiser, section 25. Here we have as the subject of our sketch one of the natives, born in this township and county March 4, 1837, and although now in the forty-fifth year of his age, has never been more than 125 miles from home. He was a son of Daniel Graham, one of the first settlers of Jackson County. He had but very little opportunity for getting an education ; but having an abundance of native talent, he has become a good business man, and one well posted in his business and in the affairs of the county. He takes an active interest in good schools and believes thoroughly in a liberal education. He has a beautiful home of 120 acres, under a fine state of cultivation, with good buildings and orchards. All this has been gathered together since the War, as at that time he lost everything except his wife and one poor pony that was not worth taking from him. Yet he is one of those happy and contented men who is ever willing to share with a needy neighbor, and, although not a church member, yet he is always ready to give as much as many that are richer, for the cause of Chris tianity and education. He was married to Sarah J. Stulz on September 13, 1857, she being a native of the same county, and born July 17, 1839. To them have been born three children : Mollie, born June 24, 1866; Lulu, born July 9, 1869; Della, born June 25, 1872.

GEORGE W. GRIFFITH, Farmer and stock dealer, is a native of Mason County, Kentucky, born Jan uary 29, 1829, and was a son of John and Mary A. Griffith. His father served in the War of 181 2 and participated in the battles of McHenry and Baltimore; he was of Welsh descent and his mother of German origin. At the age of seven years he came with his parents to Missouri and they located in Lafayette County, and in the spring of 1837 came to Jackson County and settled permanently in Van Buren Township. His father died in November, 1859, and his mother in September, 1875. He never had an opportunity of attending school, but by experience has become a very fine business man, and few can excel him in his judg ment of, and ready mental calculations as to stock and its value. In 1852 he crossed the plains to California and remained till 1861 (with the exception of a short visit home), when he returned some $12,000 the gainer by his farming operations there. He says that he was always a good boy till Order No. 1 1 was issued, in 1863, when he had to leave home; and after living in Cass County for about nineteen months, he then went with General Price’s command till the close of the War. When he started to California in 1852 all this world’s goods that he possessed was one cow, and now he owns 400 acres of very choice land well improved and stocked and all accumulated by his own efforts. He is a self-made man, both mentally and financially.

THOMAS HAIR, Farmer and stock raiser, section 28, is a native of Lincoln County, Kentucky, and was born November 19, 181 1. He was a son of James and Elizabeth Hair, who emigrated from Ireland when quite young. The father died when Thomas was but an infant, and the mother when he was but seven years of age. Left an orphan thus early, without a known relative or any property, he was taken by a man by the name of A. Sublett, who treated him with the same kindness as if he had been one of his own children. He lived with Mr. Sublett till nineteen years of age, then began business for himself by renting a farm. At this he remained two years and then was employed as an overseer for seven years, and then again went to farming and has followed that ever since. He was married when twenty- four years of age, to Jane Duncan. By this union five children were born, three of whom are still living, viz: Samuel, living in Illinois; C. L., living in Cass County, Missouri, and James T., living in Oregon. Mrs. Hair died in August, 1855. Mr. Hair was again united in marriage on November 28, 1879, to Mrs. Emily Dutro, of McLean County, Illinois. She was a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, and born November 20, 1828. One child, George, born on August 5, 1860, was the issue of this marriage. Mr. Hair lived about fourteen years in McLean County, Illinois, and in 1865 moved to Missouri and located where he now lives. He controls 170 acres of land, well adapted for grain or stock raising. He is now in the seventy-first year of his age, and is a man who has labored very hard all his life time, yet is a man of remark able strength and vigor. He and wife are both earnest and consistent members of the Christian Church. They are noted for their liberality and hospitality, and everyone speaks highly of this respected Christian couple.

JOHN HUNTER, Farmer, section 29. Our subject is not only one of the oldest settlers, but one of the oldest men now living in Jackson County. He is a native of Stokes County, North Carolina, and was born March 16, 1789. He was a son of David and Dorothy Hunter, both natives of Virginia. He lived in Stokes County until nearly forty-five years of age, and then moved to Missouri. After he attained his majority he commenced business for himself, running a distillery, and continued in said business until 1835, when he came to Missouri, and on April 8, 1836, he located upon the farm he now occupies. Mr. Hunter suffered more hardships and trials during the War than any of his neighbors On the morn ing of September 6, 1863, a company of Federals of Colburn and Clark’s com mand came to his place, as he was about moving out of the county under Order No. 11, and took two of his sons (William and David), one son-in-law, one grandson, one cousin and another man, and taking them a short distance from the house, shot them all dead, and left the bodies lying on the ground ; and this aged father, with only the assistance of his neighbor Martin Rice, hastily buried the bodies, without shroud or coffin, by merely covering them up with quilts and placing them in the ground. (It is not the biographer’s place to comment in this connection upon this sad affair, as it is fully treated of in another part of this volume.) Mr. Hunter was married on July 18, 1812, to Elizabeth Jeans, she having been born May 14, 1792. By this union nine children were born, three of whom are still living: Nancy, the widow of John Cave, one of the six shot, as above mentioned; Matilda, the wife of David Ousley. and Berrilla, born April 8, 1831, and the only one of the children now at home. There she desires to remain and with care and affection, soothe as much as possible her deeply bereaved and venerable father, while he remains on earth, Mrs. Hunter died October 25, 1879. Mr. Hunter has been a member of the Baptist Church for a great many years, and clerk of the church since 1852. Mr. Hunter is now in the ninety-third year of his age, and for one that has passed through so much suffering, is still in remarkable health and vigor of intellect. NOAH HUNT, Proprietor of Lone Jack Flour and Grist Mill and dealer in wool-carding machinery, is a native of Davie County North Carolina, born February 20, 1831, and is a son of N. C. Hunt, who immigrated to Jackson County, Missouri, in 1842. He was reared on a farm till 1849. His father then put him in charge of the Nathan C. Hunt Horse-power Grist Mill, located six miles northeast of Lone Jack, and he remained there for three years. On August 28, 1851, he was married to Miss N. E. Cave, who was born April 1, 1833. He then located one-half mile west of Lone Jack, and commenced the wool-carding business. In 1856 he also built a horse-power grist mill, and continued to run the wool-carding and milling busi ness for thirteen years. Then in 1869 he built his present steam-power grist mill, and has ever since continued to run the same, in connection with the carding business. He owns 283 acres of land, 120 of which are in cultivation and well stocked. Twelve children were born to this family: E. F., born October 9, 1852; G. C., born March 16, 1854; Mary A., born April 11, 1856; J. M., born March 20, 1858; J. B., born April 29, 1860; Bettie F., born September 21, 1862; Lucinda M., born December 24, 1864; W. W., born March 11, 1867; Virginia L., born February 7, 1870; Benjamin B., born September 25, 1871 ; R. T., born January 11, 1874 and S. A., born December 25, 1876. G. C. died November 3, 1857; Mary A. died November 28, 1878, and Virginia L. died November 13, 1870. Mrs. Hunt died March 7, 1878. He was again united in marriage on September 13, 1880, to Mrs. Mary E. Travis, widow of R. Travis, deceased; she having been born May .25, 1834. As two other members of his family, there live with him the aged mother of his first wife, Mrs. Susan Cave, now in the seventy-sixth year of her age, and Zellah Travis, a daughter of his second wife; she having been born on November 20, 1863.

JAMES B. JACKSON, Minister and farmer, section 34, post-office Lone Jack, was born on the 22d of February, 1820, in Granville County, North Carolina, and was reared on a farm. He studied for the ministry, and received his education at the Missionary Baptist College of Wake Forest, near Raleigh. North Carolina. Commenced preaching in Wake County, North Carolina, in 1850, and remained there until November, 1868. Then removed to Kentucky and soon came to this county. In the spring of 1869, he took charge of the churches at Lone Jack, Oak Grove, Elvira Springs, and Pittsville, Johnson County and Concord, Lafayette County. He has retired from the ministry, on account of age, and has given his attention chiefly to farming, and owns 11o acres, most of which is under cultivation. He has filled the office of school director. June 5, 1850, he married Miss Helen P. Knight, a native of North Carolina, born in 1830. They have five children; Julian, Noel, Donald, Sidney, and Fannie E; lost one.

WASH. KENNEDY, Farmer and stock raiser, section 28, was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, November 22, 182 1. He lived in Bourbon County until 1857, when he moved to Jack son County, Missouri, and located on the farm which he now occupies in Van Buren Township. He was married June 15, 1858, to Sarah Amos, of Jackson County, Missouri, but who was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, May 13, 1842. Eleven children have been born, all of whom are living at home, and named as follows : Granville A., born October 19, 1859; Jesse F., June 28, 1861 ; Mary W., April 21, 1863; Julia W., December 24, 1864; Joseph, October 28, 1868; John S., February 21, 1869; James E. January 21, 1871; Martha C., December 20, 1872; Lulu B., December 14, 1874; Edna P.. March 5, 1877; Ida G., May 7, 1880. There has never been a death in this family, and all are in excellent health. Mr. Kennedy spares no pains to give his children good educations. His son, Jesse F., is a member of the William Jewell College, in Clay County, and his daughter, Mary, is a member of the Female Seminary, at Independence. Mr. Kennedy had but little means when he started in life in Missouri, and what he had accumulated when the Civil War broke out, was all either confiscated or destroyed, and at the close of the War he had to begin life almost anew. But he now has a very fine farm of 240 acres, and well stocked with some of the finest blooded stock in this part of the county. He makes a specialty of fine stock breeding. During the War he was terribly persecuted by both par ties; his life was threatened, and even attempts were made to shoot him, yet he has survived all these hardships, and has again built up a beautiful home, where he and his family live quiet and peaceful lives, honored and respected by all with whom they are acquainted.

J. D. KREEGER, Farmer and stock raiser, section 27, is a native of Jackson County, Missouri, and born February 22, 1855, and was a son of George W. Kreeger, one of the old settlers of Jackson County. Our subject received all the advantages of a common school education, and afterward was for two years, a member of Central College, Howard County. After completing his education he became engaged in teaching for a number of years, and was considered a very successful teacher. He was married December 22, 1880, to Miss H. A. Armstrong, of Vernon County, but originally of Mercer County, Kentucky, and born May 6, 1 854. She was a daughter of Joseph Armstrong, of Kentucky. Mr. Kreeger was appointed census enumerator for the thirty-third district of the sixth supervisor’s district of Missouri, in the spring of 1880. He has 340 acres of choice and well improved land, and deals extensively in stock. Another member of the family, is his younger brother, R. R. Kreeger, who is connected with him in his farming and stock interests. They are all members of the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Kreeger is a lady of education and refinement, and both of the young men are possessed of a good education and fine business qualifications, and are leading and influential members of society.

HENRY LONG, JR., Farmer, section 24, post-office Lone Jack, is a native of Surry County, North Carolina, born October 24, 1828. Is a son of Henry Long, Sr., a native of North Carolina, and one of the old pioneers of Jackson County. At the age of fourteen years, and in the year 1842, he located in Van Buren Township, near where he now lives. His occupation through life has been farming He was married February 4, 1858, to Sally Long, who was born February 6, 1836. They Knight, a native of North Carolina, born in 1830. They have five children; Julian, Noel, Donald, Sidney, and Fannie E; lost one.

WASH. KENNEDY, Farmer and stock raiser, section 28, was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, November 22, 182 1. He lived in Bourbon County until 1857, when he moved to Jack son County, Missouri, and located on the farm which he now occupies in Van Buren Township. He was married June 15, 1858, to Sarah Amos, of Jackson County, Missouri, but who was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, May 13, 1842. Eleven children have been born, all of whom are living at home, and named as follows : Granville A., born October 19, 1859; Jesse F., June 28, 1861 ; Mary W., April 21, 1863; Julia W., December 24, 1864; Joseph, October 28, 1868; John S., February 21, 1869; James E. January 21, 1871; Martha C., December 20, 1872; Lulu B., December 14, 1874; Edna P.. March 5, 1877; Ida G., May 7, 1880. There has never been a death in this family, and all are in excellent health. Mr. Kennedy spares no pains to give his children good educations. His son, Jesse F., is a member of the William Jewell College, in Clay County, and his daughter, Mary, is a member of the Female Seminary, at Independence. Mr. Kennedy had but little means when he started in life in Missouri, and what he had accumulated when the Civil War broke out, was all either confiscated or destroyed, and at the close of the War he had to begin life almost anew. But he now has a very fine farm of 240 acres, and well stocked with some of the finest blooded stock in this part of the county. He makes a specialty of fine stock breeding. During the War he was terribly persecuted by both par ties; his life was threatened, and even attempts were made to shoot him, yet he has survived all these hardships, and has again built up a beautiful home, where he and his family live quiet and peaceful lives, honored and respected by all with whom they are acquainted.

EDWARD RAGSDALE, 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 Ragsdale, 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 Holt 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.

GEORGE RHEEM, Farmer and stock raiser, section 25, is a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, and was born January 13, 1844. He was a son of Daniel and Sarah Rheem. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother of Ohio. He was reared on a farm in Ohio till 1866, then moved to Jackson County, Missouri, and located where he now lives. His father and mother both came to Missouri with him and lived on the farm now occupied by Mr. Rheem until their deaths, which occurred on the following dates : His father’s on March 19, 1873, and his mother’s on March 14, 1876. His grandfather on his father’s side was the noted soldier, Samuel Rheem, of Revolutionary fame, who was in the Prussian Army, and emigrated to America in time to lend a helping hand to our forefathers in the struggle for independence. Mr. George Rheem was married February 25, 1874, to Miss Lucetta Dutro, of Jackson County, Missouri, but formerly of Muskingum County, Ohio, born July 30, 1850. By this union they have been blessed with two children : Mary, born January 25, 1875, and Sally, born October 16, 1880. He owns a farm of 340 acres. Mr. Rheem is an active member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masonic fraternity, and is a well respected citizen.

MARTIN RICE Ranks among the old settlers of the county, though not among the oldest. He was born in what is now Union County (then Campbell), in east Tennessee, on the 22nd of November, 1814, and came with his father and mother, and a large family, to Jackson County in the fall of 1833. His father Enoch Rice entered the farm on which Martin now resides in October, 1833. It is near Lone Jack, in Van Buren Township, and to this farm he moved in the next month. Martin was the oldest son, then nineteen years old. with nothing but his own energy to depend upon. After assisting to open aud fence a small farm in the brush, he was hired to a neighboring farmer during cropping time, for ten dollars per month. After that he taught a small school in a small house (or pen) for a small term, and for very small pay; and again during the winter assisted in improving his father’s farm. The next summer, 1835, he made a crop with his uncle Absalom Powell, who lived near the road between Independence and Blue Mills, where Salem Church now is, and during the fall he molded and burned the first brick that was made in Van Buren Township, some of which may be seen in his chimneys to-day. Later in the fall he sold his crop, and with the money obtained and some borrowed, entered lands near his father’s (a part of the present Yankee Farm, in Van Buren Township); sold it in a few months, and in March, 1836, entered land in Van Buren (now Cass County). On the 3rd of April, 1836, he married Mary Lynch, near Greenton, in Lafayette County, a girl of sixteen, and moved to his newly purchased home in Van Buren County, where he remained during twenty years, until after the death of his wife in December, 1855. His father having died before, he sold out in Cass County and bought his father’s old farm, on which he yet lives. When he married and settled on the Shawnee trail, his nearest neighbor was a mile and a half off; and the first house below him on the road toward Clinton, was twenty miles away. In August of that year at the first general election in the county, he was elected county surveyor, and in April, 1837, surveyed, or laid out the town of Harrisonville. He is remembered yet by the old settlers of Cass County as one of the business men of the olden time. At the meeting of the Old Settlers’ Association of that county in 1879. he was by a vote of the association made an honorary member of it ; and was also by vote requested to prepare and read a poem, descriptive of old times, at their next annual meeting, which he did on the 30th of September, 1880. He had also before that, at the request of the Old Settlers’ Historical Society, of Jackson County, prepared and read one at Kansas City in May, 1880. Mr. Rice, during his career in life, has been farmer, surveyor, school teacher and nurseryman. In 1849 he commenced the propagation of fruit trees, which he has kept up ever since, and some of the oldest orchards in Jackson County and adjoining counties, are of his grafting; he has often been heard to say, “when I am dead and gone, the orchards will be my memorial stones.” He began the world poor, and has never accumulated much of this world’s goods. Since he moved to the old homestead in Jackson County, his aged mother has made her home with him, and it was only a short time since (March 12, 1880) that she was laid by the side of her husband and father, who preceded her by nearly thirty years. Martin Rice is now sixty-six years old and is considered par excellence the old fogy of the township. He is one of those who cannot be made to believe that the new-fashioned way of doing things is much better than the old. In his youth he had not the advantages of a scholastic education. He never went to a college or an academy — not even to a public district school; and but little to the subscription schools of that period. Before he was fourteen he quit school altogether, and he says he had then never seen the inside of a grammar. Webster’s American Spelling Book, the Testament and Pike’s Arithmetic were the sum total of his school books. In the fall and winter of 1832 he taught the first free school taught in the district, Claiborne County, Tennessee. He had seen the inside of a grammar then and knew something about it, by hard study at home, having carried Lindley Murray in his hat while following the plough. In the winter of 1833, while making rails and grubbing by day to open up a farm on the new Missouri home, he studied Gibson’s Surveying at night, and continued the study until it was mastered. And to-day, in some branches of mathematics, he stands head and shoulders higher than any college professor in the land. On the farm of Mr. Jones, of Polk Township, in Cass County, there is pointed out the old cabin into which, on his marriage, he moved in 1836. It is now a stable, but has been made famous by his poem of “The Old Cabin Home.” In 1877 ne published his volume of poems entitled “Rural Rhymes, and Poems from the Farm,” which has been read by thousands — and by thousands admired for their ease and simplicity. He is an old-fashioned farmer of the old- fashioned school; has been a member of the Baptist Church since 1841, and clerk of the Lone Jack congregation for the last twenty-five years. Politically, he has nearly always been in the minority. In the great Civil War he was a firm friend of the Union, quietly remaining at home, aiding and be friending, so far as he could, his neighbors on the other side, and being aided and befriended by them in turn.

W. M. RUST, Farmer and stock raiser, a native of Murray County Tennessee, was born Jan uary 31, 1 82 1, and is a son of William Rust, a native of North Carolina, who was a valiant soldier under General Jackson at the battle of New Orleans. When quite young he moved with his parents to Hamilton County, Illinois, and lived there about seven years; then moved to McLean County in the fall of 1834, and lived there till 1867, when he came to Missouri and settled in Van Buren Town ship, Jackson County, on the farm on which he now lives. He was married January 24, 1842, to Catherine Meyers, of McLean County, Illinois, who was born February 25, 1825, in Christian County, Kentucky. There have been nine children born : James W., born December 18, 1842, and died at the age of two months; Mary J., born August 7, 1844, died November 7, 1871 ; Amanda, born February 17, 1848, now living in McLean County, Illinois; Franklin P., born July 9, 1851, now living in Jackson County, Missouri; Emma A., born September 30, 1853, now living in Cass County, Missouri; Andrew J., born February 27, 1856, died November 3, 1871; Carrie, born March 6, 1859, now living in Vermillion County, Illinois; Louisa M., born May 6, 1862, died October 30, 1 87 1 ; George B., born October 6, 1864, now living at home. Mr. Rust started in life almost penniless and now owns 220 acres, a fine farm, upon which he has some very fine, blooded stock, especially horses. He gave each of his children an excellent education; several of them have been successful teachers, and George, the youngest son, is a highly accomplished pianist. Mr. Rust is a member of the Christian Church, and his wife and son George of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They are worthy citizens of the community.

JAMES SAUNDERS, Farmer and stock raiser, section 28, a native of Fauquier County, Virginia, was born January 1 1, 1809, and is a son of Presley and Lancy Saunders, both natives of Virginia. When five years of age, lie went to Mercer County, Kentucky, and lived there till the fall of 1836; then moved to Missouri and lived for one year in Pettis County, and in 1837 located near where he now lives in Jackson County. He has always been engaged in farming. Was married April 27, 1837, to Mary Ann Yankee, who was born in Mercer County, Kentucky, July 11, 1821. She was a daughter of Samuel and Permelia Yankee, they being old pioneers of Jackson County, Missouri. There were nine children as the fruits of this marriage, five of whom are still living : Julia Ann, now Mrs. Spainhour ; Mary Frances, now Mrs. Gibson; Samuel, married and living near his father; Jacob B., married and living near home ; Josephine, now Mrs. Houston, and Robert Edwin Lee, living at home. Mr. Saunders has ninety-two acres of well improved land, and has been able to give each of his children an excellent eighty-acre farm. He lost at least $5,000 worth of personal property during the War. Mrs. Saunders died August 13, 1877, and he was again united in marriage to Miss E. H. Reed, March 14, 1880, she having been born in Alabama, July 10, 182 1. They are both leading members in the church; he having been a member over thirty-eight years. All bus possessions have been gained by his own labors, as he had no financial help to start with.

JOHN T. SHAWHAN, Farmer and fine stock raiser, section 20, was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, September 27, 1847. Was a son of Daniel and Minerva Shawhan. His father was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, December 5, 1801, and his mother in Harrison County, Kentucky, May 15, 1807. The father of Dan iel, named John, was born in Hampshire County, Virginia, October 23, 1771, being a son of Daniel Shawhan, who was born in Kent County, Maryland, in the year 1738. John T. Shawhan was reared on a farm and lived in Bourbon County, Kentucky, until 1868; then came to Jackson County and located in Van Buren Township. He was married February 24, 1870, to Julia F. Daniel, born in Jackson County, Missouri, April 6, 1853, and a daughter of John Daniel, one of the old pioneers of Missouri, but originally from North Carolina. There are five children in this family: John D., born March 10, 1871; Thomas R., born November 11, 1872; Willie G., born November 13, 1874; Walter R., born July 18, 1877 ; and George A., born December 22, 1879. Mr- Shawhan owns 760 acres of fine land, all cultivated, and well stocked with 120 head of blooded cattle, etc. He has very fine farm buildings and good orchards. He met with a sad misfortune on July 1, 1874, as follows: he was driving his mower when his team started to run away, and to escape falling before the sickle, he jumped off and broke his ankle; through bad treatment and the mismanagement of his physician, it did not heal, but gangrene set in, and the amputation of his left leg above the knee became necessary to save his life; and on the 12th of July, 1874, the operation was successfully performed.

GEORGE H. SHAWHAN, Proprietor of distillery and drug store at Lone Jack, was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, December 2, 1843, and was a son of Daniel and Minerva Shawhan, the father having been born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, December 5, 1801, and the mother born in Harrison County, Kentucky, May 15, 1807. The father of Daniel, named John, was born in Hampshire County, Virginia, October 23, 1771, being a son of Daniel Shawhan, who was born in »Kent County, Maryland, in the year 1 731, and who built the first still, and manufactured the first whisky in Bourbon County, Kentucky, and who first gave to his manufactures the noted name of “Bourbon Whisky ; ” he commenced the manufacture of this brand of liquor in 1787. Mr. George H. Shawhan lived in Bour bon County, Kentucky, until sixteen years of age, then enlisted under D. Howard Smith, Colonel of the 5th Kentucky Cavalry, commanded by Abe Buford, as brigadier-general ; served about five months with that regiment, then served under Colonel Chenault for five months, and then returned to the original regiment commanded by Colonel D. Howard Smith, under General George H. Morgan. He was in Morgan’s noted raid through Ohio, and was twenty-one days and nights without rest; he was captured July 21, 1863, at Cheshire, Ohio, and sent to Columbus, Ohio, for one month, and then to Camp Douglas, Chicago, where he remained till the close of the War. He then returned to Bourbon County, Kentucky, and lived there till 1872, engaged in farming ; then came to Jackson County, Missouri, and located at Lone Jack, and engaged in his present business. Was married January 20, 1868, to Mary F. Tateman, who was born in Ohio on March 16, 1849. Six children have been born to this family: Daniel Lee, born on March 30, 1869 ; Margaret L., born May 8, 1871 ; Beulah F., born July 26, 1873 ; Edna M., born September 11, 1875 ; Georgia E., born October 26, 1877; and Sally G., born September 11, 1879. All living except Georgia E., who died May 30, 1878. On the 9th of September, 1880, an accident occurred at his distillery, by the bursting of the still, which resulted in the death of three persons and badly injured six others.

MARY E. SHARP, Section 33, is a native of St. Genevieve County, Missouri, born August 15, 1820, and was a daughter of Conrad Norvine, who emigrated from Germany to America in the year 1819, and located in St. Francis County, Missouri. She was married January 28, 1840, to William G. Knorpp, of Jefferson County, Missouri, he being a native of Germany, and born February 4, 18 16. By this marriage eight children were born, five of whom are still living. Mr. Knorpp died May 19, 1853. She was again united in marriage on December 24, 1854, to John Shires, a native of Switzerland. Three children were the fruit of this marriage: Caroline, born June 13, 1855; Barbara Ellen, born December 3, 1856, and William B., born January 19, 1861. Mr. Shires enlisted as a member of the Federal Army in 1861, and served one year when he was accidentally killed by being run over by an ammunition wagon. Our subject again married George Sharp on May 24, 1866. Mr. Sharp was a member of Company H, 10th Mis souri, Cavalry; during the entire term of his enlistment he served faithfully and well, and was discharged June 27, 1865. After being married to Mr. Sharp they lived about two years in Jefferson County, and then located on the farm now occupied by the family in Van Buren Township. Mr. Sharp died April 21, 1877. Mrs. Sharp, with her three youngest children, now compose the family and form a pleasant and happy circle. William B., the youngest, is the main stay and his left leg above the knee became necessary to save his life; and on the 12th of July, 1874, the operation was successfully performed. GEORGE H. SHAWHAN, Proprietor of distillery and drug store at Lone Jack, was born in Bourbon Coun ty, Kentucky, December 2, 1843, and was a son of Daniel and Minerva Shawhan, the father having been born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, December 5, 1801, and the mother born in Harrison County, Kentucky, May 15, 1807. The father of Daniel, named John, was born in Hampshire County, Virginia, October 23, 1771, being a son of Daniel Shawhan, who was born in »Kent County, Maryland, in the year 1 731, and who built the first still, and manufactured the first whisky in Bourbon County, Kentucky, and who first gave to his manufactures the noted name of “Bourbon Whisky ; ” he commenced the manufacture of this brand of liquor in 1787. Mr. George H. Shawhan lived in Bour bon County, Kentucky, until sixteen years of age, then enlisted under D. Howard Smith, Colonel of the 5th Kentucky Cavalry, commanded by Abe Buford, as brigadier-general; served about five months with that regiment, then served under Colonel Chenault for five months, and then returned to the original regiment commanded by Colonel D. Howard Smith, under General George H. Morgan. He was in Morgan’s noted raid through Ohio, and was twenty-one days and nights without rest; he was captured July 21, 1863, at Cheshire, Ohio, and sent to Columbus, Ohio, for one month, and then to Camp Douglas, Chicago, where he remained till the close of the War. He then returned to Bourbon County, Kentucky, and lived there till 1872, engaged in farming; then came to Jackson County, Missouri, and located at Lone Jack, and engaged in his present business. Was married January 20, 1868, to Mary F. Tateman, who was born in Ohio on March 16, 1849. Six children have been born to this family: Daniel Lee, born on March 30, 1869 ; Margaret L., born May 8, 1871 ; Beulah F., born July 26, 1873 ; Edna M., born September 11, 1875 ; Georgia E., born October 26, 1877; and Sally G., born September 11, 1879. All living except Georgia E., who died May 30, 1878. On the 9th of September, 1880, an accident occurred at his distillery, by the bursting of the still, which resulted in the death of three persons and badly injured six others.

WASHINGTON WHEAT, Deceased, was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, February 4, 1809 and lived there and in Fayette County until 1878, then moved to Jackson County, Missouri, where he arrived March, 4, 1878 ; being then in failing health, he was suddenly taken worse and died on the 10th of the same month He was married August 15, 1837, to Elizabeth Kennedy, of Bourbon County, Kentucky, she having been born March 15, 1819. They began their married life with but little means, but by industry and thrift they accumulated property, and at one time owned 800 acres of choice land in Bourbon County, Kentucky, under a fine state of cultivation, and well stocked. But Mr. Wheat was a very liberal-hearted man, and one always ready to lend a helping hand ; he became security for a number of people, and in large sums, and much of this he was obliged to pay He never flinched under these misfortunes, but disposed of his large estates and personal property and paid up everything to the last, and moved to Missouri, and settled his family on a beautifully located tract of land of 320 acres in Prairie Township just six days before his decease. The family now consists of his widow four sons and three daughters. Mr. Wheat was a member of the Christian Church, and a man of fine judgment and business ability, and one implicitly trusted by all. He not only managed to leave his family a comfortable home but what was better, a christian example and an unsullied character. His son John A., is now manager of the farm, and is a young man of great promise.

SAMUEL YANKEE, Farmer and stock raiser, located on section 32, is a native of Cass County, Missouri, and born January 15, 1846. He was a son of Wesley Yankee, who was a native of Kentucky, but who immigrated to Missouri at an early day, and was one of the earliest pioneers. Mr. Samuel Yankee was reared in Cass County, and there received his education. In 1867 he located in Van Buren Township, Jack son County, and has ever since lived there, engaged in farming. He is a young man of fine business ability, and one very highly respected and honored in the community. He owns a fine farm of 1 60 acres all under good cultivation, and well stocked. Few young men of his age have succeeded so well in life, and he is certainly one who will yet become a representative man of the county. Two brothers, engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 29. The elder of the two, and the subject of this sketch, is a native of Jackson County, Missouri, and was born August 25, 1854. He is the son of David and Orlena Yankee, his father is a native of Kentucky and his mother a native of Tennessee. Both were very early settlers in Missouri. Our subject was educated in the common schools, and at the High School at Lone Jack*. He has spent most of his time in farming and dealing in stock, and is a young man of fine business abilities. He and his younger brother have the management of the David Yankee estate, and the care of their mother and the younger members of the family.