Jackson County Biographies



From The Memorial & Biographical Record of Kansas City 
and Jackson County, Missouri



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. Karnes 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 the 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.










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