Jackson County Biographies



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



JOHN H. THOMSON
Clerk of the criminal court of Kansas City, was born near Independence,
Missouri, November 5, 1841, and is a son of Benjamin F. and Maria L.
(Shortridge) Thompson, natives of Kentucky. The paternal grandfather,
Matthew Thomson, was a native of Virginia and removed to Kentucky at an
early day in its history. He was of Scotch-Irish descent. There he
followed farming throughout his business career, and died in Clark county,
at an advanced age. The maternal grandfather, Samuel Shortridge, was also
a Kentucky farmer and died at the age of 50. The father of our subject
carried on the same pursuit. He is numbered among Missouri's pioneers of
1839, at which time he took up his residence about 3 ½ miles SW of
Independence, where he engaged in cultivating his land and reared his
family. His death occurred on the 1st of May, 1861, at the age of 42
years. His widow still survives him, and now makes her home in
Independence. Both were consistent member and active workers in the
Christian church, and the father served as deacon. He was sheriff of
Jackson county for 2 terms, and also a member of the legislature. While
acting in the former capacity, he also performed the duties of assessor
and collector. He was a man of recognized prominence in the community, and
his sterling qualities commanded the respect of all. Mr. and Mrs. Thomson
had 8 sons and 2 daughters, and 6 are yet living, namely: William A., John
H., Matthew T., Benjamin F., Edwin H., and Robert B.

The subject of this review was reared in Jackson county on the old home
farm and acquired his education in the district schools. To his father he
gave the benefit of his service until he had attained his majority, after
which he engaged in teaching school for one term. He then engaged in
farming for 2 years, after which he established a grocery store in Kansas
City, conducting the same from 1868 until 1872. In 1874 he was elected
clerk of the criminal court, but after about 5 months was forced to resign
on account of ill heath, and went to New Mexico. For 7 months he was
employed as clerk in the post-officer at Santa Fe, and was then appointed
clerk of the district court of that territory, by virtue of which office
he was clerk of the supreme court, and in those capacities he served for 3
years. The following year he spent in California, after which he returned
to Santa Fe, and was secretary of the territorial board of immigration for
a year. Ill health then forced him to go to California, and in 1885 he
returned to Jackson county, Missouri, being soon after appointed clerk of
the probate court of Independence. In 1890 he was nominated and elected
clerk of the criminal court for a term of 4 years, and in 1894 was
re-elected, so that he is now serving his second term.

During the civil war our subject was for 6 months a member of the Missouri
state guard in Price's command. Socially, he is a 32 degree Mason, and a
member of Palestine commandery, of Independence. He votes with the
democracy. All his life has been passed in Jackson county, with the
exception of the years which he passed in New Mexico and California for
the sake of his health. His is therefore well known to many citizens of
the community and has lived so as to command their confidence and respect.
He is popular and has many warm friends who esteem him highly for his
sterling worth and many excellencies of character.



F. W. RATHBONE, M. D.
Has been identified with the medical profession of Kansas City, Missouri,
since 1883, and is recognized as one of the leading physicians of the
city. As such he is a fit subject for biographical honors, and we are
pleased in this connection to present an outline of his life's career.

F. W. Rathbone was born in Wirt county, West Virginia, January 12, 1856,
his parents being John C. and Eliza (Vanderbeek) Rathbone, the former a
native of New York state and the latter of New Jersey. The family of which
the Doctor is a member was composed of 10 children, f5 sons and 5
daughters, and of this number only 4 are now living - Abram, William P.,
Francis W. and John C., Jr. Their mother died in 1892, at the age of 70
years. The venerable father is still living, his home being in Holden,
Missouri. Early in life he was employed as civil engineer, later was
engaged in the oil business and banking, being thus occupied up to 1883,
when he came west to Kansas City. Here he lived retired for 9 years, and
since 1892 has resided at Holden. He is a devout Catholic, as was also his
wife, and in that faith they reared their family. During the civil war he
was a soldier in the 11th Virginia volunteer infantry, served 3 years, and
came out of the army with the rank of colonel. His intimate acquaintance
with the country made him especially valuable on the patrol, in which he
was occupied during the greater part of his army life.

Dr. Rathbone's grandfather, William Palmer Rathbone, was a New Yorker by
birth, a farmer by occupation, and spent many years in the western part of
Virginia, where he died, at the age of 82 years. He had charge of the
commissary department after the War of 1812, was well educated, was one of
the leading spirits of his day and place, and served as one of the judges
of his district. His family was composed of 6 children. The Doctor's
maternal ancestors were of Holland-Dutch origin. His grandfather, Abram J.
Vanderbeek, was born in New Jersey, followed the quiet life of a farmer,
and lived to the advanced age of 86 years.

Dr. Rathbone was reared chiefly at Parkersburg, West Virginia, and
received his early schooling there. Then he attended Wheeling College, and
later the Christian Brothers', or Rock Hill, College, at Ellicott City. He
began studying medicine at Jefferson College, Philadelphia, in 1872, and
the following year was a student in the College of Pharmacy in New York
City. About this time his failing health compelled him to drop his
studies, and it was not until some years later that he took them up again.
He graduated in 1883, and the same year he came west and opened an office
in Kansas City, where, as already stated, he has since been engaged in the
practice of his profession. He is a member of the regular medical
profession and of the Jackson County Medical Society.

Dr. Rathbone's home is at No. 1015 Prospect Ave., Kansas City, and his
family is composed of wife and 3 children. He was married February 27,
1878, to Miss Arianna J. Hannan, daughter of J. R. Hannan. Their children
are Stella, Marie and Cameron. The Doctor adheres to the faith of the
Roman Catholic Church, in which he was reared, and to the political
principles of the democratic party, and his wife is an Episcopalian.



JAMES H. HARKLESS
Of the firm of Harless, O'Grady & Crysler, attorneys at law, Kansas City.
A study of the lives of the successful men of all ages and climes has been
one of absorbing interest, and especially in this broad western land of
ours, where so many opportunities are offered for the ambitious young man
to rise, do we find the study of biography an interesting one. Indeed, the
only bar to success in this land is lack of will power. It is needless to
say that Mr. Harkless is a self-made man. “Every man is the architect of
his own character as well as his own fortune.” “Honor and fame from no
condition rise; act well your part; there all the honor lies.”

Mr. Harkless was born in Belmont county, Ohio, May 15, 1856, and is a son
of James and Sarah (McConn) Harkless, natives of Morgan county, Ohio, and
Ohio county, West Virginia, respectively. Both families are of
Scotch-Irish origin. In his earlier life Mr. Harkless was a successful and
well-known railroad contractor. He and his partner, Mr. McCartney, had the
contract for the construction of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad between
Hagerstown, Maryland, and Grove Creek, West Virginia, a distance of 32
miles. In 1860 Mr. Harkless came west, temporarily locating at Charleston,
Illinois. Here he resided during the war period, having been connected
with a local military organization that did good service in preserving the
peace and suppressing defiant treason that here reared aloft its hideous
head.

In 1866 he moved to Barton county, Missouri, and located in Lamar. Here he
and his son, James H., then a lad of 10 years, engaged in freighting in
Sedalia, Missouri. In this business they were engaged until the
organization of the Southwestern Stage Company, in which Mr. Harkless
became a stockholder. Subsequently he retired from the activities of a
business life and settled on a farm near Lamar, where he died in 1883.
Mrs. Harkless preceded her husband to the unknown world, her death having
occurred in 1881. They were parents of 5 children: James H.; Thomas W., of
the firm of Harkless, Allen & Company, merchants, Lamar, Missouri; Ella,
wife of Monroe Billings, superintendent of bridge construction of the
Kansas City, Pittsburg & Gulf railroad; George A., member of a merchantile
firm at Lamar; Cora B., wife of W. B. Moudy, of Fort Scott.

The subject of this review was reared on the farm. In the public schools
he received an elementary education. At the age of 10 years he drove a
freight wagon for his father from Lamar to Sedalia, Missouri, a distance
of 160 miles, taking 8 days to make a trip. He also drove stage on the
Southwest Stage line, and herded cattle on the prairies of Missouri. Thus
was life passed until his 19th year, gaining an experience that has been
of the greatest advantage to him. His natural bent was not for a life such
as he had followed up to this time. He had for some time been predisposed
to the law as a career most to his liking.

In 1875 he entered the law office of Hon. R. B. Robinson, of Lamar, under
whose able direction he diligently read until April, 1877, when passing a
highly creditable examination, he was admitted to the bar. He was
immediately taken into partnership by his preceptor, with whom he
practiced at Lamar till 1886, when they both came to Kansas City, where
their association was continued. In 1887 John O'Grady was admitted to the
firm, and in 1892 Mr. Robinson retired, since when the style of the firm
has been Harkless, O'Grady & Crysler.

Mr. Harkless was chairman of the Republican county committee and was
president of the State Republican League, which met at Sedalia in 1892,
and wad made his own successor by the convention of 1894 that met at
Springfield. He has been honored by appointment to the position of
assistant city counselor, and was twice tendered the nomination for
congressman - all of which honors he declined. His activity in politics
has not been for personal gain or aggrandizement. He believes the
interests of the people are best subserved by republian principles of
government, and this reason alone has prompted his advocacy of these
principles. The ability, sterling integrity and undaunted courage shown by
Mr. Harkless, and his stalwart republicanism, tempered by a just
conception of the equities of public good, command for him both voice and
influence in the councils of his party. Possessed of rare mental
attainments and accurate knowledge of law, with keen perceptions of fine
points and nice distinctions, his power of language and oratory have won
for him an enviable place at the bar of his state.

He was united in marriage with Miss Cad M. Kiser, a graduate of Otterbein
College, Ohio, and a young lady of rare accomplishments. They have 2
children - Fay and James.



MAJOR P. C. SMITH
Among the delightful rural homes in Jackson County, Missouri, is that of
the gentleman whose name introduces this biographical record, its location
being on Section 5, Township 47 North, and Range 32 West, Washington
township. The period of his identification with the history of this
locality covers three decades, and during the 30 years of his residence
here he has been a prominent factor in the affairs of the community,
aiding and promoting all interests which are calculated to advance the
general welfare. He is justly deserving of the high esteem in which he is
held, for his life has been one of honor and upright in its various
relations, characterized by that true manly principle which never fails to
win esteem and command admiration. The Major comes of a family that has
long been established in this country and one noted for its loyalty and
fidelity to the nation. His forefathers figured in the wars of the
country, in the revolution which gave to America her independence and in
the second war with England; and his own title was earned while fighting
for the preservation of the union as he followed the stars and stripes on
southern battlefields.

He was born in Clermont county, Ohio, on the 11th of March, 1832, and is a
son of John P. Smith. His father was born in New Jersey, in the year 1793,
and the grandfather was also a native of that state and a direct
descendant of John Pye Smith, a notable old English divine. In Clermont
county, Ohio, John P. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Naomi Higbee, a
native of New Jersey and a daughter of George Higbee. Her paternal
grandfather was a captain in the Revolutionary War and rendered valiant
service on many a battlefield. The Higbees, like the Smiths, were of
English origin, and both families moved in the same year - 1818 - to
Clermont county, Ohio. There, as before stated, the parents were married
and took up their residence upon a farm. To them were born 9 children, 4
of whom are now living, 2 sons and 2 daughters. The mother died in
Clermont county, in 1851, and the father, surviving her for a number of
years, passed away in 1875. He was a veteran of the War of 1812 and both
he and his good wife were devoted and earnest members of the Methodist
Episcopal church.

Major Smith of this review, the youngest son in his father's family, was
reared to manhood under the parental roof, while in the village school
near his home he acquired his education. At the age of 19 he left home and
went to Cincinatti, where he engaged in clerking for several years, or
until 1855, when he emigrated to Adams county, Illinois, and embarked in
business on his own account, as a dealer in general merchandise, in Lima,
where he carried on operations until 1862.

The war had been inaugurated and the patriotic spirit was strong within
him - far stronger than the desire for wealth. Putting aside all personal
considerations, he enlisted, in August, 1862, becoming a member of Company
G, 119th Illinois infantry. He was made captain of the company on its
organization and served as such 2 years, at the expiration of which time
he was made major of the same regiment, his promotion being in recognition
of his valiant conduct on the field of battle. With the boys in blue he
first marched to Jackson, Tennessee, and soon after took part in the
battle of Rutherford, where he conducted the fight with 2 companies under
his own command, against Forrest. Here Captain Smith was forced to
surrender, but after 2 weeks was released on parole at Columbus, Kentucky,
and from there went to St. Louis, where he served on court marital 6
months under General Schofield. He was then exchanged and returned to his
regiment at Memphis, Tennessee, and again took command of his company. He
was on the Meridian campaign under General Sherman, and was a participant
in the Red River expedition under General Banks, during which he engaged
with his men in the battles of Fort DeRussey, Pleasant Hill, Cane River,
Bayou La Moore, Marksville and Yellow Bayou. When the army was forced to
withdraw from that region the command to which Major Smith was attached
was left to cover the retreat. He was afterward in the campaign in
Arkansas against Marmaduke, and subsequently participated in the battle of
Tupelo, Mississippi; then went into Missouri against Price, but the 16th
Army Corps under General A. J. Smith turned back at Harrisonville and went
to Nashville, where he was in the two-days battle under General George H.
Thomas. It was immediately after the engagement at Nashville that he was
promoted major of his regiment. Then followed the transfer to New Orleans
and Mobile, the siege and capture of Spanish Fort, and of Fort Blakely,
and the surrender of Mobile - in all of which he was a participant. By the
fortunes of war he was next transferred to Montgomery, Alabama, and a
month later he returned to Mobile, where he was honorable discharged,
August 20, 1865, after a service of just 3 years. Throughout his army
life, although he was often in the hottest of the fight, he never received
a wound. Faithfully and loyally he followed the old flag until the stars
and stripes floated over the capital of the southern confederacy, when he
returned to his home with the consciousness of ever having done his duty.

While in Missouri during the war Major Smith was very favorably impressed
with the climate and natural resources of this section of the state, and
the year following his return from the army he came back to Missouri and
has since made this place his home. It was in April, 1866, that he located
on his present farm, a tract comprising 140 acres, which he has brought
under a high state of cultivation and improvement. His wife also owns 40
acres of choice land, and their fine residence is one of the most
attractive in the community, giving evidence of the culture and refinement
of the inmates.

Major Smith was married in 1858, to Miss Naomi j. Killam, a native of
Lima, Illinois, and a daughter of Thomas Killam, who for many years was
one of the most prominent residents of that locality and a most ardent
advocate of abolition principles. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have 6 children,
namely: Earnest E., who is living in Kansas City, and, in connection with
Elbert E., is publisher of the Daily Law and Credit Record of Kansas City;
Mrs. Almina Campbell, Mrs. Fannie Bryant, Harold A. and Clifford B.

Major Smith has long been identified with the Masonic fraternity, and
being a union veteran is of course a member of the popular organization
known as the Grand Army of the Republic. His political views harmonize
with the principles of the republican party, to which his support and
influence have been given since he has attained his majority. He is a warm
friend of the cause of education, does all in his power to advance its
interests, and for 40 years has most capably served as school director. He
takes an active interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the
community and its advancement in moral, social and legitimate business
lines. He is a man whom to know is to respect and esteem, and his friends
throughout the community are many. On another page appears a portrait of
the major, who, whether in public or in private life, has commanded the
respect of all with whom he has come in contact.



HOMER CUTLER CROWELL, M. D.
Is numbered among Kansas City's successful physicians. One of the native
sons of the Green Mountain state, he was born in Westminster, January 14,
1852, and is a son of Ransom and Emily (Cutler) Crowell, the former a
native of Vermont and the latter of Nova Scotia. Their family numbered 4
sons and 1 daughter, as follows: Homer C.; Highland R., a resident of
Northfield, Massachusetts; Henry L., of Bernardston, Massachusetts;
Preston R., a Congregational minister of Greenfield, New Hampshire; and
Jennie, who died at the age of 2 ½ years. The father of this family
carried on agricultural pursuits in his early life, but for the past 25
years has engaged in merchandising in Bernardston, Massachusetts. He is a
prominent citizen of that community, and for a quarter of a century has
served as justice of the peace - a fact that well indicates his fidelity
to duty and the confidence reposed in him. Both he and his wife are
members of the Congregational church.

The parental grandfather of our subject, Levi Crowell, was born on Cape
Cod, and was one of a family of 9 children, all seafaring people in early
life, but afterward following farming in the neighborhood of Westminster,
Vermont. The grandfather was a man of sterling character, a stanch
republican, and a great reader. The maternal grandfather of the Doctor was
Rev. Abel Cutler, a native of Massachusetts, born in Waltham in 1781. He
was graduated at Andover University in 1810, and was considered one of the
best scholars in his class. He was twice married and had 2 daughters. His
death occurred in 1859.

Dr. Crowell was reared on the old home farm and began his education in the
district schools. Subsequently he attended Powers' Institute, of
Bernardston, and the academy at Meriden, New Hampshire, also the Methodist
College at Montpelier. About 1870 he took up the study of medicine, was
graduated at the University of Vermont, at Burlington, and entered upon
practice at Syracuse, New York, in 1875. He remained there for 6 years,
after which he went to Idaho for his health. The following year he took a
trip to South America, spending 1 ½ years in gold mining in that country,
and subsequently made 2 other trips to that country, where he still had
valuable mining properties. The year 1887-8 he passed in New York City,
and in 1888 he came to Kansas City, Missouri, where he has practiced
continuously since, doing a very large and lucrative business.

In February, 1880, the Doctor was joined in wedlock with Miss Anna Fisk,
daughter of Hiram Fisk. She was a member of the Methodist church, and died
in September, 1880. The Doctor holds membership in the Congregational
church. Socially he is a Scottish rite Mason, and in politics he is
republican.

The Doctor's office is located in the Young Men's Christian Association
building on 9th Street. He is a skilled physician, making a specialty of
genecology and abdominal surgery. He has performed some most difficult
operations, which have been attended with success, and is considered high
authority on all matters pertaining to his specialty. He has made liberal
contributions to the medical literature of the day, and his writings are
widely copied and quoted. By thorough study and persistent effort he has
won a place in the ranks of his profession that secures him the patronage
which comes from a wide area, being by no means confined to his adopted
city. His rank as an abdominal surgeon is such that he is classed with the
most distinguished members of the profession devoted to that specialty, in
a work now being prepared by the granddaughter of Ephraim McDowell, who
was the first to practice ovariotomy.

The Doctor is now serving as president of the Jackson County Medical
Society, and was the 1st vice president of the Academy of Medicine of
Kansas City, in fact was instrumental in its organization. He was also one
of the vice-presidents of the State Society in 1894, and is now
vice-president of the Western Gynecological Society. He is also president
of the Kansas City Polyclinic Post-Graduate School of Medicine, an
institution devoted to clinical teaching exclusively and admitting as
matriculants only graduates of medicine. The Doctor is also connected with
several of the hospitals as surgeon in the department of gynecology.

Aside from his profession Dr. Crowell is also a man of excellent executive
and business ability, and his interests are quite varied. He is a director
in the Bankers' Life Insurance Society of Kansas City, and is president of
the Whittaker Phosphate Company. He is vice-president of a coffee
plantation in New Mexico, and has a clay and coal farm in southern
Missouri, which he is now developing for the manufacture of paving brick;
also mining coal for gas purposes and numerous other enterprises. He is a
vice-president of the gold mining company organized for working the Tamana
gold mines in Antioquia, United States of Colombia. He possesses the
determination which overcomes obstacles, and industry that never falters,
and to these characteristics he owes his success in life.



ALLAN B. H. MCGEE
The history of the representative businessmen of the west, with a few
exceptions, is that of men who, in the early years of their lives, laid
the foundation upon which they have gradually built superstructures of a
successful business life, and who, unaided by fortunes at the start, have
by their own abilities, perseverance and industry attained positions of
trust and honor and gained a competence that places them and their
families in such a position that they can never know what it is to battle
against adversity as did their fathers. Among this class of men, Mr. McGee
stands prominently at the front. It cannot fail to prove of interest to
the student of human nature, and it is typical in its advancement of the
progress of his adopted state.

A native of Kentucky, Mr. McGee was born near Bardstown, May 21, 1815, and
is the only survivor of the family of James H. and Nellie (Frye) McGee.
His father was born in Kentucky, and his mother belonged to an old
Virginian family. Their marriage was celebrated in the former state, and
in 1827 they became residents of Missouri, locating near Liberty, but in
the Fall of 1827 settled on land where Kansas City now stands. The father
here purchased tracts of several squatters and later entered the land from
the government when it came into market. It was principally covered with
hazel brush, but he believed it an advantageous location and with
wonderful foresight predicted that a large city would eventually be
founded here. He at once began to clear and improve the place and
transformed a considerable portion of it into richly cultivated fields.
His political support was given to the whig party. His death occurred in
1840, and his wife, who was a consistent member of the Baptist church,
passed away about 1880.

Mr. and Mrs. McGee were the parents of 10 children who grew to maturity:
Mrs. Amelia Steen, who died leaving a large family; Allan B. H.; Frye P.,
who died in 1881, leaving 2 daughters; M. W., who died in California; Mrs.
Catherine Johnson, who died leaving 7 children; E. M., ex-mayor of Kansas
City, who died here in 1873, leaving 1 daughtger; Angeline, deceased;
Eleanor Campbell, who passed away leaving 2 children; Peter Minard, who
was a soldier in the Confederate army, and was killed at the battle of
Franklin; and James H., who died leaving 4 children.

Mr. McGee of this review was a lad of 12 summers when with the family he
came to Missouri. In this wild and desolate region there were no school
privileges to be enjoyed, and few advantages of any kind. He received some
instruction from an old traveling teacher, but is practically
self-educated, and through close application, experience and observation
he has become a well informed man, gaining a practical knowledge that has
enabled him to pursue a successful business career. He worked for his
father in his early youth, and the hardships of pioneer life are familiar
to him through experiences. It is the labors of such men as our subject in
the development of this region that have made the comforts of the present
generation possible. His first independent effort in life was the
furnishing of food supplies for the Indians under government contract, and
for some years he was thus engaged, while the money he received for his
services was used by his father in purchasing land. He was always a
favorite with the Indians, and his fairness and kindness won him many
friends among the members of the red race. He became familiar with their
habits and modes of living and knew how best to deal with them.
Subsequently he cared for the home farm and also operated a water mill and
distillery.

Just before he attained his majority, Mr. McGee left his parental home,
cleared a tract of land and made preparations for a home of his own. In
1837, he returned to Kentucky, and on the 8th of May was united in
marriage with Miss Melinda Frye, a native of that state. Bringing his
bride to Missouri, he worked for his father for a year, and then operated
the mill and distillery. In 1838 he settled on the old homestead, which
has now been his place of abode for 57 long years. The town of Westport
had then no existence. The little cabin was supplied with furniture made
by the Indians and purchased of Rev. Thomas Johnson. The beds were of
grass, and it can easily be imagined that the materials in the little home
were crude and primitive, but nevertheless many happy days were passed
there, for there was something attractive about the freedom and
genuineness of this pioneer life. Mr. McGee cleared the place and
transformed it into a richly cultivated tract. He also took contracts to
build the church and schoolhouse in his neighborhood, and in various ways
was connected with the upbuilding and development of this locality. As
time passed he made additions to his hewed-log cabin, afterward
weatherboarded and plstered it, and made a comfortable home. In his
business he prospered, carrying forward to successful completion whatever
he undertook.

In that early period, Mr. McGee was an Indian trader for several years,
selling all kinds of merchandist to the tribes which still visited this
locality. He came in contact with many of the noted western pioneers,
prepared outfits for General John C. Fremont on 2 of his trips and
entertained the General's wife at his own house. He also outfitted a
number of English lords for buffalo hunts, and a large number of people
who were on the way to California during the gold excitement in that
state. He successfully carried on farming for a number of years, and
afterward, in connection with the operation of his land, conducted a hotel
in Westport. He is a man of sound judgment, quick to see and improve
opportunities, and his prosperity in the financial world he owes entirely
to his own undertakings.

In 1847 Mr. McGee was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife.
They had 3 children, viz: Mary, wife of A. M. Allen; Anna P., wife of
James W. White; and Alice, deceased. For his second wife, Mr. McGee chose
Christina Frye, a sister of his first wife, and they had one child; but
the mother and son have both passed from life. On the 11th of January,
1869, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. McGee and Miss Susan B. Gill,
sister of Judge Gill. They have 3 children: Nellie, wife of W. W. Nelson,
of Kansas City; Allan B. H., Jr., and Gill. This is one of the most
prominent and influential families of Jackson county; and among the
honored pioneers, occupying a foremost place, is our subject, who is the
oldest living settler in Westport. In 1888 he erected his elegant
residence, which stands in the midst of a valuable tract of land of 24
acres.

In religious faith Mr. McGee is a Baptist. In politics he was formerly an
old-line whig and afterward a democrat. He has taken an active interest in
political affairs, but has always refused to hold office. His is an
honored old age. His life, well and worthily spent, has been of benefit to
those around him and to the community. Few men have more devoted friends
than he; none excel him in unselfish devotion and unswerving fidelity to
the worthy recipients of his confidence and friendship.




JUDGE ALBERT GALLATIN WILLIAMS
Is one of the honored and influential citizens of Jackson county, a
faithful representative of the true southern gentleman, ever chivalrous,
honorable and courteous. For 43 years he has been connected with the
history of this locality, dating his residence from 1852.

He was born in Simpson county, Kentucky, December 9, 1835. His father,
William J. Williams, was born in 1792, in Tennessee, in a fort called
Station Camp. The grandfather, John Williams, was one of the heroes of the
revolution, serving for 6 years under Colonel Harry Lee. In 1800 he
removed with his family to Kentucky from Tennessee, and was the first
state senator from the Logan county district. The Judge's father was a
participant in the War of 1812, serving as lieutenant of a company that
went to join Harrison's forces, and took part in the battle of the Thames,
Canada. In 1827 he was one of the commissioners to locate the county seat
of Simpson county, Kentucky, and the choice fell upon Franklin. He was one
of the few extensive farmers who did not use slaves in the cultivation of
his land. He served as sheriff of his county, and during his term there
occurred a duel between Colonel Samuel Houston and Judge White. These
gentlemen were indicted and the duty of making their arrest fell to Mr.
Williams, who placed Mr. Houston under arrest, when it was shown that the
duel had been on mutual ground. Mr. Williams also served in the
legislature for several terms, and was a county judge of Kentucky when
that position was a very important one. He had one son, John P. Williams,
who was a captain in the Confederate service, and died at Little Rock,
Arkansas, after the battle of Pea Ridge. He had enlisted in the service
from Sniabar township. Another brother, D. C. Williams, now resides in
Texas.

Judge Williams, whose name introduces this review, first came to Jackson
county in 1852, on a visit, reaching Blue Springs on election day of that
year. Here he sought and obtained a position as teacher and followed that
profession for three years in Sniabar township. On the 6th of June, 1855,
he was united in marriage with Amanda A. Gibson, daughter of Joseph
Gibson. She was born in the house where the Judge now lives, August 17,
1838. Her father, Joseph Gibson, settled in Missouri in 1831, removing
from Simpson county, Kentucky. The family homestead he pre-empted from the
government and purchased additional tracts until he owned 1,000 acres, all
in one body. His death occurred in 1845. He married Matilda Aden, also a
native of Kentucky. Judge Williams and his wife at the time of their
marriage located on a part of the Maguire farm, where they lived until
after the war. In 1854 he was elected constable, and in 1860 he served in
Governor Jackson's state militia. When the civil war broke out his brother
entered the service, but Judge Williams could not bring himself to fight
against the government which his grandfather and his father had helped to
establish. In 1863 he went West, hauling freight to Colorado. In 1865 he
returned to Missouri, sold his farm and purchased the old Gibson
homestead. He secured 140 acres of land, including the old home, and now
turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. On the place stands the
old-fashioned hewed-log house built by the former owner in 1836, but it is
still in a fine state of preservation.

Judge Williams also took a very active part in public affairs. He was
elected in 1874, on the democratic ticket, as county judge; was made
presiding justice and served 2 years, his associates being James B.
Yeager, Thomas Brogham, Thomas McNama and A. M. Allen. About the same time
he engaged in the grain and stock shipping business in connection with
Lewis Day, the enterprise being continued for about 4 years. He was then
connected with the Blue Springs Elevator Company for 2 years. On his farm
he engaged in the cultivation of wheat and later raised corn and cattle.
He was one of the first to engage in the breeding of shorthorn cattle and
also raised sheep of high grade, importing from Kentucky the finest flock
of sheep in Jackson county. Of late years, however, he has abandoned the
sheep-raising industry, as it had ceased to be profitable.

To the Judge and Mrs. Williams have been born the following named
children: Martha M., who died in early childhood; Louisa America, who
wedded Cassius C. Carter, and died in April, 1892; Mollie S., wife of
James Shepherd, who is living near Grain Valley, Missouri; Permelia Belle,
wife of John W. Stanley, of Blue Sprins; Joseph E., who was named for his
uncle, Joseph Gibson, who was killed in Kentucky during the civil war, and
is known by the name of Jodie; Flora A., wife of Edward Hutchins, who is
living in this state; Cora E., at home; Retta A., wife of Willis
Dillingham, of Blue Springs; Alice Maud, at home; Rufus L., who is engaged
in farming; and Albert Lycurgus, who aids in the operation of the home
farm.

The Judge and his family attend the Cumberland Presbyterian church, of
which the family are members. In his social relations he is a Mason, and
in politics is a stalwart democrat, doing all in his power to promote the
growth and insure the success of his party. He is always seen as a
delegate at the county conventions, and has frequently been sent as a
delegate to the state and congressional conventions. Fidelity to duty has
always been a predominant trait of his character, and the active and
honorable part he has taken in public affairs has made him a valued
citizen.



D'ESTAING DICKERSON
A prominent physician and surgeon, and president of the Western Medical
Surgical Institute of Kansas City, was born in Watertown, New York, May
19, 1835. His parents, Dr. Hannibal S. and Abi (Richardson) Dickerson,
were also natives of the Empire state, and were of Scotch, Irish, English
and German lineage. The strength of the American character comes from a
combination of the best traits of various nationalities and this strength
is possessed by the Doctor. The Dickerson family was early founded in New
York, and its representatives were valiant soldiers in the war of the
Revolution, aiding the colonies in their struggle to throw off the yoke of
British tyranny.

The father of our subject was a prominent physician of Jefferson county.
New York, making his home in Watertown, where he had a very extensive
practice and gained a high reputation. At the time of his death he was
president of the Jefferson County Medical Society. He was a cousin of Dr.
Guthrie, the man who discovered chloroform, and related many anecdotes in
regard to its first use. He stood at the head of his profession, and was
recognized as one of its most eminent representatives throughout the state
of New York, doing a very large business. His name was inscribed on the
rolls of the New York State Medical Society as one of its most valued
members. He died in Watertown, New York, in 1844, at the age of 38 years.
To Dr. Hannibal Dickerson and his wife were born 3 children: Mrs. Angelica
Andrus, of Watertown, New York; the gentleman whose name heads this
review; and Mrs. Victoria Moston, of Kansas City.

Dr. D'Estaing Dickerson was reared in his native town and acquired his
education in the district schools and Jefferson County Institute. In his
youth he developed a taste for the medical profession, and the eminence he
has gained in this line seems to indicate that nature intended him for
this calling. He took up the study of medicine during his youth, and when
21 years of age was graduated at the Albany Medical College, in the class
of 1857. He then practiced medicine for 4 years in the vicinity of
Watertown, New York, his old home, and was appointed by Governor Morgan as
physician to Sing Sing prison, but remained there only a short time, for
the war broke out and he entered his country's service.

In 1861 the Doctor was commissioned by Governor Morgan as assistant
surgeon o f the 33rd New York infantry, and in 1862 was commissioned chief
surgeon of the same regiment. During the war, by order of the medical
director, he was placed in charge of all the hospitals of the 6th army
corps, a very responsible position, and his appointment indicates the
confidence reposed in his ability. He was taken prisoner during the 7 days
battle on the Chickahominy while in charge of the hospitals. He was held
for 4 weeks and was then exchanged, rejoining the army at Harrison's
Landing. The hospital was located on the ground where Patrick Henry was
born, and the Doctor's tent stood on the very site of the house. The
battles which surgeons fought with disease and death were often fully as
arduous and fraught with as much danger as those fought by the boys on the
field. Neither did they have the martial music, the roar of cannon, nor
the inspiration of numbers to encourage them, but in the silent watches of
the night with no sound perhaps save the moan of the wounded they
performed their duty, keeping at bay the enemy death, to whom friend and
foe must at length alike succumb.

When the war was over, Dr. Dickerson returned to his home, and in the Fall
of 1865 came to Kansas City, where the following spring he hung out his
shingle and began practice. He was full of energy and ambition and felt
that the west was the field where he should labor. As the days passed his
practice increased, and his skill and ability were demonstrated by the
excellent results which followed his efforts. He worked his way steadily
upward until at length, looking around him, he found that he had left far
behind the ranks of the mediocrity and stood among the most able
representatives of his profession in the state. In 1878, associated with
Dr. Stark, he established the Western Medical and Surgical Institution, of
which he has been president since the beginning.

The Doctor was married in 1863 to Miss Mary Scherrill, a native of Geneva,
New York. Their only child is now deceased. Mrs. Dickerson is a lady of
culture and refinement and a member of the Episcopal church. Her father,
E. E. Scherrill, was a prominent man and made a famous war record. He was
killed at the battle of Gettysburg, while commanding a brigade. A monument
to his memory has been erected on the scene of that memorable struggle. He
at one time served as a member of the state legislature of New York, and
on another occasion was a member of congress.

Dr. Dickerson has always been a democrat, and in the 70's was nominated by
his party as mayor of the city, but was defeated. He served as surgeon of
the convent here at an early day and was city physician for 3 successive
years. Socially, he is connected with the Grand Army of the Republic and
is a member of the Loyal Legion of America. As his financial resources
have increased, he has made judicious investments in real estate, and with
the rise of city property this has become very valuable, and he is classed
among the wealthy men of Kansas City. He is an excellent business man as
well as a physician, possessing sound judgment and good executive ability,
and his prosperity is due entirely to his own efforts.



ISAAC H. KINLEY
Of the firm of Kinley, Carskadon & Kinley, is a widely known and prominent
lawyer of Missouri, having been a resident of Kansas City since 1889. He
is a native of Richmond, Wayne county, Indiana, born April 6, 1841, a son
of Edward and Mahala (Macey) Kinley, natives of Ohio and Virginia,
respectively.

His paternal ancestry is traceable to the Huguenots who were forced to
flee from France in the 17th century to escape religious persecution. They
became Quakers in religious sentiment, and upon coming to America settled
in South Carolina, where the grandfather of our subject was born. His
maternal ancestry is traced to the Maceys of Massachusetts, whom the poet
Whittier immortalized in verse in “The Exiles.” He was driven from his
home for having harbored Quakers and protested against the persecution of
Friends, whom he protected and befriended. He and his family settled in
Nantucket, where they were the first white settlers. This family was among
the first settlers in the Northwest territory, having located in what is
now Wayne county, Indiana, where the family became prominent and where
many of the descendants yet reside. The maternal grandmother of Mr. Kinley
lived to be over 100 years old.

Edward Kinley was a lawyer by profession. Following the early tide of
emigration to Iowa, he settled in Salem in 1846, where he successfully
practiced his profession till 1859; then forming a co-partnership for the
practice of law with Frank Semple, he moved to Dover, Lee county, same
state, where he remained till 1867. He then went to Savannah, Missouri,
entering into practice with his son, Joseph M., with whom he was
associated till 1870, when he went to Brunswick, Missouri, soon after
retiring from practice. He was a gentleman of fine social and legal
attainments and attained a high legal degree of prominence at the bar.
While living at Dover he was assessor of internal revenue under the
administration of President Lincoln. To him and his estimable wife were
born 3 children: Isaac H.; Mrs. Amanda E. Bailey, of Tacoma, Washington;
and Joseph M., a prominent lawyer of Los Angeles, California. Mr. Kinley
was accidentally killed by a moving train near Tacoma, Washington, July
17, 1893.

The early life of Isaac H. Kinley was principally passed in Iowa. His
early educational discipline was secured in the public schools and the
Howe Academy at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, growing to man's estate under the
sturdy and vigorous influences of a new country, and gaining a due regard
for the dignity of honest toil and an appreciation of the potentialities
of personal endeavor. Subsequently he took a finishing course under a
private tudor, and at the age of 18 he began reading law in his father's
office and 2 years later was admitted to the bar.

At about that time the war-cloud broke which had so long been hanging
above our national horizon, engulfing the country in a red wave of war, he
immediately enlisted and was assigned to duty in company B, third Iowa
cavalry. His participation was of the most active kind, taking a part in
all the battles in which his regiment was engaged, principally in the
trans-Mississippi part of the field. At the expiration of his term of
enlistment he received honorable discharge, June, 1864.

Upon his return to civil life, he at once resumed reading law, and the
following September he went to Albany, New York, where he took the law
course in the Albany Law School, graduating in May, 1865. Opening an
office in Brunswich, Missouri, in 1865, he soon acquired a clientage, and
in 1872 was elected prosecuting attorney and efficiently filled the
position for one term, besides holding numerous other local positions of
honor and truth. In 1880 he was a member of the state democratic central
committee of the 10th congressional district. In 1889 he came to Kansas
City to get into a field more commensurate with his abilities and one
involving a more diversified practice. From 1875 Mr. Kinley was for 14
years associated with Captain James C. Wallace, of Keytesville, a
prominent lawyer, and from 1880 to 1889, they jointly owned and conducted
the Weekly Brunswicker, Mr. Kinely being the business manager and editor.
From an 8-column folio it was increased to a 6-column quarto, adding all
modern improvements, -- steam presses, folders, etc. From 1887 to 1888 he
was president of the Missouri Press Association. Socially he is a
prominent member of the Ancient Order of Free and Accepted Masons and of
Oriental chapter at Kansas City.

As a lawyer his legal acumen and ability are fortified and embellished by
a wide and thorough general knowledge. He possesses rare physical energy,
commanding and conspicuous presence and a magnanimous nature. Keenly
sensible of the ethics of his profession, no man loves the ardor of
honorable controversy better than he, and no practitioner at the bar of
Jackson county excels him in unselfish and incorruptible devotion to duty
and the cause of his client.

His marriage to Miss Sarah F. Davis was consummated July 30, 1865. They
have 3 children: Will H., a prominent young lawyer, Sadie and Louie.



WILLIAM HARVEY
Occupies the responsible position of freight agent of the Pennsylvania
Railroad, his office being in Kansas City. Steadily has he worked his way
upward, and by close application, persistent and commendable effort has
achieved a success of which he is well worthy. He was born in Albany, New
York, January 27, 1833, and is a son of Francis and Linda (Higgins)
Harvey, natives of the Empire state. The father was engaged in the
manufacture of stoves in Albany; he died several years ago.

Our subject spent his boyhood days in his native city, and acquired his
education in the public schools and at a university there. At the age of
17 he left home to enter a drug store in New York city, and for about 3
years was engaged in that line of business. During that time he saved some
capital, and with it embarked in the manufacture of paints and followed
painting, this, however, being under the care of foremen. He had little to
invest, but prospered in the undertaking and successfully carried it on
until failing health compelled him to retire. He then returned to Albany,
securing a clerkship with the Albany Northern Railroad. Here his ability
and enterprise won recognition by frequent promotions, and he was made
agent, cashier and general freight agent in the general office at Albany.
In that capacity he continued to serve until 1860, when, desiring to
identify his interests with those of the west, he made his way to Quincy,
Illinois, and was given charge of the outside freight business of the
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. There was no bridge across the
river at that time, and his business was very extensive, he sometimes
having the management of as many as 200 workmen.

There he served until 1865, when he was made general agent of the Wabash
road at Quincy. In October, 1868, he was appointed agent of the Empire
Transportation Company, later owned by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company,
and continued his headquarters at Quincy, having charge of the territory
tributary to that city. He was also manager of the business which
concentrated at Burlington and Keokuk, Iowa, and at Hannibal, Missouri,
having sub-agents at those places. In 1883 he removed his office to Kansas
City, and now has charge of all the southwestern territory. The control of
the extensive business which is conducted in the freight department
requires a master mind, a strong guiding power and sound judgment -
qualities which our subject possesses.

Mr. Harvey was married in New York City, when about 21 years of age, to
Miss Amanda M. Carman, of that place. She died in Quincy, in 1872, leaving
5 children, namely: William, a railroad man of Chicago; Henry DeWitt, who
is also connected with railroad interests in Chicago; George F., who died
at the age of 31, in Kansas City, where he was employed in the freight
auditing department of Kansas City, Fort Scott & Memphis railroad; R. L.,
a railroad man of Kansas City; and Leonora C., wife of Charles A.
Baughman, a railroad employee in Denver, Colorado. Mr. Harvey was again
married, in Quincy, in 1875, his 2nd union being with Miss Julia A. Weber
of that city. They have 1 son, Frank C., who is now in the high school in
Kansas City.

Mr. Harvey gives his political support to the republican party, but has
had neither time nor inclination for office. He is a member of the
Episcopal church, and served as precentor of the Quincy diocese. For 21
years he had charge of the music, and had in training a choir of 50 men
and boys in the Quincy church. He has always been very fond of music,
finding one of his greatest sources of pleasure in this art. He has been
an interested and active member of various musical societies in Kansas
City and was especially prominent in the Philharmonic society.

The name of Mr. Harvey is well-known in fraternal circles, he being an Odd
Fellow, Knight of Pythias and Druid, but he is best known in the Masonic
fraternity, where he has risen to high rank. He was made a Mason in
Albany, New York, became worshipful master of the lodge in Quincy, served
as worshipful master for 4 years, and was a delegate to the grand lodge.
In 1866 he was raised to the 3rd degree, began work in the Scottish rite
in June, 1890, and became a member of Adoniram lodge of Perfection. He
rose to the 33rd degree and was coronated at St. Louis, October 19, 1893,
as inspector general honorary, at the only time when the supreme council
met elsewhere than in Washington. He is at present venerable master of
Adoniram lodge of Perfection No. 2, also venerable master of the Kadosh of
the consistory of western Missouri. He is one of the most prominent and
popular Masons in Kansas City, and is a member of Orient chapter Royal
Arch Masons, and a member of Oriental commandery, Knights Templar, -- both
of Kansas City.



EUGENE G. E. JACCARD
The name which this gentleman bears has been prominently connected with
the mercantile interests of Missouri for many years, and the Mermod &
Jaccard Jewelry Company, of St. Louis, is one of the best known houses in
the country in its line of business, and our subject has added new luster
to the high reputation of the name by his successful and honorable
business career as a jeweler of Kansas City.

Mr. Jaccard, was born in St. Louis, September 28, 1861, and is a son of D.
C. and Eugenie (Chipron) Jaccard, the former a native of St. Croix,
Switzerland, the latter of Paris, France. The paternal grandfather lived
and died in Switzerland, and was one of the expert watchmakers in that
country, noted for its fine workmanship in that line. The maternal
grandfather, J. G. Chipron, was a native of Paris, who crossed the
Atlantic to America and died in Highland, Illinois, at the age of 77
years. He was a man of fine personal appearance, tall and well formed, and
reared a large family. The father of our subject learned the trade of
watchmaking in his native land and has always been connected with the
jewelry business. Determining to try his fortune in the new world, he came
to the United States in 1845 and located in St. Louis, where he now makes
his home. He has built up a very extensive trade, and the house of which
he is vice-president ranks among the foremost in the jewelry trade in this
country. His wife died in 1865. They were both members of the Presbyterian
church. In their family were 4 children, of whom 3 are now living, namely:
Eugenie, wife of Alfred Perillard, of Lausanne, Switzerland; Anna and
Eugene.

Mr. Jaccard, of this review, was reared in his native city save for the
time which he spent abroad in study. He attended the public schools of St.
Louis until 10 years of age, and then went to Switzerland, attending
school at Yverdon for 2 ½ years. He afterward went to Ludwigsburg and
Stuttgart, Germany, where he remained until 1874. In that year he returned
to St. Louis, and in 1877 was graduated at the Kemper's Family School of
Booneville, Missouri. Mr. Jaccard then again crossed the water, going to
Locle, Switzerland, where he learned the trade of watchmaking under one of
the expert watchmakers of that country. In September, 1880, he again
arrived in his native land, and entered the employ of the Mermod & Jaccard
Jewelry Company as office boy. He had to do his part in the routine work
of the store as any other employee, and he thus gained a thorough business
training. He afterward served for a time as entry clerk and as salesman,
and as he was thorough in his work and made a close study of the business
in all particulars, it will fitted him for his present business efforts.

In September, 1888, Mr. Jaccard arrived in Kansas City and established the
Jaccard Watch & Jewelry Company, of which he was president until February,
1895. The house was destroyed by fire in January, 1893, the company
suffering a severe loss, but they soon resumed business, and they now
carry a large and elegant stock of watches, clocks and jewelry. November
1, 1895, the subject of this sketch severed his active connection with the
jewelry firm, retaining his interest therein, however, and formed a
co-partnership with W. B. Johnson, under the firm name of W. B. Johnson,
Jaccard & Company, in the fire, casualty and tornado insurance business.

On the 18th of June, 1884, was consummated the marriage of Mr. Jaccard and
Miss Lena, daughter of Frederick Dings. 4 children have been born to them:
Frederick Constant, Eugenie, Gilbert Eugene and Walter Bird. The parents
are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is a prominent Mason of the
32nd degree. He belongs to Kansas City commandery, No. 10, K. T., and to
Ararat Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He is also chancellor of Benton
council, No. 22, of the Legion of Honor, of Missouri, and is president of
the Kansas City Karnival Krewe. This organization came into existence for
the purpose of adding to the fall festivities and to help in attracting
additional visitors to the city, and of creating amusements to keep them
longer in the community. Thousands of visitors from distant points are
attracted every year to this great festival, and the railroads reported a
much larger number in 1895 than in any previous years.

In politics Mr. Jaccard is a stalwart republican. He is pre-eminently a
public-spirited citizen, devoted to the best interests of the community
and its upbuilding, withholding his support and co-operation from no
enterprise that he believes will benefit the community. Mr. Jaccard is a
young man of fine personal appearance, genial disposition and deservedly
popular for his affable manners and his kindly bearing, both in business
and social circles. Withal he is modest and retiring, and his friends
admire him for his many good qualities of head and heart.



D. C. JACCARD
Commensurate with the progress and development of the west has been the
growth of the immense business with which this gentleman is connected. He
now occupies the position of vice-president of the Mermod & Jaccard
Company, which controls to a great extent the jewelry trade of the
Mississippi valley as well as a liberal share of the business in Paris.

Mr. Jaccard of this review was born in St. Croix, Switzerland, August 22,
1826, and descended from French Huguenot ancestry, who fled to Switzerland
after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, and settled in St. Croix on
the very first ground after crossing the frontier. Other members of the
family remained in Picardy, France, and continued the original spelling of
the name, which is Jacquard; but those who located in Switzerland adopted
the spelling which is used by our subject.

Mr. Jaccard received the usual instruction of the public schools, and when
11 years of age was apprenticed to a jeweler and put to work on the
construction of music-boxes. He was afterward taught the business of
making watches, and his time was divided between this work and his
studies. In 1845 he left the parental home, entering the normal school at
Lausanne, where he pursued a 3 year course and was graduated with the
honors of a class of 35. In order to defray the expenses of his own
education, he taught for 2 hours each day and during the months of
vacation followed his trade. He followed school-teaching for a year after
completing his own course, and then the political differences in France
and Switzerland in 1847-8 induced him to accept an invitation from his
cousins, Louis and Eugene Jaccard, to accompany them to St. Louis.
Together they left St. Croix, on the 24th of April, 1848, and reached
their destination July 15, 1848. Mr. Jaccard at once began work in
connection with his cousins at the business he learned in his youth, and
to this vocation in its various departments he has since devoted his
energies, while in the honest pursuit of a persistent purpose, combined
with excellent managing powers and undaunted enterprise, he has risen to a
proud position among the merchants of the New World. He was first an
employee in the house of Louis Jaccard & Company, which on the 31st of
December, 1848, passed out of existence, the senior partner selling a half
interest to his nephew, Eugene, who carried on the business alone until
1852, when he admitted A. S. Mermod into a partnership. In 1855 our
subject became a 3rd quarter and the firm of E. Jaccard & Company was
established and continued business until May 1, 1864. In the previous
year, however, the senior member had formed a partnership with Captains La
Barge and Harkness, under the name of La Barge, Harkness & Company, for
the purpose of trading and steamboating on the river. This being outside
of the regular jewelry business it caused a disagreement among the member
of the firm of E. Jaccard & Company, and Mr. Mermod and D. C. Jaccard,
being apprehensive that their interests would suffer, sold out to Eugene
Jaccard on that date, May 1, 1864.

Immediately afterward these 2 gentlement purchased a jewelry
establishment, and, taking as a partner C. F. Mathey, founded the firm of
D. C. Jaccard & Company. They were soon at the head of a good trade and
throughout the subsequent period the progress of the firm has been steady
and uninterrupted. Even during the period of general commercial depression
- from 1873 until 1879 - the development of its business was unchecked.
The business and facilities have been greatly increased until the
establishment is now the rival in appointments, equipments and stock of
the prominent jewelry houses of the country. In 1873 the firm style was
changed to Mermod, Jaccard & Company, in order to prevent mistakes arising
from the similarity of the 2 firm names. The policy of the house is one of
the most commendable and has been adhered to, to the letter. Undoubtedly
the success is largely due to this. When the new firm was formed the
partners signed a written agreement that they would never speculate in
anything, that they would never buy more goods than they could pay cash
for, that they would not sign any notes or have any drafts drawn on them,
and that at the end of every month they would carefully examine the
condition of their affairs in order to act intelligently in the purchase
of goods. The faithfulness with which they adhered to these regulations
was soon discovered by manufacturers, all of whom became anxious to deal
with such a house, and consequently the very best offers have always been
at their disposal. The firm had its own manufactory for watches, the
greater number of ladies' watches being made in St. Croix, Switzerland, by
a house of which Mr. Jaccard's brother, Justin, is at the head. His
cousins are also manufacturers of music-boxes there.

Mermod, Jaccard & Company also own a house in Paris, where V. Verseputy, a
most expert connoisseur, watches the diamond market for them and selects
all of their clocks and objets d'art. Two of the members also visit Europe
regularly twice a year for the purchase of new articles in their line. The
house has also representatives in Vienna, Bohemia, London, Birmingham,
Sheffield and other European cities, and is so well known throughout that
country that it can buy whatever it needs quite as well as in New York,
such is its standing among manufacturers and those who supply it with its
goods. This high reputation, it is needless to say, it enjoys as well in
the United States and Mexico as in more distant lands.

Mr. Jaccard is of a quiet, retiring disposition, yet his name is connected
with many works of charity, while many more of his benevolent acts have
never reached the public notice, owing to his freedom from ostentation. As
treasurer of the Societe du Sou par Semaine, he distributed during the
war, in connection with the Sanitary Commission, over $20,000 to relieve
the wants of persons on both sides. In 1868 he was appointed vice consul
to Switzerland at St. Louis, and acted alone as consul for 2 years. In
politics he is independent and an earnest advocate of civil-service
reform, believing that candidates should be chosen with regard to the
ability of the man and not to his party affiliations. In religion he is a
Presbyterian, and was formerly an elder in Dr. Books' church. In 1855 he
was united in marriage with the daughter of J. G. Chipron, brother-in-law
of Rev. Dr. Grandpierre, of Pari, France, where Mrs. Jaccard was born. Her
parents became residents of Highland, Illinois.



HUGH L. MCELROY
The executive and financial ability of Young America is most aptly
illustrated in the successful career of Mr. Hugh L. McElroy, whose
experience in mercantile, real-estate and banking life stamps him as a man
of varied resources.

He was born in Springfield, Washington county, Kentucky, in 1832. At an
early age he evinced a decided preference for the mercantile business over
the confinement of the school-room, and, during vacations, manifested his
peculiar aptness in this line by making more successful sales in his
father's store than older salesmen.

In 1846, when only 14 years old, he left school, and in connection with an
older brother and a Mr. Rinehart, bought out the interests of his father
and uncle. For 10 years the new firm did the most flourishing business in
Springfield. In 1856 Mr. McElroy sold his interest in the store and
engaged in the brokerage business, but after 18 months returned to
mercantile life and continued in it until 1866. He then came west to
Leavenworth and invested in cattle. This venture, like all his other
enterprises, proved successful. In 1868 he located in Kansas City, then a
town of about 5,000 inhabitants and still suffering from the effects of
the war. Mr. McElroy soon comprehended the possibilities of the location,
and quickly turned his attention to speculating in real estate. Possessing
a thorough knowledge of the national banking system, having formerly been
vice-president of the First National Bank of Springfield, Kentucky, his
native town, he became one of the organizers and directors of the Kansas
City National Bank - the second one organized in Kansas City. Since then
he has officiated in this capacity in many others, viz: The Commerical
National, organized in 1869, with L. K. Thatcher as president, the
National Exchange, the Aetna National, the German American National, and
is at present a director in the Metropolitan National. Although offered
more prominent positions in a number of these banks, he has persistently
declined, giving his attention to his own private business.

In his various transactions Mr. McElroy has ever displayed that integrity
of character and purpose which has always commended him to the confidence
of business men, and a judgment and knowledge which insures success. By
nature he is modest and retiring, tender-hearted, and refined always
shunning notoriety or ostentation. He was never a club man or fond of
miscellaneous or fashionable society, but loves to entertain his friends
in the old-fashioned, informal way.

In matters of charity he adheres to the Scriptural injunction of, “Let not
your left hand know what your right hand doeth,” and very many could
testify to his quiet generosity and kindness. Mr. McElroy is of
Scotch-Irish Presbyterian descent. In politics he affiliates with the
democratic party, but takes no active interest in political matters. He
was married October 10, 1872, to Miss Mary Hardy, daughter of Major John
G. Hardy, a prominent and wealthy citizen of Mercer county, Kentucky. They
now reside in a beautiful home at 1512 E. 8th Street, where they dispense
hospitality in true southern style.



ELIJAH F. SLAUGHTER
Brooking township, Jackson county, Missouri, has no better representative
of the intelligent farmer than is found in the subject of this sketch,
Elijah F. Slaughter. Before proceeding to a review of his life we would
refer briefly to his progenitors; for the biography of no man is complete
without some reference to the source from which he sprang.

The Slaughters are of English origin. Gabriel Slaughter, the first
representative of the family in America, emigrated hither from England at
an early day and settled near Norfolk, Virginia, where he had a large
landed estate and where he passed the rest of his life and died. His son,
William, a native of Norfolk, born about 1735, emigrated from Virginia to
Tennessee about the year 1800 and settled in Washington county, where he
died at a good old age. He was a veteran of the revolutionary war. In
Richmond, Virginia, August 21, 1781, to him and his wife, Sarah, was born
a son, whom they named William, and who became the father of Elijah F.
Slaughter. This son, the younger William Slaughter, was educated in
Washington College, Washington county, Tennessee, and chose for his
profession the ministry. He was first in the Presbyterian church and
subsequently became a leader in what was known as the “Campbellite”
church, this organization now claiming the name of “Christians.”

The mother of our subject was before her marriage Miss Rebecca Mulkey. She
was a native of Washington county, Tennessee, born May 17, 1788, daughter
of Rev. Jonathan Mulkey, a Baptist minister and a native of North
Carolina. Her grandfather, the Rev. Philip Mulkey, was a Virginian by
birth and of Scotch origin. Miss Mulkey was reared and educated in
Tennessee and was married there, August 22, 1805, to Mr. Slaughtger. They
settled in Washington county, made that their home until 1831, and then
moved to Kentucky, where the next 17 years were spent. In 1852 they came
to Jackson county, Missouri, and settled in Independence. Here he died
September 11, 1871; and she, January 6, 1863. They were the parents of 10
children, all of whom reached mature age, namely: Sallie, John N.,
Jonathan M., Isaac W., Mary S., Sarah G., Elizabeth R., Elijah F., James
H. and Philip M. Sallie was born August 31, 1807. She and her husband,
Duke Rubell, are both deceased, and of their 8 children only 4 are living.
John N., born December 13, 1810, was twice married and had 3 children. He
is deceased. Jonathan M., born October 31, 1812, married Elizabeth Mulkey.
They are deceased and one child is living. Isaac W., born July 2, 1815,
wedded Mahala Randolph, by whom he had a large family. She is deceased.
Mary S., wife of James A Jackson, is deceased, as is also her husband.
Samuel G., born February 2, 1820, married Alethia Young, now deceased.
Elizabeth R., born November 25, 1882, became the wife of John M. Frazier,
who died, leaving her with 6 children. Subsequently she married Enoch
Payne. James H., born July 22, 1827, married Elizabeth Brown. They had no
children. He is deceased. Philip M., born January 10, 1831, married Sarah
A. Jones, by whom he has 6 children.

As already stated, Mr. Slaughter (the grandfather) was a Revolutionary
soldier. During the War of 1812 the father of our subject was drafted into
the service, and as he was unable to go himself he sent a substitute. When
the great civil war in all its horrors came upon the country we find four
of the Slaughter brothers going out in the strength of their manhood to
fight for what they deemed just and right, and, as was not unfrequently
the case, they were divided in their sentiments. James H. disappeared in
the war and has never been heard of since. Jonathan and Philip were in the
union army and Samuel was a captain in the Confederate ranks.

From this glimpse of his family history, we turn now to the life of our
immediate subject, Elijah F. Slaughter. He was born February 16, 1825, in
Washington county, Tennessee, and was reared there and in Kentucky,
receiving a high school education and having the best of home training. He
remained on his father's farm until attaining manhood, when he commenced
teaching school, and taught both in Kentucky and Missouri, his experience
in the schoolroom covering no less than 10 years. After his marriage he
settled down in Washington township, this county, and made his home here
from 1853 until 1859. Then he improved a little farm in Cass county, this
state, living there from 1859 until 1861, when he returned to Jackson
county and settled on rented land. For a time he served in the Tadpole
militia. At the close of the war he purchased the property upon which he
has since lived, it being all wild land at that time, and here on Section
19 of Brooking township he has 120 acres of choice land, all under
cultivation and nicely improved. He came down here one night and by the
light of the stars and with the North Star for his guide, he set the
stakes for his house. Besides his home place he has 20 acres of timber
land.

Mr. Slaughter was married March 24, 1853, to Amanda M. Davenport, a sister
of J. S. Davenport, of Jackson county. She was born April 10, 1831, and
was educated in the district schools and at Westport. They have 6 children
living, as follows: Orlando V., born August 9, 1854, married Elizabeth
Havron, lives near Raytown and has 4 children; William F., born July 26,
1858, married Belle Black, and lives in Oregon; Stephen D., born December
14, 1860, is unmarried; George F., born January 20, 1863, married Allie
Bush, has 3 children, and lives in Oregon; Ida F., born March 9, 1865, is
the wife of Dr. Loren Swaney, and lives in Drexel, Missouri; and Ernest
E., born March 31, 1870, married Miss Kate West.

Mr. and Mrs. Slaughter are members of the Christian church at Hickman
Mills. He is an elder in the church and has for years taken an active
interest in both church and Sabbath-school work. For some time he was the
teacher of the Bible class, but now has change of another class.
Politically, his vote and influence have ever been cast with the
democratic party, and in all local matters he takes a deep and laudable
interest. Especially is he interested in having good schools. Frequently
he has served as school director of his district. A Christian, a man of
high moral integrity, and one interested in the various lines of
advancement, he exerts an influence that is felt for good in his
community.


E. O. SMITH, M. D.
Is one of Kansas City's physicians who has gained high standing in the
profession. He was born in Franklin county, New York, October 3, 1850, and
is a son of Henry O. and Sarah A. (Stowers) Smith, natives of Vermont.
Some of his ancestors were in the War of 1812. His maternal grandfather
was a fifer and drum major in the second war with England. Most of the
representatives of the family have carried on agricultural pursuits. The
Doctor's father, when a child of about 2 years, was taken by his parents
to New York, where he was reared on a farm and followed that vocation all
his life. About 1881 he removed to Michigan, locating at Orelans, where he
died July 15, 1885. His wife survived until June 5, 1894. They had 4 sons
and 1 daughter, as follows: Maria R., who became the wife of Dean Swift,
and died May 14, 1876, at the age of 33 years; Dr. Frederick D., who
resides at Coopersville, Michigan; Dr. Sheridan C., who died at Granville,
Michigan, February 6, 1875; Dr. Elmore O., of this sketch; and Henry A.,
who is living in Belding, Michigan, where he follows merchandising.

Our subject was reared in New York, and early learned how to “make hay
while the sun shines.” He followed the plow on the old homestead until he
had attained his majority, spending the winter months in attendance on the
district schools of the neighborhood, and pursuing his studies in the
Malone Academy, where one more term would have enabled him to graduate. He
subsequently engaged in teaching in the country schools for several
winters, receiving $20 per month, which at that time was considered
excellent wages in the Empire state. Through the influence of his brother,
who was residing in Michigan, he concluded to come west, and in 1872 took
up his residence in Coopersville, Michigan, where he secured a situation
in the public schools at a salary of $40 per month, teaching one winter
and one summer in that school. He then joined his brother, who was
practicing medicine in Coopersville, in the purchase of a drug store,
which they together conducted until 1876. During this time our subject
took up the study of medicine, under his brother's direction, and in the
centennial year entered the medical department of Michigan University, at
Ann Arbor. He lacked one year of graduation when he went to Orleans and
began practice, continuing there in the prosecution of his profession
until 1880, when he entered Rush Medical College, at Chicago, where he was
graduates in the Spring of 1881. Again establishing an office in Orleans,
he was numbered among the successful practitioners of that place until the
Spring of 1889, when he came to Kansas City.

Dr. Smith at that time had no friends in this place and was entirely
without influence to aid him in the establishment of a practice; he began
business here and has succeeded in building up a liberal patronage. The
age has long since passed when people are willing to place themselves in
the case of unskilled physicians, and the successful practitioner is now
the man whose merit and ability places him above the average and wins him
the public confidence and therefore the public support. The Doctor makes a
specialty of the treatment of cancerous diseases and has performed some
marvelous cures in this line.

Dr. Smith is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Woodmen of the
World, and in politics is a republican. He was married in 1877, to Miss
Hattie J. Sherman, a native of Michigan, and they have 2 children - Olen
G. and Pearl A., aged respectively 14 and 12 years.


FRANK G. JOHNSON
The bar of Kansas City embraces many well known and able members, but few
have attained a greater success in a decade of practice than the gentleman
whose name introduces this review and who is accounted one of the most
capable general legal practitioners in western Missouri.

A native of Massachusetts, he was born in West Boylston, Worcester county,
on the 18th of December, 1851. His parents, William H. and Alsemena M.
(Ballard) Johnson, were also natives of the Bay state. The paternal
grandfather, Francis Johnson, was born in Massachusetts, and descended
from English ancestry, the founder of the family having emigrated from
England and taken up his residence near Boylston in 1640. The grandfather
followed farming as a means of livelihood, reared a family of 5 children
who reached mature years, and passed away at the age of 93. In personal
appearance he was tall, straight and vigorous. In his religious views he
was a strict Baptist, but accorded to all others the same right of opinion
which he reserved for himself.

The father of our subject was also a Massachusetts farmer, and his entire
life was spent in the state of his nativity, his death occurring in
Boylston, at the age of 74. His wife, a lady of many excellencies of
character, passed away many years previously. They were both consistent
members of the Baptist church, and Mr. Johnson held various town offices
and was prominent in public affairs. In their family were 8 children, 5
sons and 3 daughters, of whom 5 are now living, namely: Frank G., Mary E.,
Walter F., Maverette E. and William W.

Mr. Johnson of this review lived in Boylston until 22 years of age. He
acquired a good common-school education there and later attended the
Worcester Academy. He was reared as a farm boy, but later learned the boot
and shoe trade; yet nature had not destined him for that calling, his
abilities well fitting him for professional life. He engaged in teaching
school for a time in his native and adjoining towns, and began studying
laws in Towanda, Pennsylvania, in the office of Hon. D. C. DeWitt, and
after thorough preparation was admitted to the bar in 1883. He engaged in
practice there for little more than a year, and then sought a home in the
west.

In the fall of 1884 Mr. Johnson came to Kansas City, Missouri, and has
been since continuously connected with the bar of Jackson county. He
served for 2 years as prosecuting attorney for the county, and for a
similar period as police judge of Kansas City. He has been retained as
counsel on various important cases. He was connected with the prosecution
of the bank cases against J. C. Darragh, president of the Kansas City Safe
Deposit and Savings Bank, who was brought to trial on account of receiving
deposits after knowing that the bank must suspend. E. C. Sattley, the
cashier, was convicted after a 5 week trial and sentenced to 4 years in
the penitentiary, after which he appealed to the supreme court of the
state. The trial of the president lasted for about the same length of
time, but the jury failed to agree upon a verdict.

Mr. Johnson was married in September, 1876, to Miss Cora M. Moore,
daughter of Lorin and Minerva M. (Aldrich) Moore. Two children have been
born to them - Herbert F. and Walter L. Mr. Johnson is a member of Union
lodge, No. 108, F. & A. M., and is also connected with Sicilian lodge, No.
39, K. of P., of Kansas City. In politics he is a democrat. He was
appointed by Governor Stone a member of the Board of Police Commissioners
for Kansas City, December 9, 1895.



SAMUEL BOOKSTAVER BELL, D. D.
Was born in Montgomery, Orange county, New York, and is of Scotch Huguenot
lineage, his father, Archibald Bell, having descended from a Scotch
ancestor who emigrated to America from Scotland. His mother bore the
maiden name of Pamela Millspaugh, and belonged to a family of Huguenot
origin that sailed from Holland to America with Hendrick Hudson.

Samuel B. Bell is a born student, and from a child took special interest
in natural science and in the search after religious truth, being
naturally of a religious cast of mind. His early ambitions were for
political distinction, and when he applied himself to legal studies it was
only as a means to political advancement. He studied in his native town,
in Brooklyn and New York city, and was admitted to practice at the bar by
the supreme court of New York; but conscientious scruples prevented his
engaging in actual law practice, and he voluntarily surrendered the
profession which had cost him so much time and labor, and upon which his
youth's heart was set. He then turned his attention to teaching, taking
charge of educational institutes, both in his native state and in
Kentucky. Having always been a close theological student and deeply
interested in the religious problems of the time, he at length resolved to
become a preacher of the gospel and offered himself to the Presbyterian
church as a candidate for the ministry, being licensed to preach by the
presbytery of Onondaga, New York, in 1852. He was then ordained as an
evangelist, and in November of that year was sent by the American Home
Missionary Society as one of their missionaries to the Pacific coast.

Mr. Bell sailed from New York in the clipper ship Trade Wind, a
magnificient vessel, and after a most eventful voyage of 105 days landed
at San Francisco. During the passage of the ship was on fire for 10 hours;
at another time a mutiny broke out among the sailors, so serious that the
ringleaders were taken to San Francisco in irons; on another occasion a
very large sperm whale struck the prow of the ship and set everything
aback; and at another time they were struck by a “white squall” off the
coast of Buenos Ayres, which tore and tattered the sails and snapped the
yards like pipe stems, and the electric phenomena was very striking. The
voyage was also enlivened by the weekly issue of the Trade Wind Observer,
a manuscript paper, of which Dr. Bell was editor-in-chief. Some of the
articles were of superior merit, and found an extensive circulation in
eastern journals.

Upon his arrival in San Francisco Dr. Bell commenced his work as a
missionary on the shores of San Francisco bay, where Oakland now stands.
Here, in addition to his regular work as a missionary, he has left his
record in various ways. He bought and rang the first bell and ever called
people to religious service in that locality. It was an old steamboat bell
and was hung on the corner of the fence under a live oak tree, which was
frequently his meeting house. He built the first Presbyterian church
edifice upon the coast and organized what is now one of the most
flourishing churches in the union. He was also one of the founders of, and
procured the charter for, the College of California, now the University of
California. He represented his district in the senate and house of
representatives for 3 years, doing efficient service, and leaving his
imprint upon the legislation of those years in the homestead law, board of
regents and other important bills. He was also president of the first
republican state convention that convened in California.

After a residence of nearly 10 years in California, during which time,
however, Dr. Bell had visited the east, he prepared to take up is
ministerial work in the eastern states, and in 1862 left for New York by
the overland route. This was his first trip across the great American
desert, and it was upon this occasion that he made the acquaintance of
Brigham Young, and formed an opinion of Salt Lake City and Mormonism from
personal observation. He was treated with the utmost consideration by
President Young, and saw enough to convince him that it was not safe for
him even to think while in Salt Lake City or vicinity, and he did not feel
secure until he had left Mormonism miles behind. The telegraph lines had
just been stretched across the continent, and the first news conveyed to
California was the death of General E. D. Baker, Dr. Bell's old colleague
in the California state convention. On reaching the east, Dr. Bell
tendered his services to General Hooker, then in command of the armies of
the Potomac, but was not permitted to go to the front.

The same year, 1862, he became pastor of the 50th Street Presbyterian
church of New York city, and was an eye witness of the terrible riot which
occurred there in the following year upon an attempt to enforce the draft
ordered by the United States authorities. While delivering an oration on
the 4th of July at Jersey City, in 1863, Dr. Bell received intelligence of
the Fall of Vicksburg and of the union victory at Gettysburg. He at first
supposed the news to be a hoax and too good to be true, but when convinced
of the truth, thrilled with joy and gladness at the success, it is said
that he delivered one of the most eloquent, brilliant and patriotic
addresses that has ever been listened to since American independence was
made possible by the signing of the Declaration of Independence. He has
been frequently called upon to deliver historic and patriotic addresses,
and pronounced the eulogy upon General E. D. Baker before the California
house of representatives. He also delivered the Thanksgiving sermon on the
day appointed by President Lincoln before the union of churches in New
York City, the services being held at Cooper's Institute; the annual
address before the California State Agricultural Society; an address
before the State Editorial Association of Ithaca, New York, and numerous
addresses before colleges, universities, Masonic orders, political
conventions, mass meetings, and military and festival occasions, many of
which have been printed and widely circulated. He has been a member of 2
general assemblies of the Presbyterian church of the United States, one at
Baltimore and another at Pittsburg. From New York City he was called to
the pulpit of the First Presbyterian church of Lyons, Wayne county, New
York, and from that place to the pastorate of the Presbyterian church in
Hillsdale, Michigan. He then returned to California, having accepted a
professorship in Washington College, which he subsequently resigned to
become pastor of the First Congregational church in Mansfield, Ohio. From
there he removed to Kansas City and accepted the pastorate of the First
Presbyterian church.

Dr. Bell is a Knight Templar Mason, and has been honored with high
positions in the fraternity. He was grand lecturer of the grand lodge of
California, and an honorary member for life of Live Oak Lodge, of Oakland,
California, and of Templar lodge, of New York City. In politics he was
born a democrat, his father having been a lifelong member of that party,
but on arriving at man's estate he cast his lot with the whigs, with which
he was connected until the organization of the republican party, since
which time he has been a zealous member of the latter.

Dr. Bell was married in 1845 to Miss Sophia B. Walworth, a descendant of
the same family to which Chancellor Walworth, of New York, belongs. They
have 5 children living, viz: Mrs. H. B. Martin, Hal, Benjamin P., Edward
W. and Harmon.

Dr. Bell is a man of the most positive convictions - an absolute believer
in the divinity and work of Christ. He has a powerful physical
constitution and a most genial, social disposition. His strange
experiences and perilous adventures are themes of never failing interest
to a listener, and when he opens his budget of personal reminiscences he
is most captivating conversationalist. He has crossed the “Great Desert”
five times, made the voyage around Cape Horn once, and by way of Panama
twice, and is now in California.



LEROY DIBBLE, M.D.
Who limits his practice to the diseases of the eye, ear and throat, is a
representative of the regular medical profession, in which he ranks high.

The Doctor is of French descent. His paternal grandfather, Major Cecil
Dibble, who came to this country as a French soldier, was stationed at
Detroit, Michigan, at the time that city was surrendered to the English.
He subsequently settled in the state of New York, after his marriage to
the eldest daughter of Captain John Ellis, of the British army. When the
colonists made their attempt to secure independence, he joined the patriot
army, participating in most of the important campaigns and engagements,
and was present at the memorable surrender at Trenton and at Yorktown. The
maternal grandfather of the Doctor was John Bitley, who was born of Dutch
parentage at Albany, New York. He also served throughout the entire
struggle that was succeeded by the establishment of the American republic.
He was with Washington during the never-to-be-forgotten winter at Valley
Forge, and also participated in the battle of Saratoga. Previous to the
Revolutionary war he married the only daughter of Captain Christopher Van
Dusen, a retired officer of the Dutch navy, and when his military service
was over settled on a farm near Fort Edward, New York.

The parents of Dr. Dibble were Grodus and Catherine (Van Dusen) Dibble.
The father was born in Watertown, New York, in 1783, learned the trade of
a tanner and currier, and opened the first boot and shoe store in Albany,
New York. On the breaking out of the war with England in 1812, he joined
the army and participated in the battles of Lake Erie and Plattsburg, New
York. His death occurred at the age of 77. His wife, who was born January
1, 1800, at Fort Edward, New York, lived to the advanced age of 86.

The subject of this sketch was born at Saratoga, New York, December 14,
1843, and when 8 years of age came west to Chicago, Illinois, with his
father's family, whence they afterward removed to Ottawa, Illinois. At the
beginning of the civil war, although only 17 years of age, he offered his
services to the government and became a member of the 7th Illinois
cavalry, participating in the principal campaigns and battles of the
Armies of the Tennessee and Cumberland. He was also in the Army of the
Gulf and was present at the surrender of Port Hudson. He received an
honorable discharge at Nashville, Tennessee, in 1865, at the close of the
war.

The same year the Doctor entered Kalamazoo College, Michigan. He afterward
read medicine in the office of Dr. H. G. Field, then entered the medical
department of the University of Michigan, and was graduated at Bellevue
Hospital Medical College, of New York, in 1871. After his graduation he
served a short time as an assistant at quarantine and then accepted a
position as surgeon on a “coast liner,” thus visiting the principal
Central and South American cities. He finally entered practice at Paw Paw,
Michigan, and subsequently removed to Albion, Michigan, where he served as
division surgeon of the Michigan Central Railroad. In 1881 he entered the
New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, and in 1882 went to Europe, studying his
specialties in Berlin, Vienna and Zurich, Switzerland. On his return to
this country, in 1887, he settled in Kansas City, Missouri.

In 1889 the Doctor was united in marriage with Miss Martha H. Cleveland,
the eldest daughter of Rev. Edward Cleveland, and a native of Bath, New
Hampshire.



ALLISON M. WARE
Down from the earliest ages, in story and song, have come the tales of
warfare, of heroism and of valor. Neither can too much be said in praise
of the man who risks his life in the defense of a principle or a cause in
which he honestly believes. From the memorable year of 1887 the children
have been told again and again the stories of patriotism and bravery of
our Revolutionary forefathers. Side by side with these - their equals in
all that was true and noble and courageous - stand the heroes of the civil
war, who fought to preserve the union that had not then passed the first
century of its existence. Among the “brave boys in blue” was numbered Mr.
Ware, and had he accomplished nothing else in is life the record would be
worthy of perpetuation. He is, however, a valued citizen of Jackson
county, an enterprising agriculturist, a faithful worker in the interests
of Christianity, and it is with pleasure that we present to our readers a
sketch of his career.

A native of Ohio, Mr. Ware was born in Frankfort, August 5, 1839, and is a
son of Jacob and Eliza (McDonald) Ware. The father was born in Virginia in
1806. The mother is a native of Ohio and a daughter of Thomas McDonald,
who served as a spy under General Wayne in the war for independence. He
removed to Ohio when it was an almost unbroken wilderness, aided in
surveying a considerable portion of the state,and built the first cabin at
Chillicothe. He afterward made a settlement in Fayette county, where his
wife recently died, at the very advanced age of 97 years. The parents of
our subject were married and located in Ross county, Ohio, near Frankfort,
where the father followed his trade of cabine-making. They afterward went
to Fayette county, where his death occurred in 1860, but Mrs. Ware is
still living at the age of 90. Both were members of the Methodist church.
They were parents of the following named: John (deceased), Thomas, Mrs.
Alice Reid, Ananias, Allison M., William, Mrs. Mary Yocum and J. Edwin.
Five sons of the family went to the defense of the old flag and the cause
it represented during the war of the Rebellion. William, who was sergeant
of the 12th United States regulars, was captured at the Battle of the
Wilderness, and for 14 months was incarcerated in Andersonville prison.

Mr. Ware, of this review, spent the first 10 years of his life in his
native county, and was then reared on the family farm in Fayette county.
He attended the district school and continued at home until 22 years of
age. Hardly had the smoke from Fort Sumter's guns cleared away, however,
before he joined Captain Johnson's company at Washington Court House for 3
months. The regiment was stationed at Camp Chase, near Columbus, Ohio, but
was never called to the field. A service of this kind, however, did not
content the patriotic Ohioan of this review, and on the 2nd of August,
1862, he enlisted in Company D, 114th Ohio infantry, of which he was made
sergeant. The regiment proceeded to Memphis, and wa there attached to the
2nd division of the 13th army corps, under General P. J. Ousterhaus. Mr.
Ware participated in the battles of Chickasaw Bluff and Arkansas Post, and
then with the regiment encamped through the following winter at Young's
Point, near Vicksburg, where he aided in digging the canal. He went
through the siege of Vicksburg, was sent to New Orleans, and participated
in the battles of Mobile and Fort Blakely. In the meantime the regiment
had been consolidated with the 120th Ohio, and was known as the 114th, Mr.
Ware being connected with company B, of the new organization, and acting
as orderly sergeant. He was then sent to Selma, Alabama, and on to
Galveston, Texas, where he was discharged, August 2, 1865. He was never
wounded or captured, was never in a hospital, and at his post of duty was
always found, a most faithful and loyal defender of the union cause.

When the war was over, Mr. Ware returned to Ohio, but in October, 1865,
came to Missouri, and located in Prairie township, Jackson county. A short
time afterward, however, he removed to a farm 8 miles South of
Independence and began its development, for it was then in a wild and
unimproved state. He now owns 175 acres of rich land, and all of the
improvements upon the place were secured through his efforts. He is now
successfully engaged in general farming, and through enterprise and good
management has attained prosperity.

In 1866 Mr. Ware was united in marriage with Frances J. Clark, a native of
Ross county, Ohio, born November 24, 1843. She is a daughter of John and
Fannie (Coyner) Clark, pioneers of Ohio. Their family numbered 7 children,
namely: Milton; Mary, deceased; Mrs. Ware; William, George, John and
Marcus. William served in the civil war with the rank of 1st lieutenant.
Mr. and Mrs. Ware have a family of 6 children: Fannie, now the wife of
William Smith, of Prairie township, by whom she has 5 children; Minnie;
Alice, wife of Clifford Hook, of Prairie township, by whom she has 2
childre; Homer, Grace and Pearl.

Mr. and Mrs. Ware are prominent and active members of the Methodist
Episcopal church, and Mr. Ware is now serving as class leader. Both are
interested in Sunday school work, and Mr. Ware is serving as assistant
superintendent, while his wife is one of the teachers of the school. He
takes considerable interest in politics, supporting the republican party,
and is a member of the local school board. Socially he is connected with
the Grand Army of the Republic.



JEROME TWICHELL
Treasurer of the Builders & Traders' Exchange, and president and general
manager of the Kansas City Metal, Roofing & Corrugating Company, is one of
the leading business men of Kansas City. He was born in Louisville,
Kentucky, August 13, 1844, and is a son of Sophronius and Julia (Spencer)
Twichell, the former a native of New York and the latter of Virginia. The
father was a soldier in the Mexican War, serving in the commissary
department. During the 30's he removed with his parents to Cincinnati,
Ohio, and thence to Louisville, Kentucky. During the early part of his
business career he began steamboating on the Kentucky river, and ran one
of the first boats on that water, called Blue Wing No. 1. For some years
he was in command of that vessel. While thus engaged, in Frankfort,
Kentucky, he formed the acquaintance of the lady who afterward became his
wife. On abandoning the river, he located in New Orleans and was engaged
in the western produce commission business. The mother of our subject died
in 1845, and in 1849 Mr. Twichell married Mary L. White, of St. Louis,
daughter of Captain Joseph White, who ran one of the first boats up the
Missouri river. Mr. Twichell carried on business in New Orleans, under the
firm name of T. C. Twichell & Company, until the war broke out, when he
removed to a cotton plantation he had purchased in Woodruff county,
Arkansas, in 1860. He remained on this plantation until 1868, when he and
his son Jerome went to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama to join
the former's brother-in-law, who had crossed the plains in 1849, and was
operating a gold mine on the Pacific slope. The father had previously
accumulated considerable capital, but during the war had lost most of
this. In 1869 he was called upon to mourn the death of his second wife,
and soon afterward returned to New Orleans, where he lived retired until
1878. In that year he moved to Florida, where his remaining days were
passed, his death occurring in 1889, at the age of 76 years.

By his first marriage Mr. Twichell had 3 children, 2 of whom are now
living, namely: Mrs. Jacob N. Feaster, of Florida and Jerome. There is
also one surviving child of the second marriage - Mrs. Aaron Cleveland,
who also is living in Florida.

The subject of this review spent the greater part of his childhood in the
Crescent City, and began his education in its public schools. He went to
Arkansas with his father, whom he assisted in carrying on a cotton
plantation there until after the breaking out of the civil war, when, in
May, 1862, although only 17 years of age, he enlisted in Company E, 8th
Arkansas infantry, in which he served as a private until the cessation of
hostilities. He was captured at the battle of Peach Tree creek, near
Atlanta, but was exchanged on the battleground. Later he was captured at
the battle of Franklin, Tennessee, and was sent as a prisoner to Camp
Douglas, Chicago, where he was held until the close of the war, covering a
period of about 1 year. He suffered many of the hardships and trials
incident to army life, but was always faithful to the cause under whose
banner he fought, and was a brave and fearless soldier.

The war having ended Mr. Twichell at once returned to the old plantation,
and some time afterward sought a home in his native city, where he secured
employment as a salesman in a seed and implement house, remaining there
until 1868. In that year he accompanied his father on a trip to
California, where he engaged in mining for 6 months, but the work proved
to him very unprofitable. He continued his residence in that state,
however, until 1871, and aided in building the snow sheds on the Central
Pacific railroad. In the early spring of 1870 he shipped aboard a merchant
vessel, bound for Hong Kong, China, and remained in that interesting city
of the orient for about 6 months, when the vessel was ordered to Manila,
on the Phillippine islands. There they took on a cargo of sugar, and by
way of the Cape of Good Hope sailed for New York, touching at Anjer Point,
Java, and the island of St. Helena. The voyage of the vessel at this time
continued for 16 months.

On arriving at New York City, Mr. Twichell left the sea and went to New
Orleans, where for a short time he clerked in a grocery store. In the Fall
of 1871 he returned to Louisville, Kentucky, and traveled for his old firm
as a salesman until 1879, the year of his arrival in Kansas City. He has
since been a prominent promoter of Jackson county's interests, and has
been especially active in commercial circles. He first embarked in the
grocery brokerage business, making a specialty of handling dried fruits
and honey. Subsequently he consolidated his business with that of the firm
of Clements, Cloon & Company, with which he was associated from 1884 until
1886, when he sold out and began his present line of business under the
firm name of Jerome Twichell & Company. An incorporation was effected in
1890 under the present style of the Kansas City Metal, Roofing &
Corrugating Company, of which our subject is president and general
manager. They deal in corrugated iron, steel, brick, wire fencing, metal
shingles, conductor pipe, eaves troughs, building paper, fancy ceilings,
metal laths and prepared roofing. The business of the concern has now
become extensive, owing to the capable management, executive ability and
enterprise of the president. In December, 1893, Mr. Twichell was elected
treasurer of the Builders & Traders' Exchange, and re-elected in December,
1894.

In 1885 was celebrated the marriage of our subject and Miss Cora L.
Norman, daughter of Dr. J. W. Norman, of Kansas City. They have 2 children
- Jerome and Norman D., aged respectively 4 years and 4 months.

In his political associations, Mr. Twichell is a democrat, and religiously
is connected with the Episcopal church.

Portrayal of character is one of the most difficult tasks which falls to
the lot of the historian, but in the life of such a man as Mr. Twichell
many characteristics stand forth with startling clearness and his career
furnishes many valuable and useful lessons, demonstrating what can be
accomplished through the honest pursuit of a persistent purpose. In his
success we read of his sound judgment and executive ability; the
difficulties that he has overcome show us that he is perservering, while
in the high regard in which he is universally held we learn of a
straightforward, honorable life.



CAPTAIN JAMES A. REED
Attorney at law in Kansas City, is one of the younger representatives at
the bar of Missouri, and the success that he has already attained should
serve as a stimulus to other young men, urging them to put forth every
endeavor to attain a position of prominence which comes through close
attention to business, combined with energy and a determination to
succeed, regardless of the obstacles that may be placed in their way.

Captain Reed is a native of the Buckeye state, his birth have occurred in
Richland county, on the 9th of November, 1860. His parents, John A. and
Nancy (Crawford) Reed, were both natives of Pennsylvania. The Reed family
were numbered among the first settlers locating west of the Alleghany
mountains. They secured land from the government, casting their lot with
the pioneers of western Pennsylvania; but for some reason this property
was again taken up, and the Reed family came to Ohio, locating in Richland
county. Representatives of the family served in the Revolutionary War,
being valiant defenders of the colonial cause. The father of our subject
was a merchant and farmer, and carried on business in Ohio until 1864,
when he removed to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. There he engaged in merchandising
for a time, and purchased a farm on which he made his home until his
death, in 1869. He was president of the school board for several years,
and was a very prominent and influential citizen, taking an active part in
every work that tended to the advancement of the public welfare. His
family numbered 6 children, 4 of whom are living, namely: Mrs. W. S.
Boyer, of Vancouver, Washington; James A.; Mary M., a teacher in the high
school of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and John A., an attorney at law of that
city.

Captain Reed, of this notice, spent his boyhood days quietly on a farm,
which then bordered the corporation limits of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, but is
now included within the boundaries of that city. He acquired his early
education in the public schools there, afterward attended its high school,
and subsequently entered Coe College, of Cedar Rapids, taking a special
course, which prepared him in a measure for the bar. He further continued
his law studies in the office of Hubbard, Clark & Dawley, one of the
strongest law firms in the state of Iowa, and under their direction he
continued his reading and investigation for four years.

In 1885 Captain Reed was admitted to the bar, and for 2 years engaged in
practice in Cedar Rapids, when he determined to seek a broader field of
usefulness, and on the 1st of August, 1887, arrived in Kansas City. He was
entirely unknown to its residents, but with commendable foresight, he
realized the rapid development and progress which the city would make, and
determined to become numbered among its attorneys. He opened an office in
the Nelson building, and from the beginning met with prosperity. He
afterward formed a partnership with William G. Clark, which continued for
about 1 year. He then entered into business relations with Hale H. Cook,
but this connection was discontinued after a short time, and he has been
mostly alone. He engages in general practice, is thoroughly read in his
profession, and has been retained on a number of very important cases, in
which he has been almost uniformly successful. He is devoted to his
clients' interests, and his character is above reproach, his reputation
without a blot.

In 1887 Captain Reed was united in marriage with Miss Lura Mansfield, of
Cedar Rapids, and their pleasant home is noted for its hospitality. In
politics he takes quite a prominent part, supporting the democracy, and as
a campaign orator his services are much in demand. He has attained not a
little note as a public speaker. Mr. Reed is very prominent in the Knights
of Pythias fraternity, in 1894 served as grand chancellor of the state of
Missouri, and has held various other positions in the order. He is also a
member of the Uniformed Rank, and is captain of Provost division, No. 1,
the largest division in the west, and one of the best drilled in the
entire country. He is a very enthusiastic Pythian, taking great interest
both in the order and in the state militia, in which he holds a captain's
commission. His pleasant, genial manner has made him many friends, and he
is very popular.



OSCAR DAHL
The efficient and popular manager of the Kansas City Safe Deposit Company,
is widely known in the social and business circles of the city. He is a
native of Sweden, born November 10, 1849, the son of Christian F. and
Henrietta (Roloff) Dahl, natives of Sweden, who lived, died and are buried
in their native land. Both these families were among the most eminently
respectable in Sweden and were prominent in the circles in which they
moved. Of the 4 children born to Christian Dahl and wife, only Oscar, the
youngest son, came to America.

He had good advantages in his youth for obtaining and education, the
schools for his native land being very thorough and the standard of
excellence quite equal to our own. He was of a studious nature, and, the
power of concentration being largely developed in him at an early age, it
was with considerable ease and dispatch that he learned readily and
quickly whatever he applied his mind to. His school days over he became
connected with his brother, Axel R., who lived in Stockholm, and was the
head of the largest book-publishing concern in Sweden, and with whom he
remained for several years, being greatly benefited by the valuable
business experience he gleaned in this well conducted establishment.

He was 24 years of age when he decided to cast his lot in a foreign land.
It was in 1873 that he bade adieu to his friends and relatives and sailed
for our shores, which he first touched at New York city. Subsequently he
made his way further westward, pulling up at Chicago, where he obtained
lucrative employment in the wholesale jewelry house of W. B. Clapp &
Company, in whose employ he remained until 1880, establishing himself the
reputation of a careful, painstaking and absolutely reliable employee.
From Chicago he went to Kansas City, which at that time gave abundant
evidence of its future greatness and prosperity. It was a kind fate that
directed him here, for he was fortunate in securing a good position in a
large grocery house as bookkeeper, which he retained for a year, when, in
1882, he received the appointment of gauger n the United States internal
revenue department, being the first Swedish-American to have the honor of
holding a government position in the state of Missouri. In this work he
remained a year, having creditably and efficiently discharged the exacting
duties of the position in a highly satisfactory manner to his superiors in
the service.

In 1883 he was tendered a position by the Kansas City Safe Deposit Company
as bookkeeper, which he accepted and filled for 4 years; and in 1887 he
was promoted to the management of the deposit department, where he has
since remained. Mr. Dahl has good executive and administrative abilities,
and since he has had charge of this department his management has proved
highly satisfactory to the company and its numerous patrons.

In 1892 he was elected on the republican ticket to a seat in the upper
house of the city council, being the only one of his party elected to this
legislative branch of the city government in this election. In the fall of
1894 he was the candidate of his party for clerk of criminal court, and
was unquestionable elected, but with the remainder of the republicans he
was counted out by the opposition. Socially Mr. Dahl is prominent in the
numerous circles of society, being connected with numerous orders and
societies, among which are the Knights of Pythias, being quartermaster in
the first regiment of the Uniform Rank of this order.

He was treasurer of the reception committee in 1892, during the conclave,
and helped in the distribution of prizes, which aggregated $32,000. He is
greatly interested in the Swedish-American people, and is at the head of
several of their societies. Their welfare is a personal matter to him, and
to their interests he devotes the same care that he does to his own
personal affairs. He is held deservedly in high regard by all classes of
respectable people, among whom are scores of warm personal friends who
delight in doing him honor.

Mr. Dahl was married in 1882 to Miss Bergfeldt Ingrid, who bore him 6
children, 3 of whom are now living: H. A., E. E., and Oscar. Mrs. Dahl
departed this life January 18, 1895, aged 33 years.



COL. GEORGE PEERY GROSS
To the successful business man certain traits of character are
indispensable. He must be the possessor of industry, enterprise, the power
of management and of keen discrimination. But a man may have all these
essential characteristics and gain prosperity, while his standing in the
community may not be the most enviable. Mr. Gross, however, has won
success in these lines, and at the same time there has been a fairness in
his dealings that commands the respect and confidence, while his
prosperity excites the admiration of all. He is now at the head of an
extensive trade, as a manufacturer's agent, handling hardware specialties
and selling manufacturers' goods to jobbers, his headquarters being in the
American Bank building of Kansas City.

Mr. Gross was born in Van Buren, Arkansas, November 21, 1847, and is a son
of George Gross, a native of Pennsylvania, who was a real-estate owner and
dealer. He descends from a family that has borne a prominent part in the
military history of the country. His great-grandfather ws one of the
heroes of the Revolution. His grandfather, Jacob S. Gross, of Allegheny,
Pennsylvania, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and his father displayed
his bravery by is service in the Confederate army.

Our subject left school at the age of 14 to join the Confederate army
under General Steele, and was employed as a courier in the Indian
Territory to carry dispatches to General Stanwatee, a Cherokee, and to
General Cooper, commander of the division in that territory. Mr. Gross was
thus employed for 7 months, when he went to Arkansas with Missouri troops
and took part in the campaign against General Banks in the Red river
expedition. He acted as courier for General Parsons, in command of the
Missouri troops, and was orderly at the battle of Saline river. He then
started to join General Price, but instead joined Brown's ranges, in
southern Missouri and northwestern Arkansas, participating in the battle
of Fayetteville. He afterward went to Texas, and in the Spring of 1865,
joined General Fagen's escort at Louisville, Arkansas. He afterward
started for Mexico with Shelby's brigade, but near Austin, Texas, his
horse was made lame, and he returned to Little Rock. For 3 years he served
in the army, and was bur once injured, receiving a slight flesh wound at
Pleasant Hill.

When the war was over, Mr. Gross returned to Van Buren, Arkansas, where he
engaged in merchandising, with fair success, until 1874, when he came to
Kansas City and secured a position as traveling salesman for the firm of
Duncan, Wyeth, Hene & Company. He traveled extensively in Nebraska,
Kansas, the Indian Territory, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Texas and old
Mexico. He worked up a new trade and won a high standing with the company.
He continued with the successors of that firm, the Hall & Willis Hardware
Company, until 1885, when he entered the employ of the Kansas City
Hardware Company, just organized, taking charge of their sales department
and putting upon the road many traveling salesmen. His management
contributed in no small measure to the success of the new enterprise.
After 2 years, however, he began business on his own account as
manufacturers' agent, and has built up an extensive trade. To the business
he gives his entire attention, and it is now very satisfactory. He is also
interested in mines and is president of the Electric Cash Carry & Change
Maker Company, capitalized at $500,000. He is also vice-president of the
Nopal Mining & Milling Company, owners of a large silver mine in Old
Mexico, which, however, is not in operation at the present time.

On the 18th of December, 1889, Colonel Gross was united in marriage with
Miss Martha V., daughter of Rev. John D. Vincil, of St. Louis, Missouri.
She is a lady of culture and acquired her eduction in Columbia and St.
Joseph, Missouri. They have a very pleasant home at No. 3200 Windsor
avenue. Our subject continues his interest in military affairs through his
connection with the 3rd regiment of Missouri national guards. In 1891 he
was appointed regimental quartermaster; later resigned and was elected 1st
lieutenant in t he artillery service; subsequently was appointed
quartermaster and soon was elected lieutenant colonel of the regiment.
When Colonel Simonds resigned, in October, 1895, Mr. Gross was elected his
successor, and is now in command of the regiment. He is the only
ex-Confederate in the regiment. In politics Colonel Gross is a democrat
and socially is a Royal Arch Mason.

Colonel Gross is a nephew of the late Mrs. Mary Peery, who at one time
owned all the property north of 12th street, and who was one among the
first settlers of Kansas City. Her husband was a Methodist minister, and
preached to the Indians before there was any settlement here. Colonel
Gross also has the deed to Hot Springs, Arkansas, which was handed down
from his grandfather, Andrew Peery, and dated 1812, and which was
purchased from a Spaniard by the name of Moran; and the deed was recorded
in Natchez, Misissippi. The Colonel is in a good way some time in the near
future to be prepared to press his claims.



DR. J. W. BOWMAN
Is one of the prominent residents of Kansas City who has gained a high
reputation as a leading physician and a man of ability in his profession.
His residence here covers a comparatively short period, little more than a
decade, yet he has demonstrated his right to be numbered among the
proficient representatives of medical science, and the public attests his
trustworthiness by a liberal patronage.

Dr. Bowman was born near Toronto, Canada, September 5, 1846, and is a son
of Samuel and Ann (Marr) Bowman, the former a native of Cheshire county,
New Hampshire, while the latter was born in Milton, Pennsylvania, of
Scotch-Irish parentage. The father descended from old Puritan stock, and
representatives of the family have been prominent in various walks of
life. Two of the maternal uncles of the Doctor, Joseph and Phineas Marr,
were noted Presbyterian ministers. The father of our subject ran away from
home when a young man to learn the tanner's trade, and after serving an
apprenticeship in Perry, New York, he crossed the boundary line into
Canada at Niagara Falls. Fixing his residence near Toronto, he worked at
his trade until he had accumulated a little capital, when he established a
tannery of his own, which he operated for a number of years, very
successfully. He left home with $.25 in his pocket, but he possessed a
resolute courage and determination, and his energy and enterprise brought
to him success. He accumulated considerable property, including a farm
near Toronto, Canada, on which he made his home until his death in 1866.
He served as justice of the peace for many years, and was at one time
active in political affairs, but was never an office-seeker. While
residing in Canada, Joseph Marr was sent as a Presbyterian missionary to
that section of the country, and while thus engaged was visited by his
sister, Ann Marr. It was in this manner that Mr. Bowman, father of the
Doctor, met the lady whom he made his wife, going to Pennsylvania for that
purpose. They had 8 children, four of whom are still living, namely:
Samuel A., who resides on the old homestead in Canada; Dr. J. W.; Charles
A.; and Mrs. N. A. Hughes, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Bowman was reared in Canada, where he acquired his education, and at
the University of Toronto was graduated with the class of 1867, completing
the medical course. He was but 17 years of age when he began the study of
medicine, and had therefore completed the full 4 year course in the year
that witnessed his entrance into manhood. Immediately after his graduation
he came to the United States, locating in Watsontown, Pennsylvania, where
he remained until 1875. During that time he was appointed and served as a
local surgeon of the Pennsylvania & Erie Railroad.

In 1875 Dr. Bowman returned to Canada and located on the St. Clair river,
opposite St. Clair, Michigan, about 60 miles above Detroit, where he
engaged in practice until 1884. He served as a member of the local board
of health and also associate coroner of the county within that time. In
1884 he came to Kansas City a perfect stranger, but believing it to be an
advantageous field of labor, owing to its rapid development, he sold his
property in Canada and here established an office, since which time he has
been successfully engaged in practice in Jackson county. He now has a good
business, which is well merited.

Before coming to the city Dr. Bowman was married, in 1883, to Miss Mary A.
Van Valzah, of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, in whose family there were 25
physicians. She is also a relative of General Montgomery, who fell during
the assault on Quebec. By their union have been born 3 daughters -
Margaret V., having died in infancy. The others are Henrietta Marr and
Catherine Van Valzah.

The Doctor and his wife are member of the Presbyterian church and Mrs.
Bowman is a member of the Daughters of the Revolution. The Doctor also
belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and is connected with the Jackson
County Medical Society. He is the professor of the principles and
practices of medicine and medical examiner for life insurance in the
College of Physicians and Surgeons, of Kansas City, Kansas, and is the
medical examiner for the Hartford Life and Annuity Insurance Company, the
Fidelity Mutual Life Association of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the United
States Life Insurance Company of New York, the Bankers' Life Association
of St. Paul, and several others of less importance. In June, 1895, he was
elected a member of the city council of Kansas City, and is chairman of
the sanitary, hospital and workhouse committees, also a member of the
committees on finance, streets, alleys and grades, and of the water
committee.



DR. JOHN DAY WOOD
President of the Bank of Independence, Independence, Missouri, has
occupied this position during the past 9 years and is recognized as one of
the leading business men and progressive spirits of the place.

Dr. Wood was born in LaFayette county, Missouri, February 15, 1843, and is
a representative of a family long resident in this country, their history
being traced from Missouri back to Tennessee and thence to the “Old
Dominion.” John Wood, the Doctor's grandfather, was born in Virginia. At
an early period he emigrated to Tennessee, being among the pioneers of
that state, and it was there that his son, Isaac H., the Doctor's father
was born, reared and married, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary B.
Satterfield. In 1838 the family left Sumner county, Tennessee, and moved
over into Missouri, making settlement in the southern part of LaFayette
county. Here Isaac H. Wood became a leading citizen. Prior to the civil
war he served as state senator, representing the district in which
LaFayette county was at that time embraced; and he also occupied other
public positions. His death occurred October 28, 1877, on the farm where
he settled on first coming to the state. His wife, Mrs. Mary B. Wood,
survived him until January 26, 1894. They were the parents of 9 children,
namely: Lamissa J., John D., Fannie E., Joseph, Madison G., Mary, Clara,
James F. and Maggie L.

John D., was reared in his native county, and there received the principal
part of his education. He attended Chapel Hill College, afterward was a
student in the Missouri College, at Lexington, and for more than a year
attended the sessions of Central College at Fayette, in Howard county. In
1862 he began the study of medicine under the instructions of Dr. A. B.
Hereford, one of the prominent old physicians of LaFayette county, and in
the fall of the following year entered the St. Louis Medical College,
where he graduated in the spring of 1865. After his graduation he formed a
partnership with Dr. Hereford, his former preceptor, and commenced the
practice of his profession at Mount Hope, LaFayette county, where he
remained one year. His next location was at Pink Hill, in Jackson county.
Here he continued until 1877, when he relinquished the practice of
medicine and went to Colorado. A year later we find him in Montana, where
he spent the next 4 years in buying and shipping cattle to the eastern
markets, and after this spent 2 years in Comanche county, Kansas. After
these years of sojourn in various portions of the west, he came again to
Jackson county, Missouri, and in the fall of 1886 organized the Bank of
Independence, of which he has since been president.

Dr. Wood was married in 1872 to Miss Jennie F. Wood, who departed this
life January 23, 1890. She was a daughter of the late Robert H. Wood, a
native of Tennessee, and for some years a resident of Jackson county,
Missouri, where he died. He was married the 2nd time in 1892 to Mrs. N. E.
Vincent.

For 5 years of his residence in Independence, Dr. Wood has figured as a
member of the city council, where his influence has been directed in a way
that has been beneficial to the city. Indeed, he is a man of more than
ordinary business enterprise and push, and as an advocate of public
improvements can always be relied upon. For many years he has been a
member of the southern Methodist church.



LYMAN ADAMS BERGER
One of the best known physicians in the State of Missouri, is a western
man by birth and interests, and is a typical representative of the
progressive spirit of this section.

He was born in Lebanon, Illinois, on the 22nd of November, 1853, and is a
son of Dr. Adolph and Cecelia (Adams) Berger, the former a native of
Worms, Germany and the latter of Kentucky. The father was a graduate of
the Heidelberg Medical College and came to this country in 1848 during the
uprising of the students of that justly celebrated institution. He located
in Lebanon, Illinois, where he immediately entered upon the practice of
medicine, and his superior ability won recognition by a liberal patronage.
Fame and fortune rewarded him and he was known as one of the most eminent
physicians in the section of the state in which he located. He is still
living in Lebanon, but is now retired, enjoying the rest which he has
truly earned. He was prominent in public and political affairs but cared
nothing for office. The family numbered 8 children, 4 of whom died in
infancy, while 1 sister died at the age of 30 years. The surviving members
are Lyman A.; W. E., cashier of the Jefferson Avenue Bank of St. Louis;
and Albert L, an attorney of Kansas City and county auditor of Wyandotte
county.

Dr. Berger, whose name introduces this review, spent his childhood days
under the parental roof in Lebanon, and completed his literary education
in McKendree College, at which he was graduated in 1871. He now determined
to enter the medical profession, for which nature seemed to have destined
him. He early displayed special talent, which was developed by thorough
study and close application. He pursued a course in the St. Louis Medical
College, and was graduated with the class of 1874. He immediately began
practice in Trenton, Illinois, where he continued 2 years, when on account
of failing health he sought a home in the west, practicing for about 2
years in Idaho City, Idaho. In February, 1880, he arrived in Kansas City,
where he has since engaged in general practice, working his way steadily
upward until he is today recognized as one of the most eminent members of
the profession in the state. In 1887 he went with his father to Europe and
took a special course in obstetrics in Berlin and Vienna. For 10 years he
has been the sole medical attendant at the Home for the Aged, and is chief
of the staff of the German hospital. He occupied the chair of hygiene and
clinical medicine in the University Medical College, and for 8 years has
been professor of obstetrics in that institution. He is the obstetrician
at All Saints Hospital, and established the first obstetrical dispensary
in the University Medical College, this being the first in the United
States. He has also been secretary of the faculty of that school for 7
years; in 1890 was secretary of the State Medical Society of Missouri, and
in 1891 was first vice-president of the Pan-American Medical Congress, in
the section on obstetrics, at Washington, District of Columbia. His
reputation partakes nothing of a meteoric character: it is the legitimate
outcome of a skill and ability that have resulted from earnest
application, thorough study, dep investigation and devotion to his chosen
calling.

He has been twice married. In 1871 he wedded Miss L. E. Dausman, by whom
he had 4 children, 3 yet living, namely: Haidee F., Lillie J., and Grace.
The mother died in 1876 and in 1879 Dr. Berger married Ms. E. Eldon, of
Syracuse, New York. She is a cultured and educated lady, and is a member
of the Episcopal church.

The Doctor is a valued member of the Masonic fraternity - a Knight Templar
and a Mystic “Shriner”. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias and
several other societies, and is the medical examiner for the endowment
rank of the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of Honor, the Modern Woodmen
of America, and the National Life Insurance Company of Vermont. In manner
he is ever courteous and genial, and has a large circle of friends who
have been won both through business and social relations.



HON. JAMES M. JONES
The present efficient mayor Kansas City, Missouri, is well known in social
and professional circles, and a brief review of his life is here
submitted.

He is a native of New York, his birth occurring March 9, 1861, in
Prospect, Oneida county, in that state. He is, therefore, 35 years old,
and is yet inside the line that marks the apex of man's intellectual and
physical powers. From his youth he had a predilection for the law and an
inordinate fondness for books, and with that pertinacity which has marked
his actions thus far in his career he persistently held to the purpose of
obtaining an education.

When 5 years of age, his parents removed to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where his
boyhood was passed. His progressive spirit was early manifested by the
rapid advancement he made in his studies, passing quickly through the
grades of the public schools, and at the early age of 18 years he
graduated, with high honors, at the State Normal School at Oshkosh. The
confidence the people of Oshkosh had in him at this youthful age is
attested by their selection of him to assume the principalship of the city
schools. Oshkosh then had 25,000 people, and was the 2nd city of
importance in the state. It was, indeed, a recognition of ability rarely
extended to one so young, and so well did the young professor discharge
the duties of the responsible position that the board was unanimous in
continuing him at the head of the schools, which position he ably, justly
and efficiently filled for 4 consecutive years; and to this day the people
of Oshkosh speak in terms of highest praise of the ability he displayed in
the government and management of its educational interests.

But young Jones had aspirations. The law had been the dream of his early
life, and to that end, while attending schools and teaching, his leisure
hours had been devoted to solving the problems of Blackstone. He had now
sufficient funds to defray the expense of obtaining a legal education, and
the time seemed propitious for the start; so he resigned his position,
much to the public's regret. Immediately thereafter he entered the
Columbian Law College of New York city, where he took the full course, and
was graduated well up at the head of a large class. Returning to Oshkosh
he was admitted to the bar in 1885, having passed a most creditable
examination.

Deciding that Kansas City was the coming city of the great southwest, and
that a brilliant future awaited it, he determined to cast his lot here,
and forthwith he came. He was at once admitted to the bar here, opened an
office and soon had a lucrative practice. In 1886 he entered into a law
co-partnership with his elder brother, George L. Jones, under the firm
name of Jones & Jones, which is still in existence.

In the spring of 1894 the municipal affairs of the city were in a
deplorable condition, and the better class of citizens, irrespective of
party, decided that a “house cleaning” was necessary, and that efficient
men should be elected to fill the various officers of the city. To that
end a committee of 70 prominent citizens was organized, of all parties, by
whom Mr. Jones was unanimously endorsed for the office of police judge,
and the endorsement of the committee was quickly followed by his
nomination for that place at the republican primaries. At the polls he won
a signal victory, receiving the largest vote of all the candidates in the
field, his popularity again being attested by no uncertain sound; and his
conduct during his 2 year term upon the bench received the words of
warmest commendation and praise from both press and people. In the
discharge of duty he is courageous, personal fear being unknown to him,
and in an incredibly short time he succeeded, while upon the bench, in
breaking up the tough gangs which infested the city, and exterminated the
“crap” and “policy” games, which like barnacles seemed to have a life grip
upon the city.

His enviable record as police judge caused him to become the favorable
cynosure of all eyes, the pride of his party, and the logical republican
candidate for mayor of the city in the spring of 1896. His great
popularity and the confidence reposed in him was pointedly attested by the
fact that with one acclaim he was accorded the mayoralty nomination at the
hands of the republican party without any opposition whatever, and after a
most heated and exciting campaign, developing intense public interest, the
Judge was elected mayor on April 7, 1896, for a term of 2 years, by a
large plurality over Henry C. Kumpf, his democratic opponent. Although now
only in the full morning of his administration as mayor, he has already
developed that restless energy, fearless courage of conviction and sound
judgment so pre-eminent in his personal qualifications, and which presage
for him a brilliant career as chief executive of this giant city of the
southwest.

Careful study has developed a well-trained mind, a perfectly balanced
judgment, fearless courage and an obstinate regard for right and justice.
A natural student, fond of reading and study, inclined to literary
pursuits, an easy writer and speaker, strong in his friendships, he has
gathered about him choice books and a legion of faithful friends who
delight in doing him honor. Alive to the wrongs of suffering humanity, he
is generous and active in his efforts to improve the conditions of the
wronged and afflicted. Honest and upright, he despises sham and hypocrisy,
and none are quicker than he to discern the “cloven hoof” of villainy.
Judge Jones has in his political affiliations been a lifelong republican,
always taking a keen interest in decent politics, but prior to his
election as police judge he never sought or held office. He is a genial
gentleman to meet, of pleasing address, always companionable and
entertaining, a sound lawyer and an able parliamentarian. That honors
still greater await the Judge at the hands of his friends and party can
safely be predicted.

He was married in 1888 to Miss Ada T. Towson, a native of Georgia. They
have one son, Wayne Towson. The Judge is a member of the Masonic
fraternity, Knights of Pythias of the Masonic Woodmen of America. He is a
Unitarian in religious sentiment and a member of that church.



WALTER BALES
Deceased, was one of Kansas City's most honored pioneers. Long before the
Indians had left this locality for reservations further west, when land
was wild, the prairies unbroken, he settled within what is now the
corporate limits of the city and became identified with its upbuilding and
interests. For more than half a century he was an important factor in
educational, business and political circles, and no man in all the
community was held in higher regard or had the confidence of the people to
a greater degree than Walter Bales.

He was born in east Tennessee, February 10, 1803, and was a son of John
Bales, who lived and died in that state. There our subject grew to
manhood, and made it his place of abode until about 28 years of age, when
he started westward, reaching his destination after some weeks of travel
in a wagon. He drove a 4-horse team, of which he was very fond, and
throughout his entire life he manifested a great love for good horses.
While on the way they camped at night, traveling from early dawn till
dark. They brought with them all their household effect and stock. Mr.
Bales first located in the east bottoms, where he lived one winter. There
he formed the acquaintance of Sarah Johnson, and their friendship ripening
into love, the young couple were married on the 3rd of June, 1832. The
lany had come with her father to Jackson county in October, 1825, and was
therefore one of the very first settlers of all this region.

After his marriage, Mr. Bales removed with his bride to where is now the
junction of 14th street and Bernard Avenue. At this time all the country
was very wild, the plains were unbroken by the plow, and the Indians had a
trading post on what is now the very heart of the city. The land, however,
was cultivated and yielded rich returns for the care and labor bestowed
upon it. Mr. Bales purchased property of his father-in-law, paying $1.25
per acre for his claim, and 10 acres of the original tract is yet in
possession of his family. For many years he carried on agricultural
pursuits, transforming the wild prairies into rich and fertile fields, and
his well-directed efforts brought to him a comfortable competence. As the
population of Kanas City greatly increased, land values in consequence
rose rapidly and his property commanded high prices.

In the development and upbuilding of the city Mr. Bales took a very
prominent and active part. To no man in Kansas City are the schools more
greatly indebted than to Mr. Bales. He became deeply interested in
educational matters as the town grew and was trustee and district clerk
for about 25 years, doing most of the business of the schools and
promoting their interests in all possible ways. He also served as
magistrate for more than 20 years, meting out justice to all alike without
fear or favor. He was the soul of honor and integrity in business and
public life and his name was above reproach. He took an active interest in
political affairs, was an extensive reader and was thoroughly well
informed on all the questions and interests of the day. He was a warm
admirer of Henry Clay, and in the early days supported the whig party, but
at the time of the war transferred his allegiance to the democracy. He
also served as county judge for about 7 years, discharging his duties with
a promptness and fidelity that won for him high commendation.

Although Mr. Bales was called into public life to a great extent his
interests clustered around his home, and he would never accept an office
that would force him to be away from home for any considerable period. His
domestic ties were the strongest that he acknowledged, and it seemed that
he could not do too much to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness
of his family. He left to them not only a fortune obtained through
honorable business methods, but also the priceless heritage of a good
name. Before his death he divided all his money and property equally among
his 6 children. He passed away July 8, 1887, respected alike by young and
old, rich and poor.

There is in the laborious struggle for an honorable competence and solid
career of the business or professional man, fighting the every-day battle
of life, but little to attract the idle reader in search of a sensational
chapter; but for a mind thoroughly awake to the reality and meaning of
human existence there are noble and immortal lessons in the life of the
man who, without other means than a clear head, a strong arm and a true
heart, conquers adversity, and toiling on through the work-a-day years of
a long career finds that he has won not only wealth but also something far
greater and higher - the deserved respect and esteem of those with whom
his years of active life placed him in contact. Such a man was Mr. Bales.
His wife also won the love and confidence of those whom she met, and was
to her husband a faithful companion and helpmeet. She possessed a
remarkable memory, and at the time Mr. Bales was school trustee she could
remember every child's name and his age after being told once. She died
May 12, 1893.

In the family were the following children: John, of Belton, Missouri;
William, of Kansas City; Samuel H.; Walter, also of Belton, Missouri; Mary
E. and James E., both of this city. This is one of the best known families
of Kansas City, and their name is inseparable connected with its history.
All have taken a deep interest in the upbuilding of the community, in the
promotion of every enterprise calculated to prove of public benefit, and
at the time of the war people who became frightened felt safe it they
could get refuge in the house of Walter Bales; and his home was open to
all.


DR. WILLIAM WHITTAKER
Is a well known and eminent regular physician who has successfully
practiced in Kansas City since 1885. He is a native of Ireland, born at
Ballina, on the west coast of the island, March 3, 1841, and is a son of
Dr. William and Frances (Crofton) Whittaker, natives of the Emerald Isle.
To them were born 6 children, 3 of whom are now living: John Henderson,
the distinguished surgeon general of the English army at the Royal
Hibernian Military School, Phoenix Park, Dublin; Dr. William, our subject;
and Frances, wife of Rev. John R. Mills, rector, county Limerick, Ireland.

The father of our subject was an eminent physician and widely known in the
counties Mayo and Sligo. He was a gentleman of superior education and
professional skill, and his influence in the circles of his wide
acquaintance was great. He died December 12, 1859, at the age of 52 years,
and his wife departed this life February 22, 1866. Both were Episcopalians
in religious belief, their lives strictly conforming to the requirements
of a high standard of Christian living.

The paternal grandfather of Dr. Whittaker was John Henderson Whittaker,
also a native of Ireland, and a gentleman prominent in affairs. For many
years he was inspector general of police. He had a large family, all of
whom were eminently respectable and filled important positions. He died at
the age of 51 years. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Robert M.
Crofton, a native of Ireland who owned large landed estates. He also
became prominent in local affairs, and his promising life was cut off by
death at the early age of 31 years.

Dr. William Whittaker was reared in Ballina, the town of his nativity,
where he was thoroughly educated in the higher branches of learning.
Subsequently he was matriculated at the Royal College of Surgeons and the
King and Queens College of Physicians, graduating at the former in 1863
and at the latter the following year. Immediately thereafter he began
practice in county Mayo, where he remained 3 years; then removed to county
Wexford, where for 18 years he attended to the demands of a large practice
and became notable in the profession. In 1885 he left the associations of
his life and the land of his birth and emigrated to American, where so
many of his countrymen have found refuge and a home with all the
privileges of citizenship. Upon his arrival on our shores he proceeded to
Kansas City, where he immediately opened an office and has since
practiced, with no small degree of success and satisfaction.

On the 26th of March, 1867, he was married to Miss Mary Catherine,
daughter of Dr. and Elizabeth (Archer) Darley. Eight children resulted
from their union, 4 sons and 4 daughters: William E. N., Robert M. C.,
Clement A., John H., Frances E., Dora M., Henrietta J. B. and Annette U.
C. The eldest son, William E. N., a popular and promising young man, died
at the age of 23 years. Robert M. C. married Miss Jennie Tinsley and has 1
child, Geraldine Crofton. The entire family are acceptable members of the
Episcopal church, and all are actively interested in its workings and
influence, adding not a little by their personal efforts to the
effectiveness of their church's influence for good. The Doctor is a member
of the A. O. U. W., and at political elections he votes independently.



GEORGE W. BRIANT
Whose varied experiences on the western frontier and whose connection with
the upbuilding and development of the southwest well entitle him to
representation among its pioneers, is now an esteemed resident of Kansas
City, Missouri.

He was born in Cooper county, now Pettis county, Missouri, 8 miles distant
from the present site of Sedalia, on the 12th of March 1830, and descended
from an old pioneer family. His father, William Briant, was born in
Virginia, but was reared in Kentucky, whence he came to Missouri in an
early day. There he located on a farm which he made his home until 1844,
when he came to Jackson county, settling 7 miles southeast of
Independence. His next home was in Cass county, near the city of Belton,
where he was killed during a raid of the notorious “Red Legs” from Kansas,
at the age of 71 years. Mr. Briant was twice married. In Kentucky he
wedded Elizabeth Burnett, and had a family of 3 children. For his 2nd
wife, Mr. Briant chose Elizabeth Sloan, of Cooper county, who survived him
several years. His family numbered 10 children, 5 of whom are yet living.
Three of the sisters of our subject are residents of Kansas City, namely:
Kate, wife of Benjamin Berkley; Margaret, widow of John J. Moore; Sarah
B., wife of John W. Moore, ex-mayor of Kansas City; and Carrie is the wife
of Frank Ferrill, of Buffalo Gap, Texas.

The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch was reared amid the wild
scenes of frontier life, and accompanied his parents on their various
removals until he had attained his majority. The arduous labor of
developing a farm in a new locality is familiar to him, and he has
undergone many of the experiences of life in the west, such as have
furnished material for many works of fiction. Long journeys across the
plains seldom traversed by white men, where Indian attacks might be
expected at almost any time, were a part of the experiences of his early
manhood. To his father he gave the benefit of his services until a year
after the removal of the family to Cass county, Missouri, when at the age
of 21 he began freighting in the employ of F. Y. Ewing, an old freighter
who took goods across the plains to Santa Fe, New Mexico. During the first
year Mr. Briant made 2 trips. The following year he fitted out 5 terms and
wagons, and in company with several owned by James B. Yeager, he again
journeyed to the southwest and was manager of the entire train. For 17
years thereafter he engaged in freighting and though it was an arduous
business it was also a profitable one. He frequently had as many as 50
wagons engaged in freight, and 6 yoke of cattle attached to each wagon.
During this time he made 66 trips over the Santa Fe Trail and was very
successful in the undertaking. A train numbered from 25 to 60 men, and
they were often called upon to repulse Indian attacks; for the red men,
bent on plunder and often more serious mischief, frequently made raids on
the freighters. He was a sub-contractor and general agent for the overland
freighting firm of Russell, Major & Waddell, which made a contract with
the government to engage in this business, and handled government
supplies. Mr. Briant made trips to Santa Fe and Fort Union, and during
this time was a resident of Kansas City. He received ten cents per pound
to haul freight, whereas it can now be conveyed over the railroad that
distance for a half cent per pound. He continued the business until
railroads were constructed, when of course it was no longer profitable.

On his retirement from that vocation, Mr. Briant turned his attention to
banking, and as a member of the firm of J. Q. Watkins & Co. he opened a
state bank in Kansas City, with which he was connected for 10 years. It
was the 2nd banking institution in the city, and was located at the corner
of 2nd and Main streets. It followed a safe and conservative policy, and
the straightforward business methods commended it to the confidence of
all. During the financial panic of 1873 they lost money, although they
paid their depositors dollar for dollar, and in consequence the business
was closed. There were two banks in all Kansas City that stood the severe
test of the times and were enabled to continue business, and that with
which Mr. Briant was connected had an honorable record, against which
naught could be said.

The next business venture of our subject was as a stock trader and feeder.
He has a farm in Linn county, Missouri, near Brookfield, where he feeds
large numbers of cattle, and this enterprise has proved to him a
profitable one. He is also engaged in real-estate dealing and has made
some judicious investments in realty, which have proved to him good paying
securities.

On the 8th of October, 1858, Mr. Briant was united in marriage with Miss
Elizabeth Lobb, a daughter of Zachariah Lobb, of Jackson county. They have
no children of their own, but have reared an adopted daughter, Louise
Watkins, now the wife of Harry Sefrick, of Kansas City. They also gave a
home to Lulu Watkins, wife of Henry Jones, of Kansas City, and they now
reside in the home of Mr. Briant.

Our subject was reared as a member of the whig party, but is now a
supporter of the principles of democracy. He has been a lifelong member of
the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and is now identified with the
congregation at Westport, and is serving as elder. He owes his success in
life entirely to his own unaided efforts. Hi started out in life with no
capital, has surmounted many obstacles and overcome many difficulties, but
steadily he has worked his way upward, and has built for himself a
competency and a good credit that places him among the substantial
residents of Kansas City, while his life is but another example of what
can be accomplished in this grand country of ours.



WILLIAM HUDSPETH
Of the pioneer families that have long been connected with Jackson county
none are more deserving of mention in this volume than the one of which
our subject is a member.

His father, Thomas Hudspeth, was a native of Kentucky, born February 17,
1805, and came to Jackson county in 1828, locating in Fort Osage township,
where he engaged in farming until 1849. Attracted by the discovery of gold
in California, he then crossed the plains to the Pacific slope for the
purpose of mining, but died November 16, of the same year. His wife, who
bore the maiden name of Cynthia Hambright, was a native of Simpson county,
Kentucky. They were married March 29, 1829. She died in Fort Osage
township, January 29, 1883. They had a family of 6 children, 2 sons and 4
daughters, of whom our subject was the 4th in order of birth.

William Hudspeth was born on the old family homestead in Fort Osage
township, July 6, 1844, and in that locality was reared to manhood, making
his home with his mother until his marriage, which was celebrated on the
20th of December, 1870, the lady of his choice being Miss Mattie Rogers, a
native of Blue township, Jackson county, born August 31, 1850. She is a
daughter of Winslow and Nancy (Webb) Rogers, honored early settler of Blue
township, where they are yet living, the former a native of Kentucky and
the latter of Tennessee. Their family numbered 8 children, 4 sons and 4
daughters, of whom Mrs. Hudspeth is the 5th. To our subject and his wife
have now been born 4 children, 3 of whom are now living, Thomas W.,
Clifton and Hency C. The other child died in infancy. Mrs. Hudspeth is a
member of the Christian church.

In March, 1871, Mr. Hudspeth located upon his present farm and has since
devoted his attention to the cultivation of land and to the rising of
stock. He now owns 261 acres of highly cultivated land, and the
well-tilled fields yield to him a golden tribute in return for his care
and labor. He is also one of the directors in the Bank of Buckner. During
the war he was engaged in freighting to Colorado and New Mexico, mostly
hauling provisions for the soldiers. After his return he went to
Leavenworth, Kansas, in January, 1865. He walked to Missouri City,
carrying his clothes in a flour sack, and proceeded on to Ray county,
Missouri, near Richmond, where his mother was then living. In March, 1865,
she returned with her family to Jackson county, and again took up her
abode in Fort Osage township.

In politics, Mr. Hudspeth is a sturdy democrat, and socially is connected
with Buckner lodge, No. 501, F. & A. M. Straightforward and honorable in
all his business dealings, he has carefully and systematically conducted
his affairs, and today is the owner of a valuable and desirable property.



GEORGE CLARK MOSHER, M.D.
Fame bestows her favors charily. Like the wreaths of the Old Olympic
games, they are given only to the victor as the reward of superiority.
That the name of Dr. Mosher stands high upon the roll of eminent
physicians is a compliment justly deserved, won through earnest
application, deep research and laudable ambition. He is now widely known
as a representative of the medical profession, and though a young man is
the acknowledged equal of many whose heads are whitened by the experiences
of life.

The Doctor was born in Mt. Blanchard, Ohio, August 8, 1858, and is a son
of George S. and Charlotte (Fitch) Mosher, the former a native of New
York, and the latter of Ohio. The Mosher family came from England to this
country in 1622 and settled in Providence Plantation (Rhode Island). The
family furnished a number of representatives to the medical profession,
who became eminent in their calling, including Dr. Jacob S. Mosher, of the
Albany Medical College, one of the most prominent physicians and surgeons
of the east. The grandfather of our subject, Philip C. Mosher, was one of
the builders of the Ohio & Erie canal, also the Cleveland canal. In an
early day he emigrated to Ohio, and died near Toledo, that state. He was
one of the most expert and capable contractors of the country, and at the
time of his death was engaged in building the Miami canal.

George S. Mosher, the Doctor's father, completed his education by his
graduation at Shurtleff College, at Alton, Illinois. Subsequently he
turned his attention to merchandising and carried on a very large and
lucrative business at Mt. Blanchard, Ohio, for a number of years. He also
served as auditor of Hancock county, that state, for 2 terms and was very
active in public affairs. He is now living a retired life, and makes his
home in Kansas City. His family numbered 6 children, 4 of whom are now
living, namely: Dr. George C., Mrs. A. M. Finney, Ellen and Donald F.

Dr. Mosher acquired his early education in the public and high schools of
his native town, graduating on the completion of the regular course, and
then entered the Ohio State University, where he remained until 1880.
Having determined to enter the medical profession, he then began
preparation for his chosen calling as a student for the Kentucky School of
Medicine in Louisville, at which he was graduated in 1882. For 2 years he
practiced in Findlay, Ohio, and for 2 years occupied the position of
assistant surgeon of the second Ohio regiment, and while acting in that
capacity took part in the Cincinnati courthouse riot.

Wishing to enter upon a broader field of labor, Dr. Mosher sought a home
in Kansas City in 1884, and has since been numbered among its most
successful physicians. That he was well fitted for the profession is
indicated by the fact that on his graduation at college he won the faculty
prize, a gold medal, a case of surgical instruments and a set of books on
clinical medicine. Opening an office in Kansas City, it was not long
before he had secured a liberal patronage, and had won a place among the
foremost members of the fraternity. He is ever watchful for chances of
improvement and advancement, and is thoroughly versed in his profession,
keeping abrest with the times in every particular. He has served as
medical examiner for several prominent life insurance companies. He was
appointed adjunct professor of obstetrics in the Kansas City Medical
College, and on the death of Dr. F. M. Johnson was made professor of
obstetrics in that institution, which chair he is now filling. In 1890, in
order to attain further perfection, he went to Europe, where he spent one
year in study and investigation in the hospitals of Paris, London, Munich,
Berlin and Edinburg.

Upon his return Dr. Mosher once more resumed general practice in Kansas
City, and has met with most gratifying success. He is both a student and a
lover of his profession, and entirely by his own efforts has worked his
way upward. He was appointed on the staff of St. Margaret's hospital in
1892, but resigned in 1895, on account of his large practice. He visits
the city hospital of Kansas City, giving clinical lectures on obstetrics.
He is a member of the Jackson County Medical Society, the Western
Association of Obstetricians, the Kansas City Academy of Medicine, the
Missouri State Medical Association, and the American Medical Association,
and was a delegate to the International Medical Congress, which convened
in Berlin in 1890.

For 3 years the Doctor has been a director of the Mercantile & Loan
Association. On coming to Kansas City he served as tornado reporter for
the weather bureau, before the establishment of a signal service bureau
here. In politics he is a democrat, but the pressing demands of his
profession have prevented him from ever taking a prominent part in public
affairs. Fraternally, he is connected with the Masonic lodge and the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He now owns a beautiful home on East 9th
street, which is presided over by his gracious and estimable wife, who in
her maidenhood was Miss Ida Beagle, a native of Michigan. Their marriage
was celebrated in 1883, and has been blessed with 3 children, a son and 2
daughters, Ruth, George F., and Gladys. The parents are members of the
First Congregational church.



DR. JAMES HEATH, M. D.
Is a popular and well known scientist and physician of Kansas City, who
was born in Janesville, Wisconsin, July 13, 1839. He is a son of Dr. James
Heath, a graduate of Vermont Medical College, who became prominent in the
profession, having practiced in Janesville for a number of years. Later he
went to California, where he acquired a notable reputation as a physician,
having been considered one of the ablest in the state. His death occurred
in California. Of his 3 children, 2 are living: Ivon D., who was a
hospital steward during the entire period of the war and now a resident of
New York City; and E. R.

Our subject was reared in his native town till his 9th year, when, in
1848, accompanying his father, the long overland journey to the Pacific
coast was undertaken, arriving in Sacramento City in October, 1849. This
was a memorable year to California and early Californians, there being
nothing in our history before or since to compare with the situation and
condition that confronted the “49ers” on that coast. Although only a lad,
10 years of age, he became imbued with the spirit of the people to obtain
riches, and at once began peddling candy, which proved quite a lucrative
business. For 5 years he remained amid the exciting scenes of this new
land of gold. In 1854 he returned to the states, making the return journey
by way of the Nicaragua route, having had an experience that falls to the
lives of but few men and still fewer boys.

Locating in Beloit, Wisconsin, he started to school. His education had of
necessity been neglected, and he made strong efforts to make up for loss
incurred by lack of opportunity. In this he succeeded admirably, having
graduated at Beloit College in 1861. He now took up the study of medicine,
entering the New York Homeopathic College, and graduated in 1863. Locating
in Palmyra, New York, he successfully practiced till 1867, when he went to
Dayton, Ohio, remaining a year. In 1868 he came to Kansas City, and the
year following he went to South America as secretary of the legation to
Chili, which position he filled for two years. He then went to Peru to
become surgeon in chief for the Pacasmayo Railroad, then under
construction by Henry Meiggs.

Here he remained until 1878, acquiring prominence in his profession.
Having in view an exploring expedition to the river Beni, he returned for
the purpose of procuring a proper outfit for the undertaking. His return
to South America was by way of the river Amazon. He was prevailed upon to
accept the position of chief surgeon at San Antonio, Brazil, for the
Madeira & Marmore Railroad under construction by Collins Brothers,
remaining 6 months. His next venture was into Bolivia, where he resided 2
years, and during this time successfully made the descent of the river
Beni, thoroughly exploring and mapping it, then ascending the same river
as far as La Paz, and returned to the coast by way of Puno and Molendo.

In 1881 he returned to the States by way of Panama and located in Kansas
City, Kansas. In 1883 he enjoyed the distinction of being made a Fellow of
the Royal Geographical and a member of the American Geographical
Societies. In 1892 he was elected to the chair of chemistry in Kansas City
Homeopathic College, and for a number of years he was connected with the
United States signal service. Dr. Heath makes a specialty of kidney
diseases and microscopy, and in these special lines of practice he is an
acknowledged authority, being widely known throughout the southwest as a
successful practitioner in his specialties. The winter of 1893-4 he spent
in the coffee fields of Guatemala as administrator of an extensive
plantation. Throughout North and South America he is widely known as a
scientist and traveler, and in 1894 he was honored by the Bolivian
government in having his name given to one of the principal rivers of that
country, and has been appointed Bolivian consul, with residence in Kansas
City, Missouri.

His life has been a busy one, combining an amount of travel and research
that becomes the privilege of few; and fewer still would care to have
undertaken the journeys of his life, which began in youth, or those of
later years in a country so inaccessible and fraught with so many dangers
and deprivations of comfort. He is a thorough student in all branches of
knowledge, and, possessing a remarkably retentive memory and good
conversational abilities, he is a most pleasing and instructive companion.
He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and politically his affiliations
are with the republican party.



ALSON ALEXANDER WHITE
There is no such word as “luck” in the lexicon of business men, for
experience has taught them most convincingly that success is the result of
persistent application, of intelligent methods that demand time for their
development, and that the necessary qualifications are ambition,
indefatigable energy, steadfastness of purpose and integrity. That Mr.
White is today numbered among the most prominent representatives of
commercial circles in Kansas City is due to his exercise of these
qualities.

A native of Iowa, he was born in Allamakee county, on the 1st of July,
1852, and is a son of Cutler J. White, who emigrated from Vermont in 1849
to try his fortune in the west. He was reared amid the Green mountains of
his native state, and obtained a thorough English education in Hamilton
College, New York, after which he taught school in Newbern, North
Carolina, for a time. While there he met and married Miss Anna Chestnut, a
native of that state and a descendant of the Austins who founded the city
of Austin, Texas. The paternal ancestors of our subject were distinguished
for services in the Revolutionary war, and from early colonial days the
family has been identified with the east.

Cutler J. White was one of its first representatives in the west. He went
to Iowa, pre-empted 640 acres of land near Waukon, and became one of the
prominent and influential citizens of that community. He was elected the
first clerk of the district court of Allamakee county, and served for 8
years in a most satisfactory manner. His popularity was demonstrated by
the fact that although the county was republican and he a Douglas
democrat, he was elected and re-elected to that position. Subsequently he
engaged in mercantile business, which he successfully carried on until his
death. He passed away in 1878, and his wife, who survived him several
years, died in 1887. They had three children, who are yet living: Alson
A., of this review; Mrs. Sarah E. Otis, of Lansing, Iowa; and Mary, wife
of George Chaplin, of Rutland, Vermont.

In the county of his nativity Mr. White spent the days of his childhood
and youth. His birthplace was an old log house which stood on his father's
farm. Thus amid humble surroundings and the scenes of frontier life his
boyhood was passed. When he was a child of 4 years his parents removed to
the village, where he had the privilege of attending the public schools
until 16 years of age, when he laid aside his textbooks to enter upon
life's battle. He has since been entirely dependent upon his own
resources, and therefore deserves great credit for his success.

He was first employed in a grocery, where he remained until 19 years of
age, when he left Iowa and went to Hannibal, Missouri. For 3 months he
worked in a grocery store, and then secured a position with John Ure &
Company, wholesale lumber dealers, serving in the capacity of bookkeeper
and shipping clerk. This was in 1871, and was his introduction to the
lumber trade. Three years later the firm of John Ure & Company and that of
Rowe & Toll was consolidated and formed a stock company under the state
laws of Wisconsin, known as the Badger State Lumber Company. Their mills
are located in Wisconsin, and the lumber was rafted down the Mississippi
river and piled at Hannibal. The business steadily increased until it had
assumed extensive proportions. Mr. White was given the responsible
position of general bookkeeper and remained with that company until 1886,
when a new company was formed under the laws of Missouri, known as the
Badger Lumber Company. The headquarters of the new firm were established
in Kansas City. The company now owns and operates a retail lumberyard in
various places in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, the Indian Territory and
Oklahoma. On its formation, Mr. White was made treasurer and has since
filled the position, owning considerable stock in the concern. He has also
for 3 years been vice-president of the Builders & Traders' Exchange.

In 1878 was celebrated the marriage of A. A. White and Miss Sarah Ann
Robertson, a native of Ralls county, Missouri. Seven children have been
born of this union, namely: Lucile Ure, Alson Alexander, Jr., James
Edward, Mary Tralucia, Paul Palmore, Charles Joseph and French Robertson.
Mr. White has established a home in Independence, Missouri, where he
spends all of his leisure time. He and his family are members of the
Trinity Episcopal church of that place, and are very prominent in social
circles, their own home being noted for its hospitality.

Mr. White is prominent in Masonic circles and has passed through all the
degrees, up to and including the 32nd. He is also a Knight Templar, being
a member of Palestine Commandery, No. 17, at Independence, Missouri, and a
member of Western Missouri Consistory, No. 2. He is a member and one of
the Supreme Nine of Hoo Hoo, an order largely composed of lumbermen. In
the order of the Knights of Honor he also holds membership, and also is
one of the Heptasophs of Independence, Missouri, being Archon in the
latter. In politics he is a democrat, but is by no means a partisan. He
has climbed the ladder of success step by step until he has reached a
position of prominence. With very meager advantages in his youth he has
from the age of 16 made his own way in the world and is an illustrious
prototype of a self-made man.



JOHN H. MARKHAM, M. D.
Late of Kansas City, was born in Halifax, England, November 26, 1829, a
son of John H. and Susan (Gray) Markham, also natives of the same country.
His father was a physician, surgeon and druggist, and died in England when
about 48 years of age. His wife survived him until August, 1862, and
passed away at the age of 59. Both were strict Wesleyan Methodists, and
the father was a local preacher and class-leader in his church. In their
family were 11 children, of whom the eldest is the subject of this sketch
and the only surviving one. The paternal grandfather, Richard Markham, was
born in England and died at the age of 84. He was also a physician and a
farmer and was a member of the Episcopal church. The great-grandfather
likewise bore the name of Richard Markham, and devoted his energies to the
practice of medicine, so that it was but natural that our subject should
have a strong inclination toward this calling. The maternal grandfather of
our subject, Robert Gray, was a brewer in Boston, Lincolnshire, England,
and belonged to the Gloucestershire-Grays. At the age of 42, while engaged
in collecting money, he was murdered. His family was a very large one,
numbering 16 children.

Dr. Markham, of this review, was reared and educated in England, was
trained in the faith of the Wesleyan Methodist church, and became a local
preacher of that denomination. He also studied medicine at that time under
Dr. Gledhill, of Halifax, and pursued his studies at Guy's College, where
he graduated in 1858. He practiced first in London, as assistant to Dr.
Fawthorp. In 1862 he came to America with the intention of joining the
Army, but instead went to Colorado, where he engaged in prospecting until
1874. He then located in St. Louis, where he engaged in the practice of
medicine for a year, and in 1875 established an office at Pleasant Hill,
Cass county, Missouri, where he remained until 1877, after which time he
resided in Kansas City.

He was married in 1857 to Miss Maggie Johnson, by whom he had 2 children -
John and Samuel, both now in England. The mother was a member of the
Christian church, and died in 1861. In 1874 the Doctor wedded Miss Annie
McKenna, who died in 1881, and he himself departed this life February 2,
1896, his death being caused by the effect of an accident sustained on the
5th street cable one week previously.



J. CARSON BROWNLEE, M. D.
It is a fact, despite our American pretensions to the contrary, that every
individual possesses a secret, if not avowed, admiration for good blood.
Every American must cross the ocean for the origin of his family and it is
an added satisfaction if he can claim a near approach to Scotch-Irish
ancestors, for the many excellent qualities that have developed by the
intermingling of the blood of these 2 races is well known.

Dr. J. Carson Brownlee, whose name heads this sketch, traces the
establishment of his family tree in America to Archibald Brownlee, who
emigrated from Scotland in 1755 and settled in Washington county,
Pennsylvania. That county was the birthplace of the three following
generations, -- William, Ebenezer and the Doctor. The mother of the last
named is Elizabeth (Davidson) Brownlee, who is of Irish descent, and was
likewise born and reared in Washington county. Our subject belongs to a
family of 5 sons and a daughter, as follows: Robert; George, now of
Douglass, Nebraska; J. Carson; Samuel and Jennie, who reside in Washington
county, Pennsylvania; and one son, John, who died in 1893, that county.
The worthy parents of this family are both now deceased. The father, who
was extensively engaged in stock dealing in the county which was the
ancestral home of the family, died December 14, 1892, aged 68 years and 3
months. As far back as can be traced the Brownlee family have been
Scotch-Presbyterians in religious belief, and the Doctor's father was for
many years an elder in that church. He was also prominent in public
affairs. On the mother's side our subject was connected with a family of
prominence. His grandfather, James Davidson, was related to Colonel Robert
Davidson, of Revolutionary fame. He had three sons, all of whom were
physicians of western Pennsylvania.

Dr. J. Carson Brownlee was born February 9, 1854, and attended the public
schools near his home in Washington county, Pennsylvania, after which he
took a college preparatory course at West Alexandria and entered Amherst
College. Desirous of pursuing a more extended course of study he became a
student in Cornell University, and deciding there to adopt the medical
profession he took a special course and entered the Bellevue Hospital
Medical College, of New York, at which he was graduated in 1880.
Throughout the 5 succeeding years he engaged in the practice of his
profession at West Alexandria, Pennsylvania, and in 1885 came to Kansas
City, where he is still located. His practice includes every line of
medical work and in all departments he has been successful.

Dr. Brownlee is a member of the Washington Medical Society and belongs to
the Phi Delta Theta Society of Cornell University. His office and
residence are located at No. 401 W. 5th Street, where he took up his abode
at the time of his arrival in this city.

On the 29th of April, 1887, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Brownlee
and Miss Ida George, daughter of William and Louisa (Meyer) George. Their
home is a favorite retreat for a large circle of friends.



CHURCHILL J. WHITE
In times of financial depression there is nothing that does more to
restore public confidence that cause the revival of business activity than
a sound financial banking institution than a sound financial banking
institution in which the public can place the utmost reliance and which
conducts its business affairs in a safe, honorable and above-board way
that commands universal respect. For 31 years the subject of this notice
has been prominently connected with banking circles in this community. He
is a man of known reliability and superior business ability, and his
connection with the financial interests of Jackson county have done much
to give to commercial interests a stability that has caused the growth and
rapid development of the city.

Mr. White is a native of Kentucky. He was born June 17, 1825, and when he
was but 8 years old his father died. His mother afterward brought her
family to Liberty, Missouri, where he was reared to manhood and continued
his residence until coming to Kansas City in 1865. While in Liberty he was
united in marriage in 1847, with Miss America Adkins, of that place, and
they have one child, now deceased.

Mr. White began his business career as a salesman in the store of David
Roberts, of Liberty, and was employed 2 years in that capacity, when Mr.
Roberts, in recognition of his valuable service, admitted him to a
partnership in the business. On the retirement of Mr. Roberts, in 1854,
Mr. White became the head of the mercantile firm of White & Adkins, and
continued in that line of trade until 1863, when he disposed of his
business and accepted the position of cashier for the Farmers' Bank, of
Liberty; in which position he served until 1865, when he resigned it to
accept a similar one in the Kansas City Savings Association, which in 1875
became the Bank of Commerce, on increase of capital stock, and in 1888
became the National Bank of Commerce, of Kansas City. In this responsible
capacity he was employed for 30 years. It was due not less to his enviable
reputation, his careful management and his intimate knowledge of banking
and of the peculiar needs of the business community of Kansas City, than
to other causes, that the bank achieved its brilliant success which has
rendered it safe at all times and in all crises, and placed it among the
strongest banks in the country. In January, 1895, he was elected president
of the Citizens' National Bank, and is now at the head of that well known
and popular institution.

In early life, Mr. White gave his political support to the whig party, but
for many years has been an advocate of Democratic principles; never active
as a politician, but with an earnest interest in all affairs of public
moment, national, state or municipal. During the late war he was a
pronounced union man, and such a degree of confidence was reposed in him
that he served the United States government in various important
capacities, almost constantly during the period from 1861 until 1865,
inclusive, with that integrity and attention to duty which has
characterized his course through life. In 1861 he was elected second
lieutenant of Company A, of the first regiment, Clay county militia, and
was soon promoted to be adjutant of the regiment with the rank of captain.
He also served as provost marshall and as enrolling officer for Captain
Comingo's district.

Ever since coming to Kansas City, Mr. White has had unlimited faith in its
future, has invested his means freely in its real estate and has in every
way fostered and encouraged its advancement. His intimate relations with
its leading capitalists and his long connection, financially and
otherwise, with its most prominent interests, have closely identified him
with its success, and he is regarded as one of the best and most useful
citizens.



CAPTAIN MAURICE M. LANGHORNE
Deputy sheriff of Jackson county, Missouri, is of eastern birth. His early
life was filled with extensive travel and frontier experiences throughout
various portions of the west, followed by a war record, and that in turn
by 30 years as a respected citizen of Independence, and consequently the
life history of this gentleman is one worthy of consideration on the pages
of this work.

Maurice M. Langhorne was born in Buckingham county, Virginia, July 22,
1834, and there spent the first 8 years of his life. Then he was brought
by his parents with the rest of the family to Lexington, Missouri, where
he attended school 4 years and worked in a printing office two years.
Early in 1849 he came from Lexington to Independence. Here he went to
school a few months, and May 15 started overland for California, he and
his party being 5 months in accomplishing the journey. Landing on Feather
river, they mined there two weeks, then proceeded to what was known as
“Hangtown”, now Placerville, where they continued mining until the
following spring. Next he mined at Georgetown. In the meantime his father
joined him in California, and together they went to Carson Valley, Nevada,
taking with them a load of flour for the starving emigrants. While in
Nevada they traded for a band of cattle and horses, which they drove
across the mountains into California, and which they sold in the spring of
1851. After disposing of their stock, they returned to Missouri by way of
the Isthmus of Panama. These early travels had interrupted young
Langhorne's studies to a great extent, and on his return home he again
started to school, and remained in school at Independence until the next
spring.

In the spring of 1852 his father moved with the family to San Jose,
California. That same year Maurice M. returned to Missouri, coming by way
of Nicaragua, purchased a number of cattle and drove them across the
plains to California. This band of cattle he kept on the ranch near San
Jose from 1853 until some time the following year. Again anxious to try
his luch in the mines, he went in 1854 to Columbia, California, where he
mined one year. The next year he was employed as compositor in a printing
office, at the end of the year purchased the plant and had charge of it
until 1858, when he returned to San Jose and shortly afterward went to the
Fraser river mines in British Columbia, where he mined during the summer
and fall, after which he returned to San Jose, and in December of that
same year left the Golden State for his old home in Independence,
Missouri, this time making the return trip by way of Tehuantepec.

Early in 1859 Mr. Langhorne opened a book and stationery business in
Independence, which he conducted successfully until after the civil war
broke out. Then, like thousands of men all over the country, true to the
principles in which he had been reared, he closed his store and joined the
Confederate army, entering the ranks as a private. He served as a private
until 1863, when he was promoted to the rank of captain, his promotion
being in recognition of his true bravery on the field. His company -
Company E, second Missouri cavalry - was detailed for escort duty to
General Shelby. At the same time, however, it participated in several
engagements, among them being Springfield, Prairie Grove, Helena, Newtonia
and Westport. On three different occasions Captain Langhorne was wounded.
His first wound was by a minie ball in the right leg, this being at
Springfield. Later he was again wounded at Springfield, but not seriously
like the first time, and his other wound was at Westport.

At the close of the war Captain Langhorn went to the city of Mexico, where
he worked in a printing office until November, 1865, when he returned to
Independence and engaged in the drug business, this occupying his time and
attention until January, 1872. That year he sold his drug store and
established the Independence Herald, which he conducted for several years,
or until he was made deputy county marshal and jailer, in which capacity
he officiated for 6 years. In 1886 he was appointed deputy sheriff, the
office he has since filled most acceptably.

October 13, 1859, Captain Langhorne married Miss Annie M. Wallace, a
native of Independence and a daughter of the late Reuben Wallace, of this
county. They have 4 children, Mary, John Shelby, Samuel W. and Annie M.
Mary is the wife of Mr. William Leitch, of Kansas City, and has 4
children, Mary, William B., Virginia F., and Anna W.

The Captain is a member of the Methodist church, south.



SAMUEL H. ANDERSON, M. D.
A popular physician of the homeopathic school of medicine, descends from
families long prominent in the profession, as his father and mother's
father were physicians of notable ability. He was born in Highland county,
Ohio, July 8, 1850, and is a son of Dr. Samuel B. and Nancy L. (Davis)
Anderson, natives of Ohio. His paternal grandfather, whose baptismal name
was John, emigrated from York, Pennsylvania, to Ohio in the early
settlement of that state, where he died. He participated in the War of
1812.

The father of our subject graduated at the Cincinnati Medical College in
1853, and subsequently located in Highland county, Ohio, where he
successfully practiced until 1868; then he removed to Lawrence, Kansas,
where he still resides, engaged in his profession. He is widely known in
professional and social circles. For a number of years he was president of
the Kansas Homeopathic Medical Society.

Dr. Samuel H. Anderson is the eldest of the 7 children in his father's
family. He was reared in his native country, in the public schools of
which he obtained the rudiments of an English education. He subsequently
entered the Greenfield Seminary, in which he continued his literary course
and was graduated. Accompanying his parents to Lawrence, Kansas, he
entered the State University, which he attended one year. His inclination
to medicine developed in his youth, and his study of the same began when
he was 10 years old. After completing his literary education he
systematically began the study of material medica under the preceptorship
of his father, by whom he was carefully instructed and fitted for medical
college, and was graduated in the Homeopathic Medical College of Missouri,
at St. Louis, in 1876.

Returning to Lawrence, he established himself in practice, remaining there
until 1881, when he came to Kansas City, where for 14 years he has
continuously occupied the same office. For 2 years he was professor of
surgery in the Kansas City Homeopathic College, and of the same
institution he is now professor of obstetrics. He is a member of the
Missouri State Homeopathic Medical Society, Missouri Valley Society,
Kansas City Homeopathic Club, and the Western Academy of Homeopathy, and
was identified with the State Medical Board of Kansas for several years.

His library of medical works is large, and in his cabinet is to be found
all modern appliances and instruments necessary in the most delicate
cases. His practice, always large and lucrative, is assuming still greater
proportions, which best attests his success and prominence.

He was married in 1880 to Miss Julia Hostetter, of Kansas.



MELVILLE HULSE
Of this gentleman, who occupies the important position of city marshal of
Independence, Missouri, it may truly be said that he is “the right man in
the right place.” A brief sketch of his life follows:

Melville Hulse was born in Jackson county, Missouri, August 15, 1846. His
father was the late Samuel D. Hulse, a native of Virginia; and his mother,
nee Virginia Dickenson, is a Kentuckian. After their marriage they settled
in Jackson county, Missouri, where he was engaged in farming up to the
time of his death, and where he died July 9, 1883. His widow is still
living. Their family is composed of 4 children, namely: Almedia, wife of
A. G. Perry, and Melville, Greenville and Arrista.

On his father's farm Melville spent the first 15 years of his life, and
then, equipped with a good common school education, he left home to make
his own way in the world. Going to Nebraska City, Nebraska, he entered the
employ of August and Peter Byram in the freighting business, with whom he
remained 5 years, freighting to Salt Lake, Colorado and Mexico. He began
as a common teamster and by his faithfulness won promotion to the position
of wagon-master, which place he occupied at the time he served his
connection with the firm. Soon after this, November 21, 1867, he was
married, in Atchison, Kansas, to Miss Alice Warner, a native of
Pennsylvania and a niece of the Hon. William H. Warner, of Kansas City. He
then returned to Jackson county with his wife and settled on a farm in
Sniabar township, where he maintained his residence and gave his attention
to agricultural pursuits until 1880.

In 1880 Mr. Hulse rented his farm and moved to Oak Grove, where he formed
a partnership with John R. McCown for the purpose of buying and shipping
grain, and did a prosperous business until November, 1884, when the firm
was dissolved. At that time Mr. Hulse accepted a deputyship under W. J.
Phillips, marshal of Jackson county, and served as such 2 years, his
duties taking him to Kansas City. In April, 1887, he was chosen marshal of
Independence, and has held this office continuously ever since. His
ability as a shrewd detective and his fearlessness in the discharge of his
duty especially adapt him for the position he fills, and such has been his
whole course in life that it has won for him the confidence and respect of
all. Even the criminal classes who try to evade his clutches cannot fail
to admire him for his integrity and his straightforward, manly course. Mr.
Hulse has always taken an active interest in all local and political
affairs. He is a republican.



JOSIAH S. DAVENPORT
Is one of the most honored representatives of Jackson county's pioneers,
having long been connected with the history and development of this
locality. His well-spent life well entitles him to representation in this
volume, and his example is one well worthy of emulation. For many years he
was identified with the agricultural interests of Jackson county, and his
careful management, sound judgment and enterprise have brought to him a
handsome property.

Dr. Davenport is a son of Stephen and Susanna (Simmons) Davenport, the
former a native of Clark county, Kentucky, and the latter of Estill
county. Their marriage was celebrated in Clark county, and in 1832 they
emigrated to Cooper county, Missouri, where they spent a year. On the 6th
of October, 1833, they arrived in Jackson county, locating on Section 26,
Westport township. It is almost impossible at this day, when we look upon
the cities and towns of Jackson county, its fine farms and palatial homes,
that 60 years ago it was a wild and unimproved tract of land, the home of
far more Indians than white settlers, and the haunt of many kinds of wild
animals and game. Of those who were numbered among the neighbors of the
Davenport family of that day, none are left; some have gone to other
localities, but the greater number have made the journey to that
undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns.

Stephen Davenport made a permanent settlement in Westport township. He had
made the journey from Kentucky to Missouri in a wagon drawn by a yoke of
oxen, and before he had unloaded his household effects a messenger came to
him with the news that the Mormons had risen up against the Gentiles. He
at once took his old flintlock gun and went to Section 21, Westport
township, where the Mormons were located, and helped to subdue them.
Several of the number were killed, and the others were driven away. Mr.
Davenport immediately erected a log cabin, and the primitive structure was
covered with a clapboard roof, had a puncheon floor and many crude
articles of furniture. Our subject now has in his possession a bureau
which was used in the early home of the family, and which was made in
Westport by Henry Sager over 50 years ago, from a cherry tree which grew
on the old Davenport farm. He also has an old Indian basket made by
Ker-Shin-Ga's family - Kaw Indians - over a half century ago, for which
his motgher gave half of a hog jowl. It is still in a good state of
preservation. Among his other relics is also an old English china pitcher,
which was brought from England more than a century ago by the Spillman
family, -- ancestors on his father's side.

Stephen Davenport continued the improvement and cultivation of his land
until he was the owner of a very valuable and productive farm. Later he
sold out and moved to Washington township, where he died in May, 1883, at
the age of 82 years. His wife died in 1852, at the age of 48, and he
afterward married Mrs. Margaret Nolan, nee Starks, whose death occurred in
1881. By his first marriage he had 7 children, 5 of whom reached years of
maturity. These were Josiah S., Amanda, wife of Elijah F. Slaughter, of
Washington township, by whom she has 7 children, 6 of whom are now living;
James M., who married Martha L. Campbell and had 3 children, and after her
death wedded Miss Mary Wide, and by this marriage there was one son;
George, who married Susan West and has 6 children, and lives in Johnson
county, Missouri; Elizabeth, wife of H. C. Krister, of Brooking township,
by whom she had 3 children. The brothers of our subject both served
throughout the civil war as a member of Shelby's army, and the elder was
slightly wounded. The parents were both active Christian people, the
father holding a membership in the Baptist church, the mother in the
Christian church. In politics he was an old-line whig and afterward a
democrat. A man of earnest convictions, he was unswerving in his fidelity
to a cause or principle which he believed to be right, and his honor in
business is shown by the little instance of the fact that he believed that
it took four pecks of new potatoes to make a bushel, and always dealt them
out accordingly. The upright life of both Mr. and Mrs. Davenport command
the respect and confidence of all and they had many warm friends.

We now take up the personal history of J. S. Davenport, and in all Jackson
county there is no one who is more widely or favorable known. He was born
July 20, 1829, in Clark county, Kentucky, and was therefore only 4 years
old when he arrived in Westport township. He remembers distinctly the
important events connected with those early days and can relate many
interesting incidents of frontier life here, when the Indians frequently
visited at his home, when the only mode of travel was by team, when the
land was in its primitive condition and settlements were widely scattered.
When only 9 years of age he made a hand in clearing the farm. He had to
work very hard, and his chances of securing an education were in
consequence very meager. He remained at home assisting in the labors of
the farm until 19 years of age, when with the spirit of adventure common
to young men, and a hope of gain, he left Hickman's Hills in Washington
township, on the 14th of May, 1849, and started with an ox team across the
plains for California, driving 2,000 miles. In November he reached
Sacramento city, and for 3 years worked in the mines on Feather river. It
was a rough, hard experience, when lawlessness and disorder were
prevalent; and Mr. Davenport, who has always believed in fair play on
every occasion, was one of the 12 men to organize the vigilance committee
in California in 1851, the committee which revolutionized affairs in that
locality, largely transforming disorder into law and danger into safety.
After 3 years upon the Pacific slope, in which he succeeded in acquiring a
fair capital, he returned home, making the journey by the water route and
New York. In 1854 he went to Texas, purchased cattle on the Rio Grande,
and drove them to Jackson county, where he sold. He then purchased an
improved farm of 200 acres in Washington township, and turned his
attention to the more quiet pursuits of agriculture.

Now came a desire to have a home of his own, and on the 4th of May, 1856,
Mr. Davenport was united in marriage with Miss Sallie J. Thomas, a
daughter of Jesse and Maria (Davenport) Thomas. In 1836 they came to
Missouri, locating on a tract of raw land on Section 21, Westport
township. There the mother died in 1839. By their marriage they had 4
children: Lucinda, who became the wife of Jesse Davis and had 6 children,
2 of whom are now living. Both she and her husband are now deceased.
Lurinda is the widow of Thomas C. Peers, and resides on Troost avenue,
Kansas City. Elizabeth became the wife of Bristol Davis, and they had 2
children, but the parents are now deceased. Joel Franklin married Mrs.
Eliza (Hayes) Rout, and they died leaving 1 child. Mrs. Davenport is the
next younger. Minerva became the wife of Marcellus Collins, and died
leaving 3 children. Joseph C., deceased, completed the family. Mr. Thomas
was again married, his 2nd union being with Elizabeth Bailey, by whom he
had 2 children, but only 1 is now living - Wiliam O., an attorney of
Kansas City, who married Lydia Barnes and has 2 children. Two sons of the
family served in the civil war. John C. died in the army, and Joel
Franklin was a lieutenant in Colonel Hayes' regiment, of Shelby's command,
and was slightly wounded. In 1845 Mr. Thomas removed to a tract of wild
land on section 28, Westport township, and remained there until he had
reared his family. He afterward took up his residence on Section 33 of the
same township, and there passed away December 12, 1887. He was a member of
the Methodist Episcopal church, and one of nature's noble men. In politics
he was an old-line whig.

Mrs. Davenport was born June 28, 1834, in Kentucky, and during her infancy
was brought to Jackson county, where her girlhood days were passed. Our
subject and his wife began their domestic life upon a farm in Washington
township, but in 1857 sold out and removed to Linn county, Kansas, where
he entered from the government a tract of 160 acres, on which he lived for
a year. The border troubles then began and he returned to Westport, but on
the breaking out of the civil war removed to Texas, settling on a farm in
Fannin county, where he made his home until 1863. His home the succeeding
2 years was in Grayson county, Texas, but during that time, being a
practical wagon-master, he joined General Steele's command as brigade
wagon-master, with the rank of captain, operating in Indian Territory,
Arkansas and southern Missouri. He had charge of the wagons at the battles
of Fort Gibson and Elk creek, and remained in the service until the close
of the war. He then returned to Texas, and soon again came to Jackson
county, Missouri, living on a rented farm in Washington township for 2
years.

The succeeding 3 years Mr. Davenport passed on another farm in Washington
township, and then located on Section 21, Westport township, where he made
his home for 12 years. On the expiration of that period he sold out and
purchased a farm in Brooking township, which he still owns, comprising 120
acres of valuable land, as fine as can be found in Jackson county. Wishing
to retire from active business life, in October, 1890, he removed to his
present home, comprising 30 acres on Section 28, Westport township, a part
of the Jesse Thomas estate. He has just completed thereon a very fine
residence, and now has one of the first homes in this locality. It is
tastefully furnished, and now in his declining years Mr. Davenport is able
to secure the comforts and luxuries of life as well as its necessaries,
while his business career has been crowned with prosperity. He carefully
managed his interests, and possessing sound judgment and indefatigable
enterprise he worked his way steadily upward to a position of affluence.
Both he and his wife are faithful and consistent members of the Christian
church, with which they have been identified for 30 years, and its work
and upbuilding have taken a very important part. For 10 years he served as
one of the elders of the Westport church. Socially, he is a member of the
Masonic order, and in politics was for 43 years a democrat, but is now a
stalwart advocate of the populist party, and is deeply interested in its
success. He attends its conventions, and in 1893 was its candidate for the
office of county treasurer of Jackson county. His life has been well
spent, and over his record there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of
evil. He possesses a happy, sunny temperament, and for 40 years he has
found his wife to be an able companion and helpmeet, while her many
excellencies of character and genuine worth have endeared her to all who
have made her acquaintance.



GEORGE N. ELLIOTT
Assistant prosecuting attorney of Jackson county, is a native of Howard
county, Missouri, born January 26, 1851. He is a son of Sampson W. and
Amanda H. (Ridgway) Elliott, natives of Missouri. His paternal
grandfather, Reuben Elliott, was a Kentuckian and a soldier in the War of
1812, having participated in the battles of New Orleans as a musician. In
1819 he settled in Missouri, when it was yet a territory. He was a farmer
by occupation. His death occurred in Boone county, Missouri. His maternal
grandfather, Thomas Ridgway, was also a Kentuckian and became a pioneer in
Howard county, Missouri, where he lived and died.

The father of our subject was also a farmer. In the spring of 1851 he
removed to Linn county, Missouri, settling near where Brookfield is now
located. Here he entered a tract of land, upon which he lived until his
death in 1880. He was a gentleman of prominence, having held numerous
positions of public trust. In his early life he was a great hunter, a man
of dauntless courage and untiring energy. Mrs. Elliott departed her life
in 1876. To this estimable couple were born 6 children, 5 of whom are
living: George N.; Mrs. Sallie Murrain, of Brookfield, Missouri; Millard
F., of Los Angeles, California; Mrs. Theodosia E. Moore, of Brookfield;
and Everett, a well known lawyer of Kansas City.

The early educational discipline of our subject was obtained in the
country school and a private school in Brookfield, where he was fitted for
college. Subsequently, he entered the State University of Missouri, at
which he graduated in 1873. After teaching a few terms of school he
founded the Brookfield Chronicle, a newspaper he edited with some success
for several years, but journalism not being entirely to his taste he sold
out. In the meantime he had read law and was admitted to practice by Hon.
G. D. Burgess, now judge of the supreme court, having had a predilection
for it as a profession. In 1877 he was admitted to the bar and opened an
office in Brookfield, where for several years he did a large law and loan
business. He was school commissioner of Linn county for 3 consecutive
terms, city and township assessor several terms, and was prominently
identified with numerous enterprises. While residing in Linn county he
received the nomination for representative on the Democratic ticket, which
was defeated.

In June, 1887, he came to Kansas City and engaged in practice. The
following September he entered into a co-partnership for the practice of
law with Colonel Michael Boland, which was continued till 1890, when
General Hamilton was taken into the firm, the style of which then became
Boland, Hamilton & Elliott. Mr. Elliott is also in a law partnership with
C. E. Burnham, under the firm name of Elliott & Burnham. He was appointed
to his present position in February, 1895. As a lawyer, Mr. Elliott takes
high rank in the profession, being considered one of the ablest at the
Jackson county bar. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and Knights
of Pythias.

March 24, 1880, was consummated his marriage to Miss Josephine E. Pollard,
of Macon City, Missouri, who has borne him 4 children: Madge L., Charlotte
E., Willard F., and Emma J. Mr. Elliott is a deacon of the Olive Street
Baptist Church, and superintendent of the Sunday school.



M. W. HARNISH
Is one of the leading and influential citizens of Jackson county,
occupying a prominent position in agricultural and banking circles, in
political affairs and public interests. Devoted to the best interests of
his native land, few men have studied more closely or thoroughly into the
interests and questions of the day, and to the press he has been a
valuable contributor, his literary articles being of much merit. It is
seldom that one can give a divided allegiance to varied interests in this
way and yet become widely and favorably known along all lines; but Mr.
Harnish has won success in his various business ventures and has gained a
well known prominence through his mastery of the political and economic
questions of the day.

More than a century and a half ago there came to America from Switzerland
three brothers of the name of Harnish. One settled in New York, another in
Virginia, and the third in Pennsylvania. The family was represented in the
Revolutionary war by valiant members of the colonial army. The grandfather
of our subject, David Harnish, was a native of Lancaster county,
Pennsylvania, and was a grandson of the original American ancestor who
located in the Keystone state.

The father, Michael G. Harnish, was born in Lancaster county,
Pennsylvania, in 1810, and married Elizabeth Warfel, who was born in t he
same county in 1816, daughter of Abraham Warfel, also a native of
Lancaster county and of Swiss descent. The parents spent their entire
lives in that county and the father became one of its prominent farmers.
His death occurred in 1885, and his wife passed away in 1890. They were
members of the new Mennonite church, and were people of the highest
respectability. 8 children of their family still survive, namely:
Benjamin, of Nebraska; David, who is living in Lancaster county,
Pennsylvania; Annie, deceased wife of Amos Mowry; Martin, deceased; Amos,
who is living in Pennsylvania; Elizabeth, wife of Amos Hollinger, of
Pennsylvania; M. W.; and Abraham, also of the Keystone state.

Our subject was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, June 5, 1843, and
was reared there upon a farm. He acquired his education in the State
Normal School, also at Iron City College, and when 17 years of age began
teaching, which profession he successfully followed for 12 years in
Pennsylvania, Illinois and Missouri, being recognized as a most capable
educator. In 1868 he started westward to Illinois and for some 8 years was
engaged in lecturing throughout the United States on the subject of
phrenology and metaphysics. He has always been a close and earnest student
carrying his investigations and researches far and wide into the field of
knowledge. He is indeed a man of broad culture, scholarly attainments and
extended general information.

In 1870 Mr. Harnish was united in marriage with Miss Elvina Hollinger, a
native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of John and Annie
(Lee) Hollinger, both natives of the same county. The Hollinger family is
an old one of the Keystone state, but the grandfather Lee was an
Englishman. The father of Mrs. Harnish was born in 1807 and died in 1850,
while his wife, who was born in 1810, died in January, 1895. They had a
family of 6 children, namely: Cyrus, deceased; Amos, of Pennsylvania;
Mary, wife of Abram Frantz, of that state; Harry, of Pennsylvania; Sarah,
wife of Eli Kendig, of the Keystone state; and Mrs. Harnish. The parents
were members of the German Reformed church.

Mrs. Harnish was born December 10, 1849, in Lancaster county, and is a
lady of education and culture, having been a student in the State Normal
School, of Millersburg, Pennsylvania. In the year of their marriage our
subject and his wife came to Missouri and located on the farm which has
since been their home. It comprises 160 acres, which was then but
partially improved but the entire amount is now under a high state of
cultivation. The place is conveniently divided by well-kept fences. There
is a substantial home and barns which are excellently well-adapted for the
purposes used. There is upon the place a 45-acre orchard, filled with
bearing trees, and Mr. Harnish makes a specialty of fruit and dairy
farming. He now manufactures about 40 pounds of butter per week all the
year around, and the yield from his fruit trees is to him a profitable
source of income. In addition to his property in Jackson county Mr.
Harnish owns 1,500 acres of land, the other tracts being in Kansas and
Arkansas. It will thus be seen that success has crowned his business
efforts. He possesses excellent ability as a manager, is energetic and
farsighted, and his prosperity is certainly well merited. He is also
vice-president of the Bank of Raymore, a director, chairman of its
executive financial committee, and is also a director in the Lee's Summit
Fair Association.

To Mr. and Mrs. Harnish have been born 3 children, namely: Howard E. Leo
and Angelo. The children have been provided with good educational
privileges and will thus be fitted for life's responsible duties. Mrs.
Harnish is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a
most estimable lady. Our subject is a member of the Masonic fraternity and
of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In politics he was a republican
until 1873, and afterward supported the democratic party. He joined the
Grange, became its lecturer and was made master of the local grange. In
1889 he was made lecturer of the local alliance, subsequently of the
county alliance, and in 1890 was made congressional organizer of the 5th
Missouri congressional district. In 1891 he organized 90 subordinate
unions. He was the congressional organizer and congressional lecturer, and
has been very active in the work from the beginning. He is a fluent and
forcible speaker, a logical reasoner, and in his addresses is both
instructive and entertaining. He believes in political reform and is an
advocate of all movements that he thinks will bring purity into politics.
For over 20 years Mr. Harnish has served as school director and has twice
served as road overseer, and twice been a candidate to the legislature.
From the age of 15 years he has been a contributor to the public press,
has been a correspondent for various papers, and is a prolific and
versatile writer. His subjects mostly, however, are political economy and
finance, and his articles show that he has given close and deep study to
the subject and knows whereof he speaks.



NATHAN LIPSCOMB
It is now our privilege to take briefly under review the life history of
one who was born and reared in Jackson county, Missouri, and who has for
years figured prominently among the leading farmers of this country; who,
when the north and south were in the throes of war, went out in the
strength of his young manhood and valiantly fought for the cause he
believed to be just and right; and whose history in an ancestral way
touches the early pioneer days of Kentucky and goes back to South
Carolina.

Nathan Lipscomb, the grandfather of this gentleman, was born in South
Carolina and at an early day emigrated to Kentucky, established his home
on the frontier and did well his part in helping to fight the Indiana. In
Kentucky he passed the rest of his life and died. It was in Madison
county, that state, October 21, 1813, that his son Joel, the father of our
subject, was born. Joel Lipscomb remained in Kentucky until 1839, when he
came to Missouri and settled on Section 6, Washington township, Jackson
county. His wife, whose maiden name was Henrietta S. Harris, was a native
of Kentucky and a daughter of John Harris. She had 5 sisters: Mrs. W. R.
Bernard, Mrs. Seth E. Ward, Mrs. Col. C. E. Kearney, Mrs. Thomas H. Mastin
and Mrs. J. J. Mastin, and 1 brother, John Harris. At the time the
Lipscombs settled in this county the Indiana were much more plentiful here
than white men. Indeed, the cabins of the latter were few and far apart.
Mr. Lipscomb devoted his energies to the work of improving his land, got
on peacefully with the Indians, reared his family, and thus passed the
years until the great war-cloud gathered and deluged our land. He himself
served during a part of the war, as a member of the state troops, and 2 of
his sons were in the Confederate army. Like many other residents of this
part of Missouri, he suffered greatly from depredations committed by the
Jayhawkers, having his house burned and much of his property destroyed. He
and his wife were the parents of 10 children, 7 of whom grew to maturity,
and 6 of that number are still living. Brief record of them is as follows:
William S., 2nd lieutenant of Company A, 6th Missouri infantry,
Confederate States of America, and was killed at the siege of Vicksburg,
June 25, 1863; Nathan, whose name introduces this article; Louisa S.,
widow of Dr. John E. Watson, lives in New Santa Fe, and is the mother of 3
children; Frances M., wife of W. Z. Hickman, of LaFayette county,
Missouri, has 4 children; John Harris, Kansas City; R. Bernard and James,
both unmarried and residing at the old homestead. The mother of this
family passed away in March, 1859; the father survived her a number of
years, living to a good old age, and dying December 27, 1893. Both were
members of the Christian church, he being active in the same. In politics
also he took a prominent and active part, first affiliating with the whigs
and in later years with the democrats.

Nathan Lipscomb, the immediate subject of this article, was born on his
father's farm in this county, July 3, 1843, was reared to farm life, and
was educated in the schools near his home and at Independence. When the
civil war came on he joined Colonel Holloway's command, state troops, and
took part in the fight at Independence. After this he returned home and at
once went to Texas, taking with him the Negroes and horses belonging to
his father, and remained in Texas during that winter. In the Spring he
again joined the Confederate ranks, this time at Van Buren, Arkansas, and
under Captain McKinney and Colonel Rosser. Among the engagements in which
he participated were those of Corinth, Iuka, Port Gibson, and the siege of
Vicksburg. Subsequently he was under Captain Robert Adams and Colonel
Shanks, and near the close of the war was detailed to smuggle goods from
Arkansas. While thus occupied he was shot through the left foot at
Jenkins' ferry, when Steele was retreating from Camden, Arkansas, which
disabled him for a period of 4 months, and 4 weeks of this time he was
inside the enemy's lines and hid himself in the woods. Afterward he took
part in no less than dozen fierce skirmishes. He continued in the ranks
until the close of the conflict, surrendered at Little Rock, Arkansas, and
from there went to Texas, remaining until Christmas, 1865, when he
returned home.

In the Spring of 1866, Mr. Lipscomb, in company with Mr. Reuben Mastin,
went to Texas for cattle, and on his return he set out for Nebraska City,
where he was employed as wagon-master for S. E. Ward in a freighting
business. In 1868 he came home, and the following year purchased the farm,
of 135 acres, in Section 19, Washington township, where he has since
lived. At the time of purchase this land was all in its primitive state.
To the work of improving and cultivating his farm he has given his close
attention, has added to his original holdings, and at this writing has
under cultivation 187 acres.

Mr. Lipscomb was married April 25, 1877, to Miss Letitia Cantrell, a
native of this township and a daughter of D. H. Cantrell. Mr. Cantrell
came from Tennessee to Jackson county, Missouri, in the year 1834, and
made this his home until 1853, when he crossed the plains to California,
and in the Golden State maintained his residence until his death, October
22, 1894. Mrs. Lipscomb's mother was by maiden name Miss Hanna Kerby. She
was a native of Tennessee, born in 1823, daughter of Jesse Kerby, who came
to Jackson county in 1832, and died here in 1853. She died in 1888. Mr.
and Mrs. Cantrell were the parents of 6 children, 4 of whom are living,
Mrs. Lipscomb, Mrs. Sarah Spaulding, Mrs. Mary Oppenheim and C. H.
Cantrell, all residents of California except Mrs. Lipscomb. She was born
December 5, 1844, went to the Pacific coast with her parents and was
educated there. Mr. and Mrs. Lipscomb have an only child, Darby Cantrell,
born December 7, 1881.

In public and political affairs Mr. Lipscomb has ever evinced a lively and
commendable interest, acting with the democratic party. He has been school
director for many years, has frequently served as delegate to conventions,
and in 1892 made the race for the nomination of sheriff, being defeated,
however, in this race. Mrs. Lipscomb is an active member of the Christian
church.



J. H. MOONEY, A. M., M. D.
Of Kansas City, was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, August 9, 1851, and
is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Farnsworth) Mooney, the former a native
of Virginia, and the latter of New York. The father was a millwright by
trade and carried on that business in the Old Dominion until 1854, when he
came to Clay county, Missouri, locating at Liberty, where he engaged in
the milling business until 1868. He afterward turned his attention to
farming, and in 1885, he came to Kansas City, where he lived retired until
his death, which occurred in January, 1893. His widow still survives him.

The Doctor is the eldest in a family of 8 children, 5 of whom are yet
living. He was only 3 years old when the family came to this state and was
educated in Liberty, Missouri, and in the college at Plattsburg, Clinton
county, being graduated at that institution with the class of 1871,
receiving the degree of A. M. He then turned his attention to
school-teaching, which he followed for 10 years when he took up the study
of medicine, pursuing his researches in the Kansas City University Medical
College, where he was graduated in 1888. While a student he conducted a
grocery and drug store at Harlem, Missouri.

Immediately after his graduation Dr. Mooney began the practice of medicine
in Kansas City, and has attained considerable prominence and secured a
good business. He makes a specialty of the diseases of women, and is
professor of clinical and operative gynecology in the College of
Physicians and Surgeons in Kansas City, Kansas. He was also one of the
organizers and charter members of this school, and a trustee and
stockholder. The Doctor is a member of the University Alumni Association,
the Kansas City Medical and Surgical Association, and the Jackson County
Medical Society. One of the respresentative men of his calling in the
city, he is exceedingly well read in his profession, and in all his
operations he has never lost but one patient, and that operation was
performed under protest.

On the 24th of January, 1876, the Doctor married Miss Amy U. Humphrey, a
native of Springfield, Illinois. Both he and his wife are members of the
Methodist Episcopal church, and are most highly esteemed people.



EDWARD A. BURNETT
An attorney at law of Kansas City, was born in Brattleboro, Vermont, March
25, 1862, and is a son of John F. and Mary A. (Thurber) Burnett, also
natives of the Green Mountain state. His father was a wool manufacturer,
and owned extensive mills in Troy, New Hampshire, which he conducted until
1858, when, laying aside business cares, he retired to private life and
the enjoyment of the competency that his own labor had secured. His death
occurred in 1863, at the age of 33 years, but his wife is still living, in
Brattleboro, Vermont. They were members of the Baptist church, taking an
active part in its work, and for 12 years Mr. Burnett served as
superintendent of the Sunday school. When the war was precipitated upon
the country he entered the service as a member of the 16th Vermont
infantry, and his death was occasioned by injuries sustained at the battle
of Gettysburg. He was honored in his resident community with several
offices, and was a man of prominence and genuine worth.

The maternal grandfather of our subject, John Burnett, was a native of
Vermont, and was born and reared on the farm where occurred the birth of
this grandson. He served as a captain in the state militia, reared a
family of 5 children, and passed away on Christmas day of 1887, at the age
of 86 years. The family has long been connected with New England history
and interests, the original American ancestors having located in
Massachusetts at a very early day. The great-grandfather, John Burnett,
resides near Warwick, Massachusetts, whence he removed to the Green
Mountain state about 1765. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Edward
Thurber, was a native of Guilford, Vermont, and a farmer by occupation. He
is still living, at the age of 88 years. His wife died in 1894, at the age
of 80 years. The family was of Welsh origin.

Mr. Burnett, of this review, spent his childhood days in his parents' home
and is indebted to the public schools for his preliminary educational
privileges. He completed the high-school course in Brattleboro, Vermont,
and subsequently attended Dartmouth College, at which institution, he was
graduated with the class of 1887. His tastes led him to enter professional
life, and he took up the study of law under the preceptorship of the firm
of Martin, Waterman & Hitt, attorneys, of Brattleboro. He afterward
continued his studies with Colonel Hugh Henry, of Chester, Vermont, and
was admitted to the bar in 1890. Immediately afterward he came to Kansas
City, where he has since continued in active practice. A liberal patronage
has come to him for his care over his clients' interests, and his
painstaking efforts to secure success to their causes has won him the
approval and support of the general public. In politics he is a stalwart
republican, and was delegate to the state republican conventions while
living in Vermont.

On the 22nd of November, 1887, Mr. Burnett was united in marriage with
Miss Mary Howard, a daughter of William Wallace Howard, a prominent lawyer
and banker of Windsor, Vermont. Her mother bore the maiden name of Mary
Howard. Mr. Burnett belongs to the Baptist church, and his wife is a
member of the Congregational church. Socially, he is connected with
Summundowat lodge, No. 3, I. O. O. F., of Kansas City.



JAMES W. MCCURDY
Is numbered among Jackson county's officers, serving at this writing as
the efficient county collector. His entire life has been passed in this
county, his birth having occurred in Independence, Missouri, on the 6th of
September, 1855. The family is of Irish lineage and was founded in America
by the grandfather of our subject, who, crossing the Atlantic to the new
world, became a farmer of Virginia and there reared a large family, his
death occurring at an advanced age.

The father of our subject, John G. McCurdy, is numbered among the honored
pioneers of Jackson county. He was born in Virginia and in his native
state married Elizabeth Beal, whose father was born in Scotland, whence he
came to the new world, spending his remaining days upon a farm in
Virginia, where his daughter was born. Mr. and Mrs. McCurdy continued
their residence in that state until 1848, when, hoping to benefit their
financial condition and more quickly secure a home in the west, they
removed to Independence, Missouri. The father, whose birth occurred in
March, 1818, in Rockbridge county, is still living. He is a mechanic, and
for many years followed the blacksmith's trade, each day finding him in
his shop busy at his work, that he might supply his family with the
necessities and comforts of life. His career has been a busy and useful
one, and he has long been a faithful and consistent member of the
Methodist church, serving as one of its officers during nearly his entire
connection therewith. His wife died in 1877, at the age of 55 years, and
like her husband was also a devout Christian. They were parents of four
sons and one daughter, namely: John S., James W., Joseph A., Henry L., and
Elizabeth B., widow of Wilson Powell.

Mr. McCurdy, whose name introduces this sketch; was reared and educated in
Jackson county. He attended the public schools of Independence for some
time, and then pursued a commercial course which well fitted him for the
practice and responsible duties of business life. At the age of 16 he
began clerking in a grocery store in Independence, and was thus employed
for 3 years as a trusted and efficient salesman. On the expiration of that
period he made his way to California, and remained 6 years on the Pacific
slope, where he was engaged in clerking for the Central Pacific Railroad
in Sacramento. He then returned to his native state, where he arrived in
1881, and since that time has been mostly connected with public office. In
September, 1882, he was made chief deputy county collector, a position
which he acceptably and continuously filled for 13 years, or until the
spring of 1895. That proved an excellent preparatory school for his
present official duties. In the fall of 1894 he was elected to the
superior office, and on the 1st of March following entered upon his duties
as county collector.

On the 25th of September, 1888, Mr. McCurdy was united in marriage with
Alma L. Hays, daughter of William and Kate (Spinnate) Hays, and they now
have 2 interesting children, a son and daughter - Elizabeth W. and James
W. The mother is a member of the Presbyterian church, and they are highly
esteemed people, having many warm friends in the community, while their
home, located at No. 1408 Wabash Avenue, is the abode of hospitality.

Mr. McCurdy is in his social relations connected with the Ancient Order of
United Workmen, and in politics is a stalwart democrat who keeps himself
well-informed on the issues of the day, and takes a deep interest in
everything pertaining to the advancement of his party. He has resided in
Kansas City since 1882, and is a popular, genial gentleman, while as an
officer his public career is above reproach, and he well merits the high
regard in which he is held.



J. W. CARTLICH, M. D.
The value to any community of a professional man is not marked merely by
his learning and skill, his proficiency in medical and surgical practice,
but also by his character, both private and professional, his honorable
adherence to medical efforts and his personal integrity and benevolence of
purpose. When a physician combines these characteristics it is with great
pleasure that we record his life work, and such a man do we find in Dr.
Cartlich.

This well-known physician of Kansas City was born in Jackson, Ohio,
November 3, 1845, and is a son of Abraham and Lucinda (Will) Cartlich. The
father was a native of Virginia, and was of English lineage, while the
mother was of German descent. The paternal great-grandfather of the Doctor
was a general in the English army. The grandfather was educated in France,
under private tutorage, and came to this country at an early day, locating
in Virginia. He was a physician, a minister and a farmer, and a man of
high education and scholarly attainments. When only 12 years of age he
could speak 7 different languages and also possessed considerable poetical
talent, being the author of many beautiful stanzas. The father of our
subject was a Methodist Episcopal minister, and became very prominent in
his church. He was self-educated in every respect and had to gain his
knowledge by overcoming many difficulties, his own father being greatly
opposed to educating his children, thinking it did them no good, as he
himself had made no use of his fine talent. For 40 years Rev. Abraham
Cartlich was connected with the Ohio Conference, and was especially noted
as a revivalist, bringing more then 3,000 people into the church. His wife
came of a very wealthy family of merchants. Her death occurred in 1852,
and he was called from this life in 1889. Their family numbered 7
children, but only three are not living, namely: George W., a capitalist
of Creston, Iowa; Dr. J. W., of this sketch; and Clarissa F., wife of
Perry Tway, a prosperous farmer, near Mount Ayr, Iowa.

The Doctor was educated in Delaware, Ohio, and entered upon a collegiate
course with the intention of devoting his life to the ministry, but his
health failed and he was compelled to abandon this plan. During the war he
was found among the faithful defenders of the union. In 1863 he enlisted
as a member of Company K, 118th infantry, which was afterward changed to
the first Ohio heavy artillery, in which he served until the close of the
war. He participated in several skirmishes and met the enemy in battle at
Knoxville, Nashville, Bull's Gap and Strawberry Point.

In 1867 he took up the study of medicine and engaged in practice in
various parts of Iowa and Minnesota, several years being thus passed. In
the meantime he became convinced of the superiority of the homeopathic
school over the old school, and in 1876 adopted its practice, while in
1883 he was graduated at Pulte Medical College, of Cincinnati. However, he
had previously attended the Chicago Homeopathic College and the University
homeopathic department of Iowa City, Iowa. He practiced his profession in
Cincinnati about 1 year, and in 1883 established an office in Carrollton,
Missouri, where he remained for 9 years. Since 1892 he has resided in
Kansas City and is now established in a good practice. He is making a
specialty of hernia and hemorrhoids, for cases in which he charges nothing
if they are not cured. He is very successful, having cured a number. His
treatment of hernia is by a hypodermic method, which does not
inconvenience one in his daily vocation.

The Docotr was married in May, 1873, to Virginia A. Laws, of Shenandoah,
Iowa, and 4 children graced their union - Alta J., Viola E., Jessie A.,
and George A.

The Doctor has taken a deep interest in politics as a supporter of the
greenback party. He has been frequently offered a nomination for some
office, but always refused, as he was wedded to his profession. He is a
member of the church in which he was reared - the Methodist Episcopal and
socially is a Knight Templar Mason, and a member of the Mystic Shrine.



JOHN R. BURRUS
A prominent farmer who owes his success in life to his own well directed
and enterprising efforts, was born near Blue Springs, in Sniabar township,
Jackson county, May 10, 1854. His father, William T. Burrus, was a native
of Virginia, and during his boyhood days accompanied his parents to
Missouri. His father, George Burrus, was one of the first pioneers of
Jackson county, and from the government entered land on which the birth of
our subject occurred. He married Nancy Harris, a daughter of Jerry Harris,
and made his first settlement 2 miles west of Blue Springs, continuing his
residence there until his death, which occurred about 1859. The family
numbered 11 children, 9 of whom reached maturity, and the youngest was
only 11 days old at the time of the father's death. Three of this family
are still living, namely: James M., of Grain Valley, Missouri; and Mary
L., widow of Collins Bowlin, now residing near Blue Springs.

The father owned 120 acres of land at the time of his death, and upon this
farm his widow resided until the troublesome times of the war, when she
removed with her family to LaFayette county, Missouri, settling near
Lexington. Her son James, however, then 16 years of age, entered the
Confederate service under General Jo Shelby. Mrs. Burrus and the smaller
children returned to the farm in the spring of 1864. She then plowed a
field and raised a crop of corn, but that fall, at the time of Price's
raid, the federal troops following the southern army camped upon her land
and thus destroyed her crop! In the fall she again went to LaFayette
county, but in the spring of 1865 once more came to Jackson county. The
war being over her son James returned home, but remained only a year. Our
subject, then being the eldest at home, assumed the management of the 40
acre farm. His mother afterward married J. Smith, and after his death she
made her home with her son John, her death occurring there on the 24th of
April, 1886.

Our subject had continued to give his mother the benefit of his service
until her second marriage, when at the age of 24 years he started out in
life for himself. Having sold the 10 acres of land which he inherited from
his father he then rented land of his brother for one year.

On the 23rd of September, 1880, Mr. Burrus was united in marriage with
Nannie D. Ford, a lady of high culture, intelligence and refinement, and a
daughter of Lewis A. and Martha A. (Holmes) Ford. She was born in Platte
county, Missouri, but was reared in Kansas City, and came to Blue Springs
in April, 1876. Her father was a contractor and builder by trade and for
some years followed that business in Kansas City, after which he turned
his attention to farming. He lived for 15 years in that city and vicinity.
He was a native of Woodford county, Kentucky, but removed to Platte county
and engaged in the milling business at Parkville, carrying on that
enterprise there during the war. He served as captain of a company of
militia, and was captured and taken to St. Louis, where he was placed as a
prisoner inMcDonell College. Subsequently he was taken to Alton, where he
was held in captivity for one year. He and 16 of his company were then
released, in 1864, but were not allowed to return to Missouri until the
close of the war. He therefore continued in Illinois until the war ended,
when he went to Kansas City, Missouri. He afterward became an extensive
contractor of Kansas City at an early day, and among other important
buildings erected the Gillis House. The firm of Ford & Waldron was well
known, and many evidences of their handiwork stand today. Mr. Ford lost
his wife in January, 1887, and for some years past he has resided in the
home of Mr. Burrus.

After his marriage our subject rented a tract of land 6 miles south of
Blue Springs, where he resided from the 5th of October, 1880, until the
1st of March, 1884. He then rented a farm of Willis Young for 2 years, and
in 1886 removed to the farm owned by W. H. Montgall, 2 ½ miles south of
Blue Springs. After a time he purchased his present farm, 3 miles SW of
Blue Springs on the Independence road. this comprises 65 acres of land,
valued at $50 per acre.

He has made extensive improvements upon the place, including the erection
of a fine brick residence and good barns. He has also put up wire fences
and devoted his energies to the raising of grain and hogs.

Mr. and Mrs. Burrus have 1 child, Floyd F., born June 10, 1883. Our
subject belongs to the Cumberland Presbyterian church, in which he is now
serving as deacon. His wife is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church,
of Blue Springs. In February, 1894, he was appointed by the county
commissioners as overseer of the roads in his district, is now serving in
that capacity, and is earning the gratitude of the public by the extensive
and excellent improvements which he is making upon the system of roads and
by the opening up of new roads. In his political views he is a democrat,
and usually serves as a delegate to the county conventions. He takes great
delight in hunting, and is a pleasant, genial gentleman, social and kindly
in disposition. He wins friends wherever he goes, has the happy faculty of
retaining them, and it would be difficult to find a more popular or higher
esteem in this community.


LYMAN W FORD, M. D.
Among the worthy sons of the Empire State who have sought homes in Kansas
City is Dr. Ford, who ranks among the best physicians of Jackson county.
He was born in Saratoga, New York, May 25, 1846, and is a son of Lyman and
Adelia (Vanderwalker) Ford, the former a native of Connecticut and the
latter of Saratoga. The maternal grandfather was in the War of 1812, and
his father served in the same war, and was one of the heroes of the
Revolution. The grandfather was a native of England. The Ford family
located in Connecticut at an early day, while the Vanderwalker family
settled at New Amsterdam, now New York City. They were prominent people in
England, and the great-grandfather was a surgeon in the English army. The
members of both families were farming people and school teachers.

The Doctor's father followed the sea during his early life. At the age of
13 he ran away from home and shipped before the mast on a vessel bound for
Liverpool. For many years he sailed on the Atlantic, but at length left
the water and turned his attention to farming in Washington county, New
York, where he remained for a year. Believing, however, that better
advantages were offered in the west, he left the Empire state and took up
his residence in Kendall county, Illinois, which was his home until after
the close of the war. He then came to Carroll county, Missouri, and is now
living in Texas, at abou the age of 80 years. His family numbered six
children, who grew to years of maturity, while five are now living,
namely: Wyndette, Lyman W., Frank, Edgar and Amy. Martin, the second
member of the family, is deceased.

Dr. Ford of this review was principally reared in New York, and acquired
his education in the village school and academy, supplemented by a course
in the Jennings Seminary, of Aurora, Illinois, after the removal of the
family to that state. On the breaking out of the civil war, although only
15 years of age, he left school and joined the 150th Illinois infantry, in
which he served until the close of the great contest, participating in the
memorable march with Sherman to the sea and a number of important
engagements. The soldier boy displayed the same loyalty and fidelity which
was manifested by the older veterans, and the blue was worn by no more
patriotic defender of the old flag.

After peace was declared Dr. Ford at once returned to the north and became
a resident of Boone, Iowa, where he taught the first public school in that
place. He had hardly passed his 17th birthday. For 7 years he was
connected with the educational interests of that town, as a teacher of
recognized ability, and continued to follow that profession until 29 years
of age, but in the meantime took up the study of medicine. He entered the
old Northwestern University of Chicago, where he paid for his tuition by
teaching. In 1875 he became a student in Rush Medical College, of that
city, at which he was graduated with the class of 1878. He located at
Norborne, Missouri, where he practiced for 9 years, and in 1886 he came to
Kansas City, where he has built up a very large business, which is
constantly increasing.

Dr. Ford possesses a nature that could never content itself with
mediocrity, and has continued his studies and the work of progress along
the line of medical research until today he is ranked among the foremost
members of the profession in Jackson county. In the years 1894 and 1895 he
filled the chair of genito-urinary diseases in the College of Physicians
and Surgeons of Kansas City. He has been examiner of various prominent
insurance companies for a number of years. Socially, he is connected with
the Masonic fraternity and the Knights of Pythias order. His while record
has been an honorable and commendable one. As a soldier boy, a teacher,
and a physician, his history is one deserving of emulation.



WILLIAM T. JAMISON
The bar of Kansas City numbers many eminent members, and in almost every
case inquiry would reveal that these are men who unaided worked their way
upward. Thorough application, extensive research and persistent labor, in
analyzation of character will be found as the elements which have entered
into their success. These qualities are possessed in no small degree by
the gentleman whose name introduces this biographical notice, and with a
singleness of purpose he has devoted himself to his chosen calling. He is
yet a young man, but has already gained a high standing at the bar, and
with a laudable ambition will continue his progress while he remains a
member of the profession.

Mr. Jamison was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, November 16,
1858, and is a son of Robert and Elizabeth Jamison, who still reside in
that county. His grandparents were all of Scotch-Irish lineage, and were
descendants of early settlers of Washington county, except the paternal
grandmother, who was a Virginian. The bravery and indomitable will power
characteristic of those who defended their country and their homes from
devastation at the hand of the Indian was shared by them, as were the
dangers and hardships.

William Jamison was reared upon his father's farm, remaining an inmate of
the parental home until his 20th year. He had during this time attended
the common schools through the winter season and with this preparation now
began teaching school, which profession he followed with excellent success
for a number of terms. He afterward attended Washington and Jefferson
College and subsequently entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor,
at which institution he was graduated with the law class of 1884, having
earned every dollar expended for his schooling.

On leaving the university Mr. Jamison resumed his former vocation of
teaching, while determining upon a point at which to begin the practice of
law. He continued his work as a successful educator for nearly 2 years and
during that time was admitted to the bar in the city of Wheeling, West
Virginia, but did not begin practice there. His attention being attracted
toward Kansas City, Missouri, he became impressed with its advantages, and
on the 6th of April, 1886, he took up his residence here and entered upon
the practice of his chosen profession, having an office with Judge L. C.
Slavens until December, 1890, when he entered into a partnership for the
practice of law with Judge Slavens and Wilbur F. Spottswood, Esq.,under
the firm name of Slavens, Spottswood & Jamison. Our subject attended
strictly to his professional duties, refusing to take any active part in
politics until the spring of 1894, when he was elected a member of the
lower house of the common council of his city, upon the convening of which
house he was unanimously chosen speaker. In September of the same year he
was made the nominee upon the republican ticket for the office of
prosecuting attorney for Jackson county, to which office at the November
election of that year he was elected, but by a most daring forgery of the
election returns he was prevented from taking his office until February 8,
1895, when after a persistent fight in the courts he secured his rights
and upon that date entered upon the duties of his office. At the same time
he retired from the law firm and resigned his position in the council.
When he entered upon his duties as prosecuting attorney one of the first
duties demanding his attention was the prosecution of offenders against
the election laws in the recent election, and this work he carried forward
fearlessly and without regard to party affiliations.

Mr. Jamison is a republican in politics, but not a strong partisan, and
while a Methodist in religion is at all times tolerant toward those who do
not agree with him. Shortly before coming to Kansas City, Mr. Jamison was
married to Miss Annie M., daughter of the late Laken Whitely, a
substantial citizen of Washington county, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Jamison
accompanied her husband to his new field, where their future home was
established. They have one child, Howard L., an interesting lad 8 years
old, of whom his parents are justly proud.



THOMAS JEFFERSON FORD
A retired farmer living in Blue Springs, Missouri, was born near
Versailles, in Woodford county, Kentucky, March 26, 1824. He was reared in
Shelby county. His father, John Ford, was a native of Virginia, and during
his boyhood days removed to Kentucky, becoming one of the pioneer settlers
of that locality. He married Miss Sarah Berry, and of their 12 children 9
are yet living.

While still under the parental roof our subject, the 7th born, learned the
carpenter's trade, being uninstructed, however, in this work, yet
possessing natural talent for it. In 1848 he came to Missouri, and in 1850
made a permanent location in Kansas City, where for some years he followed
the carpenter's trade. He was for 6 years in the employ of Lewis A. Ford.
He then engaged in farming on the Blue, 4 miles southeast of the center of
Kansas City, where he had an extensive farm, which now, however, lies
within the corporation limits. He owned 107 acres and continued the
cultivation and improvement of this property until 8 years ago. He sold
this farm during the boom, but as the purchaser was unable to pay for it
reverted to him. He afterward purchased 240 acres, 2 ½ miles South of Blue
Springs, and also has 30 acres 1 mile further east. He has, however, now
laid aside business cares and is living retired in Blue Springs, enjoying
the fruits of his former toil. He has led an industrious life, is
energetic and persevering, and his well-directed efforts have brought to
him a comfortable competence. He has rented his Kansas City farm and taken
up his abode at his pleasant suburban residence situated near the limits
of the city.

Mr. Ford was married in Kansas City, in 1850, to Miss Elizabeth Taylor, of
this place. She died in 1857. Four children were born of that marriage:
John Willis, a farmer residing near Independence; Thomas Lewis, at home;
Sarah Lucy, now the wife of Wallace Campbell, who is living on the farm
near Kansas City; and T. J., who died in infancy. Mr. Ford was again
married on the 28th of June, 1860, his second union being with Miss
Cumilah F. Bradley, of Kansas City, daughter of Isham Bradley. Her father
was a native of Virginia, but at an early day emigrated to Missouri,
becoming one of the pioneer settlers of Jackson county in 1837. He resided
on the Westport road, on a farm which now lies within the city limits, and
died on the old home place October 18, 1867, at the age of 66 years. His
wife bore the maiden name of Catherine Hudgins. They were married in
Virginia, and became the parents of 8 children, 5 of whom are yet living.

To Mr. and Mrs. Ford have been born the following named: Archie B., who is
now on the farm; Mary Cumilah, wife of J. Samuel Bridges, a farmer living
in Blue Springs; Vyra Lee, wife of John W. Corder, of Kansas City; Charles
W. Ernest W., Bessie, Jeffie and Delma.

In his political views, Mr. Ford is a democrat. He served as a member of
the home guards during the civil war, and with the exception of a part of
one summer remained on the farm during those troublous times. The invading
armies took all his horses but one, also a considerable amount of cattle,
and his crops were destroyed by the trampling hosts. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Ford hold a membership in the Baptist church, with which they have been
connected since early youth. Their membership is now with the organization
at Blue Springs, and Mr. Ford has served as deacon. He was made a Mason at
Westport, and is a valued member of that fraternity. His long residence in
Jackson county has made him widely known, and his well-spent life has
gained for him the confidence and good will of all with whom he has been
brought in contact.



JOHN PUNTON, M.D.
Is engaged in the practice of regular medicine, being one of the most able
and skilled physicians of Kansas City. He was born in London, England,
July 12, 1854, and is a son of William and Emily (Gumbrall) Punton, who
also were natives of the same country. The grandfather, William Punton,
was a solicitor or barrister at law in London, and died in the prime of
life. His family numbered 2 sons and a daughter, including the father of
our subject, who was an upholsterer and paper-hanger. His entire life was
spent in his native city, where he died in 1890, at the age of 63 years.
His wife also passed away at the same age. Both were members of the church
of England, and were highly respected people. They had 8 children - 3 sons
and 5 daughters - of whom 7 are now living, namely; Louisa, wife of George
Monk; Marianne, wife of Alfred Clark, a detective of London; William, who
is principal of a school in Reigate, England, a position he has filled for
27 years; John; Minnie, wife of Thomas Stafford, of London; Julia E., wife
of Alfred Smith, who has been principal of a school in London for many
years; and Alfred, a dentist of Mount Pleasant, Iowa. A daughter passed
away name Louisa. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Thomas
Gumbrall, was a farmer of England, and there spent his entire life, dying
at an advanced age.

Dr. Punton spent his boyhood days in his native land and obtained his
literary education in the public schools, which he attended until 16 years
of age. During the succeeding 3 years he was the traveling companion for a
wealthy gentleman in all parts of Europe. No better educational training
could have been given him than this, for “by running to and fro in the
earth shall knowledge be increased;” and one gains through looking upon
different scenes and watching the various nationalities a knowledge that
could never be obtained from text books. It was in this way he gained a
desire to come to America. He is today a man of broad general information,
having been made so through experience, observation and extensive reading.

The Doctor was a young man of 18 years when he crossed the Atlantic to
America, taking up his residence in Jacksonville, Illinois, where he
secured a position as attendant in the insane asylum located there. In the
meantime he studied pharmacy, and became the apothecary of the Central
Illinois Hospital for the Insane - a position which he creditably filled
for 10 years, during which time, at the suggestion of the medical faculty
of this institution, he studied medicine until he graduated. He, however,
sought a broader field of labor, and resolved to enter the general medical
profession, which calls for great sacrifices and more arduous labors than
almost any other calling. In the winter of 1878-9 he was a student in the
University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, after which he returned to the
asylum to re-enter his position as druggist for the institution. It was by
this means that he acquired the capital necessary to complete his
education, and going to Cincinnati he entered the Miami Medical College,
at which he was graduated in the class of 1883.

Immediately afterward Dr. Punton removed to Lawrence, Kansas, where he
engaged in practice for a year and a half, during which time he served as
city physician. The State Insane Asylum at Topeka, Kansas, had been
greatly enlarged, and the Doctor was then offered, by the president of the
state board of charities, the position of superintendent of one of the
new, large, detached buildings, containing 300 patients; there he remained
for 3 years. Of a nature that would never content itself with mediocrity
or partial success, he went, at the expiration of that period, to Chicago,
in order to carry his resources and investigations still father, and
gained further proficiency in his chosen calling. He therefore took a
special course in the Northwestern Medical College, and, seeking a broader
field of labor, came to Kansas City, in March, 1888. For 4 years he
engaged in general practice, and then went to New York, where he took a
course in the post-graduate college, also in the clinical department,
making a specialty of nervous diseases, under the direction of Drs. Dana
and Landon Carter Gray. Subsequently he spent 6 months in Europe,
attending the special clinics devoted to nervous diseases. On returning to
Kansas City he became a specialist in this line, and remarkable success
has attended his efforts. In 1895 he made another trip to London for
special study, and also took a special course under the same instructors
in New York. The science of medicine has yielded up many of its secrets to
him, and entering the lists against disease and death he has many, many
times come off conqueror in the strife.

On the 17th of July, 1884, Dr. Punton was united in marriage with Miss
Frances Evelyn Spruill, daughter of W. F. T. and Mary B. (Babbitt)
Spruill. Her father is a Methodist minister belonging to the Illinois
Conference. Mrs. Punton is a native of Kentucky, and a most cultured and
refined lady, a graduate of the Illinois Female College, of Jacksonville,
Illinois, in the literary as well as the fine art department. Three sons
have been born to this marriage - Frank Gibson, John Morse and William
Bruce. The parents are members of the Grand Avenue Methodist Episcopal
church, and also belong to the order of the Eastern Star, of the Masonic
fraternity, while the Doctor is a member of Albert Pike lodge, A. F. & A.
M., as well as of the Scottish rite and Oriental commandery. He also holds
a membership in various medical societies and is now president of the
Kansas City Academy of Medicine. He belongs to the Jackson County, the
Kansas City District, the Missouri State and the Tri-state Medical
Societies. He is an honorary member of numerous other medical
organizations in Missouri and Kansas, as well as the Kansas State Medical
Society. He is now professor of nervous and mental diseases in the
University Medical College, also holds the same chair in the Woman's
Medical and the Western Dental Colleges, and is special lecturer to the
Scarritt Training School, and consulting neurologist to All Saints
Hospital, the Kansas City, the Fort Scott & Memphis, the Pittsburg & Gulf
and the Missouri & Pacific Railroad Hospitals. His prominent connection
with these various institutions is a sufficient guaranteed of his ability,
and indicates better than commendatory words would do the high position he
occupies among his professional brethren. He is one of the most promising
of the rising generation of physicians of Kansas City, and we predict for
him unbounded success.



PAULINE EMERSON CANFIELD, M. D.
The history of the Emerson family in England can be traced back to the
early part of the 13th century, and the Doctor has in her possession the
authentic lineage from 1300 down to Thomas Emerson, who came to America in
1638. He was proprietor of the manors of Bradbury and Hilton, in England,
and after coming to the New World figured prominently in the history of
the American branch of the family, being its found in this country.

More than 250 years ago, when the citizens of this country had penetrated
into the interior only a few miles, the greater number located along the
Atlantic coast. Weighing anchor in an English port the westward-bound
sailing vessel, Elizabeth Ann, among the passengers on board that little
ship was Thomas Emerson, a representative of the Emerson family of the
Wear valley, in the county of Durham. At length the long voyage of 3,000
miles was ended, and since that year, 1638, the Emerson family and its
representatives have been prominent in American annals. No people have
been more honored than those who have worn this name. The family has been
distinguished by its devotion to those works, enterprises and business
interests which are designed for the aid and uplifting of humanity. Among
the members of the family are Ralph Waldo Emerson, the noted essayist;
Wendell Phillips, the apostle of freedom and the friend of the oppressed;
Bishop Phillips Brooks, of the Episcopal church, and Bishop W. F.
Mallalieu, of the Methodist Episcopal church, both prominent in
ministerial work; Professor C. Wesley Emerson, the founder and president
of the Boston School of Oratory; Professor H. P. Emerson, of Buffalo, New
York; Professor B. K. Emerson, of Amherst College; Dr. H. P. Emerson, of
London, England, an author of works on natural history, and many others
who are eminent in church and educational circles.

Thomas Emerson, who was born in the county of Durham, England, took up his
residence in Ipswich, Massachusetts, on emigrating to America. He received
a large grant of land from King James I., October 19, 1619, which was to
be in the possession of the family for a thousand years. A coat-of-arms
was also granted to the family by King Henry VIII, and this has been used
by Ralph Waldo Emerson and other representatives of the family in this
country for book plates. Thomas Emerson inherited the manors of Bradbury
and Hilton, and thus another coat-of-arms was brought into the family.
They had 5 children, including Rev. John Emerson, from whom were descended
Wendell Phillips and Phillips Brooks. Thomas Emerson died May 1, 1666, and
we have the following record concerning the disposition of his property:

“His will was dated May 31, 1663. He died May 1, 1666, and the inventory
of his estate is recorded November 3, 1666, in which record he is styled
“Goodman Emerson, Senior' He left a wife, Elizabeth, and sons - Joseph,
John, James and Nathaniel - and a daughter, Elizabeth, wife of John
Fuller. “He bequeathes to his wife the yearly rent of his farm with six
head of cattle, also the home, etc. during the time she doth remain my
widow. To his sonne Joseph the sum of 80 pounds of current pay of New
England. To his sonne James the sum of 40 pounds to be paid unto him if he
shall come over into this or send by a certain certificate of his being
living within 2 years after the decease of me and my wife. In case my
soone dye before then, my will is that my sonne Joseph, his son Joseph,
shall have 10 pounds and my daughter Fuller and her 4 sonnes 20 pounds,
and my sonne Nathaniel 10 pounds. To Nathaniel, my house wherein I now
dwell, with all my upland and meadow and the marsh yt bought of my sonne
Joseph wh some time Mr. Woodman's. To his daughter, Elizabeth Fuller, best
coverlet and the bedstead to enjoy for use until her daughter Susan
atayned the age of 20 or the day of her marriage, if it should happen
sooner; then she to enjoy them also; the great carved chest with what is
in it, the carved box and the little trunk and small covered chest with
all (that) is in it.'

“In a codicil dated January 4, 1660, he mentioned having given unto his
son John his 'portion fill in ye considerations of yt agreement between us
about my farm,' etc. He bequeathed legacies to his daughter Fuller's 2
daughters, Suana and Elizabeth, to be paid to them at the age of 20 or at
ye day of marriage (see John Fuller). He appoints his 'living wife
Elizabeth Emerson sole Executrix and doe desire my much honored and
faithful friends Mr. Samuel Symonds and Maj. Gen'l Denison to be overseers
to see yt this will be fulfilled.' The will was proved May, 1666.”

Rev. Joseph Emerson, son of Thomas, the American ancestor, was born in
England in 1620, and was installed the first minister in Mendon,
Massachusetts, December 1, 1669. His death occurred November 3, 1679. He
married Elizabeth Woodmansey, and after her death Elizabeth Buckley. They
had 7 children, one of whom was the ancestor of Ralph Waldo Emerson,
America's famed realist.

James Emerson was the next in the line of direct descent. He was a
landholder, was born about 1655, had 4 children, and died in 1718.

His son, John Emerson, also a landholder, was born June 9, 1694, married
Mary Rice, and had 9 children, and died in 1780. His will, which was
allowed, June 5, 1780, read as follows: “In the name of God, Amen. The
12th day of July in the year of our Lord 1786, I, John Emerson, of
Uxbridge, in the county of Worcester and province of the Massachusetts, in
New England, yeoman, being under some bodily indisposition but of perfect
mind and memory (thanks be to God therefore!) calling to mind the
mortality of my body, and knowing that it is appointed for man once to
die, do make and ordain this my last will and testament; that is to say,
principally, and first of all, I give and recommend my soul into the hands
of God, who gave it, hoping, thro' the merits, death and passion of my
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to have a full and free pardon and remission
of all my sins and to inherit everlasting life; and my body I commit to
the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my executors
(thereafter named), nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I
shall receive the same again, by the mighty power of God. And as touching
such worldly estate, wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this
life, I give and dispose of the same in the following manner and form,
that is to say:

“First. I will and order that all those debts and duties that I do owe in
right or conscience to any person or person whatsoever, shall well and
truly be contended or paid or ordained to be paid, in convenient time
after my decease, by my executors hereafter named.

“Item. I give to my eldest son John 10 shillings lawful money, to be paid
by my executors in 7 years after my decease; ¼ part of my wearing apparel,
as also ¼ part of my shop tools, and no more. He have (having) already had
such part of my estate which with this I look upon to be his full
proportion of my estate.

“Item. I give to my son Thomas 10 shillings lawful money, to be paid by my
executors in ye term of 7 years after my decease, ¼ part of my wearing
apparel, as also ¼ part of my shop tools and no more, thinking this, with
what I have already given him, to be his full portion of my estate.

“Item. I give unto my son James 10 shillings lawful money to be paid in 7
years after my decease by my executors, ¼ part of my wearing apparel, as
also ¼ part of my shop tools, the which, with what he has already had, I
look upon to be his full portion of my estate.

“Item. It give and bequeath to my son Luke (he paying the several legacies
to my sons above-named; and to my son Ezekiel and daughters, Mary, Sarah
and Hannah, as after mentioned; and excepting the improvement of a part of
my house to my daughter, Mary, with a necessary part of the garden and
yard room, as aftermentioned) the whole of my homested, that I am now in
possession of; lands, buildings and tenement of every sort; as also the
whole of my stock of cattle, sheep, horses, hoggs, and of every sort; the
whole of my utensils for husbandry; ¼ part of my shop tools, as also ¼
part of my wearing apparel.

“Item. I give to my son Ezekiel 10 shillings lawful money, to be paid him
by my executors in 7 years after my decease, the which, with his education
at college, I account to be his full portion of my estate.

“Item. I give to my eldest daughter, Mary, 26 pounds, 13 shillings and 4
pence lawful money, to be paid her by my executors on her marriage or in 4
years after my decease, as also comfortable and convenient rooms in the
North end of my house, a necessary part of my cellar and well, such a part
of the garden, at the south end of the house as may be necessary for her
own use; convenient yard room, with the privilege of going and coming so
long as she shall live unmarried; and also 1/3 part of my household goods.

“Item. I give to my daughter Sarah, 11 pounds, 10 shillings, to be paid
her by my executors in 6 years after my decease, with 1/3 part of my
household goods and 3 pence, which with what she has already received is
her full proportion of my estate.

“Item. I give to my daughter Hannah 8 pounds, 9 shillings and 5 pence
lawful money, to be paid her by my executors in 7 years after my decese,
with 1/3 part of my household good, which with what she has already
received is her full proportion of my estate. The above named legacies to
be paid to the above named legatees by my son Luke or by my executors out
of his part of my estate.

“Item. I give my pew in the publick meeting house to my sons and daughters
to be improved by them as they shall have occasion, or to be equally
divided among them. I do hereby constitute, make and ordain my well
beloved sons, John Emerson and Luke Emerson, my executors of this my last
will and testament; and I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke and disannul
all and every other former testaments, wills, legacies, bequests and
Exectss by me in any ways before this time named, willed and bequeathed,
ratifying and confirming this, and no other, to be my last will and
testament.

“In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, the day and year
above written.

“John Emerson (Seal)

“Signed, sealed, published, pronounced and declnred by the said John
Emerson as his last will and testament in presence of us, the subscribers.

“Joseph Tyler,
“Mattan Webb,
“Elizabeth Webb

“N. B. The words interlined page 2d, between the 6th and 7th and between
the 7th and 8th lines from the bottom, was before the signing, sealing and
delivery of these presents.

Codicil to Ye Within Will.

“Be it known to all men by these presents, that whereas, I, John Emerson,
of Uxbridge, have made and declared my last will and testament in writing
bearing date the 12th day of July, 1788, I, the said John Emerson, by this
present codicil, do ratify and confirm my said last will and testament;
but it has pleased God in his most holy providence to take away my within
named son Luke Emerson by death, the fourth day of November, 1774;
therefore I give and bequeath to the said Luke Emerson's 2 sons, my
grandsons (viz), John Emerson and Thomas Emerson, and to their heirs and
assigns forever, all and singular my lands, buildings, and tenements of
every sort as is named in the within will, which I bequeathed to their
father, sd Luke Emerson, deceased; and further I think it is not necessary
to give the 5 daughters of ye sd Luke (my granddaughters) anything (viz.)
Ruth Emerson, Susannah Emerson and Louis Emerson, Rhoda Emerson and Sally
Emerson; and my will and meaning is that this codicil or schedule be, and
be adjudged to be, part and parcel of my said last will and testament, and
that all things herein mentioned and contained be faithfully and truly
performed, and as fully and amply in every respect as if the same were so
declared and set down within my last will and testament. Witness my hand
this 3rd day of December, 1774.

“John Emerson. (Seal)
“N. B. My meaning is that ye above named John and Thomas have all my house
forever.
“David Read, Junr.
“Johnathan Emeson.
“Paul Wheelock.

Luke Emerson, who was so frequently mentioned in the above quoted will,
and who was the next in the line of direct descent to Dr. Canfield, of
this review, was born October 14, 1733, and died November 4, 1744. He was
the possessor of considerable property. He was married April 30, 1755, to
Ruth Emerson, who was born March 12, 1737. They had 10 children. His will,
which was allowed December 2, 1774, was as follows:

“In the name of God, Amen! The 20th day of October, 1774.

“I, Luke Emerson, of Uxbridge, in the county of Worcester, in the province
of Massachusetts Bay, in New England, yeoman, being in a very low state of
bodily health but of perfect mind and memory, -- thanks to be given unto
God! therefore, calling unto mind the mortality of my body and knowing
that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my
last will and testament - that is to say, principally and first of all, I
give and recommend my soul into the hands of God that gave it; and my body
I recommend to the earth to be buried in decent Christian burial, at the
discretion of my executors, nothing doubting that at the general
resurrection I shall receive the same by the mighty power of God.

“And as touching such wordly estate, wherewith it has pleased God to bell
me in this life, I give, demise and dispose of the same in the following
manner and form:

“Imprimise, I give and bequeath to Ruth, my dearly beloved wife, all and
singular my land and tenements, with all my live stock, together with all
my movable estate whatsoever for her my said wife to sell and dispose of
when and as she pleaseth, with the priviso that she pays all my just debts
and the several legacies to my heirs hereafter named.

“Item. I give and bequeath to my 2 beloved sons, viz. John Emerson and
Thomas Emerson, the sum of 110 pounds, lawful money, to be raised and
levied out of my estate and equally divided between them, the said John
and Thomas, and to be paid when they arrive to the years of 21, and to
their heirs forever. Zuther, my will is in case either of my sons should
die before the age of the above described leaving no heirs, then his or
their legacy shall be divided amongst the rest of the surviving heirs.

“Item. I give to my 5 daughters, viz., Ruth Emerson, Susannah Emerson,
Louis Emerson, Rhoda Emerson and Sally Emerson, the sum of 40 pounds, to
be equally divided between them and their heirs forever.

“Item. I constitute, make and ordain Ruth Emerson, my above named and
beloved wife, sole executrix of this my last will and testament.

“And I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke and disannul all and every other
former testaments, wills, legacies and bequests and executors by me in any
ways before named, willed and bequeathed, and confirming this and no other
to be my last will and testament.

“In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, the day and year
above mentioned.

“Luke Emerson. (Seal)

“Signed, sealed, published, pronounced and declared by the said Luke
Emerson, as his last will and testament, in the presence of us the
subscribers.

“Witnesses:
John Hawkins
Ezra Taft
Paul Wheelock

Thomas Emerson, the grandfather of Dr. Canfield, and son of Luke Emerson,
was a prominent trader. He was born August 20, 1773, and died November 7,
1825. He married Margery Morse, who was born April 22, 1773, and died
January 21, 1826. They had 9 children. A copy of his will is also herewith
given:

“In the name of God, Amen!

I, Thomas Emerson, on this 7th day of November, 1825, in the township of
Green Creek, county of Sandusky and state of Ohio, make the following my
last will and testament, namely: My wife Margary shall inherit 1/3 of my
personal and real estate after my debts being paid while she shall remain
my widow. Louis, my eldest daughter, shall have a nice bureau, a fall-leaf
table and a stand to be made of cherry and paid for out of my estate.
Marcus, my son, shall have 5 dollars. My son, Jesse, shall pay to my son,
Thomas, the sum of 50 dollars, good and lawful money; then my son, Thomas,
and my son, Jesse, shall inherit the South half of my 80 acre lot,
including the mill and mill privileges. My son, Stephen, shall inherit the
North half of my 80 acre lot. My son, Ezekiel, shall have the sum of 30
dollars. My daughter, Pauline, shall have the sum of 50 dollars of my
estate when she shall come of age or be married, to be laid out in
household furniture.

“In testimony whereof I hereunto sign my name and affix my seal on the day
and in the year above written.

“Thomas Emerson. (Seal)

“Attest:
Louis Sherwood.
Daniel Brainard.”

Jesse Emerson, father of our subject, was born December 24, 1801, and on
the 17th of February, 1829, was married to Jemima S. Gavitt, who was born
February 20, 1806. He was a farmer and landholder. His death occurred July
19, 1873, and his wife passed away April 9, 1884.

Dr. Pauline Emrson Canfield is a native of Ballville, Ohio. Her education
was completed by her graduation at the high school of Toledo, Ohio, and
later she determined to engage in the practice of medicine, whereupon she
entered Hahnemann Medical College, of Chicago, where she was later
graduated. She was afterward a student in the Woman's Medical College, of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and first engaged in practice in Fort Wayne,
Indiana. Some time afterward she came to Kansas City, which has now been
her home for 12 years. Here she has succeeded in building up an excellent
practice, and her skill and ability are recognized by the members of the
profession here. She was one of the founders and a charter member of the
Woman's Refuge and Maternity Hospital, was physician of the same 3 years,
was one of the founders and charter members of the Old Ladies' Protestant
Home, of which she served as physician 2 years, was the first physician of
the Door of Hope and is serving as physician to that worthy institution at
the present time. She is widely known for her charity and benevolence, and
many a poor family has reason to bless her for her timely assistance and
substantial aid.









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