Jackson County Biographies



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



LEWIS DEARDORFF
Was for many years one of the most prominent and honored business men of
Kansas City. His life history most happily illustrates what may be
attained by faithful and continued effort in carrying out an honest
purpose. It is the story of a life whose success is measured by its
usefulness - a life that has made the world better and brighter. There was
no man who did more for the upbuilding of the city and the promotion of
its commercial interests; and the welfare of every community depends
almost entirely upon its commercial activity. There is no task which falls
to the lot of the historian more difficult than that of the portrayal of
character, the reasoning back from effect to cause, the analyzation of the
principles and motives which enter into action and result either in
success or failure; but in the life of such men as Mr. Deardorff there are
some traits that stand forth with startling clearness. Among these were an
unfaltering perserverance, a laudable ambition, determined energy and
above these an honesty of purpose that was never questioned.

In the history of Kansas City no one is more deserving of prominent
mention than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He was born
February 14, 1830, near Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, and there spent the days
of his childhood. He learned the trade of carpentering in Philadelphia,
serving a regular apprenticeship, and when about twenty years of age
removed to Springfield, Ohio, where he followed that vocation in
connection with an elder brother, a contractor there. After he had
accumulated some capital he emigrated to Tipton, Iowa, where he purchased
land and engaged in the manufacture of brick. In 1856, he came to Kansas
City, where he engaged in the general contracting business until 1860.

In that year began his connection with the lumber trade. He entered into
partnership with Mr. Smith, of Leavenworth, Kansas, where they established
a large lumber-yard and built up a good business. Mr. Deardorff, however,
continued his residence in Kansas City and the outbreak of the war
disposed of his interest, once more turning his attention to contracting
and building in this place. In 1865, however, he resumed the lumber
business, in connection with his brother, John Deardorff, with whom he had
entered upon his business career in Springfield, Ohio, and who invested
capital in the new enterprise, while Lewis assumed the active management.
The firm of Deardorff Brothers continued until 1866, when our subject
bought out his partner. He had established a yard at the corner of
Eleventh and Main streets, and his constantly increasing trade caused him
to frequently enlarge his facilities. There were two other small yards in
the city at the time he established business. He was one of the most
important factors in the establishment of this line of endeavor, his own
business growing rapidly until he was at the head of the largest
enterprise of the kind in Kansas City, and one of the largest west of the
Mississippi. His trade assumed very extensive proportions, and the
boundaries of the yard were continually enlarged and the stock increased.
At the time of his death he was also the oldest lumber merchant of this
place. Through his well directed efforts, his capable management, sound
judgment and honorable dealing, he won a high degree of prosperity, and as
success came to him he also made judicious investments in other lines. He
became the owner of a large cattle ranch near Dodge City, Kansas, where he
had a numerous herd, retaining his ownership of that property until his
death. He was also to some extent a cattle shipper.

Mr. Deardorff became interested in the banking business as one of the
stockholders in the old Mechanics' Bank, one of the first institutions of
the kind in Kansas City. It was succeeded by the Bank of Kansas City, and
he served as one of its directors. His real-estate holdings were quite
large. Besides his ranch in Kansas he owned 212 acres of valuable farming
land just outside the corporation limits of this city, together with a
large, double brick 5 story business block which he erected at Nos. 1216
and 1218 Union avenue.

Mr. Deardorff was married in Kansas City to Miss Carrie W. Shouse,
daughter of Judge William O. and Harriet (Bryan) Shouse, natives of Shelby
county, Kentucky. They were numbered among the pioneers of Jackson county,
where they located in 1837. The judge became the owner of 2 farms, the old
homestead lying just outside the present city limits on the East. This was
sold in 1883, at a good price. He continued to live on that farm until
1863, when on account of the border troubles during the war he removed to
the city, where he made his home from that time, and for several years was
engaged in the grocery business. His death occurred in August, 1892, at
the age of 80 years, and his wife passed away the following year. In
politics he was a democrat, and at an early day acceptably served as
county judge. He was a fair representative of the old Kentucky stock,
dignified, decided and courteous. The members of the Shouse family yet
surviving are Mattie V., wife of J. C. Morgan, of Kansas City; J. A., of
Dade county, Missouri; and Mrs. Deardorff.

The last named was born on the old farm in the suburbs of Kansas City,
here spent her maidenhood days, and acquired her education in Liberty,
Missouri. She still survives her husband. Her children are Martha S; Lewis
J.; Harvey L.; Frank M.; and Myrtle L., now the wife of Thomas J. Brodnax,
of Kansas City.

In the early days of his residence here Mr. Deardorff served as a member
of the city council, but had no desire for political preferment. His
support was given the democratic party. He attended the First Baptist
church, of which his wife is a member and made liberal contributions to
the cause. He was a man whose integrity and honor were above question, and
whose well spent life commanded the confidence and gained him the esteem
of all with whom he was brought in contact. His life's labors were
suddenly ended by an attack of erysipelas, and he was laid to rest in
Grand Avenue cemetery. Thus one by one the pioneers are passing away, but
the memory of such a man will remain green in the hearts of all who knew
him for years to come. The old family homestead still stands at the corner
of Twelfth and Central streets, but Mrs. Deardorff has removed to Troost
avenue. She has also erected a 3 story double brick dwelling at the
southwest corner of 11th and Pennsylvania streets, and the family still
holds the realty of the estate, nearly all of which is of an improved
character.



ALFRED BAXTER SLOAN, M.D.
Has not only been prominently connected with professional interests in
Kansas City, but is also numbered among the honored pioneers of Jackson
county. He has seen much of the wild land transformed into beautiful homes
and farms, has watched the growth and development of this place, and has
ever given a hearty support to those interests calculated to promote the
county's welfare. Here he attained an enviable reputation as a medical
practitioner, and now, after a useful business career is living retired,
enjoying a rest which he richly merits.

Dr. Sloan is numbered among the native sons of Missouri, his birth having
occurred at Cole Neck, Cooper county, September 24, 1827. The family comes
from the Emerald Isle, his grandfather, Alexander Sloan, having been a
native of Belfast, Ireland, whence he came to America at the age of 15 and
settled in the colony of Pennsylvania, for it was before the days of
American independence. When the colonies, no longer able to withstand the
oppressive measures heaped upon them, sought to obtain independence in the
long and bloody war of the Revolution, he loyally joined the army of his
adopted country. When success had crowned the American arms and the
British troops had returned to their native land, he located in Virginia,
where he was married. Near the close of the century he became one of the
pioneers of Tennessee, sharing the hardships of frontier life, and later
removed to Christian county, Kentucky. In 1819 he brought his family to
Missouri, and after residing in Howard county for a time, went to Cooper
county. His last days were spent in LaFayette county, where he died, at
the age of 84.

Rev. Robert Sloan, father of our subject, was born in Tennessee in 1801,
and accompanied his parents on their various removals. He entered the
ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian church when a young man, and for
40 years he devoted his life to that calling. His death occurred in Cass
County, Missouri in 1869. In 1826 he had married Margaret Davidson Ewing,
a native of Todd county, Kentucky, born in 1807. They became the parents
of 12 children, 9 of whom reached adult age, namely: Alfred B.; Mrs.
Fannie K. Jones, of Kansas City, wife of Greenup J. Jones; E. MacGready,
of St. Louis, grand secretary of the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows of Missouri; Alexander Thompson, a farmer of Cass county,
Missouri; and Hon. Charles William, of Harrisonville, who has served as
judge of the circuit court of Cass and Johnson counties; the others have
passed away.

On the maternal side also has the Doctor descended from honored ancestry.
His grandfather, Rev. Finis Ewing, was a Virginian and a distinguished
minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, which he helped to found.
For many years he resided in Missouri, and was noted for his conspicuous
talents and abilities, and became active and influential in the public
affairs of his adopted state. Several of his children became prominent in
political and professional circles, and the name is one that is honored
throughout the South.

When the Doctor was a child of 6 years his parents removed to LaFayette
county, and in 1845 located near Lee's Summit, Jackson county. In these
counties his childhood days were passed, the family living on a farm. He
began his education in the district schools, and when 20 years of age
continued his studies under the direction of Dr. Boggs, of Independence.
He afterward pursued a course in the medical department of the
Transylvania University, of Lexington, Kentucky, at which institution he
was graduated in 1849. He began practice in Bates county in 1848. It was
then a frontier region; but slightly improved, and there were but 3
physicians in the entire county. A year later he came to Jackson county,
and in 1850 started overland to California, attracted by the discovery of
gold on the Pacific slope. He remained there for 2 years engaged in
farming and mining, and in 1852 he located in Harrisonville, Cass county,
where his father had settled in 1851, and he practiced there until the
outbreak of the war.

In 1862, Dr. Sloan joined the army of General Price at Osceola as a
surgeon, and served with the 16th Missouri infantry in Missouri and
Arkansas. Later he became quartermaster for that section of the army
stationed along the Arkansas river. He thus served until the close of the
war, when, at Shreveport, Louisiana, he surrendered.

Immediately afterward the doctor returned to Missouri, and in 1865 came to
Kansas City, where he was actively engaged in the prosecution of his
chosen profession until failing health caused him to abandon this work.
Dr. I. M. Ridge is the only physician now in Kansas City who was
practicing here at the time of Dr. Sloan's arrival. He has not only been a
pioneer in the work here, but while in active practice occupied a foremost
position in the ranks of the medical fraternity. He has been an honored
member of the local, state and national medical associations, was one of
the founders of the Kansas City Medical Society, and for 12 years its
president. He was treasurer and vice-president of the State Medical
Society, for 6 years one of the judicial council of the American Medical
Association, and was a member of the International Medical Congress of
1887 held in Washington. To the medical literature of the country he has
made many valuable contributions, and his articles have appeared in many
of the standard magazines of the country.

On the 20th of December, 1855, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Sloan
and Miss Mary A. Raly, of Harrisonville, Missouri. She was born in
Kentucky, and died in Cass county, Missouri, April 9, 1887, at the age of
49 years. Her life was a noble one, characterized by deeds of kindness and
mercy, by devotion to her family, and to the cause of right. To the Doctor
and his wife were born 6 children, namely: Charles, a farmer of Knox
county, Tennessee; Sallie, wife of William Hoggsitt, of Kansas City,
Robert T., who is engaged in the practice of medicine in Kansas City;
Roland, a fruit farmer of Howell county, Missouri; Alfred, also a fruit
grower of Howell county; and Alice, at home.

In his social relations the Doctor is a Mason. He joined that order in
Harrisonville in 1855, and has since been active in the work of the lodge
and chapter of Kansas City. His life has been marked by conscientious
fidelity to duty, by devotion to what he believed to be right, and both in
social and professional circles he occupies a most enviable position.



A. LOUIS MICHAELS, A.M., M.D.
A physician and surgeon of 15 years' successful practice in Kansas City,
was born in LaSalle county, Illinois, August 25, 1854. His parents, Newton
and Evaline (Mathis) Michaels, were born in Ohio, of German ancestry. The
father was a stock dealer and farmer who was very successful in business
and a prominent man of his county. He was a pioneer in Illinois, settling
in LaSalle county in 1830, previous to the Indian troubles that broke out
soon after and led by the noted chieftain, Black Hawk. Subsequently he
removed to Kansas, where he died in 1881. Of his family of 8 children, our
subject is the eldest.

He was reared in his native county till 14 years of age, receiving
elementary instruction in the common schools and later in a private school
at home. He subsequently attended the normal school at Valparaiso,
Indiana, where he graduated in 1872, becoming at once an adjunct professor
of natural sciences, which position he filled for 2 years. He then entered
medical college at Louisville, Kentucky, where he took a course of study;
and subsequently he entered the Starling Medical College, at Columbus,
Ohio, at which he graduated in 1881. Proceeding to Kansas City, he began
practicing, and became police surgeon - a position he filled 3 years. In
1894 he was appointed professor of diseases of women and
electro-therapeutics in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of Kansas
City, Kansas, being also a trustee of said college. He enjoys a large
general practice and has an acknowledged standing in the profession. He is
a surgeon of Company A, Veterans, and examiner for the Provident Bankers'
Association.

In Masonry he has reached the 32 degree. His reading has been wide of
scope and great thoroughness, not altogether in the line of his profession
but embracing a careful research into the various sciences, literature,
etc. In mineralogy he is practically interested, and among his treasures
is a large cabinet of carefully selected ore specimens, which he has been
years in collecting.

His marriage to Miss Z. L. Grayson, a native of Alabama, was consummated
in 1882. they have 2 children: Emma E. and A. Louis, Jr. He and his
estimable wife are members of the Episcopal church, and take a prominent
part in the social and charitable work of the church.

Doctor Michaels ably represents what may be accomplished in getting on in
the world with no other aid than one's own efforts. At the age of 14 years
he became dependent upon his own resources, and with the assistance of a
dollar he persistently worked his way through school and college,
defraying his expenses with money earned by performing odd jobs at
intervals. Courage and a willingness to do with all his might whatever his
hand found to do has carried him to success and fortune. He is a gentleman
of perfect physical development and sound health, is of courteous manner
and address and of a pleasing, striking personality.



HENRY TOPPING
A retired attorney and civil engineer, who is numbered among Kansas City's
leading residents, was born in Rochester, New York, October 30, 1835. His
childhood and youth, however, were passed in Ohio, his early boyhood being
spent in Ravenna, while later he lived in Cleveland. His father, Alexander
Topping, was reared on a farm in Dutchess county, New York, but, being
possessed of natural mechanical ability, upon his removal to Rochester he
took up the carpenter's trade and afterward that of gunsmith. He married
Lucy Cleveland Ward, a native of Poultney, Vermont. Henry attended the
common schools for a time, but afterward entered a private school and took
a course in civil engineering in Cleveland. Subsequently he engaged in
railroad work - except the summer of 1855 spent in mining engineering in
the copper mines on Lake Superior - from 1853 until 1858. He assisted in
the original survey and in the construction of the river division of the
Cleveland & Pittsburg railroad, having charge of a portion of this line.

Mr. Topping started out in this line of business when a boy of 17 in the
humble position of rodman, but his ability won him rapid promotion until
he was advanced to the position of assistant engineer, and as such he had
superintendence of the construction of 14 miles of road. He had at this
time not yet passed his 20th birthday. He was a close student and lover of
mathematics and the sciences, and was especially proficient along those
lines. This naturally led him to engage in the work of civil engineering.
After his marriage in 1857, and partly owing to the panic of that year and
the consequent stoppage of public works, he took up the study of law in
St. Clairsville, Ohio. His thorough research and steady application fitted
him for admission to the bar in 1859, and he at once entered into
practice, in connection with his former preceptor, with whom he remained
for 2 years, or until the outbreak of the war, which changed the current
of his life like that of many others.

In October, 1861, Mr. Topping was appointed by Governor Dennison, of Ohio,
as adjutant of the 3rd battalion, first Ohio cavalry. Later he was made
regimental adjutant, and served with General Buell's army in Kentucky and
Tennessee, and was in General Thomas' division, which acted as reserve for
General Buell's army at Shiloh. He remained with his command until after
the occupation of Corinth, when General Halleck, who was in command,
ordered all staff officers to the cavalry and artillery not company
lieutenants, -- holding such appointments unauthorized by the army
regulations, -- to be mustered out. This order included Lieutenant
Topping, and in June, 1862, at Paducah, Kentucky, he was honorably
discharged. He was at once, however, attached to the engineers' corps as a
civilian assistant engineer on topographical work. He was at first
connected with General Rosecrans' command, and later was sent to the
Shenandoah valley, in Virginia, where he was maily engaged in making
surveys for military maps. In the summer and fall of 1862 he was with
Rosecrans at the battles of Iuka and Corinth, and in the winter of 1862-3
was with Grant's army in Mississippi and Tennessee. He accompanied Colonel
Dickey, Grant's chief of cavalry, in the raid on the Mobile & Ohio
Railroad, and afterward served in West Virginia, participating in Crook's
and Averell's raids and engagements in that state, receiving special
mention for valuable service at the battles of Droop mountain, Moorfield
and on Averells' raid on the Virginia & Tennessee railroad in the winter
of 1863-4. When the war closed he was in the Kanawha Valley, in West
Virginia.

During the year succeeding Mr. Topping was employed as engineer by the
Averell Coal & Oil Company of New York, opening coal mines, building
railroads, etc., in the Kanawha valley. In the spring of 1866 he came to
Kansas City, and has since been prominently identified with its interests.
Here he embarked in the grocery trade, which he carried on for 2 years,
when he removed to his present farm, a mile and a quarter East of the
corporation limits. Since 1869 he has been extensively and successfully
engaged in fruit growing. In connection with his brother-in-law, W. H.
Tallman, of Wheeling, Virginia, he purchased the farm of Judge Boarman,
who had largely planted it with fruit. It comprised 80 acres and was bound
on the North by 12th street and South by 18th street. After cultivating
the entire amount for 17 years, in 1886, Mr. Topping sold a portion of the
place, and has platted the remainder, calling it “Belmont Heights.” He has
opened streets and made other improvements, and this is now a desirable
building site.

In his political views, Mr. Topping is a stalwart republican, who
maintains a deep interest in all public affairs, and is thoroughly well
informed on all question of the day. He has made a special study of one of
the most engrossing questions of the present, -- the money question, --
and an open letter from his pen, published in the New York Tribune, sets
forth the question in a somewhat new light, and ably demonstrates the
result of his careful investigation. Mr. Topping wrote:

“I have just read Mr. Horr's article entitled 'Honest Dollars' in the
Tribune. Like everything from his pen, it is earnest, honest, clear,
concise and convincing, and I agree with every word except those
paragraphs conceding the quality of honesty to the 'greenback dollar.”

“That the government had the right to compel the people to take such
dollars, however much depreciated in time of national peril, is conceded
by every one, and I agree with Mr. Horr when he says, 'Such a law in time
of peace would be thoroughly dishonest.' But when he says, 'I do not
believe any nation on the face of the earth ever resorted to such
legislation except in time of great national distress and as the only
means of preserving national existence,” I think he is not sustained by
the facts of our own recent history.

“Thirteen years after the close of the war, by the act of May 31, 1878,
forbidding the retirment of greenbacks, the government re-asserted the
power to stamp the flat value inherent in the legal-tender quality upon
its circulating notes, and the supreme court decision of March 3, 1884,
fully upholds the act and the power.

“I believe the legal tender acts, thus upheld in time of peace as well as
in time of war by the supreme court, have introduced a principal as
hurtful to sound national finance as the doctrines of the Dred Scott
decision were demoralizing to the national conscience. I believe the
decisions of 1870 and 1872 to be 'good law' and that of 1884 'bad law;'
but so long as the latter stands unreversed the advocates of flat money
have a 'standing in court.”

“True, the court only affirms the power and leaves the expediency to the
discretion of congress; but when the power is so broadly asserted the
expediency is likely to be inferred. I believe that a decision ought to be
reviewed and reversed in the court of conscience, as the Dred Scott
decision was, or, better still, overruled by a constitutional amendment.”

“We will never get rid of financial heresies so long as congress is
supposed to have the power and right to compel the people in time of peace
to accept for their labor or other think of value a piece of paper having
no value.”

Mr. Topping was married on the 1st of October, 1857, in Bridgeport, Ohio,
to Mary R. Tallman, daughter of John C. Tallman, of Bridgeport, Ohio, a
well-known banker. Mrs. Topping still has considerable interests there in
manufacturing concerns. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church,
and a most estimable lady. To Mr. and Mrs. Topping have been born the
following children: George, a farmer of Chase county, Kansas, who married
Miss Louise Grinnell, of Cedar Rapids, Michigan, whose paternal ancestors
came over in the Mayflower; John, secretary of the Aetna Standard Iron and
Steel Works at Bridgeport, Ohio. He married Miss Minnie Junkins, a
merchant of Bridgeport. Wilbur, secretary and general manager of the
Bellaire Stamping Company, of Harvey, Illinois, manufacturers of the
Columbian Enamel Ware, gold and enameled signs, etc. He married Clara
Taylor, daughter of Elder John Z. Taylor, formerly a Christian minister of
Kansas City; Albert, who is in the office of the Aetna Standard Company,
in Bridgeport, Ohio; Ellen, wife of Samuel Hazlett, teller in the People's
Bank of Wheeling, West Virginia, and a son of Dr. Hazlett, of that city;
Lucy, who became the wife of John M. Wilfley, who was for a number of
years with the Kansas City National Bank, and afterward removed to Kokomo,
Colorado; and Cornelia, who is now attending the high school. Mrs. Wilfley
died in Leadville, Colorado, in February, 1895, and was buried in the
Elmwood cemetery of Kansas City.

In 1886 Mr. Topping erected his fine residence. It is a beautiful and
commodious surbuban home, 1 ¼ miles East of the city limits, and stands on
a commanding eminence surrounded by a beautiful lawn, while within it is
supplied with all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.




BENJAMIN F. RECORDS, M.D.
A physician of the regular profession, was born January 6, 1834, in
Bracken county, Kentucky, and is descended from one of the honored pioneer
families of that state. He traces his ancestry back to England, where in
1700 was born John Records, the founder of the family in America. Braving
the dangers that attended an ocean voyage in the early part of the 18th
century, he crossed the Atlantic and became a resident of Sussex county,
Delaware, where occurred the birth of his son, Josiah Records, the
great-grandfather of the Doctor, on the 1st of December, 1741, O. S.

His grandfather, Laban Records, was born in the same county in 1765, and
by occupation was a farmer. He went to Kentucky in 1775, and afterward
rendered efficient service to the government during the Indian war as a
scout. He was one of the pioneers of the state, when forests stood in
their native grandeur, and the famous blue-grass region was an uninhabited
tract. The Doctor's father, Laban S. Records, was born in Kentucky, May
11, 1807, and in his early life followed the profession of school
teaching, but subsequently devoted his energies to merchandising. He was
united in marriage with Martha Stites, a daughter of Samuel Stites, who
was born in New Jersey, in 1760, made farming his life work, and died at
the advanced age of 88. His father, William Stites, was a native of Wales
and came to America in 1740. Laban S. Records and his wife removed to
Illinois in 1840. Both died in Liberty, Missouri, the former at the age of
68 years, leaving a family of 5 surviving children, namely: Mrs. Sarah J.
Brown, of Junction City, Kansas; William P.; who is living in Leadville,
Colorado; Mrs. M. E. Long, of Kansas City; James M., of this place; and
the Doctor.

During his early boyhood, in 1840, Dr. Records accompanied his father's
family on their removal from his native place near Augusta, Kentucky to
Illinois, when they located near Paris, that state; and Benjamin attended
the public schools of the neighborhood. Thoroughly mastering the branches
therein taught, at the age of 19 he began teaching school, and while thus
engaged he devoted his leisure hours to the study of medicine under the
direction of the well known firm of Drs. Herrick & Mills, of Midway,
Illinois. Subsequently he entered the St. Louis Medical college, and was
graduated from that institution.

Having now fitted himself for his chosen calling, Dr. Records opened an
office and began practice in Paradise, Missouri, where he met with good
success, but removed to Liberty, Missouri, in 1878, and to Kansas City in
the Spring of 1889. Not long after his arrival he was appointed to the
position of assistant city physician - unsolicited on his part, -- in
which capacity he served until March 1891, when he resigned and opened an
office for private practice, and is now at the head of a large and
constantly increasing business, which is a tribute to his ability and
professional skill.

Dr. Records has been married 2 times, his second wife having been Miss
Mattie B. Williams, of Platte county, Missouri. He has a family of 4
living children: John W.; who is now acting as general foreman of the
Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe shops, Argentine, Kansas; James L., who is
superintendent of postal station “A”, in Kansas City; and Lucy McC., wife
of James L. Reikerd, engineer, Kansas City, Missouri; and W. C., the
youngest, clerk in Hammer Brothers' grocery.

The Doctor is prominently connected with medical societies, and is a
valued member of the Kansas City District Medical Society, the Kansas City
Medical Club, and the State Medical Society of Missouri. The Doctor is a
close student and devotes his time exclusively to his professional
interests, taking no part in politics aside from casting his vote in
support of the men and measures of the democracy. He and family are
members of the Baptist church, and in social circles hold an enviable
position. Success comes as the result of earnest application, unfaltering
determination and the exercise of those powers with which nature has
endowed him, and that Dr. Records has made the most of his opportunities
is shown by his large and well merited practice.

He was made a Mason in 1866, exalted a Royal Arch Mason in 1867, and has
filled all the leading offices in lodge and chapter, and served 4 years as
district deputy grand master; is a member now of Temple Lodge, No. 299,
and Orient Chapter No. 102, of this city.



DAVID MERIWETHER
Is a prominent merchant of Westport and a recognized leader in business
circles in this place. He has been a resident of Jackson county for more
than a quarter of a century, and while he has never sought prominence in
political or public life, he belongs to that class of citizens who always
faithfully perform each day's duty as it comes and are the elements of
true strength and stability of any community.

Our subject was born on the 24th of February 1842, in Monticello, Jasper
county, Georgia, and comes of one of the old and honored families of that
state. His great-grandfather, Frank Meriwether, was one of the pioneers of
Georgia, locating in Oglethorpe county in 1784. Though many years the
family was honorably and prominently connected with the history of that
state. The grandfather, Thomas Meriwether, had accompanied his father on
the removal in 1784, their home having formerly been in Virginia.

The father of our subject also bore the name of David and was a native of
Georgia. He was married 4 times, his 4th union being with Mrs. Matilda A.
Young, nee Pearson, who was born in the “Cracker” state. From the age of
18 years he was a resident of Jasper county, where his death occurred in
January, 1867. His wife afterward came to Missouri and in 1875 departed
this life. By their marriage they had 7 children, 6 of whom reached mature
years, while 3 sons and 2 daughters are yet living, namely: Thomas, a
resident of Monticello, Georgia, who married Miss Walker and has 3 living
children; David, of this review; Sarah, wife of Clark Bailey, of Sandtown,
Georgia; Charles Matthews, who was named in honor of his grandmother, a
daughter of Governor Matthews, of Georgia, and is now living with his
family in Social Circle, that state; and Lucy M., wife of John W. Lewis,
of Marietta, Georgia, by whom she has 2 children. Her husband's father
reared and educated Governor Brown and James Brown, of Georgia, 2 of the
most prominent characters in that state.

Mr. Meriwether, of this review, the 3rd in order of birth, was reared in
the county of his nativity and remained at home until after the civil war
was inaugurated, when, true to the principles and interests among which he
was reared he offered his services to the southern cause and became a
member of company D, 10th Confederate cavalry, which he joined on its
organization. The regiment was commanded by Colonel C. C. Good and
operated principally in east Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia. For 3 years
he followed the standard to which he had pledged his loyal service,
experiencing all the difficulties and hardships of war, and demonstrating
his bravery on many a battlefield. He was within a few feet of Major
General Walker when he was shot from his horse near Atlanta, Georgia, July
22, 1864, and was present at the surrender of General Joseph E. Johnston
in North Carolina.

The war having ended Mr. Meriwether returned home and resumed the quiet
pursuits of the farm, his time being thus passed through the 2 succeeding
years. His residence in Jackson county, Missouri, dates from 1868, at
which time he located on a farm in Westport township. With characteristic
energy he began the cultivation and development of his land, which, owing
to his perservering efforts, was soon highly improved and yielded to him a
golden tribute in return for the care and labor he bestowed upon it. In
1877 he came to Westport and effected the purchase of the store formerly
owned by William Riley. He has since been numbered amojng the successful
merchants of the city, his progressive methods, his energy and his
enterprise well entitling him to be thus accounted. He carries a large and
complete stock of staple and fancy groceries, flour and feed, and his
courteous treatment of his patrons, his earnest desire to please them and
his honorable efforts have secured to him a liberal and constantly
increasing patronage.

On the 5th of December, 1865, Mr. Meriwether was united in marriage with
Miss Martha J. Mastin, an estimable lady, whose social nature has made her
many warm friends. She is a native of Athens, Tennessee, and a daughter of
Thomas W. Mastin, now deceased, who was a very prominent man in that
state. Mr. and Mrs. Meriwether now have 3 children, namely: Ada May, wife
of H. F. Anderson, of Westport, by whom she has 2 children, Harry Forester
and Lois; William Wheeler, who is his father's partner in business and
married Miriam Klock, a native of Oneida, New York, by whom he has two
children, Francis Miriam and Martha; and Lucy Anna, at home. They also
lost one child, Elizabeth Mastin, who died at the age of 5 years. The
family is widely and favorably know in Westport society circles and their
home is a favorite resort for many friends.

In his political views Mr. Meriwether has been a long-life democrat and
has been elected on that ticket to the city council of Westport, where,
while serving, he acted as chairman of the public improvement committee
and did much to advance the city's interests. He also served for 11
consecutive years as city treasurer and his long continuance in office as
custodian of the public funds well indicates his fidelity to duty and the
confidence reposed in him. He has also been a member of the school board
of Westport township, and the cause of education finds in him a true and
tried friend. He is a valued member of the Masonic fraternity of Westport.
His name is a synonym of honorable business dealing, and in all the
relations of life he has proved himself faithful to the trust committed to
him, while upon his record there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of
evil. His success is attributable to his own energy and perseverance and
he is esteemed by all who know him.



AVIS ELIDA SMITH, M.D.
In no country in the world are the advantages offered to women that
America affords. Almost every avenue of business which she chooses to
enter has been open to her, and the world acknowledges that her progress
equals that of man. She no longer has to seek a justification for her
entrance into business life, for her power, ability and usefulness are now
universally recognized. Especially in the medical profession has she won a
place and name that reflect credit upon the sex. When a woman gives her
time and energy to this work, she has not only the thorough knowledge of
theory to which all may attain, but in practice she also possesses a
sympathy and intuitive comprehension which her brothers of the fraternity
often lack. Dr. Smith today stands in the front rank among the members of
the medical profession in Kansas City, and is enjoying a large and
lucrative practice.

She was born in Winnebago county, Illinois, October 17, 1851, and is a
daughter of James H. and Huldah (Howland) Smith. Her father was a native
of Delaware county, New York, born August 28, 1821, and by occupation was
a farmer. He died in 1893, at the age of 71 years, and his widow is still
living, at the age of 73. In the family were but 2 children, Avis E. and
Dana R.

Dr. Smith's paternal grandfather, Elijah Cleveland Smith, was born in
Chatham county, New York, May 20, 1788, and died in Delaware county, same
state, in 1873. Through his mother, Abigail Cleveland, he traced his
ancestry back through Elijah, Joseph and Samuel to Moses Cleveland, who
came in 1635 to Massachusetts from Suffolk county, England. He was the
founder of the Cleveland family in this country. His father, Peter Smith,
was born in Connecticut, in 1742, and died in Delaware county, New York,
in 1843, at the age of 100 years. The family was early founded in America,
though by whom it is not known.

The Doctor's maternal grandfather, George Howland, was also a native of
the Empire State, his birth having occurred at Hamden, Delaware county,
August 1, 1793. By occupation he was a farmer, and during the War of 1812
he served as a member of the colonial army, doing valiant duty. He died in
1873, at the age of 79 years. He was a man of sterling integrity of
character and highly esteemed by all who knew him. Six months after his
death occurred that of his wife, when she had attained about the same age.
His father, Joseph Howland, was born in 1767, in Rhode Island, was an
officer in the Revolutionary War, barely escaping starvation, having at
one time to kill a horse for food. He died in 1849, at the age of 81
years. He married Miss Avis Chase and had a large number of children. Of
his father, Gershom Howland, little is known. He was born in 1734 and
served with credit in the French and Indian war. Of his father, Joshua
Howland, nothing is known except that he was born in Freetown,
Massachusetts, married twice and had 13 children, who were hardy, upright
men and women, prominent in church and state. Samuel, the father of Joshua
and son of Henry, the founder of his branch of the family in America, was
one of the original proprietors of Freetown, Massachusetts. He was a
selectman of the town and assessor of the same in 1694. Henry, one of 3
brothers founding the family in America, arrived at Plymouth from England
before the year 1625. The early records of Plymouth say that none have a
better record for integrity, thrift, uprightness and piety than he. Many
of the early members of this family were Quakers and were subjected to
much persecution on account of this fact. Henry, in particular, was fined
again and again for attending their meetings and harboring the despised
sect. The usual penalty was fine of 5 Lira or a whipping. The high moral
and religious element which was a characteristic of the early members of
the family has largely entered into the lives of their posterity. Though
possessing a fair share of public favor, they have never possessed an
inordinate desire for social or political favor.

Dr. Smith passed her girlhood days in McHenry county, Illinois. On
completing a high school course she began teaching, which profession she
followed for several years, when she determined to devote her life to the
medical profession. She wished, however, to have as a foundation for her
medical studies a broader general culture, and to this end entered the
Illinois State university at Champaign, at which institution she graduated
in the class of 1877, with the degree of Bachelor of Science. Next she
resumed teaching, continuing therein for 3 years in Champaign, after which
she began reading medicine under the instructions of Dr. H. C. Howard, of
that city. Later she entered the Woman's Medical College at Chicago, now a
department of the Northwestern university, of Evanston, Illinois, and was
graduated in 1883, with the degree of M. D. Not content, however, with the
knowledge she had already gained, she went to Boston and pursued a course
of study and training in the New England Hospital for Women and Children.

She arrived here in Kansas City in 1884 and immediately commenced the
practice of her chosen profession; and while she is engaged in general
practice she makes a specialty of the diseases of woman and children. For
several years after her arrival here she had charge of the medical
department of the Woman's Refuge and Maternity Hospital, and in 1893
became connected with the Scarritt Bible and Training School for Nurses,
holding the chair of obstetrics, in connection with Dr. R. T. Sloan. She
is now connected with the Woman's Medical College, of Kansas City, where
she is professor of the diseases of children.

She is a very successful physician, and her thorough knowledge of the
science of medicine and her adaptation of it to the ills of the human
system is shown in the excellent results which follow her practice. She is
a lady of great force of character, broad and high ideals, and could never
be content with mediocrity in her calling. Therefore she has worked her
way steadily upward to the high position she now occupies. She is a member
of the Jackson County Medical Society and the American Medical
Association. In 1891 the University of Illinois conferred upon her the
degree of Master of Science.

As to her religious relations, she is a member of the Congregational
church, of Kansas City.



WILLIAM HAMILTON
In the early history of Jackson county the name of this gentleman finds
conspicuous mention. The Hamilton home was long a familiar landmark in
this section of the state. A typical country tavern, its hospitality and
good cheer were ever extended to its guests, whether friends or strangers,
by the genial, kindly, loving couple, known throughout all the surrounding
country as “Uncle” William and “Aunt” Eliza Hamilton, whose memory is
still cherished in the hearts of those who knew them, although the snows
of many winters have fallen upon their graves, and the birds with their
joyous carols have announced the approach of returning spring for almost
20 years. The familiar faces of loved ones may be seen no more, but their
memory remains as a blessed benediction to those with whom their lives
were closely interwoven. Through almost a century William Hamilton watched
the passing of time and the change that the years brought; and through the
long period his own honorable, upright life, marked by fidelity to every
manly principle, won him the love and confidence of all with whom he was
brought in contact.

The first decade after the signing of the Declaration of Independence was
not yet completed when he opened his eyes on the light of this world. He
was born in Virginia on the 21st of April 1786, and was the eldest son in
a family of 8 children, whose parents were William and Ruth (Wilson)
Hamilton. As far back as the ancestry can be traced it is seen that the
eldest son of each generation has borne the name of William. The paternal
grandfather of our subject, William Hamilton, was born in Dublin, Ireland
and married a Scotch lady whose family name was Alse. Shortly afterward he
emigrated with his bride to the new world, becoming the founder of the
family on American soil. For a short time they resided in Pennsylvania,
and then removed to Virginia, where they reared a family of 4 children,
the eldest of whom was William, the father of our subject, and also a
native of Old Dominion. When 40 years of age he was joined in wedlock with
Miss Ruth Wilson, then 22 years of age. During the struggle for
independence he joined the colonial army and valiantly aided in that
warfare which resulted in the establishment of this republic. His wife was
a granddaughter of Colonel Francis Moore, a warm personal friend of George
Washington.

It is with a high degree of gratification that the biographer enters upon
the task of perpetuating by written record the life of one so worthily
connected and whose own career was so well worthy of emulation as that of
William Hamilton, of Jackson county, Missouri. His childhood and youth
were marked by no events of special importance. He was married on the 10th
of February, 1819, to Eliza Lillard, the wedding ceremony begin performed
in Kentucky, after which the young couple took up their residence in Boyle
county, that state, where they remained until 1849.

In that year Jackson county gained 2 of its best citizens. Mr. Hamilton
brought his family to Missouri, and from that time until his death was
prominently connected with the best interests of the community. He located
in Sibley, now Fort Osage township, and purchasing a house opened the
country tavern before mentioned, which he conducted until just before the
breaking out of the civil war. Selling his property he then removed to a
farm in Fort Osage township, which continued to be his place of residence
until he was called to the eternal home. His residence was ever noted for
its hospitality, and both he and his wife extended to all who came beneath
their roof that good cheer and kindliness to characteristic of the pioneer
homes. He was a man of strict honor and unquestioned integrity,
straightforward in business, social in home life and reliable at all
times. Although he was a slaveholder at the time the civil war was
inaugurated, he did not believe in the dissolution of the union, but hoped
that the stars and stripes might float over an unbroken country. Reared in
the South, his sympathies were with his own section of the country, but he
was true nevertheless in his allegiance to the national government. He
never turned from his door either a confederate or union man who sought
food, and the respect in which he was held by both armies is shown by the
fact that his home ws the only one that stood for miles around,
undestroyed by fire. His wife shared with him all his hopes and desires,
and the love of the entire community was given to “Aunt” Eliza Hamilton,
whose great warm heart had a sympathy for all mankind, and as especial
tenderness for those in need or distress.

For 58 years this worthy couple traveled life's journey together, sharing
its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity. They celebrated the
50th anniversary of their marriage in 1869, at which time were present all
their living children and grandchildren. It was a happy occasion, not only
for the old people, but also for their many friends who gathered with
words of congratulation and best wishes to commemorate the day when young
in years they started out together to meet whatever the future had in
store for them. 8 sons and 2 daughters came to bless their home, of which
number of children 8 reached years of maturity, namely: Joseph W., John
T., William A., James A., Artimesia, Mary E., Andrew and Charles G. James
and Abraham died in infancy.

Mrs. Hamilton, who was born June 9, 1804, passed away on the 18th of July,
1877, at the age of 73 years. On the 15th of September of the same year,
Mr. Hamilton closed his eyes in death, being then 91 years of age; and the
two, who were so long loving companions on this earth, were united once
more in the home beyond, where all separations are over. They were members
of the pioneer Baptist church at Buckner, their names appearing on the
church charter, and in the work of the congregation they were most active
and faithful.



CHARLES G. HAMILTON
It is interesting to know that the old Hamilton homestead is still in
possession of a member of the family and that the representative who
occupies the place wears worthily the honored name he bears and is
accounted one of the leading and most esteemed citizens of the community.
Only 5 years of age when he came to Jackson county, his entire life,
almost, has been passed here, and with its agricultural interests he is
prominently identified.

Charles G. Hamilton was born in Boyle county, Kentucky, on the 15th of
July, 1844, and in 1849 was brought by his parents to Fort Osage township.
He was reared to the labors of farm life and has always been engaged in
the tilling of the soil and the other duties which fall to those who
follow this honorable calling. He acquired his education in the common
schools of the neighborhood and assisted his father in the cultivation of
the fields until after he had attained his majority. He lived here through
the period of the civil war, and retains a vivid impression of the horrors
inseparable from warfare.

On the 12th of October, 1869, Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage to Miss
Mollie Hall, a daughter of T. G. Hall, of Fort Osage township, and a lady
of many excellencies of character that endeared her to a large circle of
friends. They began their domestic life on the old home place, dear to our
subject from the associations of his boyhood and the abode of his parents;
but after a few years, thinking to improve his financial condition, Mr.
Hamilton removed with his family to Texas, where for 3 years he engaged in
stock raising. He afterward followed the same pursuit in Dade county,
Missouri, for 2 years, and then returned to his present farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton became the parents of 2 children: Christine, who was
born December 30, 1871; and is now the wife of Cornelius Childs; and
Andrew M., born May 25, 1874. The son is still with his father, whom he
ably assists in the work of the farm. A dark and heavy shadow fell over
the household in 1876, for on the first of September the wife and mother
departed this life. She was a woman of many noble qualities, a member of
the Baptist church, and to those who knew her best, especially to husband
and children, her loss was irreparable.

Mr. Hamilton still resides on the farm, which is one of the best in the
county. His home is a large brick residence situated on a hill and thus
commanding an excellent view of the surrounding country. His barns and
outbuildings are models of convenience and the neat and thrifty appearance
of everything about the place indicates the careful and intelligent
supervision of the owner. He also raises a high grade of stock and his
excellent business ability and enterprise have brought to him success in
his undertakings. This place is indeed “home, sweet home” to Mr. Hamilton.
Here he worked and played as a boy, to this abode he brought his bride and
now it is hallowed to him on account of the many memories which cluster
around it, memories of his kind parents, his loved wife of his children.

Religiously he is connected with the Baptist church of Buckner, while in
politics he is a stalwart democrat. Those who know him best are numbered
among his warmest friends, -- a fact which indicates a well spent life;
and the name of Charles G. Hamilton, like that of his parents, is well
deserving a place on the pages of the history of his adopted county.



WESTERN DENTAL COLLEGE
In 1890 the Western Dental College was established, beginning its
existence with a faculty that included some of the foremost dentists and
physicians of Kansas City. There is probably not a school of the kind in
the country that is a parallel for its successful career. It entered upon
its first year with 60 students and in 1895 228 students matriculated! All
of the modern appliances of dentistry are used in the lectures and the
courses of study. The management of the college is now completing a
chemical lab to accommodate 100 students, and is establishing a dental
library to be used for purposes of reference by the students and dentists
in general. There is now at the college a valuable and interesting
collection of specimens, showing the diseases to which the teeth are
subject and also many nteresting specimens of dental work done by
students, demonstrating their proficiency in the mechanical part of the
professional labor.

The rapid growth of this school has necessitated a change of quarters, and
plans are now being perfected for the construction of a larger college
building to accommodate the increasing membership. The course of study is
such that whether in lectures, operatives or medical dentistry, the
student has every advantage known to modern dental science to fully equip
him for practice, and the diploma of this school enables the graduates to
practice anywhere in America. The Western Dental College became a member
of the National Association of Dental Faculties in the United States in
1894. This school is conducted under the coeducational system, and many
ladies are included among its students.

The faculty for the year 1895 is as follows: D. J. McMillen, DDS, Dean and
Professor of Operative Dentistry, crown and bridge work; George Halley,
MD, Professor of Oral Surgery; Robert L. Green, MD and C. E. Wilson, MD,
Associate Professors of Anatomy; J. M. Allen, AB, MD, and A. M. Wilson,
AM, MD., Associate Professors of Materia Medica, General Pathology and
Therapeutics; R. R. Hunter, MD, PHG, Professor of Chemistry; W. F. Kuhn,
AM, MD., Professor of Physiology; J. H. Thompson, MD., Professor of
Histology; John Punton, MD., Professor of Neurology; John H. Johnson, MD.,
Professor of Hygiene and Clinical Professor of the Eye and Ear; J. M.
Gross, DDS., and T. H. Cunningham, DDS., Associate Professors of Dental
Pathology and Therapeutics; K. P. Ashely, DDS., Professor of Prosthetic
Dentistry; Edward Bumgardner, DDS., Professor of Metallurgy and
Demonstrator of Histology; and William J. Brady, DDS., Professor of
Orthodontia and Dental Technics. In addition there is a large corps of
special lecturers and demonstrators on the clinical staff.

To Dr. McMillen, who has served as dean of the institution from the
beginning, the success of the college is largely due, and he certainly
deserves great credit for the establishment of a school in the West that
is the peer of any long established dental college in the East.



MATTHEW WILLIAM ANDERSON
President of the First National Bank, of Independence, Missouri, is a
familiar figure on the streets of this city and has long been a prominent
factor in its affairs. A sketch of his life cannot fail to be of interest
here; indeed, without more than a passing mention of him a work which
purported to review the lives of the representative men and women of
Jackson county, would be incomplete.

Mr. Anderson is a native of the “Pennsylvania of the West” being born in
Jackson county, Missouri, December 20, 1836, son of Mr. & Mrs. George W.
Anderson, one of a family of 8 children - four sons and four daughters -
he being the eldest son. His family, who was a carpenter by trade, but
whose chief occupation was that of farming, died in Blue township, this
county, in the year 1859. His mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Stewart
, survived her husband some years, her death occurring early in the 80's.

Matthew W. continued to reside on the home farm with his parents until he
attained his 22 years. His educational advantages were limited to those of
the common schools. He, however, made the best of his early opportunities
and by reading and close observation in later years has acquired a range
of knowledge equal to, if not surpassing that of the majority of business
men. While yet a member of the home circle he served 2 years as deputy tax
collector. In 1860 he was elected township constable and held that
position about 1 ½ year, after which he went to Mexico, remaining there
until 1864. That year he returned to his native place and engaged in
farming, to which occupation he gave his attention until 1868, when he was
appointed deputy sheriff of Jackson County, under Charles Doughterty, and
held that position 4 years. In 1872 he was elected revenue collector of
the county, and the next 4 years he spent as the incumbent of this office,
performing faithful and efficient service. About this time he became
interested in the banking house of Brown, Hughes and Company, which was
later incorporated under the name of Anderson, Chiles & Company, he being
chosen its president. Still later it was changed to the First National
Bank, and again he was honored with the presidency of the institution,
which position he still ably and acceptably fills.

Mr. Anderson has always taken a deep interest in political affairs and
especially those of a local nature, and has ever exerted an influence that
has been felt for good. He has been a member of the city council of
Independence for many years, has been a stanch advocate of all substantial
public improvements, and is highly appreciated as a citizen of sterling
worth. He is the owner of valuable farms in Jackson county, comprising
some 1,000 acres, and has for years been largely interested in
agricultural pursuits; and he has also been engaged in the cattle business
for some years, not only in this county but also in Colorado and Texas.

Mr. Anderson is a man of family. He was first married in the year 1861 to
Miss Julia Daniels, by whom he had two children, Katie B., now the wife of
Robert Turner; and Miss Nellie. Mrs. Julia Anderson departed this life in
August, 1886. The present Mrs. Anderson was formerly Miss Mary W. Erwin.
Her father, Colonel Eugene Erwin, was an officer in the Confederate army
and was killed in the engagement at Vicksburg. Colonel Erwin's mother was
a daughter of the Hon. Henry Clay, the distinguished statesman. By his
union with Miss Erwin, Mr. Anderson has two sons, Henry Clay and Matthew
William, Jr.

Not only in business and political circles, but also in those fraternal
and religious, do we find Mr. Anderson an honored and influential member.
He has been identified with the Masonic order since he was initiated into
its mysteries in 1865, and is a charter member of McDonough Lodge, of
Independence. Also he is a Knight of Pythias and a member of the grand
lodge of the state of Missouri. The church of his choice is the Episcopal,
of which he is a staunch and consistent member.



LINVILLE HAYES
Has for 53 years resided upon his farm in Westport township, Jackson
county. The family located in Missouri when it was a wild and desolate
region, there being few settlements west of St. Louis. For miles stretched
uncultivated prairies and unbroken forests, which served as hunting
grounds for the Indians, while the timbered regions were the haunts of
many wild animals, native to this clime.

Mr. Hayes is a descendant from a family of pioneers. His paternal
grandmother was a daughter of Daniel Boone, the explorer who first made
his way into the wilderness of Kentucky, traveling over the “dark and
bloody ground” before another white man had set foot upon the soil of that
now rich and populous state. His daughter and 2 girls of the name of
Calloway were captured by the Indians, but a party soon started in pursuit
and they were retaken. The grandparents were married in Kentucky, and the
grandfather was killed there. A large family was born of their union,
including Boone Hayes, father of our subject, who was the oldest. After
the death of his father, he went to live with his grandfather, Daniel
Boone, and with him came to Missouri, locating in St. Charles county.

After he had arrived at man's estate he returned to Kentucky, where he
married Lydia Shull, a native of that state and a representative of one of
its old families. He then took his bride to his home in St. Charles
county, and about 1820 removed to Callaway county. In March 1837, he
became a resident of Jackson county, where he purchased 160 acres of land
owned by Daniel Boone, Jr. 12 acres of this tract was fenced, while the
remainder was in its primitive condition. The locality was indeed sparsely
settled, the Indians being far more in numbers than their white neighbors.
The father also purchased 120 acres of land from Governor Boggs and
improved his property, transforming it into a fine farm. In 1849, after
the discovery of gold on the Pacific slope, he crossed the plains to
California, accompanied by his 3 sons, Amazon, Linville and Upton. After a
3 month journey with ox teams they reached Sacramento. At Weaverville,
California, then called Hangtown, the father established a boarding house,
which he conducted for several years. His death occurred there, while his
wife died in this county, about 1840, and was laid to rest in the family
cemetery. He was a typical pioneer, fearless and undaunted and honorable
in all things. Before moving to Missouri he served in an Indian war.

Boone and Lydia Hayes were the parents of 10 children who grew to
maturity. Alfred, the eldest, died in 1838. Louisa became the wife of
Thomas Krump, and both are now deceased. They had 3 sons: Henry, of
Independence, Missouri; Richard, who is living in Clay county, Texas; and
Daniel, a resident of Saline county, Missouri. Shrelda became the wife of
James McMurtrie and they also have passed away. Their children were Levi,
who is living in Wichita Falls, Texas; James, of California, and Samuel,
who was killed in the civil war. Eleanor married Francis Chick, and they
also have departed this life, leaving 2 living children: Martha, of
Callaway county, and Lydia, who is living in northern Missouri. Fannie
Robinson, living in western Kansas. Amazon married Agnes McMurtrie, who
died leaving 1 son, James, who is now county judge of Bates county,
Missouri. After the death of his first wife he wedded Mary Berry, and they
have 3 daughers: Sophie, widow of John Booth, who is serving as
postmistress of Westport; Fannie, wife of Teson Howell, of Paola, Kansas;
and Anna, wife of Green Bates, also of Paola. Linville is the next in
order of birth. Samuel, deceased, married Rebecca Berry, who has also
passed away, and the members of their family are as follows: Mary Lob;
Robert, of California, who married Miss Muir, now deceased; Jennie, wife
of Foster Asbury, of Westport township, by whom she has one daughter, Mary
Agnes; Lou, deceased; Fred, the wife of William Smith, of Independence,
Missouri; R. F. Hayes, who is living in Las Vegas, New Mexico; Amazon, of
California; Upton, who resides in Las Vegas, New Mexico; and Ella,
deceased. Miriam, the 8th member of the Hayes family, became the wife of
David McMurtrie, and both have passed away. They had 2 children: Mary
Agnes Utz, of California; and Calvin, of Callaway county, Missouri, who
married Lizzie McCubbin. Mary wedded Amstead Hughes, and they died living
3 children: Reece, of Callaway county, Missouri; Linville and Laura
Peters, who were also living in the same place. Upton, now deceased,
married Miss Margaret Watts, and had 4 children: John N., who married
Lillie Mills and lives in California; Bettie, wife of Thomas Mutrey, of
California; Fleeda, wife of Tim Eppeson, of California; and Jenup, wife of
Joseph Whitesides, of California. Two sons of this family were soldiers in
the civil war.

Upton raised a regiment for the Confederate service and was commissioned
colonel. His command was attached to the army of General Joseph Shelby,
and he was a brave and able officer, beloved throughout the regiment. He
was shot through the head at the battle of Newtonia, and was buried on the
field. His remains were afterward transferred to the Confederate cemetery
in Kansas City in 1871, and now rest in Forest Hill cemetery. His memory
is still green in the hearts of those who knew him.

Linville Hayes, whose name introduces this review, was born in Callaway
county, Missouri, October 20, 1821, and was a youth of 16 years when he
came with his father to Jackson county. He remained under the parental
roof until 21 years of age, and in 1842, having married, located on the
farm which is still his home. It was covered with a dense growth of
timber, but entering the forest he cut down the trees, prepared the
material and built a hewed-log cabin. There was no one then between him
and the vast Indian country to the west. Tree after tree fell before his
ax and the bright sun streamed down upon the cleared land, ripening the
grain planted there. Mr. Hayes continued to improve and cultivate his farm
until 1849, when he went to the gold mines of California, in connection
with his father and others, and after spending 20 months there arrived at
his home on the 28th of December, 1850.

In June, 1842, Mr. Hayes was united in marriage with Miss Lorinda W.
Halloway, a native of Kentucky and a daughter of James A. Halloway, one of
the early settlers of the county. She was born April 21, 1827, and died
August 13, 1890, after a happy married life of nearly half a century. To
her husband she has been a faithful companion and helpmate, ably seconding
his efforts in all possible ways. By her marriage she became the mother of
11 children, and in their youth surrounded them with loving care and
attention. Eliza Ann, the eldest, born September 12, 1844, became the wife
of Henry c. Rout, who was killed during the war. They had one child, James
H., now of Westport. Mrs. Rout afterward became the wife of Joel Franklin
Thomas, now deceased, who served as a lieutenant in Colonel Hayes'
regiment. She died March 24, 1881, leaving one child, Effie, wife of
Charles Ellis, of Westport. Alfred, the second of the family, born
September 11, 1846, now lives in California. He married Mattie Collins,
and their children were Barbara, Oletta, Maggie, William and James. Fannie
E., born October 22, 1848, died 4 days later. Isaac T., born September 22,
1851, died April 5, 1852. Van D., born January 20, 1853, lives in Texas.
Temperance J., born January 20, 1856, is the wife of James Foster, and
their children are Lillie, Benjamin, Edwin, Harry, Carrie and John. Eugene
E., born March 11, 1858, died February 1, 1861. Henry Upton, born August
14, 1860, died August 14, 1866. Linville Wiley, born January 7, 1862, is
married and lives in Texas, and has one child, Harry. Benjamin T., born
October 23, 1868, died October 6, 1869. James M., born May 19, 1871,
completes the family.

After his return from California, Mr. Hayes engaged in freighting across
the plains for the government, making trips from Kansas City and
Leavenworth to Fort Union, Fort Laramie and Fort Craig on the Rio Grande
river. In 1864 he joined the army, was elected first lieutenant of Captain
Milton Shull's company and commanded the company until the close of the
war. He went with Colonel Williams' regiment to Texas and Louisiana and
participated in a number of engagements, including those at Little Blue,
Big Blue, and Byram Ford. He was the first to cross the Big Blue in the
face of the federals and acted as guide to General Shull all through that
district of the country.

Mr. Hayes remained in Texas until the Fall of 1865, and after the war
resumed freighting. He served as wagonmaster of a train going from Kansas
City to old Fort Kearney and to Julesburg. Their route lay by way of Fort
Laramie, Fort Reno and Fort Smith, and on the way they had a battle with
the Indiana and remained at Fort Smith until a company of United States
soldiers arrived to guard them on their trip. Mr. Hayes afterward made
another trip to Fort Craig on the Rio Grande. His life since has been
devoted to the more quiet pursuits of agriculture, and he still makes his
home upon the farm which has been his place of abode for 53 years. In
politics he is a democrat and since 1856 has been a member of the Baptist
church of Westport. A worthy representative of one of the most honored
pioneer families of Jackson county, no one is more worthy of
representation in this volume than Linville Hayes.



ANCEL COLLINS
Is numbered among the progressive real estate dealers of Kansas City. He
now resides at No. 4800 Independence Avenue, on what was a part of the old
family homestead. Here he has lived for more than 60 years, and has
therefore witnessed the entire growth and development of Kansas City,
watching its transformation from a mere hamlet to one of the important
cities of the West. He well deserves mention among the honored class that
opened the way to civilization in this region and made its development and
progress possible.

Mr. Collins was born in Estill county, Kentucky, October 26, 1826, and was
only in his 8th year when, in April, 1834, his parents came to Missouri.
His father, Michael Collins, was a native of Virginia, and his mother, who
bore the maiden name of Rebecca Noland, was born in Kentucky. They settled
on a farm which embraced the present home of our subject, 61 years ago,
and at different times Mr. Collins entered land from the government until
he had become the owner of 300 acres. He was a general farmer, an
industrious man and extensively carried on that business, cultivating his
land with the aid of slave labor. The old family homestead was located on
what is now 12th street, and near by he erected a mill, which was operated
by horse power, and which was one of the first built in this section of
the state. He was prominently identified with the pioneer history of
Jackson county, and largely aided in its early development. His death
occurred on the 12th of May, 1850, at the age of 58 years, and his wife
survived him about 12 years.

In the family of this worthy couple were 9 children, 4 of whom are living
at this writing, namely: Sarah, the widow of Miletus Brown, of Kansas
City; John, who resides in Oregon county, Missouri; Gabriel F., who is
living with Mrs. Brown on the old farm; and Ancel, of this review.

Few residents of Kansas City can boast of having so long made their home
here as our subject. In the days when all the region round about was a
wild and unimproved tract of land, he aided his father in the development
of the farm. The family had many of the usual experiences and hardships of
pioneer life, but as the years passed their labors were crowned with
prosperity, and the rapidly increasing population of Kansas City caused a
corresponding rise in land values. Mr. Collins continued to work on the
farm until 1857, when he began business on his own account, having
inherited a part of the old homestead, and for some years did an excellent
business as a market gardener and general farmer. He still owns about 68
acres of the old homestead. Of this about ½ has been platted, and, lying
just outside the city limits, forms an excellent suburban property. For
several years he has been engaged in the real estate business, buying and
selling property, much of which he has highly improved. He now owns realty
of various descriptions in the various sections of the city, and by his
foresight, well directed efforts, sagacity and sound business judgment has
succeeded in accumulating a handsome property.

On the 12th of June, 1850, in Kansas City, was celebrated the marriage of
Mr. Collins and Miss Sarah Ann Williams, daughter of John Williams, of
Clay county, Missouri. For almost 42 years they traveled life's journey
together, and then the wife was called to the home beyond this life April
10, 1892. Their family numbered the following members: Lizzie, wife of
Arland Wimsett, of Bates county, Missouri; Ann Eliza, wife of George
Greenwood, who is living near Independence, Missouri; Minerva, wife of
John Clemons, a gardener of Kansas City; Jeff D., who married Ianthe
Corder, daughter of Nathan Corder, of Kansas city, and is engaged in
gardening on the old home place; Rebecca, Lorena and Mattie. The last 3
are at home. The deceased are: Asenath, who died at the age of 12 years;
Almeda, who died at the age of 10 years; and Ancel, the last born, died in
infancy. In 1887 Mr. Collins erected his present fine residence. He
belongs to the Central Methodist Episcopal church, at the corner of 9th
and Lydia St., and was one of its first members. He is an honored and
valued citizen, and the history of his adopted county would be incomplete
without mention of this worthy family.



HENRY SAMUEL MILLS
In the death of this gentleman one more name was added to the list of
those whose life's labors were ended and whose record was closed with the
words “well done.” A man whom to know was to honor, true, gentlemanly,
companionable, he commanded the respect and admiration of all and won the
friendship of many. He was an illustrious prototype of a self made man.
Success is not measured by the heights which one holds, but by the depths
from which he has climbed; and Mr. Mills worked his way upward from a very
humble position, pushing aside the barriers which obstructed his path and
surmounting all obstacles until he reached the mountain top of prosperity.

His life history is as follows: born in Jefferson county, New York, on the
25th of July, 1820, he was a son of Samuel and Sallie (Smith) Mills,
representatives of old New York and Connecticut families. The father died
when Henry was but 5 years of age, leaving the family in very limited
circumstances. After 2 years the mother took her little son, then a lad of
7, and made her way to Salem, Illinois, where her only daughter, who was
married, was then living. She provided for herself and child until he was
able to care for her, when he repaid her by his loving attention for all
that she had done for him. As soon as old enough he began to earn his own
living, and was ever faithful to the duties devolving upon him. When
hardly more than a boy he was made postmaster of Salem, Illinois.
Subsequently he established a little store. He lived 75 miles from St.
Louis and walked to that place in order to purchase goods, after which he
hauled his merchandise home in a wagon that he had borrowed from a friend.
Much of his goods he disposed of from the sidewalk, for he had no store
building. He met with only fair success in this undertaking, and resolved
to try his fortune beyond the Mississippi. Accordingly, in 1844, he
removed to Saline county, Missouri, locating in Arrow Rock, where he
opened a store. His mother accompanied him, and always found a home with
him until her death.

Mr. Mills had but little capital, but he possessed a resolute purpose and
indefatigable energy, and succeeded in working up a large business. During
this time he was married. On the 29th of January, 1852, he wedded Miss
Dorothy P. Scott, daughter of Ezekiel F. Scott, an extensive pioneer of
Saline county and a native of Kentucky. He gave to each of his children
400 acres of land; but Mr. Mills, not being in a very good health at that
time, sold the property which his wife inherited. His entire time and
attention was given to his mercantile interests, and in this undertaking
he prospered, building up a large trade. Later he extended his efforts
into other fields of labor, purchased farms and began dealing in cattle.
From that time forward he was prominently connected with the agricultural
and stock raising interests of Missouri.

Another line of endeavor claimed his attention - the banking business. He
established a bank at Arrow Rock, which he conducted throughout the war.
This state, situated on the border between the 2 sections, was always a
region of danger. On one occasion, fearing for the safety of his deposits
and determined that no one should lose through him, he buried his money.
At the same time he shipped by rail several kegs filled with nails, the
public supposing that these contained the money. Union officers were
detailed to guard the kegs until they were placed on a boat was saved and
not a single cent was lost to the depositors and the doors were closed
only during the time the money was buried!

In 1880 Mr. Mills closed out his banking business at Arrow Rock and sought
a broader field of labor and usefulness in Kansas City. The following day
after his arrival here he opened the banking house of H. S. Mills,
arrangements having previously been made by his son, Scott Mills, who was
then a young man in his minority. The new establishment was opened for
business on the 1st of September, 1880, and was called the Bank of the
State of Missouri. To this he gave his personal attention. Some time
afterward this bank was closed and a new one established by the firm of H.
S. Mills & Son, which was successfully conducted until the death of the
junior partner, on the 6th of April, 1886. A short time before H. S. Mills
passed away, he foresaw the closing of his business in case of his own
demise, and hence incorporated under the name of the bank of H. S. Mills.
He was a most capable financier, who studied closely the attitude of the
country on the money question and was most thoroughly informed concerning
it. In his own banking institution he received a liberal patronage, for
the thorough reliability of Mr. Mills was well known and his integrity and
honor above question. In connection with his other enterprises he was
largely interested in farming in Saline and Pettis counties, holding large
tracts of valuable land. His reliable judgment of human nature always
enabled him to secure good men to operate his land, and from this branch
of his business he secured a handsome income. His relations with tenants
were always pleasant, and many of them remained on his farms for a number
of years. At the present time one of his farms is being operated by a man
who has lived upon it for 18 years.

Scott Mills devoted his service entirely to the bank, and became a most
capable banker. As a boy he had learned the printer's trade, and edited a
small paper at Arrow Rock. He was interested in journalistic work, but
decided to remain with his father, whose judgment he held in great esteem.
He was closely attached to his parents, and his death came as a stunning
blow to them. He was taken ill on the 1st of April, 1886, and on the 6th
of that month passed away.

Both the father and mother felt his loss very keenly. He stood not alone
in the relationship of son to the former, but they were also companions,
friends and business associates, and the death of the son no doubt
hastened that of Mr. Mills. The latter gave his attention untiringly to
his business until his own health compelled him to seek a change. In the
family there were also two daughters, -- Zella and Emma. The former became
the wife of Joseph Field, of Slater, Missouri, and died at the age of 39,
leaving 3 children, Henry W., Percy C. and Lucile Mills, who now reside
with their grandmother. Emma is the wife of E. B. Field, cashier of the
bank which was founded by her father.

Entirely without capital save a courageous spirit, determined purpose and
enterprise, Mr. Mills started out in life for himself. His success seemed
almost phenomenal, but it came not as the result of a combination of
fortunate circumstances, but as the reward of earnest and persistent
labor, sagacity and laudable ambition. The history of his business life is
somewhat familiar to the public, and the lessons contained in his private
career are none the less exemplary. He was a prominent member of the
Calvary Baptist church, to which his wife also belongs, and took an active
part in erecting the new house of worship. He was deeply interested in the
welfare of his fellow men, and often extended the right-hand of fellowship
and aid to those less fortunate than himself. He seemed imbued with the
benevolent spirit that underlies the Masonic fraternity, of which he was a
lifelong and active member, joining the organization soon after attaining
his majority. While in Kansas City he served as high priest or Orient
chapter. He was also a member of the Commercial club, and took an interest
in its advancement. It was probably in his home, however, that his true
life was manifest. He was devoted to his wife and children, and did all in
his power to promote their welfare. He erected a handsome residence at No.
1118 E. 8th Street, and supplied it with all the comforts that wealth
could secure and art devise. A library of choice books indicates the
literary taste of the family. Mr. Mills was himself a great reader, and
even when a poor boy he purchased and eagerly perused a number of standard
volumes which are still in the bookcases. He was very familiar with the
best literature of the world, and was especially fond of history and
poetry. He frequently would write little poems which contained beautiful
thoughts and displayed considerable poetic ability, but his attention was
given to his business. He was also a deep lover of music, and heard some
of the finest performers of the present day. In the Fall of 1890 Mr. Mills
went to the East, where he spent several months in rest in New York City
and at Ocean Grove. In November he started homeward, but died in Chicago,
on the 9th of that month. His remains were brought back to Kansas City,
and with Masonic honors were interred in Elmwood cemetery.



ISSIE J. RINGOLSKY
Attorney at Law, Kansas City, is a native of Leavenworth, Kansas, born
September 24, 1864, of Jewish descent, and a son of Joseph and Rachel
Ringolsky, who emigrated to America in 1844. They had been married a short
time before embarking. At the breaking out of the gold excitement in
California he made an overland journey to that distant coast. He engaged
in mining there and was finally successful, remaining 3 years. He returned
to the states by the way of the Panama route and rejoined his wife at St.
Louis, and immediately proceeded to Leavenworth, settling there in 1853,
where they now reside. For many subsequent years he followed merchandising
in Leavenworth, and is now living in retirement, enjoying the
accumulations of a well spent life. To them were born 9 children, of whom
5 are now living.

The early educational discipline of our subject was secured in the public
schools. In 1881 he entered the University of Michigan, where he took the
full literary and law courses and graduated in 1886. Following his
graduation, he opened a law office in Kansas City, of which place he has
since been a resident and practiced his profession. His success in the law
is attested by a large clientage and the prominent position he occupies at
the bar of Jackson county. He is a speaker of good ability, and is
thoroughly informed in the law. Although but 36 years of age, Mr.
Ringolsky has made a remarkable career as a lawyer. When 25, he made a fee
of $5,000 in the famous case of Rector against Anderson, and in November,
1895, made a fee of $12,000, in the famous Nickells-Graham case, which was
in litigation for 15 months. The former case was in court 82 days.

Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Knights of
Pythias and several popular college fraternities. Mr. Ringolsky has never
sought office, his ambition and aspirations being to rise in his
profession. In politicial sentiment he is democratic, and warmly espouses
the principles of his party.

In 1889 was consummated his marriage to Miss Josie Lowen, of St. Louis,
who has borne him one child, Sidney I. He and his estimable wife are
members of Temple church.



REV. THOMAS JOHNSON
On The pages of western history this name stands prominently forth. Its
wearer was a man of influence, accomplishing a work for good during the
early days of this section of the country that cannot be estimated. He was
ever the champion of the oppressed, the advocate of progress, and his name
will descend to future generations as a benefactor of the Indian race.

Mr. Johnson was a native of Nelson county, Virginia, born July 11, 1802,
and was reared in the Old Dominion. His school privileges altogether would
not cover a period of more than 13 months, and he walked to and from
school, a distance of 5 miles, at the same time doing the chores on the
farm. In 1820, when a young man of 18 years, he accompanied his father's
family on their removal to Howard county, Missouri. He was of an earnest
nature and deeply religious turn of mind, and when about 16 years of age
began preaching. As a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church he
preached upon a circuit in Texas during his early manhood, and received
his pay in raw cotton, which he hauled 20 miles to have ginned.
Subsequently he had charge of a Missouri circuit, and in 1828, as one of
the pioneer ministers on the frontier, he established a mission between
the present towns of Argentine and Turner, in what is now the State of
Kansas but then formed a part of the Indian Territory. It was called the
Shawnee Mission and was carried on for about 5 years. It included an
Indian manual-labor school, where the children of the tribes in that
locality were taught not alone to read and write but were also instructed
in useful occupations, which would make them self-supporting citizens and
materially benefit their condition. This mission was under the auspices of
the United States government and the Methodist Episcopal church missionary
board, with headquarters at Nashville, Tennessee, each bearing half the
expense.

Rev. Mr. Johnson had full charge of this mission from its inception until
1873, and its privileges were enjoyed by the Shawnees, Wyandottes,
Delawares and Ottawas. In addition to these there were some few members of
the Miama, Sac and Fox tribes and a few Sioux and Flatheads. Mr. Johnson
put up all the necessary buildings and had the entire care and management
of the mission. There were from 100 to 150 children who attended the
school and worked on the farm. Between 600 and 1,000 acres of land were
thus cultivated. There was a blacksmith shop in which the repair work was
done. A mill ground the grain for the needed bread stuffs and a store
supplied the other necessary commodities. The Indian maidens did the
spinning and weaving and made the clothes, and almost everything used by
the mission was either raised or manufactured by the members except shoes,
and even they were partially made by them. During a large portion of the
time Mr. Johnson had charge of 3 missions - the Shawnee, the Delaware,
about 15 miles from the first, and the Kaw mission at Council Grove. He
was a close student of the different tribes, their habits, methods and
needs, and no man on the western frontier did more for the betterment and
upbuilding of the Indian race.

Mr. Johnson was ably assisted in all his labors by his estimable wife, who
bore the maiden name of Sarah T. Davis, and was a native of Bourbon
county, Kentucky. She was born June 22, 1810, and was a daughter of George
Davis, of Kentucky. Some of her relatives were taken prisoners by Indians
at Ruddle's mills, in that state. Her father came to Pike county,
Missouri, at a very early day, and there was celebrated the marriage of
Mr. Johnson and Miss Davis, on the 7th of September, 1830. They at once
went to the mission, and Mrs. Johnson assumed charge of the indoor work,
nursing the sick, preparing and administering the different medicines, and
acting as counselor and guide to all the women of the tribes, many of whom
gave her their warm friendship. That Mr. Johnson won the confidence and
the regard of the Indians, who when once their friendship is given never
falter in their allegiance, is evidenced by the fact that he was always
given a seat in their councils and stood especially high with the Shawnee
tribe. These worthy people continued their labors among the red race until
1843, when the ill health of Mr. Johnson forced him to leave the frontier,
and he returned to Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1844 a split occurred in the
church, and our subject took the stand for the Methodist Episcopal Church
South.

After preaching there for 1 year, Mr. Johnson returned with his family to
Howard county, Missouri, and purchased a farm about 1 mile from Fayette,
where he lived for 3 years. In 1847, he returned to the Shawnee Mission,
of which he was again given charge and continued to faithfully labor among
them for some time. The tribe gave 2 sections of land to the missionary
board of the Methodist Episcopal church, south, and the board then
transferred it to the Rev. Thomas Johnson, condition that he bear all
expenses of the mission, including board, clothes and tuition. These terms
were agreed upon, but the church afterward claimed the land and the heirs
of Mr. Johnson had to establish their prior claim in the department of the
interior, at a cost of over $20,000. When the Shawnees ceded their land to
the government they gave to Mr. Johnson 1 section in return for a beef,
which he provided them for their annual feast, and these 3 sections
eventually become the property of his heirs.

About 1858 he removed his family to a farm which he owned 2 ½ miles East
of Westport, but still retained control of the mission, although he left
his son, Alex S. Johnson, in charge. On the 3rd of January, 1865, he
received $1,000 in money, but paid it out the same day.

This latter fact, however, was not known by a band of 8 robbers who came
to his house at 12:00p that night with the intention of securing the
money. At their first call he opened the door and answered some of their
inquiries. They then dismounted and were passing around the house
ostensibly to get a drink of water. As they neared the door they made a
rush for him, but he succeeded in closing it. They then fired through the
panels and a ball struck him in the abdomen. He fell and never spoke
again. As he was falling it is thought that he turned the key and locked
the door. His wife was at his side in an instant, and soon aroused her
son, William, who was sleeping upstairs, and a hired man. She carried up a
shot gun and a small pistol. William stepped to a porch in front of a
window and attempted to fire on upon the crowd, but the gun would not go
off. He then found that the hired man had a musket and 3 charges. He
directed the man to open fire upon the men, but the fellow was so
frightened that he shot one charge into the air. Mr. Johnson then leveled
the pistol at him and told him to surrender the gun or he would be
instantly killed. Peering out into the dense darkness Mr. Johnson saw an
object which he supposed to be a man and fired at it, but the next morning
it proved to be a large black kettle. Next, seeing an object move, he
fired and later found that he had shot a man through the leg. His
ammunition was then exhausted. He heard one of the men say, “Look out,
boys! Will is at home!” then they left. When he first stepped out upon the
porch a ball from one of their guns pass through his beard close to his
throat. Before the robbers left they set fire to the rear porch of the
house, but the mother stepped outside the door and extinguished the fire
with a few pails of water near by. The father was buried on the 5th of
January, and the funeral was the largest ever attended in this locality.
From far and near came friends to pay their last tribute of respect to one
whom they had loved and honored, whose noble life was ever a source of
inspiration, help and encouragement to them. Though he is gone his memory
remains to those who knew him as a blessed benediction, and his influence
for good is still seen in the lives of those with whom he came in contact.

Mrs. Johnson remained at the mission until the year following the death of
her husband and then removed to Kansas City, making her home at the corner
of 9th and Main streets, and afterward removing to Walnut streets. In 1869
she built a resident on 9th between Locust and Cherry streets, and her
death occurred at the residence of Judge Holmes, September 26, 1873. Her
family numbered 13 children, 7 of whom reached maturity, namely: Alex S.,
who was born July 11, 1832, the first white child born in what is now the
State of Kansas, married Prudence Funk, October 7, 1852. She died leaving
1 child, who survives her - Mrs. Nellie Fargo, of Chicago. Alex S. Johnson
afterward married Zippa Tewksbury. For many years he was the land
commissioner of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad Company, but is
now living retired in Topeka, Kansas. Eliza S., the second child, born
April 20, 1836, was married September 20, 1854, to John B. Wornall, now
deceased. She passed away July 5, 1865, leaving 2 children - F. C. and
Thomas J. A. M. and W. M. were the 3rd and 4th member of the family. Laura
L., born July 22, 1847, was the wife of Frank Waterman, and died in 1883,
leaving 2 children - William H. and Avis. Cora E., born August 22, 1849,
is the wife of Harry W. Fuller, general passenger agent of the Chesapeake
& Ohio Railroad. They have 2 daughters - Nellie and Louise, and reside in
Washington, DC. Edna, born June 6, 1853, is the wife of W.J. Anderson, a
stock broker of Kansas City, and has 2 children - Sadie and Jamie.

Rev. Mr. Johnson and wife were life long members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church South. He was a pro slavery man, but did not believe in
the overthrow of the union. In the political affairs of Kansas he took a
very prominent part. He presided over the house during the first session
of the first general assembly of Kansas, that noted body convening in his
home. His son, Alex, was a member of the Senate at the same time. The
father was the first delegate to congress from Kansas, and Johnson county
was named in his honor. He was president of the Union Bank, the First
State Bank in Kansas City, and educational, social, political, moral and
material interests are all indebted to him for his efforts in their
behalf.

William M. Johnson, who like his honored father has been prominent in the
public life of the West, was born July 6, 1845, in Howard county,
Missouri, and was reared at the Shawnee Mission, his playmates being the
Indian children. He began his education there under his father's
instruction, and afterward attended the Emery and Henry College, of
Washington county, Virginia, where he was a student at the breaking out of
the Civil War. He was then only 15 years of age, but he joined the
Washington mounted rifles and served during the Virginia campaign in the
1st year of the war. He then returned home and started out again with
Colonel Upton Hayes and served throughout the struggle, participating in
many engagements. He received a sabre cut in his hand and a bullet wound
in his head. After the war he became a resident of the suburbs of Kansas
City. Few men are more familiar with the history and development of the
West. He has engaged in freighting across the plains, is familiar with the
experiences of the frontier, and has many times journeyed across the Rocky
mountains.

On the 25th of November, 1869, was consummated the marriage of William
Johnson, and Miss Lizzie Price, daughter of Richard M. G. Price, who was
killed at Wakarusa, Kansas in 1856, an officer in a company from Clay
county, Missouri. Mrs. Johnson was born in that county, March 4, 1849,
acquired her preliminary education there and completed her studies in
Lexington, Missouri. 3 children were born of this union, but all are not
deceased. After the war, Mr. Johnson lived for 2 years in Kansas City, and
then removed to Clay county. In October, 183, he located on his present
farm, where he owns 55 acres of very valuable land, all highly cultivated
and improved.

He is a prominent Mason, holding his membership in the Blue Lodge and
Chapter of Kansas City, and Kansas City commandery, No. 10, K. T. In
politics he is a democrat. His wife belongs to the Baptist church of
Westport, and in social circles they occupy a most enviable position,
while throughout the community their circle of friends is very extensive.



MAJOR B. F. JONES
Probably no one in Kansas City is more widely known than this gentleman;
and during one of the most trying periods of its history, when the city
was divided into two factions, he has won a host of friends who hold him
in the highest regard for his honorable course, his straightforward
business policy and his uniform courteousness. As secretary and general
manager of the Water Works Company he has so conducted affairs that
differences between the company and the city have been in great measure
obliterated, and yet without swerving in the least degree from his
fidelity to the company that reposes in him the utmost confidence and
respect.

Major Jones was born in Gwinett county, Georgia, on the 20th of June,
1831, and in the common schools acquired his education, after which he
entered upon his business career as clerk in a country store near his
home. With a young man's desire to see something of the world and seek a
wider sphere of usefulness and activity, he left home at the age of 20
years and went to New York City. With most commendatory letters he carried
with him he found no difficulty in obtaining employment, securing a
situation in a dry-goods and carpet house on Cortlandt street. A year
later he entered the service of Whitlock, Nichols & Company, a noted
grocery firm, which was afterward succeeded by B. M. & E. A. Whitlock &
Company. In the service of this house he traveled all over the south and
was its representative at the time of the breaking out of the civil war.

He utilized the information and experience that he had acquired through
travel and business knowledge to the advantage of the newly organized
Confederate government in some papers containing suggestions on the
tariff, export duties, etc., which may be found among the proceedings of
the first Confederate congress. He was a southern man by birth and
training, and, true to the principles and teaching in which he had always
been trained, when the war was inaugurated he hastened to Rome, Georgia,
and in April, 1862, joined the Cherokee artillery, and company already
organized, in which his brother was serving as a non-commissioned officer.
This company went into the camp of instruction, and was shortly afterward
organized into a battalion, of which, on account of his previous business
training and special fitness for the position, he was made quartermaster.
Until the Fall of 1861 this battalion did service in the vicinity of
Richmond, Virginia, and Weldon, North Carolina. During the winter of that
and the succeeding year it was engaged in Tennessee, and afterward in
detachments did service between Knoxville and Bristol, its labors being to
keep in order the discontented elements of east Tennessee. Finally they
were sent to hold the mountain pass of Cumberland Gap. In June, 1862, Mr.
Jones was promoted to the position of brigade quartermaster, and ordered
to take charge of the post at Chattanooga; where devolved upon him all the
important work of that post, and in addition he had to superintend the
purchase of horses, the manufacture of wagons and the preparation of all
goods to be transported for General Braxton Bragg's army. Upon the
evacuation of Chattanooga, in September 1863, Major Jones was temporarily
sent to organize the post at LaGrange, Georgia, and in May, 1864, was
ordered by the secretary of war to report for inspection duty to General
Bragg, who then occupied the position of commander-in-chief, under the
president, of the armies of the Confederate states. He had his
headquarters in Richmond, and instituted a most rigid investigation into
the irregularities of the various departments of the government, and
especially the quartermaster and commissary departments. Major Jones was
selected as one of the confidential inspectors for this important work,
and with characteristic energy entered upon his duties, traveling as far
west as the Mississippi river and examining and reporting on every
quartermaster and commissary along his line. In many places he found great
evidences of demoralization, and his reports were so full and
comprehensive, and showed such perfect knowledge of the subject matter in
hand, that he was highly complimented by those in authority, who seldom
complimented any one.

When the war was over Major Jones took up his residence in Rome, Georgia,
where he engaged in merchandising, building up a large and lucrative
trade; but the approach of hard times, the shrinkage of values and the low
price of cotton impoverished the people and caused him, as it did a great
many others, to withdraw from the business. His next undertaking was the
manufacture of pig iron, which he continued from 1871 until 1873, but the
panic of the latter year again demoralized trade and he was forced to
abandon this industry also.

About this time the Kansas City Water Works were built by a private
corporation, which entered into a contract to furnish water for the city;
but trouble ensured and the difficulty was augmented as time went on. When
the works were completed and the company had to select some one to take
charge of their affairs, the choice fell upon Major Jones, who accepted
the position of secretary and general manager of the company, removing
with his family to Kansas City.

He might well be called the apostle of peace. His position was a difficult
one and it required the touch of a skilled and difficult hand to amicably
adjust and carry on affairs. By this time a very bitter feeling existed
between the company, the city government and the citizens, and matters had
been carried so far that the acceptance or rejection of the works by the
city was made an issue in municipal politics to the exclusion of every
other subject. To pour oil upon the troubled waters was a work which Major
Jones undertook to perform. Largely through his efforts the bad feeling
that existed was allayed, obstructions to a better understanding were
removed, explanations on both sides were made that cleared away
difficulties, and his uniform courtesy transformed enemies into friends.
The result of his conciliatory measures was that the city authorities and
officers of the company met together in an amicable conference, the
difficulties were removed one by one, the basis for a compromise of
conflicting interests was laid point by point, and finally an
understanding was reached that was satisfactory to all concerned, and
Major Jones was the man who brought about this state of affairs. He knew
how to handle and manage both parties, for his far-sighted dealing and
extreme fairness enabled him to plan and arrange with superior skill, and
both sides recognized and appreciated his justice and honor.

Owing to his efforts the comparatively harmonious relations existed
between the city and the company from 1877 until 1889; but in the latter
year troubles broke out anew. The claim was made that the company had not
complied with the terms of the contract in the construction of the plant;
that it had also violated the contract in operating the system, and in
consequence the city was absolved from all obligations to the company.
This led to much correspondence and negotiation, in which the diplomacy in
which the Mayor is an adept parried every blow with consummate skill. He
answered question after question with the readiness and power of a lawyer,
and met the opposition of the city with unanswerable logic and argument.
In 1891 the city authorities undertook to ignore the contract and build an
independent system of water works. In consequence, in December of that
year, the company commenced proceeding in the United States circuit court
to enjoin the city; and that litigation, in varied forms and shapes, has
since been continued, and is now about reaching a conclusion with a decree
that the city must buy the works of the company at a valuation of
$3,000,000, which was consummated September 1, 1895, and is now in
possession of the city. During all this long contest every feature of the
system, its construction, operation, efficiency and earnings have been
under consideration, and in all these matters almost daily demands have
been made upon Major Jones for information regarding these various points;
and he has been constantly on guard, watching every movement of the enemy.

To no one is greater credit due for the splendid results obtained than to
the Major. The fight has been made splendid results obtained than to the
Major. The fight has been made in the face of the most intense prejudice
on the part of the people, and yet so great has been his tact that he has
scarcely a personal enemy in the city, and has many friends among the
opposition who admire and respect him for his straightforward course. He
has been unflinching in his loyalty to the company, the officers placing
in him unbounded confidence; but, with his urbanity of manner and uniform
kindness to all, the people have only manifested an increased admiration
for the man who can so conduct affairs under such trying circumstances.

The Major possesses in an uncommon degree that indispensable quality known
as common sense. He is a man of superior and executive ability, possessing
a sagacity and perseverance that are essential qualities in success. He is
a man of liberal views and broad general information, very familiar with
the wide field of literature, and is an accomplished conversationalist, a
companionable gentleman and an unswerving friend, his uniform kindness and
courtesy arising from a kindly feeling and genuine sympathy for others. He
is a member of the Central Presbyterian Church, and is now serving on its
board of deacons.



PHILIP E. CHAPPELL
A retired banker and one of Kansas City's capitalists, has for many years
been prominently connected with the business and political history of
Missouri, and his name is an honored one in commercial and social circles.
The fitting reward of every well-spent life is an honored retirement from
business care. When an individual has devoted the best efforts of his
manhood to a chosen calling and by his honorable dealing gained the
confidence of the public and a liberal competence, he should have a season
of rest in which to enjoy the fruits of his former toil. The career of
this gentleman has been a worthy one, and he ranks foremost among the
prominent business men of his native state.

When William the Conqueror, in 1066, sailed from Normandy to England and
succeeded in subjugating that isle, there was numbered among his followers
one Chapelle, who became the founder of the family in that country. The
name was afterward anglicized by dropping the final “e”. History tells of
Robert Chappell, who lived in England about 1550, and his son, William.
The latter was a profound scholar, becoming a bishop of the church of
England, and was stationed over the diocese of Cork, Ireland. William
lived about 1580. Another son, Captain John Chapell, became a sailor and
commanded the ship Speedwell, a trading vessel, sailing between England
and the colony of Virginia. On one of his voyages he was accompanied by
his son Thomas, a native of Southhampton, England. The son took up his
residence in Warwick county, Virginia, at the mouth of the James River,
where they landed May 28, 1635. He became the father of 3 sons - Robert,
Thomas and Samuel. The last named is numbered among the direct ancestors
of our subject. He became the father of Thomas Chappell, who lived in
Charles City county, Virginia, from 1660 until about 1710. Then about 1690
was born his son Thomas, who, having attained his majority, removed across
the river to Prince George county and settled in the city of Petersburg,
where he was engaged in business as an Indian trader, from about 1720
until 1740. He married Sarah, daughter of John Jones, and they had a
family of 6 children, 3 sons and 3 daughters. This number included John
Chapell, who was born in Amelia county, Virginia, in 1722, and died in
that county in March, 1775. He was an extensive tobacco planter and became
a wealthy man. He married Prudence Tucker, who belonged to a renowned
family.

It was their son, John, who was the paternal grandfather of our subject.
He was born in Amelia county, Virginia, in 1752, and removed to Halifax
county in 1782, carrying on business there as a farmer and tobacco
planter, becoming very wealthy. He was twice married and had a large
family. His death occurred in 1812, when he was aged 60 years. The father
of our subject also bore the name of John Chapell and was a native of the
Old Dominion, a farmer and planter. In 1836 he removed from Virginia to
Missouri, locating in Callaway county, where he developed a fine farm and
became an extensive land owner. He was joined in wedlock with Mary F.
Adams, daughter of Philip Adams, a native of Virginia and a granddaughter
of John Adams, who had three sons - John, Philip and Sylvester, who
located in Fluvanna and Pittsylvania counties, Virginia, about 1740. John
Adams emigrated from Wales to America in the early part of the 18th
century and spent his remaining days there. As before stated, his sons
removed to Virginia, but John is the only one who had a family. He became
the father of 6 sons and 2 daughters - William, Richard, Sylvester, John,
Philip, Benjamin, Elizabeth and Martha. Their descendants are scattered
throughout the South and West. The grandfather of our subject, Philip
Adams, was an extensive tobacco planter and served as a soldier in the War
of 1812. His family numbered 4 children.

Mr. & Mrs. John Chappell had 5 children - 2 sons and 3 daughters, namely:
Sarah, wife of Dr. Lenoir, of Columbia, Missouri; Philip E.; Henry,
deceased; Fannie W., wife of Judge J. L. Smith, of Kansas City, Missouri;
and Martha, wife of Colonel Henry W. Ewing, of Jefferson City, Missouri.
The father was a man of considerable prominence in Virginia, serving for
many years as county surveyor and also as collector of revenue. He died on
his farm in Callaway county, Missouri, in 1860, at age 73 years, and his
wife passed away in 1869, at the age of 58. They were both members of the
Methodist church, South.

Philip E. Chappell, whose name introduces this sketch, was born in
Callaway county, Missouri, August 18, 1837, and under the parental roof
spent his boyhood days. He acquired his education in the University of
Missouri, at Columbia, and afterward engaged in steamboating on the
Mississippi river until the breaking out of the civil war. About 1865 he
embarked in the banking business in Jefferson City, Missouri, and for 20
years was connected with one of the leading financial institutions of that
section of the state, -- the National Exchange Bank. In 1872 he was
elected mayor of Jefferson City, and its interests were materially
promoted during his administration of the municipal affairs of that city.
In 1881 he entered upon a four-year term as state treasurer, and in 1885
retired from office as he had entered it, with the good will, confidence
and regard of the general public. Immediately afterward he removed to
Kansas City and accepted the presidency of the Citizens' National bank,
serving in that position until 1891, when he resigned. He now owns
extensive cattle interests and much valuable property. He served as a
member of the first board of public works of Kansas City, and has given an
active and liberal support to the various interests that have had for
their object the advancement of the community.

On the 3rd of July, 1861, Mr. Chappell married Miss Teresa E. Tarlton,
daughter of Colonel M. R. and Mary (Locke) Tarlton. They have had 5
children - 2 sons and 3 daughters - namely: Claudia, who became the wife
of L. C. Krauthoff, and died leaving one son, Philip Chappell; Logan, who
is engaged in farming and cattle raising, and married Rena Corder, by whom
he has 2 children, Teresa and Hazel; Mary, wife of Hal Gaylord, by whom
she has one child, Claudia; John, deceased; and Alice, at home.

In politics Mr. Chappell is a democrat, and in his social relations is a
Mason.



THOMAS GLENN HALL
President of the Bank of Buckner, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio,
October 6, 1821. His father, Joseph Hall, died about 1836, and his mother,
who bore the maiden name of Polly Glenn, died in 1830. They left 2 sons
and 3 daughters, of whom our subject is the eldest. Upon his mother's
death he went to live with his maternal grandfather, Thomas Glenn, who
resided in Jefferson county, Ohio, and was a farmer by occupation. He
resided there until 27 years of age and became familiar with farm work in
all its departments. For 6 years he operated a threshing machine and in
this way he secured the money with which he made his first purchase of
land.

While living in Ohio, Mr. Hall was united in marriage, on the 16th of
January, 1849, to Miss Nancy Martin, who was born near Wellsville,
Columbiana county, Ohio, October 26, 1826. On leaving Jefferson county he
removed with his wife to Wyandot county, Ohio, where he purchased a farm,
clearing the land and making his home thereon for 5 ½ years. He then sold
and removed to Butler county, Iowa, thinking that he might secure a better
home farther west. There he entered 400 acres of land, improved the
property, and continued to make it his residence until July, 1866, when,
selling out, he came to Jackson county. He now took up his residence in
Fort Osage township, and has since engaged in the cultivation of its rich
lands. He is today the owner of a valuable and highly improved farm of 425
acres, and derives from this an excellent income. In the midst of well
tilled fields stands a comfortable residence and good outbuildings, and
the neat and thrifty appearance of the place indicates his careful
supervision. In the spring of 1892 he aided in the organization of the
Bank of Buciner, and was chosen its president. This bank is now in a
prosperous condition and ably conducted.

Mr. and Mrs. Hall have become the parents of 5 children, but the only one
now living is Maggie, wife of Nathaniel McCune, of Fort Osage. Mary became
the wife of Charles G. Hamilton and died in Fort Osage township, at the
age of 26 years; and Ella died at the age of 10 years.

The parents are supporters of the Presbyterian church, of which Mrs. Hall
is a member. In politics he has always voted with the Republican party.
Success has crowned his efforts, and today he is enjoying a prosperity
that is a just reward for his well-directed and energetic labors.










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