Kingsville Township

Kingsville Township

" Commencing at the northeast corner of section twenty, township forty-six, range twenty-eight, then west on the section line between seven¬ teen and twenty, etc., to the line between Johnson and Cass counties, thence south on said county line to the southwest corner of section twenty - two, township forty-five, range twenty-nine, thence east on the section line between sections twenty-two and twenty-seven, and to the southeast corner of section twenty, township forty-five, range twenty-eight, thence north on the section line, between sections twenty-one and twenty, to the place of beginning. The place of voting shall be at Ramey (now Kings¬ ville). Ordered May 12, 1870."

The village of Kingsville was laid out in 1856 by Gen. Wm. King, whose name the village now honors. Gen. King built the first house, in 1853; Samuel Bolejack followed. Rufus King had built a dwelling, at that time, on the prairie, some distance away, in 1851. The village is located in four sections and four different congressional townships - sec¬ tions 6,13,1 and 36; townships, 45, 46; ranges 28,29. The Missouri Pacific Railroad passes through the northern part, in a northwest direc¬ tion. It is situated on a high, rolling prairie, forming the summit of the divide between the tributaries of Blackwater and Big Creek. The houses, which number about fifty, including some farm dwellings, jutting close to the village, are all frame buildings, and they are built upon the cheap plan for utility. The better residences are those of John R. French, R. King, Geo. Johnston, G. W. King and D, W. H. Carpenter. At pres¬ ent there are three stores, two blacksmith shops, one wagon shop, one carpenter shop, drug store, one grain elevator, shoe shop and a lumber yard.

Postojfice. - A postoffice was established here in 1856, and Samuel Bolejack was the first postmaster, till after the war broke out, in 1861. It is said that when the mail would arrive that the postmaster would pour the 34 ^ contents of the mail bags in the middle of the floor, and if any were present they could pick out their mail matter. His wife couldn't read, and when her husband was absent, and anyone called for mail, she would say, '-Look over this package, an' see ef you got anything." Perhaps not a dozen letters would arrive at the office a week, and only two or three families read newspapers. The postoffice, Kingsville, was named in honor of a distinguished family of Kings who settled here prior to the war. On account of the strict southern principles of this family the loy¬ alists determined in 1865 to wrestle the name from this little borough. The bitter feeling was at one time -so great that the name of the postoffice was changed from Kingsville to Ramey, and Gen. King burned in effigy. The name Ramey was in honor of a man by that name, who made many dashing and scouting expeditions in Missouri as a militia captain. Practi¬ cally the name was never adopted, and just as soon as democrats had influence in congress the name was changed back to Kingsville. The postoffice, for a time, was discontinued during the civil war, and when the office was resuscitated the Pacific railroad brought a daily mail about the 1st of July. 1865. The following postmasters have served since the war: W. Wilkcenson, A. J. Buchanan, W. Monroe and Geo. Moore. The last named is serving at present, and from him we get the following bit of information concerning the office: The office is open every day except Sundays. The following periodicals are received, published in the county: Journal- Democrat, fifty copies taken; Sedalia Evening Call, thirty copies taken; Holden Enterprise , fifty-four copies taken; Standard , twenty copies taken. Papers published out of the county: ' Chicago Inter- Ocean, twentv-three; Missouri Republican , fifty; Christian , twenty-five; Globe- Democrat , twenty; Western Raral , six; Cumberland Presbyterian, five; United Presbyterian, fifteen ; and about one hundred promiscuous papers. The average number of letters that arrive each day is about thirty, and the office pays about $20 per month.

Physicians - In the early settlement of the township Dr. Jas. M. Ful¬ kerson did much of the practice in this section, riding horseback fifteen miles. Dr. H. W. King practiced here prior to the war; Dr. W. G. King, till his death; Dr. B. King, who now resides in Holden; Dr. W. H. Carpenter has the leading practice; Dr. T. A. Reed graduated at a Kan¬ sas City medical school, and located here in 1880; Dr. J. A. Houston resides in the country; Dr. H. J. Douthit practiced here after the close of the war till he went to Texas; Dr. W. D. Pinkston, now of Warrensburg, resided here a few years ago.

Depot. - The Missouri Railroad was finished to this point about July 1, 1865, and the depot built in 1866. At one time this was a good shipping point, but through the lack of enterprise on the part of a few land-holders the little sister town of Holden robbed this village of her pristine glory, and became a mammoth shipping point instead. Town lots were at one time so dear that there were but little inducements to locate here, and so, little by little, the town has grown less, until now it will only number about two hundred souls. About one dozen of this population are negroes. The following are the railroad agents as they served: Messrs. Holonbeak, Jones, Rolston, Jackson, Hunt, Horner, Wheeler, King and Phillips.

The town has at present two neat frame church buildings - the Chris¬ tian and United Presbyterian churches. The Baptist organization talk of building. Pastors of each: Elder J. H. Vance, Christian; Rev. Wm. Stevenson, United Presbyterian; Rev. J. H. Carmichael, Baptist. Geo. G. Valentine, superintendent Christian Sunday school; Jas. Ruff, superin¬ tendent United Presbyterian Sunday school.

Baptist Church of Kingsville. - Prominent among the early churches of Kingsville, is the Baptist church. The church at Kingsville wras organ¬ ized, Saturday, March 10, 1860, with the following original members, holding letters from the United Baptist church; Geo. Minton, Gross Gesterson, F. G. George, Andrew Worth, Sarah Worth, Rufus Wise, John Wooton, Marinda Wooton, Lucretia Wooton, Rosanah M. Johnson, J. Hunt, Martha Hunt, and Mary Byrslv.

Andrew Worth and Rufus Wise were the first deacons. At a meet¬ ing in the following July, the congregation asked to be admitted into the Blue River Association, as the " United Baptist Church of Kingsville." The first delegates to the Blue River Association were A. Worth, L. Rush, and F. G. George.

The first pastor was Rev. George Minton, who took charge in the fol¬ lowing September, for one year. The church began to prosper, but its members were few, and after the regular meeting in July 1861, they were suddenly scattered abroad hy the ravages of civil war, and did not con¬ vene an\ more during the five years of devastating war. In August, 1866, the church was reorganized, with Andrew Worth, moderator and F. E. Johnston, clerk. Soon after the church began to prosper again. In May 1872, the church sent J. M. Dorman to the state Sunday-school conven¬ tion, which convened that year in Warrensburg, as their delegate in the Sunday-school cause of the state, and since then, this church has heartily supported the Baptist Sunday-school cause in the state, although they have not maintained any regular Sunday-school in their own congrega¬ tion.

At a meeting in Oct. 1874, delegates were chosen to meet in convention at Mound Prairie church, Lafayette county, for the purpose of organizing a new association, composed of the counties of Johnson aud Lafayette. The convention was held the 29th of October, and the new association was effected. Since that time the church has been abundantly blessed in prosperity and faithful membership, and although not owning any house of worship, they have never failed to meet regularly every month. At present, steps are being taken to build a handsome church edifice. The present pastor, Rev. J. L. Carmichael, has entered upon his work with earnestness and zeal, and will surely succeed in extending and building up the church in Kingsville.

United Presbyterian Church at Kingsville. - Prominent among the churches of Johnson county is the U. P. church at Kingsville. The church was organized November 8, 1867, with the following original members: M. A. Andrews, N. Andrews, Hannah Andrews, Alex. Dripps, James Dripps, Eliza Dripps, Mariah Dripps, Sallie Dripps, Wm. Rinehart, Mar¬ garet Rinehart, Henry Skiles, Arnet Skiles, Jane Skiles, Mattie Skiles, Elmer A. Skiles, John P. Thompson, M. T. Thompson, Lulie F. Thomp¬ son, Mary E. Thompson, and Sarah M. Thompson.

Although the church cannot be counted among the oldest religious societies of the county, yet, since its organization, there are but few churches that have kept pace with it. It has a good and worthy member¬ ship of ninety members, and it may be said, it is the foremost church of this denomination in the county. There are only two other churches of this denomination in the county, at Warrensburg and Centerview.

The church building is a handsome frame edifice 26x60, built in 1870, and cost SL400. It is neatly seated, aisles carpeted, and presents an impos¬ ing and welcome place for the weary-worn, of the heavenward sojourn¬ ers, on Sabbath days. But two pastors have filled the pulpit here. Rev. J. F. Graham was pastor from September 7, till October 15, 1873, when, on account of his ill health, he resigned. Rev. Wm. Stevenson took charge in August 1878 and still continues in the pastoral charge.

This church was organized by Rev. R. G. Thompson, who moved into the bounds of Kingsville with his family from Ohio, June 1, 1866; at that time there was no organization of the U. P. church in the state, except one in St. Louis. Rev. Thompson began preaching in an old school house north of Kingsville, one and a half miles, and preached regularly during the fall and winter of 1866-7. He was appointed by the church in the summer of 1867 to labor here and in Holden for the year, with the prom- ise of $200 and a small subscription from the citizens as support. Being encouraged by the prospects of building up a congregation, an organiza¬ tion was effected at the house of Rev. Thompson, November 8, 1867. The Sabbath-school was organized in the summer of 1867, and has con¬ tinued ever since, and now has a scholarship, with an average member¬ ship of eighty, the whole year. James Ruff is superintendent and Rosa O. Martin, secretary. The church and Sunday-school are both entering a prosperous growth, and will, no doubt, last a long time.

Christian Church of Kingsville, - The Christian Church of Kingsville is prominent among the churches of western Johnson county. It was organized in March, 1868, by Eld. Geo. W. Langan with the following original members: Alice Fryer, Rilda Douglas, Laura Lea, Mary J. Harner, Emma Huff, Elizabeth Douthit, Dora Douthit, Elizabeth Reavis, Mary Smith, Margaret Fryer, Alice Reavis, Mary Henry, Alice Rolston, Thos. Douthit, Geo. C. Douthit, T. Henry, John R. Reavis, Sam'l McCulock, Joseph Venable, and Ashley York. The first pastor was Eld. T. J. Crenshaw, who commenced his labors in the following July, visiting the congregation monthly. John R. Reavis and T. Henry were the first elders, and Wm. F. Rolston and Geo. G. Douthit the first deacons. In January, 1879, W. C. Duncan and Wm. F. Rolston were set apart as elders. On the 11th day of August, 1871, Dr. W. D. Pinkston united with the church. At an officers' election in May, 1872, Wm. F. Rolston and W. C. Duncan were re-elected elders, and John Greaves and Owen Souther were elected and ordained deacons. In the beginning of 1874 when the church was in a prosperous condition a faction arose which terminated in the Fisk-Jarrott case, in 1876, when W. C. Duncan no longer officiated as elder. The church was soon healed of these troubles and at once entered an era of progress. On February 3, 1877, a com¬ mittee was appointed to report on church history and statistics, in which the members felt a deep interest. March the 16th, 'of the same year, "The Johnson county Missionary meeting" was held with this church. The following are the present officers of the church: Owen Souther, and John R. White, elders; John Greaves and D. K. Hobbs, deacons, and W. H. Mayo, clerk.

The present neat frame church was erected in the fall of 1880, at the cost of $1,100. It is about 30x46 in size, and contains plain but neat furni¬ ture, a platform and a communion set. The present membership is about 84. The Sunday-school has Geo. G. Valentine for superintendent, with an average of fifty scholars. In the past the school has not been kept up all the year, but with the efficient work of the present snperintendent it is expected that the school will continue both winter and summer. The following ministers have labored with the church: T. J. Crenshaw, M. H. Burnett, John R. Reavis, W. R. Cunningham, John Elliott, James

Randall, B. C. Stephens, and J. H. Vance. The following ministers have conducted successful revivals: C. A. Hedrick, W. B. Fisk, J. L. Thornberry, and Geo. W. Longan. None of these religious awakenings have been very marked. In 1872 and 1873, the church received large additions. In 1874 J. L. Thornberry conducted a meeting which resulted in eighteen additions to the church. The church is now in good con¬ dition. About twenty copies of the Christian , the church paper of St Louis, are taken by the church. Eld. J. H. Vance is the present pastor and the church no doubt, will continue to stand exerting a great influence for good among the religious bodies of the county.

In connection with the township and village we give a brief notice of the extensive orchard planted by J. L. Jones. This gentleman was born in that part of Missouri now called Cooper county, Juue 1, 1820, of Welsh- Irish parentage. At present he is in moderate health and is serving as justice of the peace. This immense orchard was planted in the spring of 1868. It originally consisted of 200 acres, but now has only 170 acres. The drought in 1874 and the grasshoppers in the following year destroyed a large number of the young trees. It is well hedged in by Osage orange, then it has a "wind-brake" of cedar surrounding the orchard within the hedge. The orchard contains upwards of 8,000 trees. The following are some of the varieties of apples: Ben Davis, geniton, minkler, bellflower, winesap, witerwine, autumn and winter swaar, early harvest, red june, willow-twig, jonathan, white winter Pearmain, Huntsman and many others. About 600 pear trees of several varieties are in the orchard. Several varieties of plums were planted but none do well except the wild goose plum. Mr. Jones shipped last year 950 barrels of apples from this orchard. When the trees are older, no doubt but the yield will be fine. At present this orchard has passed into the hands of A. G. French, sonin-law of Mr. Jones: Mr. French is an enterprising farmer and merchant and has one of the handsomest country residences, close to Kingsville.

The Kingsville Star , a neat little newspaper made its debut in 1867, and was successfully edited b>y Andrew R. French. It continued one year " semi-occasionally " in its publication. D. B. Reavis and A. R. French were merchants at this time.

In the winter of 1869 a brutal murder occurred on the farm of Samuel Dryden, a man about sixty years of age. It appears that a tenant family, by the name of Cox (man and wife only), were living here and were down sick, when some malicious fiend came upon them and chopped them to pieces with an ax. So far, no one has ever found out, more than rumor, who did the deed. During this time the "vigilance committee " was organized in this section, and an armed band of eight unknown men dis¬ patched Drvden's life, supposed to be on account of the Cox murder. The whole tragedy is a mystery to be revealed in the day of judgment.

Massacre . - Early in the late war, around this place, was a scene of con¬ siderable strife and hostile action by both parties. At first the people were principally on the side of the south, and B. Hornsby was the only leader of'the abolition party. In June, 1861, the first seces¬ sion flags were raised in the village. The unionists attempted to raise their flags on the same day, but failed for want of numbers, and the south¬ ern women took axes and cut the unionists? flag-poles to pieces. In Octo¬ ber of the same year, Gen. "Jim " Lane, of Kansas notoriety, dashed into the town and sacked all the stores. During the following winter (1862), Maj. Herrick, under Col. Gennison, dashed down upon the place and drove out all the southerners, and burned their dwellings. Near the village they took nine men prisoners, and on the following morning killed eight, and the ninth one they cut a swallow-fork in his right ear, saying: " We'll know you when you are caught again," then set him at liberty. About this time, the .Kansas clan of robbers set on fire great number of the dwellings of the county. A person that was a witness says: "I counted one evening, while standing on Brushy Knob, one hundred and sixty houses on fire." Slaves were ravished by these desperadoes in the pres¬ ence of their master's family, and women and children were driven from their homes without a morsel of bread in the world, or money to buy food. On account of southern feeling, Mrs. Nancy Longacre and her daughter were taken prisoners and sent to St. Louis. Gen. Wm. King, the father of the King family, went south and did not return till the close of the war. To heap fuel upon the already kindled flames of the war, the unionists burned him, on the public streets, in effigy. When peace and quiet was being restored throughout the length and breadth of the land, and no one was dreaming of trouble, at the early dawn on May 7, 1865, about two hundred bushwhackers under the daring leaders, Arch Clemments, Dave Pool and Bill Anderson, swept down upon the quiet lit¬ tle village and commenced fire on the citizens that were just emerging from their night's repose. The citizens rallied for their lives with Capt. Leroy C. Duncan as their leader, but were so outnumbered that they could not withstand the assault of the raiders, who soon had possession of the town, which they left in ashes after robbing the families of their money and clothing. On the evening previous to the massacre these vile murder¬ ers camped on Lause Run, a few miles away, in Cass county, and before they started for Kingsville, disposed of a prisoner by cutting his throat from ear to ear and leaving him on the spot. The following is a partial list of the dead and wounded: James Paul, Abner Ryan, Walton Burris, W. H. Duncan, L. C. Duncan, S. F. Duncan, Wm. Johnson.

B. A. Crain, Wm. Dock, and Hiram Rose were taked prisoners, but released. After this, soldiers were sent here by the governor for the pro¬ tection of the citizens, but the war caused no further trouble.

The Cemetery , consists of about five acres, on Chair Knob, close by the village. It was laid out by Gen. King, in 1856. It is divided into three separate parts. On the southern part of the summit, it is the family grave yard of the King's, inclosed by a stone wall and crab apple shrubs planted within the walls.

Here stands a beautiful monument about ten feet high, at the grave of Gen. Wm. M. King and his wife, inscribed thus: " Wm. M. King, born, November 14, 1800, died, July 26, 1870; Frances M. King, born, May 27, 1804, died, March 2, 1876. "

The peoples' public graveyard occupies about two acres on the north¬ ern part of the Knob. It is a beautiful lookout. No trees or shrubbery except a cedar now and then, a willow and rose near the monument of Angeline Fryer.

The Catholic burying ground occupies the western slope of this Knob. It was purchased and deeded to Father James Phelan, in the spring of 1881, and now contains already about one dozen graves. It is inclosed by a plank fence, and is destined to be handsomely improved.

The Public School. This was erected in 1868, at a cost of upwards of $3,000. It consists of a two story and a half building. The upper story is owned by the masons. There is two school rooms, and generally two teachers employed. The size of the rooms are twenty-six by forty. About $3,000 worth of bonds were issued for the indebtedness. It is not all paid at present, although a compromise was made. The interest on the debt at present is less than $100. The first board of directors were: A. G. French, Jacob Glasse, James Robinson, A. J. Buchanan, John Hickman, and J. S. Jones. At first the building was fenced and out houses built, the rooms furnished with school apparatus, good seats, globes, cubical blocks, etc., but through carelessness and the disposition of the people to destroy public property, at this time there is no fence about the building, and stock are wont to stand about or come on the approaches of the door. Instead of the beautiful white walls, in many places are spots of dry mud or the superscription of some boy or girl associated as sweethearts. The once beautiful walnut desks are well defaced and rudely marked by the initials of former pupils. The school apparatus is all gone, such as maps, charts, globes, etc. The upper room has 160 square feet of good liquid slate boards, while the lower board is as rough as a sandstone. There is a wood stove in each room. The house is very open and hard to warm, on account of the plastering falling off. In order to keep roughs out, the windows are kept nailed down with spikes. The

Prior to the war a subscription school was taught in any sort of a building that could be procured. Among the old teachers are Mr. Bel¬ mont and lady, who taught in old dwellings. J. N. Ferguson taught during the winter of 1859 - 60, in an old stone building. Miss Martha Givens taught in an old building formerly used as a smoke-house. W. H. Duncan taught one term. For a time during the war there was no school.

The following is a partial list of the teachers: W. P. Baker, Henry Harmon, J. Cline, J. Johnson, Rev. Isaac N. Newman, Maggie M. McCarty, Abigail Whitson, Rev. R. G. Thompson, Wm. P. Hunt, G. G. Valentine, Dora Douthit, A. C. Jones, Mollie Johnson, Maggie Duncan, Lizzie Hamshaw, Carrie Maynard, Mrs. Mattie George, Addie Johnson, Laura A. Glasse, Geo. B. Longan, Mrs. Emma Longan, F. E. Meigs, John Moran, Sallie King, J. D. King Miss Adelia S. Boswell, and A. J. Sparks, the present efficient teacher.

The school building has been let, prior to the last term, to preaching, Sunday schools, and various public amusements, hence the bad condition of the building. The following is an exhibit of the last term report: Term taught by A. J. Sparks, commencing April 11, 1881, and ending July 1, 1881. Number of days taught, 60; No. of males enrolled, 26; females 37; total 63. Whole number of days attended by all pupils, 1928; average daily attendance, 32 2-15. Average number of days attended by each pupil, 30 38-63. The cost per day of each pupil is upwards of three cents, sixty-five per month, and about two dol¬ lars per term. At present the school-room needs repairs, a deeper inter¬ est on the part of parents, so that the incorrigible roughs who have injured the school may be brought to justice. This school averages seven months in the year.

Masonic - The Masons own a hall over the public school building. February 6, 1869, District-Deputy Grand Master I. W. McDonald organ¬ ized and set to work Kingsville Lodge, A. F. & A. M., under dispensa¬ tion. Officers appointed: R. T. Fryer, W. M. ; N. G. Cooley, S. W.; Horatio Cox, J. W.; C. C. King, treasurer; Samuel H. Hammonds, sec¬ retary; W. P. Gibson, S. D.; Moses Ferguson, J. D.; John Sheton, tyler. December 18, 1869, Rt. W. D. D. Grand Master, Dr. Geo. R. Hunt organized and set to work Kingsville Lodge, 313, A. F. & A. M. under charter granted by the Grand Lodge of Missouri, October 12, 1869. Officers: R.T. Fryer, W. M. ; N. G. Cooley, S. W.; Horatio Cox, J. W.; D. B. Reavis, treasurer; Wm. P. Hunt, secretary; B. F. Miller,

Business Directory

Blackburn, Elisha, blacksmith; Blackburn, Fannie, teacher; Carpenter, W. H., physician; Douthit, Dora, teacher; Douthit, Molly, teacher ; Dunn, L. H., engineer; French, A. G. & Bro., general merchandise and drug¬ gists; Gloyd, Ira, proprietor Ellas House; Greave & Ruff, proprietors flour mill; Glasse, Jacob, carpenter and builder; Glasse, Laura, teacher; Jones, John L., justice of the peace; King, Edgar, general merchandise; McKnight & Lampkin, grain dealers; Monroe & Son, groceries and hardware; Monroe, G., postmaster; Mayo, W. H., wagon maker; Mills,

S. W., blacksmith; Miller, B. F., carpenter and builder; Miller, Mrs. Fannie, proprietor Miller House; Phillips, H. E., railroad agent; Reed,

T. A., physician; Starkey & Christian, lumber dealers; Ligfried, John H., shoe and boot maker; Stevenson, Wm., U. P. minister; Valentine, G. G., book-keeper; West, F. M., Baptist minister; Woods Bros., car¬ penters; Wilson, Jas. M., miller; Wilson, M. H., organist; Wilson, Mrs. Rebecca, music teacher.

W. H. Carpenter

physician, P. O. Kingsville. He was born in Fleming county, Ken¬ tucky, July 8, 1829. When he was about two years of age, he was taken by his parents to Hamilton county, Ohio, where he was raised. His father, William, was a native of Kentucky, but died in Hardin county, Ohio. William H., the'subject of this notice, entered a store as a clerk, after which he commenced the study of medicine, entering the Cincinnati Med¬ ical College in 1849, and the next year graduated, then entered upon the practice. About the year 1852 he removed to this county. From 1864 to 1868 he lived in Shelby county, then returned to Kingsville. He was united in marriage to Miss Wilson in 1849, who was a native of Hamilton county, Ohio. She died in St. Louis, of that dreaded plague, the cholera. He was married a second time, to Mrs. Susan Lemmon, daughter of Gen. King. She died May, 1863, leaving three children: Charlie, Laura, and Willie. He married his present wife in 1867, and they have four children: Alonzo L., Walter, Nellie May, and Clara M. Mrs. Carpenter is a worthy member of the Baptist church.

Mauris Connell

Kingsville, Missouri, was born in Ireland. His father, Dennis Connell, was a native of Ireland, and died at the age of ninety: his mother died the the same year at the age of eighty-eight. He lived with his father on the farm until twenty-one Years old; he then emigrated to America. He landed in the state of New York in 1853, remained there one year: he then removed to Illinois, and from there to Missouri. He engaged in railroading - had charge of the grading of the Missouri Pacific from Jefferson City to Kingsville. Was married, in 1857, to Miss Mary Murphy, a native of Ireland. They have four children: Dennis, Kate, James, and Joanna. Mr. Connell has 240 acres of well-improved land, located in Kingsville township. The family are members of the Catholic church.

Thomas A. Conrad

originally a Pennsylvanian, was born in February, 1840. His father, James Conrad, was a native of Pennsylvania, a miller by trade, and fol¬ lowed that until his death, which occurred in 1879; age, sixty-eight years. The subject of this sketch received his early education in the common schools of his native county. Is a miller by trade, and worked in his father's mill until he came to Missouri, which was in 1868, and settled in Johnson county', on the farm where he now lives. His farm consists of 100 acres of land, well improved, and beautifully located. His house stands on an elevated spot, displaying the beauties of nature in the valleys below. In 1876 Mr. Conrad had the honor of being elected justice of the peace, and has attended to the duties of the office since that time. In 1861 he enlisted in the Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania volunteers, and served in this regiment two years. Re-enlisted in the Third Pennsylvania heavy artil¬ lery, and served during the war. Was married, in 1867, to Miss Caroline Tiley. By this union they have five children: Dessa, Edward, Luvenie, Geotge, and Garretta. Mrs. C. is a member of the M. *E. Church. Mr. C. is liberal in his religious views.

James Douglas

Kingsville, was born in Missouri, August 29, 1829. His father, T. J. Douglas, is a native of Virginia. Moved to Missouri in 1828, and settled in Cooper county, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1852. The subject of this sketch received his education in the public schools. His early life was spent on his father's farm. Was married in 1856, to Miss Virginia Barr, a native of Cooper county, Missouri, and daughter of Henry Barr. After the death of Mrs. D. he was married to Jerda Fryer, a native of Cooper county, and daughter of James Fryer. By this union they have five children: Kelly D., Elvin, Burton, Mattie, and Frank. Moved to Johnson county in 1866, and bought 280 acres of land, where he now lives.

A. G. French

postoffice, Kingsville. Was born in Cooper county, Missouri, March 21, 1841. His father, John R. French, is a native of Connecticut, moved to Missouri in 1840, and settled in Cooper county. A. G. moved to John¬ son county, where he engaged in real estate. In 1868 Mr. French went to Texas, where he dealt in cattle, afterward returning to Kingsville, and is now engaged in the mercantile business with his brother. He was married in 1867 to Miss Sallie Jones, daughter of John L. Jones. Mrs. F. is a native of Cooper county, Missouri. They have four children: Lucy A., Mary M., Nora C., John R. Mr. and Mrs. F. are members of the Christian church.

Hon. Robert T. Fryer

is a native of Missouri, born in Cooper county, April 23, 1835. His father, James H. Fryer, was born in Addison county, Kentucky, and emi¬ grated to Missouri in an early day. He married a daughter of Thos. McCullough, who, with his family had moved from Albemarle county, Virginia. The father of our subject was a brick mason, who settled in the thriving town of Boonville, and many of the brick structures in that city are monuments of his skill and labor. During the California excite¬ ment, in 1850, he died of cholera on his journey home from the Golden State. The responsibility of the support of the family devolved upon Robert T., and he performed his duties well. He married the daughter of James G. Talliaferro in the year 1861. Mr. Talliaferro was a farmer well known in Cooper and Maniteau counties for his sterling worth and integrity. In 1867 Mr. Fryer removed to Johnson county. He has a fine home, high and commanding a delightful view. In politics he is a democrat. In 1874 he was elected to the general^ assembly of Missouri. His family consists of: Bertie M., Lulu, James T., Lena, Maggie L. and Alice C.

was born in St. Louis county, March, 1851. His father, W. W. Hig¬ gins, is a native of Maryland. The subject of this sketch grew up as the sons of most farmers do, working on the farm in summer and attending school in winter. He early evinced a taste for raising fine stock, and fol¬ lowed that until 1881, when he thought the western part of the state afforded better advantages, he, with his wife, moved to Johnson county, and settled in Kibgsville township, on section 14, where he has 168 acres of well improved land. He was married in 1877 to Miss Nanna H. Blount, a native of Missouri, and daughter of James E. Blount, a native of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. H. are both members of the South Methodist church.

Josephus Hobbs

a native of Missouri, born in Putnam county, November 13, 1843. His father, S. Hobbs, was a native of Kentucky, and emigrated to Missouri in 1841, and settled near the Chariton river, on what was called disputed grounds. He came and settled in Johnson county, settling on the Black Water, where he resided till his death, which occurred in 1873. Jose¬ phus Hobbs' mother was a native of Bourbon county, Kentucky. She still resides in Jackson township, this county. The subject of our sketch was educated in the common schools of Appanoose county, Iowa. He joined the federal army and served three years. He returned to the farm in 1865. By diligence in business and economy, he has accumulated some property, including eighty acres of land. He married Mary E. Jones, August 6, 1866. The names of the children are: Eunice A., Mary J., William W, and Andrew T. Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs are mem¬ bers of the Seventh Day Adventists.

Philip Isley

farmer and stock raiser. Postoffice, Kingsville. Born in Gwinnett county, Georga, May 7, 1840. His father, George Isley, was a native of Orange county, North Carolina, and emigrated to Missouri in 1852, and settled on a farm near Kingsville. He died in 1864 at the advanced age of eighty-five years. In 1861 he entered the confederate army, and served four years, participating in many battles. He returned to his farm in the spring of 1866. He was married in 1864, himself and bride, each on horseback, dressed in martial array, with pistols and other offensive weapons girded to their belts. This occurred on the side of Boat Moun¬ tain, Arkansas. She was the daughter of General William King.

Rufus King

farmer and stock raiser, postoffice, Kingsville. Born in Jackson county, Alabama, March 26, 1822. His father, William King, was a native of Kingston, Tennessee, and his father was the first white settler in Kings¬ ton The father of our subject was a public man, having been represen¬ tative several years. He came to Missouri in 1853, and settled on the lands where the town of Kingsville now stands, entering the lands from the government, and died about the year 1870 at a very advanced age. Rufus early engaged in the mercantile business, and followed it till the year 1850, when he came to Johnson county and settled on the land which constitutes his present farm. He followed farming and stock rais¬ ing till the outbreak of the war. He enlisted in the confederate service, and engaged in eleven hotly contested battles. He was shot through his clothes several times, but escaped without a wound. In 1867 he returned to his old home at Kingsville, and found only one gate post standing - his house and all other buildings were burned. His landed estate numbers about 700 hundred acres. He married Miss Mary A. Taylor, June, 1850, daughter of W. O. Taylor, a wealthy planter of Jackson county, Ala¬ bama. By this union they have five children: W. O., Lucilla T., Sallie E., Freddie and Clem Clay. Mrs. King and her three daughters are consistent members of the Christian church.

Pleasant W. Paul

farmer and stock raiser. P. O. Kingsville. Born in Ray county, Ten¬ nessee, July 22, 1823. He came to Missouri with his parents in 1835; his father, James Paul, was a native of South Carolina, and was an extensive planter. He died in 1853 on his farm here. Pleasant W. spent his youth¬ ful days on a farm and obtained his early education in the log school house. He was married to Miss Anna Longacre, June, 5, 1845; she was the daughter of John Longacre, who was a tanner in early life and later a wealthy farmer. The children are: Washington T., James H., John L., Archie D., William P., Robert K., Goodlett E., Thomas M. and Finis E. Mr. Paul has a fine farm of 160 acres. The house in which he first con¬ ducted his young bride, was 12x14 feet. Has now a good estate. Mrs. Paul is a member of the Christian church.

Rev. R. G. Thompson

is a native of Butler county, Penn. His father, John Thompson, was born in Huntington county, Penn. He moved to Grundy county, Ohio, in 1825, and in 1846 moved to IVIonroe county, where he lemained until his death, which occurred in 1847. The subject of this.^sketch was born May 31,

1816; his boyhood school days were spent in the old log school houses, when they used oiled paper for window lights, and one end of the house was used for a fire place. When 14 years of age he entered a grammar school and finished this course in 1838; he then entered the U. P. Theo¬ logical Seminary at Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, and graduated in 1843. Was licensed in 1842, and in 1844 was ordained and installed in charge of three organizations: Auburn, DeKalb, and Eden, in the respective counties of Richmond, Crawford and Seneca, Ohio. In 1857, a Seminary being instituted in the village of DeKalb, and he being elected as principal, gave up the other two charges, and the one connected with the seminary. He continued the service there in regular order until 1863, when he was appointed chaplain in the 64th Ohio infantry volunteers, and was in nineteen battles, was shot through the clothes several times, but never received a wound. He remained with his regiment until the close of the war, and after Lee's surrender his regiment was ordered to Texas, and stationed between Port Lavaca and Vicoria. Was mustered out in December, 1865, and dismissed at Columbus, Ohio, January 6, 1866. His health being somewhat impaired after the war, was advised by his physician to change dimate, and he resolved to move to the wtst. Being well pleased with Missouri, he settled in Johnson countjq Kingsville P. O., on sec. 30, where he bought 135 acres, and where he now lives. He was married in 1844, to Miss Sarah L. Brown, a native of Vermont, born April 24, 1817, daughter of Jos. Brown of Vermont. By this union they have seven children: Julia F., now Mrs. Skiles; John P., now in California; Mary, E., now Mrs. Wright, now in Otoco, Nebraska. Sarah M., now Mrs. Stiles, now in California; Maria G., now Mrs. Park, Johnson county; Samuel F., now in Colorado; Carry C., Mrs. Thompson, died in 1859, age 42 years. Mr. T. was married again in 1861 to Miss Martha T. Scott of Virginia, and by this union they have one child: Robert S. The family are acceptable members of the U. P. church.

William H. Zion

was oorn in Lee county, Virginia, September 11, 1844. When about twenty years of age he removed to Missouri with his parents in 1854. His father, John Zion, on coming to Missouri, located first in Cass county, where he remained till his death, which occurred in 1859. The mother of our subject was also a native of Virginia and now lives with her son Wil¬ liam. Mr. W. H. Zion was married to Miss Clara Reeves in 1874. Her native state is North Carolina, daughter of John Reeves, Esq. Their family consist of John A., and Eva L. Mr. Zion is a worthy member of the Baptist, and his wife is a member of the M. E. church. He has a neat little farm of eighty acres, well improved with good buildings. He devotes considerable attention to the raising of stock.

Source changes here: from History of Johnson County, Missouri, by Cockrell, Ewing, published 1918; 322 words in this source stream.

Kingsville Township

A postoffice was establislied liere in 1856 and Samuel Bolejack was the first postmaster, continuing to serve in that capacity until the Civil War broke out in 1861. The postofiice was discontinued for a time during the Ci\il War but was reestablished in July, 1865 al)out the time the Missouri Pacific railroad was built to this point.

J. N. Ferguson taught a suljscription school here in the winter of 1859-60 and a Mr. Belmont conducted a subscription school some time prior to that. Martha Givens and W. H. Duncan also taught school here prior to the Civil \\'ar. School was suspended most of the time during the war as Kings\ille and vicinity suffered much from devastation during that period. Among some of the early day teachers of Kingsville who were identified with the schools after the war were W. P. Baker, Henry Harmon. J. Kline, J. Johnson, Rev. Isaac X. Newman, Maggie M. McCarty. Al^agail Whitson. Rev. R. G. Thompson. William P. Hunt. George G. Valentine. Dora Douthit, A. C. Jones. Mollie Johnson, Maggie Duncan, Lizzie Hamshaw. Carrie Maynard, Mrs. Mattie George, Addie Johnson, Laura A. Glasse, George B. Longan, Mrs. Emma Longan. F. E. Meigs. John Moran. Sally King, J. D. King. Mrs. Adelia S. Boswell. and A. J. Sparks. At the organization of the Kingsville school district in 1868 the first board of directors consisted of the following: A. G. French, Jacob Glasse. James Robinson. .\. J. Buchanan, John Hickman, .-rnd J. S. Jones.

Kingsville cemetery is located on Chair Knob, near the village and was laid out in 1856 by General William King. He was l)uried here July 26, 1870. There is also another cemetery in the vicinity of Kingsville which was formerly known as the People's Public cemetery. The Catholic church also has a cemetery here wdfich is located on the western slope of Chair Kno1). This property was purchased and first used for a cemetery in 1881.