My Genealogy Hound

BENJAMIN F. SUMMERS. Comparatively few persons can follow two occupations and meet with gratifying success in both, but such has been the experience of the subject of this sketch, who, though a young man, has already gained considerable prominence in the business and agricultural circles of his community. His prompt and methodical business habits, good financial talent, and tact in the management of affairs have gained for him the confidence of his fellow-citizens, as well as a comfortable income. His experience as an architect has been such as to prove his superior ability in that line, and he has designed numerous buildings which are an ornament to the county.

The Summers family has been represented in the United States since an early period in the history of this country. Our subject’s father, Benjamin Summers, was born in Knox County, Tenn., December 22, 1817, but the principal portion of his life was spent in Missouri, where for many years he engaged in farm pursuits in Johnson County. Becoming identified with the history of this part of the state at an early day, he was quite influential in public affairs and was a man of progressive spirit. At the beginning of the Civil War he was elected Sheriff of Hickory County, Mo., and served for one term in that responsible position. Shortly afterward, in 1864, he removed with his family to Johnson County, and here he continued to reside until his death, at the age of sixty-one.

The marriage of Benjamin Summers, which took place January 4, 1844, united him with Theresa Angeline Chandler, who was born in Macoupin County, Ill., on the 22d of September, 1827. Their union was blessed by the birth of six children, namely: Susan E., Louisa J., Thomas J., John N., Samuel H. and Benjamin F. Of this family, four sons and one daughter are still living. The paternal grandparents of our subject, Nicholas and Susannah (Bannister) Summers, died at the ages of seventy-eight and seventy-nine, respectively. The maternal grandparents, John and Mary (Gibson) Chandler, died at the respective ages of seventy-eight and seventy-seven years.

During the residence of his parents in Hickory County, Mo., the subject of this sketch was born, December 15, 1862. He was only two years old when brought by his parents to Johnson County, and here he has since made his home, having a large acquaintance among the people of this locality. His education was obtained in the schools of the home district, supplemented by private study and habits of close observation. Arriving at man’s estate, he began agricultural pursuits, and upon establishing domestic ties settled on a farm near Knobnoster, Grover Township, Johnson County. In his farm work he has been remarkably successful, his finely tilled fields yielding large harvests of the various cereals. The estate consists of one hundred and sixty acres, all of which is highly improved, and under his capable supervision the land has been rendered very productive. Farm work, however, does not represent the limit of his energy, for he has other important interests. He is an extensive contractor and builder, and has erected structures of a substantial and attractive kind, following the most modern styles of architecture.

At Montserrat, Mo., December 21, 1890, B. F. Summers and Miss Mattie T. Hull were united in marriage, and they have since made their home on the farm near Knobnoster, where they are surrounded by all the comforts of life. In religious belief they are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Socially Mr. Summers is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. As a Democrat he takes an active interest in political affairs and is prominent in his party, which he has represented as a delegate to state and local conventions. At the present time he is serving as a member of the Central Committee of Johnson County. In all matters tending to the advancement of the interests of the county and the welfare of the people he is actively interested, and his support may be relied upon for the promotion of progressive measures.