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Below is a family biography included in the book, Portrait and Biographical Record of Johnson and Pettis County Missouri published by Chapman Publishing Company in 1895.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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JAMES HENRY SEIP. It is very fitting that the name of this worthy citizen should be placed among the representative men of Johnson County, for he deserves that honor in the fullest degree. At all times he has used his influence and energies to advance the welfare of this region, and takes an active part in movements toward that end. His dwelling is on section 33, township 47, range 27, this being one of the best farms to be found in the county.

The father, John William Seip, was born near the famous River Rhine, in Germany, and, with his parents, set sail for America when but fourteen years of age. As his father was a weaver by trade, he learned the same business, and ultimately became the owner of an extensive factory in Venango County, Pa. There he gave employment to some twelve or more men, and successfully managed the plant until death put an end to his labors. His wife bore the maiden name of Catherine Knaus, and five of their seven children yet survive.

J. H. Seip is a native of Lehigh County, Pa., his birth having occurred October 28, 1845. His first knowledge of agriculture was obtained on the old homestead, which he and his brothers carried on while their father managed the factory. When but seventeen years of age he enlisted in the Union army and loyally fought in defense of the Stars and Stripes. On leaving the service he went to Oil City, and for over two years was employed in taking and filling contracts for boring oil-wells.

In 1867 Mr. Seip started with a friend for the Pacific Slope, but first went through Tennessee and Georgia. At Nashville, Tenn., they took passage in a boat bound for Leavenworth, Kan., thence proceeded to the Salmon River, later coming back as far as Clay County, Mo. There he took contracts to furnish ties for a railroad then being built, and later went to Springfield, Mo. After a brief stay he went to Holden and embarked in business in partnership with another man, starting a hedge nursery. During the next three years his success was very gratifying, but at last he became desirous of owning a farm, and purchased the one on which he now makes his home. To the original tract he has since added another piece, thus making it one of some three hundred and three acres. Considering the fact that he had almost nothing a few years ago, his rapid rise in a financial way is truly remarkable, and is owing to his indomitable pluck and perseverance.

In September, 1872, our subject was united in marriage with Susan Eliza Frisco. Their marriage was blessed by five children, all but one of whom are still living. Charles William has been a student in the Sedalia Commercial College for the past three years; while Grace, Daisy and Blanche are all attending the seminary at Holden, where the family are temporarily residing, in order to give better school privileges to the children.

In political matters Mr. Seip is always to be found on the side of the Republican party. In 1861 he became a member of Company E, Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Infantry, under Col. William Serwell, and took part in the following important engagements: Stone River, Chickamauga, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain and Pumpkin Vine Creek. At Stone River he was shot in the shoulder, and January 1, 1862, fell into the hands of the Confederates. He was taken to Libby Prison, but was released at the end of seventeen days. Religiously he is identified with the Methodist denomination.

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This family biography is one of the numerous biographies included in the Johnson County, Missouri portion of the book,  Portrait and Biographical Record of Johnson and Pettis County Missouri published in 1895 by Chapman Publishing Co.  For the complete description, click here: Johnson County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional Johnson County, Missouri family biographies here: Johnson County, Missouri Biographies

View a map of 1904 Johnson County, Missouri here: Johnson County, Missouri Map

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