My Genealogy Hound

JOSEPH H. ROTHWELL, a native-born citizen of Johnson County, who since attaining manhood has identified himself with agricultural and stock-raising interests, is prosperously carrying on his vocation on the old homestead on section 15, township 47, range 24, which was the place of his birth.

The subject of this biographical review was born September 25, 1855, and is the sixth in order of the family of James E. and Mary S. (Ramsey) Rothwell. The parents were born in the Old Dominion, where they spent their early lives. The removal to Missouri was undertaken in 1839, when they settled upon the land now occupied by Joseph H. Here the father was actively engaged in its cultivation for many years, but during his later years lived in retirement, passing away March 8, 1894, when ripe in years. His good wife preceded him to the land beyond, dying in 1875.

Joseph first carried on his studies in the district school, and after becoming familiar with all the branches taught therein pursued his studies further in the State Normal at Warrensburg. His life work has been that of a farmer, which he finds a profitable vocation, and he now has under his charge two hundred and forty acres of as fine land as can be found in Johnson County. He is a young man of sterling, upright character, possessing excellent business ability, as is shown by the success which has attended his efforts as an agriculturist.

The lady to whom Mr. Rothwell was married February 1, 1883, was Miss Allena, daughter of Rev. A. F. and Priscilla Scruggs, who, it is presumed, were natives of Tennessee and Kentucky, respectively. Their daughter, however, was born in this state, in 1857, and was given a good education in the schools near her home. She is now the mother of five children, namely: Claybourne Franklin, Joseph Ernest, William Lawrence, Roy L. and Allena.

Both our subject and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Their home is the abode of comfort and a center from which pleasing influences extend. In politics Mr. Rothwell is in sympathy with the Democratic party, but is not an office-seeker. He is noted for integrity and honesty, which characteristics have been maintained throughout adversity and prosperity alike.