My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM McKENDRIE MINSHALL is the owner and manager of a farm comprising one hundred acres in township 47, range 27, Johnson County. The place is a model one in every respect, and its general air of thrift and neatness convinces the beholder that the proprietor gives it his constant care and attention. He is one of the representative men of this locality, and it is but just to give him a place in the record of Johnson County, and this we take great pleasure in doing.

The father of the above gentleman, Richard Minshall, was born in Logan County, Ohio, January 10, 1813. He had the misfortune to lose both of his parents when he was only four years of age, and he was reared in the home of Peter Kelly. Shortly after reaching his majority he married Rebecca Smith, the date of the event being March 4, 1834. Six children were born to them, and all are still living. For five years after his marriage Mr. Minshall helped conduct his father-in-law’s farm, but in the fall of 1839 he started for Missouri, making the trip overland in a wagon. At the end of a seven-weeks journey he arrived in Grundy County, bought land and started to develop a farm. Soon afterwards he took up the study of theology, and for a few years was a local preacher. In the year 1847 he joined the Southern Methodist Conference, and later was regularly ordained, from that time onward devoting himself to the ministry. When the war broke out he enlisted in the Missouri State Guards, his regiment being commanded by John Turner Hughes. In 1861 he was mustered into the regular Confederate service, having the same colonel and general. In the fall of 1862 he was transferred to General Shelby’s division, and was appointed Chaplain of Colonel Gordon’s regiment, serving in that capacity until the close of the war. Returning home, he joined his family in this county, where they had moved in his absence, and, becoming a member of the Southwestern Missouri Conference, devoted himself zealously to his work. From 1878 until his death, which occurred July 13, 1889, he dwelt in Vernon County, where he was beloved and honored by all. His parents were natives of Virginia, and were early settlers first in Kentucky, and later in Logan County, Ohio. Grandfather Minshall was a man of superior education, and followed teaching as well as farming. Both he and his wife died while still young and within a short time of each other. The parents of Mrs. Rebecca Minshall were John and Rebecca (Carrick) Smith, pioneers of the Buckeye State, whither they moved from their native Virginia in 1813.

William M. Minshall was born in Grundy County, Mo., May 22, 1845, and up to his sixteenth year lived under the parental roof, a part of the time attending the common school. At that time the war broke out, and although he was young for service, he shouldered the musket and went to the front, serving in the same command in the State Guards in which his father was serving when the re-organization of the troops occurred. Young Minshall was in the thickest part of many battles, and among others were those of Lexington, Elk Horn, Prairie Grove, Iron Mountain, West Port, Mine Creek, Newtonia, and in the engagement with General Steele at Spoonville. At West Port he was in close quarters, General Blunt attacking his company in front, and General Smith closing in behind them. They were entirely surrounded and their situation was a serious one. With sabers grasped in their hands, they started forward when the command was given and dashed on the enemy with one accord, cutting their way through to safety. At Spoonville Mr. Minshall was acting Orderly for Colonel Smith, and during the fierce contest had his horse shot from under him on the battle-field, and for the rest of the day had to be content as a foot soldier.

In the spring of 1867 our subject left home on horseback and started for Texas. For the next year he worked on a ranch, and then returned to Missouri, and, taking charge of his father’s farm, remained there until the spring of 1874. February 23, 1870, he had married Sarah E. Willcoxen, and on the 3d of August, 1874, she was summoned by the Death Angel. The following day their only surviving child was stricken down, and both were laid to rest in the same grave. After this sad event Mr. Minshall had but little heart to continue his work and the following spring started for Kansas. For two seasons he engaged in the cattle business in Barber County.

November 27, 1879, Mr. Minshall married Miss Mary Katie Ramsey, a lady of very amiable disposition, and one who has been a true companion and assistant to her respected husband. For three years after their union was celebrated they lived on a rented place in Vernon County, but at the expiration of that time settled permanently on the valuable farm which has since been superintended by Mr. Minshall. In his political principles he is an ardent supporter of the Democracy. During his residence here he has made many friends by his uniform courtesy and sterling qualities.