Farmer, section 9, post-office Blue Mills, was born in Hawkins County, Tennessee, March 11, 1816, and there remained on a farm till about twenty-three years of age, when he came to Missoui, and located in Boone County for one year. Thence to the Platte Purchase, where he remained but a short time; then went with an old Methodist minister, for the purpose of establishing a Mission with the Pottawattamies. Remained one year, then went to Cass County, Mo., and stayed till 1855. During this time, in 1848, he spent six months in New Mexico. In April, 1855 he went to Kansas and located at Paola, where he was engaged in farming and keeping hotel til 1861, and , owing to his political prclivities, being a southern man in principle, was robbed and driven from his home, and came to Jackson County, Mo., where he remained till February 1, 1862. He then went to Springfield and joined the Southern Army, in Company G, 3d Missoui Infantry, and was in all its engagements and travels till April, 1863, when he was discharged on account of failing health, also for being paralyzed while in the battle of Corinth. After many hardships and narrow escapes he finally arrived in Jackson County, July 4, 1863. By order No. 11, he moved to Lexington, his family crossing at the ferry and he swimming the river about four miles above. They shortly afterward fled to Fremont County, Iowa, where he remained about eighteen months, and then went to Nebraska and remained about six months. Afterward returned to Jackson County, where he has since resided. His farm contains 240 acres. Was married June 7, 1840, to Miss Elizabeth J. Tuggle, of Patrick County, Va. She came to Jackson County, Mo., with her parents at an early day and soon after located in Cass County. They have had thirteen children, six of whom are living: Joseph B., Henry R., George W., James D., William J. and Cordelia A.
History of Jackson County, Missouri. Indexed edition. p. 885