My Genealogy Hound

John Lightfoot. In sketching the life of this gentleman it is but just to say that his good name is above reproach, and that he has won the confidence and esteem of all who know him. His native birthplace was Allen County, Ky., where he was born on the 13th of May, 1820, his parents being Henry J. and Barbara (Lambert) Lightfoot, who were born in Virginia and South Carolina (it is supposed), respectively, and both died in Polk County, Mo., he in 1861, at the age of sixty-six years, and she four years later, aged also about sixty-six years. Their marriage took place in Warren County, Ky., after which they moved to Simpson County, where John was reared, and from whence they moved to Polk County, Mo., in 1853. The father was a natural mechanic, but gave the most of his attention, to farming, and in his religious views was a member of the Primitive Baptist Church. His thirteen children lived to be grown, but only six are living at the present time: David L., a farmer, residing near Joplin, Mo.; Melissa, wife of Marion Jackson, is residing in Polk County; Malinda, widow of Jack Pitts; Henry B.; Barbara, wife of Meredith Richards, deceased; and John. The latter was educated in Simpson County, Ky., and at the age of twenty-three years began farming for himself in Kentucky, and in 1851 moved to Polk County, Mo., and has since made his home in Green Township, being engaged in tilling the soil, and at one time worked a considerable period at the wagon-maker’s trade. In 1860 he obtained possession of what was then known as Bradley’s Mill, which he operated for ten years, a part of the time being in partnership with Francis Hatler and D. W. Rush, but the greater part of the time was in business alone. Previous to the Civil War he served as justice of the peace, and during that struggle worked in his mill. On the 23d of June, 1842, he married Miss Keziah H. Chapman, a daughter of David Chapman. She was born in Monroe County, Ky., in 1822, and became the mother of five children: Henry J., a prominent citizen and ex-collector of Polk County; David M., merchant and trader, of Humansville, Mo.; John S., also at Humansville; William A., at Pittsburg, a merchant and farmer; and Louisa F., wife of Jasper Creed, also a farmer of Polk County, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Lightfoot belong to the Baptist Church, and he is a deacon, and has been a member for over forty years. He takes great pride in supporting the cause of religion, education, and all other worthy enterprises, and as a public-spirited citizen ranks among the first in the county. He is a Republican in politics.