My Genealogy Hound

MANUEL P. FISHER In the career of the subject of this biography we find a striking example of what industry and perseverance can accomplish when accompanied by good business judgment and intelligence. Mr. Fisher commenced in life for himself when young, and now occupies a place among the well-to-do retired agriculturists of Johnson County, owning a good farm on sections 24 and 25, township 44, range 29.

Our subject came to this section in 1837, and until the year 1888 was engaged in farm pursuits. He now make his home in Holden, among whose honored residents he occupies a respected place. He owns his own residence in this place and takes an active interest in the welfare of the community.

John Fisher, the father of our subject, was a Pennsylvanian, and came to Missouri in 1820. The journey was made in the month of April in a wagon, in which was stored all the household goods. He first located in Cooper County, after which he removed to Pettis County, and later to a section now comprised within the limits of Johnson County. He was of German ancestry, and in the Fatherland the name was spelled Fischer. He was born in 1777, and died in 1855.

Mrs. Mary (Petre) Fisher, the mother of our subject, was also born in Pennsylvania and was of German ancestry. She lived to be eighty-three years of age. By her union with John Fisher were born fourteen children, of whom Elizabeth died in 1880, and Samuel lived to be ninety-one years old. Margaret, Mary, Mildred, Sarah, John and Sidney are deceased. Manuel P., of this sketch, was the ninth in order of birth, then followed Joseph, Jacob, Malinda, Catherine and Adam.

Manuel P. Fisher was born on his father’s farm in the Blue Grass State, April 23, 18 14. Although permitted to attend the early schools of that day, he learned more from observation and actual experience than he ever did from the text-books. He has always been a great reader and a natural mathematician, being able to solve the most intricate problem that can be put before him. He was obliged to commence work when young, but the habits of industry and economy which he then learned have been of practical use to him since establishing a home of his own.

A year after attaining his majority our subject started out for himself. He first hired out to work for $10 per month, which was then considered splendid wages. About this time he was married to Sarah B. Scott, also a native of Kentucky, who removed to Missouri with her parents in 1818. The first summer after his marriage our subject lived with his father-in-law, and in the fall of 1837 made permanent location on his present farm. Although possessed of but little of this world’s goods, he was not discouraged, but went willingly to work to lay the foundation of future success. His original entry of land was seven hundred acres of wild low lands, and this entire acreage he later placed under cultivation, the little log house giving way to a more substantial and commodious structure. The barns and other outbuildings are above the average, the fences good, the fruit and shade trees abundant. The farm now comprises seven hundred and twenty acres and has long been known as one of the most fertile in the county.

Mrs. Fisher departed this life July 10, 1893, aged seventy-six years. She was the mother of three children. Cynthia Jane, who is now living with our subject, is a lady of refinement and intelligence; Mary C., the wife of W. S. Huff, lives in Waco, Tex., and has two sons, Tasso D. and Boyd F.; Berdit lives in Warrensburg, this state, and is the wife of B. F. Rose. Their children are three in number, Delia, Forest F. and Benjamin C. Mr. Rose is an educated man and has made a study of medicine, although he is not now in active practice. He has examined the different methods and systems thoroughly and understands the science of medicine. It may be said of him that he belongs to the Eclectic School, having determined that all men, not being alike, naturally require different treatment for disease.

In politics our subject is a Democrat and cast his first presidential vote for Martin Van Buren. He is a prominent member of the Christian Church, whose good work he advances in every way possible.