JOHN W SANDY

For a quarter of a century John Sandy, of Wayne township, has been one of the respected citizens of Doniphan county. He was born in Owen county, Indiana, May 3, 1842, and is a son of Henry Sandy, whose birth occurred in Raleigh, North Carolina. Having arrived at the age of maturity, Henry Sandy married Miss Elizabeth Corson, who was born in Kentucky and was of Irish lineage. They had ten children, -- five sons and five daughters, -- of whom six grew to manhood and womanhood, namely: Sarah Ann, now deceased; Mary; Emeline, who has also passed away; Adaline; Margaret and John. In the fall of 1842 the family removed to Missouri, making the journey with horses and wagon. They took up their abode on the banks of Contrary creek, about ten miles south of St. Joseph, making there one of the first settlements in that county. For many years they were residents of that locality and enjoyed the respect of all who knew them. The father died at the age of sixty-six years, and the mother, surviving him some time, passed away at the age of seventy-eight. Both were members of the Christian church, with which Mr. Sandy united more than forty years before his death. By trade he was a carpenter, but he owned and cultivated a farm in Missouri, and was accounted one of the leading agriculturists in his community.

John W. Sandy spent the days of his boyhood in Missouri and in the district schools pursued his education. During the summer months he aided in the labors of the farm and to his father gave the benefit of his services until he attained man's estate. After the inauguration of the civil war he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting in September, 1864, as a member of Company G, Forty-third Missouri Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Oscar Kercum, of St. Joseph, Missouri, and Colonel Hardin. After serving for some months he was honorably discharged at St. Louis, Missouri, and returned to his home in that state.

Before going into the war Mr. Sandy was married, having in March, 1861, wedded Miss Louise J. Lower, a native of Jackson, Missouri, and a daughter of Isaac and Rebecca (Nash) Lower, both of whom were natives of Tennessee. Her father was a farmer and died in Missouri, at the age of seventy-eight years. In his political faith he was a Democrat, and in religious belief he was a Baptist, holding membership in the church of that denomination for many years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sandy have been born thirteen children, of whom eight are now living, namely: Henry, James, Mary H., William, John, Lulu, George and Ella V. Of the five who have passed away, four died in infancy and Isaac died at the age of twenty-two years.

In 1873 Mr. Sandy came to Doniphan county and purchased a farm of two hundred and forty acres, which is now one of the best in the township. In 1898 he erected thereon a commodious and substantial modern residence. On the place are seen good outbuildings and these are surrounded by well-tilled fields giving promise of abundant harvests. He follows very progressive methods in the management of his farm and is at all times practical and enterprising. On matters of public moment he keeps well informed and has a comprehensive knowledge of the political issues of the day, which enables him to cast an intelligent ballot for the party of his choice, the Republican. He is a member of Kennedy Post, No. 292, G. A. R., and of the Masonic lodge at Troy. He and his family attend the Christian church and their circle of friends in the community is extensive. Mr. Sandy gives the greater part of his time and attention to his business interests and has met with creditable success in his farming operations.