My Genealogy Hound

GUS H. TANDY lives on section 24, township 46, range 25, Johnson County, and is comparatively a new-comer in this region, as he has dwelt here only since December 26, 1894. Formerly he was engaged in farming in Kentucky, his native state, and in Barton County, Mo., where he still owns a farm. The reason for his removal here was on account of his wife’s failing health.

The parents of our subject, Henry and Sarilda (Gray) Tandy, were natives of Halifax County, Va., and Caldwell County, Ky., respectively, the former born January 6, 1811, and the latter October 28, 1820. Mrs. Tandy was a daughter of William Gray whose birth occurred in North Carolina, and who for many years prior to his death was engaged in the tobacco business in Princeton, Ky. Our subject’s paternal grandparents were Roger and Mary Tandy, both of Virginia. Their family numbered nine children,
namely: Annie P., Nancy G., Betsy P., Roger, Amelia, Harriet, Sarah, Polly and Henry. When he was twelve years of age, Henry Tandy moved with the family to Kentucky, and lived on a farm until his father’s death. After his marriage he operated a farm two miles from Princeton for five years, and then sold out, coming to this county, where a brother of his wife was living. For three years he managed the Greenlee Farm, in this county, after which he returned to Kentucky and invested his means in a homestead lying six miles south of Princeton. There he passed the remainder of his life, dying March 3, 1874. His wife survived him a few years, passing to her last reward July 21, 1881. Their eldest child, Thaddeus, died in infancy, as did also the youngest of the family, Luella. Frances married Thomas Pruitt, now of Tarrant County, Tex. Ophelia married Thompson Prince, and both died in 1880. Addison, who chose for his companion and helpmate in life Parnesia Martin, lives in Kentucky, on the old farm.

Gus H. Tandy was born March 15, 1844, in Caldwell County, Ky., and continued to reside under his father’s rooftree until his marriage, which event took place December 25, 1872. The lady of his choice was Mary J. Lea, a native of Johnson County, born October 16, 1847, her parents, Dr. J. L. and Harriet (Tandy) Lea, being natives of Tennessee and Virginia, respectively. The Doctor was born March 2, 1820, and his wife October 17, 1816. The former is the son of Robert H. and Jane (Reeves) Lea, both natives of Tennessee. In 1844 they moved to this county, settling on a farm near Knobnoster, where they lived for about two years. Later they purchased a farm near Montserrat, and after the war went to Henry County, Mo. He died at the home of his son. Dr. Lea, in December, 1882. For years he was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church. A year or two after his arrival in this county. Dr. Lea purchased the farm on which Mr. Tandy is now living. During the many years of his practice in this and surrounding counties he was one of the leading physicians, and by everyone he was held in high esteem. His death occurred October 17, 1891, while that of his wife occurred in 1888. His daughter Josie married William J. Mayes, who is a farmer near Montserrat, and the youngest daughter, Amelia M., married John S. Mayes, who lives on a farm a mile south of Knobnoster. Dr. Lea’s eldest sister, Kittie, married Wesley Peters, now deceased; she now makes her home with her son, a farmer of this township. The next sister, Fannie, married Welcome McCart, and both are deceased. Thomas married Esther Lea, who survives him and is now living in Tennessee. Nettie lived with the Doctor until his death, and is now making her home with relatives. Mary, Mrs. Benjamin Jennings, lives on a farm in Bates County, Mo.; and Miranda, the youngest, is the wife of James Weaver, a farmer of St. Clair County, Mo.

When the war broke out G. H. Tandy enlisted in the Union army in Company E, Eighth Kentucky Cavalry, under Colonel Shackleford, and went to the front September 14, 1862. He was stationed in Kentucky most of the time, and was there during John Morgan’s famous raid. He took part in several skirmishes and smaller engagements, but never sustained any injury. He received an honorable discharge at Russellville, Ky., October 14, 1863. Returning home, he resumed farming in his native county, where he continued to dwell until 1878. At that time he emigrated to Barton County, Mo., staying there for three years, his attention being given to farming. In 1880 he went back to Kentucky, remaining for three years, but later was again employed in managing his Barton County farm, on which he made his home until the close of 1894.

To Mr. and Mrs. Tandy have been born three children: Henry Lea, born May 16, 1875; Charles R., April 2, 1878; and Everett G., January 14, 1881. Mrs. Tandy holds membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church South at Montserrat. Politically our subject has always voted the Republican ticket since reaching his majority.