My Genealogy Hound

JOHN P. McCOY is the fortunate possessor of one of the best farms to be found within the bounds of Johnson County. It lies on section 2, township 47, range 27, and consists of two hundred and thirty acres. The owner is a practical and thorough business man, and owes to his own well directed energies his rise to a position of prominence and independence.

The tenth in a family of twelve children, our subject was born in Greenbrier County, Va., September 14, 1820, his parents being William and Agnes (Hanna) McCoy. The former was a farmer by occupation, and though he was compelled to endure many hardships and privations made a good living for his large family and met with a fair measure of success. He was a man of undaunted will and ambition, and lived to attain the good old age of eighty years.

In the primitive schools of his boyhood John P. McCoy acquired a general knowledge of elementary branches. He was brought up on a farm, early becoming accustomed to the duties pertaining thereto, and very naturally chose the same business for his life’s vocation. As the old homestead comprised several hundred acres, he helped in its cultivation, and year by year assumed more responsibility, until the entire management devolved on his shoulders. Though the trust reposed in him would have been more than many a man would have cared to undertake, he was equal to the task, and brought forth gratifying results.

In 1855, after his father’s death, our subject wedded Rebecca A. McFerran, who died only four years afterward, leaving two children. Floyd, a well known farmer of this township, married Amanda McCoy, since deceased, and who bore him four children. Virginia became the wife of Jerry McCoy, a carpenter and farmer of St. Clair County, Mo. In 1860 Mr. McCoy married Sarah E. Watts, a lady of a pleasant, cheerful disposition, who has been a faithful companion and helpmate. The following children have been the result of their union: William and Thomas, now helping on the home farm; Warren, a well-to-do farmer of Hazle Hill Township, and whose wife was formerly a Miss Gibson; Newman, who also married Miss Gibson, arid is an agriculturist of the same locality as is his next elder brother; and Edgar, the youngest. The latter is about twenty years of age, and is still at home.

After his father’s estate was settled, Mr. McCoy bought out the other heirs and continued to cultivate the place until 1870, his mother making her home with him. Then selling out, he moved to Missouri, and after a few months’ stay in Lafayette County purchased his present home. His family are members of the Methodist Church, and stand high in the esteem of all who know them. In political matters he is an advocate of the Democracy. During his long residence here he has gained the friendship of his neighbors and acquaintances by his manly and straightforward career.