My Genealogy Hound

PAYTON P. EMBREE. The name with which we head this biography needs no introduction, the owner being well known in public and private life as an agriculturist of high repute in Johnson County. His excellent estate of three hundred and eighty acres is pleasantly located on section 15, township 45, range 24, and is one of the most attractive homes in the county.

Mr. Embree was born at Stanford, Lincoln County, Ky., April 25, 1827, to John and Mary Ann (Herring) Embree, both natives of the Blue Grass State, where they made their home until 1830, the year in which they made the journey to Missouri. Making settlement in Cooper County, they remained there for the succeeding seven years, dying in 1837. Payton P. was a lad of nearly ten years when this calamity overtook him, and although permitted to attend school a short time, early began working on the farm of an uncle. He remained in his employ until seventeen years of age, when he found a position in a gristmill, where his services brought him in $10 per month. This he considered very high wages, as it was so much more money than had ever been given him before, although he had other times worked just as long and just as industriously.

Mr. Embree was married at the age of twenty-two years, and, locating on a farm, began its cultivation in his own interest. He lived in Cooper County until 1865, when he sold his possessions there and removed to Henry County, which locality was the scene of his operations until 1877. Since that time, however, he has been identified with the interests of Johnson County. His entire life, with the exception of three years, has been passed on a farm. That period he lived in Warrensburg, whither he had removed on account of the ill-health of his wife. While there he was engaged in the livery business, and was regarded with respect and esteem by the many friends whom he made.

The family circle was broken in upon by the death of the mother, June 9, 1891. She was married to Mr. Embree in May, 1849, and prior to that event was known as Miss Cynthia A. McFarland. Her parents were Jesse and Ann McFarland, early pioneers of Missouri, whence they came from North Carolina and located near Barnesville. Mrs. Embree became the mother of seven children, but three of whom are now living. They are Mary Ann, wife of W. S. Mclntyre, of Harrisonville, this state; William L., a prominent boot and shoe dealer of Warrensburg; and Jessie, who is married, and living in Galveston, Tex.

Payton Embree, who although nearly three-score years and ten, looks many years younger, is still actively engaged in work on his farm. In religious affairs he is identified with the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination, with which his wife was also connected during her lifetime. In politics he is a Democrat, believes in the doctrines of free trade, and is never backward in showing his faith in the tenets of his party. He has been a hard worker, and his magnificent farm and many substantial buildings show his industry. His son William L. served for four years as Deputy County Collector, and was subsequently elected County Collector, successfully filling the office for two terms.