J. F. Glendenning, pioneer, farmer, probate judge and for many years one of the foremost influential constituents of Butler county, a native of Missouri, was born in Gentry county, a son of John and Slizabeth (Carter) Glendenning. His parental ancestors were early settlers in America. His great-grandfather, William Glendenning, a native of Scotland, served for eight years as a member of the Continental lines in the War of the Revolution. His son, Henry Glendenning, the grandfather of our subject, was a soldier in the War of 1812, as was also his maternal grandfather, Eliza Carter.

John Glendenning was one of the pioneer settlers of the State of Missouri, locating in that State in 1838. He underwent the vicissitudes common to that pioneer period and took an active part in the Indian wars in his day, as well as suppressing the robber bands which infested the State at that time. John Glendenning was reared on his father's farm and acquired his education in the schools of that day and vicinity. He was one of a family of eleven children, the youngest of whom reached the age of 40 years before a single death occurred. In 1866 he moved to Iowa, locating at Lineville, where he engaged in the drug business with an elder brother who was one of the prominent physicians of that State. This association was dissolved in 1871, and our subject came to Butler county where he located on a claim in Pleasant township, which he later improved, operated and which he still owns and on which he lived until 1901, when he removed to El Dorado to occupy the office of probate judge.

At the time he came to Butler county, buffalo were numerous, and within hunting distance, as were prairie chickens, wild turkeys and wild game of all kinds. During his residence in Pleasant township, he held all of the various township offices, and was also a member of the school board the greater part of the time. In 1900 he was elected on the Republican ticket to the office of probate judge, and his administration of this office was such that he was elected for a second term in 1902, succeeding which he served as police judge of the city of El Dorado for four years.

Mr. Glendenning, during his residence in Butler county, not only filled his offices with credit to himself, but to the satisfaction of his constituents, and was also recognized as one of the most successful of agriculturists. In ill health necessitated his removal to a more equal climate. He removed to Texas, where he has since resided.

However, he still expects to spend a few of his remaining years upon his old home place and to enjoy spending the fortune which will undoubtedly come to him through the oil and gas which underlies his lands.

On May 29, 1873, Mr. Glendenning married Experience Sarah Martin, a daughter of George and Nancy (Liggett) Martin. She was born and reared in Livingston county, Missouri, and educated in its public schools. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. They are the parents of two children and have also educated three nieces.

While a resident of Pleasant township, Mr. Glendenning was associated with Sunday school and church work with Daniel Pickett, one of the prominent and influential workers of the Friends church.

Mr. Glendenning, during the late difference between the States, served as a member of the Union forces for a term of eight months, serving under Capt. Joseph Carter.

Previous | Main Page | Biography Index | Next

Pages 471-472,