Springfield-Greene
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JACOB WARREN GARTON. Among the things which the modern farmer has to become familiar with is the nature of the soil with which he is working, if he would reap the maximum results for his toil and pains. Since the soil varies so much in regard both to its organic and inorganic constituents, marked differences in character must necessarily result from the almost indefinite number of combinations which may be found. All these differences, however, may be traced to two sets of factors: First, the character of the rock or material from which the soil has been derived; and, second, the processes or agencies by means of which this material has been changed from mere rock or rock debris into a medium suitable for the growth of plants. The former has to do with soil-forming material, the latter with soil-forming agencies. To these two groups of factors are to be attributed the numerous varieties in soil conditions found over various parts of the earth. One of the farmers of Greene county who makes a study of soils and advanced methods of agriculture is Jacob Warren Garton of Wilson township.
Mr. Garton was born in Greene county, Missouri, February 18, 1862. He is a son of Jacob W. and Elizabeth (Rainey) Garton, both natives of middle Tennessee, where they grew up, received common school educations and were married. Shortly thereafter they immigrated to Greene county, Missouri, locating in Wilson township, on a farm now owned by R. Steury. They remained on this place three years, then the elder Garton homesteaded a place in this township, of one hundred and sixty acres, which he cleared, improved and farmed until his death, which occurred in 1902. His family, by our subject's mother, consisted of five children, namely: Alice, who married George McElhany, is deceased; John is deceased; George lives in Springfield; J. Warren, of this review, and James, deceased. The mother of the above named children died in 1865, and in 1874 Jacob W. Garton married for his second wife Missouri A. Wallace, a daughter of Wash Wallace, who was one of the first settlers of Greene county, and to this second union seven children were born, four of whom are still living, and are named, Artie, who is the wife of Alfred Carden; Cordy, Ruby is the wife of Lee Blanton, and Ella.
J. Warren Garton, of this sketch, grew to manhood on the home farm and worked hard when a boy. During the winter months he attended the district schools of his township, first the old-fashioned subscription schools, then went as far as the eighth grade in the public schools, and when about seventeen years old entered high school in Springfield, which he attended a little over two years, then he took a course in the Marionville Collegiate Institute, which he attended a little over two years, and later took a business course in Springfield, embracing bookkeeping and business forms. Thus he received an exceptionally good general and practical education which well prepared him for life's serious work. After leaving school he returned to the old homestead, where he remained until he was twenty-five years of age, then launched out on his own account, buying ten acres of the old homestead, later purchasing twenty-six acres adjoining, and for many years lived in a small home he had built on his land, keeping bachelor apartments with his brother George. They worked their land during the crop seasons and thereby earned money with which to defray their expenses in school. Our subject is now owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and eighty-five acres on which he carries on general farming and stock raising successfully, his place being known as "Rainbow Farm," a name which his oldest daughter gave it. He handles a great deal of live stock and when he and his brother farmed together they bought and shipped stock quite extensively to the St. Louis and Kansas City markets. Mr. Garton built a new dwelling on his farm in 1914. It is modernly appointed and appropriately furnished. It has as nearly up-to-date conveniences as can be installed in a house in the country.
Mr. Garton was married, September 4, 1893, to Alwilda Medora Owen, a daughter of Charles B. and Nancy C. Owen, her father being a native of Tennessee, from which state he came to Greene county when a young man. He was a son of Solomon H. Owen, one of the first settlers of Greene county, and who became one of the most extensive land owners and prominent citizens here. A complete chronicle of this worthy old family will be found under the caption of Charles J. Owen, appearing on another page of this volume. Our subject's wife was one of eight children, namely: Charles J., Bettie, deceased; George, Frank, Edward, Susie is the wife of Gary Martin, Alwilda, who married the subject of this sketch, and Joseph, who is the youngest.
Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Garton, namely: Lee, Urith, Owen, Howard, Cleo, Rollie, Lester, Sterling and Thelma. They are all at home with their parents at this writing.
Politically, Mr. Garton is a Democrat, and he and his wife are members of the Christian church.
[1708-1710]
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