Grocer, Grain Valley, was born in Stony Point, this county [Jackson County, Missouri], March 22, 1844, and there received his education. During the War, in the fall of 1862, he and his father were taken prisoners, and were held in confinement some time. J. F. then enlisted in the Missouri State Militia in December, 1862, and served with them until February, 1863, when he went to Clay County, and in April he met Frank James, and enlisted in Captain Andy Blount‘s company, remaining with it until fall. He next went to Texas and joined Captain John Jarrett‘s regiment, and traveled to Shreveport, Louisiana, where, and on the Mississippi River, he remained for some time. During the winter of 1863, he went to Camden, becoming one of General Shelby’s command, and belonged to Ben Elliott‘s Battalion. In June, 1864, with sixteen men, he made his way to the Missouri River, being slightly wounded while en route, and was a member of General Todd’s command until that officer was killed. At the close of the War he held the position of lieutenant, and surrendered at Lexington. Then turned his attention to farming, and on March 17, 1869, was arrested on an old war indictment, and removed to Lexington. Was held prisoner until December following, and on account of disease was bound over until May, 1870, when he was released. Then returned home, and in 1872 went to Texas, returning in the fall of 1877. Purchasing property in Grain Valley, in the fall of 1880, he commenced in his present business. February 11, 1872, he married Miss Sallie C. Gilliland, a native of this county. They have three children: Estella P., Lula P. and Samuel T.
Source: [Anonymous], The History of Jackson County, Missouri (Kansas City: Union Historical Co., 1881), p. 917.