Independence Mann, The subject of this sketch was born near Hancock, in the State of Maryland, on the 4th day of July, 1843, and is the son of Jonathan E. and Mary A. (Brosins) Mann, natives of Marlyand. At an early age, in company with his parents, he removed to this county and received the greater part of his education in the excellent schools of Gallatin. He began his business career as a clerk in the dry goods store of T. J. Casey, at Richmond, Missouri.
At the commencement of the Civil War, prompted by a spirit of patriotic devotion to his adopted State, Mr. Mann responded to her governor’s first call for volunteers and enlisted in May, 1861, in Colonel Reeve’s regiment of General Sterling Price’s command. In defense of principles he believed just, our subject fought bravely and well, throughout the entire war. He followed the “crimson banner of stars and bars ” through the battles of Carthage, Wilson’s Creek, Lexington, Pea Ridge, Cape Girardeau, Potosi, and Pilot Knob. At Pea Ridge he was disabled by a wound and fell into the hands of the enemy. After lying in the hospital for about two months, he was exchanged and joined General Joe. O. Shelby’s cavalry brigade, with whom he continued until the close of the war, and then, “when the people’s hopes were dead” and the banner he loved so well was furled forever, Mr. Mann laid down his arms, with his comrades, at Shreveport, Louisiana, and returning to Richmond, Missouri, resumed the peaceful avocation of a merchant in that place. He located in Jamesport in 1872, and by his gentlemanly bearing and fair and honorable dealing, has built up a mercantile business of which a metropolitan city might justly feel proud.
Independence Mann was married, in Richmond, Missouri, January 30, 1868, to Miss Tobie, daughter of Captain Obadiah Taylor, of that city. Mrs. Mann was born in Ray county, January 3, 1847. She is an amiable and cultured lady and one highly esteemed by her friends and acquaintances. They are the parents of two bright and promising children, Nellie Mabel, and an infant son, unnamed.
Mr. Mann and his estimable lady are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He is also a member of the order of I. O. O. F., and of Legion No. 8, S. K. of A, O. U. W. Politically, he is a Democrat.
For all the qualities that make an honest man and a refined gentleman, few have as enviable a reputation among their fellow-citizens as “Pendy” Mann.