John Franklin Doherty and Phebe Hawkins

John Franklin Doherty was born in Tennessee, the son of William Doherty and Ellen Bennett (Nelly) Bradford. Goodspeed's "History of Andrew and DeKalb Counties, Missouri - 1888," says this of his birth, "Mr. Doherty was born in Claiborne County, East Tennessee, on March 10, 1807, and was descended from the ancient family of O'Dougherty in the northern part of Ireland." When John was very young, his family moved to Bedford County, Tennessee. John apparently attended school, or at least was well-taught at home. The 1888 Goodspeed's relates, "John F. Doherty was educated at Shelbyville, Tenn., and while quite young began the study of law, in which he early acquired considerable proficiency. . . Unlike many of the early settlers he was a man of fine literary tastes, having been well educated in his native State, . . ."

The "History" relates that "He emigrated to Missouri in 1828, and settled in Clay County, where he engaged in teaching, and where a little later, he was united in marriage to Miss Phebe Hawkins, a cousin of President Abraham Lincoln." John Franklin Doherty and Phebe Hawkins were married May 1, 1831 in Clay County by the Reverend Henry Hill. Phebe was born in Kentucky, but her parents are not known. Phebe's relationship to Abraham Lincoln has not been proven, although family history related that she may have been related to Lincoln's mother, Nancy Hanks.

The "History" tells us this about John, "In 1836, he became editor of the Far West, published at Liberty, Clay Co., Mo., and four years later moved to what is now DeKalb County . . ." John and Phebe settled in Washington Township, about ten miles northeast of the present town of Stewartsville. On May 25, 1845, the County Court of DeKalb was formally organized and John was appointed clerk of both the Circuit and County Courts. He was listed on the first assessment list of DeKalb county in the year of organization. John was admitted to the DeKalb County Bar September 24, 1846.

In 1850, the people of the county chose John to represent DeKalb in the State Legislature. The "Historical Listing of the Missouri Legislature" states John Franklin Doherty was elected for one term, and served from 1850 through 1852. The 1888 "History" relates that he, "took a distinguished part in the debates of that body during the trying period just preceding the war. He was an ultra States rights man, and on account of his strong political views was severely censured by some of his constituents. In 1855, John was appointed the first school commissioner of DeKalb County, and it was during his administration of the office that the school system was properly organized and the county divided into districts."

John became a member of Maysville Lodge No. 62, in on May 5, 1856. He later transferred his membership to the Stewartsville Masonic Lodge, Number 182, A.F.A.M., chartered May 28, 1859. He was also one of the first officers of the Russell Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, No. 77, which was instituted in Stewartsville, on December 4, 1872.

At the breaking out of the Civil War he refused to take the oath of allegiance, in consequence of which he was declared a rebel, and forced to leave the State until the close of the struggle. There is no record of where John found sanctuary during the Civil War. It is known that William Bradford Doherty, son of John's brother, Joseph Bradford Doherty, took no part in the war, and lived in Nebraska during that time. It seems plausible that John also spent the war years in Nebraska.

Returning home after the proclamation of pardon by President Johnson, he settled on his farm near Stewartsville and for some time was engaged in teaching. He took an active part in the township organization, and was one of the first five judges, after the law providing for the organization went into effect, elected in 1873, and re-elected the following year."

In August of 1878, John's brother, Joseph, who lived in Clinton County, became ill. On Wednesday, August 7th, John traveled to Clinton County to be with his brother, Joseph, who died the next day. Upon his arrival, John, too, was taken sick, and he died on Saturday, August 10, 1878, two days after the death of his brother. John's body was returned to DeKalb County and he was buried in the Doherty Cemetery.

The "History" says this of John Franklin Doherty. "As a lawyer and politician Mr. Doherty ranked among the most successful in the county, and as a citizen few stood higher in the estimation of the people of the county than he. He was of commanding appearance, possessed a well balanced and logical mind, and was always considered an able lawyer and safe counselor."

After John's death, Phebe continued to live on their farm, with their son, William, and daughter, Eliza, neither of whom married. Phebe (Hawkins) Doherty, died on August 10, 1895, age 85 years, eight months, and sixteen days. Phebe was buried at the Old School Presbyterian Cemetery in Stewartsville.

Descendants of John Franklin Doherty

• 1 John Franklin Doherty b: March 31, 1807 d: August 10, 1878

  . +Phebe Hawkins b: December 25, 1809 in Kentucky d: August 10, 1895

  • 2 Hamilton Bradford Doherty b: May 03, 1833 d: February 28, 1913

    .... +Nancy Evelyn Gilmore b: April 08, 1846 d: June 28, 1932

    2 Eliza Jane Doherty b: February 09, 1835 d: 1913

    2 William Taylor Doherty b: June 02, 1837 d: 1904

    2 Mary Francis Doherty b: April 07, 1839 d: June, o4, 1853

    2 Margaret Wilson Doherty b: December 14, 1846 d: August 17, 1847

Hamilton Bradford Doherty (1833) and Nancy Evelyn Gilmore DOHERTY

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